Malta is a mouth-watering layer cake of rich and diverse cultural influence due to its action-packed upbringing by multiple civilizations.
The area to see this best? Malta’s Three Cities, the quieter ‘old town’ part across from capital Valletta that still maintains a 16th century Renaissance charm and serves as the ‘cradle’ of Maltese history. And thankfully, Jet2holidays can fly you direct to Malta, with everything packaged up, with zero fuss.
The three cities that make up Three Cities are Vittoriosa (also referred to as Birgu), Senglea (aka Isla) and Cospicua (aka Bormla) and rather than the hulking size their collective name suggests they are, in fact, three closely packed together, largely residential, neighbourhoods.
While the marina is now lined with yachts and modern restaurants where sieges were once fought and won, the deeper you get into the heart of Three Cities the more you’ll find in the way of tiny taverns and businesses, fortress remnants and clearer representations of authentic Maltese living.
The crowning jewel of Three Cities is Birgu, the oldest and most popular of the trio, which homes the bastions of the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Maritime Museum, and the imposing Fort St Angelo, as well as trendy wine bars and an Instagrammable waterfront.
Do as the knights did and traverse Three Cities yourself on foot, as part of a walking tour group, or in a vehicle that seems tailor-made for such a bumpy terrain: A ‘Rolling Geek’ buggy that will get you up and down the nooks and crannies, provide GPS, historical tidbits and at-the-wheel selfies as you rumble through living history at 15mph speed.
Because it’s so rewarding to go backstreet-heavy on a Three Cities wander, you’re definitely going to work up an appetite and if there’s one thing the Maltese will never let you leave it’s hungry, as portions are more generous than most.
Malta may be small, but it still manages to punch above its weight with its gastronomical offerings. Its main wildlife are hare, and rabbit is the national meat. Its crunchy-yet-fluffy Hobz biz-zejt bread and peppery Gbenja cheese is present at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Its red grapes are practically bursting at sizes that overshadow cherries. Prickly pears are a must-try. Home-pickled capers are standard seasoning. And of course, the fish is ever-present.
With the Mediterranean see surrounding the Islands, one of Malta’s favourite dishes is the local lampuka mahi-mahi, which has been a staple of the Maltese summer menu for generations, served grilled, fried or in more traditionally the lampuki pie.
It’s not only seabass and calamari on the menu’s fish section either. Other popular fish dishes include Bream, grilled swordfish marinated with herbs and served with fresh seasonal vegetables. The spaghetti with Octopus sauce is also a favourite local dish. Preparation is key and ask your waiter for help or if you’d prefer to have the fish cleaned in the kitchen rather than getting involved yourself.
If you have a sweet tooth you are spoilt for choice with options, such as the gelatos and cannolis stuffed with sweet ricotta, candid fruit and chocolate chips, Turkish Delight in nutty, crumbly form ‘Helwa tat-Tork’, or the deep-fried deliciousness of the Arabic Imqaret, which sees dates frizzled in pastry with a healthy smattering of cinnamon and is best enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
All to be enjoyed with a glass of white or red. Malta is responsible for some seriously delicious vintages which are more than holding their own at international competition, winning several accolades in France, Italy and further afield. If that doesn’t quell the heat, try a crisp pint of Cisk lager or Malta’s own version of Irn-Bru, Kinnie.
Between meals? Look no further than a Maltese pastizz. There you’ll find fillings of either ricotta cheese or a curried pea mash hidden inside filo-like pastry. Or if your pastizzi vendor is more adventurous: truffle, sausage, or Nutella.
With a wealth of offerings balanced both on the traditional and modern side of the scales, Three Cities is absolutely worth exploring to unlock its secrets.
With fewer tourists than neighbouring Valletta, you should have extra room and time here to accomplish more with your precious holiday hours.
As the flamingo clutching the stone with one foot that’s emblazoned above the turret at Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens symbolises: don’t get caught napping.
Your Maltese adventure awaits.
The best way to visit Malta
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