Malta

Malta
My experience in Malta:
During my stay in Malta, I stayed at a hotel that also hosted the school. Every day, we had classes for four hours in the afternoon, while in the morning we visited the island’s most important cities. The teachers were really kind and helpful!

I had a lot of fun and, together with my classmates, met many people from other countries. This experience helped me improve my English, both through the lessons and by using the language every day.
I really hope I can go back soon!

Here are some of the cities we visited:

Mdina:
Mdina has over 4,000 years of history. According to tradition, the Apostle St. Paul lived here after being shipwrecked in 60 A.D., staying in what is now St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat.

Called “the Silent City” and beautifully lit at night, Mdina is known for its cultural and religious heritage.
Once known as Città Notabile—the noble city—it was home to Malta’s noble families, descendants of Norman, Sicilian, and Spanish rulers. Its narrow streets, grand palaces, and mix of medieval and baroque architecture make Mdina one of Europe’s finest walled cities.

Malta’s Capital: Valletta
Valletta, one of Europe’s smallest and southernmost capitals, is known for its strong Baroque character. Built on a peninsula between two natural harbours (Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour), the city is perched on higher ground with wide, straight streets designed to catch the sea breeze and cool the city during Malta’s hot summers.

As Malta’s administrative and commercial hub, Valletta hosts several government offices and financial companies. Despite its small size, it’s rich in history, with buildings dating back to the 16th century, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1980.

Bugibba:
One evening, our teachers took us to visit Bugibba.
Bugibba is a tourist destination in the north of Malta, part of St. Paul’s Bay. It has ancient origins linked to the shipwreck of St. Paul in 60 A.D., but it developed into a tourist center after World War II.

Things to Do?
Visitors can enjoy the seafront promenade, cafés, and beaches. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, diving, and boat trips. Don’t miss Bugibba Square and the lively nightlife. Nearby, you can also find attractions such as the Wignacourt Tower, St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church, Mdina, and the island of Gozo.

Gozo: Victoria
Gozo, just 5 km from Malta, is smaller, quieter, and more rural. Known for its scenic landscapes, pristine coastline, and untouched trails, Gozo’s culture blends tradition with modern life.

Believed to be the Isle of Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey, Gozo is shaped by 7,000 years of culture. With a population of 31,592, Gozo is committed to sustainability and becoming an eco-island.

The Citadel of Victoria is a must-visit for history lovers in Gozo. This ancient fortress offers a glimpse into the island’s rich culture and history. Highlights include the Baroque Cathedral of St. Mary, built in 1697, and the cannons atop the fortress, which serve as reminders of its defensive role. You can also explore the famous “ditch,” surrounded by a large garden, and wander through narrow lanes, admiring the ancient walls.

In Gozo, you can buy hand-crafted lace made by local women or try pastizzi, a Maltese street food filled with ricotta, cheese, or ham.
“In Gozo, we visited a public school, where they showed us the building, told us about the history of Gozo, let us play, and finally organized a treasure hunt.”