Malta: A Travel and Home Guide to Your Perfect Getaway

Malta was one of those bucket-list destinations that I was so eager to check off, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint—though it was nothing like what I expected! So, here’s my Travel and Home take on Malta, packed with tips and insights to help you plan your trip like a pro. Let’s dive into the essentials, shall we?

What to Expect from Malta?

Malta is a treasure trove of history and culture, wrapped up in a gorgeous Mediterranean package. The architecture is a stunning mix of influences, from ancient fortresses to Baroque cathedrals. Each stone tells a story, and you’ll feel like you’re walking through a living museum. The island’s diverse culture is just as captivating—Malta’s strategic location has made it a melting pot of Mediterranean, European, and North African influences. You’ll notice this rich tapestry in the food, the language, and the warm hospitality of the people. Expect a destination that’s as complex as it is beautiful, with surprises around every corner.

Malta's bay windows, known as gallarijas in Malta

Those bay windows, known as gallarijas in Malta, are indeed fascinating and steeped in history. They are a distinctive feature of Maltese architecture, especially in Valletta (Malta’s capital city) and other historic areas.

The tradition of building these enclosed wooden balconies dates back to the 17th century. They were influenced by the Arabic mashrabiya, a type of window that allowed women to observe the outside world without being seen, which is a nod to Malta’s varied cultural influences.

In Malta, gallarijas served several purposes:

Ventilation and Light: These windows allowed more light to enter the narrow streets and small rooms of Maltese homes, which was important in densely packed areas like Valletta.
Social Interaction: They provided a space where residents, particularly women, could discreetly observe street life, engage in conversations with neighbors, or even watch processions and other events without stepping outside.
Symbol of Status: Over time, the size and ornateness of a gallarija became a symbol of wealth and status. Larger, more elaborate balconies indicated a wealthier household.

Today, these gallarijas are cherished elements of Malta’s architectural heritage, adding a unique charm to its streetscapes and serving as a visual reminder of the island’s rich cultural tapestry.

Faith in the Fire: The Miracle of Malta and Sir William Dobbie’s Unshakable Calm

For those of you who love true stories from WWII, this one is for you!

Sir William Dobbie was a British war hero with an unshakable faith. During World War II, he was handed the daunting task of defending Malta, a tiny island caught in the crossfire. Despite the odds stacked against them, Dobbie inspired the ill-prepared islanders with a simple yet powerful message: God is a very present help in times of trouble. And what happened next was nothing short of miraculous.

Against all expectations, Malta didn’t fall. Allied battleships sitting in the harbor seemed like easy targets, but not a single one was hit. In one village, a bomb fell right through the roof of a church, but it didn’t explode. It was as if the island was under divine protection. Nearly 300 enemy planes were destroyed, and another 600 were damaged. The Allied forces in Malta became a serious threat to enemy supply lines and kept Axis planes from reaching Europe.

Dobbie’s men often remarked on the inner calm that he carried with him—a peace that seemed impossible to understand amidst the chaos of war. After it was all over, Dobbie penned a book about what many came to call the “Miracle of Malta.” He fittingly titled it A Very Present Help.

Now that’s amazing, right?

Malta is considered one of the most Catholic countries in the world

Malta is mentioned in the Christian Bible, specifically in the New Testament. The island is referenced in the Book of Acts, chapter 28.

The story goes like this: The Apostle Paul was being transported to Rome as a prisoner when the ship he was on encountered a severe storm. The ship eventually wrecked on the shores of an island, which is identified as Malta (referred to as Melita in some Bible translations). Despite the dangerous situation, all the passengers survived and made it safely to the island.

Once on Malta, Paul was warmly welcomed by the islanders. There’s a notable incident where Paul was bitten by a venomous snake but suffered no ill effects, which amazed the locals. Paul also performed several miracles during his time on the island, including healing the father of Publius, a leading figure on Malta.

Paul stayed on Malta for three months before continuing his journey to Rome. This biblical account has contributed to Malta’s strong Christian heritage and its significance in Christian history.

There are several sites and churches dedicated to Apostle Paul’s memory, including the famous St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat.

In The footsteps of Apostle Paul

Some of the highlights here are St Paul’s Bay, the cave in Rabat where he lived, and St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.

Plan Your Trip to Malta

Where to Stay?

I booked us at the Preluna Hotel in Sliema. It was the best decision of the trip. Picture this: the blazing summer sun, and right across the street, the inviting beach. Sheer bliss!

The beach is rocky, yes, but don’t let that deter you. There are plenty of stepladders leading from the rocks into the crystal-clear sea, and further along, you’ll find family-sized man-made bays, each with its own stepladder.

Plus, there were so many places to eat within walking distance from the Preluna Hotel that I never even needed public transport!

And the cherry on top? The ferry port to Valetta is just a short stroll away.

Travel Tip(s)

Ask for a room in the old section of the hotel. Trust me, the views are absolutely stunning, and it’s super convenient for getting to the rooftop bar or restaurant since everything is in the same section of the building. The management and staff at Preluna were exceptional—professional, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile. Room service was on point, and the food? Beyond great. I’ll definitely be booking the Preluna again on my next trip to Malta. Oh, and they even arranged my airport transfer

The Preluna Hotel in Sliema:

How Many Days?

I opted for a long weekend, but let me tell you, it was not enough. If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend at least a week. That way, you’ll have time for some relaxing day excursions while still exploring gems like Valletta and St Paul’s Bay.

Is Malta Expensive?

In my opinion, yes. Malta is pricier than, say Taormina in Sicily. But with a bit of savvy planning (and my travel tips!), you can enjoy everything Malta has to offer without breaking the bank.

Travel Tip(s)

In Valetta, I opted to hop on one of the locals’ open-air buses for a tour of the town. It was an absolute blast! The guide was knowledgeable, had a fantastic sense of humor, and I walked away feeling like I’d genuinely experienced Valetta. And the town-tour was much less expensive than any other option available.

What’s the Transport Like?

Taxis are expensive, no doubt about it. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to rent a car. Public transport in Malta is reliable and easy to navigate. Grab a Tallinja Card when you arrive, and you’ll be zipping around the island without emptying your wallet.

Travel Tip(s)

You can easily grab your bus tickets and Tallinja Cards as soon as you land at Malta International Airport. Just head to the Malta Public Transport Information and Sales Office inside the Welcomers’ Hall—open daily from 08:00 to 19:30. Need tickets outside those hours? No worries! There’s a handy 24/7 dispensing machine right outside the Sales Office.

Another big saving is a Malta Discount Card which gives you up to 50% OFF all over Malta & Gozo. It’s perfect for families because the card is valid for 2 adults and up to 3 children under 12 years. There are plenty of savings on sightseeing, restaurants, and even the hop-on hop-off buses.

What to Pack?

For those scorching summer months (especially July and August), pack as light as possible. Think cool cottons, beachwear, comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, rock climbing shoes (for those rocky beaches), and a good hat to keep the sun off your face. Oh, and make sure it’s one of those that won’t go flying the moment the boat starts to sail!

Best Time to Go?

If you’re all about the beach life, summer is your time. But be warned, sightseeing in July and August is nearly impossible with the intense heat. I went in late August, and my sightseeing plans melted away under the sweltering sun. For explorers, I’d recommend the shoulder seasons—May, September, and October. The weather is cooler, the crowds thinner, and you’ll actually enjoy wandering those charming narrow streets.

What Luggage is Best?

For a long weekend of three nights, a 10 kg cabin bag and a carry-on backpack will do just fine. And if you have access to laundry facilities, you can pack light even for a week’s stay. Less is more, my friend!

Travel Tip(s)

The Luggage Storage Saga

Here’s a little nugget of wisdom I picked up the hard way—luggage storage shops are everywhere, and they can be a lifesaver when you’ve got time to kill before your flight and want to squeeze in some last-minute sightseeing. But, and this is a big but, not all luggage storage experiences are created equal.

I had a bit of a travel mishap when I tried to locate a storage shop I’d booked in advance. What was supposed to be a quick drop-off turned into a full-on scavenger hunt! After almost an hour of wandering around, trying to track down this elusive shop, I realized I was wasting precious sightseeing time. Frustrated and sweaty from dragging my 10 kg cabin bag and backpack in the sweltering summer heat, I finally decided to cancel the booking and cut my losses.

So, here’s my travel tip, shared with the wisdom of hindsight: when booking a luggage storage shop, make sure it’s in a convenient location that’s easy to find. Look for places with clear directions or even better, ones located inside well-known transport hubs like train stations or bus terminals. Also, check reviews for any mentions of how easy (or difficult) the shop is to locate. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than playing a game of hide-and-seek with your luggage when all you want to do is explore!

Are the Cathedrals Worth Seeing?

Absolutely. Roman Catholicism has been the dominant religion in Malta for centuries. This strong faith is reflected in the many churches, cathedrals, and religious festivals that are central to Maltese culture. Malta is home to many stunning cathedrals, and the best part? Except for St John’s Co-Cathedral, entrance to all of them in Valletta is free.

Travel Tip(s)

If you’re planning to see St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valetta, book your tickets ahead of time and join a tour group. I didn’t, and when I saw the line, I knew there was no way I was wasting precious vacation time standing in it. Lesson learned! Next time, I’m booking ahead for sure. There are two lines at the entrance—one for individuals and one for tour groups. The tour group line was empty, while the other stretched on forever. You know where I’ll be next time!

Is Valetta Worth Visiting?

Yes, yes, and yes! But as I mentioned earlier, try to visit in the cooler months. The seafood is to die for, and the locals are warm and welcoming. You’ll fall in love with Valetta’s charm.

Furthermore, the country has a 197 km coastline (excluding 56.01 km for the island of Gozo). Something I found quite remarkable was that in August the beaches were almost empty compared to the super crowded narrow streets in town!

Are There Day Trips Worth Doing?

Definitely. I booked a day trip to Mount Etna (another bucket-list destination) and Taormina. It was an early start—so early, I missed breakfast—and I didn’t get back to the hotel until nearly midnight. A long day, but oh-so worth it!

If you’re up for it, here are some more day trip ideas from Malta:

Malta Luxury Travel Tips

Award-Winning Accommodation

Malta’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2024: Iniala Harbour House in Valletta
- In 2023: Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour
Malta’s Leading Business Hotel 2024: InterContinental Malta in St. George’s Bay.
- In 2023: Hilton Malta in St Julian’s
Malta’s Leading Hotel 2024: Corinthia Palace Malta in Attard
- In 2023: Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta
Malta’s Leading Hotel Suite 2024 and 2023: Highline Suites @ InterContinental Malta
Malta’s Leading Resort 2024 and 2023: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands in Mellieħa

Award-Winning Restaurants

Malta’s Best Restaurant 2023: Noni
Malta’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2023: Rickshaw @ Corinthia Palace

Will I Go Back to Malta?

Without a doubt. Malta definitely has a way of pulling you back for more. Only next time, I’ll stay longer, book at the Preluna Hotel Sliema again, and visit during May or September so I can soak in more of Malta’s incredible sights without melting in the heat.

Travel Tip(s)

And here’s my final travel tip: don’t leave for Malta without a copy of the DK Eyewitness guide. This little pocket-sized gem is an absolute must in your backpack. Ever since my Welsh friends introduced me to the DK Eyewitness guides, I’ve made them my trusty travel companions. Let me tell you, no article or blog post can pack in as much info and insight as these guides do. They’re an essential part of my travel toolkit, and once you try them, you won’t want to travel without one either!

If you ever need more travel tips or just want to chat about your next adventure, I’m here! Happy travels!

Oh, and one last thing, don’t miss the article about my Mount Etna adventure.

By, Arina JVR.
Occasional Contributor, Lover of Adventure and Fine Taste

Arina has a passion for life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s carving through fresh snow on a ski slope, capturing the perfect shot on her camera, or savoring delicious cuisine from around the globe. As an occasional contributor, she brings her love for both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations to her writing, offering readers a glimpse into her adventures. From alpine villages to hidden gems, her insights come from a deep love of travel, photography, and exploration.

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