You want to do an internship abroad in a capital city and you have strongly thought about Valletta in Malta but you are wondering what life is like there! Well, that’s a very good question! Let me tell you more about life in this capital.
Living in Valletta, climate and temperatures
Malta has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are long and hot and winters are short and mild. Summer lasts 5 months (May to October) and the temperature averages 30°C throughout this period. In winter, temperatures hover around 10°C and rarely below but the climate is humid. Being on an island, the weather is variable from one moment to the next. I recommend that you bring thin jackets/sweaters that you take off as the day progresses depending on the weather.
Living in Valletta, cost of living
Contrary to popular belief, the cost of living in Malta is high as it is similar to that of France. Accommodation in Malta is clearly the most expensive expense. You should expect to pay around €550 per month for a shared room. Going out in Malta is very affordable, especially as there are often “happy hours” where you can get free drinks. For a dish in a restaurant with meat, you will need to count at least 20€. More “classic” dishes (pasta, pizza, burgers) are less expensive. As for leisure activities, you can get away with renting a kayak for about 15€.
Living in Valletta, transport
In Malta, and in particular in Valletta, you can get around via the Tallinja public transport network. The transport network is extensive and there are many bus routes in Valletta. The bus is the only form of public transport on the island, there are no trams or metro systems in Malta. A bus ride costs between €1.50 and €3 per journey. The cost is reduced if you take a season ticket. You can also use taxis to get around, which do not have high fares. Other means of transport include bicycles and electric scooters.
Living in Valletta, the food
Maltese gastronomy is rooted in Mediterranean, Arab, British and French influences due to successive colonisations. The island has many local specialities: bragioli (beef stew with olives), Maltese sausage, ftira (traditional round bread sandwich with tuna paste and tomato), Stuffat tal fenek (rabbit simmered in a garlic and wine sauce) or Timpana which is a tomato pasta gratin. On the sweet side, you can try the Imqaret which is a cake filled with date paste). I leave a little suspense and you can also taste other specialities that you can discover directly on the spot!
Living in Valletta is a great way to improve your English
English and Maltese are the two official languages in Malta. In Malta, all administrative documents and information in shops and restaurants are in English. You will therefore only be able to communicate in English in Valletta, which is perfect for developing your language skills!
Living in Valletta, enjoying your free time
In your free time, there are many activities to do. If you like water sports, you can go diving or sailing. If lazing around is more your thing, you can go and sunbathe and swim in the coves and small beaches of the island. The Maltese are passionate about vintage cars and regularly organise vintage car races. The Maltese villages organise parties so if you like a festive atmosphere, you will be served in Valletta and more generally throughout the city. There is also plenty to do in Valletta.
We loved going to Malta and Valletta and have been there so many times that we can only recommend it! If you call us, we will tell you more about Valletta! So for your internship in Valletta: contact us!