Malta Highlights
- Discover three distinctive islands: historic Malta, peaceful Gozo and tiny, sea-fringed Comino.
- Wander through Valletta's honey-stone streets and the silent medieval lanes of Mdina.
- Swim in turquoise coves, sail around Comino or explore limestone caves and historic wrecks.
- Stay in a restored palazzo, a harbourfront retreat or a secluded farmhouse surrounded by Gozo's countryside.
- Step inside the prehistoric temples of Haġar Qim and Ġgantija, built long before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Discover Malta
Small in size but remarkably rich in character, Malta brings together ancient cities, clear Mediterranean water and more than 7,000 years of history. Valletta rises above the Grand Harbour in warm honey-coloured stone, with elegant palazzos, hidden courtyards and narrow streets leading towards waterfront restaurants and candlelit churches.
Beyond the capital, the island quickly changes pace. Explore the silent lanes of medieval Mdina, visit the colourful fishing harbour at Marsaxlokk or take to the water to discover limestone caves and quiet swimming coves. Comino's famous Blue Lagoon is at its loveliest from a private boat, arriving before the busiest part of the day and continuing to quieter corners of the island.
Across the channel, Gozo feels greener, calmer and more rural. Days unfold between ancient temples, family-run vineyards, coastal walks and long lunches overlooking the sea. Stay in a beautifully restored farmhouse or an intimate boutique hotel and combine the island with a few nights in Valletta for a holiday that brings together culture, coast and complete relaxation.
Malta works equally well as a sophisticated short break or a longer island escape. With a flight time of around three hours from the UK, it offers the depth of a far-flung destination without the long journey.
Ancient Stories
Explore prehistoric temples, fortified cities and the palaces left behind by the Knights of St John.
Mediterranean Waters
Swim in sheltered coves, sail around Comino and discover the quieter coastline of Gozo by private boat.
Island Flavours
Dine on fresh seafood, traditional Maltese dishes and modern tasting menus, accompanied by wine grown on the islands.
Feeling inspired?
Start Planning Your Luxury
Malta Holiday
Tell me who's travelling and what you would love to experience, from historic cities and hidden coves to island-hopping between Malta, Gozo and Comino. I'll create a Malta holiday around you and take care of every detail from the first idea until you are home.
When to Visit Malta
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Malta is a rewarding destination in almost every season. April to June and September to October are particularly lovely, bringing warm days, fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for exploring as well as time by the sea. July and August are hot and lively, with traditional festas filling towns and villages with music, fireworks and colourful celebrations, while winter is mild and quieter, making it ideal for walking and sightseeing, although it is usually too cool for a beach holiday.
Malta Regions
Valletta & the Grand Harbour
Honey-stone fortifications, elegant palazzos and sweeping harbour views define Malta's historic heart. Stay within Valletta's walls for museums, restaurants and rooftop bars, or explore the quieter Three Cities across the water, connected to the capital by a short ferry journey.
Mdina, Rabat & Central Malta
Step away from the coast to discover medieval Mdina, historic Rabat and Malta's quieter countryside. This is a wonderful base for ancient sites, gardens and traditional villages, with elegant hotels and peaceful wellness retreats offering a more relaxed side of the island.
Sliema, St Julian's & the North Coast
Sliema and St Julian's combine waterfront hotels, sea-view restaurants and easy access to Valletta. Further north, Mellieħa and Golden Bay offer sandy beaches and a more relaxed resort atmosphere, with convenient departures for boat trips to Comino and Gozo.
Gozo
Greener, quieter and more rural than Malta, Gozo is made for slower days. Stay in a restored farmhouse or intimate boutique hotel and spend your time exploring ancient temples, swimming at Ramla Bay, walking the coast and watching the sun set over Dwejra.
Where to Stay
A glimpse of Malta's places to stay, from harbourfront palazzos and garden-set retreats to a restored farmhouse hideaway on Gozo. Many more are available.
Harbourfront Palazzo Retreat
Iniala Harbour House, Valletta
Set across four beautifully restored palazzos overlooking the Grand Harbour, Iniala brings bold contemporary design to the historic heart of Valletta. Individually designed rooms and suites, a subterranean spa and Michelin-starred rooftop dining create an intimate and highly personalised stay for couples seeking one of Malta's most distinctive luxury hotels.
Art Deco Grandeur
The Phoenicia Malta, Valletta
Surrounded by seven acres of gardens just outside Valletta's fortified gates, The Phoenicia is one of Malta's most iconic hotels. Art Deco interiors, a peaceful spa and an infinity pool overlooking the harbour combine the space and facilities of a resort with effortless access to the capital's historic streets.
Restorative Hilltop Retreat
Verdala Wellness Hotel, Rabat
Perched above Rabat with panoramic views across the Maltese countryside, Verdala is an adults-only retreat centred around rest and wellbeing. Restorative rooms, balanced Mediterranean dining and an extensive spa create a peaceful escape, while the medieval streets of Mdina are close enough to explore whenever you feel like venturing out.
Garden-Set Elegance
Corinthia Palace Malta, Attard
Set beside the beautiful San Anton Gardens, Corinthia Palace offers a quieter alternative to Malta's busy coastal resorts. Elegant rooms, leafy grounds, excellent dining and the Athenaeum Spa make it a refined base for discovering Valletta, Mdina and the island's ancient sites, with plenty of space to unwind between days out.
Family-Friendly Waterfront
The Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's
Occupying a private peninsula in lively St Julian's, The Westin Dragonara combines spacious rooms with direct access to the Mediterranean. Three swimming pools, private beach lidos, varied dining and a seasonal children's club create an easy luxury escape for families, while the waterfront restaurants of Spinola Bay are close by.
Gozitan Farmhouse Hideaway
Cesca Boutique Hotel, Gozo
Created from a 350-year-old farmhouse overlooking Xlendi Valley, Cesca is an intimate 18-room retreat filled with traditional Gozitan character. Valley-facing balconies, warm stone interiors and a peaceful outdoor pool make it a lovely base for couples wanting to explore Gozo's villages, countryside and rugged coastline at a slower pace.
Why Plan Your Holiday With Me?
I'm Rachael. I plan tailor-made holidays for people who want more than a beautiful hotel. The right journey, thoughtful details and someone making sure it all comes together.
Design
I listen first. How you travel, what you have loved before and what you would rather avoid. Then I design the holiday around you, from the pace and route to the room you wake up in.
Discover
I work with a trusted network of specialist partners and destination experts. Together, we find distinctive places to stay, memorable experiences and the people who can make your holiday feel genuinely special.
Travel well
Before you arrive, I make sure the people looking after you know what matters, from special occasions and room preferences to the smaller details you may not have considered. I seek out upgrades and thoughtful extras where available, and you have my support until you are safely home.
Luxury Malta Tailor-Made Itineraries
These itineraries are just a few examples of what is possible. I can tailor any of them to suit you or create something completely from scratch around the Malta holiday you have in mind.
Malta Through the Ages
4 nights · Valletta
Discover Valletta with a private guide, visiting St John's Co-Cathedral before crossing the Grand Harbour by traditional water taxi to Fort St Angelo. Explore the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, then spend a day sailing, swimming and snorkelling around Gozo by private yacht.
Malta and Gozo at Your Own Pace
3 nights · Malta
Collect your hire car and explore Malta at a gentler pace, travelling between Valletta, medieval Mdina and the island's smaller villages. Stop for local lunches, wander through honey-stone streets and discover historic sites without following a rigid touring schedule.
3 nights · Gozo
Cross to Gozo with your car and settle into the island's slower rhythm. Follow quiet roads between traditional villages, coastal paths and secluded coves, with time for kayaking, swimming and long lunches overlooking the Mediterranean.
Valletta and the Aegean by Sea
2 nights · Valletta
Begin inside Valletta's fortified walls, exploring St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities. A carefully chosen hotel and private sightseeing provide a relaxed introduction before you embark.
5 nights · EXPLORA II
Sail from Valletta to Mykonos, Patmos and the volcanic shores of Santorini before arriving in Athens. Oceanfront suites, refined dining and a relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere make the journey between islands as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Rome, Malta & Barcelona by Sea
2 nights · Rome
Begin beside the Spanish Steps, with time to discover the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Rome's elegant piazzas, galleries and restaurants.
11 nights · Silver Ray
Sail from Rome to Barcelona, travelling through Sicily before an overnight stay in Valletta, Malta. Two days here give you time to explore the capital's golden fortifications, historic streets and Grand Harbour before continuing to Tunis, Trapani, Sardinia, Cartagena and Valencia.
2 nights · Barcelona
Finish on Passeig de Gràcia, within easy reach of Gaudí's architecture, the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona's celebrated restaurants.
Your Malta Holiday, Designed
Around You
No two Malta holidays I plan are the same, and nor should they be. Whether you want to explore 5,000-year-old temples, introduce your children to the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon or escape to a peaceful Gozo farmhouse with a private pool, I shape the journey around you. I can tailor an existing itinerary or create something completely from scratch, choosing the right places and pace, with every detail taken care of from the first idea until you are safely home.
Start Planning Your Malta HolidayFrequently Asked Questions
June and September into early October usually offer the best balance of warm weather, swimming and fewer crowds. Late September is a particular favourite of mine: the sea has had all summer to warm up, the main school holiday rush has passed and prices can be a little lower.
August is Malta's hottest and busiest month, with daytime temperatures usually around 30 to 33°C, although heatwaves can push them higher. The humidity and strong sun can make it feel warmer, particularly when sightseeing. It is still a lovely time for a pool-and-beach holiday, but if you prefer milder weather for exploring, June or September may suit you better.
Not necessarily. If you are staying in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian's, ferries, buses and taxis make it fairly easy to get around without one. A car can be useful for exploring Gozo or reaching quieter villages, beaches and countryside, although parking and traffic can be frustrating. I can arrange one for just part of your holiday or organise private transfers and excursions instead.
Yes. English is widely spoken, journey times are generally short and there are plenty of family-friendly hotels, beaches and boat trips. The main thing to be aware of is accessibility. Older towns can have steps, slopes and uneven pavements, which are not always easy with a pushchair. Choosing the right base can make a real difference, and it is something I will consider carefully when planning your holiday.
If you have at least a week, it can be a wonderful way to experience both sides of the destination. Malta gives you historic cities, restaurants and livelier resorts, while Gozo feels greener, quieter and more rural. The ferry crossing is straightforward, but I would recommend spending at least three nights on each island so that the move feels worthwhile.
A villa can be a brilliant choice for families, groups of friends or multi-generational holidays, especially if you value space, privacy and a pool of your own. Gozo's restored farmhouses are particularly lovely, while Malta has some beautiful villas close to the coast. The level of service varies, but housekeeping, private chefs and grocery deliveries can often be arranged, so staying in a villa does not necessarily mean doing everything yourself.
The water really is as clear and blue as it looks in the photographs, but timing makes all the difference. Visitors who want to go ashore need to reserve a free morning, afternoon or sunset slot, and numbers at the lagoon are limited. I would recommend visiting early or later in the day, ideally by private or small-group boat, for a calmer experience.
Malta sits somewhere in the middle. Valletta's best hotels and restaurants can be priced like those in other European capitals, while Gozo and smaller towns can feel noticeably better value. When you travel and how you divide your time between the islands will make a real difference to the overall cost.
It can be, but choosing the right location is important. Valletta is compact, although its sloping streets, steps and uneven stone can make some areas challenging for pushchairs or anyone with limited mobility. I will check how easy it is to reach the places that matter to you before recommending a hotel, rather than assuming that "central" automatically means flat and accessible.