Malta
Malta is a tiny archipelago in the center of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia, that contains more history per square mile than almost any place on Earth. The islands have been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years, making them home to some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world, older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon, and the British all left their mark, creating a cultural layering that is fascinating to explore.
But Malta is not just a history lesson. The Mediterranean waters surrounding the islands are crystal clear and perfect for diving. Valletta, the capital, is a baroque masterpiece that has been transformed into one of Europe’s most exciting small cities. And the island of Gozo offers a quieter, more rural escape with dramatic cliffs, hidden bays, and a pace of life that feels like the Mediterranean of 50 years ago.
Where to Go
Valletta is the obvious starting point. Built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, every street in this fortified city is lined with honey colored limestone buildings, ornate churches, and palaces. St. John’s Co Cathedral houses two Caravaggio paintings and an interior so lavishly decorated it takes your breath away. The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, one of the great natural harbors of the Mediterranean.
Mdina, the ancient capital in the center of the main island, is a silent walled city known as “the Silent City.” Its narrow streets, cathedral, and panoramic bastions date to the medieval period, and walking through at dusk, when the day trippers have left, feels like stepping into another century.
The megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, on the south coast of the main island, predate the Egyptian pyramids by a thousand years. They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the oldest freestanding structures on Earth. The Hypogeum, an underground prehistoric temple carved into the rock, is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world (book well in advance as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited).
Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island reached by a 25 minute ferry, has a slower pace, red sand beaches, the Citadel fortress in Victoria, and excellent diving. The Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo, has water so clear and blue it looks digitally enhanced.
Where to Stay
The Phoenicia Malta in Valletta is the island’s grand hotel, sitting at the city gates with harbor views and gardens. Iniala Harbour House is a newer boutique luxury property in the heart of Valletta. The Xara Palace Relais and Chateaux in Mdina offers intimate luxury inside the silent city walls. On Gozo, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is the most upscale option with a spa and countryside setting.
Food and Drink
Maltese food blends Italian and North African influences with its own distinct character. Pastizzi, flaky pastry pockets filled with ricotta or pea paste, are the national snack and cost less than a dollar from bakeries everywhere. Rabbit (fenek) is the national dish, typically slow braised in wine and garlic. Fresh fish, especially lampuki (dolphin fish) in season, is excellent. Ftira, a Maltese sourdough bread similar to focaccia, is the base for many local dishes.
Let Us Plan Your Malta Trip
Malta offers an extraordinary amount of history, beauty, and Mediterranean charm in a very small package, at prices that make the rest of southern Europe look expensive. We will help you plan the right number of days, arrange Gozo and Comino excursions, and build an itinerary that covers 7,000 years of history without feeling like a classroom.
