With Malta’s southerly position and Sicilian influence, it’s a great country to spend a few days and unwind.
I chose Malta as my first solo adventure abroad as I knew it was a popular tourist destination – but also because I was desperate for some spring-time sunshine! The locals will say you need at least a week to explore Malta, but you can squeeze a lot into a few days.
Day 1 – Sliema & Mdina
Sliema is a residential and lively part of Malta, situated across the bay from the capital of Valletta. You can easily explore this part of the island on foot and within a couple of hours.
Breakfast time!
You’ll be spoiled for choice when eating out in Sliema! If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast with freshly ground coffee, try out Busy Bee or La Crema on the main street overlooking the harbour. Fancy something fresher? Go for the homemade granola with berries, mint and yoghurt at Tiffany’s Bistro. Whichever one you choose, make sure to pick up a cannoli for the road!
Sliema & Tigne
Staring on the harbour-side, follow the promenade south to Tigne to take in the view of Valletta. Cut through Tigne Point shopping mall to join the promenade on the northern side. Make sure to stop and admire the crystal blue and turquoise water from the beach – or from one of the sea-side restaurants. The Compass Lounge serves generous meals, and the local beer – Cisk.
Mdina
It’s possible to catch a bus directly to Mdina from this northern side of Sliema, but it’s a rural route. As this was my first experience with public transport in Malta and because I was on my own, I decided to go for a more common route. A short walk back to the harbour side allowed me to get a bus to Valletta, then an onward journey to Mdina. Each bus was €2 (so €8 in total for the round trip), and it was about 1 hour each way.
Mdina is known as the ‘silent city’, and I quickly realised why. Although it was busy with tourists, the maze-like streets and high stone walls did create a calming atmosphere. Around each corner, there was something new to see -as well as rooftop bars and restaurants to stop and take in the view.
Day 2 – Gozo & Comino
From Sliema harbour (and I’m sure from Valletta too!) there are daily boat trips to the islands of Gozo & Comino. The entire trip is around 8 hours, so make sure to take water and snacks! The tour operators recommend that you buy your ticket in advance since it’s a popular excursion, and to arrive at the boat around 30 minutes before departure.
Gozo
Leaving at 10am, the trip to Gozo is around 1 hour 30 minutes. The tour operator should have organised a bus from the marina, to the capital, Ir-Rabat (Victoria), so you can make the most of your time on the island.
Time is limited doing this type of excursion, but at the very least, walk up to the Citadel – a small fortified town. Here you can navigate the winding streets to visit the cathedral, museums, the bastions, and enjoy yet another breathtaking view.
There’s no shortage of places to buy the traditional pastizzi and gelato. Grab something for your walk back to the bus, or enjoy it in the main square.
Comino
A short boat trip from Gozo will land you in Comino, infamous for its caves and blue lagoon. Even out of season (I visited in May), the popular island was packed with tourists. If you have some time and sensible footwear, it’s worth exploring a bit further afield from the boat drop off where it’s less busy.
Day 3 – Valletta
From Sliema, there are frequent – and short – harbour crossings to Malta’s capital, Valletta. I expected a traditional Mediterranean city but found so much more, including the steepest streets I’ve ever seen!
Upper Barrakka Gardens
I arrived at the Upper Barrakka Gardens mid-morning, where the only visitors were a handful of locals and tourists. A happy accident which I’d recommend! The garden is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city; a lovely spot to sit and enjoy a coffee. If you time it right, you will see – and hear! – the cannons being fired from the Saluting Battery below the garden.
As the name suggests, this garden has a high vantage point. At the far end, there is lift that offers panoramic views as you travel down to the Grand Harbour.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
A 15 minute walk from it’s sister, Lower Barrakka Gardens offer another idyllic spot but with a different feel. Sit peacefully on a bench under the shade of a tree watching the boats and cruise liners sail across the Grand Harbour.
Eating & drinking in Valletta
As with any big city, the main squares and streets are designed to lure tourists in. But sometimes that’s exactly what you want on holiday! If you like to people-watch while sipping on a cold Aperol Spritz, St George’s square is the place to be. Caffe Cordina serves up traditional Maltese sweets and ice cream if that’s how you’d prefer to cool off.
Off the beaten track
It’s easy to get lost in Valletta – in a good way! Go off the beaten track to find colourful side streets with flags, fairy lights, or even chandeliers strung overhead.
Or drop below street-level after visiting Lower Barrakka Gardens and the Siege Bell War Memorial to Wuestenwinds Beach.
Before setting off, and whilst in Malta, numerous travel blogs and websites helped me to make the most of my short break by sharing places to see and things to do in Malta. Thanks to Malta Uncovered, Visit Malta, and The World Was Here First.
THE TRAVELLING TECHY 
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