Life in Malta: Sun, Sea and a New Beginning

Although they still miss their homeland, they say that moving to Malta was one of the best decisions they have ever made.

"It all started when we kept seeing photos of Malta on Instagram. Little by little, the idea of moving there began to grow. When we decided to start our life together on the island, we were incredibly excited. The sea, more than 300 sunny days a year, and the English language were the main reasons behind our decision. We were also drawn by the opportunity to experience a new culture, a different way of life, and meet people from all over the world. Since moving here at the end of 2019, we've been living in the central town of Msida, where everything is within easy reach - our jobs, beaches, restaurants, shopping centers, and more," Nevena and Rajko told HEDONIST Magazine.

Editor's note: This article is part of the HEDONIST archive and was originally published in the sixth print edition of the magazine in 2021.

Nevena currently works in a boutique, while Rajko is a professional hairstylist. Describing their new home, they explain that central Malta is the island's most densely populated area, filled with modern residential buildings, while the country's authentic character reveals itself in the surrounding towns and villages.

"The narrow streets, traditional limestone houses, and brightly painted doors and windows, used by the Maltese to brighten the landscape, are simply breathtaking. If you want to explore parts of Malta uniquely, you can even rent a horse-drawn carriage and step back into the 19th century while touring historic fortresses. Another advantage of Malta is its location between Europe, Africa, and Asia, making it an excellent starting point for traveling to many other destinations," they explain.

After nearly two years on the island, they had explored much of Malta, swum with dolphins, gone scuba diving, camped on the beach, and experienced the island's magical atmosphere during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"One of Malta's most famous attractions is Popeye Village, built in 1980 as the film set for the movie Popeye. Today, it has become a charming seaside attraction where visitors can watch scenes from the film, play mini golf, enjoy various games, and even create their own short movie. Popeye and Olive greet visitors at the entrance, immediately setting the tone for a fun day. It's definitely worth visiting. Another unforgettable experience was Mediterraneo Park, where we had the chance to swim with dolphins. It was truly spectacular. Besides dolphins, there are seals, birds, reptiles, and many other animals, making it a perfect place for wildlife lovers. We also have to mention that we've never seen a country decorated for the holidays quite like Malta. They're absolutely passionate about Christmas decorations - every single street is beautifully illuminated," they recall.

For those looking for a slower pace of life, they recommend visiting the nearby island of Gozo, known for its peaceful atmosphere, unspoiled nature, beautiful beaches, and scenic walking trails.

"There's also Comino's Blue Lagoon, famous for its unbelievably clear turquoise water. Another unforgettable experience was scuba diving at Golden Bay. We chose the Discover Scuba Diving course, which is perfect for beginners. The instructors were highly professional and explained everything about the equipment and breathing techniques before we entered the water. The entire experience lasted around four hours. We dove to a depth of ten meters and had the chance to admire the incredible underwater world. It truly felt like paradise," they say.

Always eager to spend every free moment by the sea, Nevena and Rajko believe that everyone should visit Malta at least once.

"Malta is a country that genuinely takes care of its people, something that became especially evident during the pandemic. Education, kindergartens, and healthcare are free, making it an excellent place to raise a family if you're looking for security. On the other hand, if you're searching for entertainment, Malta is equally attractive thanks to its vibrant nightlife and numerous water sports. The island's rich history is another reason why it's such a fascinating destination. Salaries here may not be as high as in countries like Germany, but that was never our priority, and we've never regretted our decision," they conclude.

What They Miss Most: Nature and Homemade Food

Despite everything Malta has to offer, there are still things they miss from home.

"Nature is probably what we miss the most. Malta isn't the best destination if you're looking for forests, mountains, or rivers. But if you love the sea, beaches, and sunshine, you'll feel right at home. We also miss homemade food because, in our opinion, Maltese cuisine isn't particularly remarkable. Fortunately, there are plenty of restaurants serving specialties from all over the world. The Maltese language is quite difficult and not especially pleasant to the ear, but luckily, almost everyone speaks English, and many also speak Italian. People aren't as unfriendly as some stereotypes suggest - it all depends on who you meet. One downside is that housing prices are very high compared to local salaries. Our advice to anyone considering moving here is to gather as much information as possible from people who already live on the island. Once you arrive, don't rush into renting an apartment or accepting the first job offer. Every day you spend here teaches you something new that will help you make better decisions," Nevena and Rajko advise.

• Written by: Nevena Reljić / HEDONIST

• Originally published in HEDONIST Magazine, Issue No. 6 (2021)