Malta has always welcomed visitors and the gregarious locals continue to be a highlight of any holiday here. Just don’t expect everything to run at a fast 21st-century pace. Malta is where you go to relax and unwind, with the whole island running to a relaxed, stress-free rhythm. Yes, things take slightly longer here than they do at home, but you’ll be glad of the slow pace when the Mediterranean Sea shimmers below and the sun shines 300 days a year. While there are modern, bustling areas like Paceville and Bugibba, it’s easy to sidestep the summer noise; there’s always an untouched village or deserted cove to escape to.
Whether in traditional fishing villages or the contemporary St. Julian’s, the local culture is Mediterranean at heart. You can sense it in the colours and feel it through the laid-back attitude. This is a country that loves to enjoy life and this quickly rubs off on visitors. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying in a tiny village or on a modern waterfront, Maltese culture welcomes foreign visitors and is quick to make you feel at home.
You rarely need to worry about an embarrassing cultural faux pas in Malta. After being a colony for 150 years, the local culture has adapted to British styles and tastes. Note that topless sunbathing is prohibited on all public beaches, but acceptable on private beaches. The country is part of the EU, with smoking banned in public places. The locals will appreciate it if you try to save water, as this is a commodity that has potential to become scarce on a sunny island.
Also remember that Malta has a fluid interpretation of time. Opening hours aren’t always exact and some establishments may close without notice. They may also stay open far longer than expected, like a lively restaurant terrace on a summer evening. This concept of time is great for anyone who plans to unwind on holiday.
