My New Favorite Destination: Malta

This summer I finally was able to complete a life goal of mine that I was unsure I would be able to (frickin’ COVID) – I visited my thirtieth country at the age of thirty. This country was Malta, and boy did it deliver.

We flew into Malta from Milan Italy, arriving late at night.

Transportation:

UBER: We had airport transportation from our hotel but quickly discovered that Uber is super affordable and they way to go.

Ferries: You can catch boats at the harbor to get from Valletta to different locations such as the three cities.

Accommodation:

Grand Harbor Hotel: This hotel was affordable, in a GREAT location and the rooms were cute with a great view of the city.

Things to Do/See:

The Barrakka Gardens: A beautiful view and just relaxing area to walk around, several times a day you can see the cannons go off.

Valletta and the three cities

Blue Grotto: Highly recommend! Gorgeous, once in a lifetime experience BUT can get realllly crowded in the summer months. We visited wth a boat tour that cost around 35-40$ each. It was crowded but took us to a part of the grotto that was less busy so I actually would recommend doing the same.

Ramla beach: We ended up here on accident and I am so happy that we did! It was a beautiful beach.

Salt pans of Gozo: We didn’t have enough time to go see these but if you make it to Gozo I would!

Popeye Village : a theme park

Cave dive in Comino

Visit/ Explore Gozo

Ggantija Temples

Where to Eat/Drink

FOOD:

Breakfast:
the TRIBE: This place was so good, we went twice while in Malta

Kings Way: This place had breakfast cocktails, outdoor seating and delicious food.

Manuela: We stopped here to get a famous Malta snack a pastiz

Lunch/Dinner:

One80: Located near the harbor on Gozo, we ordered Lobster ravioli, octopus, bruschetta and green beans – everything was a bit decadent but tasty.

D’office: This place had good food and romantic outdoor seating BUT be warned… nighttime outside in Malta… look at the disclaimer at the bottom.

Submarine: We grabbed sandwiches from here to take on our boat cruise to the Blue Grotto, they were good and kept for hours on the boat.

Bell bar/restaurant: BEST FOOD. I swear. Amazing view. I can’t recommend this place enough. I ordered the pasta and oh my god. I dream about it still.

Rootz: This is somewhat of a healthy clean eat type place. They slow cook everything it gave off “farm to table” vibes. Food was good, fresh and tasty.

DRINKS:

Bridge Bar: a cute outdoor Spot

Cafe Society: Great drinks! A dark eclectic bar, totally recommend this spot, has a really cool vibe. They offer outdoor seating but the indoors was cool so we chose to sit inside.

Queen Mary: This was a really cool British pub in Malta – we visited a few other pubs and bars but I didn’t write them down. There are cute spots to grab a drink ALL over tho with outdoor or indoor seating.

Additional Info

• In the summer roaches are everywhere. Big ones. When dining outdoors keep an eye out.
• Wear sunscreen duh
• Drink and carry alot of water, it gets really warm
• SO MANY MOSQUITOES.
• I don’t recommend visiting in the dead of summer – it gets really crowded everywhere
• If you do visit in the summer – make sure your accommodation has AC