Welcome! I’m Liz.
I’ve traveled all over the world, but Malta drew me in. It’s personal: I’m a Maltese American, and I’m in the process of claiming Maltese citizenship through descent.
Malta Unpacked is where I share what I’m learning about Malta – the history, the landscapes, the towns, the food, and more.
This site is for travelers who want to go beyond the must-see highlights of Malta (though I’ll cover those, too) and actually understand this place – whether you’re planning your first trip to Malta, or returning and want to experience it more deeply.
If you want the longer, more personal story of how I got here, keep scrolling.
My connection to Malta started long before I ever set foot on the island.
My grandfather immigrated to the United States from Malta as a young adult, not long before World War II. By the time I knew him, he was American in many ways, but he never hid where he came from. He spoke with an accent, he was proud of being Maltese, and in my grandparents’ living room there was a large painting of Valletta’s harbor, the kind of classic skyline view you see in postcards.
Fast forward many years later, I finally visited Malta as an adult. One day, I found myself driving along the water with a clear view of Valletta across the harbor. And it hit me all at once – this is the painting from my grandparents’ living room (my grandparents’ version didn’t have the cranes – now apparently the unofficial “bird” of Malta).
Soon after, I started digging into my Maltese roots. I learned that my Maltese lineage goes back centuries on the islands – as far as records can reasonably trace. I also learned how much movement there has always been in this part of the Mediterranean. The more I learned, the more I realized how invested I felt in understanding as much as I could about this tiny country.
I’m currently in the process of applying for Maltese citizenship through descent, and at the same time, I’m intentionally spending time exploring Malta – not just checking off top attractions, but trying to understand its history, geography, neighborhoods, traditions, and everyday life.
Malta Unpacked is about going deep, exploring with intention, and building a real relationship with a place that feels both new and strangely familiar at the same time. If you’re curious about Malta, planning a trip, or just interested in discovering places that fly under the radar, I’m really glad you’re here.
