Skip This, See That: Unmasking Malta’s Overrated & Worthwhile Sites

Malta, the sun-kissed archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a dream destination. With its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder it draws visitors year-round. But to be honest, those idyllic photos often mask a reality: Malta is busy. Even during the so-called “off-season,” you’ll find yourself navigating crowds, especially in popular spots. So, how do you find those hidden gems and dodge the tourist traps? Let’s dive into the underrated and overrated of Malta, and how to find a bit of peace amidst the bustle.

Many and most travel bloggers try to convince you to visit a destination so that you can use their affiliate links and generate them profit. However, I am going to be completely honest in telling what I thought was worth avoiding and how to actually enjoy your trip to Malta.

Cost Breakdown

No part of this trip was sponsored- you can find a full cost breakdown below:

FIRST IT’S TIME FOR A BRIEF PPG (PANDA’S PROGRESSIVE GEOGRAPHY) LESSON!

• Malta’s history is a long and vibrant one, marked by a succession of diverse rulers. Beginning with prehistoric temple builders, the islands then saw Phoenician, Roman, and Arab influence, leaving behind a rich archaeological and cultural heritage.
•  In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John fortified Malta, famously withstanding the Ottoman siege. Later, Malta became a British colony, playing a crucial role in both world wars. 
• Finally, in 1964, Malta gained its independence, and it has since grown into a modern European nation, retaining a unique blend of its many historical layers.

When to Go

For pleasant weather and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are generally recommended. For beach holidays and a lively atmosphere, summer is the best time. Ultimately, Malta is a relatively warm country that can be enjoyed year-round; however if you are looking to swim I recommend visiting between April-September. 

I visited in February and wore a jacket every single day- temperatures averaged around 12-15 degrees.

Getting To Malta

Getting to Malta is primarily achieved through air or sea travel. Here’s a breakdown of the common methods:

By Air:

Malta International Airport (MLA):

• This is the primary gateway to Malta, located in Luqa.
• Numerous airlines offer direct flights from various European cities.
• If traveling from outside Europe (e.g., North America, Australia), you’ll likely have a connecting flight through a major European hub.
• Airlines such as Air Malta, Ryanair, and EasyJet commonly service the airport.

By Sea:

• Ferries connect Malta to Sicily (Italy). Virtu Ferries is a major operator on this route.
• Ferry services provide the option to bring vehicles to Malta.
• There are also ferry services that operate between the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

I flew with Air Serbia from Belgrade to Malta and it was a smooth and quick flight.

Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in Malta depends on your travel style and budget.  Malta offers many big brand hotels or alternatively,  if you prefer to cook your own meals, self-catering apartments can be a great option.

I stayed at Felix Apartments (Part of the Valletta Collection) in Valletta. I liked:

• The central location of the apartment in Valletta, making it ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites and attractions.
• It was within walking distance of many key landmarks, restaurants, and shops.
• The apartment was clean, modern, and comfortable, having received recent renovations.

However I would not recommend spending an entire trip staying in Valletta- the way I did.

Where to eat in Valletta

Despite hordes of blog posts directing readers to restaurants they thought were amazing, I found most food in Malta to be mediocre. I started off my trip eating a lot of Maltese food and personally didn’t understand the hype; so I started dining elsewhere. Here are the only 3 eateries I would personally recommend:

Tribe Valletta: If you’re looking for a beautiful (photo-worthy) breakfast spot, I strongly Tribe. Their fluffy pancake stacks are filling and delicious.

Manouche Bakery: The lemon meringue French toast is honestly worth booking a trip to Malta for. Yes it’s THAT good. They have also have a variety of breakfast buns and a chai latte that I could easily enjoy daily.

Falafel Street Lebanese Kebab and Grill: One of the best falafel sandwiches I have had outside of the Levant region. And that is saying something. Ask for the spicy harissa sauce if you like to sweat.

Tips for Your Trip

Currency:  The Euro is the currency used in Malta. Every vendor accepted card payments in Malta with the exception of certain shops that had a minimum 10EUR spend for using a card.

Visa: Check visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. I used a Schengen Visa to visit Malta. My visa was not issued by Malta but I did not have any problems using it. 

Getting around: I exclusively used the extensive public transport system in Malta. While it is inexpensive, it does take a long time to get from place to place. Renting a car could be an option but traffic is a problem as roads are narrow, parking will be an issue in the city and there are a lot of cars which contributes to congestion.

Overrated Places- And what to do instead

Overrated: Mdina, the Silent City (Not So Silent)

Mdina, the ancient walled city, is undoubtedly beautiful. Its narrow, winding streets and honey-coloured buildings create a captivating atmosphere. However, the sheer volume of tourists often detracts from the experience. What’s meant to be a “silent city” is often filled with chattering crowds, making it difficult to truly appreciate its tranquility. Every blog post I read recommended visiting this small city… but I would recommend skipping this one.

Underrated: Gozo- A Breath of Fresh Air

For a truly peaceful escape, hop on the ferry to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. Gozo is significantly less developed and retains a more rustic charm. The pace of life is slower, and the scenery is breathtaking. Explore the dramatic cliffs of Dwejra, explore the salt pans , and relax on the beautiful beaches. Gozo feels like stepping back in time, and it’s the perfect antidote to the crowds of Malta.

I booked this one day tour (not sponsored and not an affiliate link) to explore Gozo and I loved it. The buggy was able to traverse all kinds of terrain for the best views. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, this is a great option.

Overrated: Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

Marsaxlokk’s reputation as a must-see destination is a double-edged sword. While its colorful fishing boats and fresh seafood draw crowds, particularly on market days, this popularity can lead to a sense of over-commercialization. I found that the market’s souvenir stalls and inconsistent restaurant quality detract from the authentic fishing village experience. However, the harbour’s undeniable beauty and the chance to witness traditional fishing practices still hold appeal for many, for me personally, I didn’t think it was worth the hour I spent travelling there.

Underrated: Rent a boat and spend time around Comino

Something I really enjoyed was exploring Comino’s stunning coastline by boat, which reveals hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, providing unique perspectives and photo opportunities that walking trails miss. Unlike the often-packed Blue Lagoon, boat tours offer a more tranquil and less crowded way to appreciate the island’s beauty, often including stops at secluded spots for photos, swimming and snorkeling (in warmer months), making it a truly worthwhile and often overlooked attraction. There are so many boat operators offering various boat rides with different extras. I used Yippee Tours and was happy with their level of service. 

The Reality of “Off-Season” in Malta

Malta’s popularity means it’s rarely truly quiet. While the summer months are undeniably packed, even in winter, spring and autumn, you’ll encounter a steady stream of tourists. Be prepared to queue for attractions, struggle to find parking, and book restaurants in advance.

How I would re-do my trip if I had to do over my trip to Malta

I would spend as much time in Gozo and spend as little time in Malta. It was not fun being squashed into full buses, not being able to get tables in restaurants and battling for space on narrow pavements in Valletta. Basing yourself in Gozo also makes it easier to spend time on or around Comino- which I think is extremely worthwhile. In order to explore Malta, I would book a 1 day tour to take the hassle of navigation and stress out of my hands. Malta is much larger than Gozo so it can take an extremely long time to travel from one site to another. Doing an organised tour- with a car- makes sense to explore Malta.  

Tips for Finding Peace in Malta:

• Embrace the early bird: Arrive at popular attractions before the crowds.
• Consider a mid-week visit: Weekends tend to be busier.
• Plan for Flexibility: Malta is a place to explore. Don’t be afraid to change your plans if a location is too busy.
• Eat Local: Find smaller restaurants away from the main tourist areas for a less crowded experience and also- make reservations!

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If you liked this post and want more inspiration for your next holiday destination, you might enjoy these:

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Have you visited Malta before? Or have I inspired you to take a trip to Malta? Let me know in the comments below!