Malta: Return to Mediterranean Paradise
If you read my previous post on Malta, you know that I went there for the first time six years ago and had a great time. So, when the opportunity came up to visit family in Malta again, my husband and I jumped on it and booked an Easter holiday. Malta is a tiny island country in the Mediterranean with a colourful history and culture. That makes it a perfect destination for a short vacation. If you only have a couple of days, follow my simple itinerary to get a taste of Malta.
Valetta
Start your first day in Valetta, smallest European capital. It’s super easy to navigate and well-connected with other parts of the island via public transport.
Outfit: sweatshirt – H&M, girfriend jeans – H&M, espadrilles – Pieces, bag – Jute&Jade
Walk around Grandmaster Palace (current residence of President of Malta) and watch changing of the guards. Then stop at the nearby Republic Square to see the statue of Queen Victoria and get a dessert at the famous Caffe Cordina, followed by a tour of impressive St John’s Co-Cathedral. Continue the walk past open-air Opera Theater and Parliament building to find yourself by the newly renovated Triton Fountain.
Also, adore new art installations throughout central Valetta that represent 13 Maltese proverbs and celebrate Maltese language.
Then walk along the waterfront to Fort St. Elmo via Upper Barrakka Gardens with amazing views over Malta.
Finally, wander around small side streets of Valetta to get a better feel for the town. You never know what stories these narrow alleys will tell you and what you’ll discover.
Here you can also do some shopping – all major high street brands and department stores, from Zara to M&S and Debenhams, can be found in Valetta. And should you get tired, don’t forget to power on some seriously creamy gelato, second best after neighbouring Italy.
Sliema and St.Julian’s
Sliema and St.Julian’s were one of the first places I saw in Malta during my first visit and I grew so fond of these seaside towns that I wanted to see them again. Once a quiet fishing village, Sliema grew quickly into a resort town with beautiful old townhouses, tall apartment blocks and fancy hotels build along the promenade.
In the evening promenade is a great place for leisurely walks and getting a dinner or drinks in one of the seafront restaurants or cafes while watching sunset.
The promenade leads to neighbouring St.Julian’s with its famous Spinola Bay.
On the way there, you’ll find Richard England’s LOVE statue inverted and upside down, which casts the upright reflection on the water.
Spinola Bay is very cosy and is perfect for a coffee break. Stop here for a cuppa and some local cannolis filled with fresh cream cheese and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Outfit: shirt – Mango (sold out, similar here), skinny jeans – River Island, belt – Asos, espadrilles – Pieces, bag – Jute&Jade
If you continue to walk along the seafront towards party district of Paceville, you will find yourself at the Portomosso marina. Tucked away from the tourist crowds, the marina is home to beautiful boats and posh residential complexes. If you are looking for high-end restaurants with great quality food and al fresco seating, this is a place to be. From traditional Italian to Japanese cuisine, the choice is yours!
Marsaxlokk
No trip to Malta is complete without a visit to my favourite spot – a small fishing village Marsaxlokk. Translated as a ‘southern port’, Marsaxlokk is famous for its collection of brightly coloured finishing boats called luzzus.
Each luzzu has its own identity and a pair of eyes to protect fishermen at sea. How cute are these?
Come here during the weekend to check out fresh catch at the fish market, walk through stalls with freshly baked pastries and buy local crafts and souvenirs.
Also, Marsaxlokk is an excellent spot for lunch if you are into seafood. I ordered squid ink pasta with caviar and salmon. It was so fresh and tasty! With it I also ordered a national soft drink, Kinnie, made out of extracts of wormwood and bitter oranges.
On the way from Marsaxlokk, stop by St. Peter’s Pool, a hidden gem for divers and sun worshippers. The path to St. Peter’s Pool leads through the fields of blooming flowers and green grass and opens to rocky cliffs with limestone ledges perfect for sunbathing.
Mdina
My other favourite spot in Malta is Mdina, Malta’s old capital and a beautiful medieval walled town.
The ‘silent city’ is very quiet during the week thanks to prohibited motorised transport and only a few local residents living there.
Narrow cobbled streets lead to traditional piazza-like squares with old palaces, once homes to Maltese nobilities, and ornate baroque cathedrals. I am obsessed with Mdina’s colourful doors and traditional shiny Maltese door knobs, often in a shape of a fish.
Outfit: sweatshirt – H&M, skinny jeans – River Island, trainers – Converse All Star, sunglasses – Zara (sold out, similar here), bag – Jute&Jade
I suggest you pop into Fontanella Tea Rooms for a piece of cake and amazing views of Malta or check out impressive St. Paul Cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
Gozo
Last but not least on our itinerary is the island of Gozo. If you are here for few days and want to see something outside Malta, I recommend hopping on a ferry to see one of two other islands – Gozo or Comino. Gozo is the second largest island but is still small and much more relaxed than Malta. The rural laid-back vibe combined with stunning landscape and great choice of beaches makes this island a perfect getaway destination.
If you plan to come during the weekend, I suggest you take an earlier ferry as wait time during busy periods can be quiet long. If you have a car, it’s even better as once you get to the island, you can choose your own pace and route.
We found a sandy beach and stopped by for a bit to enjoy the sun and, still cold to swim in but very inviting, sea.
Outfit: dress – H&M, sandals – Warehouse, basket bag – Jute&Jade
After a relaxing walk on the beach, it was time to get some sugar fix – another portion of gelato! We grabbed some at the local gelateria and ate it as we walked through the streets of Victoria, Gozo’s capital.
It was Easter Saturday and there were some serious preparations for the reenactment of Biblical scenes at the local cathedral. But unfortunately for us, it was time to go back to Malta.
Three days flew by very quickly and we thoroughly enjoyed our short vacay away from rainy London. So if you are looking for European destination with sun, sea, good food and a bit of history and culture, Malta should be at the top of your list. You won’t regret it, promise!
Happy travels xx
