What I loved most about Malta is its diversity—a small island nation so close to Italy yet so culturally distant. Over centuries, the Maltese Islands have become a melting pot of cultures, making them truly one of a kind. Despite its small size, Malta is so much more than you’d expect!

Have you ever booked a last-minute trip without much planning? That’s exactly what happened to me with Malta. It was never at the top of my travel wish list, but when I found a €15 flight and an amazing deal on a hotel (and what a hotel!), I didn’t think twice before booking.

I won’t lie—not every part of the trip was perfect. There were moments that tested my patience, but looking back, every experience taught me something valuable. Even mistakes are helpful because they ensure you won’t repeat them in the future.

Malta, along with Gozo and Comino (the three islands that make up the nation), offers a handful of extraordinary places to explore. It turned out to be a fascinating destination, especially when visiting during the off-season.

Some of the best things to do in Malta are unexpected and surprising, with countless incredible spots that are absolutely unmissable.

This is a travel diary, day by day I want to tell you about my itinerary studded with tips and warnings that could be useful if you want to visit Malta.
In March/April in Malta it is low season and the weather could be changeable. Very changeable. We consider ourselves lucky, the sun accompanied us for four days out of five. Not bad for the beginning of spring!

In this period you will not find the summer holiday crowds, but neither empty streets, especially with the latest offers from Ryan Air, and following the recent advertising campaigns of the Maltese Tourism Board which has significantly increased tourism in every period of the year.

Day 1: Arrival in Malta and St. Julian

After a short hour-and-a-half flight, we landed at Malta’s Luqa Airport, which is so small that we immediately found the desk to finalize our car rental. Easy, right? Well, not so fast!

The moment we got into the car, we were hit by two realities of Maltese driving: first, the infamous left-side driving (don’t worry, you get the hang of it quickly), and second, the chaos. Traffic in Malta is wild! Drivers seem to treat road signs as polite suggestions rather than rules, which made for an “exciting” start to our trip.

Thankfully, our hotel—a gem of a stay at the Hilton Hotel, snagged at an unbeatable price—offered free underground parking for guests. Once we parked the car and checked in, we were blown away by how stunning the hotel was.

That evening, we strolled around St. Julian, one of Malta’s top tourist hotspots. We picked a cozy little restaurant for dinner, where we ate surprisingly well for shockingly low prices!

In summer, St. Julian is buzzing with people and nightlife, but during the off-season, it’s a delightful mix of liveliness and sophistication—a perfect introduction to Malta.

Day 2: Valletta and the Three Cities

Valletta

Our first day of exploration kicked off in Malta’s capital, Valletta. We parked the car in a super convenient spot just outside the old city entrance—€6 for 7 hours and only a 5-minute walk to the center. Not bad, right?

The Triton Fountain marks the gateway to Valletta, and from there, we wandered through its charming streets. Valletta is bustling with tourists and locals alike, but it’s packed with stunning architecture, historic museums, and breathtaking sea views.

One unmissable spot is the St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Don’t let the modest exterior fool you—step inside, and you’re greeted by a jaw-dropping display of golden decorations and Caravaggio masterpieces. Beneath the intricate marble floor lie the tombs of the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta and over 400 Maltese nobles.

Republic Street and Merchant Street are the go-to spots for shopping and dining. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or just need a quick coffee break, these streets have you covered.

But the true highlight? The Barrakka Gardens—Upper and Lower. The Upper Barrakka Garden stole my heart with its elegant colonnades and absolutely stunning views of the Three Cities. It’s the perfect spot to take in the beauty of Malta while catching your breath.

The Three Cities

From Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, you can easily reach the Three Cities. Take the panoramic elevator to descend to the lower level, and from there, it’s just a short walk to the boat landing that will whisk you away to Birgu (Vittoriosa), the largest of the Three Cities.

Round-trip tickets cost €2.80 per person, and the journey takes just 10 minutes.

Besides Birgu (Vittoriosa), the other two cities are Senglea and Cospicua. Each has its unique charm, but they all share one thing: stunning views of Valletta. The most breathtaking vantage point is definitely from Senglea!

The best way to explore the Three Cities is simply on foot. Stroll through their streets and soak in the history. In Birgu, highlights include Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Malta Maritime Museum.

Day 3: Heading to the Center and West of the Island

Leaving St. Julian’s early in the morning, we ventured inland.

St. Anton Gardens

Our first stop was St. Anton Gardens, a beautiful park filled with peacocks, ducks, geese, swans, and a stunning variety of flowers and trees from around the world, along with charming fountains.
This peaceful haven is located right in the center of the island, between Valletta and Mdina. In spring, it’s a magical sight! Your eyes will feast on vibrant colors, and your nose will be delighted by the fragrances of herbs and flowers.
After snapping a few photos of the overly bold peacocks stealing food from the poor, defenseless ducks, we set off for Mdina, also known as “The Silent City.”

Mdina

Mdina is a fortified city loved by tourists for its charm and quiet streets. It boasts many historical landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral (Malta’s oldest cathedral) and its museum, the 18th-century Vilhena Palace, and several notable palaces along Villegaignon Street, such as Palazzo Falson.
Don’t miss Pjazza Mesquita, a lovely square with a well in the center. It’s my favorite spot in Mdina and was also a filming location for a scene in the first season of Game of Thrones!

After exploring the city, you can descend to the old moat, which has been transformed into a garden. From there, you’ll have a great view of the towering bastions from below.

We visited Mdina mid-morning, and it turned out to be a bad idea. There were plenty of tourist buses and crowded streets, and we had to wait quite a while to find parking, even though it wasn’t high season! Try to arrive before 9:30 a.m. if you want to avoid the tourist hordes.

Rabat

Rabat is located right next to Mdina—once you exit the fortified city, you’re already there!

This town also offers several attractions worth visiting, such as St. Paul’s Church and Grotto, the Catacombs, which served as the city’s necropolis for nearly 500 years, and the Domus Romana, a Roman-era house now transformed into a museum.

Dingli Cliffs

We got back in the car and, following some signs (since our GPS decided to abandon us to our fate), we arrived at the Dingli Cliffs just in time for sunset. Parking wasn’t an issue here—we simply left the car along the road, lined up with the others.

The sunset was absolutely breathtaking! At 250 meters above sea level, Dingli is the highest point in Malta. It’s a fantastic spot for a walk and to enjoy the dramatic cliffside views of the sea below.

In the evening, we returned to St. Julian, exhausted but incredibly happy. Our joy only increased after dinner when we discovered a charming Maltese tavern. The cozy atmosphere and rustic vibe were perfect. I had never tried Maltese cuisine before, but here I got to taste stewed rabbit for the first time. It was delicious—a true masterpiece!

Day 4: Discovering Gozo

Gozo is the second-largest island in Malta. It’s more rural and peaceful, with stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and hidden coves. We decided to take a day trip, so we left early and headed to the northern part of the island.

To get to Gozo, you need to take the Gozo Channel Line ferry from Cirkewwa on the island of Malta. The trip lasts about 20 minutes, and you can board with a vehicle. The boarding process is quick and well-organized.

Ticket: We paid €20 for two people and a vehicle, and you only pay for the return trip when you board. On the ferry, you’ll find a café and a shop selling food, magazines, and souvenirs.

For more details on the best places to visit in Gozo, check out my post: Gozo Island: The Best Places and Must-See Attractions.

The Blue Grotto

After lunch, we head west again to the Blue Grotto, located 2 km from the town of Zurrieq. It takes its name from the deep blue color of the water inside the cave.

Morning is the best time to visit: that’s when the sun shines inside.
From the small port of Wied Iz Zurrieq, 2 minutes by car, tours leave for a 30-minute boat ride. Remember to check the weather conditions in advance, tours do not depart in rough seas.

Day 6: Time to Head Home

Time to head back! One last breakfast at the hotel bar with a stunning pool and sea view, a quick final touch-up on the luggage, and a “dramatic” farewell to the amazing Hilton Hotel that hosted us. Off to Luqa airport!

Despite our generous time buffer for the drive, traffic and ongoing roadworks almost made us miss our car return deadline. Phew, close call! We caught our flight back to Bologna at 12:00, and after a couple of hours (just enough time to sort through our photos on the phone), we were back home.

Once I got home, straight to the shower and then to bed – unbelievably tired!

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I hope this travel diary has been helpful and inspired you to visit Malta! If you’re up for more, check out my review of the Hilton Hotel in St. Julian and the best spots and attractions on the island of Gozo.

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on