Writing about this topic is particularly exciting for me because I’ve been living in Malta for almost six months now. I’m committed to providing you with honest reviews, highlighting what’s truly worth experiencing and what you might consider skipping. Hope you enjoy!
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a compact country comprised of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It is an independent EU country located 50 miles south of Sicily and roughly 200 miles north of Libya. This charming nation is steeped in rich history, a vibrant party scene, and a delectable cuisine. Valletta, one of the smallest capital cities in the world, boasts a history dating back to the 16th century. Malta’s cinematic allure further enhances its charm, as it has served as the backdrop for popular movies and TV series such as Napoleon, Assassin’s Creed, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
Currency: Euro (€)
Credit cards are widely accepted. If cash is necessary, you can find plenty of ATMs throughout the country.
Language:
The official language of Malta is both Maltese & English. And yes, Maltese is a language, not just a cute dog breed.
Visa Requirements
United States citizens do not require a visa and are allowed to stay within Malta for up to 90 days.
Best Time To Visit:
What attracts numerous tourists to Malta is its year-round appeal of favorable weather. Winters are mild, with temperatures in the 50s (°F), making it a pleasant destination even in the cooler months. Warmer weather typically begins in early May, and while summers can be quite hot, the island remains a popular destination throughout the season.
Getting Around:
TAXI: Uber & Bolt are an affordable and accessible option that saves travelers the hassle of finding a parking spot. However, traveling from the north to the south or the east to the west of Malta takes about an hour and multiple rides can become expensive.
FERRY: To go from Malta to Comino or Gozo, you’ll need to travel by ferry. During most of the year, the ferries leave at least 1-2 times per hour and the trip takes less than 30 minutes.
The most incessant complaints from locals include heavy traffic, limited parking, and constant construction. Due to the influx of businesses, expats relocating to the island, and increased tourism, Malta has become extremely congested. Traffic can build up quickly, often doubling travel times during peak hours.
TRAVEL TIP: Staying in Valletta, St. Julian’s, or Sliema offers the advantage of having numerous restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. You can also catch a ferry that shuttles between Valletta and Sliema, a quick 10-minute ride that saves you valuable time avoiding traffic.
Where To Stay:
(Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s)
St. Julian’s and Sliema stand out as bustling tourist hubs in Malta. St. Julian’s caters particularly well to young travelers seeking a lively nightlife. On the other hand, Sliema, home to a diverse expat community, offers an array of excellent dining options and lively bars. However, it lacks the historical charm that defines Valletta. If it were my first time traveling to Malta, I would wholeheartedly recommend staying in Valletta. Valletta is centrally located and is undoubtedly the most unique and trendiest part of the island.
If your main reason to visit Malta is to lounge in a beach, you might want to reconsider and choose other Mediterranean destinations like Italy or Greece. While Malta is undeniably beautiful, its sandy beaches are limited. However, what Malta lacks in sandy beaches, it more than makes up for with its rich history, cultural landmarks and vibrant party scene.
Valletta Hotels:
The Pheonicia – Grand Hotel Excelsior – The Embassy – Castille Hotel – Palazzo Ignazio
St. Julian’s & Sliema Hotels:
Westin Dragonara – Hilton – Marriot – Cavalieri Art Hotel – 1926 Le Soleil – Corinthia Palace
WHERE TO EAT:
Malta boasts a myriad of dining establishments waiting to be explored. Over the next two years of living in Malta I’m excited to embark on a culinary adventure, sampling as many restaurants as possible, and sharing my top picks with you. As you’ll see, there are many great places listed, along with restaurants and bars recommended by friends that are high on the radar to check out in the future.
TRAVEL TIP: Maltese food is quite interesting, though my husband and I haven’t had the chance to visit many authentic Maltese restaurants. If you’re adventurous enough to try dishes like fried rabbit, stewed horse meat, rabbit liver, and snails, don’t hesitate to make a reservation!
BREAKFAST:
The Bagel Hole (Valletta)- Nestled down the steps of a Maltese-style building, this small spot is the first and only bagel shop on the island. If you’re from New York and craving a NY-style, hand rolled bagel, this is where its at! It’s not the best bagel I’ve had, but definitely helps with those cravings.
Tribe (Valletta): Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this establishment offers a trendy atmosphere with outdoor seating, where you can indulge in classic elevated dishes. Their brunch menu is the star!
Word of Mouth (Sliema): This brunch spot offers a vibrant ambiance and a diverse menu with a mix of satisfying and healthy options. Overall the food lacked a wow factor, but I definitely would come again.
Dr. Juice: convenient locations scattered throughout the island, making it an effortless choice for grabbing a refreshing morning smoothie.
Sunday in Scotland (Sliema): Select from delicious pastries, sweet treats, and coffee – a perfect spot for indulging in a leisurely morning or afternoon break.
La Crema (Sliema): Cozy, cute location to grab coffee and a pastry.
As you know, breakfast in Europe isn’t a big affair. In Malta, they keep it simple with coffee and pastizzi. These savory pastries, similar to puff pastry, are filled with either ricotta cheese or a curried pea mixture. You’ll find numerous pastizzerias around the island—I’m still sampling them, so I can’t recommend the best one just yet.
DINNER:
Rampila (Valletta) – This restaurant’s walls were originally crafted by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century as a component of the protective fortifications surrounding Valletta. It now serves as a unique dining venue. The restaurant is nestled within a medieval tunnel, and provides outdoor terrace seating overlooking views of Valletta’s fortress. Rampilla offers an affordable selection of Mediterranean dishes. We were impressed with the beef carpaccio appetizer and thoroughly enjoyed the Paccheri pork cheek ragu.
N’duja Osteria (Valletta)- small, quaint, charming Italian dining spot tucked away in one of the city’s historic streets. The star dish of the menu is undoubtedly the Orecchiette Ndjua, a pasta cooked with spicy Calabrian sausage. However, every item on the menu is exceptional!
59 Republic Street (Valletta) – Located in St. George’s Square, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. The food is trendy, though the portions are small for the price. However, the drinks are delicious. I’d definitely return for a drink and some people-watching, but I wouldn’t rush back for the food.
Harbour Club (Valletta) – incredible date-night spot, especially in the summer when you can book the upper terrace. It offers the best fine dining experience in Malta, surpassing even the one-star restaurants.
Portopalo (Sliema) – Delicious seafood in a relaxed setting where the food outshines the ambiance.
Tora (Sliema) – Upscale Chinese cuisine with breathtaking views of Valletta. This is one of the better sushi spots on the island.
Jungle Joy (Sliema) – Crowds flock to this laid-back bar, while behind the glass doors in the back, you’ll find some of the best Thai food on the island. I’m obsessed with their panang curry!
Hammet’s Gastro Bar (Sliema) – Enjoy flavorful Asian fusion dishes paired with delicious cocktails and fantastic happy hour specials.
Taco Bar (Sliema) – This is the closest you’ll get to authentic Mexican cuisine around here. We’ve practically become regulars! Don’t miss out on the Taco Smash cocktail—it’s hands down the best drink on the menu!
Waterpolo Club (Ta’ Xbiex) – This waterside restaurant, inspired by Sicilian cuisine, offers iconic views of Valletta.
Terrone (Birgu) – Dishes inspired by southern Italian and traditional Maltese cooking built within Fort St. Angelo. This is hands down one of my favorite spots on the island based off ambiance & food.
ON THE RADAR:
Da Pippo (Valletta)- N Japanese Bistro & Sake Bar (Valletta) – Noni (Valletta) – Gracy’s Arts & Supper Club (Valletta) – Casa Sotto (Valletta) – Ion Habour (Valletta) – Legligin Restaurant (Valletta) – Zero Sei Trattoria Romano (Valletta)
Barracuda (Sliema) – Manta (Sliema) – Chophouse (Sliema) – Picasso (Sliema) – Ta’ Kris (Sliema)
NAAR Restobar (St. Julian’s) – Brasserie Rodin (St. Julian’s) – Zen Sushi – (St. Julain’s) – Hammett’s Mestizo (St. Julian’s)
Seafood Market Grill (Ta’ Xbiex) – The Black Egg (Ta’ Xbiex)
BEST SPOTS TO GRAB A COCKTAIL:
| Kammy Cocktail Bar (Valletta) | La Luz (Sliema) |
| Babel (Valletta) | Guadalupes (Sliema) |
| Cafe Society (Valletta) | The Exiles (Sliema) |
| Queen Elizabeth Pub (Sliema) | Hammett’s Monastik (Sliema) |
TOP ATTRACTIONS IN MALTA:
1. Upper Barraka Gardens (Valletta)
The Upper Barrakka Gardens rank among Malta’s most popular attractions, drawing numerous visitors each year. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and Vittoriosa’s Grand Harbour Marina. At noon and 4 pm, visitors can witness the firing of cannons in the Saluting Battery below. This tradition dates back to the city’s defense against the Ottoman Empire. Today, it serves as a ceremonial event. Additionally, the gardens feature a lift that provides convenient access to the Grand Harbour below.
2. St. Johns Co-Cathedral (Valletta)
St. John’s Co-Cathedral played a central role in the religious and cultural life of Malta. The iconic landmark embodies Baroque architecture, an opulent style established in Italy in the late 16th century. Though modest on the exterior, once inside, you’ll be captivated by the intricate marble and dazzling gold sculptures. Constructed between 1572 and 1577 by the Order of St. John, the cathedral was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint. The term “co-cathedral” reflects its status as one of two cathedrals in Malta, alongside the Cathedral of St. Paul in Mdina.
3. Explore the streets of Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s capital, is one of the first cities named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its size, the city is packed with a plethora of historical landmarks, museums, and Michelin-star restaurants. Its narrow streets and preserved landmarks invite visitors to stroll and soak up the city’s charm.
4. Fort St. Elmo (Valletta)
A historic fortress built during the 16th century to withstand the wrath of the Ottoman Empire. It faced the brunt of Ottoman forces during the siege of Malta in 1565. Despite the odds, the small fort held out for a month before surrendering. During British rule, it was upgraded for artillery and played a key role in Malta’s defense in World War II. On June 11, 1940 it endured the first aerial bombardment on the island. Given its history, today, it now houses the National War Museum.
5. Mdina
Mdina is a medieval city that dates back as far as 4000 years. It has been the backdrop of multiple movies and TV shows including Game of Thrones. Like Valletta, Mdina’s winding streets are best explored without a plan. Make sure to take note of the city gate which was once featured in GoT as the entrance to King’s Landing (pictured below). Also, Mesquita Square is where the fight between Jaime Lannister and Ned Stark broke out.
6. St. Paul’s Catacombs (Rabat)
St. Paul’s Catacombs, the largest in Malta and located just a short walk from Mdina, offer a fascinating glimpse into early Christian burial practices. Dating back to the 4th to 8th centuries AD, these catacombs were once a burial site for Christians and are believed to have been used by Malta’s Roman inhabitants. The catacombs span multiple levels and cover approximately 2,000 square meters. Visitors can explore a variety of burial chambers, including niches, arched chambers, and stone benches used for funeral feasts.
7. Comino / Blue Lagoon
Comino is home to only one resident and is mostly composed of rocky terrain and an abandoned hotel. The island is famous for its Blue Lagoon, which boasts crystal-clear waters and stunning beauty. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The beach area is very small, so most visitors lounge on the surrounding rocks and swim in the lagoon. Be aware that it can get extremely crowded, and there is no shade available. There are several food trucks where you can enjoy a variety of treats, including cocktails, burgers, fries, hotdogs, and ice cream.
8. Explore the Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
The traditional fishing town of Marsaxlokk is an iconic village located in the southeast of Malta. Here, you’ll find the famous luzzus, brightly colored boats that dock at the harbor. Many tourists visit on Sundays to experience the renowned fish market, though it can get quite crowded. While it’s a charming sight, visiting Marsaxlokk is not a must-see when exploring Malta.
9. St. Peter’s Pool
From Marsaxlokk, you can enjoy a scenic (though slightly hilly) 30-minute walk to one of Malta’s most beautiful swimming spots. In the summer, this area is popular with both tourists and locals, who can be seen lounging on the surrounding rocks and diving into the crystal-clear waters.
10. Day Trip to Gozo
Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago located northwest of Malta. A convenient ferry service runs from the northern part of Malta to the southern coast of Gozo hourly. If you’re traveling with a car, you can easily bring it aboard the ferry. One of the main highlights of Gozo is the capital city of Victoria, home to the Citadel, a historic fortress dating back to 1500 BC. Strategically placed on a hill, the Citadel offers sweeping views of the island. Gozo also boasts numerous viewpoints, beautiful beaches, scenic hiking paths, unique salt pans, and some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures. For a comprehensive guide to Gozo, stay tuned for my upcoming detailed guide!
11. Dingli Cliffs
Rising to approximately 250 meters (820 feet) above sea level, the Dingli Cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. They are perfect for hiking or for bringing a bottle of wine to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
12. Golden Beach / Miracle Beach
Golden Bay, also known as Golden Beach, is one of Malta’s most popular and picturesque beaches, located on the northwest coast of the island. Due to the limited number of sandy beaches in Malta, Golden Bay can often become crowded. Just south of Golden Bay lies Għajn Tuffieħa, also known as Miracle Beach, which offers equally stunning scenery. If sunbathing isn’t your preference, you can enjoy a drink or fresh seafood at Singita Miracle Beach, a perfect spot for a cocktail and another fantastic place to watch the sunset.
13. Popeye Village
Popeye Village, once the filming location for the 1980 musical “Popeye” featuring Robin Williams, has now been transformed into a family-friendly theme park. Despite residing here for six months, I’ve yet to find the enthusiasm to explore it. While it may hold appeal for those nostalgic for the iconic character, the cost and crowds might deter visitors.
COMING SOON:
The Complete Travel Guide to Gozo
The Complete Restaurant Guide to Malta
The Best Beach Clubs in Malta
