SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE of the Mediterranean Sea, almost equidistant from mainland Europe and North Africa, lies the tiny island nation of Malta. Its confluence of cultures has weathered the storms of several occupations, but it now serves as a gateway between continents and a well-preserved museum of some of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Comprising three islands (Malta, Comino and Gozo), the archipelago’s rugged coastlines and sparkling sapphire waters make it a desirable destination for both work and play. From the growing capital city of Valletta to the stunning rocky shores that once housed the world-famous Azure Window, Malta is rife with opportunities to expand and explore.
Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, the former walled city of Valletta now serves as Malta’s capital. Functioning for the past few centuries as a hub for economic trade between North Africa, the Middle East and Europe, Valletta became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980 and the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Due to its central location, Malta has seen a surge in international visitors who arrive for both business and pleasure. While often based in Valletta, business travelers can easily explore other areas of the island as well as the neighboring islands by public bus, rental car or private driver.
Most trips to Malta begin in Valletta, a small but historic and invigorating Mediterranean capital. One of the best and more relaxing ways to see the city is to book a ticket on a day cruise. Most tours depart almost every hour and cruise around the coastal capital and its various harbors. Afterward, stay on the southeastern border of Valletta to spend time strolling through the pristine and manicured Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, the Upper offering panoramic views of the Three Cities across the harbor and beyond. In Valletta proper, head to Merchant Street Market to sample local food from one of the restaurant stalls while perusing both local and international brands of clothing, décor and souvenirs.
After the Knights of St. John arrived and settled on the island of Malta, they commissioned their namesake church in the 16th century. Still open today, St. John’s Co-Cathedral welcomes visitors to marvel at its majestic Baroque interior that contains Caravaggio’s oldest signed work of art.
There’s a lot more to Malta than just Valletta, and each corner of the island and smaller sister islands feels like worlds away within just a few hundred miles.
As an island, Malta boasts opportunities for watersports like diving and boating. Book your spot on a fishing boat with a local for a few hours of searching for the best day’s catch to deliver to local restaurants, or just kick back on a catamaran as you curve around the coasts and stop for swimming breaks in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Novice divers can take lessons at various points around the island, while experts can embark on challenging dives like Lantern Point, with depths of nearly 500 feet. Underwater reefs and caves combine with calm, clear waters to make Malta a desirable destination for deep dives.
Back up on land, Malta’s Marsa Sports Club is the island’s largest locale for leisure activities like golf, miniature golf, tennis, squash, cricket or just some sunbathing and swimming by the pool. The 100-year-old sports club offers daily and weekly rates for visitors.
The quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk warrants a daytrip from Valletta, particularly on Sundays when the street market bustles. But if crowds aren’t your thing, visit on a weekday and make a point of dining at one of the harbor-front seafood restaurants, where fish is practically tossed directly from one of the bay’s colorful fishing boats into the kitchen each day. Walk or take a taxi east along the coast until you reach St. Peter’s Pool, a natural pool with suitable cliffs for jumping into the cool waters below.
Step back in time with a visit to Mdina, which served as the island’s capital until medieval times. From atop the city’s walls views spread across the Maltese archipelago, while down at sea level the car-free zone has earned the nickname “the Silent City.” An easy bus connection links well-preserved and welcoming Mdina to Valletta and other places around the island.
Nestled between Malta and Gozo, the tiny island of Comino often would be overlooked if not for the Blue Lagoon, a stunning blue paradise for swimming, snorkeling, fish-spotting and diving, as well as speedboat tours of the adjacent caves.
A short ferry ride brings you to the island of Gozo, the slightly greener sister of the three islands. The ruins of Gozo’s Ggantija Temple predate the Egyptian pyramids, and the seaside town of Xlendi is known for its captivating cliffs. The former home of the Azure Window still attracts visitors to the bucolic capital city of Victoria, where an uphill climb to the Citadel offers scenic views of rolling hills and the farms that produce Gozo’s fruity liqueurs.
Just as cultures coalesce on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta, so do chances for fun and exotic activities when work duties are behind you.
INFO TO GO
Malta International Airport lies approximately five miles (15 minutes by car) southwest of the capital city of Valletta and serves all of Malta. Public transportation is still quite limited in Malta, but visitors can access the rest of the island by public bus, taxi or private transfer. Car rentals are also available, but drivers should be warned Maltese roads can be difficult to navigate due to the uneven pavement, assertive drivers and the fact that the Maltese drive on the left side of the road.
Four express bus lines (X1, X2, X3 and X4) connect the airport with various locations around the island and serve as the cheapest way to get you to your destinations. Taxis also run between the airport and nearly anywhere in Malta, with rates varying from about $17 to Valletta to $25 and $30 to St. John’s Bay and St. Julian’s, respectively. Shuttle service is available for select hotels located throughout Malta and can be arranged on the Malta Airport website.
Where to Stay in Malta
AX THE PALACE Just north of Valletta on the peninsula of Sliema sits AX The Palace Hotel, a chic hotel and spa with a rooftop terrace, pool and dining area with views of the Mediterranean Sea. High Street, Sliema $$$
CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA “Malta’s Leading Hotel,” according to the World Travel Awards, is still in operation while getting a facelift. This fall its revamped Athenaeum Spa will reopen. De Paule Avenue, San Anton $$$
INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA If four restaurants, a rooftop terrace, on-site café, cocktail lounge and an infinity pool aren’t enough, Malta’s InterContinental Hotel also features a private beach for guests. St. George’s Bay, St. Julian’s $$$$
Restaurants in Malta
BEATI PAOLI RESTAURANT Venture downstairs to the crypt-like basement dining room where the open-plan kitchen lets you watch the chef and cooks in action as they prepare delicate Mediterranean dishes. 240 St. Paul St., Valletta $$$
MALDONADO BISTRO Culinary artistry meets medieval charm at Maldonado, a cozy cavern where dishes like Gozo ravioli complement the historic ambience provided by stone walls. 18 Mons Vella, Ir-Rabat Għawdex, Gozo $$$
MIRO Seabream roulade, strawberry fillet and lamb tagliata are just a few of the decadent options on Miro’s forward-thinking menu, located in The George Hotel. The George, Urban Boutique Hotel, Paceville Avenue, St. Julian’s $$$$
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedMarch 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Daily
Mar 27, 2024“Deal or No Deal” Interactive Game Show Comes to Holland America Line
Holland America Line expands its entertainment offerings by launching the game show brand Deal or No Deal on nine ships. TimePlay, an entertainment software company, powers the show format, with a highly adaptable design and strong brand identity, on more than 85 ships worldwide.
Sponsored Content
Revel in a European Summer with AmaWaterways
Pedal through sun-drenched vineyards, hike amidst blooming wildflowers and take a refreshing dip in your ship's sun-deck whirlpool. Indulge in the flavors of the region with delectable dishes featuring luscious Wachau Valley apricots and succulent Serbian plums. As night falls, watch as the cities along the rivers come alive, pulsating with an irresistible electric energy. The sun-soaked days and vibrant nights offer a compelling reason to embark on an AmaWaterways river cruise during the upcoming summer months.
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés is an oasis where the desert meets the sea, nestled between the Sea of Cortez and La Paz Bay in Mexico. With an emphasis on providing guests a relaxing experience through wellness and culture activities, the hotel is a short 10-minute drive from Downtown La Paz, Mexico. Upon entrance under the porte cochere you are greeted with a palette of whites and browns, a theme constant throughout the property.
Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Celebrate the 3 Z Hotels San Francisco with Limited-Time Offer
Z Hotels SF, a collection of boutique properties in downtown San Francisco, launched a limited-time offer. Whether you opt to stay at Hotel Zelos, Hotel Zetta or Hotel Zeppelin, book The Best Things Comes in Threes offer and receive:
Sponsored Content
Tips to Plan a Destination Event Worth the Trip
Corporate events can often feel … too corporate. Where to go to get the team out of the office environment to bond and think outside the box? Starting with an unconventional, unique space to make them feel like the all-stars they are will get the juices flowing and make your LinkedIn profile glow.
eFlyer Lead
Mar 27, 2024Aeromexico Named Most Punctual Airline in the World
Cirium, a global aviation analytics company, recently released the most on-time airlines in the world for early 2024. The study found Aeromexico as the most improved airline in February, with a 90.66 percent on-time performance, a 12.5-point increase in on-time performance over January 2024.
ShareThis