Malta
September 2 - 5, 2023 (4D3N): Ever since I saw S25E8 on The Amazing Race in 2014, I’ve had my eyes set on this country. Malta comprises five islands and is the world's tenth-smallest country by area. English, as its official language, makes it even more attractive to American tourists. Since it is a relatively small island, public transportation is convenient if renting a car is not your thing (you do need to drive on the other side of the road, given it was a British colony). We combined this trip with a visit to Sicily.
*Highly recommended food & hotel
Day 1 (Sliema/Valletta):
Afternoon arrival at MLA from London STN (via RyanAir)
Rental car @ Avis (highly recommended, great experience here)
Check-in @ Strand Suites*
Valletta (park along the Great Siege Road):
6 -10 PM: Dinner @ Noni* (Michelin 1 Star; highly recommended; reservations needed)
Jazz @ Babel Bistro*
Mojitos @ Bridge Bar* (live jazz on Friday night; check out The Amazing Race S25E8)
Day 2 (Marsaxlokk/Birgu/Valletta):
Swim @ Aqualuna Lido (free amenity from the hotel)
St. Peter’s Pool (parking available by the entrance)
ll-Kalanka (parking available by the entrance; a quiet alternative from St. Peter’s Pool)
Marsaxlokk:
Fisherman Boat Photo
Lunch @ Tartarun Resturant*
Birgu (you can either drive here and park near Victory Square or take the gondola from Valletta):
Shop @ Home Made in Gozo (we had a great experience with our local wine purchase)
Valletta (park @ Public Car Park):
5–7 pm: Discovering Valletta, a UNESCO capital Walking Tour:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (once occupied by Napoleon during his invasion of Malta)
National Library (pic only)
Drinks @ Sailors Paradise*
Silema:
Dinner @ Yami Yabi*
Day 3 (Blue Lagoon/Marfa/Mellieha/St. Julian’s)
Comino ferry to Blue Lagoon (€15 RT/p incl. a free trip to see the caves; map to Rivera Hotel & Spa for derry departure; grab drinks at the hotel while you wait):
Santa Marija Bay (not much snorkeling)
Fruit Bar & Blue Lagoon Cocktail Bar (drinks come in a cute pineapple as the shell)
Coral Lagoon (park @ Bajja tal-Qroll; short hike to see the lagoon)
Paradise Bay Beach (great snorkeling by the rocks; decent food at the restaurant)
Popeye Cliff/ Anchor Bay (a view of the Popeye Village, best to go during sunset)
St. Julian’s:
Dinner @ Cafe Juliani* (special menu from Zest Restaurant; a beautiful view from the rooftop)
Scenic drive along the bay/Tower Road to Sliema
Day 4 (Rabat/Mdina/Blue Grotto):
Breakfast @ 115 The Strand Rooftop (panoramic view)
Swim @ Aqualuna Lido
Rabat:
Triq Id-Dejqa (a beautiful narrow street)
Mdina:
Dingli Cliffs (go directly to the rocky side to avoid the crowd)
Hagar Qim (€10/p; suggested duration: 1 hr)
Blue Grotto:
Return car rental
Evening flight to Sicily (priority pass lounge - La Valette Club*)
Other points of interest & food:
Vallette:
Is-Suq Tal-Belt - Valletta Food Market
Coffee @ Sunday In Scotland
Underground tour @ National Museum of Archaeology
A unique chocolate experience @ Chocolate District
Visit Casa Rocca Piccola
Michelin dining experience @ Under Grain, ION Harbour By Simon Rogan
Dinner @ MUŻA Restaurant,
Visit Strait Street for some cool bars
Get some local wines from OneTwenty
St. Julian’s:
Dinner @ Caviar & Bull
Drinks @ Parangs
Other dining options:
Beaches:
Gozo:
Take a ferry to Malta’s sister island, Gozo, for a quieter experience, stunning beaches, and historic sites like the Ġgantija Temples.
Tips:
Given there are limited direct flights to Malta from NYC, the best way to fly there is to find a cheapest RT flight to Europe, then hop on a budget airline (EasyJets or RyanAir) to MLA.
Tap water is safe to drink in Malta.
Parking is generally free; just make sure you park within the white lines.
The euro is the official currency, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Malta is sunny most of the year, so bring sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Even during winter, the temperatures are mild, but it can be windy.
