With its Mediterranean climate and historic sites, Malta is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations. Even better – at just 316km squared, its small size means it’s incredibly easy to explore over a long weekend.
It’s also a fantastic winter sun destination with temperatures rarely dropping below 15 degrees in winter. From Valletta’s historic UNESCO heritage centre to a quirky mushy pea pastry, I found Malta has plenty to offer.
While I wouldn’t recommend Malta for purely a beach holiday, as much of its coastline is rough and rocky, it has a few fantastic spots worth adding on to your city break itinerary.
I only spent three nights in Malta and managed to tick off a lot of the major landmarks but you could easily spend a week exploring the island and visit some more remote areas.
Valletta
Start your trip to Malta in Valletta, the stunning capital city that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ and the church’s spectacular interior. The painting is the only one in existence to bear the artist’s signature. Bear in mind, that it’s closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and get there before noon or 4pm if you want to see, and hear, the daily saluting battery from the cannons. Don’t miss the Lower Barrakka Gardens, a short walk away, which are perhaps the prettier of the two and also have fantastic sea views.
If you’re looking for something a little off-the-beaten-track, make sure to check out the Mysterium Fidei Monastery. Home to nuns for hundreds of years, the monastery has now been opened to the public and offers an immersive experience. Peek inside the simple bedrooms, see where the chickens were kept and take a moment of peace in the monastery’s beautiful courtyard garden, a city centre oasis.
As Valletta is so small, it’s easy to get around the city on foot with plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants for refuelling.
Mdina
If you’ve got more time after Valletta, head to Mdina – Malta’s inland fortified city. Before entering the city walls, make sure to stop at Serkin Crystal Palace, a small cafe known for its pastizzi. A Maltese delicacy, pastizzi are crispy pastries filled with curried mushy peas. Strange as it might sound, they’re a delicious treat and the perfect snack for an on-the-go lunch.
Known as the Silent City since many of the walled city’s residents left when it lost its status as capital, Mdina remains quiet today as no cars are allowed except for those belonging to locals. It doesn’t take long to explore and keen Game of Thrones fans might recognise the city’s gate as King’s Landing Entrance. Even if you’re not into the HBO show, the historic city is well worth exploring.
Gozo
Gozo is Malta’s sister island and it’s only a 45-minute ferry ride from Valletta. The crossing can be a little rough so be sure to pack seasickness tablets if you’re susceptible to nausea.
The island has some pretty beaches – head to Dwejra Bay, a beautiful cove for a peaceful dip or Ramla Bay for a sandy shore. Sadly the island’s famous Azure Window, a 28m tall natural rock formation arch, collapsed in 2017, but the coastline remains spectacular.
While you’re in Gozo, sample ftira, a tasty flatbread usually topped with tuna and tomato. Red FR has friendly staff and as it’s right in the centre of Victoria, it’s the ideal location for a snack break.
If you want to spend most of your time exploring Valletta, there are plenty of hotel options in the city centre.
Or book a hotel in a nearby seaside town, St Julian’s, to combine a city break with relaxation. We stayed at Hilton Malta which has five swimming pools, sea views and a spa. Just a 15-minute drive from Valletta, it’s ideal if you want to unwind with a dip in the pool after a day of sightseeing.
Gozo also has a range of hotels for all budgets and could be a good choice if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet. Browse a range of accommodation options on Booking.com.