If you’re planning a holiday to Malta or Gozo, the first question you’ll probably come to is whether you should stay in Malta itself or on the smaller island of Gozo.
Your choice will probably be determined by the type of experience you’re looking for. Most of the tourist attractions, restaurants, beaches and things to do are on the main island of Malta while Gozo offers a much quieter pace of life. Whichever of the islands you decide to stay on, you will be able to reach the other very easily via a ferry.
Malta is often the preferred choice because there is more on your doorstep and you can then take the ferry over to Gozo for a day or 2 to experience the best of both.
The important thing to bear in mind is that although it’s a small country and it appears places are very close together on a map, the land is not easy to travel over. Steep hills, winding roads and rocky terrain makes what could be a 15-minute walk on flat land significantly longer.
Rather than walking or attempting to drive around the narrow streets, try the public buses as they are cheap, run regularly and travel to every corner of the island. The longer journeys also allow you to see more of the country which is off the usual tourist route.
If you decide to stay on Malta and use the public buses to get around, the big question is, of course, where should you stay in Malta? To help you make the right choice based on your preferences and interests, here is a guide to some of the most popular regions and cities.