Life on a Small Mediterranean Island in Malta
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of chatting with a German couple in Gzira. They were sitting next to me at a café, and our conversation left an impression. I thought their story was worth sharing.
“The cappuccino here is great! Feel free to share our little story on your blog,” they said with a smile.
They had just embarked on a sabbatical, staying in Gzira for a few weeks and embracing a much slower pace of life. He had worked as a train driver in Germany for 20 years, and his wife had spent decades as a high school teacher. With their children off to university, it was the perfect time for a change. Malta, they felt, was just the right place to begin this new chapter.
A Slower Pace
One of the first things they noticed was how gently life moves on an island like Malta. No longer bound by rigid schedules, they could simply enjoy the day. This change of pace gave them room to explore their interests. He had a growing passion for AI, and she was finally pursuing her dream of wood sculpture. They both felt like they’d earned this one year break after years of working hard in demanding yet fulfilling careers. Train driving and teaching aren’t easy jobs, but they’re honourable ones—and they were proud of what they’d contributed to society.
Despite taking it slow, they noticed that Malta was far from sleepy. People were busy, working hard, they could see this around their new town in Gzira, where they lived. It was a reminder that, while they were lucky enough to step back, life here still had a pulse, full of activity and ambition.
Nature and History at Every Turn
They told me about their daily walks along the seaside promenade, watching the Mediterranean stretch endlessly before them. Sometimes, they’d take the ferry to Valletta. Other afternoons, they’d venture into the countryside, discovering hidden trails and peaceful spots that most tourists miss. They even visited Comino and Gozo, taking a boat tour around the islands and marveling at Malta’s rugged beauty. Discover more on what you can do in Malta in our : Malta Travel Guide.
Each outing revealed a new layer of the island’s history and natural charm. It was the perfect place to slow down, and as the husband said with a laugh, much gentler than the hectic world of train driving. Malta really offered them a unique blend of experiences in such a small space.
Want to learn more about Sliema and Gzira please see the following:
AI: A Growing Passion
Over the past few years, his interest in AI had deepened, particularly in how it could transform daily life. He spoke excitedly about the future of AI and how it would shape not only work but love, relationships, and everyday experiences. In Malta, he finally had the time to pursue this passion fully. He was even writing children’s books about AI—something he never thought he’d do—but it felt right. He wanted to help kids see the endless possibilities that AI could bring.
Unique Culture and Traditions
Malta’s rich blend of cultures fascinated them. The island’s history was tangible, from the Phoenician and Roman influences to the legacy of the Knights of Malta. They remarked on how different it felt from northern Europe, where many cities start to blur together. Here, every stone had a story to tell. And they loved that Malta seemed to pack an extraordinary amount of experiences into such a small space. They joked that the “experiences per kilometer squared” were far higher than anything they’d known back in Germany.
Time Feels Different Here
After years of working to tight schedules, having time to breathe was almost surreal. They felt privileged to have this opportunity, especially when friends in Germany were worried about job security and the future of their industries. This sabbatical was a gift, allowing them to enjoy the slower pace and discover life’s possibilities at their own speed. And maybe, just maybe, the husband quipped, it would help his blood pressure!
This break reminded me of how many travelers seek mental health benefits through travel, taking time to recharge and escape the pressures of daily life.
Challenges of Island Living
But it wasn’t all sunsets and easy living. They admitted that Malta had its share of challenges. Traffic could be a real headache, especially during peak hours. Flights to and from the island weren’t always cheap either, making it difficult to visit family or travel. And the ongoing construction was hard to ignore—Malta was clearly growing fast, with infrastructure upgrades happening all over, but they had seen this before with their parents vacation home in Spain. Eventually, the demand would settle, and things would balance out.
This reminded me of the growing interest in remote work from Malta and how more people are discovering the balance between modern convenience and island charm.
A Welcoming Community
One of the things they loved most about Malta was how welcoming the people were. Conversations started easily, whether at the beach, in a café, or while waiting in line. The sense of community was strong, and that warmth made settling in much easier. They had made friends just by striking up casual conversations while walking along the promenade.
The Drama of Island Life
Island life had its dramatic moments, too. The sunsets were unforgettable, with colors shifting from bright orange to deep purples over the sea. Whether walking along the promenade, or just watching the waves roll in, Malta’s natural beauty never ceased to amaze them.
A New Kind of Digital Nomad
Though they never referred to themselves as digital nomads, that’s precisely what this German couple had become. They were embracing a flexible lifestyle, free to pursue their passions—AI and wood sculpting—while discovering Malta’s rich culture and natural beauty. This couple were digital nomads but they never referred to themselves as such 🙂 They seemed to have found a genuine connection with Malta.
Their faces lit up when they spoke about their new hobbies and the joy of slowing down. It was clear that Malta was doing them a world of good, offering them not just a break from routine but a chance to rediscover life’s simple pleasures. Watching them, you couldn’t help but feel that they had found their own personal paradise, one step at a time, and perhaps, without even realizing it, they had become the kind of modern nomads that so many aspire to be.
Malta, with its endless surprises and slower pace, seemed to be the perfect backdrop for this new chapter of their lives.
Check out some other articles on the topic!
