Malta: A Four-Day Edit
July 2025
I chose Malta for a quick break— it's super close to Sicily, but with a completely different identity and rhythm.
I flew with Ryanair with carry on baggage only.
English is widely spoken, and I was curious to see how that aligned with the Western culture I’m used to.
The scenery? More beautiful than I imagined.
Churches everywhere—grand and ornate.
The pace? Unexpected. Malta was busy. Traffic-heavy. Constant movement. It surprised me.
What did I do in my four days?
I took walking tours (highly recommended (I used GetYourGuide)) in the capital Valletta, and M'dina and Rabat.
I took a boat excursion to Gozo and Comino Island. The view from the Citadel in Victoria (the capital of Gozo) was incredible.
Comino Island is Insta worthy - but, I understand it is suffering from over tourism. I was taken aback by the party atmosphere during the day time - there were several cocktail trailers that I didn't expect for such an unpopulated island.
Marsaxlokk was a spontaneous find. I spotted it on the map, hopped on a local bus, and arrived to a burst of color and charm I hadn’t anticipated. WOW.
Public transport was easy to navigate with Google Maps, though buses often ran early (!), so I learned to arrive well ahead of schedule.
I stayed in a shared Airbnb, kept things simple, and made the most of my 4-day Malta Flex pass that I purchased in the Malta Airport arrivals hall. I just kept moving.
Four days wasn’t quite enough. Six or seven would have given me space to slow down and see more.
A day trip!
December 2025
In December 2025, I popped back to Malta for a quick day trip. Thanks to Ryanair’s budget-friendly flights, I had a full day to explore, this time with a hire car (which cost me 12 Euro for the day!) to make the most of my time. I revisited the island with fresh eyes, crossing off a few places I had missed on my original trip and gaining a deeper appreciation for the island when there are less crowds and traffic. I noticed the ongoing work in various places to upgrade its infrastructure and was pleasantly surprised at what they were working to improve.
One highlight was finally indulging in a Maltese pie — something I missed on my first trip. Pies always remind me of home in New Zealand, and the chicken curry pie I tried was delicious.
History lovers: don’t skip the walking tours. Mdina was a highlight—quiet, ancient, and full of stories.
I spotted San Anton Gardens on the map and decided to go—it was just a bus ride away. What a peaceful treat that was.
Grand gardens and shaded paths. It was beautiful. It was calm.
I'm pleased I went.
Gallery images of Saint Paul's Bay, views from Valetta, M'dina, San Anton's garden
My day trip to Gozo didn’t start as smoothly as I’d hoped.
It happened to be the one day that week when the wind was up—the crossing to Gozo was bumpy, a gentle reminder that you can’t plan the weather.
The boat crew were skilled, calm, and quietly reassuring, they did everything they could to keep us comfortable.
Before you leave Sliema the boat crew will ask if you want to register to visit Comino Island. Its free, and if you don't do this you will need to stay on the boat.
Gallery images - leaving Sliema, arriving in Gozo, Xlendi, the Citadel
Comino is home to just one family—something I found interesting considering how many tourists pass through.
It’s dry, yes, but well-facilitated and clearly cared for. There’s a quiet resilience and magic to the place.
The Blue Lagoon - Absolutely stunning.
Crystal-clear water, and that surreal feeling of being somewhere truly special.
The day ended with a circuit of Comino Island by boat, before heading back to Sliema.
Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village—easy to reach by public bus and full of color. It makes you wonder how something so picturesque can be real.
Fresh seafood served in waterfront restaurants, market stalls offering the usual souvenirs, and that laid-back vibe that encourages you to stay for a bit.
Then, back to Valletta for my afternoon walking tour. It was fascinating to understand the why behind the visual differences in the architecture.
Finishing off with a super quick flight back with Ryanair
Mosta is best known for its monumental Rotunda Dome at the heart of the town. Remarkably, it is one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, and during World War II it survived a direct hit when a bomb fell through the roof but failed to detonate — a story that has become part of local legend.
Beside the Rotunda, the WWII bomb shelters offer a sobering glimpse into Malta’s wartime resilience. Walking through the underground tunnels is an eye‑opening experience, and I chose not to take photos — it felt too sacred a space for that.
Both the Rotunda and the shelters can be visited with a single ticket, available through the Mosta Rotunda’s official website.
