Malta cast its spell before I even set foot on shore. From the deck of my cruise ship, I watched Valletta’s fortified limestone walls emerge from the sea, glowing gold against the blue. But no matter how you get there, Malta beguiles once you arrive. And beyond its Baroque architecture and complex history, this archipelago between Sicily and the North African coast has a lot to offer business travelers and their companions, both during working hours and downtime.

For a destination of its size (the smallest country in the EU), it boasts a lot of upcoming hotel growth. Meliá Hotels plans nine new properties, while Hard Rock Hotel Malta will open soon on St. George’s Bay. All of this translates to expanded choices for extended stays to combine business travel with leisure.

PHOTO:
© KRIVINIS | DREAMSTIME

The capital, Valletta, is compact and highly walkable, perfect for solo explorers as well as couples, parents with smaller children and intergenerational families. English is widely spoken (It’s an official language along with Maltese; Italian is also common.), and its diversions appeal to history buffs, culture enthusiasts, souvenir seekers and beachgoers alike.

The best advice for soaking in the culture: Get lost down the narrow streets and alleyways of this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most charming European cities I’ve ever visited. Most construction uses limestone, also referred to as Malta stone, featuring a soft ecru hue that takes on a warm golden tone as it ages, while flagstone and cobblestone streets and sidewalks are worn smooth from centuries of foot traffic. Other unique features indicative of Maltese design include gallarija, ornate closed wooden balconies related to the Arabic mashrabiya, used to cool buildings and offer concealed views to the outside.

PHOTO: © OLGACOV | DREAMSTIME

Daytime proves the best time to stroll around as shops open their doors, cafés buzz and sea breezes offset the warm sunshine. I stumbled upon St. Lucia’s Street, possibly the city’s most picturesque. Steep but shallow steps tumble down toward the water, strings of white bulb lights and multicolored flags adorned with historical emblems and patron saints crisscross overhead, palm trees and tropical foliage lend lushness, and restaurants’ bistro tables and chairs set on the steps offer perches to take it all in.

Cuisine here skews Mediterranean, with some local specialties including aljotta (garlicky fish soup), red-wine-braised octopus and slow-braised rabbit ragù with pasta — Malta’s national dish. The sunny climate is conducive to wine production from indigenous grapes Girgentina and Ġellewża. Taste, Bottega Italia and Why Not? Wine Bar all prove worthy spots on St. Lucia’s Street for a glass and a bite.

If your brood likes to snag authentic souvenirs, Valletta offers a treasure trove. Handcrafted lace called bizzilla creates tablecloths and scarves, and bowls and vases made from vibrant handblown Mdina glass make gorgeous — albeit delicate — keepsakes. You’ll find the iconic Maltese cross, symbolic of the Knights of St. John, imprinted on pins, keychains, pendants and signs, while intricate traditional motifs adorn delicate filigreed jewelry. If edible souvies are more your thing, pick up floral-tinged local honey; olive oil; or a kit to make pastizz, flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or curried peas. Seek out family-run or artisanal shops where you can see the finished product made in front of you.

If you take the Barrakka Lift to get to the center of town, delivering you to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or even if you just wander there in your travels, you’ll discover one of the best photo ops, with Grand Harbour and the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua) laid out in front of you.

Close to the Gardens look for Casa Rocca Piccola, built in the mid-16th century as a private palace and still inhabited by the De Piro family. A guided tour (about $10–15 for adults, free for children under 14) gives insight into the lifestyle of the Maltese aristocracy, including formal salons and the wine cellar as well as the family’s living quarters and private chapel. A courtyard and balcony offer stellar views; ask your guide for a peek into hidden passages and the antique weapons collection.

Considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, nearby St. John’s Co-Cathedral dates back to 1578 . Tickets for the tour (about $17 for adults, $13 for seniors/students and free for kids under 12) include an audio guide. The incredibly ornate interior features gilded accents, marble columns and frescoes. Each of eight chapels is associated with a regional subdivision of the knights.

PHOTO: © EVGENIY FESENKO | DREAMSTIME

Of course there’s much to discover beyond Valletta for day- tripping. The family-friendly Mellieħa Bay lies 40 minutes north, boasting calm, sandy beaches and loungers and umbrellas for rent. Traveling 40 minutes south of Valletta takes you to the Blue Grotto, lending comparisons to a more easily accessible, less crowded version of Capri. Visitors can take 30-minute rides (about $12 per person) in traditional boats that navigate the sea caves and caverns. Their waters range from deep cobalt to light turquoise, depending on the angle of the sun and the tides; St Peter’s Pool makes for a natural swimming hole nearby.

Away from the coast, 30 minutes west of Valletta, lies Mdina, referred to as the Quiet City for its lack of automobiles. The more than 4,000-year-old walled medieval city sits on a hillside and offers great views of the Maltese countryside. Snap a photo of your group by Mdina Gate, then wander the honey-hued limestone lanes at your own pace. Here quiet courtyards, tucked-away cafés and sweeping bastion views make it just as rewarding solo as it is with the whole crew.

LODGING
AX THE PALACE MALTA
Located in a lively seaside town 20 minutes from Valletta, this 149-room hotel features contemporary design, balconies facing the harbor, several restaurants and a rooftop infinity pool.
High Street, Sliema
$$$

PALAZZO CONSIGLIA
This beloved small luxury boutique property, housed in a restored traditional Maltese townhouse, offers 13 distinctly designed rooms, with traditional stone walls and columns blending with modern comforts.
102 Saint Ursula St., Valletta
$$$$

THE PHOENICIA MALTA
One of Malta’s most celebrated properties, this hotel features Neoclassical and Art Deco design, with 132 garden- or city-facing rooms and suites and prime access to Valletta and the waterfront.
The Mall, Floriana
$$$

DINING
ION HARBOUR BY SIMON ROGAN
Malta’s only 2-Michelin-starred restaurant takes a seasonal, farm-to-table approach with several tasting menu options celebrating Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine, an expansive wine list, polished service and panoramic harbor views.
11 Saint Barbara Bastion, Valletta
$$$$$

PALAZZO PRECA
Located in a Maltese townhouse with vaulted ceilings, this spot features Mediterranean ingredients including fresh fish, pastas and olive oil, with alfresco tables facing a narrow pedestrian street.
54 Strait St., Valletta
$$$

LA PIRA MALTESE KITCHEN
This casual family-run gem in a 300-year-old building in the center of town highlights local specialties including rabbit, pan-fried octopus, aljotta and sausages, with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.
35 Merchants St., Valletta
$$$

INFO TO GO
Beginning in June 2026, Delta Air Lines will offer the first and only direct, non-stop service from the United States, with flights from New York (JFK) to Malta International Airport in Luqa. Other carriers including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Air France/KLM offer connecting flights. A taxi ride to Valletta takes 20 minutes and costs $29–35, while the Express X4/X5 bus takes 40 minutes and costs around $3.

Cruise ships usually dock in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. The Barrakka Lift near the waterfront takes you from the Lower Barrakka Gardens to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, but the line for the lift can be long. Alternatively, you can walk 20 minutes up steep steps — not recommended with luggage or if you have mobility issues, but the historical trek is photographable.