5 Crucial Factors To Consider When Locating Your New Malta Home

There are a few essential points to ponder on when looking for your ideal home in Malta. Where do you start? We’ll help you clear this out.

By Denise Rejec

First, determine your budget and the size of the property you require, and then go on to consider some equally important factors, which we’ll outline below.

DESIRABLE LOCATION

Do some walking around the areas that you’re considering living in to get a feel of the place and come up with your own impressions. You’ll be better able to decide on which your favourite town is without having to rely entirely on the estate agent to give you their opinion. The agent can give you some valuable insight. However, you’re the one that needs to feel satisfied with the location you choose.

Click here for a brief description of the major and most popular rental areas in Malta.

DISTANCE: Get to where you need to be within minutes

If your ideal commuting time to the office is a 5 minutes’ walk, you’re one of many. It is imperative for most people to save time, nerves and money on travelling, and even though you might not settle for a home that’s a stone throw away from your office due to other factors that are important to you, such as peace, you could be better off finding one that is close enough.

If you work from home, this of course will not present any issues. Although you might want to ensure that your home office that is peaceful enough!

PLEASURE OR DISASTER?

If you’re returning home after a stressful and hectic day at work and running errands, you’ll want a calm oasis to return to. If you’re working from your home office, you’ll be spending more time at home. Either way, living in a pleasant environment is key. Pay attention to the type of neighbours you may have – do they seem civilised, friendly? Is your bedroom or home office away from a busy road?

If you work night shifts and your bedtime is after 6am, steer clear of homes that are adjacent to constructions sites as you don’t want to get your hours of shut-eye to the sound of the jackhammer (construction work typically gets going at 7am).

You don’t want to be living right above the bar that’s rammed to the rafters every night – unless you’re a night owI that is; and if you’re set on being in an area that’s bustling, ensure that your apertures are double-glazed. On the other hand, if you thrive on noise and calamity, you needn’t worry.

AMENITIES

Being close to a good bus route is essential for non-drivers, while having a garage or allocated parking spot will come in handy for drivers due to the lack of parking space in Malta. You could also consider being as close as you need to be to a supermarket, convenience store, shopping centre, school, or the university.

HOBBIES AND FREE TIME

Once you’ve got the essentials ticked, it’s definitely worth looking at a property that fits your lifestyle. Are you a beach bum, gym buff, or socialite that likes to hang out at the fanciest bars and restaurants? Malta offers a wide variety of properties to suit your lifestyle needs.

You won’t go wrong if you keep all the above in mind when looking for you new property. RB Malta will guide you on your way to locating your new home on the Maltese islands. Feel free to contact us on ……

 

Do You Need a Visa to Enter Malta?

There are different types of visas depending on the purpose of your travel to Malta

By Denise Rejec

If you’re thinking of travelling through Malta or staying here for a certain period of time for leisure, work, or study purposes, then you’ll need a specific type of visa. There are some exceptions though. Not everyone needs a visa to enter Malta, unless they’re staying for more than three months. We’ll outline all visa types below for your clarification.

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa is an endorsement or authorisation given by a country to foreigners wishing to enter that country. It comes in the form of a sticker and is affixed to your passport.

WHO NEEDS A VISA TO ENTER MALTA?

You needn’t apply for a visa to enter Malta if you’re an EU national or citizen of one of the following counties and are staying in Malta for less than three months: Albania (holders of biometric passports only), Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina (holders of biometric passports only), Brazil, Brunei Darussalam,  Montenegro (holders of biometric passports only), Guatemala, Netherlands Antilles, Honduras, Hong Kong S.A.R. (Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China), Chile, Costa Rica, Israel, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Costa Rica, Macao S.A.R., Moldova, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, El Salvador, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, United States of America, Serbia (holders of biometric passports only), St Kitts and Nevis, Switzerland, Uruguay, Taiwan (holders of a passport containing identification card number), Vatican City (Holy See), and Venezuela.

(Source: https://integration.gov.mt/en/ResidenceAndVisas/Pages/Conditions-to-Enter-Malta.aspx)

If you do need a visa, we suggest you contact your embassy. For an updated list of which country nationals require a visa to enter malta, check out the Identity Malta webpage. Identity Malta is the go-to site for anything visa-related.

THREE TRAVEL VISA TYPES

Three types of travel visas can be issued depending on your type of visit:

Airport Transit Visa: for those crossing Malta International Airport’s international transit zone

Short-stay Schengen Visa: allows you to transit through or stay in Malta and all other countries that form part of the Schengen area for up to three months (90 days) within a six-month (180-day) period from the entry date into the Schengen area

National Long-stay Visa: for stays of over three months

STUDENT VISAS

If you’re a student and non-EU national, and are coming to Malta for a visit, study period, or to seek employment, then you’ll need a student visa regardless of the length of your stay. If you’re an EU national, you need only apply for a student visa if you’re staying in Malta for more than three months. Click here for more information on student visas.

PASSPORTS

Unless you’re an EU national, you’ll need a valid passport to travel to Malta. A valid national ID card is sufficient to travel to Malta if you’re from an EU Member State.

SCHENGEN

Since Malta is part of the Schengen area, if you’re an EU national you needn’t present your passport or ID card on arrival at the Malta airport. However, you’re still advised to carry some for of identification whenever and wherever you travel.

If you’re travelling to Malta for any particular reason, please check your visa requirements, if any. You can contact the Maltese embassy in your country of residence or the embassy of another EU Member State that represents Malta in your country. You can even apply for a visa directly via the Identity Malta website. Try to apply well in advance as your application could take quite a while to process.

Destination Malta: Expensive or budget friendly?

With ample choice of services that Malta has to offer, this island can suit every pocket

By Denise Rejec

Whether you’re looking to move to Malta or are coming for a holiday, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to spend on daily needs like food, accomodation, transportation, as well as leisure.

Malta packs a large number of services within a small area, so you can easily find a wide range of prices to suit every pocket. Read the following to get a good idea of the figures you could be spending in Malta.

SHOPPING FOR FOOD

If you like preparing your own meals or having a well-stocked kitchen, you can shop at the many supermarket chains or even the village mini markets that offer most of the basics. Prices don’t vary much between one store and another. A loaf of daily-baked, typical Maltese bread costs around a Euro regardless of whether you buy it from a baker, mini market or supermarket, and you can get a litre of the local cow milk for €0.88. Half a dozen local eggs are also in the region of a Euro, local cheese an average of €7, €6 to €7 for a kilo of local fresh chicken breast, and around €10 for fresh beef.

Look out for the mobile trucks selling fruit and vegetables, where prices could be slightly cheaper than at the supermarkets. Per kilo, you can expect to pay €1.50 to €3 for local tomatoes and imported or local oranges, €0.70 to €2 for potatoes, €2 to €3 for apples, and €1.40 to €2 for bananas.

DRINKS

A half litre of local beer is in the region of €1.40 if bought from a store, as against €2.50 in a bar or restaurant. Imported beer (0.33 litres) is about €2 in a shop, and €2.80 at a bar. With regard to wine, the price of a bottle in a restaurant can be up to three times as much as that in a store.

EATING OUT

The Maltese are crazy about their food, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Malta. You can find quick take-away options, which are usually the popular ‘pastizzi’ places selling cheap local snacks for as little as €0.40. Or you might want to indulge in a luscious meal consisting of fish or meat, accompanied by good local wine, in one of the fancier restaurants. If you splash out on such a meal, you could easily spend between €30 to €50 per person (bottle of wine included).

You’ll also find plenty of inexpensive restaurants serving pizza and pasta dishes that will set you back by around €15 per person. Fancy a local plate of rabbit meat? Then head to one of the many restaurants serving typical Maltese fare, most of which are located in the Mgarr area. These eateries are usually more casual and a perfect option for gourmets on a budget.

ACCOMODATION

Prices for rental and property purchase varies according to location, with the most pricey areas being in the central and eastern part of Malta. The rental price per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Malta’s prime locations varies between €600 and €1,000. The same type of flat costs from €450 to €800 in a less sought-after area.

If you’re looking to buy an apartment, you can expect to pay from €1,500 up to €5,500 per square metre in a prime location, as against €1,200 to €3,000 in a less popular area.

UTILITIES

Water and electricity bills range from €50 to €100 a month. If you’re renting an apartment in Malta, you might want to clarify with your landlord whether you’re paying the residential rate (cheapest) or the domestic rate, which is the tariff that applies to secondary residences.

TRANSPORTATION

Apart from your feet, which could come in handy to beat the traffic, you have three main transportation options in Malta: public bus, taxi, or personal vehicle. Let’s say that you’ll be relying on public transport. A one-way ticket costs €1.50, and a regular monthly pass is €26. Otherwise, taxi fees begin at €10 and normally charge roughly €3 per kilometre. If travelling in your own car, you’ll be spending approximately €1.30 per litre of petrol.

How about car hire? Malta’s got fairly competitive car rental deals. We might be stating the obvious, but try to book your car hire as early as possible to get cheaper rates that can be as low as €12 per day, although you can’t really avoid the fixed high-season rates (July and August), which vary between €27 and €32 per day. (Source: https://www.maltauncovered.com/malta-car-hire/)

Happy budgeting, and for more updated prices for specific items, please check out this link.

 

Moving to Malta? Here’s Your Guide for a Smoother Ride

Have you already landed your dream job on sunny Malta? Or are you moving here in search of a new adventure? In any case, this Mediterranean island is the place to be.

By Denise Rejec

Malta has long been considered an interesting prospect for expats seeking an easy-going, sea-and-sun Mediterranean lifestyle. With English being one of the country’s official languages, and with a multitude of jobs available, specially in the iGaming and tourism sectors, Malta is doubly attractive.

Check out our guide below to make your relocation process as smooth as possible.

 

PRE TAKE-OFF

Before you leave your country, try to gather all the documents that you think you might need when in Malta. For example: bank statements, previous lease agreements, recommendation letters (such as from your bank, and from your guarantor), work references, medical records, and other personal documents. Some of these could come in handy when opening a bank account, or when looking for a flat to rent in Malta.

WORKING IN MALTA

If you’ve already found a job before moving to the island, all well and good. But if you’re planning to find work once you’ve arrived, it probably won’t take you long to do so, especially if you’ve got your foot in the iGaming and tourism or hospitality industries.

Companies usually offer either a definite or an indefinite working contract, which is a must-have if you want to acquire a Maltese residence card or open a bank account. Non-EU citizens will need to apply for a residence and work permit at the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs.

RENTING AN APARTMENT IN MALTA

Where in Malta is the best place to rent a flat, and what kind of rent fees are involved? If you’re moving for work, your best bet is to be located in the Sliema/St Julian’s/Swieqi or Gzira/Msida areas because most offices are situated there. They’re also popular because they cater for all your needs, with shops, restaurants, bars, and good public transport connections.

A two-bedroom apartment would cost somewhere between €800 and €1,700 monthly, depending on a large number of factors—whether its modern or not, seafront or inland, and so on. You’ll also need to settle a deposit (usually a month’s rental fee), and a month’s rent in advance.

RB Malta will help you through the entire process of locating your Malta home. Simply give us your budget and desired location, and we’ll be sure to find your perfect new home. You may contact us by calling +356 99516791 or emailing info@rbmalta.com. Or find us on Facebook.

For Malta’s five top places to rent an apartment click here.

SOCIAL SECURITY

Job and accomodation sorted, your best next move would be to apply for a Maltese social security number, which is necessary for attaining the status of a working resident in Malta and applying for your residence card. You can apply for your social security number online here.

RESIDENCE CARD

The Maltese residence card will get you places and make your daily life on the island simpler. To apply for this, you must first get your employment status confirmed by Jobsplus, Malta’s public employment service. You can then apply for your residence card at the Identity Malta office in Evans Building, Valletta. We advise you to call their office before going there to ask them for all the documents required, so you’ll be sure to take everything with you.

You may apply for a residence permit even if you’re self employed or economically self-sufficient and are not employed. You can do this via the government’s Malta Global Residence Programme. For more information about this, you may visit the Malta Government’s website.

BANKING

Once you have your residence card in hand, you’ll be able to open your Malta bank account without many complications. You may choose from an array of local and international banks. Most will ask you for your ID, a reference letter from the bank/s that you currently use and/or from your employer, and a minimum deposit into your new bank account.

YOUR HEALTH

You’ll be able to make use of Malta’s free public healthcare once you’ve gained working residence status and have your social security number. Since you won’t have all these immediately on your arrival, you can use the European Health Insurance card if needs be, which is available free of charge to EU citizens, and can easily be applied for online. If you’re not into public healthcare fear not, as you’ll also find a good number of private health clinics around the island.

Now that you have a better idea of what to expect when you move to Malta, there’s only one thing left for you to do: hop on that plane, and come over to enjoy your new home!

Meet Jay Jay: Your Real Estate Guru

With a real estate family history, Jay Jay is the go-to person for help when you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in Malta. Get to know more about Jay Jay in this little interview by Denise Rejec.

 

What brought you to the real estate sector?

Jay Jay: My father’s been in the real estate business ever since I can remember, and he’d always go on about the beautiful properties that Malta has to offer, from cosy houses of character in quaint villages, to poolside villas surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, to chic and modern apartments. I would gape in awe at the photos he showed me that featured such properties. That was a first step in getting me inspired to also get my foot into the real estate sector. My moment of truth came soon after my first son was born, about seven years ago. I decided that getting into the real estate business would be the perfect option to allow me to maintain a most healthy family-work balance.

How long have you been running RB Malta?

RB Malta was born about two years ago. I’d previously managed another real estate agency for about five years until I realised that I could offer the Maltese market a more outstanding and user-friendly site. So, I took the plunge and got working on setting up my own agency. I haven’t looked back ever since.

What’s the main idea behind RB Malta? How can your business help to make life easier for people who are looking to rent or buy property?

My aim is to excel at offering the most advanced website together with a small team consisting of top-notch agents who are out to accommodate our clients’ needs and wishes. The RB Malta website comes with an integrated search function comprising a map that makes it super easy for people to search for properties in particular locations. I also make it a point to only feature houses and apartments that are actually available as we speak, meaning that the website is kept constantly up to date.  

How many people are in your team?

My team currently consists of three experienced agents, but it will grow to seven in the near future.

Which clients/countries do you target mainly?

We don’t particularly target any type of client as Malta is very attractive to all English-speaking people, with its great climate and comfortable lifestyle. Malta is now host to multitudes of nationalities as it keeps drawing in people for work, mainly in the iGaming sector. The island is well known for welcoming foreigners with open arms. It also offers a wide choice of flats and apartments to buy or rent, making Malta one of the easiest countries to relocate to.

Any future offerings in the pipeline?

My plan is to revolutionise the way property in Malta is rented out and sold by offering the most advanced internet experience. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before you can find out!

Do you want to pass on a message to your existing and potential clients?

While welcoming you to Malta, I’d like to offer a good piece of advice: When looking to buy or rent a property on the island, try to find someone who you can trust, someone with whom you can build a pleasant and friendly working relationship. No matter how experienced your agent is, there needs to be that touch of familiarity so that the agent can get to know your requirements like the back of their hand. RB Malta strives to provide that kind of service. Finally, thanks for trusting us with your real estate requests.

How to Eat Your Way Through Tasty Malta

With everything from delicious snacks to mouth-watering dishes and desserts, you’ll never go hungry on this sunny island

By Denise Rejec

Malta is not only synonymous with sea and sun. It’s also known for its tasty and varied Mediterranean cuisine combined with influences from Sicily, Italy, England, France, and North Africa. Maltese people take their food pretty seriously, which could be a good thing because you’ll find that the dishes presented to you at table will be rather plentiful. You’ll never go hungry in Malta!

Here’s what you can expect from an eating spree on the Maltese Islands. Enjoy your meal, or as the Maltese say: l-ikla t-tajba!

MALTESE BREAD

This is a Maltese staple. The French have their baguette, while the Maltese have this wonderful and very popular Maltese Bread or ‘Ħobż tal-Malti’. With its crusty, rounded exterior, and an irresistibly fluffy interior, you’ll never look elsewhere after trying this local bread.

ĦOBŻ BIŻ-ŻEJT

What’s that? Literally translated from Maltese as ‘bread with oil’, this is a pimped up version of the good old Maltese loaf. You can have it in its most simplest form rubbed with olive oil and tomato paste, seasoned with salt and pepper, or you can dress it up with typical ingredients like tuna, capers, onions, ġbejniet, and sun-dried tomatoes. This snack is popular at lunch time, especially in summer, as it’s made in no time at all and tastes extra delicious after a swim in Malta’s salty sea. It also offers tourists a true taste of Malta in one single bite.

FTIRA

This is the flattened version of the Maltese loaf, and just like the latter, it comes in various sizes. You can fill this with whatever you like, though the Maltese love it with the same ingredients that are used for their ħobż biż-żejt, which by the way you may garnish with some fresh basil or mint. So yumm!

KAPUNATA

This Sicilian-influenced summer dish is made from fresh tomatoes, capers, aubergines and green peppers, and can be enjoyed by soaking up its juices using fresh and crusty Maltese bread.

MINESTRA

When winter comes knocking at your door, you should try the Maltese minestra. Throw in some barley or small pasta; lentils; beans; vegetables such as carrots, marrows, kohlrabi, and pumpkin; potato; and allow them to cook in vegetable stock. Finally season and top with parsley, and indulge in this heartwarming soup that’s paired well with Maltese bread.

WIDOW’S SOUP

Any suitors out there? Okay, joking apart, this is another Maltese soup that can warm your humid winters. Even though ‘soppa tal-armla’ is simple (hence the name) with ingredients even a poor widow could afford to buy, it’s a tasty blend of potatoes and vegetables, enhanced with the flavour from ġbejniet and broad beans.

PASTIZZI

These are Malta’s most treasured and desired national fast food. They come in the form of round or diamond-shaped puff-pastry pockets filled with either ricotta or mushy peas. You can find these freshly baked in small shops all over the island called ‘pastizzerias’, or in some bars and cafes. Watch it though! Eating too many of these could compromise your waistline.

TIMPANA

A popular and very filling baked pasta dish, timpana is usually available in pastizzerias or baked in Maltese homes, though you can also enjoy it in some Maltese restaurants serving local food. It makes for an extremely satisfying meal as it contains meat, vegetables, bolognese sauce, and cheese. All this is not enough for a hungry Maltese stomach, so it also comes with a golden-brown shortcrust or puff-pastry lid.

IMQARRUN

This is a dressed-down version of the timpana as it comes lidless (without the pastry top). It’s a baked macaroni and cheese dish with the addition of a red meat sauce, and a few hard-boiled eggs thrown in at times.

FISH

Fish has always been a huge hit in Malta. That’s what you’d expect from an island surrounded by seawater, right? You’ll find locally caught sea bass and sea bream, grouper, tuna, as well as other species. The most popular fish dish is undoubtedly the lampuka pie because it contains a healthy dose of meaty ‘lampuka’ (aka mahi-mahi or dolphinfish) cut up into chunks and mixed into a pungent tomato sauce containing olives and capers.

RABBIT

Served either as a stew or fried in white wine and garlic, this immensely popular platter can be had at one of the many traditional restaurants that are mainly clustered around the Mgarr area, though you can also come across them in other parts of Malta. The rabbit is typically accompanied by fries or roasted potatoes.

BEEF OLIVES

Known more commonly in Malta as ‘braġioli’, these sausage-like meat rolls are a delicious concoction of ground veal or beef mixed with bacon, garlic, onion, parsley, hard-boiled egg, and breadcrumbs, wrapped in beef topside, and slow-cooked in a rich, red wine sauce.

MALTESE SAUSAGE

Talking about sausage-like meat rolls, we can’t ignore the ‘Zalzett Tal-Malti’. They pack an interesting flavour punch with their tasty Maltese pork (ground) infused with crushed coriander, peppercorns, garlic, parsley, and other spices. They’re also great on the barbecue.

QAGĦAQ TAL-GĦASEL

On to the desserts, qagħaq tal-għasel or honey rings are pastry stuffed with blackstrap molasses, star anise, cloves, and all spice. They’re super comforting when eaten fresh and their interior is as soft as honey. So comforting, that even though they’re meant to be a Christmas treat, you’ll see many Maltese enjoying these at any time of year.

IMQARET

Now these make for another round of sinful indulgence, second to the pastizzi. These deep fried filo pastry and date rolls can be smelt from miles away, so it’s very hard to resist them. But you should give in to the temptation in this case. You’ll often see them being sold at mini kiosks around Malta particularly during village feasts. Make sure to enjoy them hot!

FIGOLLI

We’re going to end our list with a grande finale. True, you’ll have to hold on till Easter time before you can try these, but they’re definitely worth the wait. Figolli are flat cakes made from lemon-zest infused pastry with a juicy almond filling or marzipan, and decorated with brightly-coloured icing sugar or chocolate, and very often half a chocolate Easter egg. If you’re not too much of a sweet tooth, you can have a whale of a time simply admiring their interesting Easter-themed shapes. Or not?

We hope you’ve enjoyed our food tour of Malta. We can certainly bet that you’ve opened up a great appetite while reading this. Again, we wish you l-ikla t-tajba!

 

10 Most Beautiful Places in Malta

The island’s most interesting spots that will make your jaw drop

By Denise Rejec

Malta offers numerous gorgeous places that should definitely be on your bucket list. There are so many awe-inspiring locations in this tiny country, that it’s impossible to mention them all. But here’s the good news: Due to Malta’s small size, you can visit them all in no time at all!

We’ve carefully selected the creme de la creme of Malta’s sights and listed them here. Are you ready to be inspired?

BLUE LAGOON

Located bang in the middle of the channel that separates mainland Malta from its sister island of Gozo, the blue lagoon is one of Malta’s most photographed scenic spots. You can spend the entire day swimming in its crystal clear waters, as the mass of clear blue (amplified by the lagoon’s sandy bottom) is quite vast. You even have a few caves to explore, and should you need a longer break from the sun, you can swim through a cave tunnel that takes you from the lagoon, which is cocooned between masses of rock, towards the open sea.

You can reach the Blue Lagoon via boat transfers from Sliema or Cirkewwa in Malta. Tip: Being such a hot spot, the Blue Lagoon is best avoided in the peak summer months of July and August. We also advise you to arrive early enough in the day (ideally before 10am) to grab a spot on the little bit of sand.

GRAND HARBOUR

Not as blue as the blue lagoon, but equally fascinating, the Grand Harbour can be best viewed from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. If you stand on the gadens’ large balcony facing the sea, your eyes will most likely settle on Fort St Angelo, which juts out into the centre of the barbour from Birgu (Vittoriosa). The Grand Harbour is one of the world’s largest natural ports. You can while away the time by simply admiring the surrounding fortifications, and watching the ships and cruise liners entering and leaving the majestic port. The harbour is also host to the yearly Malta International Fireworks Festival.

ST JOHN’S CO CATHEDRAL

One of the greatest cathedrals in the world, and one of the richest examples of Baroque architecture, this 16th-century masterpiece built by the Order of St John will fascinate anyone, even those who aren’t in the least interested in building styles. What makes this place of worship so special is its stark contrast between its exterior, which is rather plain and dull, to its interior, which is gleaming with the ubiquitous gold. It’s also brimming with rich decorative details and paintings by world-famous painters such as Caravaggio and Mattia Preti.

DINGLI CLIFFS

Enjoying the highest point in Malta at some 250 metres above sea level, the Dingli Cliffs are a popular destination for hikers who want to enjoy Maltese countryside at its best as well as eagle-eye sea views. Since they’re situated southwest of Malta, these cliffs also serve as a perfect romantic spot at evening time when the sun is heading for the sea’s horizon. You just have to be there to take in all their splendour.

BLUE GROTTO

Further south from Dingli Cliffs, lies the Blue Grotto: a spectacular sight just off the little harbour or sea inlet of Zurrieq. You can admire its immense, natural archway from a dedicated viewpoint above, but you must take a boat from the Zurrieq harbour to be able to witness the series of caves and their iridescent waters. The stunning colours of the water within the grotto are the result of a combination of sunlight and the cave’s position, which produces hues ranging from dark blues to phosphorescent aquamarine.

TRIO OF BEACHES: GOLDEN BAY, GHAJN TUFFIEHA, GNEJNA

The first of these is the most crowded because it’s the most easily accessible and is flanked by a large hotel. However, you can enjoy more peace and quiet in the other two. Ghajn Tuffieha, which is tucked between the three beaches, can be reached via a number of steps, but it’s certainly worth the descent and ascent. Before heading down, you can admire the unforgettable view of the bay with is bluish-green water and clay slopes. This is one of Malta’s most amazing panoramas.

Gnejna Bay is a clay slope away from Ghajn Tuffieha, and can be reached on foot if you’re an adventurous hiker or climber. If you prefer taking the easier way out, you can reach Gnejna Bay by car or public transport as it’s just beyond the rural village of Mgarr

MOSTA ROTUNDA

This is the third largest dome in the world, having taken a good 27 years to build. Situated in the central town of Mosta, this impressive structure is visible from numerous viewpoints in Malta (the Mdina bastions are probably your best best). The inside of the dome is decorated in visually pleasing blue, gold, and white. But it’s not just the beauty and immensity of this dome that makes it famous. A 200kg bomb fell through it during an air raid in World War II. Luckily, it didn’t explode, so the 300 people attending mass that morning were spared. You can now see a replica of the bomb inside the church.

POPEYE VILLAGE

Popeye! Are you still around? Unfortunately, no. But the film set for the 1980 film starring Robbin Williams is. You can admire full views of the colourful seaside village from above at its entrance, and even take a tour around to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Popeye. The overall view of the village and its contrasting colours that stand out against the blue sea and cliffsides that nestle it is a wonder in itself.

SAN ANTON PALACE AND GARDENS

San Anton Gardens in the village of Attard in central Malta is a shady oasis that combines history, architecture, and a picturesque scenery. The gardens feature an immense variety of pretty flowers and evergreen trees, some of which are over 300 years old! Several walkways will take you past fountains and ornamental ponds… you might even begin to feel you’re in the film ‘Return to Oz’.

The Palace served as the summer home of Antoine de Paule, a knight of the Order of St John, back in the 17th century, and currently stands as the official residence of Malta’s President. It’s only open to the public on certain occasions, but you can walk among the gardens and its courtyard at no charge.

GOZO

Meet Malta’s sister island: Gozo! She’s probably the most idyllic of destinations around the Maltese Islands due to her relatively unspoilt nature, quaint towns, and quiet beaches. You can get to Gozo via the main ferry boat that frequently traverses the channel between the two islands. Even though Gozo is smaller than Malta, there are enough sites to keep you occupied for a week.

You must visit the fortified medieval city called Citadella, situated in Gozo’s capital Victoria (aka Rabat); the seaside resorts of Xlendi and Marsalforn; the Ggantija Temples; and Ramla Bay. At Dwejra, you’ll find the still popular, former site of the Azure Window; the Blue Hole (famous among snorkelers and divers from around the world); and the equally well-known Inland Sea and Tunnel. Since the Azure Window is no longer around, Wied il-Mielaħ Window has become just as popular.

5 Top Places to Rent an Apartment in Malta

Malta’s five hubs of activity that cater for all your needs

By Denise Rejec

We’ve come up with this list of five top places to rent an apartment in Malta not just for their accessibility and central position on the island, but also because they provide for all your needs. You can walk to work rather than take a car and waste time in traffic, explore a range of eateries from casual take-away joints to high-end restaurants, shop in the multitude of supermarkets and shopping centres, party in the hippest nightlife district, and relax on the coast that’s dotted with bars and lidos. These towns are also serviced by major bus routes. It’s no wonder that all five areas are extremely popular with locals and expats alike.

The great thing is that you can find various types of rentals in all five towns to suit all budgets, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroomed ones. More great news: Most rental flats come modernly refurbished and fully equipped, ready to move into.

SLIEMA

This coastal town is one of contrasts with some of Malta’s most modern and fancy apartments to cosy, characteristic townhouses, with the former type being more abundant. Tigne Point and Fort Cambridge are two relatively recent, immense developments that comprise such upscale apartments. The entire peninsula on which these were built previously hosted an army barracks. You can still see some architectural features of the barracks at The Point Shopping Mall, which is currently the island’s largest mall.

Bisazza Street and the surrounding areas are the focal point of the town where you’ll find all sorts of stores featuring trendy brands, and more offices, bars, cafes, and eateries offering international fare that pour down from the centre of town onto the promenade.

ST JULIAN’S

Like Sliema, St Julian’s has drawn some of the world’s biggest names in the gaming industry to set up shop there, making it an equally attractive location for renting an apartment. It’s extremely favoured among expats as their offices are within short walking distance to their homes, and they’re also surrounded by a super supply of amenities. You can also walk to neighbouring Sliema and Gzira in no time at all via the internal streets, or take a leisurely walk along the coastal promenade from St Julian’s to Gzira via Sliema.

Even though St Julian’s is pulsing with activity, with is famous Paceville nightclub district and hip bar and restaurant culture, you’ll still find a few quieter residential zones.

SWIEQI

Swieqi is immensely popular as a provider of rental opportunities since it’s situated just off Paceville and St Julian’s, so you’re close to all major activity, yet you can still enjoy a quieter urban lifestyle. This locality is spread out into a number of zones, making it feel very roomy. Swieqi is equipped with adequate convenience stores and other facilities including English language schools.

GZIRA

This modern town between Sliema and Msida (next on our Top 5 List) is quickly shaping up to become one of Malta’s sought-after office hubs. Gzira has shops on nearly every street to suit all needs, making it equally enticing for those looking to rent a flat. Gzira residents can enjoy close proximity to the national swimming pool, the University of Malta and its fitness centre plus running track, and stunning views of Marsamxett Harbour with Valletta’s imposing historical skyline right opposite.

Gzira means ‘island’ in Maltese, taking its name from Manoel Island that’s located in the middle of the harbour. You can reach this island via a bridge that connects it to Gzira’s charming seaside promenade.

MSIDA

Located just west of Malta’s capital Valletta and also bordering Gzira, the harbour town of Msida is extremely central since it’s midway between Valletta and Sliema and boasts great road and public transport connections with other parts of Malta. It’s conveniently close to the University of Malta and the national Mater Dei Hospital, and comprises the urban localities of Swatar and Tal-Qroqq. Msida’s large yacht marina, nestled within Marsamxett Harbour, makes for pleasant, romantic strolls, and also hosts a few delectable restaurants.

10 Malta Towns and Villages That Will Get You Hooked

From urban resorts where you can revel, to quiet villages that permit you to relax

By Denise Rejec

Malta is island life par excellence with a cosmopolitan lifestyle to boot. You can live it up in its busy towns and resorts, or enjoy the simplicity of its idyllic villages. Malta may be small, but you surely know: The best things come in small packages!

Here are 10 Malta towns and villages that will certainly get you hooked.

ST JULIAN’S

This bustling town is the throbbing heart of Malta. It’s got everything you need: sandy beaches like Balluta Bay and St George’s Bay, Spinola Bay dotted with colourful fishing boats, rocky stretches from which you can jump into crystal-clear waters, seaside promenades for strolling, outdoor cafes for people-watching, and restaurants for indulging in Maltese and international food. There’s also the district of Paceville for all the nightlife, a marina for yachting, luxury boutiques for some serious shopping… You name it!

SLIEMA

Meet St Julians’ next door neighbour. This equally popular resort town features a long seaside promenade that leads all the way from St Julian’s to Gzira and Manoel Island. You have numerous bars, eateries and shops all along, with points of interest including a 17th-century watchtower, and Tigné’s historical fort with its business and shopping centre. On the south side promenade known as ‘The Strand’ or ‘The Ferries’, you can enjoy views overlooking the capital city of Valletta. This part of town is also equipped with great ferry connections to Valletta, as well as boats that are ready to take you on a harbour cruise or all the way to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Together with St Julian’s and Gzira, this is one of Malta’s most popular areas for renting an apartment.

VALLETTA

This is not a town, neither a village. But we can’t not mention Valletta. Fun fact: This walled city is not as old as you might think! What gives this away? The Knights of St John, in the 1500s, skillfully crafted a plan of streets forming a regular grid to cater for water and sanitation, as well as free circulation of air. The streets incline and descend in a similar fashion to San Francisco’s—a great visual addition to Valletta’s picturesque streetscape of Baroque churches, palaces, houses with different coloured balconies (typically red, green, and blue), and old, wooden shop facades. Valletta is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.

THE THREE CITIES

Facing Valletta, on the opposite side of the Grand Harbour, lie Malta’s older trio of cities—Vittoriosa (or Birgu in Maltese), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). Known collectively as the Three Cities, they offer a captivating insight into Malta’s maritime fortunes. Each was critical to the defence of the island, which explains their strategic position right across from Valletta, with Vittoriosa and Senglea being the most prominent as they jut out into the Grand Harbour. All three are enclosed by a huge line of fortifications known as the Cottonera Lines, which were also built by the Knights. The narrow streets and wine bars of Birgu, and the waterfront promenade of Birgu and Isla are unmissable.

RABAT

Yes! Malta has a ‘Rabat’ too, it’s not just Morocco! Malta’s Rabat is a traditional and relatively peaceful inland village where you can enjoy a stroll in its pretty streets, a glass of wine in one of its cosy wine bars, or a thrilling adventure down in St Paul’s Catacombs. If you keep driving west from Rabat towards the sea, you’ll soon end up at the majestic Dingli Cliffs that proffer amazing sunset views. Don’t miss the Verdala Palace and Buskett Gardens that are on the way.

MDINA

Rabat’s neighbouring Mdina (aka Città Vecchia or Città Notabile) is Malta’s former capital. Sitting majestically on a promontory that overlooks the surrounding countryside, and dominating with its picturesque skyline, it offers impeccable opportunities for a photo shoot. Just picture golden, old citadel walls and a red church dome standing composed against the sunset sky, medieval palaces, grand Baroque buildings, and quaint narrow streets. As the sun sets, Mdina’s curious passageways don a mysterious aura, the soft glow emanating from the wrought-iron street lamps infusing the shadows with a calmness that brings serenity to anyone roaming the ‘Silent City’.

SIGGIEWI

If you’re after a typical Maltese village away from the crowds, surrounded by unspoilt nature, then this is it. The village core is host to an imposing parish church dedicated to St Nicholas that overlooks the main square. Siggiewi is also known for its not-so-quiet grand feast and fireworks held in June in honour of its patron saint, and also for hosting the traditional Easter walk starting at the village square and ending at the famous Laferla Cross perched on a hill outside the village. It’s an amazing sight at night to see the ‘fjakkoli’ or fire lanterns guiding the way.

Not far off from Siggiewi are the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, and the rocky, out-of-the-way Ghar Lapsi beach from where you can see the islet of Filfla. If you’re up for walking, Siggiewi boasts lovely hiking trails flanked by rubble walls. You might discover some interesting places along the way, such as Girgenti Palace (aka Inquisitor Palace) that serves as the summer residence of the Maltese Prime Minister, and the curious outdoor Girgenti Chapel.

MARSAXLOKK

This is your typical fishing village that offers a flea and fish market on Sunday mornings, seaside restaurants specialising in fish, bright-coloured fishing boats… you get the picture? While in Marsaxlokk, you should also explore Ghar Dalam cave, and take a swim in the nearby and natural St Peter’s Pool that’s great for snorkelling and jumping off low cliffsides.

BUGIBBA

Bugibba is a popular summer resort that falls within the St Paul’s Bay zone in the north of Malta. From mini fun rides for the young ones to karaoke bars and nightclubs, Bugibba is sure to please any age group. It comprises loads of hotels, restaurants, pubs, ice-cream parlours, a casino, and a cinema. At Dawret Il-Gzejjer, the point that separates Bugibba from St Paul’s Bay, you’ll also find good sea connections to Comino and other day cruise options.

QAWRA

Situated adjacent to Bugibba, Qawra is also popular among kids and adults alike, with its many hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourist facilities, but with the added bonus of serving as home to the modern Malta National Aquarium. It’s also equipped with a more sophisticated children’s play area with an underwater theme and unusual climbing structures. It will certainly be a hit with your kids. Both Qawra and Bugibba have made it to the list of top places for renting an apartment.

5 Ways To Keep Your Landlord Happy

By Denise Rejec

While your landlord was accepting visits to view their property, they were probably going through a screening process to pick the most suitable tenant to occupy their precious home, especially if it wasn’t set up as an entrepreneurial venture but as a comfortable abode for them to live in.

Now that you’re happily settled into your new rental, here’s how you can offer due respect to your landlord and their home, and keep that mutual happiness alive:

TREAT AS YOUR OWN

Your landlord might eventually return to live in the place they’re renting out, so you must look after it as though you were the owner while you make it your home. Keep the property clean and orderly, and most importantly in good repair. See to any damage you cause in a timely manner and pay for it. Understand that the security deposit that you paid doesn’t entitle you to be careless about your rental, and should the cost of damages be more than the deposit amount, you’ll need to cover the remaining cost.

PETS

If your landlord has allowed you to keep pets, you’ll still be liable for any destruction and odours that they bring about. Unauthorised pets are a definite no-no. How will you hide them from telling neighbours or explain any negative traces to your landlord?

 

ABIDE BY YOUR LEASE

Be familiar with all terms in your lease and adhere to them. If you’ve agreed with your landlord to undertake certain upkeep duties while they’re away, be sure to do them. Your lease probably states that no major alterations are to be made to the property, such as changing the colour of the walls or hanging items by drilling holes, and so on. But should you need to do anything of the sort, discuss this with your landlord, and perhaps you could agree to reinstate any alterations made at the end of the lease.

 

COMMUNICATE

Be open with your landlord, and be sure to contact them when the need arises. A problem might seem small at first, but can potentially escalate if left unattended. Here’s a golden piece of advice that will help you keep your landlord super happy: Offer to pursue communication with any maintenance people once the lessor has made the initial call for repairs.

 

PAY ON TIME

Your landlord might have the best of souls, but don’t take advantage by bringing up the lamest excuses for not being timely with your monthly payments. Telling the lessor that you’ve been robbed or that your dog ate your wallet with all the money inside won’t get you very far. Should you have a genuine issue, such as having lost your job or you’re still waiting on your salary, you might get your landlord to cut you some slack if you’ve been honest from the get-go and have a good relationship going.

Whether your landlord has set up their rental initially as a home or else as a business venture, you must know that home ownership is a big deal, taking much time, cost and effort to put together and maintain it. Remember: Most landlords aren’t evil – they have good intentions and want happy tenants. So just keep these salient points in mind, and have a pleasant stay.

All the best,

Your RB Malta team.