Malta, a country with historical ties to the UK, was a British colony from 1814 to 1964. Since gaining independence, Malta has maintained a close relationship with the UK. The social, political, and physical similarities between the two countries make Malta a popular holiday destination for many Brits.
Recently, Easyjet named Malta as the top alternative holiday spot for 2025. With affordable flights from the UK starting at just £20 and a short flight time of around three hours, it’s no surprise that Malta is highly rated. What aspects of Malta make it a comfortable and familiar destination for British travelers?
Upon arriving in Malta, one immediately notices that cars drive on the left side of the road, similar to the UK. This familiarity can ease the nerves of British drivers navigating the narrow and congested Maltese roads, where drivers exhibit a more assertive Mediterranean style of driving.
Not only are the driving conditions reminiscent of the UK, but the pedestrian crossings in Malta also mirror those found in the UK, complete with zebra crossings and Pelican crossings with familiar features like black and white stripes and yellow Belisha beacons.
British brands are prevalent throughout Malta, with well-known names like Marks and Spencer, Costa Coffee, Iceland, and Spar dotting the island. Seeing familiar products, such as frozen Greggs Steak Bakes in local stores like Iceland, can provide a comforting sense of home for British visitors.
During a stay at the AX ODYCY hotel, a popular lodging option in Qawra, Malta, British travelers will find that the plug sockets are compatible with UK plugs, eliminating the need for expensive EU adapters.
Malta’s parliamentary system bears similarities to Britain’s, and its educational system includes a two-year sixth form leading to A-levels, preparing students for university. English is one of the official languages in Malta, alongside Maltese, making it easier for tourists to navigate the island.
For those considering a trip to Malta, the AX ODYCY hotel offers great package deals, starting from £199 per person for a six-night stay for two adults, including flights from Manchester. Bookings can be made through Lastminute.com, and the hotel’s January Sale begins at the end of December.