Go backpacking in Malta!

Malta offers the perfect escape for backpackers looking to chill out on vacation – and you can get stay there in style with HostelsClub

With its warm climate and sparkling beaches, coves and harbours, Malta is a superb holiday destination for backpackers. Malta gets more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is surrounded by clear turquoise waters, some of the freshest in the Mediterranean, and is widely celebrated for its 7,000-year-old history.

Situated in the southern Mediterranean, the ancient island lies 93 kilometres south of Sicily. Even if you're only visiting Malta for a weekend break, you can can do everything here on holiday, from historical sightseeing to snorkelling to jazz concerts. Malta has a fascinating backstory and been ruled by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. Not to mention the Normans, Swabians, Angevins, Aragonese, French, British, and modern day tourists.

Backpackers travelling to Malta certainly won't be short of things to see and do. Explore its ancient past and you'll be astonished by the honey coloured buildings and sparkling blue seas. Home to spectacular scenery and pearl white beaches you can stay in budget hostels and live handsomely all-year-round in Malta.

What to see and do in Valletta

Just walking around the capital Valletta will be rewarding enough for most travellers. The European Capital of Culture 2018 is brimming with history and stories. From its magnificent Grand Harbour, to its sixteenth century temples influenced by the St John knights, there is no shortage of gorgeous buildings in the Maltese capital. Best known as The Fortress City, Citta' Umilissima, "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen", Valletta is where most travellers will arrive if you go by air. Although those travelling from Sicily can take the ferry from Catania if you prefer.

Valletta is built upon the arid rock of Mount Sceberras peninsula, which rises from two deep harbours, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Recently endorsed by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Valletta is a contemporary city of culture. Music lovers can enjoy plays and concerts at The Manoel, a theatre dating back to the sixteenth century. July visitors are strongly encouraged to check out the Malta Jazz Festival, where you can kickback with a glass of wine and watch artists perform in the beautiful Grand Harbour.

Island hopping in Malta

Malta forms part of archipelago and consists of neighbouring islands Gonzo and Comino. Offering idyllic views and a charming old world atmosphere, both islands are considerably quieter and less frequented than the main island.

Gozo has spectacular coastlines and offers you a beautiful place to enjoy water sports on holiday. Its main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, with its sparkling turquoise seas and wonderfully unspoilt beaches. Situated only a fifteen minute boat ride from Mġarr Harbour, the scenic spot is one of the best places to go snorkelling and scuba diving in the Maltese archipelago.

Party time in Sliema and St Julian

If you fancy going partying then check out Slimea, a hedonistic tourist resort with a thriving cosmopolitan atmosphere boasting clubs, bars and late night drinking. Neighbouring resort St Julian is especially popular during the summer months, where superstar DJs perform electric sets to huge crowds.

Mdina - a classy way to bow out in Malta

Once the parties die down you may want to check out the historical city of Mdina, which dates back 4000 years and is entered by a stone drawbridge. Mdina is packed full of narrow cobbled streets and historic churches, palaces and crumbling monasteries. Entered by a stone bridge, the town captures the vibrant history of Malta and backpackers looking for a final swansong should head towards Bastion Square and marvel over St Paul's Bay.

With its sunshine nearly all-year-around, you can do Malta on a budget when you stay in a hostel. Travel in Malta is cheap too - saving you even more money on your travels. The ferry from Valletta to Slimea takes about 10 minutes, running every 30 minutes, and costs €2.80 ($4) for a round-trip ticket.

Book your holiday today and make sure you don't miss the boat to Malta this summer!