Malta may be small, but it brings together more than 7,000 years of history, warm Mediterranean water and three islands with very different characters. Combine Valletta's honey-coloured streets and prehistoric temples with a few slower days in a farmhouse hotel on Gozo. April to June and September to October offer the best balance of warmth and space, while winter is ideal for a culture-led short break.
Malta and Gozo at a glance
| Flight time from London | Around 3 hours from the UK |
|---|---|
| Time difference | 1 hour ahead of the UK |
| Entry | No visa for short Schengen stays; the EU's Entry/Exit System now applies at the border |
| Language | Maltese and English |
| Driving | On the left |
| Plugs | UK three-pin |
| Gozo | Around 25 minutes by car ferry from Ċirkewwa, with a passenger ferry from Valletta |
| Best time to visit | June, and September into early October |
| Ideal length | 7 to 10 nights, combining Malta and Gozo |
Malta Highlights
- Explore Valletta's honey-coloured streets, St John's Co-Cathedral and the fortifications overlooking the Grand Harbour.
- Wander through medieval Mdina and neighbouring Rabat, where quiet lanes lead between palazzos, churches and ancient catacombs.
- Step inside the prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Ġgantija, built before Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
- Sail around Comino, swim in clear turquoise coves and discover limestone caves along the coast.
- Spend a few slower days on Gozo, exploring vineyards, salt pans, beaches and countryside villages.
- Stay in a restored Valletta palazzo, a waterfront hotel or a private farmhouse surrounded by Gozo's countryside.
Discover Malta
Malta brings together ancient cities, clear Mediterranean water and three islands with distinctly different characters. Valletta rises above the Grand Harbour in warm honey-coloured stone, while nearby Mdina, the Three Cities and prehistoric temples reveal different chapters of the islands' long history.
Beyond the historic cities, days can be spent swimming in quiet coves, sailing around Comino or visiting the colourful fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk. The Blue Lagoon is best experienced by private or small-group boat, with time to continue beyond its busiest shores.
Across the channel, Gozo feels greener, calmer and more rural. Coastal walks, family-run vineyards, ancient temples and long lunches by the sea make it worth more than a day trip. Combine it with Valletta for a holiday that balances culture, coast and time to slow down.
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 is the best time to visit Malta?
Malta can be enjoyed throughout the year. April to June and September to October offer the best balance of warm weather, fewer visitors and comfortable days for exploring. July and August are the hottest and liveliest months, with village festas, fireworks and busy beaches. Winter is mild and quieter, making it a lovely time for Valletta, Mdina, walking and historic sites, although it is usually too cool for a beach holiday.
| Experience | Best months |
|---|---|
| Valletta and historic sites | April to June and September to November |
| Beaches and swimming | June to October |
| Warmest sea | August to October |
| Sailing and Comino | May to October |
| Walking and exploring Gozo | October to May |
| Diving and snorkelling | May to October |
| Village festas and fireworks | May to September |
| Christmas in Valletta | December |
Featured regions
Where to go in Malta
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.
Ways to experience Malta
A cultural break in Valletta
Spend a few nights within Valletta's fortified walls, close to St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Harbour and the city's restaurants and museums. Cross the water to the Three Cities and take privately guided trips to Mdina, Rabat and Malta's prehistoric temples. It works beautifully as a short break or the cultural beginning to a longer island holiday.
Malta and Gozo together
Combining Malta and Gozo gives you two very different sides of the destination. Begin with Valletta's history and energy, then cross to Gozo for countryside, swimming coves and a slower pace. I would allow at least three nights on each island so that neither part feels rushed.
Malta with children and teenagers
Short distances and a wide choice of activities make Malta an easy family adventure. Children can explore forts and prehistoric temples, swim in sheltered coves or take a boat around Comino, while older children and teenagers can try snorkelling, kayaking and diving. I'll choose the base and pace around the ages and interests of your family.
A private villa or Gozo farmhouse
A villa works particularly well for families, friends and multi-generational groups who value space, privacy and a pool of their own. Gozo is known for its restored stone farmhouses, while Malta offers coastal villas within reach of beaches and restaurants. Depending on the property, housekeeping, grocery deliveries and private chefs can also be arranged.
An active island escape
Malta's size makes it easy to combine time beside the water with days spent exploring. Walk Gozo's coast, kayak beneath limestone cliffs, snorkel in clear coves or dive among caves and historic wrecks. I can build in as much activity as you want while leaving plenty of time for long lunches and slower afternoons.
Malta as part of a Mediterranean cruise
Valletta is one of the Mediterranean's most memorable arrivals, with ships sailing into the Grand Harbour beneath the city's fortifications. A luxury or small-ship cruise can combine Malta with Sicily, Greece, Spain or North Africa. I particularly like itineraries that stay overnight, giving you time to enjoy Valletta after many daytime visitors have left.
Handpicked hotels
Where to stay: luxury hotels in Malta
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 Malta holiday with me?
I'm Rachael. I plan tailor-made holidays for curious travellers who love comfort. New experiences, lovely places to stay and someone looking after the details.
Design
I listen first, then shape your holiday around what you enjoy and what makes you comfortable. From the route to your room, with time to explore and time to relax.
Discover
With trusted specialists and local experts, I find distinctive places to stay and experiences that help you get to know a destination, chosen around your interests.
Travel well
I contact your hotels before you arrive, reconfirm your stay and share your preferences. I ask about upgrades and thoughtful extras where available, and support you until you're safely home.
Sample journeys
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. The overnight gives 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 HolidayMalta holiday FAQs
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. How you divide your time between the islands, and when you travel, makes 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.
Yes, if you want culture rather than beach days. Daytime temperatures usually sit in the mid-teens, the temples and Valletta are far quieter, and hotel rates drop. Some boat trips and beach clubs close or run less often.
The car ferry from Ċirkewwa takes about 25 minutes, and a fast passenger ferry runs from Valletta. I can arrange private transfers at both ends so you never drive to the port.
Very. Forts, prehistoric temples and filming locations make history feel real, and there are boat days, snorkelling and coasteering in summer.
Yes. Visitor numbers are strictly limited and tickets often sell out weeks ahead. I secure them as soon as your trip is booked.
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