Welcome! I’m Liz.
I’ve traveled all over the world, but Malta is different. For me, it’s personal – I’m an American and Maltese citizen with deep family roots in this tiny Mediterranean country.
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 reading.
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, as we were driving along the water with a clear view of Valletta across the harbor, 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 that trip, I started digging deeper into my Maltese roots. I learned that my Maltese lineage goes back centuries on the island – 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 invested I became in understanding Malta – not just as a sun-soaked travel destination, but as part of my lineage.
In 2025, I applied for Maltese citizenship through Malta’s citizenship by descent program, and in 2026 I became a Maltese citizen. Becoming a citizen of Malta has deepened my connection to the islands and reinforced my desire to keep exploring their history, geography, neighborhoods, traditions, and everyday life.
Malta Unpacked is my attempt to share that exploration with others: practical travel advice, hidden gems, and a deeper understanding of this beautiful island nation. 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.
