The dreamy allure of the Mediterranean has always drawn millions and millions of visitors from across the Atlantic but its popularity has never quite been at the level it is right now.
While it’s difficult to find a concise answer as to why that is, it’s safe to assume that it’s a combination of many factors, including revenge travel, soaring prices in other, bigger hotspots around the world, and that typical Mediterranean laid-back vibe that gives stressed modern-day professionals a much-needed break.
One nation, in particular, is currently seeing unprecedented numbers of U.S. visitors flocking to its sunny hubs.
Malta welcomed 55,096 American tourists in 2023, a number that marks a whopping 35.6% increase from 2022 and a (more modest yet still impressive) 9% increase from the pre-pandemic record set in 2019.
So, why so many Americans are falling in love with this often-overlooked Mediterranean hub right now?
A Mediterranean Gem Untouched By Mass Tourism
Remember how I said that the Mediterranean has always been a bucket list destination for U.S. travelers?
Well, the big downside to that is that many of the region’s most popular hotspots have fallen victim to the effects of mass tourism – this translates to higher prices, bigger crowds, and a generally chaotic, inauthentic experience that can leave some feeling disappointed.
Malta, however, has somehow managed to go under the radar all this time.
While this might seem surprising since the entire country is filled with unreal-looking beaches and the kind of cities you’ve seen only in fairytales, its small size and more obscure location have helped it stay under the shadows of its better-known counterparts like Italy or Greece.
And now that more and more travelers have started to seek quieter, more authentic experiences, there’s no better place to fully take in that famous Mediterranean charm than Malta.
The Most Stunningly Diverse 122 mi² You’ll Ever Come Across
Malta is famously one of the smallest countries on Earth; the 10th smallest, to be exact.
Despite its humble size, though, the archipelago is filled with so many jaw-dropping sights, each with a distinctively unique type of beauty, that you’ll struggle to go through them all, no matter how hard you try.
From ancient ruins and medieval architecture to idyllic soft-sanded beaches, Malta promises everything you could want from a Mediterranean getaway and more.
In fact, thanks to its one-of-a-kind geographical location and centuries-long history, the country is a melting pot of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Sicilian, French, and British influences – a fascinating combo that sets Malta apart not only from other Mediterranean hotspots but the entire world.
A Haven For Every Type Of Traveler
What’s not to love about a place that caters to virtually every type of traveler?
By now it’s probably obvious that history buffs will have a blast here; between the likes of Ġgantija (which is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt), the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and Ħaġar Qim, Malta is sure to stun even the most seasoned explorers.
With all that said, people who are into history are far from the only ones able to appreciate Malta’s allure.
Beachgoers will stand in awe as they take in the views of Għadira Bay, divers will get to see some of the Mediterranean’s greatest underwater wonders, adventurous souls can explore the archipelago’s many caves, shipwrecks, and reefs, while movie lovers will finally get to chance to walk through the places where Gladiator, Troy, The Da Vinci Code, and Assasin’s Creed were filmed.
Reasonable Prices
The best thing about visiting a country as attraction-filled yet underrated as Malta is that you get to enjoy everything we’ve talked about and more for a pretty reasonable price.
Don’t get me wrong – there are plenty of alternatives in terms of accommodation, restaurants, and entertainment for all budgets, but the bottom line is that if you want to make your Malta trip budget-friendly, you can.
Consumer prices in the country are roughly 10% cheaper than what you’d find in comparable places like Italy, and decent accommodation options in good locations can be found for as little as $70 a night.
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