A weekend in Malta is barely enough to call it a proper vacation, right?! Nevertheless, you know how some places click with us, while others never do. Well, in this case, 2 days was absolutely enough for me to fall in love with Malta…
It was one of the shortest international trips me and my husband took spontaneously over these years. We had a Monday off work, found last moment cheap tickets, booked a hotel, packed a small hand luggage suitcase and landed on the sunny island of Malta…
One weekend in Malta: Yes or no?!
Only for a weekend?! Most people would say it´s not worth
Fair point.
Although for me, when it comes to visiting new places and experiencing new cultures, – a day in a new place is for sure better than nothing!
Also read: Epic Weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Looking back to this short weekend in Malta, I still can´t believe we made so many nice memories only in 48 hours. Malta definitely has some special vibes! It´s one of those unique Mediterranean islands people tend to revisit often. Now I completely understand why!
One weekend in Malta?! – Definitely yes. You’ll love it anyway. Plus you’ll end up having more reasons to come back…
Malta: Useful info
The Republic of Malta consists of 3 islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Valetta is the capital. The official languages are Maltese and English. The official currency is euro. You might also need a power plug adapter: in Malta, the sockets are 3-pin British style. And of course, we didn´t bring any (who thinks of sockets while planning a spontaneous trip?!) – but luckily our hotel provided us with one.

A bit of history
One of the most interesting things about Malta is its rich history. An island has traces of Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, French, British and was influenced by multiple cultures. From 1530 to 1798 Malta was ruled by Knights of St.John (Sovereign Military Order of St.John of Jerusalem). During that time the Islands were under constant threat from the Ottoman Empire, before the famous The Great Siege battle took place.
From 18oo till 1974 Malta was ruled by the British. So the Maltese adopted their legislation and education. In some way, it reminded me of Cyprus
Also read: Top Experiences to Fall in Love with Greece
The mixture of architectural styles and impressive buildings across the island clearly indicates Malta was of great strategical importance over the centuries. And even though you´re surrounded by all those Mediterranean landscapes most of the time, every once in a while you realize Malta is one of its kind place.
Weather in Malta
One of the coolest things about Malta is its sunny weather all year round. In the summer months, it´s definitely hot while the temperatures hit 30-35°C mark. The lowest temperatures from December to February rarely drop below 14°C. This mild climate allows exploring the island in a comfortable way, and also makes Malta one of the best places for winter sun in Europe.

Hotels
I won´t lie! When you only have 48 hours – you secretly crave for a care-free luxury hotel getaway,
However, with Malta, my criteria
We ended up staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valetta. Although the hotel was huge, each and every staff member was very nice. It was my husband´s
You can imagine breakfasts in this kind of hotel: with so much food and guests, it is normally a mess. So I didn´t expect the staff at Grand Hotel Excelsior to be so fast with seating you and cleaning the tables in between all these crowds of tourists rushing around to refill their plates. We are the same, by the way. So, at some point, we both went for something towards the
It´s funny how at home, in Spain, we normally have toasts with tomato and espresso, maybe tortilla on weekends. Big breakfasts are not typical for the Spanish. But when you see so many “delicatessens” you immediately feel like the only aim of your trip was to come here and try every single thing! [lol] Does this happen to you as well or do you manage to resist somehow?!

Even though our stay was really good, next time I would definitely go for a small nice local hotel, somewhere in the northern part of an island or even head to Gozo.
A weekend in Malta: What can you do in 48 hours?
A bus tour around the Island
Malta is so small that the same hop on/hop off buses you could find in every big city, here circulate around the whole island. I loved that we were able to see villages and landscapes outside
Discover Valetta / Lunch on the streets of an old city
Your Malta itinerary must definitely include the city of Valetta. All the charming little streets in the fortress of Valletta will be your ultimate source of historical and architectural inspiration on the island of Malta.
Valetta is small, but we somehow ended up walking a lot to explore its architecture, fortifications and waterfront views.

Mdina / Dinner with views
Mdina was the only place we were able to explore outside Valetta. Such a quiet and peaceful city – hard to believe it is actually still the same island! Besides, it was one of the filming locations in Game of Thrones. You´ll immediately recognize the Main Gate (also called the Vilhena Gate) if you´re a fan.
Our restaurant choice was De Mondion: quite pricey, although the views were simply stunning (especially during the sunset).
Also read: Most Beautiful Sunsets Around The World
Swim,swim,swim
And here comes my only regret – we didn´t get to visit any paradise beaches. A day trip to Comino or Gozo would be such a dream come true, although we´d need more than one weekend in Malta to make this happen. Nevertheless, our hotel had direct access to the sea (via stairs), as well as a pool with views, so we ended our brief sightseeing experience on the island with a relaxing bath. Not bad, right?!
More sightseeing ideas
- 3 fortified cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea
- Game of Thrones sightseeing tours
- Mnajdra Temples
- St. Paul´s Catacombs
- Blue Grotto sea caves
- Wine tasting
- Popeye Village Malta
- Lower Barrakka Gardens

Would you like to know more about Malta?! – Check this Expat Story about life in Malta.
For more Malta travel tips and itineraries check my Pinterest board Malta.
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This post is linked up with The Weekly Postcard and Feet Do Travel
I have always wanted to visit Malta because of its historical significance. Lovely images.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
Thanks, such an interesting place to explore the history!
Malta is extraordinary. Husband and I visited for 2 weeks last year and could get enough!!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Such a beautiful island, can´t wait to visit again myself!
Beautiful photos. They brought up all my great memories from Malta. I visit the place about 10 years ago, It feels like it’s time to re-visit xx
Much Love,
Elegant Duchess xx
https://www.elegantduchess.com/
Yes! it´s always exciting to go back and see how places change with time!
Awesome round up! I’ve been to Malta about eight times now (my grandmother’s house is right pu the street in that photo you took of the Mosta Rotunda). Anyway, I have to go to Mdina every single time I visit, because it’s just so peaceful and beautiful! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Mdina is absolutely stunning!
Malta is such a beautiful country and I have been dying to visit for the last 6 years!! I swear, next summer I will make it there!!! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard! / #FeetDoTravel
So many great places across the globe, you always end up postponing some trips! Malta is gorgeous though!
What a beautiful place, would love to go here! The tour of the island would be fun and a quick way to see everything quickly. The food looks delicious!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks, Carrie! Malta really has it all – from food to sites!
No matter the hours, it’s never enough! Gald you really enjoyed your time out in Malta. It is cool that Malta has HUNDREDS of years of history. Glad the hotel was nice as well. It’s great that there are lots to do out there. Thanks for sharing some tips!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!
We are planning to go to Malta later this year so I was excited to read your post. Sounds like you had a great time. I actually like short getaways too. I think we will probably do three days, maybe four? Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
I guess 3-4 days would be perfect! I´d love to visit Gozo and the beaches next time!
What a fun weekend getaway! I agree, it’s better to go for a short time than not at all. This inspires me to visit!
Thank you, Cynthia!
I totally agree that a few days is better than nothing at all! You sure managed to get a lot done in the 48 hours you were there, and did well with the hotel by the looks!!!
Thanks, Michael!
Valletta looks really pretty and how lovely of the hotel to leave a bottle and signed card! I love little extra touches like that 🙂
Jenny | localleo.co.uk
Me too, I got spoiled over the years and personal touch means so much!
Malta’s been on my list for ages. It’s always good to take advantage of an opportunity and make a trip happen, even if it’s short. We tend to prefer slow travel, but given the choice between seeing a place and not, well, it’s some pretty easy math. What a gorgeous Old World gem. Our kind of weather, too! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Slow travel is the best, but a brief trip is better than no trip – that´s also my travel philosophy! Hope you´ll get to visit soon – Malta is wonderful!
wow this was so detailed and amazing! I want to add this place to the bucket list!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
Thanks for stopping by, Jenny!
I agree with you: even a day in a new place is better than nothing. I would have gone too. I’ve never been to Malta, so I was really excited to read your post. I’d love to visit it sometime when we go to Europe. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks for stopping by, Anda! Always great to hear from you!
I’ve been to Malta last year and your post and pictures brought back so many wonderful memories, Anna! This was a very detailed post!
Thanks, Agness!
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
Thank you, John!
Hi These picture are so pretty! Looking forward to your future posts!
Thanks for stopping by!
Malta is one of my favorite destination and I promise myself to go back soon.
Great one.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Zorica! Hope you get a chance to explore Malta soon!
Glad you had such a positive introduction to Malta and hope you get a chance to go back to really explore it more some day. My husband’s parents spent a couple weeks there earlier this year and really enjoyed it as well and recommended it to us since I really love historical places.
Thanks, Jessica Norah! Hope so too!
The whole building has a solemn, quiet and rigid atmosphere.
Haven’t been to Malta yet, but would love to visit it one day! Sometimes all you need is two days to feel in love with the country.
Exactly! Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never been to Malta – but I’d love to go someday. It looks like a fantastic place to visit
It is! Thanks for stopping by!
I like the view, I stay not so far from malta soon I will start to explore
whats your opinion?
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2018/08/social-media-has-done-more-harm-than.html
Thank you
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
So beautiful! It’s on my to-visit list of places! https://mariannyc.com/2018/08/20/reebok-classics-at-dsw/
Thanks, Mariann!
Malta is certainly appealing. I’m considering a trip to Greece in a couple of years, just starting to plan. Pinning this post! I would love to include Malta in our itinerary!
Thanks, Sharon! The whole Mediterranean area is full of amazing islands to see!
I haven’t had the chance to visit Malta but it is on my list. I’m pinning this guide for future reference, thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Kasie!
I LOVE spontaneous weekend getaways! This one sounds particularly epic though. While we also usually stay at AirBnbs and love the local experience, it’s fun to get fancy occasionally, especially when it’s a quick trip!
SO much to do there and it looks absolutely gorgeous. I’m having some serious vacation envy right now! Adding this location to our ever growing list :).
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
Thanks, Susie! Have a great weekend!
It looks like there is so much to do within 2 days in Malta! I love places where the weather is nice and the architecture is just o beautiful <3
xo Samantha
It´s the best combination, for sure!
Very cool ideas!
Thanks for stopping by!
We have not been to Malta, but would love to visit! The architecture and long history really appeal to us, as does the Mediterrannean sun! Hopefully, we’ll have more than 48 hours, but we totally agree: any time in a new city is worthwhile! It sure beats never having gone at all. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks, for stopping by!
Malta has been on my list of places to visit for a while – great post on what to see & do there in 48 hours! Hope to visit soon!
Thank you! Hope you´ll get a chance to visit soon!
Glad you had a good time in Malta and I’m glad you got to see a few places during your 48 hours stay. Malta may be small, but there’s actually quite a lot to see. The Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Melieha, plus all of Gozo should all be on your list next time. Such a cool destination. #theWeeklyPostcard
Thanks so much for the suggestions! Will make sure not to miss them next time!
This looks so incredibly beautiful! Oh how I wish I could travel more. Well, I wish I could travel – just someplace! LOL. It’s so hard with 3 kids! I love that you found a locally owned place as I think those always wonderful places to stay too! Gorgeous pics!
We have only one baby so far, but I could imagine with 3 you don´t get bored LOL
Malta is a known destination for couples because of its undying views. 48 hours is a short while to stay in this beautiful place. Thanks for the Malta history lesson.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Thanks for stopping by, Katya! Malta is an amazing place for couples, for sure!