A gorgeous island in Europe is less than four hours’ flight from the UK and has everything you could want for a brilliant getaway including Blue flag beaches and three UNESCO world heritage sites
Looking down is never a good thing to do when you’re standing on an elevated glass viewing platform – but it’s an even worse idea while you’re on top of the tallest building in Malta.
Thankfully, there’s little downward temptation when you’re looking out from the 397ft-tall Mercury Tower, captivated by the glittering Mediterranean Sea and the island’s dramatic skyline.
And as more and more Brits are discovering – with searches here for Malta rising by 120% in 2025 – the archipelago boasts three UNESCO world heritage sites and more Blue Flag beaches than there are days in a week, meaning there’s lots to explore. And, of course, there’s 300 days of sunshine to factor in too…
From the beautiful capital Valletta to the ancient city of Mdina, instantly recognisable to Game of Thrones fans, the island has something for everyone, as we found out on a five-day break via the new easyJet route from Southend airport.
Our visit certainly got off to a flying start at Odyssey Malta, inside Mercury Tower. The 35-minute immersive experience culminates in a 5D flying theatre ride (£21 for adults). It’s a great introduction to the island’s rich history, and we couldn’t wait to see the sights for ourselves when our feet were back on firm ground.
There were more thrills ahead when we arrived in Vittoriosa (Birgu) for a “Rolling Geeks” tour of Malta’s historic fortified cities, also including Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). The Geeks were self-drive electric cars like golf buggies – much, much faster than walking the hills on foot and more fun too.
We wound through the narrow streets lined by beautiful churches, piazzas, and museums. No directions were needed thanks to onboard GPS and there’s an audio guide too.
One of our top stops was Gardjola Gardens, which overlooks Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The two-and-a-half-hour tour (from £82 per car) is fine for adults and kids. Just remember the driver needs their licence.
When it comes to exploring Valletta, you’ll need a couple of days to make the most of the picture-perfect capital city. If, like us, you’re there for a few days, you might hear one of its most famous attractions before you see it – Valletta is home to one of the oldest operational saluting batteries, with daily gun salutes.
Another attraction we visited was just as impressive, though you’d be forgiven for questioning it at first glance. From the outside, St John’s Co-Cathedral (£12 for adults) looks more like a fortress than a church, but inside you’ll find breathtaking frescoes and gilded arches.
Art-lovers can’t miss Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. After walking the streets of Valletta, it was time to descend beneath them. Underground Valletta (£13 for adults) takes visitors into the city’s subterranean tunnels, where families sheltered from bombers in the Second World War. The tunnels are dark, and eerie, but incredible to see, dimly illuminated by your head torch.
For a more relaxed excursion, try car-free Mdina, known as the “Silent City”. It was appointed as the first capital by the Knights of Malta, and you can still walk the winding, cobbled streets behind its fortified walls. Passing under the Main Gate, flanked by stone-carved lions, felt like stepping back in time, or on to a film set. The city served as a backdrop for King’s Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones. History buffs will love the mix of baroque and medieval architecture. At night Mdina is illuminated and well worth an evening stroll.
Our tour guide’s best tip was to escape the crowds and head to Gozo where the locals holiday. Malta’s second-largest island is only a 25-minute ferry ride (£4) from the Cirkewwa terminal, and our day trip was a highlight. We explored Ir-Rabat, Gozo’s capital, and the Citadel, an ancient fortified city. And we learned how to prepare traditional Gozitan cheese at Il-Wile Restaurant.
As for food and drink? Malta’s offering is so impressive you could spend most of your visit touring restaurants and leave happy. Picture hunks of bread dipped in homemade olive oil, traditional pizzas, and fresh seafood, paired with crisp wine. The focus is on meat and fish, but I never felt left out with vegetarian alternatives even at The Chophouse, a steakhouse that has earned rave reviews.
The Michelin Guide-recognised restaurant near Valletta has a lovely waterfront view, best enjoyed in the evening. Another restaurant with the same accolade, 59 Republic, was so impressive I’ll be talking about it for years. Located in the heart of Valletta, the chic bistro overlooks the Grand Master’s Palace. This is not the place to skip dessert as the strawberry cheesecake was the nicest I’ve ever tried.
In Mdina, Trattoria AD 1530 is a must-try – book an outdoor table if you can. Elsewhere on the island, Madliena Lodge is ideal for couples, and we loved the dinner at Kempinski Hotel’s L-Istorja when we visited Gozo.
The charm of Malta is you’re never far from a sun-dappled courtyard, so see what you can discover.
Book the holiday
The Hyatt Regency Malta, a five-star hotel in St Julian’s, was the perfect base for our trip. The hotel is within walking distance of beaches, bars, shopping, and nightlife – if you can pull yourself away from the spa, fitness centre and rooftop pool. It was while floating under the blue sky, with my happy-hour cocktails waiting for me, that I promised myself my first visit to Malta would definitely not be my last. Rooms start at around £180 a night.
Get there: easyJet flies from Southend, Essex, to Malta starting at £20.99 one way. Gatwick, Liverpool and Birmingham also available. You can book at easyJet.com.
Extras: Tickets for Malta-Gozo ferry foot passengers cost around £4; car £13. Find out more at ferryhopper.com.
You can also get further information at visitmalta.com.
