Truly Expat Travel

Truly Expat Travel Podcast brings you the world's best travel destinations through conversations with expats who've made foreign countries their home. Discover hidden gems, local insider tips, and authentic travel experiences you won't find in guidebooks.

Each episode features expats sharing their favourite destinations, secret spots, cultural insights, and practical travel advice from cities and countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From weekend getaways to bucket list adventures, food scenes to cultural experiences, our guests reveal what makes their adopted homes special.

Perfect for travellers seeking authentic local perspectives, digital nomads planning their next move, or anyone dreaming of exploring the world beyond tourist traps. Get real recommendations from people who live the expat lifestyle every day.

What you'll discover:
• Hidden travel gems recommended by local expats
• Insider tips for popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Cultural insights and authentic local experiences
• Practical advice for international travel and living abroad
• Real stories from expats around the world

🌍 New episodes weekly
✈️ Subscribe for authentic travel inspiration
📧 Collaborations: info@trulyexpat.com

All Episodes

Truly Expat Travel

Malta

August 05, 2025 • Paula Barnes • Season 1 • Episode 10

0:00 | 14:04

Episode 10: Malta's Hidden Treasures - A Mediterranean Gem

In this episode, I'm sharing my recent adventure to Malta, Europe's best-kept secret that completely stole my heart. From ancient temples older than Stonehenge to crystal-clear lagoons that rival the Caribbean, Malta packs an incredible amount of history and beauty into just 316 square kilometres.

What I Discuss

Exploring Valletta's Baroque splendour as Europe's smallest capital
Stepping back in time in the Silent City of Mdina
Exploring the historic Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua

Practical Bits:

Ferry from Sicily:

Virtu Ferries operates the main route from Pozzallo to Valletta
Up to 4 daily crossings in summer, 3 in winter, with crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes
Book in advance for best prices, especially during summer months

Best Time to Visit:

May through October for warmest weather (25-30°C)
Shoulder months (April-May, September-October) for fewer crowds
Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually

Local Insights:

Language & Culture:

Both Maltese and English are official languages - super accessible for English speakers
Predominantly Catholic with conservative values - dress modestly in churches
Sunday mornings see many attractions closed for church services

Food & Drink:

Cheese pastizzi
Maltese Ravioli
Try local specialties and enjoy generous portions at reasonable prices

Key Takeaways

Malta exceeds expectations - incredible history and beauty packed into a tiny area
Book prehistoric sites in advance - Hypogeum allows only 80 visitors daily
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just 316 square kilometres
Perfect for island hopping - Malta, Gozo, and Comino each offer unique experiences
Excellent value destination compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
Ferry from Sicily is easy - great way to combine both destinations

Useful Apps/Websites:

Truly Expat Travel - 10 of Malta's Hidden Gems
Ferryscanner - Sicily to Malta ferry bookings
GetYourGuide - tours and skip-the-line tickets
Airalo - for an automatic 15% discount for all new users

Next Week

I'll be chatting with Patsy about our "girls" trip to Sri Lanka, why she fell in love with the destination and why this trip was different to anything she's been on before?

Are you an expat with a fa

Send a text

Visas Made Simple
Skip the embassy lines. iVisa handles it all online—fast, easy, and stress-free.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Find me on:

Website: Truly Expat Travel

Facebook: Truly Expat

Instagram: Truly Expat Travel

TikTok: Truly Expat

Paula Barnes

Host