Malta has been voted as the top summer destination of 2019 by popular rodent travel website RatAdvisor.
The island won the coveted accolade ahead of more traditional rat-friendly destinations like London, Paris and the German town of Hamelin.
“With mountains of rubbish bags left in the sweltering heat for weeks on end, there are plenty of al fresco dining options all over the country. So whether you fancy an upmarket rotten meal in filthy Sliema, or prefer to rough it in grimy St Paul’s Bay, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spoiled food,” writes Toby Whiskers, RatAdvisor’s travel editor.
“Lovers of rat history should definitely check out the Rabat Catacombs and the labyrinthine tunnels beneath Valletta, where, during the Great Siege of 1565, brave Maltese rats fought off invading rats from Constantinople who had stowed away on board the Ottomans’ galleys.
“And if you’re feeling adventurous, climb up one of the island’s many tower cranes to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of other tower cranes.”
Whiskers also mentions that many rats who come to Malta on holiday end up relocating permanently, becoming part of the exrat community.
The glowing review will be seen as a win for Tourism Minister Konrat Mizzi, who has been making efforts to promote Malta as a rodent-friendly destination.
“As a rat myself, I’m delighted that our efforts to turn Malta into a literal dump are paying off,” Mizzi told Bis-Serjetà.
