Skyscanner: Malta capital city has became a travel hot spot for Canadians in July

While European travel has a pattern of being popular for summer travellers, a smaller city, Valletta, the capital Malta, is gaining visitor this month. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed there has been a 42 per cent month-over-month increase in bookings for flights to Valletta in July, from Canadian airports.

From food lovers to history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, there’s something to interest everyone in Valletta. If you’ve been dreaming of going to Italy, think about Valletta as a great alternative.

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Why is Valletta, Malta such a popular destination for Canadian travellers?

The desire to travel is very top-of-mind for many people, around the world, and as popular vacation spots keep getting booked up, it may be time to look at alternatives to more conventional destinations.

“If you’ve been dreaming of going to Italy, but it’s become a bit too popular, you’re going to want to add Valletta to your short-list of alternative destinations,” Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted. “There are a number of similarities between Malta and Italy, including culture, architecture, climate, lifestyle of locals, and most importantly – the world- renowned food.”

“Maltese cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian food, so as a traveller, you’ll enjoy similar culinary experiences with pasta, fresh island seafood, and wines that are reminiscent of Italian flavours. As Malta’s capital, Valletta is worth exploring! Imagine immersing yourself in a living museum that offers a blend of historical grandeur and vibrant modern culture. You’ll spend most of your time wandering through streets with stunning Baroque architecture, exploring centuries-old fortifications, and (literally) diving into the Mediterranean lifestyle.”

How much does it cost to go to Malta in July from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Malta, roundtrip from Canadian airports, flights from Toronto from July 18 to July 25 start at $1,074.

Travelling from Vancouver to Malta, roundtrip flights are around $1,300, and from Montreal flights are as low as $988.

Don’t forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.

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3 expert tips on what to do in Valletta, Malta

For beach explorers, Valletta has a lot to offer, and it’s a great destination for adventure-seeking travellers, particularly anyone interested in scuba diving.

“With crystal-clear waters, fascinating marine life, and a treasure trove of underwater wrecks and caves, you’ll want to add scuba diving in Malta to your bucket list,” Lindsay advised. “It’s a diver’s paradise with diverse dive sites and exceptional visibility meaning that each plunge promises a new and exhilarating discovery.”

Travellers who prioritize seeing a city’s most impressive architecture when they travel, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a key landmark. Built between 1573 and 1578, it has a particularly ornate interior full of gilded decorations, inlaid marble floor, intricate carvings, and paintings. It’s also the location of Italian artist Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.”

If you want the best view in Valletta, the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the place to go, originally built as a private garden for the Knights of St. John.

“Located at the highest point of the city walls, these gardens provide a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua),” Lindsay shared. “The gardens also feature a daily cannon firing ceremony at noon from the Saluting Battery, which is a unique and historical experience.”

Where to stay in Valletta, Malta

Stay at The Phoenicia Malta, one of the most iconic hotels in Malta, located just on the edge of Valletta. The hotel celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022 and previous visitors included Queen Elizabeth II. The Contessa restaurant is also a highlight for many guests at the property.

The Rosselli AX Privilege is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Valletta, boasting a mix of “sophistication and tranquillity,” with Michelin-starred dining. It has 25 rooms and suites, and offers private experiences during your stay.

A Maltese townhouse transformed into a boutique hotel, Palazzo Consiglia with 13 rooms is located near the Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Waterfront and Fort Saint Elmo. The property features a steam room, outdoor and indoor pools, and uniquely designed rooms that each have their own distinct character.

Skyscanner’s Saved Feature: Save those deals to look at later

Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.

Take advantage of the “Saved” feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.

• Step 1: Find your flights and hotel

• Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account!

• Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you’re planning.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

• Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

• Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

• Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

• Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.