There’s a place in the heart of the Mediterranean where ancient temples predate the pyramids. Where golden fortresses guard crystal-blue harbors, and where vibrant fishing villages and moonlit jazz bars exist side by side. That place is Malta. We arrived by ferry from Sicily. Just a few days, we thought, to explore its famed capital, Valletta, and maybe a quiet island or two. What we found was a rich, multi-layered island nation overflowing with history, beauty, and energy. From underwater caves to prehistoric temples, seafood markets to sweeping cliff views, Malta completely stole our hearts.

After circling the rugged coast of Sicily, we boarded the ferry from Pozzallo and made our way across the Mediterranean to Malta. Malta is a sun-drenched island nation brimming with history, charm, and vibrant energy. What we found was a wonderful blend of ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable nightlife. These elements together make Malta one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations.

Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, a beachcomber, or a traveler looking for something off the mainstream map, Malta delivers. Here’s how we spent our incredible few days on the island.

Valletta by Day – Forts, Streets, and Stunning Views

Our base for most of the trip was Valletta, the capital city. Valetta sits perched on a hilly peninsula overlooking the Grand Harbour. From the moment we arrived, we were taken by its honey-colored limestone buildings, baroque architecture, and sweeping sea views. Valletta is compact but rich in culture, making it perfect for exploring on foot.

During the day, we visited:

• Fort St. Elmo is home to the National War Museum. Visitors can trace Malta’s military history—from the Knights of St. John to WWII.
• The stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its gilded walls and Caravaggio masterpieces.
• The Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the midday cannon salute still echoes over the harbor.

We strolled through narrow alleys with brightly colored balconies. We ducked into hidden cafes, and marveled at how every corner seemed to whisper centuries of stories.

Touring Fort St. Angelo: The Guardian of the Grand Harbour

Standing proudly at the tip of the Vittoriosa (Birgu) peninsula, Fort St. Angelo is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Malta’s long and dramatic military history. Overlooking the Grand Harbour with sweeping views of Valletta and the Three Cities, this imposing fortress has served as a critical defensive stronghold for centuries—and walking its ramparts today feels like stepping into the pages of a living history book.

Originally a medieval castle, Fort St. Angelo was significantly fortified and expanded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, just in time for the Great Siege of 1565, when it played a pivotal role in repelling the invading Ottoman Empire. Later, it served as a British naval base, and today, it’s a beautifully restored site open to the public.

The self-guided tour leads you through stone corridors, bastions, dungeons, and lookout points, offering immersive exhibits and multimedia installations along the way. You’ll learn not only about the Siege of Malta but also about the Knights themselves—how they lived, worshipped, and fought. There’s even a chapel that once served as the spiritual heart of the fort, with ties to the revered Grand Master Jean de La Valette.

One of the highlights is climbing to the upper bastions, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the best panoramic views in all of Malta. From this elevated vantage point, you can watch ships glide into the Grand Harbour, spot the domes of Valletta in the distance, and truly appreciate the fort’s strategic importance.

Fort St. Angelo is more than just a military relic—it’s a monument to Malta’s resilience, strength, and central role in the power struggles of the Mediterranean. Take your time here, and imagine the centuries of soldiers, commanders, and knights who once stood in the very same spot.

Valletta by Night – Cocktails, Music & Laughter

When the sun dipped low, Valletta transformed. What felt like a historic museum by day turned into a buzzing nightlife scene by night. We had dinner each evening at a different spot—sometimes tucked into courtyards, other times spilling onto cobbled steps. The nightlife in Valetta is wonderful and the streets are teeming with restaurants and people.

Triq Repubblika is the main, bustling pedestrian thoroughfare in Valletta, packed with a high concentration of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. For a more historic, nightlife-focused experience, the narrow, parallel Strait Street is renowned for its vibrant, trendy bars and restaurants. 

• 59 Republic is on St. George’s Square, and is a Michelin recognized restaurant definitely worth a stop.
• We also found an amazing little place on one of the side streets right in downtown Valetta, called Legligin. This Michelin guide pick offers 7-course prix fix options of authentic Maltese dishes as well as cuisine from around the Mediterranean, with or without wine pairings — for incredibly reasonable prices. The family forward service was excellent and the food was even better. The was our favorite meal from our entire time in Malta.
• Our favorite dinner for the atmosphere was at Rampila, built into the bastion walls with views of the fortifications.
• For pre-dinner cocktails and music, we found ourselves at The Lounge, in Sliema. This is a rooftop bar overlooking Valetta from the south, with stunning views and music floating into the night.
• We also had phenomenal views and drinks from the top of the Waterfront Hotel, overlooking the entire Marsamxett Harbour and the northern side of Valetta, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, St Elmo’s, the Great Seige Road, and Manoel Island.

Locals and travelers mingled with ease, and the city felt intimate and alive. As if Malta and its welcoming locals had invited us to be part of its story.

Side Trip #1: Marsaxlokk, shopping and lunch by the sea

One morning, we drove southeast to Marsaxlokk. This is a picturesque and charming fishing village known for its colorful luzzus (traditional boats) and lively Sunday fish market. A number of outdoor cafes line the waterfront, all inviting you in. We lingered over lunch with freshly grilled octopus and chilled Maltese wine.

Side Trip #2: Ancient Temples at the Edge of the Sea: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra

Just outside the town of Qrendi, perched above the sparkling Mediterranean, lie two of Malta’s most awe-inspiring prehistoric temples—Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These Neolithic structures are among the oldest free-standing buildings in the world. They date back more than 5,000 years—older than Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt.

Hagar Qim

Begin your visit at Ħaġar Qim, which sits on a small hill with sweeping views of the coast and nearby islet of Filfla. A white canvas canopy covers the archaeological part of the site. This protects the delicate limestone from erosion and weathering. Despite the shelter, you can still walk around and through the temple’s impressive megalithic structure.

Ħaġar Qim is thought to have been used for ritual and possibly astronomical purposes. Its layout resembles a clover leaf, with a series of rounded, interconnected chambers. Archaeologists believe that each chamber had a different purpose—possibly for worship, fertility rites, or community gatherings. While the full meaning of the site remains mysterious, standing within the curved stone walls, you can feel the significance of the place.

One of the best ways to explore the site is with the self-guided audio tour. You can access the audio by scanning a QR code on-site with your phone. The narration is excellent—well-paced, engaging, and full of historical insights that help bring the stones to life.

Mnajdra

Once you’ve finished wandering through Ħaġar Qim, follow the path just a few minutes downhill toward the sea, and you’ll reach Mnajdra. Though close in distance, it has a different energy—quieter, slightly more remote, and equally powerful. Also sheltered under a protective canopy, Mnajdra is remarkably well-preserved. It consists of three adjacent temples, also arranged in a clover-like form. What’s fascinating is how the main doorway of the temple is aligned with the sunrise on the spring and autumn equinoxes. This indicates the builders’ advanced understanding of astronomy.

Both sites offer a rare and humbling window into the prehistoric world. Here you can literally walk the same paths that ancient Maltese people once used for worship, community, and ritual over five millennia ago. It’s a moving reminder of how Malta’s history reaches deep into the past. And how beautifully the island preserves and shares that legacy today.

Side Trip #3: Gozo, Ġgantija & The Blue Hole

Another highlight of our trip was the day we ferried to Gozo, Malta’s greener, more laid-back sister island. We drove our rental car onto the ferry from the town of Ċirkewwa on Malta to Mġarr (Gozo). Once on Gozo we set out to explore its rural charm, windswept cliffs, and ancient wonders.

We began by soaking in the sun at the Blue Hole near Dwejra Bay. Warning: do not follow Google maps to this place! The Blue Hole is a natural rock pool carved by the sea and popular with divers and snorkelers. The famous Azure Window, made famous from the Games of Thrones series, collapsed in 2017. But the area is still spectacular. We swam, sunbathed on the rocks, and let the dramatic coastal scenery soak into our skin.

After that we headed to the Ġgantija Temples, another UNESCO site. Ggantija is the oldest of all the 5 megalithic freestanding structures on Malta, and the second oldest in the world. The name means “Giantess,” and the scale of the stones makes it easy to see why. Legend has it that a giantess built the site. She carried her baby in one arm and picked up these 50 ton + megaliths in the other. This is the third such site and one of the best preserved of the 5 sites across Malta.

There’s something deeply moving about walking through these prehistoric ruins and realizing how far back human memory stretches here.

Final Thoughts: Malta Is More Than Meets the Eye

Malta is kind of like a hidden gem in plain site. From Valletta’s grandeur and late-night energy, to the quiet mysticism of the temples. From the untamed beauty of Gozo, to the vibrant nightlife in Valetta, this was a trip that offers excitement, romance and discovery, with not a lot of crowds in comparison to most other popular tourist destinations.

Malta turned into one of the highlights of our most recent Mediterranean journey. Certainly one we’ll remember for its warmth, its mystery, and its unforgettable blend of past and present. And a place we will return to.

If Malta isn’t already on your list, it should be.