Crusader knights, Baroque cities and beautiful beaches: Why Malta is the Mediterranean's most underrated island
- Peregryn travel writers
- Mar 5
- 10 min read
A breathtaking blend of ancient temples, stunning beaches, unique history and delicious cuisine, Malta is a gem of a holiday destination.
What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in charm – this tiny archipelago is an intriguing mix of cultural influences. You’ll find Arabic fortresses, Baroque buildings and even red British phone boxes dotted across just over 316 square km (196 square miles).
What’s more, with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it’s the perfect Mediterranean getaway for sun-seeking travellers. As you’ll see from our in-depth Malta holiday guide, for sheer variety, this charming little island is hard to beat.
A few fascinating facts
Situated in the heart of the Mediterranean, some 80 km (50 miles) south of Sicily, Malta history is compelling, and stretches back over 7,000 years. The island has been inhabited by all manner of people, from the Phoenicians and the Romans to the Arabs, Normans and Knights of St John, with ruins and remains stitching together stories of the island’s past.
While Malta is made up of five islands, only three are inhabited – Malta, the largest; Gozo, with its hiking paths and amazing beaches; and Comino with its famous blissful Blue Lagoon. Malta even has its own language. A unique blend of Arabic and Sicilian, Maltese is the only form of Arabic to be written in the Latin alphabet. It’s spoken along with English as the two official languages of the island.
In fact, having English as its second official language makes Malta one of the favourite destinations for American expats looking to settle in Europe. Applying for residency here is simpler, as all the paperwork can be done in English. And, with its central Mediterranean location, it offers the perfect base for those looking to explore the rest of Europe.
What’s more, far from being a traditional island fixed on the past, Malta is in fact a very progressive country and particularly LGBTQ+ friendly, having recently topped the rankings in the International Lesbian-Gay Association’s ‘Rainbow Europe’s league for LGBTQ+ rights.
Why travel to Malta?
When it comes to most European travel magazine guides, the focus is often on larger Mediterranean countries, while Malta flies under the radar. Still, increased investment has seen an uptick in interest, making it an all the more intriguing visit, while it’s still a relatively hidden gem.
Travelling to Malta gives you all you’d expect from a Mediterranean marvel – wall-to-wall sunshine, glorious beaches and eclectic food. Beyond the bliss of the here and now, there’s the jaw-dropping history on show at every turn. From ancient temples older than the Pyramids of Giza, to the Baroque beauty of its capital Valletta, history buffs will be in heaven.
Still, you don’t have to delve deep into the history of Malta to be left in awe. Whether spending the morning strolling lost-in-time towns, whiling away the hours at luxury beachside resorts, sampling the best cuisine at award-winning restaurants or exploring natural beauty on epic hiking trails, you’ll no doubt fall hard for this wondrous place.
As it’s a small island, Malta is very easy to get around. And it’s very inexpensive, particularly when compared to typical destinations recommended by the best travel guides for Europe.
When to go
Malta is warm and sunny most of the year, so it’s an ideal destination all year round. Summertime is glorious, of course (average temperature 27°C), and the perfect time of year to visit for all-day beach trips on gorgeous beaches. You’ll still find warm weather in spring (23°C), when enjoying blooming wildflowers and deserted beaches, while autumn (20°C) brings red and golden hues along with pleasant temperatures. Perfect for exploring the island.
Winter time still sees lots of sun and mild climes (16°C) at a bargain price. Again, for a sightseeing or hiking getaway, the cooler months are ideal.
Where to stay in Malta
Malta has excellent accommodation options, with a variety of places to stay that suit the needs of all kinds of travellers. From beachside resorts and boutique hotels, to rural escapes and bargain gems, here’s our pick of the bunch.
Where to stay in Valletta, the capital
A contemporary boutique hotel in a 16th century palazzo, The Cumberland is right in and among the best that Valletta has to offer. With just 23 rooms, the hotel blends modern comfort with tradition in its uniquely styled rooms.
You can’t miss Valletta’s iconic art deco Phoenicia Hotel, with its location right next to the main gates of the capital. The hotel of choice for the British royal family, this five-star hotel is pure elegance.
Speaking of elegance, Casa Rocca Piccola is one of the capital’s most regal accommodations. A 16th century palazzo, dating back to the ‘Knights’ City’, this opulent noble house is set right in the heart of Valletta, with lavish themed rooms, ornate furniture, fine art and gorgeous interiors.
Where to stay outside the capital
If you’re looking for luxury, look no further than the Xara Palace Relais & Château, in Mdina. A converted 17th-century palazzo with antique furnishing, traditional local curios and an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, it also features a private terrace and hot tub with each room.
The Radisson Blu Golden Sands is a five-star beach resort hotel, located on one of Malta’s best beaches. It’s got everything, from bayview terraces, bars and pools to a private stretch of the beach.
Malta: what to see and do
This marvellous Mediterranean island offers such a breathtaking variety of activities, that it can be hard to choose what to see and do in Malta.
So, let’s break down the essentials.
Ancient temples
Malta’s megalithic temples are truly astonishing and offer a tantalising glimpse into the island’s past. Two of its architectural masterpieces – Hagar Qim and Mnajdra – are within walking distance of each other, and visits are covered by one ticket. These megalithic complexes were built over 5,000 years ago and are some of the most ancient religious sites on Earth, described by the World Heritage Sites committee as “unique architectural masterpieces.”
Meanwhile, the Unesco World Heritage Site, Tarxien Temples, only discovered in 1913, takes you on an awe-inspiring journey into the past. Built some time between 3,600 and 2,500 BC by an unknown ancient culture, this neolithic wonder includes incredible examples of pre-historic art, including intricate stonework and depictions of domesticated animals. It is believed that this large temple complex was used for rituals, although their purpose remains mysterious.
An incredible capital
As Europe’s smallest capital city, Valletta is a charming blend of honey-glow buildings, limestone streets and picturesque piazzas, ideal for strolling and sightseeing.
Founded in 1566 by the Knights of St John, a Medieval Catholic military order, it was named after the Knights’ Grandmaster, Jean de Vallete, who wanted to create a fortified city to protect the island from invaders. Two of the earliest buildings in the capital, the Grandmaster’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral, are both architectural marvels and a window into Valletta’s foundational years.
Yes, it’s perfect for taking a blissful moment to watch the world go by; but, serenity aside, there’s a real buzz to Malta’s capital, with an array of fabulous restaurants and vibrant bars that really come alive as the sun sets.
Since the turn of the century, Valletta has undergone a rapid transformation. Malta’s capital now offers more to the growing number of visitors, with all manner of luxury hotels, five-star dining spots and restored museums and historic sites, not to mention the city’s stunning renovated Grand Harbour, overlooked by it all.
The Three Cities
On the other side of Valletta’s Grand Harbour, you’ll find the Three Cities.
Birgu, Bormla and L-Isla are less visited than the capital but, if anything, this adds to their charm. You can reach them by ferry or simply pay two euros to ride in one of the colourful wooden dgħajsa boats that were created to shuttle passengers around the vast harbour, departing from below the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
On the three little outposts, you’ll find fewer crowds, affording plenty of time and space to ramble around these fortified cities, marvelling at the delightful scenery and delving into the intriguing history. They’re a great option for a sunset dinner looking back at Valletta as well, with charming restaurants dotted along the waterfront.
Magical Mdina
Mdina is known as the Silent City – a place with an incredible atmosphere all of its own. Bathed in the Mediterranean sun by day, lamplit by night, to wander around this enchanting ancient walled city is like stepping into another time.
With a history that stretches back well over 4,000 years, it offers a fascinating insight into the lives of people from the past, including the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish settlers who once called Mdina their home.
Malta’s original capital city, Mdina was founded in 8th century BC by Phoenecian settlers. It adjoins the town of Rabat, meaning ‘fortified town’ or ‘suburb’ in Arabic, and the two form an important historical and cultural element of the centre and west of the main island.
WW2 history
For stories from the more recent past, Malta’s World War II history is compelling, moving and inspiring. The island’s central location made it a sought-after strategic outpost during WW2, bringing about an epic two-year struggle between the British RAF and navy and the Italian and German air forces.
Malta withstood a barrage, with many buildings completely destroyed, and was awarded the St George's Cross in 1942 for the bravery, courage and resilience of its people.
Malta’s National War Museum commemorates the efforts made during conflicts, particularly WW2, with artefacts that include a restored version of one of the British biplanes, together with many fascinating Malta history facts and collections from this era. You can even visit the underground air shelters, built in 1940, at the Malta at War Museum, which you’ll find on the south side of the Grand Harbour.
Island escapes
Away from the main island, Malta’s two smaller inhabited islands have plenty to offer. A third the size of Malta, Gozo is well worth a visit, particularly for those looking for a more adventurous getaway. Here, you’ll find hiking trails, scuba-diving spots and secluded beaches, along with some of the top restaurants in Malta offering some of the best examples of traditional Maltese cuisine.
Meanwhile, nestled between Malta and Gozo, Comino is a remote isle with an ancient fortress and a historic church. Its main draw, however, is the stunning Blue Lagoon, with blissful coves and crystalline turquoise waters – now a very popular spot for day trippers.
What to eat in Malta
Local cuisine and produce
With a long proud history, Malta’s local cuisine has a wide range of influences that imbue it with a unique character. Drawing on elements of Provençal and Italian, and traditional Arabic ingredients, Maltese cooking is eclectic, imaginative and delicious.
The climate and terrain of the island make it the perfect place for growing produce. In fact, Malta grows some of the best produce in the Mediterranean, while the island’s fantastic water quality leads to an abundance of high quality fish and seafood.
Traditional Maltese dishes
When in Malta, trying a pastizzi is a must. A fabulously flaky filo-styled pastry, typically filled with either sweet ricotta or subtly spiced mashed peas, Malta’s street food sensation is a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Another of the island’s most popular delicacies is ftira biż-żejt, known in English as Maltese bread. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s generally filled with a rich, delicious Mediterranean-style sauce of tuna, tomato, capers, olives and basil.
Other must-try dishes include Stuffat Tal-Fenek, a rustic stew that consists of potatoes, carrots, garlic, nutmeg and braised rabbit, and Torta tal-lampuki, a dorado fish pie, practically an autumnal essential in Malta.
Local vineyards
The majority of traditional Maltese dishes are cooked using local wine. It’s little wonder, when you consider the number of quality wineries and vineyards located on the island.
While Malta may not be well known as a wine-growing region in comparison to its Mediterranean neighbours, the rich soil, sea breeze and abundance of sun produce a wonderful variety of wines.
Pay a visit to the Mar Casar La Maison Du Vin Naturel Winery in the south of the main island, where the welcoming host will teach you all about Malta’s wine-growing culture. If you’re in Gozo, there are plenty of vineyards and wineries to savour, most notably the Ta’ Mena Winery, a delightful family-run winery that offers some excellent wine tastings.
Best beaches
When it comes to beautiful beaches, Malta is spoiled for choice. However, they are smaller than your typical Mediterranean beach. Some are replete with glorious golden sand, while others are flanked by rocky coves, where you can sit and marvel at the view.
Here’s our pick of Malta’s finest beaches and swimming spots.
Golden Bay
For beach lovers, Golden Bay is the most popular spot. Here you’ll find soft golden sand that slopes gently into the sea, as well as luxury hotels, crystal clear waters and breathtaking views. It’s wonderfully vibrant and gets particularly busy in the summer months.
Ghajn Tuffieha
A short stroll from Golden Bay is the more secluded Ghajn Tuffieha, a beach that showcases Malta in all its glory. A stunning crescent-shaped bay, it's one of Malta’s most gorgeous coastal nature spots. Grab a cocktail at the Singita Miracle Beach bar and watch the world go by.
Mellieha Bay
Shallow waters and a long sandy beach – the largest sandy beach in Malta – make this the perfect swimming spot for those with little ones. You’ll find Mellieha Bay on the northernmost tip of the island, away from the hustle and bustle of Malta’s main resorts.
St Peter's Pool
One of the island’s most popular swimming spots, St Peter’s Pool is a delightful alcove with epic views and amazing diving spots. A small cave to the western end of the bay adds to the intrigue.
Ghar Lapsi
A rocky natural swimming pool, with crystal clear waters, Ghar Lapsi is popular with swimmers and snorkelling enthusiasts alike. Head to Carmen's Bar and Restaurant, one of the top restaurants in Malta, for amazing fresh seafood, but be sure to book ahead.
Ramla Bay
With its red-hued sand and timeless feel, Gozo’s Ramla Bay is one of Malta’s most popular beaches with locals and visitors alike. It’s situated on the north-east coast of the island, between the bays of Marsalforn and San Blas, giving it a blissful serenity.
Blue Lagoon
A true bucket list location, Comino’s aforementioned luscious lagoon is perhaps Malta’s most picturesque setting. The jagged cliffs and crystal clear turquoise waters are as photogenic as it gets. In summer, it gets crowded, so aim for a springtime visit for a blissful day’s escape from Malta’s main island.
Time to pack
With its central Mediterranean location, incredible swimming spots, fantastic cuisine and enthralling history, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Malta. For now, it enjoys somewhat of a hidden-gem status, although it’s getting increasingly popular every year, particularly during the summer holidays with tour operators flying in from the UK. However, those travelling outside of the peak months of July and August, will find beautiful weather and fewer crowds.
So, if you’re looking to take a trip to the Mediterranean’s most underrated island, now’s the time.