The Republic of Malta is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea around eighty kilometers (fifty miles) from Italy and one two hundred and eighty-four kilometers (hundred and seventy-six miles) from Tunisia.
Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, with a total area of 316 km2 (122 square miles). As estimated in 2019, Malta is home to slightly over 514,000 people.
This small island country has a strong historical and cultural connection with both North Africa and Europe. Over the years, the country’s society has been shaped by different cultures, traditions, and colonial powers, including the British, French, Normans, Arabs, Romans, and Greeks.
Today, this small European country attracts millions of tourists every year thanks to its stunning architecture, amazing diving hotspots, delicious cuisine, great parties, and of course, a thriving land-based and online casino gaming and entertainment industry.
8 Reasons to Fall in Love with Malta
1. Reap the Benefits of the Maltese Online Casinos
Speaking of its casino gaming industry, Maltese online casinos are all licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority that today regulates all sectors of the booming gaming industry in the country. Maltese laws and regulations permit both land-based and online gambling activities, including various forms of casino gambling, amusement games, tombola games, remote gaming, commercial games, lotteries, sports betting, and non-profit games.
In Malta, there is a number of different laws and regulations in place that create the strict regulatory framework which covers all of the casino gambling and sports betting activities licensed and monitored by the Malta Gaming Authority. Some of these regulations include the Gaming Malta Fund Regulations, Gaming Premise Regulations, Gaming Player Protection Regulations, Consumer Affairs Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, and Data Protection Act.
The main framework governing land-based gambling in Malta and Maltese casino sites is the Gaming Act Chapter 583 that was implemented back in August of 2018. This law, in particular, ensures the protection of all players, grants all of the powers to regulate the industry to the Malta Gaming Authority, monitors responsible gaming funds, establishes license fees, and ensures enforcement and compliance to gaming taxes, advertising, and other gaming premises.
Online casinos in Malta are obliged to operate according to the strict rules and regulations of Maltese gambling laws that cover every single sector of the industry. Due to the country’s detailed gambling legislation, clear laws, and small taxes, many international iGaming providers operate from here, while the best online casinos in Malta are also the safest iGaming venues with amazing gaming libraries and loads of other perks and benefits.
Outlined within this comparison list are the best online casinos Maltese players can enjoy freely right away. Numerous licensed, regulated, safe, and reliable online casinos are operational in the country, and this is one of many reasons to fall in love with Malta.
2. Stunning Maltese Architecture
Malta is known for its stunning baroque architecture and colorful balconies that almost every urban center has. Maltese baroque architecture mainly draws inspiration from Spanish and Moroccan architecture, with the most dominant color being green with beautiful stone decorations and many more unique details.
With this in mind, exploring the streets of Valletta and other Maltese cities is such a wonderful experience.
3. Unique Festivals and Events
Every week, there is an unusual festival going in at least one remote Maltese village. One of these is the Nativity of Our Lady, which is one of the national holidays. In addition to celebrating the biggest religious holidays Easter and Christmas, Malta is home to many other events, including:
– Valletta Baroque Festival usually held in January
– Carnival in Valletta
– Strawberry Festival held in April
– InClassica held in May
– Rock the South Malta event reserved for rock and punk fans
– Malta International Fireworks Festival celebrated across many villages enjoys great attendance as well
4. Breathtaking Maltese Beaches
Malta is a stunning island country, and some of the most beautiful beaches are located here. Even though many Maltese beaches are not easy to access, some of them, such as those located on the island of Gozo, can be easily accessed. One of the most visited Maltese beaches is Ramla Bay on the Gozo island.
Tourists and locals also enjoy taking a dip in the clear waters of the Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. The Golden Bay on the Island of Malta is also a divine sunny hotspot for tourists and locals.
5. The Blue Lagoon on the Island of Comino
The island country of Malta consists of two main islands, Gozo and Malta. Between the two lies the rugged Comino Island that is a perfect vacation spot for tourists looking forward to exploring stunning landscapes and witnessing the most beautiful Maltese sunsets.
The tiny island of Comino is also home to the Blue Lagoon natural pools. No trip to this small country is complete without paying a visit to the azure waters of the Blue Lagoon natural pools that are especially inviting during the hot summer days.
6. Great Nightlife Scene
The country’s nightlife is most certainly thriving throughout the entire year in the cities of Valletta and Saint Julian’s. While the small island country is known as a conservative place, it has become an entertainment hub in recent years. One of the most popular places to visit is Saint Julian’s Paceville district that is populated with numerous bars and nightclubs.
Bustling bars and restaurants of the Sliema seafronts are also worth visiting as well as clubs and bars located in the Gianpula Village. Speaking of the Gianpula Village, it takes pride in its numerous party rooftop lounges, nightclubs, and festival venues.
7. One of the Tastiest Mediterranean Cuisines
Another reason to fall in love with Malta is its extremely tasty Mediterranean cuisine. Just like the country’s culture and tradition have been influenced by many different nations over the years, its dishes take inspiration from various European and African cuisines. Tourists who come to Malta should definitely try some of the most popular traditional Maltese dishes, such as hobz biz-zejt open sandwiches with a sweet tomato paste, tomatoes, pepper, salt, tuna, and olive oil.
Pea cakes or pastizzi are also favorites among Maltese locals. In fact, pea cakes are among the best street food options in Malta. They are made with mushy peas, ricotta, and phyllo pastry. Another delicious traditional dish is stuffat tal-Fanek. This is a beloved rabbit stew completed with onions, red wine, tomato purée, carrots, garlic, and potatoes. Bigilla is another must-try traditional Maltese dish. This is a specialty paste with mashed beans, basil, and mint usually consumed at special events, celebrations, and parties.
8. Malta’s Villages and Cities
Everyone who visits Malta falls in love with its villages and cities. The three most stunning cities most certainly worth visiting are:
1. Valletta
2. Mdina
3. Birgu
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, and it is situated at the sea. Unlike other Maltese cities, Valletta is more inspired by French and Italian cultures. Valletta is a very small city, but it has a lot to offer. Interesting fact, the entire area is a huge UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to many historical churches, stunning gardens, and colorful baroque balconies.
First-time visitors to Valletta should definitely pay a visit to the National Museum of Archaeology, National Museum of Fine Arts, Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, Grand Master’s Place, and Casa Rocca Piccola. Mdina is another gorgeous Maltese city with a lot to offer. The city is heavily influenced by Arabic culture with wonderful architecture and fortifications all over the city.
Those visiting Birgu should definitely take a walk at the Victory Square, enjoy a boat ride to Vittoriosa, pay a visit to the Maritime Museum, explore stunning Fort Sant Angelo, and visit the Inquisitor’s Palace. Maltese villages are no less impressive. A small fishing village Marsaxlokk is a popular tourist attraction as well as many other Maltese villages such as Kalkara, Nadur, and Mqabba.
