Though I grew up in Scotland and now live in Ireland (both of which are gorgeous), I’m a sun seeker and not sure where I want to settle when I retire.
The best way to find out, though, is to give different countries a try.
So, in August 2023, I arranged my projects so I could spend a whole month scoping out a spot on my list of possible places to live: Malta.
Though the country is undeniably lovely, I realized after visiting for a month that it isn’t actually my ideal forever home.
Don’t get me wrong — Malta has a lot to offer its visitors
Louise Slyth
First off, Malta is one of the few countries in Europe where English is an official language, which I appreciate as a native speaker and an EU citizen.
It has warm weather most of the year, and it’s considered one of the sunniest places in Europe. As a result, Malta is well set up for outdoor living, and the overall vibe is definitely more relaxed.
Rooftop bars and outdoor terraces are everywhere, buzzing with people taking full advantage of the climate to enjoy cocktail hour al fresco.
Louise Slyth
With a prime spot in the Mediterranean, the country also has a beautiful coastline, with plenty of beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Related stories
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Malta even has three UNESCO World Heritage sites, including its capital city, Valletta, which is filled with impressive churches, historical buildings, and lovely restaurants. I also enjoyed seeing its ancient Megalithic Temples and kaleidoscopic waters in the Blue Grotto.
The local dining scene is a true melting pot, shaped by Roman, Arabic, Spanish, French, and, more recently, British influences — a real draw for me as a foodie
Plus, there are many pretty fishing villages in the area where it’s easy to sample amazing fresh seafood.
Even so, there are a few reasons I can’t picture myself living here
Louise Slyth
At roughly 122 square miles, Malta is the world’s 10th smallest country and is considered one of the most densely populated.
On top of being home to more than 500,000 residents, the country welcomes millions of tourists each year. Malta has seen a record-breaking increase in visitors over the last few years, and overtourism can be a real issue, especially in the summer months.
A couple of weeks into my trip, the crowds started to feel overwhelming. The streets and attractions felt constantly packed with people, and even boarding public transport often meant waiting in a long line
I really empathize with the locals, who constantly have to deal with these sorts of issues throughout peak tourist season. I know I’d find it challenging to live in such a small space that gets flooded with crowds for months out of the year.
During my trip, I also struggled to find many green spaces. Having grown up in Scotland (and now living in Ireland), I’m used to being surrounded by trees, lush grass, and nature reserves on almost all sides.
I didn’t realize how much I’d miss it, and though Malta has beautiful views of the water in all directions and a handful of gardens, it wasn’t quite green enough for me.
Lastly, in terms of my ideal retirement destination, I’d like to live somewhere where my part-time salary or retirement income will go further than it does in Ireland.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find that this was the case in Malta.
Many rental properties I researched in the area seemed really nice, but the prices in Malta’s capital generally seemed to be on par with where I live in Ireland.
And though I found I could eat very well in Malta — I visited some especially fabulous restaurants with excellent local produce — the food prices weren’t much cheaper than what I already pay back home.
Still, I don’t regret visiting Malta
Louise Slyth
On paper, the country checked off many of my boxes, but the reality was slightly different.
Malta is a great vacation destination, and I get why it’s a popular pick for many retirees. The weather is fabulous, the people are friendly, there’s lots to see and do, and there are plenty of great restaurants and bars.
But I knew within days of arriving that I wasn’t meant to live there. Even the endless sunshine couldn’t lessen my sense of claustrophobia on the small island.
Still, I’m glad I spent a few weeks experiencing what Malta had to offer to get even a small sense of what life there might actually be like.
For now, I’m still very happy living in Ireland, but I might keep my options open when it comes to my forever home.
