Malta travel guide: what to see, do, eat & where to stay

Summer may officially be over (if UK weather is anything to go by), but Instagram is still feeding the FOMO. Feeds and reels from the Med keep pouring in, and aside from the Greek islands there’s one spot that seems to be getting a fair share of the airtime: Malta. Yes, it has all the benefits of the hot Mediterranean sun right through into October, and stunning beaches aplenty, but, crucially, in recent years this ‘Jewel of the Mediterranean’ has seen somewhat of a cultural resurgence in both the public and private arts sectors.

A trip to ‘the rock’ ten years ago may have left you unimpressed, but things have changed fast. From its topography and natural landscape to its storied history and architecture, it’s these unique features and more which have bolstered the country’s rich and complex tapestry. Where history and contemporary living come together, you will discover on Malta the most gorgeously designed hotels, restaurants and bars, alongside beautifully considered contemporary art galleries, astounding museums and annual / biannual events such as the Mediterrane Film Festival and the Malta Biennale adding to the momentum. Throw in a pina colada and a dip in the clearest Mediterranean waters, and you have the recipe for an idyllic long weekend away.

The art

Malta’s cultural life has levelled up. The newly opened MICAS dazzles on the international art stage, while independent galleries are showcasing bold contemporary voices. Heritage remains at the core, with the National Museum of Archaeology and the ancient walled city of Mdina reminding visitors of Malta’s millennia of rich and colourful history.

Click here to discover the best things to see and do in Malta.

Image credit MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Arts Space).

Eat & Drink

Whether it’s a century-old family-run restaurant, a trattoria serving seasonal dishes on handmade and handpainted pottery, a moody wine bar with blind tasting menus, or the island’s only two Michelin star dining room, Malta’s food and drink scene is every bit as vibrant as its cultural one.

Click here for our guide to where to eat and drink in Malta.

Image credit Villa Bologna Restaurant

Stay 

Malta’s hotels range from national landmarks where royalty once danced, to boutique hideaways thoughtfully curated with Maltese art, and palazzos blending historic architecture with contemporary design. Each offers its own vision of luxury and cultural immersion.

Click here to discover our full guide to hotels to stay at in Malta.

 Image credit The Coleridge

Words by Tani Burns