A tapestry of grand races, heritage sites, and culinary treasures, Malta blends its storied past with vibrant modern life
Shereen Shabnam
As the Mediterranean breeze softens and autumn light bathes the limestone walls of Valletta and Mdina, Malta becomes a storyteller’s paradise. Once again this year, I traced layers of history, culture and flavour through museums, bastions and secret alleys over a few days and I found that this compact island rewards the curious traveller at every turn even after numerous visits.
Arriving in Malta from the UAE is surprisingly easy. Turkish Airlines maintains two daily flights to Istanbul, and with a smooth onward connection, you touch down in Malta daily in under a day. As the plane descended, I was struck by how the sea wraps the archipelago in blue, yet within those shores lies such a density of experience.
During my stay, I visited MICAS (Malta’s national collection of fine arts and decorative arts). The museum’s modern galleries and contextual displays rooted in Maltese heritage provide a striking introduction to the island’s visual identity. From there, I moved to Fort Saint Elmo, where defensive bastions now guard not just history but panoramic views of Grand Harbour and the outlying forts. The architecture, the salt-air wind, and the quiet echo of cannons long silenced give the place a timeless resonance.
One evening I found myself in Mdina, the Silent City, where Casa Gourgion revealed the domestic stories of aristocratic Malta and surprising artefacts behind its quiet façade. The city’s narrow streets, ancient walls, and vantage points over the island’s interior made it a meditative escape from Valletta’s bustle. Before that, I strolled through the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, watching ships glide in and the sun set behind fortified walls – moments of calm elevation amid the capital’s pulse.
To nourish the body and the senses, I traced my own culinary map. In Valletta, La Pira Restaurant captivated me with its elegant evening menus and thoughtful pairings. Nenu The Artisan Baker, steps away, offered local bread, ftira baked in a 250 year old oven with bold Maltese flavors in a casual setting. I lingered over brunch at Café Jubilee, charmed by its vintage interior and surprising creative dishes.
In Sliema, Hammett’s Monastik introduced me to fine dining, regional fusion and refined interiors. Ruby Ray’s in Mercury Tower brought elevated casual dining with a bit of spice. In Rabat, Marie Patisserie was a perfect interlude with petite sweets, polished coffees offering a moment of indulgence. And in Birkirkara, Smugglers Restaurant gave me generous local fare in a warm neighbourhood setting.
When it came to places to rest, the options felt as varied as the island itself. In Valletta, I found the Embassy Hotel comfortable and centrally placed, and fater a tour, I found the elegant Phoenicia for grander stays. The Verdala Wellness Hotel offers a retreat further out, with space and calm. Iniala Harbour House brought me 3 nights of heavenly experiences with design, views and proximity to the harbour in the heart of Valletta.
In St Julian’s and Sliema areas, Barceló Fortina Hotel and the stylish boutique Me by Meliá gave me access to waterfront energy. Off the beaten path, Mulberries Guesthouse delivered an intimate local feel I will remember for a long while.
One of Malta’s charms is how easily one can day-trip to Gozo. I have visited the island in the past multiple times, letting ferries take me into slower rhythms, coastal walks, and inland valleys.
Between museum visits, bastion walks, cooking classes, and sea swims, Gozo remains a beloved extra chapter.
Looking ahead, there is much to plan around for a Malta visit. From 18 October 2025, the Rolex Middle Sea Race will return with a 606-nautical-mile offshore challenge that begins and ends in Malta’s Grand Harbour, threading a circuit around Sicily. Also, Malta Classic /Mdina Grand Prix is slated for 23–26 October 2025, with vintage car hill climbs, style shows and races flowing through and around Mdina’s bastions.
While staying in St. Julian’s, a visit to the Odyssey and the Museum of Illusions proved to be an unforgettable highlight. Both are interactive attractions that amazes and entertains all ages, blending fun with mind-bending creativity.
Malta is a place where centuries-old fortresses meet contemporary art, where regattas and music festivals light up the social calendar, and where every meal is a celebration of culture and craft.
Whether wandering through Valletta’s baroque streets, sailing across to Gozo, or indulging in a Michelin-inspired dining experience, visitors are sure to find that Malta leaves an imprint that lingers long after departure.
