Where to go this summer vacation? We wanted an as yet unknown vacation destination that had something to offer culturally as well as splashing around in the sea and beautiful scenery: we chose Malta.
We set off with no great expectations and little prior knowledge – and Malta now has three new fans. The past week’s vacation was a real treat. We can recommend Malta vacations for these 17 reasons:
1. cheap flights
Despite the high season, the new KM Malta Airlines offers very good fares (booked in March). For CHF 260 per person, including 20 kg of luggage, we flew on an Airbus A320 from Zurich to Malta and back.
2. no waiting times
In Zurich, it is often the case that luggage appears on the conveyor belt within 15 or 20 minutes of landing. Malta International Airport even manages it in less than a quarter of an hour in the middle of the high season. Ten minutes later we are in the cab.
3. easy to get around
The cab prices are ok, for 30 euros in a white, official cab from the airport to Qawra/San Pawl in just over half an hour. We later find out that Bolt offers the same route for half the price. Even cheaper are the light green buses for a flat rate of 2 euros 50, valid for the next two hours – although the busy summer traffic on the narrow roads can lead to slow progress and seats are quickly taken.
4. successful renovation
Following a general renovation and three additional floors, the former Seashells Resort at Suncrest reopened as AX Odycy at the end of 2023 – and the four-star hotel now offers stylish, cozy Comfort rooms, including sea views. There is a discount for travel agency professionals on request.
5th choice of seven restaurants
Those staying at AX Odycy have a choice of seven restaurants: the best pizza is served at Trattoria Riccardo, Mexican food at Mamacita (and happy hour from 6 to 7 pm), and there is also the Deck & Keel Restaurant, Luzzo, a gastropub, the Medusa Bar and the Minoa Rooftop Restaurant on the 11th floor – or many other restaurants (see tip 17) within walking distance.
6. breakfast buffet is not a take-away
A common tourist mistake is packing food at the breakfast buffet and then eating it in your room, by the pool or on the go. Travelnews has already discussed this cheeky behavior and Frage gestellt, ob das überhaupt erlaubt ist. Because many hoteliers are obviously reluctant to show a clear edge here. Not so at AX Odycy. The message is friendly and clear:
7. encounter with Caravaggio
The full-day visit to the capital Valletta ensures a full camera chip. One of the many highlights: St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Numerous impressive works of art characterize the cathedral, including paintings by the early Baroque master Caravaggio and works of art donated as gifts by former Grand Masters and Knights of the Order of St. John.
8. view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Flowers and statues characterize the beautiful park high above Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The view of the city is spectacular and the cannon fire from up here is easy to imagine. There are a few benches in the shade under the colonnaded arches – sightseeing at 35 degrees takes its toll.
9. no towel war
English, Dutch, German, Italian, Swiss under one roof, by one pool: a towel war is likely to break out soon to see who can claim the best sun loungers by the pool. But here too, AX Odycy shows a clear edge and tells you to forget about occupying the sun loungers:
10. mosquitoes? Not a chance
Greetings to the north, to Finland, Sweden and Norway, to those who are disenchanted with the Mediterranean and are now seeking vacation happiness in Scandinavia this year – and are annoyed by lots of mosquito bites, as is currently the case around Lake Constance. Down here in Malta, not a single mosquito can be seen for a week, whether on the hotel balcony in the evening or on a walk along the coast. Whether the general absence of mosquitoes (probably due to the heat and dryness) is a good sign is another question.
11. excursion to Gozo
A visit to Malta’s sister island Gozo, which can be reached by a 25-minute ferry crossing, is definitely worthwhile: in addition to numerous beautiful sandy, pebble and stone beaches, the island’s capital Victoria attracts visitors with its narrow streets and lots of history. The highlight is the beautiful citadel with a view over Victoria and half the island.
12. best beer name
How would you phonetically imitate the opening of a beer can and bottle? Exactly: “Tschisssggghhh”. And that’s also the name of Malta’s local beer: “Cisk”. Just ordering it is fun: “May I have a Tschisssggghhh?”. And the golden-colored, bottom-fermented lager tastes excellent in the evening heat after a day at the beach.
13. beach? Rock and gravel!
There are beautiful beaches in Malta, such as Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha and the Blue Lagoon. However, access to the sea on Malta, Gozo and Comino is usually from the rock, from the harbor wall or from a pebble beach. That was fine with us: above all, it’s easier to jump into the water this way.
14. Mdina, a stunner
If you think you’ve already seen the most beautiful rows of houses and buildings in Malta with the excursions to Valletta and Victoria/Gozo, you should definitely also visit Mdina. Because the old capital of Malta is a stunner. Narrow alleyways, centuries-old buildings, Malta’s oldest church – St. Paul’s Cathedral – and wonderful squares are just waiting to be discovered.
15. Don’t miss the Maltese Platter
If you order the “Schwiizerplättli” in a swiss restaurant, you should opt for the “Maltese Platter” when visiting Malta. It includes local cheese, dry sausage, tuna and bean paste, tomatoes, olives and salad – ideal for lingering in the shade for an hour while sightseeing in Mdina and enjoying the tranquillity of the courtyard of the Restaurants Don Mesquita. It goes well with the excellent local white wine, a Medina Sauvignon Blanc.
16. The hotel wristband is also a key
In times of all-inclusive hotels, tourists have become accustomed to the wristband, even if the would-be individual traveler resists it inwardly. At the AX Odycy Hotel you also get a wristband – in different colors, depending on whether you have booked room/breakfast, half board or full board. The big advantage here is that the waterproof ribbon and mini badge also serve as a room key.
17. Sushi at Café del Mar
The most beautiful location in Qawra ist Café del Mar. During the day, in true Ibiza style (and price), you can chill, doze and loll around by the infinity pool to the sound of cool music. The highlight: dinner on the terrace, if there’s still room. The sushi dishes are extremely tasty – and the sunset is a dream.
