Malta: The Ideal Destination for a Sunny Weekend

© Office du Tourisme de Malte

The pitch : you can't take any more rainy weekends in Paris, you've exhausted all our outing ideas—basically, a getaway is a must. Destination: Malta, an island perched in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, less than a 3-hour flight from Paris. Because no, Malta is not JUST the favorite destination of party-loving youth looking for all-night festivities. A true paradise emerging from the waves just below Sicily, the island competes in beauty with its wild coasts, indigo sea, and the historic center of Valletta, a baroque gem to visit (at least) once in a lifetime.

Psst: Transavia operates flights between Paris-Orly and Malta twice a week, starting at €57 one-way! From April 2025, the airline will offer up to one flight per day to accommodate the busiest Parisians.

Among the most luxurious hotels in Valletta, the mythical Phoenicia stands out. With its Andalusian-style gardens, the shaded outdoor spaces offer an incredibly pleasant stroll, leading up to the infinity pool with a breathtaking view of Valletta's harbor. The rooms, extraordinarily bright, provide all the comfort and luxury of a five-star hotel with a chic and minimalist decor.

Excellent! Their restaurant Contessa features a menu brimming with ultra-local seafood (yum: the grilled sea bass, filleted right in front of you on a trolley before being beautifully plated—€90 for two). At breakfast, you'll find a myriad of dishes and sweet treats to nibble on, ranging from an English breakfast to delicious Maltese imqaret date pastries, as well as stunning eggs Benedict. Special mention for the veranda, offering a breathtaking view of the gardens and fortifications of the island’s capital—a beauty you won’t stop Instagramming.

A must-visit: the spa. Pool, sauna, hammam, a steam room with Himalayan salt blocks, and massage offers make it almost impossible to leave the hotel. Our favorite? The Phoenicia signature massage (€150, 50 min), combining heated oil and hot stone massage for a truly suspended moment.

The Phoenicia, The Mall FRN 1478, Floriana, Malta. Rooms from €310

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© Phoenicia Malta

In Malta, the food is amazing. Seriously amazing. Beyond the incredible pastries mentioned earlier, you absolutely must try their famous flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mashed peas: Pastizzi. The best part? These traditional treats can be found everywhere (bakeries, snack bars, stalls…) for super cheap, sometimes just 50 cents! Needless to say, we didn’t hold back.

A must-visit Michelin-starred stop: Ion Harbour, where chef Simon Rogan, a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, elevates local ingredients while respecting seasonality. With a micro-selection of local wines and a focus on seafood, Ion Harbour is an absolute delight.

Ion Harbour, 11 St. Barbara Bastion, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1961, Malta. 9-course dinner menu: €145 per person.
© Ion Harbour by Simon Rogan

For a more casual meal, Trabuxu is the place to go. With its cozy small room and rustic, welcoming decor, this bistro makes you feel like you’re having lunch at a Maltese grandmother’s house. The highlight? Their fettuccine with bone marrow—rich, indulgent, and utterly delicious (€17.95).

Trabuxu, 8, 9 South St, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1104, Malta.
© Trabuxu Bistro

Since the weather in Malta is always amazing, Don Berto is a must-visit. Their focaccia (because Malta inherited many aspects of Italian culture) is absolutely decadent (yum: fig and gorgonzola, €14.95!). The best part? Perched on a terrace above the harbor promenade, Don Berto offers a stunning view of Valletta and its fortifications.

Don Berto, Birgu Waterfront Il-Birgu, BRG 1721, Malta.
© Don Berto

The St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which you might almost overlook due to its modest exterior, is absolutely worth a visit. Inside, its ultra-baroque magnificence, with chapels adorned in solid gold, dedicated to the different regional groups of Knights of Malta, and tombstones crafted from marble mosaics—undoubtedly one of the most stunning buildings in Mediterranean Europe.
© Office du Tourisme de Malte

You can never have too much culture. Exciting: in November 2024, the MICAS (Malta International Contemporary Art Space) opened. Integrated into the surrounding fortifications, this exhibition space houses impressive contemporary artworks. We love the colorful octopus by Joana Vasconcelos, covered in patterned fabrics and dangling from the ceiling, its tentacles wrapping around the exhibition space, as well as Garden of Eden, a dimly lit piece where 1,240 handcrafted LED-lit flowers outline winding paths.

MICAS, Ospizio Complex, Bieb il-Pulverista, Triq Joseph J. Mangion, Floriana FRN 1830, Malta.
© MICAS

Prefer outdoor activities? You're in luck. The mild climate of Malta makes strolling through the Three Cities, particularly Birgu, an absolute pleasure. Named after the Virgin Mary (virgo) in the Maltese dialect, Birgu boasts labyrinthine streets, lush balconies, and decorated door knockers, giving any walk an unparalleled charm.
© Office du Tourisme de Malte

To connect the Three Cities and Valletta, better than a local bus, one can treat themselves to a tour of the Grand Harbour of Valletta in a traditional boat dghajsa, which can accommodate up to 6 people and allows crossing the vast port area from one end to the other. It is a scenic mode of transport, as it offers an unparalleled view of Valletta, its bell towers, and its fortifications. From €20 departing from Birgu.
© Malta Tourism Authority

Inland also hides the gem that is the city of Mdina. With its cathedral and fortifications, Mdina is nicknamed "The Silent City" due to the ban on car traffic and even the typical horse-drawn carriages of the country! Visiting Mdina offers a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of Valletta. Accessible in 15 minutes by bus or taxi.
© Malta Tourism Authority

Even further from the coast, one can immerse themselves in the vineyards of Ta’ Betta Wine Estates, a micro-format vineyard that, since 2019, has been offering only four varieties of white, red, and rosé wines. Ta’ Betta also offers its vineyard and large reception halls for hosting events such as weddings. Just saying… Ta’ Betta Wine Estates, Taż-Żiri off Triq Blat il-Qamar Girgenti l/o, Is-Siġġiewi, Malta.
© Ta’ Betta Wine Estates

A little break between two exciting visits for a shopping moment:
For food lovers, a must-visit is Chocolate District to grab artisanal chocolate bars made in Malta… with local ingredients, such as goat ricotta from Gozo, the second island of the archipelago. Melita St, Valletta, Malta.
At Perruche, you will find a little piece of France: Frédérique, the creator, is originally from Paris and brings the French Touch to Malta. St. John Square, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta.
Die-hard concept store fans will find their happiness at Il-Lokal, a charming boutique selling creations (drawings, paintings, cards, plush toys, and even board games) exclusively by Maltese artists! 203 Old Bakery Street, Il-Belt, Valletta VLT 1423, Malta.
© Instagram @chocolate.district - @boutique.perruche - @il-lokal

In short : a true cultural melting pot that has hosted the filming of Gladiator, Jurassic World, and even Game of Thrones, Malta is the must-visit destination of Mediterranean Europe, naturally standing out as a sunny getaway to consider—even for a winter weekend!

Find all the information on visitmalta.com  

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