Malta

I suggest you search this forum first. There have been several informative threads over the past year. Next, get ahold of the Bradt and/or Rough Guide guide books for Malta. I would have recommended lonely planet in the past, but its last Malta book was of no help on our trip in 2025. Visitmalta and maltainfoguide are 2 good websites as well. Third, get your tickets to the Hypogeum NOW. I just did a random search of September dates; 3 days are already sold out, and several have less than 10 left for the day.

We have stayed in Valletta, which is close to many of the country's historical attractions, and is the center of the public bus system for those sites a little far out. If nightlife is your main interest, Sliema/ St Julian might be more your thing.

We were in Malta in 2018, for a few days’ stopover on our way to Sicily.

I’d recommend reading some history of the island before your visit. Because of its strategic location, it was the site of two major sieges— 1565, when the Ottoman Turks nearly took the island from the Knights of St John. And 1940-43, when Hitler and Mussolini tried to bomb & starve it into submission. You’ll see lots of historical places/references on the island.

One of our favorite sights was St John’s Co-Cathedral. It was described as a baroque extravaganza, and that was true. Its highlight was Caravaggio’s huge Beheading of St John. There was also a smaller Caravaggio — St Jerome. These paintings sent us on a Caravaggio quest in Sicily, where we found more in Ortigia, Messina and Trapani.

Also worth seeing on Malta is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an amazing prehistoric underground burial chamber. Tours are limited, so you must buy your tickets far in advance.

I remember it being a challenge to research Malta before our trip, but now I suspect a Google search and AI will give you lots of information.

Hi

Thank you for the information. We are also stopping on the way to Sicily. I purchased Hypogeum tickets a few months ago. We have 9 days staying in Valletta. Not into the nightlife. History and good food are more our thing. lol

I will get a hold of the guidebook as suggested. 😊

Good on you buying the Hypogaeum well in advance - those are really hard to catch.

We had our honeymoon on Malta in September a couple of years ago, spending three weeks all over the archipelago. A random collection of ideas you might look into:
1. The buses are cheap and get you everywhere. For very long trips an ecab ride service might be more convenient.
2. If you are not into nightlife, Sliema and St. Julian are not worth it.
3. When in Valletta, make sure to take a gondola/„water taxi“ to the „three cities“ across the harbor.
4. It can be quite hot, keep that in mind. Do you like swimming/beaches? Malta has not that many, but Mellieha and „Golden Bay“ are quite pleasant. Best is Ramla on Gozo, in case you go there on a day trip (boat possible, I think)
5. Blue lagoon is nice, but has no shade and can be very crowded.
6. Mdina old town is a really nice destination for a day trip, and well connected to Valletta by bus. Close by are Busketts garden and in particular Dingli Cliffs, which are a stunning spot for some light hike.
7. For Maltese cuisine, I at least recall „nenu the artisan baker“ in Valletta old town.
8. English style tea time is served at various upper class hotels. Enough to feed you for the day.

Hi l b m

Great information. Thank you