Malta: A Stunning English-Speaking Island Just Three Hours from the UK
Travel vlogger Alex Daltz has recently visited a spectacular English-speaking island nation in Southern Europe, describing it as "one of the most beautiful places" he has ever seen. Located merely three hours from the UK, this destination boasts 20C warmth in April, making it an ideal getaway for British travellers seeking sunshine and culture.
Discovering the Historic Capital of Valletta
Alex began his journey in the ancient capital of Malta, the 16th-century city of Valletta. Positioned south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea and north of Libya, Malta is a fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, also designated as Europe's Capital of Culture for 2018. From his hotel room balcony, Alex captured a stunning panorama of undulating hills and a peaceful expanse of water, set against brilliant sunshine and clear blue skies.
He was quickly captivated by Valletta's characteristic Baroque architecture, describing the capital as "beautiful" with a "chilled out touristy vibe". Alex remarked, "We have just made it to Valletta. One of the most beautiful places I think I've ever been because it's so, so medieval, the whole place. It's literally like you're walking through the 1500s."
Exploring Cultural and Historical Highlights
Venturing through the bustling streets, Alex visited key landmarks such as St. John's Co-Cathedral, which houses two masterpieces by the renowned Italian painter Caravaggio: The Beheading of St John the Baptist and St Jerome Writing. He also explored Fort St Elmo, constructed in the Early Modern period, and the National War Museum, which offers visitors 7,000 years of Maltese military history.
Among the museum's highlights are the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH aircraft, Roosevelt's Jeep "Husky", and the George Cross, the nation's honour for gallantry during the Second World War. Alex's footage showcased the rich historical tapestry that makes Malta a unique destination.
Visiting the Ancient City of Mdina
Subsequently, Alex travelled to the city of Mdina, another breathtaking Maltese location that served as the country's previous capital. Known as the "Silent City", Mdina has been inhabited since before 4000BCE and has been controlled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans over the centuries. As Alex wandered the honey-coloured streets, he found it "astonishing" and "mind-blowing", highlighting its timeless appeal.
Practical Travel Information and Other Attractions
According to SkyScanner, the average flight duration from the UK to Malta is 3 hours and 16 minutes, with prices starting at just £29 at the time of writing. TUI recommends travelling between April and October, with April temperatures ranging from 15 to 20°C, providing pleasant conditions for exploration.
Other Maltese highlights featured by Alex included local catacombs and the Blue Lagoon, where he experienced some of the "most blue water" he has ever seen. His vlog serves as a compelling invitation for travellers to discover this English-speaking island's blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural vibrancy.
