Malta on a Shoestring

Malta is a fantastic destination for families. When it comes to family holidays though, most of us need to stick to a budget of some description. Chances are you're not made of money but still want to show your family a great time. And you don't want to be stuck just hanging around on the beach or cooking every meal in your apartment. So below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your holiday in Malta.

Eat on the Streets

If you're adventurous with food and fancy eating like a local, there are no shortage of places on offer. Every piazza in Malta has a little shop selling Patizzi, a ricotta pastry, which are great for a quick lunch. And it will feed a family of four for under 5 euro. If you want to prepare some meals in your accommodation, take advantage of being on an island and whip up some delicious fish dishes. Things like parrot fish, fresh sardines and fresh mussels are easily affordable in Malta.

On the Buses

Stick to using local transport where possible, and avoid using taxis – they're a sure fire way to eat into your budget wherever you are. The buses in Malta run regularly from a hub in Valetta to towns and villages across the island. A ticket will cost less than one euro and you get to see parts of the island you might not otherwise see. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, it's worth investing in a weekly bus pass for around 15 euro.

Culture Vultures

Malta has a rich cultural history so what better to while on the island than visit some of its museums for free. For a whole day out, consider seeing two or three museums in one day with a patizzi in a piazza for lunch. Check out the National Museum of Archaeology, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National War Museum, all in Valletta.

Festivals and Fiestas

Like any proud nation, the Maltese love to celebrate their culture. Every village and town in Malta has a whole host of events throughout the summer. There's MTV Island – a free event which sees some big name bands play. And White Night – an art and cultural festival which sees museums open late and allow for free entry.

A favourite festival on the island is the Strawberry Festival which is held annually in Mgarr. There are loads of stalls selling all things strawberry related. Farmers bring in fresh strawberries and serve them up covered with cream, ice-cream and chocolate. Children will love choosing from tons of topping