Travel Guide: Malta

Orlaith Costello
June 03, 2024

Travel Guide: Malta

Uncover a treasure trove of history along sun-kissed shores of this Mediterranean island nation.

If ambling from Michelin-starred restaurants to UNESCO World Heritage Sites before diving into azure waters in an under-the-radar location that enjoys 300 days of sunshine sounds good to you, then Malta should be on your bucket list.

Malta may be small in size but, it punches above its weight, thanks to the sheer number of excellent eateries, cultural marvels and historical sites.

In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to this Mediterranean gem so you can start planning your itinerary.

Uncover a treasure trove of history along sun-kissed shores of this Mediterranean island nation.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way, like sorting out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can spend fee-free around the world everywhere Visa is accepted. Plus, transfer and spend in up to 10 local currencies (including EUR). Take advantage of real-time exchange rates and preload your all-in-one Visa Debit Card before you even arrive in Europe.

GETTING AROUND

For budget travellers, there is a reliable and efficient bus service — be sure to download the Tallinja app to navigate your journey. There are also shuttle bus services, taxis and water taxis (the latter is a great way to explore the Grand Harbour). The only way to get to the sister islands of Gozo or Comino is by boat. Thankfully, there are many ferry options, including a Fast Ferry to Gozo via the capital of Valletta.

LOCALS LOVE

Dawn at Marsaxlokk Markets Sunday Fish Market should definitely be on your itinerary. Arrive as early as possible to catch the sunrise return of the colourful luzzu fishing boats. It will also ensure you beat the tourist crowds and can join the locals in haggling for the freshest fish. After a morning of shopping, explore Marsaxlokk Harbour, the oldest harbour in Malta, established by the Phoenicians in the ninth century BCE, and enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the many bistros dotting the harbour.

DON’T MISS

You shouldn’t miss your shot to visit Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Only 20 minutes from the main island, Gozo boasts breathtaking natural beauty and awe-inspiring cultural and archaeological sites, such as the iconic fortified city, the Citadel. According to legend, Gozo is the home of Calypso, the nymph from Homer’s Odyssey, whose cave overlooks the beautiful Ramla Beach, renowned for its unique reddish sand.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit spots off your bucket list.

Eco-Friendly Stays

From luxury hotels on Malta's sister island to boutique spots in the capital, we've got your best spots here.

1. 19 Rooms

A revamped traditional palazzo that is steps away from the main street and a flight of stairs away from water.

2. Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel

A boutique hotel housed within a Maltese palazzo with striking blue doors that open into a luxe interior.

3. Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta

A five-star hotel on the idyllic island of Gozo complete with luxury hammam spa baths and four on-site eateries.

4. The Phoenicia Malta

The hotel has stood the test of time and is now regarded as a national treasure on the island nation.

5. Palazzo Violetta

Stay in the boutique hotel or Casa Violetta, a converted 100-year-old terraced house with lounge bar and pool.

Restaurants and Eateries

Explore the wide range of Michelin-starred restaurants from harbourside haunts to underground eateries.

1. ION Harbour By Simon Rogan

A Michelin-starred restaurant from the renowned chef with sustainability at its forefront.

2. The Harbour Club

Dine in an award-winning restaurant overlooking the Grand Harbour of Valletta.

3. Noni

Dine on delectable chef's collection of canapes in vaulted stone-walled cellar of this award-winning restaurant in Malta's capital.

4. Grain Street

Choose from the upscale underground eatery or head to the rooftop bar for sweeping ocean views.

5. Rebekah's Restaurant

Order a la carte or trust the chef with the tasting menu at this relaxed eatery in Mellieħa.

Wine Bars and Cocktail Spots

Enjoy an outdoor bevvie with views of Valletta or a cocktail in a speakeasy.

1. Trabuxu Wine Bar

Enjoy a glass of vino at Valletta's first-ever wine bar in a 400-year-old stone cellar.

2. The Thirsty Barber

Sip on classic cocktails at this Prohibition-style speakeasy.

3. Cafe Society

Inventive cocktails, themed nights and great views down to the water await at this bar.

4. The Bridge Bar

Every summer, the cushions come out and the jazz sessions start at this picturesque watering hole in Valletta.

5. Café del Mar Malta

Relax poolside on a sofa bed, dine at the restaurant and dance the night away at this waterfront hotspot.

Must-Do Activities

There's so much to explore on Malta and its sister islands — here are the attractions you shouldn't skip.

1. St John's Co-Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning architecture and jaw-dropping interiors of Malta's pre-eminent cathedral.

2. Blue Lagoon, Comino

Take a moment to appreciate this spectacular natural lagoon off the coast of the Maltese island of Comino.

3. The Blue Hole

Make time to scuba in one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

4. Upper Barrakka Gardens

Head up here for unreal sunrises across the Grand Harbour.

5. Popeye Village

Live out a childhood fantasy — can of spinach not included.

Cultural Sites

Malta is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but that's not the only amazing historical places to visit.

1. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

One of the best-preserved prehistoric sites in the world with a 6000-year-old cemetery.

2. Ggantija Temples

This ancient temple system, secluded on Malta's sister island of Gozo, is the setting for a local legend.

3. Megalithic Temples of Malta

If you're a history buff or budding archaeologist, this UNESCO site must be on your Maltese bucket list.

4. St Paul's Catacombs

Uncover the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta in this underground network of burial sites.

5. Mosta Dome

This neo-classical masterpiece based on the Pantheon is now one of the largest domes in the world.

Museums and Galleries

Take a break from the sunshine and dive into Malta's historial and cultural scenes at these locations.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit spots off your bucket list.

Further Afield

If you've got a little extra time, here are five excursions outside Malta's main cities.

Blue Grotto

Join a boat tour to explore the world-class azure waters, sea caverns and arches along the southeastern coast of Malta.
Fomm Ir-Rih Bay

If you love beaches that are more on the wild side, head to this secluded beach — the most isolated on Malta — and take in the surrounding views of the sea cliffs and deep blue Mediterranean Sea.
Crystal Lagoon, Comino

Take a day to explore the stunning sea caves and secluded sandy beaches at the Crystal Lagoon on Malta's sister island Comino.
Xwejni Saltpans

Harvesting sea salt was a major trade during the Phoenician and Roman eras.
Ghar Dalam Cave

Remnants of ancient flora and fauna that longer resides on the island have been found in this ecological marvel.

Bookable Experiences

Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

Charter a Luzzu

Charter a traditional luzzu boat to cruise arond St Paul’s Bay and learn about the history of the Maltese Islands from the locals. Book now.
Grand Master's Palace

This architectural marvel has gone through many lives in its 450 years including as the seat of Order of the Knights of St John and the Governor’s Palace. It's currently the Office of the President of Malta. Book now.
Malta Postal Museum

If unique museums are your jam, take a gander at the Postal Musem with a fully functional post office and an array of postal artefacts. Book now.
Inquisitor's Palace

Explore the seat of Holy Roman Inquisition power that had control over Malta for more than 224 years. Book now.
Lascaris War Rooms

Valletta was one of the most bombed cities during WII. The Lascaris War Rooms once was home to were the island’s defences were coordinated. Now the underground complex is open to the public. Book now.