Two Days in Malta: Dive into History and Azure Waters

Sometimes, you don’t need a weeklong vacation to feel like you’ve experienced a place. Sometimes, all it takes is two days. That was precisely how Layton and I felt after spending two incredible, jam-packed two days in Malta trip. A short flight to the Mediterranean’s most captivating archipelago, and suddenly, we were immersed in a blend of azure waters, ancient fortresses, and vibrant local culture. We didn’t have much time, but we made the most of every minute, soaking up every sight, sound, and flavor Malta had to offer. Here’s how we did it.

We were hit by a warm breeze from the Mediterranean that smelled like salt water and excitement. We have both wanted to take this trip for a long time and ever since we have been interested in Malta’s long and exciting history. I  was more interested in the beaches and the food (I’m not going to lie), but after just a few hours, I realized how much more this tiny island had to offer.

Our first stop after leaving the airport was the capital city, Valletta. The streets felt like stepping back in time with their charming, narrow alleys, all beautifully framed by sandstone buildings that have probably seen more history than I can imagine. We found ourselves wandering aimlessly, which is the best way to explore a new city and stumbled upon St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Even from the outside, it looked magnificent, but nothing could have prepared us for the inside. 

I’d heard about it and, seen pictures online, but walking into St. John’s Co-Cathedral was like being transported to another dimension. The ceilings were adorned with vibrant frescoe,s and every inch of the interior seemed to glitter with gold. But as I stood there, admiring all the glittering gold and intricate decorations, something didn’t sit right with me. It felt a little too grand, almost like a display of wealth rather than a place of worship. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the extravagance of the cathedral had come at a terrible cost. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like this was the result of centuries of conquest and pillaging by the Crusaders, who took what they could from others in the name of religion. It’s fascinating and unsettling at the same time how the desire to glorify a belief system could lead to violence and greed, with all that stolen wealth ending up here in this massive, golden church on a small island.

Check out this blog here to learn more about the deep history of St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

By this point, we were starving (mentally and physically), so we made our way to Valletta’s waterfront. There’s something about sitting by the water that makes every meal feel ten times more special, and Malta’s food didn’t disappoint. We settled at a small trattoria, where we devoured a plate of pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta) and shared a dish of hobz biz-zest, a traditional Maltese bread drizzled with olive oil and topped with tomatoes, capers, tuna, and onions. One of our favorite parts of traveling is trying the local food, and I swear, if we went all out, we’d just spend the entire day eating our way through every restaurant in sight. But after lunch, we had a boat to catch.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was our boat tour of the Blue Grotto. Just a short drive from Valletta, this iconic natural wonder is a must-see for anyone visiting Malta. The sun shone through the caves and made the water glow in the strangest shades of blue as our little boat went through them. I couldn’t stop taking pictures, though none truly captured the magic of being there in person. The Grotto is full of towering arches and cliffs that dwarf everything below. The sound of the water hitting the boat made the whole thing peaceful. We sat beside each other, amazed by the beautiful colors around us. It felt like a dream.

After our boat tour, we made our way to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village that looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard. The brightly painted luzzus (fishing boats) bobbed gently in the harbor, and each painted with a pair of eyes at the front, an ancient Phoenician tradition said to protect the ships from harm. The market here was buzzing with energy. Fresh fish lined the stalls, and the scent of grilled seafood filled the air. We wandered from vendor to vendor, marveling at the variety. Dinner was a local specialty, lampuki pie, made from the island’s seasonal fish, and a hearty bowl of aljotta, a Maltese fish soup that was rich, flavorful, and comforting. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the water, we walked hand-in-hand along the harbor, content with the day’s adventures. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Malta, a blend of history, nature, and delicious food.

The following day, we were eager to explore more of Valletta. Even though it’s a small city, every corner seems to have a story to tell. Our first stop was the Grand Master’s Palace. You can’t come to Malta without getting a sense of the powerful history of the Knights who ruled here. The palace was dripping with luxury, Gobelin tapestries, grand state rooms, and marble floors that practically whispered secrets of long-gone rulers. It’s like our inner history nerd unleashed as we rattled off facts about the Great Siege of 1565. We also visited the War Museum, which offered a more modern take on Malta’s resilience during WWII. It’s incredible how this small island played a crucial role in ancient and more recent history.

We needed a break by midday, so we headed to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This peaceful spot, perched high above Valletta, offers stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. We sat there for a while, just soaking in the beauty of the landscape and watching ships glide across the water. Just as we were about to leave, the daily noon-gun salute rang out, a centuries-old tradition. It was such a small yet significant moment that it added to the timelessness permeating Malta.

After our break, we continued to explore the vibrant streets of Valletta. We stumbled upon the Manoel Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. The building itself is an architectural gem, with its Rococo design and intimate interior. If we’d had more time, I would have loved to see a performance here, but just standing in the space was enough to feel the creative energy of the place. The rest of the afternoon was spent meandering through the streets, discovering little gems like quaint bookshops and local artisan markets. Every turn offered something new, something unexpected.

It almost felt like magic on our last night in Malta.Valletta was buzzing with life, and we were lucky enough to catch a local fiesta, a celebration filled with fireworks, music, and delicious street food. There’s no better way to get a taste of Maltese culture than to experience one of their fiestas firsthand. We ate imaret (date pastries) and drank local wine as we watched the fireworks light up the sky over the Grand Harbour. As we sat there, with the sounds of traditional għana music filling the air and the glow of fireworks reflecting on the water, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. Malta had given us everything we could have hoped for and more in just two short days. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.

If you plan a trip to Malta, the best time to visit is spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is warm but not scorching, and the crowds are much smaller than in the summer. Two to three days is ideal for a visit if you’re short on time, though you could stay longer to experience all the islands have to offer fully.

As for where to stay, Valletta is a fantastic base. It’s close to everything, and its narrow streets are lined with charming buildings and historical sites. If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel experience, check out The Phoenicia Malta, a luxury hotel just outside the city walls with stunning harbor views. If you prefer a more cozy, homey vibe, plenty of Airbnbs are also available. Click here for more apartments near the Upper Barrakka Gardens that will put you in the city’s heart and are perfect for exploring on foot.

In terms of dining, Valletta has no shortage of great spots. Nenu the Artisan Baker is a must-visit for traditional Maltese fare, especially if you want to try Ftira (Maltese pizza). For a more upscale experience, check out Rampila, a restaurant inside the old city walls that offers history and a delicious menu of Mediterranean dishes. And don’t miss Rubino, an intimate place where you can taste local specialties like rabbit stew.

Read our blog here for more tips on traveling and getting around Europe.

I felt the blues as we prepared to leave the next morning. Even though two days wasn’t nearly enough to see and do everything Malta offers, it was enough to fall in love with the country. Malta had everything we were looking for: the past we had been dying to learn about and the beautiful nature I had been craving. We were happy, had sun-kissed skin, and will never forget those days. Even though Malta is small, it had a significant effect on us. There’s no question that we’ll be back one day to find more of its hidden gems.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo