{"id":2174,"date":"2022-06-28T12:17:43","date_gmt":"2022-06-28T02:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/6-reasons-to-visit-malta\/"},"modified":"2025-07-24T10:22:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T00:22:29","slug":"6-reasons-to-visit-malta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/6-reasons-to-visit-malta\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Reasons Why Malta is a Must-Visit for Your Next European Itinerary\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you want to flop and drop on a Blue Flag beach, explore world-class dive sites, dine at Michelin-star restaurants or go back through time at a myriad of historical monuments, visit Malta \u2013 a must for your next European sojourn.<\/em>  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best of all, getting around is easy; uncover insider tips on a guided tour, hop on the bus for a local experience or self-drive to the islands’ farthest reaches. With major airlines, including Emirates, flying from Dubai directly into Malta International Airport, it couldn\u2019t be easier to start or finish a European holiday on the island\u2019s sandy shores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Centrally located in the middle of the Mediterranean, it\u2019s also well connected to other European hotspots \u2013 the nation\u2019s airline, Air Malta, flies direct to London, Rome, Paris, Munich, Amsterdam, Madrid and Zurich. Self-driving around Europe? Catch the 90-minute ferry to Sicily from Valletta, Malta\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so much to see, do, eat and explore, there\u2019s no better time to visit Malta. Find out where to start with our must-visit guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to add Malta to your European vacation?<\/strong> Book your Maltese escape and experiences<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

1. Discover: Historical sites that span millennia <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Influenced by 7,000 years of history, Malta is the dream destination for history buffs. Overflowing with awe-inspiring sites, including \u0120gantija Temples, the oldest free-standing temples in the world, this magical archipelago has hosted the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Spanish, the Knights of St. John, the French and most recently, the British Empire \u2013 all of which have influenced the islands\u2019 architecture and culture today. Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including the glorious Cultural Capital City of Valletta, the jaw-dropping  \u0126al Saflieni Hypogeum, and seven magnificent Megalithic Temples. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While waltzing down the streets of Malta\u2019s capital, Valletta, don\u2019t pass up on a chance to visit St John\u2019s Co-Cathedral. It\u2019s home to one of Caravaggio\u2019s masterpieces \u2013 The Beheading of St John \u2013 painted by the famous Italian artist in approximately 1608 whilst he was living in Malta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Outside of Valletta, walk in the same footsteps as Norman, Sicilian and Spanish nobility in Mdina, Malta\u2019s ancient former capital city. With 4,000 years of history within its walls, it\u2019s home to beautifully preserved examples of baroque and mediaeval architecture, as well as spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes from its hilltop position.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the short ferry from Malta\u2019s north to Gozo to discover the Citadel, the ancient walled city that\u2019s visible from every part of the island. Learn about the centuries of history down its cobblestoned lanes, dotted with well-preserved holy shrines, Norman-style windows and arches and the remnants of the Coat of Arms. Delve even deeper at any number of fascinating museums, including the state-of-the-art Cathedral Museum and Gran Castello Historic House (formerly known as the Folklore Museum).  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Relax: Acclaimed beaches await <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Golden sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded coves \u2013 all lapped by crystal-clear waters \u2013 the Maltese Islands have a swimming spot for everyone. Combined with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, this archipelago is an idyllic beach destination. Look out for the Blue Flag Beaches, revered for their pristine shores, and the iconic Blue Lagoon, a glistening swim spot that should be on everyone\u2019s Malta bucket list.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Splash around with little ones in the shallows of Mellie\u0127a Bay, lined with restaurants and facilities for easy family days out, or experience something truly unique at Gozo\u2019s Ramla l-\u0126amra, an unspoilt paradise with iconic red sands. With just a few snack bars on its fringes, it\u2019s an undisturbed corner of the island, perfect for peaceful afternoons by the sea.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Celebrate: Dance, eat and drink the night away <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Sip<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From wine bars tucked in Mdina<\/a>\u2019s fortified walls to St Julian\u2019s string of pubs and clubs, Malta\u2019s energy continues long into the night. After sunset, crack open a couple of Kinnies (popular Maltese soft drink) and watch the yachts bob in Valletta\u2019s Grand Harbour, dine alfresco on a cobblestone street or dance the early hours of the morning away with a few bottles of Cisk (Maltese lager) in hand. Should you be staying in the hedonistic hotspot of St Julian\u2019s, make your way to Spinola Bay to mingle with the locals at Kazin tal-Banda\u2019 Pub and Bar over an ice-cold beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For something a little more sophisticated, look to the historic five-star Phoenicia Hotel, home to the wonderful Club Bar. This timeless, 70-year-old watering hole recently received a facelift thanks to one of Malta\u2019s finest designers, Luke Azzopardi, combining its colonial past with contemporary elegance to create a setting worthy of the cocktails that come from behind the bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find a spot on the terrace overlooking Valletta\u2019s harbour to sip on concoctions like Tempest Storm (Campari, Cocchi Vermouth, soda, rosemary syrup and orange) and How High is the Moon? (Ketel One or Tanqueray, Cocchi Bianco, rose water, egg white, lemon peel and maraschino cherry).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your version of a good night out means a delicious meal and a couple of casual drinks, head to Valletta\u2019s popular Strait Street, a narrow pedestrianised street lined with trendy restaurants, bars and clubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\n\t
\n\t\t