What's There To Do In Malta As An Expat?

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What’s There To Do In Malta As An Expat?

Malta is a beautiful, laid-back island in the Mediterranean that boasts 300 days of sunshine per year and a thriving expat population. The island has a long and storied history, gorgeous scenery and a unique island culture to take in.

Whether you’re looking to retire or move to Malta, you’ve probably wondered what attractions and activities the island has to keep you busy. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or just want to enjoy a show, Malta has plenty to do.

History

Exploration is the name of the game when it comes to Malta’s history. The Tarxien Temples, Fort St. Elmo, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral are all wonderful places to explore and learn about the history of the island.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back approach to taking in the past, you should definitely check out their National Museum of Archeology or stroll through the public gardens. The San Anton Gardens are actually the residence of Malta’s president, however, the space was given to the public in 1882 and anyone can take a stroll through the grounds.

One of the best spots to grab souvenirs or pieces of traditional art is the Ta’Quali Craft Village. From hand-blown glass to leather and ceramics, all of the crafts are made by locals and you can watch to learn how they’re made while you’re there.

Outdoor Activities

As a small, island nation, you’re never far from the beach in Malta. Historic fishing villages dot the coastline, world-class dive spots, and caving are all easily accessible.

With a good surf fishing rod, any beach can be a great fishing spot. You can also visit one of the many marinas and charter a boat to fish farther out into the Mediterranean.

There are plenty of artificial reefs in the shallow waters around Malta, offering great snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can also explore shipwrecks dating back to the Second World War, including the wreck of a destroyer the HMS Maori. As it sits only 14 meters down, it’s a great beginner’s dive spot if you’re just getting started.

Comino is an uninhabited island that sits off the coast of Malta with a ton of underwater caves and an excellent reef. If you’d rather go on your caving adventures without donning scuba gear, you should check out Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum. The site contains fossils from all the way back during the Ice Age, and up until 1911, it was still inhabited by people.

Theatre and Culture

The Manoel Theatre and Museum is a beautiful, intimate theatre where you can take the time to catch a show. The venue features music concerts, opera, ballet recitals, and sometimes other music events.

The overall culture of the island is laid back, and you can sit and enjoy freshly caught seafood or relax in a cafe. With some of the oldest buildings in the world still standing, you can really soak up the old-world feeling of the place.

Conclusion

Malta enjoys some of the best weather on the planet and is a welcoming place for expats that originated really anywhere. What’s actually surprising is that even though costs are rising, it’s still ranked as one of the best and cheapest places to retire.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.