Hidden Gem: Malta
We spent 4 full days / 5 nights in Malta in December 2023 and had a fantastic time, and wanted to share some of the things we loved. For context, we've traveled around Europe quite a bit (my husband is Swiss) and we were looking for an easy destinati...
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Where to stay
I recommend staying in Valletta, which has lots to do and is very centrally located - there are two places in Mdina that seemed great for a one night stay (Xara Palace and Palazzo Bifora) but I think you can just as easily get the "Mdina at night" ex...
We loved our stay at the Phoenicia - the hotel was beautiful, the location was perfect, and the staff were amazing. It's definitely 5 stars (albeit a notch below Four Seasons), and we loved the local / non-chain feel. We were in a harbour suite which...
We didn't stay here but heard great things and might try if we ever go back (especially if without a toddler)!
What to see
We really enjoyed walking around and sight-seeing in Valletta
Must get tix in advance! My husband thought this was one of the coolest things he ever saw (no kids under 6 so I stayed home).
We loved visiting the Mdina - so neat to walk around even if you haven't seen GoT!
The catacombs in Rabat (a short walk or drive from Mdina) are very cool
We really enjoyed visiting Marsaloxx and walking through the Sunday market - if we hadn't had a big breakfast we heard Liska has amazing seafood (and the location was great).
Older than Stonehenge and super cool to see
Awesome unique experiences
This was a super special experience - the picnic was in a magical setting, looked beautiful and the food was delicious. Highly recommend!
We loved this Airbnb experience - super fun and delicious!
We did the 2 hour private boat from Cirkewwa to Gozo and loved it. It's definitely a weather dependent activity, but if the weather is good I highly recommend getting on the water / seeing the coast a bit. We took the fast ferry back from Gozo direct...
Restaurants we enjoyed
We ate most of our meals in Valletta but a few elsewhere as noted!
Upscale / innovative Maltese food in a beautiful setting. The dinner service was a bit slow for our liking but could just have been the holiday.
Classic Maltese, menu on board changes daily. Not fancy at all, most things very good. Tight quarters and somewhat rude service but that was part of the charm.
We had a great New Year's Eve dinner here - I'd call it classic upscale/fancy Maltese. If not for NYE we might have gone to one of the more modern Michelin locations instead but this was still great ambiance and very good food.
We had dinner here one night and it was one of my favorite experiences - amazing setting, great food, and the Mdina at night is magical.
We had nice lunch here after touring Mdina during the day - very nice and the pottery is cool but I might not go out of my way if hard to get to.
Restaurants we didn't make it to but heard or read great things about
Recommended lunch spot - we didn't make it there but wish we had.
Maltese Meze - we didn't go but multiple people recommended (no kids under 8 allowed).
We didn't go but this is supposed to be a very special / Michelin experience
Elevated lunch spot - also didn't make it there.
Food market / hall - on our list but we didn't make it.
Highly recommended