Malta Travel Guide
The island of Malta and the surrounding islands are bits of a Mediterranean masterpiece. Malta has a unique and ever-changing history and culture. Parts of it feel like coastal Europe, and other parts feel like the desert. Which really makes sense geographically considering it is between Africa and Europe. It’s close enough to Italy to get some amazing Italian food, but also close enough to Africa to occasionally get hit by sands from the Sahara Desert. Summer in Malta consists of cooling dips in the Mediterranean and refreshing licks of delicious gelato. We were lucky enough to get recommendations from a friend who spent several years living on this tiny, special island. So, I’ve rounded them up and combined them with some newfound treasures we experienced. Here’s what to eat, where to stay and what to do in Malta.
To Eat:
Rubino
One of the oldest restaurants in Malta – a must try for the history
Diar Il-Bniet, Had-Dingli
Farm to table cuisine and wine from Maltese grapes located near Dingli
Noni
A Michelin must eat in Valletta
Guiseppi’s
Enjoy a long lunch here and take advantage of the terrace overlooking Salina Bay
Cafe Teatro
Easy to spot as it’s in the main square of Valletta right after you come through the gates
The Madina
One of a few restaurants in the old city of Mdina
Rampila
A delicious restaurant in the historic center of Valletta. Make sure to request the terrace.
Guze Bistro
Cozy, highly rated bistro in Valletta
II – Mithna
Located about 10 minutes inland but worth the short drive
Peperoncino
Cozy restaurant in St Julian’s
Sotto Pizzeria
A must-try Roman style pizza spot with locations in Valletta and St Julian’s
Porticello
Amazing seafood restaurant along the water in Valletta
Rosselli – AX rooftop
A lovely spot for a charcuterie board and sunset cocktails in Valletta. We came here twice.
The Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
Another great spot for sunset drinks or dinner with a view located in the Embassy Valletta Hotel. If just going for drinks you have to go before 7 or after 10pm.
Dishes:
Lampookie – juvenile mahi mahi
Cisk – national beer
Pastizzi - little flakey pastries with different fillings.
To Stay:
I recommend staying close to Valletta. There is a lot to do here and it’s quite central in terms of getting around the island. It’s along the coast and contains a lot of history and culture, being the current capitol of Malta. There are several hotels located in the actual city as well as some just outside.
Phoenicia Hotel Malta
Stunning hotel just outside the Triton fountain.
Casa Ellul
A cozy boutique hotel located in Valletta.
Westin Dragonara
A good spot if you’re looking for more of a resort feel with ocean access, and maybe a night at the Casino.
To Do:
Valletta
This is the current capitol with a lot of history. It’s a great central location to stay in as well. Definitely dedicate an entire day to exploring the city. We did a 2-hour walking tour that lead us through some of the highlights – try to get Dylan as your guide – and then explored more ourselves. We also came back for dinner here. The city lights up at night, so I highly recommend an evening here as well.
Upper and Lower Barrack Gardens
Enjoy the views and a cold drink or picnic in these lovely gardens
National War Museum
Interesting information about the war history of Malta. Stop by the old infirmary while you’re there.
Old monuments, statues, and churches
All over the little city you will find beautiful cathedrals, famous statues, and historic sites.
Lovely cafes and restaurants
Stop by any of the quaint cafes and restaurants for a coffee or warm meal.
Paceville
This is where all the nightlife is. If you want to check out the Malta bar and club scene, go here.
The 3 Cities
Just across from Valletta there are tiny little towns with a unique atmosphere. A short ferry is available from Valletta.
Marsaxlokk
Hosting a daily fish market that is not to be missed if you want to immerse yourself in the local lives. Sunday is a great day to go. It starts early and gets packed. Towards the end of the fish market, you will start seeing a farmer’s market with locally grown produce, traditional Maltese sweets, and other local goods. Spend the morning exploring the market and walking along the water viewing the traditional Maltese boats, then stop for a coffee at one of the many cafes.
Dingli Cliffs
Beautiful lookout point over the island. Definitely worth a stop.
The Blue Grotto
Unique cave sight on the island. There is a small boat that takes you over to view it. You can also swim in the area, but it is deep, and the waters are quite rough.
Visit Gozo & Comino
The Blue Lagoon
A beautiful cove with incredible water where people will anchor and swim. It gets busy so go early to get a good spot or take the ferry over and swim from shore. Go to Cirkewwa and look for booths for the ferry going to the blue lagoon and it shouldn’t be more than 20 Euros per person roundtrip.
Mdina (The Old Capital)
The Old Capital of Malta that hosts a lot of history. It is a small, quiet city inside old walls. There is a gelato place near the end of the city called Fior Di Latte with a long line, and you’ll see why when you try it. There are also many tea rooms in Mdina as well as a beautiful view at the end of the city.
Ir-Rabat
Visit the St. Paul’s Catacombs and explore the small city.
St.Peters Pool
Cool cliff jumping and good place to lay out and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. It gets busy so be sure to go early to claim a spot.
Malta Blue Diving
Malta is a huge spot for divers thanks to the eclectic sea life and WWII dive sites. There are many companies to choose from, but we were told Malta Blue Diving is the best. It is suggested to book a week or two in advance.
Tips
Public transport is great. You can get preloaded bus passes and tourist passes outside the front gates of the Triton Fountain. Uber is also available as well as taxis.
Bring cash. You will read that most places take card, which is true, but tips, taxis, and other smaller expenses require cash. Some tours can only be booked in cash as well so stock up on those Euros.
There is a small ferry that leaves from the Valletta harbor and goes over to Salina which cuts the drive time in half.
Most churches will require longer skirts/shorts and covered shoulders so bring a shawl or dress accordingly. Some provide coverups.
