Around the World in 80 Stays

Exploring the world one stay, city, and stroll at a time.

Malta

Malta: Marina Views, Missed Flights & Midgie Fights

A stay in Marsaskala that started with a missing passport and ended with pasta, beer festivals, and a slightly damaged hire car.

Originally, this was meant to be a two-week escape to the sun with my mate. Booked for 14 days in July. Easy. Except I lost my passport.

So, I did the sensible thing: dropped my friend off at the airport (Monday), sulked, scrambled for an emergency passport, and finally flew out Friday from Manchester.
Shout out to Ryanair — standard budget flight, took about 3.5 hours. No frills. No legroom. I slept through most of it (to the dismay of nearby passengers — apparently I snore like a cartoon bear).

Why Malta?

I’d been before and absolutely loved it — so much so, I wanted to go back and do it right. The first time we stayed in a hostel in St Julian’s (Hostel Del Malta, I think?), which was fine but very tourist-heavy. I wanted something quieter, more local.
This time, we stayed in Marsaskala — and I’m so glad we did.

Malta in Moments

The Stay: Aquamarine Apartments – Third Floor, Marsaskala

📍 Aquamarine Apartments on Booking.com
⭐ My Score: 9.5/10

This place? Spot on.

  • Third-floor apartment with marina views
  • One-bedroom, two-bed setup: double bed + comfy fold-out sofa bed
  • I spent my entire 10 days on the sofa bed (passport karma), and honestly? No complaints
  • Cleanliness was immaculate — when I got there and according to my mate who arrived four days earlier
  • Wi-Fi, iron, AC, lift access, balcony, marina views — all present and correct
  • Even the communal areas (stairs, lift) were spotless

💬 Only issue? The parking. Think sardines.
If you’re hiring a car, go small or prepare for some bumper-based drama.

What We Got Up To

Marsaskala was a dream — calm, clean, and local-feeling without being dull. We spent nights on the balcony watching fireworks from the village fiesta, still roasting in 26–27°C heat even after dark. Suntan lotion was a daily essential — and on the days I didn’t bother, I looked like I’d been grilled.

Highlights:

  • Exploring Malta’s catacombs and war museums — the island’s WWII history is no joke, and it shows
  • Day trip to Gozo (car ferry included) to visit Rotunda of St. John the Baptist — stunning architecture, let down slightly by vandalised roof walkways
  • Malta’s small size meant we could drive across it in under 90 minutes
  • The roads? Bit chaotic. Maltese drivers love a last-minute swerve. Full insurance strongly recommended.
  • Our rental car left with a little bumper damage thanks to a too-tall speed bump — fair play, Malta.
  • We skipped Blue Lagoon due to peak-season chaos but visited plenty of quieter coastal spots instead

Food, Friends & Malachy’s

  • Most dinners were spent at Angela’s Restaurant near the marina — pasta heaven
  • A lot of nights ended outside Malachy’s playing cards with locals. I promise I’m 37, not 67 — but you know what? I wouldn’t change it for the world
  • Zion Bar had great live music and atmosphere, but the midgies were relentless. Bring repellent or wear chainmail
  • Spent a day at Café del Mar — stunning venue, expensive sun loungers (€150 for luxury ones, which did include table service)

Unexpected Highlight

The Farsons Beer Festival. Completely free. Huge venue with multiple arenas, great energy, and ice-cold pints.
If I go back to Malta (and I will), I’m timing it around this festival.

Flight & Travel Details

  • Airline: Ryanair
  • From: Manchester Airport
  • Duration: 3.5 hours
  • Local travel: Rented car (100% worth it), didn’t use buses but they’re meant to be well air-conditioned
  • Parking: Tiny. Stressful. Hilarious.

The Verdict

This trip had it all: a rocky start, balcony beers, brilliant food, and amazing people. Marsaskala felt like the real Malta — not touristy, just local life with sunshine and charm.

My only regret? Not getting there sooner.

⭐ Final Score: 9.5/10
  • Comfort & Cleanliness: 10/10
  • Location & Views: 10/10
  • Local Food Scene: 9.5/10
  • Atmosphere & Authenticity: 9/10
  • Parking Stress: 3/10 😂
  • Friendliness of Locals: 11/10
  • Overall Experience: Worth every sunburn

Got Malta tips? Let me know. Got your own passport horror story? Tell me so I feel better.

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