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Malta or Greece: Which is Better to Visit?

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Malta or Greece: Which is Better to Visit?

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Malta or Greece, which one to pick

Choosing between Malta or Greece can be tough! But never fear – we’re spilling the tea on Greece and Malta to help decide your next sunny vacation spot.

These picture-perfect Mediterranean islands both dazzle with sparkling azure waters and sun-drenched shores perfect for beach holidays. Yet the similarities end there.

Greece wows with over 6000 scattered isles – though only 227 are lived on – primed for hopping between. Score endless adventures sailing between these awe-inspiring islands!

Malta surprises by packing mega sights across tiny lands – it ranks 10th smallest country worldwide! But don’t be fooled by its pint-size. This mighty mite overflows with ancient temples, medieval fortresses, baroque cities and a few gorgeous beaches too!

So which alluring archipelago speaks to your spirit? Seek endless island-hopping fun, mouthwatering Greek fare and whitewashed villages? Or dive deep into centuries of arts, artefacts and heritage sites?

You can’t go wrong! Both deliver history, culture and cuisine in spades. Let those sun-soaked shores call your name to a Med vacation you won’t soon forget!

For the Best Vibe

Malta or Greece? Totally Different, Equally Awesome!

Ready to get the true scoop on how the vibes of Greece and Malta compare? Sit back while we spill the tea on these two sunny island getaways!

Right off the bat, Greece dwarfs Malta land-size wise – we’re talking 420 times larger! Explains why 10.6 mil call Greece home, while Malta rocks a cozier 500,000 residents. Who wouldn’t adore that charming community feeling only a small island can offer?

So if you crave a place where everybody knows your name, Malta all the way! You’ll also dig sleepy fishing villages, uncrowded coves, and a slower pace to fall in love with.

Town might be 30 minutes away max, but stellar sea views fill the ride. And colour-popping balconies wrapped in old-world charm greet you wherever you roam. If peace and quiet is your vibe, charming Malta just gets you.

Malta or Greece, Poros
Poros, Greece

Greece dazzles too – but more in that big, bold, European capital kind of way. Not only is Athens bustling, but tourism exploded across Greece long ago. The infrastructure shows – roads maintained, towns sparkling clean.

Hygiene won’t be keeping you up nights in this hotspot. You’ll also fall for that Greek hospitality in every small town taverna, vineyard château, seaside village. The soul and spirit of this country will sweep you off your feet.

Malta and Greece both deliver – just with totally unique personalities you won’t get anywhere else. Malta charms with its tight community spirit, sleepy vibes, and close-knit island energy. While Greece excites as a diverse, dazzling, developed year-round playground.

You truly can’t pick wrong, depending what mood calls! So pack your bags and embrace these Mediterranean beauties – you’ll leave your heart behind on either of these sun-blessed isles!

Winner: Awesome Malta

Fishing villages

Malta or Greece

Natural Wonders

Craving island adventures overflowing with jaw-dropping natural beauty? Get ready to soak up mesmerizing landscapes in Greece and Malta that’ll leave you awe-struck!

Though petite, mighty Malta packs a visual punch with its lack of greenery amped up by limestone cliffs and ruby-red sandy shores. Lace up those hiking boots to hoof around highlands and valleys.

Mgarr Port, Gozo Malta
Mgarr Port, Gozo Malta

Spotlighting this island’s diverse landscapes – totally Instagram worthy! The isle of Gozo steals the show with its Inland Sea, a dreamy lagoon dotted with wee fishing boats. Peer down from dramatic cliffs then dive right in!

You can also plunge into underwater oddities. Like the topsy-turvy Azure Window, mystical caves, and ancient shipwrecks for adventuring beneath the sea.

Greece has over 6,000 islands with beautiful views. One island, Kefalonia, has an underground lake called Melissani Lake Cave. You can row boats inside the cave. The water is crystal clear blue. Above ground, there is a thick green forest.

Malta or Greece. Harbour in Zakynthos
Sunset in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is another fun island with winding caves near the coast. Follow the caves to get to the blue water and sunshine. Santorini Island has volcanoes.

Delos Island has ancient Greek history. Meteora has old monasteries on top of tall rock formations. Greece’s islands have lots to see like caves, forests, volcanoes, history, monasteries, and more! You will be amazed by everything.

Whether you pick wee Malta or vast Greece, mother nature takes the spotlight! Lace up those hiking boots, ready that camera, and dive on in to some of Europe’s most magical scenery. Let it cast its spell on you! Those legendary landscapes are waiting, will you answer the call?

Winner: Dazzling Greece

Malta or Greece, Meteora
Meteora, Mainland Greece

Malta or Greece

History and Charm

Want culture and beaches? Greece and Malta deliver both! Leave the nice Mediterranean beaches and visit the cool towns and cities. Ancient sites meet old buildings there. Let’s explore!

Malta’s pretty capital Valletta has decorative Baroque buildings like St John’s church and mansions – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Also see original Caravaggio paintings inside. Relax at cute cafes on ornamental balconies. Outside Valletta, see Malta’s ancient temples from over 6,000 years ago! Ggantija’s strong stone walls were built before Egypt’s famous pyramids.

Greece or Croatia, Oia Accommodation, back streets, Santorini
Oia in Santorini, Greece

Greece’s 6,000 islands have lovely white villages too. See the iconic blue-domed town of Oia on volcanic Santorini island – simply magical! Neighboring Fira also impresses with colorful buildings on hillsides over bright blue water. History-rich Rhodes town has medieval lanes and big old fortresses to tour.

Then there’s Athens – the capital mixing ancient gems and modern sites. Climb the Acropolis hill to see 5th-century BC temples and get iconic views. Visit the sleek Acropolis Museum below to see ancient artifacts and relax in stylish cafes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m already swayed! Greece and Malta both bring rich culture, architecture, history and arts wherever you roam. Village hop or museum crawl to your heart’s content – you’ll leave wanting more from these gems! Their streets have stories to tell, are you ready to listen?

Winner: Greece

Malta or Greece, Oia Santorini

Who Has the Best Food

Malta or Greece?

If you fancy yourself a foodie, my globe-trotting friend, Greece and Malta deliver mouthwatering Med cuisine that’ll have your tastebuds doing a happy dance! Furthermore, let those island flavours transport you. Oa!

Greek gastronomy blends sunshine and sea air into fresh, vibrant dishes meant for sharing. Moreover, savour grilled meats, seasonal veggies, and fruits of the ocean drizzled in that liquid gold – olive oil!

Don’t forget the tzatziki, taramasalata, and other iconic dips to dip that fluffy flatbread into. For Greeks, mealtime mingles family, friends old and new. Break bread together and let the Ouzo flow!

Quaint Malta infuses its food with old-world heartiness reflecting generations past. Additionally, rustic, robust stews bubble with local rabbit, fish, or veggies – depending on the season’s catch!

Oia,  wine and food
Greek Octopus Lunch

Sailors and travellers left their mark too in pastas, risottos, and antipasti now plated with Maltese flair. Dig in to speciality pies or their take on ratatouille called Kapunata for a real local treat. And thanks to Sicilian influence, practically every dish bursts with a medley of herbs, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients.

Fancy an authentic taste of these islands? Malta still keeps it deliciously old-school in family kitchens and off-the-tourist-track restaurants. Yet Greece shares its vibrant cuisine on menus worldwide!

Seafood on the Harbour in Malta

Additionally, savour an escape to Malta to taste centuries-old recipes. Or recreate the Greek magic at home by pairing feta, olives, fresh seafood, and sunshine-kissed veggies drizzled in olive oil. Yum!

Either way, belly up to the table for Mediterranean feasts that nourish the body and soul! Now pass the Ouzo and Opaaa!

Winner: Delicious Malta

Malta or Greece for the food

Malta or Greece

Value for Money

Saving those pennies for the perfect Mediterranean vacation? News flash, Greece emerges the budget-friendly winner over steeply-priced Malta! Yamas!

That’s right – almost everything rings up cheaper throughout Greece, from dining to groceries to getting around town. Indulge in the same delicious €10 moussaka in Greece vs forking over €15 in Malta! Monthly rental digs also impress at a whopping €300 less in Greece.

Chalk it up to import costs that burden wee island Malta. But Greece spreads imports across over 6000 islands – score! Now the country’s sheer size brings options too, from lavish islands to cheaper mainland.

Greece or Malta, Santorini Family Hotel pool in Oia
Luxury in Santorini, Greece

Yet make no mistake, those picture-postcard Greek isles like Santorini and Corfu still cost a pretty penny. We’re talking a good 10% over Malta’s rates!

So here’s the bottom line. If you pine for a delightful island getaway that goes easy on your wallet, little Malta delivers. But seeking crazy-cheap Mediterranean deals? Then mainland Greece it is!

Either way, breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant culture and endlessly sunny skies await you for less across Greece! So pack those bags and let’s jet off to stretch our budget in style! Is it itty-bitty Malta or value-packed Greece calling your name??

Winner: Greece

Malta or Greece, blue sky on Mykonos
Blue Skies and Sand on Mykonos

Malta or Greece

Year Round Sun?

Craving endless sunshine and balmy temps on your next vacation? Set sights on Greece and Malta. Two Mediterranean marvels sporting sun-kissed weather year-round!

We’re talking pleasantly toasty conditions here with average summer highs hovering in the low 30s Celsius. Greek isles like Santorini and Crete occasionally spike into the 40s when that humidity hits just right! But sea breezes usually keep things cool along the thousands of picturesque coasts.

Take a dip if you work up a sweat! Those aquamarine waves average a delightful 25 degrees in midsummer.

When cooler months arrive, both destinations boast mild weather compared to the rest of Europe. Average January temps sit around 14 degrees – perfect for sunny strolls! Snow barely makes an appearance, though northern Greece sees a few flurries here and there.

SAN GILJAN, MALTA in NOVEMBER
San Giljan, Malta in November

If you’re really after a warm winter escape, tiny Malta edges out Greece a tad thanks to balmy winds sweeping over from the Sahara Desert! This toasty air keeps autumn and spring ultra pleasant too. Don’t mind a bit of haze – that’s just the desert dust getting carried over!

No matter the month, sunshine and blue skies shine over Greece and Malta nearly every day. Both deliver gorgeous weather all year long! So slather on that SPF and prepare to soak up some gorgeous Mediterranean climes! When will you bask under those rays?

Winner: A Sun Kissed Draw

Malta or Greece, for weather

Conclusion

Both Greece and Malta dazzle with inviting waters, heritage, and sunshine. Craving island hopping adventures? Go for lively Greece to hit endless stunning beaches and towns.

Seeking winter rejuvenation? Pick charming Malta where rustic cuisine, cozy towns, and friendly locals await undiscovered. Let these Mediterranean beauties cast their unique spells this year! Either choice guarantees magic.

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Travel Planning Guide for Malta or Greece

Travel Insurance for Your Trip

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Greece stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Greece

Indeed, renting a car in Malta is easy and is a great way to explore the island freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

The best way to book your accommodation in Malt or Greece is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Greece

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit the best places to visit in Greece.

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Soft Footprints

At Soft Footprints we aim to give you all the information you need to make your next adventure something special! 

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