Malta, the Fascinating Mediterranean Island You’ve Never Heard Of

Mdina:  While there’s something for Game of Thrones fans everywhere in Malta, Mdina and nearby Rabat are among the most well-known filming locations. Once the island’s capital from antiquity to the medieval period, Mdina is a walled hilltop village with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. Mdina Gate is the main entrance into the city, over an arched moat bridge. Game of Thrones fans will recognize its debut in season one, when Lady Catelyn Stark rides into Kings Landing through this very entrance.  While I didn’t have time to explore this city as I would have liked, it seemed charming, with winding streets and adorable shops. Find a sightseeing tour in Malta here.

The Three Cities: Just a short ferry ride away from Valletta Old Town are Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea.  I’m told that the large flat rock near the fort becomes a beach but there are jellyfish, so be warned if you swim there! This area is quieter with great views of Valletta.

Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is the place to come for views of the Three Cities. Every day there is a cannon at noon and 4 pm.

Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck: For its size, Malta has a lot of churches – over 350 — and this one astonished me. On my last day in Malta, I happened to look inside a small doorway. Walking inside, I was greeted by hot pink walls, crystal chandeliers and a baroque gilt rivalling St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Built in 1572, this church is named after a Biblical story which says that Paul was being taken to Rome to be tried as a political rebel, but ran aground in Malta, and was warmly welcomed by the Maltese people.

Day trips: Malta is small enough that you can drive without fear of getting lost (plus, it’s an island so you can only go so far!) If you rent a car, remember it’s left-hand driving. I’d suggest Marsaxlokk harbour, a colourful fishing village that’s a perfect place for afternoon lunch.  Marsaskala is a five-minute drive away from the harbour, perfect for sunset views. It’s dangerous with very high cliffs so watch your step, it’s very steep and rugged. You can only drive so far and then will need to walk in. Click here to book the perfect day trip from Malta.

Blue Grotto: In February, there are no boat tours of the Blue Grotto but you can see it from above for free. I found many things in Malta expensive, particularly the tourist attractions, so was happy to find that some things in Malta don’t cost anything. Find a boat tour to the Blue Grotto here.

Note: While you can visit each of these attractions separately, it might be worth purchasing a Malta Pass if you’re planning to spend a few days or weeks there.  During my visit in February, Malta was quiet and there were no lineups, but many of the attractions require timeslots, and several of the museums are closed on Mondays in the low season, so check schedules before you book.

Getting Around Malta

Both Bolt and Uber operate in Malta and I found them reliable and cost-competitive. (Download the apps in advance).

Malta ferry or bus: Buy a Talijandra pass at the airport for $6 which includes a complimentary pass. You can use the card on ferries and buses. The express bus from the airport (X1, X2 etc) is 2.50 euros, and took about an hour to Saint Julian. Buses take cash (Euros). From Sliema to Valletta, the bus across town to Three Cities is about $2 or $6 return.

Taxis: The island is served by both Bolt and Uber which are very affordable – from Saint Julians to Valletta is about $8 one way, from Valletta to Airport $10. Download your apps in advance.

Renting a car in Valletta: Car rental is cheap, at about $8 a day from Hertz, then add-ons like insurance take it up to $40. There is a set $6 flat fee to enter each city on the island. If you rent, remember that you’re driving on the right-hand side of the road. Like those in Italy, gas stations use pre-paid machines that accept bills and cards. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand after 6 pm. Find a car to rent here.

Where to stay in Malta

There are several different communities near Valletta Old Town. I stayed in Saint Julians a beautiful fifth-floor apartment with views of the bay. If I go back, I’d like to try Three Cities as it feels less touristy. For a first-time traveller, I suggest staying in Valletta. Some reader-recommended hotels include Palazzo Rosario boutique hotel, Hotel Una Palace, or Casa Rocca Piccola. Find a place to stay on VRBO or on booking.com here.