Sun-soaked coastlines, historic cities, crystal-clear swimming spots and some of the Mediterranean’s most characterful dining experiences — Malta packs an enormous amount into a surprisingly compact island. Whether travelling as a couple looking for long waterfront dinners and boutique hotels, or as a family wanting easy adventures, boat trips and relaxed pool days, Malta manages to strike a rare balance between culture, luxury and accessibility. The beauty of the island is just how easy it is to explore; visitors can move between ancient cities, rooftop restaurants, fishing villages and hidden coves in under an hour, whether by private taxi, bus, ferry or hire car. From the bustling streets of Valletta to the slower pace of Gozo and the postcard-perfect waterfronts of the Three Cities, Malta is a destination that feels both endlessly historic and refreshingly easy-going.
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Le Regatta, Senglea
Hidden right at the tip of Senglea in Malta’s historic Three Cities, Le Regatta feels like one of those rare places you almost don’t want to tell anyone about. Tucked away along the waterfront, it is the kind of hidden gem that instantly makes an impression. Positioned directly beside the water with uninterrupted views across to Valletta, it is one of the most beautiful sunset spots in the area. The terraced seating sits almost on the waterfront itself, where boats gently pass by as the city lights begin to glow across the harbour. While the Mediterranean-inspired menu focuses on fresh seafood and refined local flavours, this is equally the kind of place to visit simply to relax with a cocktail or glass of wine on one of the outdoor sofas as the day winds down.
The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge, Valletta
Perched at the top of the Embassy Valletta Hotel, The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge delivers one of the most impressive dining views in Malta. Sitting almost level with the iconic dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the setting feels completely immersed within Valletta’s skyline, with panoramic views stretching across the capital’s limestone rooftops. Both the outdoor terrace and indoor dining area make the most of the scenery, with the interior enclosed entirely by glass so the view is never lost, even during cooler evenings. The Mediterranean-inspired menu combines beautifully presented dishes with refined but relaxed dining, with standout plates including the lamb tacos with pickled onions and the perfectly seared pork tenderloin served with a delicate lemon-mustard cream sauce. It is equally suited to sunset cocktails, relaxed lunches or elegant evening dinners above the city.
Coogi’s, Mdina
Set within the ancient walled city of Mdina, Coogi’s combines exceptional views with one of the most characterful interiors on the island. The outdoor terrace overlooks the Maltese countryside from the city’s elevated position. Inside, the building itself tells a story spanning centuries; an old Arab townhouse featuring walls of Arab origin, Norman-era rooms and layers of architectural additions added throughout Malta’s history. The result is a dining experience that feels deeply connected to the city itself. Alongside the remarkable setting, the menu focuses on elevated Mediterranean cuisine using fresh local ingredients, whilst the restaurant’s ‘Taste of Malta’ set menu offers a particularly good introduction to traditional local flavours through a more refined, contemporary approach to Maltese dining.
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Explore Gozo by Tuk Tuk or Jeep
Whilst Malta itself offers plenty to explore, a full-day trip to Gozo provides a completely different side of the islands. Smaller, greener and noticeably slower-paced, Gozo feels far more rural and traditional, with dramatic coastlines, hidden swimming spots and sleepy villages scattered across the island. One of the best ways to experience it is through a private tuk-tuk or jeep tour, allowing visitors to comfortably cover the island’s highlights whilst still stopping regularly to soak up the scenery. Tours typically include locations such as Ramla Bay, the Salt Pans, Victoria (Gozo’s capital), Dwejra and quieter inland villages that visitors may otherwise miss. The relaxed pace, local guides, and constantly changing scenery make this especially enjoyable for families, whilst couples will appreciate just how effortlessly scenic the entire island feels.
Visit Marsaxlokk & St Peter’s Pool
On the southern side of Malta, Marsaxlokk offers one of the island’s most picturesque and authentic coastal settings. The traditional fishing village is instantly recognisable thanks to its colourful luzzu boats bobbing across the harbour, creating the kind of postcard-perfect waterfront Malta is famous for. Sundays are particularly lively thanks to the village fish market, where locals and visitors browse fresh seafood stalls lining the promenade. Along the waterfront, restaurants spill out towards the harbour serving freshly caught fish and long, relaxed seafood lunches with sea views. Just a short drive away sits St Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming area carved into the coastline with incredibly clear turquoise water. Popular with younger visitors for cliff jumping, it is equally perfect for simply swimming and cooling off beneath the Mediterranean sun.
Catch a Dgħajsa Water Taxi to the Three Cities
One of the simplest yet most memorable experiences in Malta is catching a traditional dgħajsa water taxi across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities. Departing from the dock directly beneath the Upper Barrakka Lift, the small wooden boats glide across the water in around ten minutes, offering incredible views back towards Valletta’s fortified skyline. The journey is particularly enjoyable during the hotter months when the sea breeze provides welcome relief from the heat. Arriving at Birgu Marina also opens the door to exploring the historic Three Cities, Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. Each area is filled with narrow alleyways, quiet waterfronts and centuries of maritime history that predate Valletta itself. Compared with the capital, the atmosphere here feels calmer, more local and wonderfully authentic.
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Hilton Malta, St Julian’s
Set along the waterfront in St Julian’s, Hilton Malta strikes an impressive balance between large-scale resort luxury and relaxed Mediterranean ease. Despite being one of Malta’s best-known hotels, it never feels overly formal or intimidating, making it particularly well-suited to families. Spacious rooms, lagoon-style pools and a range of dining options create the feeling of a complete resort within easy reach of the rest of the island. What stands out most, however, is the atmosphere — polished but genuinely welcoming. Its location also makes exploring incredibly easy, whilst still offering plenty of space and facilities to enjoy slower, more relaxed days without leaving the resort.
Embassy Valletta Hotel, Valletta
Few hotels place visitors quite so centrally within Malta’s capital as Embassy Valletta Hotel. Positioned in the heart of Valletta itself, stepping outside immediately immerses guests into the city’s energy, architecture and café-lined streets, whilst inside the hotel feels modern, calm and surprisingly intimate. The rooftop pool and terrace are undoubtedly highlights, offering panoramic views across Valletta’s skyline that become particularly magical at sunset. Rooms combine contemporary design with comfort, whilst the location makes it ideal for visitors wanting to explore the capital entirely on foot. For those wanting to experience Valletta beyond a day trip, this is one of the city’s standout places to stay.
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Gozo
For a completely different side of Malta, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz offers a far more tranquil escape tucked away on the island of Gozo. Surrounded by countryside and set within the quieter village of San Lawrenz, the hotel feels worlds away from the energy of Valletta and St Julian’s, making it particularly appealing for those wanting a slower pace and genuine relaxation. The property blends traditional Mediterranean styling with resort-style luxury, featuring expansive gardens, multiple pools and one of the island’s best wellness offerings. Its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring Gozo’s dramatic coastline, charming villages and scenic swimming spots.
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