Visiting Malta: A Small Archipelago With a Lot of History
Malta punches well above its weight. This small Mediterranean archipelago packs ancient temples, Baroque churches, medieval walled cities, and clear-water coves into an area smaller than the city of Chicago. If you want beaches, history, and good food without a grueling flight, it's worth serious consideration.
Valletta: A UNESCO Capital You Can Walk in a Day
Valletta, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most densely historic cities in Europe. The whole thing is walkable, which means you can cover the St. John's Co-Cathedral (home to two original Caravaggio paintings), the fortified bastions, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens (with sweeping views over the Grand Harbour) in a single afternoon. Daytime is quiet and easy to navigate. Come evening, Strait Street picks up with bars and restaurants filling the narrow lanes.
Mdina and Rabat: Step Back Into the Middle Ages
About 9 miles from Valletta, Mdina is known as "the Silent City," a former capital whose narrow limestone streets feel genuinely medieval and largely unchanged. Its neighbor Rabat is lower-key but worth a stop for the St. Paul's Catacombs and the Wignacourt Museum. Neither place has much in the way of tourist noise, which is the whole point.
Gozo and Comino: Day Trips Worth Taking
A 25-minute ferry ride from the main island, Gozo is greener, quieter, and noticeably more rural. The big draw for history buffs is the Ġgantija temples, a megalithic complex older than the Egyptian pyramids. For a beach day, the tiny island of Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon deliver genuinely turquoise water, but fair warning: in peak summer, the crowds can be intense enough to kill the mood. Go early or visit in shoulder season.
Beaches and Beyond
Malta isn't a classic beach destination. Most of its coastline is rocky or made up of small coves rather than long sandy stretches. The exceptions are Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay, which have actual sand. What Malta does well is swimming in crystal-clear inlets and scuba diving, particularly around the accessible wrecks near Cirkewwa. Hikers will find solid cliff-top trails along the southwest coast with solid views.
Maltese Food: Mediterranean Meets North Africa
The food here reflects the island's layered history: Sicilian, British, and North African influences all show up on the plate. The national dish is fenek, rabbit slow-cooked in wine, which is more flavorful than it sounds. Pastizzi are flaky pastry pockets filled with ricotta or mushy peas, sold cheap at bakeries and corner shops for a quick snack. On the drinks side, Cisk is the local lager you'll find everywhere, and Kinnie is a bitter-orange herbal soda that's an acquired taste but distinctly Maltese.
When to Go
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the sweet spots: warm and sunny without the summer crowds and heat. Winter is mild by European standards but wetter. If you're interested in local events, the February Carnival in Valletta is a long-standing tradition, and summer brings a string of village religious festivals that are genuinely festive and worth catching if you're around.
Getting There
Most US travelers will connect through a European hub, with London, Rome, or Frankfurt being the most common options. Malta International Airport is about 6 miles from Valletta, and taxis or rideshares into the capital are straightforward. Round-trip fares from major US cities typically run in the range of $700-$1,200 depending on the season and how far out you book.
Getting Around
The public bus network covers the main island reasonably well, though routes can be slow due to traffic and the need to transfer. Renting a car gives you a lot more flexibility, especially for exploring Gozo. One thing to know before you do: Malta drives on the left side of the road, British-style, so factor in an adjustment period if you're not used to it. Ferries between the islands run frequently and are inexpensive.
