Malta is one of those destinations that was meant to be a “one-time trip”… and somehow turned into a regular fixture.
Now it’s less about planning and more about “shall we just book Malta again?” Easy flights, guaranteed sunshine, and the usual debate about where to eat on night one.
Valletta hasn’t lost its charm one bit. What starts as a “quick wander” quickly turns into hours of exploring. Every street feels like it has a story, every building looks like it belongs in a history book, and you find yourself constantly stopping just to take it all in. It’s effortlessly impressive without even trying.
Then there’s St Julian’s, where the pace picks up a little. It’s livelier, busier, and tends to turn “just one drink” into a late night. That said, the food scene is brilliant. We always promise to try somewhere new—and we do—but somehow still find ourselves returning to old favourites. Some habits are worth keeping.
There’s one restaurant in particular that’s become part of the tradition. Proper Maltese food, consistently excellent, and now a non-negotiable stop on every trip. We go in with good intentions… and within minutes the table is covered in dishes, with no one quite willing to admit we’ve over-ordered. Again.
We did mix things up one evening with a visit to Noni, and that was a different experience altogether. From the moment you walk in, it feels special. The food is beautifully refined, full of flavour, and the kind of meal you take your time over—partly to enjoy it, partly to figure out exactly what you’re eating. Definitely worth it.
Mdina offers a complete change of pace. It’s incredibly quiet—almost surreal. Walking through the narrow streets, surrounded by that warm golden stone, feels like stepping into another time. It’s one of those places where you naturally lower your voice, even though no one’s told you to.
One standout this time was Scala. Sitting right by the city walls with panoramic views across the island, it’s one of those dining experiences you don’t rush. Great setting, fantastic food, and a proper “just sit back and enjoy it” kind of evening.
A trip to Gozo is now part of the routine too—no discussion needed. It’s Malta’s quieter, more laid-back sibling. Everything feels slower, calmer, and just a bit more relaxed.
In Victoria, the Citadel dominates the skyline, standing proudly above the island like something from another era. Wander up, take in the views, and soak it all in. It’s the perfect place to slow down and just enjoy being there, even if you’re not entirely sure about the history behind it.
Depending on your budget, there are a few standout hotels that are always worth looking at.
The Phoenicia Malta is probably the most iconic—right on the edge of Valletta with incredible views and that classic, old-school luxury feel.
Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay is perfect if you want that proper resort vibe. Think sea views, multiple pools, great restaurants and everything right on your doorstep—it’s one of those places you could happily not leave all week.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly but still really solid, Mayflower Hotel is a great option—modern, well-located, and does exactly what you need it to.
Every trip ends up feeling familiar—and that’s exactly why we keep going back. Great food, beautiful places, and no surprises.
