Solo travel is having a moment, with more and more people tuning into the trend of going at it alone.
One area of solo travel that is becoming increasingly popular is female solo travel, with more women than ever hitting the road themselves and enjoying their own company as they try new experiences and new cultures.
And there is one European island that is a top destination for solo female travelers.
One of the best parts about this increased awareness of female solo travel is the buzz that the demographic gets in the travel industry nowadays, with more articles, lists, companies, social media accounts, and many other factors that cater to the solo female traveler.
Any woman looking for her next solo trip doesn’t have to do much legwork to choose her next destination, with an increasing amount of countries and cities popping up as ideal options for female solo travel for a variety of reasons.
So, to add to the ever-growing list of destinations that have emerged as great choices for solo female travelers, we have a small island nation in southern Europe.
Welcome To Malta
Easily one of the most unique destinations in Europe, the island of Malta (and its sister island of Gozo) has been making some top grades on solo female travel lists recently.
This island country of around 122 square miles packs a lot of punch in its small footprint, including a fascinating mix of African, Middle Eastern, and European cultures, stunning sights, amazing architecture, a thriving food scene, and more.
@whatlauradidnext 7 things you have to do in Malta 🇲🇹👇🏻 🏛 Walk the beautiful streets of the capital city of Valletta for adorable streets, architecture, and alleyways ⛲️ Explore the gorgeous Upper Burrakka Gardens, the highest point in Valletta. Dating back to 1661, they’re stunning 🛥 Sail over to Comino to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, some of the most magical blue waters you’ve ever seen 🍕 Book a table at San Paolo Naufrago, one of the most stunning pizzerias in Malta 🦞 Check out Storie E Sapori and tuck into crispy, cheesy bruschetta and huge bowls of lobster spaghetti 🎣 Visit the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its array of colourful boats and fresh seafood 🍹 Head to Hugo’s Terrace for sundowners on the rooftop bar overlooking St George’s Bay #malta #maltatiktok #malta🇲🇹 #bluegrotto #bluelagoon #visitmalta🇲🇹 #visitmalta #europe #europetravel #mediterranean #visiteurope #europesummer #summerineurope #summer2023 #valletta #travel #traveltiktok
7 Reasons Malta Is A Top Destination For Solo Female Travelers:
1. Safety
With the smallest capital city in the EU, Malta’s Valetta is a solo traveler’s dream. Compact and easy to navigate, the city has just under 7,000 residents and lots of history, giving you endless opportunities to wander around and take it all in.
What was once a sleepy city in the Mediterranean is now a booming and growing cosmopolitan gem, with more hotels, bars, and restaurants popping up each month. Locals mix with tourists here, and walking on your own down the alleys, with the overhanging balconies cascading over your head, provides perfect photo backdrops with little worry for safety.
Outside of Valetta, the rest of Malta is very safe as well, and the country’s low crime rate is evident by the number of people you will see who leave their doors open and the children running around playing long after sunset.
Of course, things can happen, and no place is perfect, so maintaining your normal level of personal safety is recommended.
2. English Speaking
In Malta, English is one of the official languages, and most everyone speaks it, almost 90% of the residents in fact. Both English and Maltese are taught in schools, and you are unlikely to run into anyone who doesn’t speak or understand English.
As the county is a melting pot of cultures, you are likely to hear many other languages as well, with Italian and Arabic being commonly used. The transportation system, road signs, and almost all signage throughout the county are in English as well, meaning you should have little to no trouble getting around by only speaking English.
3. Low Cost
As one of the EU’s cheapest countries, Malta is still pretty affordable to travel to, meaning you can save your pennies for nice restaurants and accommodation. By not skimping and staying at the cheapest lodging possible, you can help to best maintain your safety. Of course, it’s not ALL budget options here, and there are also endless options if you are looking to splurge as well.
Besides accommodation, transportation is easy and budget-friendly, and most activities have a lower price tag here than in mainland Europe.
One tip to save money, look for Valletta’s famous happy hours, where most drink prices are drastically reduced and snacks are free-flowing. Fill up on the freshly baked bread with homemade tomato jam and save your pocket money for shopping.
4. Easy Transportation
The city of Valetta itself is small and compact, and walking is easily the best way to get around here. Just outside Valetta, you will find the famous Three Cities, the historic villages of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, all worth a visit and also best explored on foot.
To get out of Valetta to visit the other areas of the island, the country’s bus system is easy, cheap, and user-friendly. Get a card at the machine when you arrive at the airport and simply tap it each time throughout your visit, recharge it when needed at the machines at almost every stop.
Aside from busses, the county is served by ride-share apps such as Bolt and Ryde, each making getting around easy, safe, and cheap. Getting to Malta’s smaller and simply beautiful island of Gozo requires a quick ferry ride, and once there Gozo is also well-connected by bus as well.
5. Welcoming Locals
With a population of only about half a million people, you might think the Maltese are cold and isolated, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Maltese people are known for being friendly, and their hospitality is evident when you visit their country.
Generous, helpful, friendly, and patient with travelers, the people of Malta will give you a warm welcome. Speaking from experience, I somehow got lost many times wandering about Malta and Gozo, and there was never a shortage of locals popping their heads out their windows to guide me in the right direction.
6. Solo Options
You might not think that the tenth smallest country (not to mention an island country as well) would offer some great hiking, but Malta and Gozo are a hiker’s paradise. With well-marked routes around the perimeter, you can explore the break-taking cliffs, coves, and villages on your own with little worry about safety (aside from staying away from those cliffs when the winds come, trust me!).
Of course, normal precautions apply, but the trails here are well-marked and popular, so you shouldn’t feel out of place or vulnerable when hiking alone here. Aside from hiking, it’s not uncommon to see people dining or exploring on their own. Meaning you won’t look out of place when you sit down for cocktails for one.
7. Great Weather
Last but not least, another reason Malta is a great option for solo female travelers is the country’s fantastic weather. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, it’s likely that your visit to Malta will find you enjoying the sunshine.
With typical Mediterranean weather, Malta’s summers are hot and dry, and temperatures can get up to 90 degrees, meaning it’s time to take advantage of those gorgeous beaches. Winter is somewhat wet, although mild, and temperatures can dip into the mid-forties, so pack a scarf if you visit this time.
One thing to note is that sands from Africa can and often do sweep over to Malta, causing a haze-like smog some days, which I experienced many days during my visit in April. While it wasn’t every day, it is something to be prepared for to avoid any disappointment.
