Malta
- Sightseekr
- Jul 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 21
They know how to celebrate!
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We actually spent New Year in Malta this year and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made for a winter break. Warm weather, incredible history, and everything really easy to get to. It gave us a bit of everything in just a week. If you’re looking for a destination that mixes culture, coastline, and comfort, Malta’s a solid choice.
We landed just in time for New Year’s Eve and after unpacking, we headed straight for Valletta where the whole city turned into an open-air celebration. There was live music, food stalls, and a huge crowd filling the squares. Everyone was out tourists, families, locals and the atmosphere was just right: festive without being chaotic.
At midnight, fireworks lit up the Grand Harbour and the sound echoed between the stone buildings. It was a proper celebration but still had that friendly, safe and relaxed feel that we’d notice again and again throughout the trip.
We based ourselves in Sliema just across the water from Valletta. It turned out to be the perfect base. You can get the ferry to Valletta in under ten minutes and it’s also really well connected for the rest of the island. The area itself is easygoing with a long promenade, lots of cafés and restaurants, and places to sit by the sea and just slow down a bit. We ate at some lovely restaurants including Tiffany' s bistro and Ta’ Kris for a local menu. We also spent a lot of time at the bars, especially during their ‘happy hours’. The cocktails and experience at Manta was lovely with incredible views of Valletta.
We actually used Bolt throughout the trip. It was reliable, affordable, and took the stress out of getting around. Most places were under 20 minutes away and we never waited long.
Valletta is one of those places where you don’t necessarily need a plan. We spent a day just wandering up and down narrow streets, in and out of little shops and cafés, and stopping often to look out over the harbour. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are worth a visit for the view alone, especially across to the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.
We took a small boat across to explore them up close. They’re quieter and feel more local but still packed with history (and yachts!) It’s a great way to step back from the main tourist areas without missing out.
Going the other way, the coastal walk from Sliema to St. Julian’s Bay is honestly one of the nicest stretches you can do if you’re after sea views, a bit of walking, and a peaceful way to take in Malta’s vibe. It’s a proper path and super easy to follow, so there’s no stress about where to go. It winds its way along the edge of the coast, with wide open views of the Mediterranean almost the entire time. You’ll pass by rocky inlets, a few quiet spots where locals stop for a swim, and the occasional bench if you feel like taking a breather. It’s the kind of walk where you don’t need to rush, just stroll, take it all in, maybe stop for a few photos and pints!
As you get closer to St. Julian’s, things start to shift — the path gets livelier, people appear with gelato or walking dogs, and suddenly you’re right in the middle of the bay, with cafés, boats, and some great restaurants.
One of our favourite days out was to Mdina and Rabat both in the centre of the island. Mdina, the old capital, is a walled city full of narrow, silent streets and pale stone buildings. It felt timeless, almost surreal in how peaceful it is.
Just outside Mdina’s gates is Rabat which is much more of a local town. We stopped at a bakery for a pastizzi of course and wandered through the quieter streets, and visited the catacombs. It was a nice contrast. Mdina shows off Malta’s grand history and Rabat gives you something more everyday and grounded.
Speaking of food, Malta is full of it. We did a food tour in Valletta which was brilliant and a great way to get introduced to Maltese cuisine. Dishes like pastizzi, fenek (rabbit), and Imqarets came up a lot. The Mediterranean and North African influence is noticeable in the best way. It wasn’t fancy food, just really hearty, local and flavourful. (We weren't a fan of it all, but definitely worth trying!) Throughout the trip we tried small, local restaurants and cafés and they were often the best meals we had.
With only a week in Malta and a few days dedicated to celebrations, we focused on Malta’s main island and the capital area but there’s so much more we want to see. Gozo and Comino, the two other inhabited islands, are just a short ferry ride away and look incredible. Gozo is known for its rural landscapes, coastal cliffs and slower pace while Comino is home to the famous Blue Lagoon. We didn’t have time to visit them on this trip but they’re absolutely on the list for next time.
Malta is small but full. There’s so much to see within short distances and it never felt rushed or overwhelming. Starting the year with a mix of celebration, culture, and coastal quiet was exactly what we needed and we left feeling like we’d made the most of every day without overplanning a thing.
If you’re after a destination that’s easy to manage, full of character, and welcoming year round, Malta is absolutely worth your time. And we’ll definitely be back especially to see the islands we didn’t get to this time around.
Additional information:
How do I get to Malta?
Malta is easy to access by air, as it has an airport only half an hour's drive from the city centre of Valletta. There are regular direct flights from several airports in the UK, and they’re generally pretty affordable too. A Bolt or Uber from the airport is generally affordable.
Where should I stay in Malta?
We stayed in this stunning apartment which has a perfect location. It is near the front of sliema but tucked away from the noise. The rooms are stunning - we would 100% recommend staying here.
There are several resorts across the island so if you don't fancy this Sliema, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Malta. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below.
Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Malta for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
What's the currency in Malta?
The currency of Malta is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency. We found that almost everywhere takes both cash and card in Malta.
What languages are spoken in Malta?
The official language of Malta is Maltese but English is widely spoken across Malta as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Malta?
Like most of Europe, Malta is cooler in winter and spring, but really warms up a lot in the summer. It has a mediterranean climate.
Here is the current weather in Malta:
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing.
What's the time zone in Malta?
Malta is in the Central European Time Zone, usually an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Malta?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts but if you're looking for a more detailed, personalised itinerary, check out our MakeTheMost travel planning service.
Or, if you're just looking for an activity to fill another day, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Malta on GetYourGuide.
