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Millions of Americans are about to battle the crazed crowds in Greece and Italy this summer.
But Did you know that you can discover a beautiful, busy Mediterranean getaway with a single direct flight?
I’ve spent enough time lugging my camera gear through busy, sweltering European tourist traps to know that shoulder to shoulder crowds completely ruin the atmosphere of a Mediterranean escape. The ultimate goal is to find a destination that has all the ancient history, stunning architecture, and pristine waters of the heavy hitters, but without the chaotic traffic jams.
Until recently, finding a truly off-the-grid European island meant sacrificing convenience and enduring brutal layovers. But the aeronautical map has changed!
If you’re ready to trade Santorini’s crowded ferries for raw authenticity and complete peace of mind, This is why Malta should be your next European holiday destination.
The ultimate safe haven in the Mediterranean (safety score: 89/100)
When travelers ask me where they can go in Europe to get away from it all without constantly clutching their backpacks, Malta always tops the list. It absolutely crushes the competition on our safety index an elite score of 89/100.
Violent crime is virtually non-existent here, and the island benefits from a close-knit community and a highly visible, welcoming police presence.
To put it in perspective, the US State Department is giving Malta a coveted Level 1 safety advisory. That means travelers only need to ‘take normal precautions’ – the exact same ultra-safe rating they give to countries like Iceland or Japan.
The peace of mind here is completely unparalleled. You can spend the evening wandering the ancient, gold-lit streets of Valletta in comfort, sip a glass of wine in a public square late at night, and walk back to your boutique hotel at midnight without an ounce of stress.
Now try that in Paris or Rome.
Why Malta is absolutely amazing
Malta does not just rely on its impeccable security record; it is perhaps one of the most visually stunning and historically densely populated countries in the world. It is a small archipelago that packs thousands of years of culture into a beautiful walkable landscape.
- Astonishing history: The historical footprint of this island is staggering. It is home to megalithic temples that are actually older than the pyramids of Egypt. For anyone delved into Roman history and centuries-old classical architecture, a stroll through the walled city of Mdina, known as the ‘Silent City’, is utterly surreal. It’s the perfect place to spend hours with a camera capturing the massive 16th-century limestone fortifications built by the Knights of St. John. You can even find incredible antique shops hidden in the narrow alleys, selling authentic old currency and estate jewelry.
- The crystal clear water: Being in the middle of the Mediterranean, the clarity of the water is incredible. You can skip the busy beaches on the mainland and take a short boat trip to Comino, the small sister island, to swim in the legendary Blue Lagoon. It is also globally recognized as one of the best diving destinations in the world for scuba diving and shipwrecks.
- An elite food scene: I can be picky about strange seafood textures; you’ll never catch me ordering octopus or sea urchin. Luckily, Maltese cuisine is an absolute dream for hearty, rustic eaters. It’s a brilliant mix of Sicilian and North African flavors. You absolutely cannot leave the island without trying it pastizzi (puff pastries filled with local ricotta or mushy peas) and their national dish, stuffat tal-fenek (a rich, slow-cooked rabbit stew). Wash it down with a local pint of Cisk beer and you’ll be in culinary heaven.
Travel logistics just changed everything
The main reason Malta has remained so perfectly protected from the enormous American crowds is that it used to require a frustrating day of travel. Historically, you had to fly into a huge European hub like London, Frankfurt or Rome, clear customs and then take a smaller shuttle flight to the island.
That barrier to entry is officially gone.
Earlier this month, on June 7, Delta completely shook up the summer travel game by officially launching a direct, non-stop flight from the US straight to Malta International Airport (MLA). You can now board a plane on the East Coast at JFK and wake up straight into the heart of the Mediterranean.
Connectivity is better than ever before, which means the secret is officially out. Smart travelers already realize that they can completely bypass the chaotic hubs on the mainland.
The window to experience Malta while still feeling like an undiscovered, peaceful island escape is starting to close. If you want a completely safe, historically rich and completely unforgettable European trip, it’s time to book that direct flight.
