With a mere 122 sq miles in land, Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world. Its location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is just one of the reasons why one should visit it!

Malta was ruled by Great Britain until 1964 when it was declared a republic. Britain has left a lot of it behind however. From the red telephone and post boxes to driving on the left (the only country in the EU/mainland Europe to do so), Malta is as British a European country can get. Hence it was easy to get into the grove right from day 1 of our visit.

Its proximity to Italy and to Africa meant it was influenced by both cultures equally. There are pre-historic structures dotted around the island and many have laid claim to it over the 1000s of years of its history. Everyone has left behind a little of themselves in this small island that many tourists tend to overlook.

Air Malta

We flew Air Malta for the first time from London Heathrow. Despite us checking in online we were asked to visit the check-in desk and were offered to check our bags in for free, which we did. Though it was a national carrier the service was very similar to budget airlines that we usually fly while visiting Europe. There was only a paid meal service and the options were expensive than what you’d find outside of the airports. The only advantage was the free carry on that was included in the price of the ticket. Uneventful flight that departed and arrived on time. On arrival at the airport we used the prepaid taxi for a ride to our hotel at San Gwann.

Urban Valley Resort

This was one of the cheapest options that we could find in the island of Malta honestly. Most of the accommodations in Valletta, the three cities or Sliema were either expensive or did not accommodate three of us in the same room. Since we did not have a packed itinerary we decided this resort was the best value for our money.

The resort had free shuttles to Valletta everyday (that you had to book in advance). They also had two outdoor pools, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, tennis courts with free equipment rental, archery and a play ground for young children. A free breakfast was included in the price which was a great bonus. They also had a spa, which we couldn’t try, unfortunately, as they were fully booked. They had one restaurant on-site that had a few vegetarian options.

Day 1 – The coast and Mdina

After arriving at about 2 am overnight, we started the day pretty late. After breakfast it was time for the pool – the indoor one as the weather wasn’t warm enough to use the outdoor pool. We found the area too warm for comfort and the pool too cramped. 

We had booked our car rental from Daniel’s Car rentals and the car was dropped off at the hotel around 10:30 am. It was an automatic and driving on the left made the driving slightly easier as the traffic in the cities were horrendous. People drove pretty fast and did not slow down near roundabouts like they do in the UK. The automatic was certainly handy. After missing a few turns we finally were on the road to the coast and our first stop was the Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto

The islands of Malta all boast of numerous caves and coastal formations due to erosion of the limestone cliffs. Blue Grotto was one on the south-eastern coast of the island. There are boats from Wied Iż-Żurrieq that take tourists into the cave when the weather is right. Due to a late start we did not have enough time for that and enjoyed the views from up on the cliff. It was a lovely day and we were treated to some amazing vistas over the Mediterranean.

Mdina

Mdina is an ancient walled city and has over 4000 years of history. The apostle St. Paul is said have lived here in 60 AD after his ship was wrecked off the coast. The city has lovely winding narrow streets, huge churches, beautiful squares and water fountains. 

We parked our car outside the walled city in a large parking lot that was nearly full and walked into the beautiful old town. We arrived just in time for lunch and made our way to Coogi’s at the rear end of the city. I had booked a table at the quaint restaurant in advance and we were directed to the inner courtyard with some beautiful decor. 

The food in Malta is greatly influenced by Italy. That is the reason you find such amazing pizzas, pastas and risottos. Coogi’s had a ton of vegan and vegetarian dishes and they were delicious!

We walked around the beautiful town after lunch. It was pretty crowded but still we were able to find quiet lanes and corners. The entry to the churches were free and we visited the Church of the annunciation of Our Lady that had beautiful frescos. The other church, St. Paul’s Cathedral, was situated in a beautiful square.

The view from the walls of the city were expansive. This ancient city is another of the European locations in the Game of Thrones. 

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

One of most stunning beaches not only in Malta, but in the entire world! Soft golden sands and a gentle beautiful bay, the ideal spot to spend the mornings in summer and evenings at other times when you can’t swim. 

We arrived here at about 5 pm and the small parking lot near the steps was full. We then drove down to park at the Golden Bay (another beautiful bay adjacent to this). The walk from Golden Bay to Għajn Tuffieħa is uphill but it wasn’t bad. We then had to walk a hundred steps down to reach the sands. 

The view over the calm waters of the bay and of the glorious sun making its way down to the nether world is something that we can never forget! We stayed here well past sunset and until the blue hour before making our way back to the car park and to our resort.

Dinner was at the restaurant in the resort and it was delicious and super filling!