Malta: Small Island, Big Impressions – Trip with Travelsphere & Just You
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Travelsphere & Just You on a trip to the breathtaking Mediterranean island of Malta. As a travel professional, these immersive experiences are invaluable—they allow us to truly understand a destination, meet new people within the industry, and return with insights that help us better match our clients with the perfect holiday.
This trip promised history, hospitality, and hands-on experiences—and Malta delivered on all fronts.
Day 1 Highlights:
Flight to Malta: Smooth journey from Heathrow’s Terminal 4 with Air Malta, followed by a quick and easy passport check on arrival.
Hotel Transfer: A scenic 40-minute drive to AX Odycy Hotel in St. Paul’s Bay. After a warm welcome and a swift check-in, I settled into my spacious, modern room with a sea-view balcony! Talk about a great first impression!
Folklore Evening at Ta’ Marija: The night kicked off with traditional Maltese charm at this family-run gem. Our group enjoyed a 4-course feast with local delicacies, including bruschetta, ricotta ravioli, and beef olives, paired with wine.
Entertainment? Folklore dancing, live music, and lots of laughs! And yes, guests were invited to the stage to join the dancers – a night to remember!
Day 2: Discover Valletta & The Three Cities
Today was an adventure-packed day as we explored the stunning capital of Malta, Valletta. After a hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, we hopped on the coach and set off around the coast with our guide, Ivan, sharing fascinating insights. We learned about Malta’s salt basins, once vital for food preservation, and the island’s unique history—like how Malta was gifted to the Knights of St. John in 1530 for the price of a single hunting falcon!
In Valletta, we wandered along Republic Road, the city’s main street, and visited St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where intricately designed tombstones of knights are set into the floor. Inside, we saw a masterpiece by Caravaggio and watched a short presentation about the artist’s life.
Next stop: the Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. We witnessed the firing of the famous cannons at the Saluting Battery, which was such an iconic moment!
After lunch at a bustling food court, we explored the Three Cities—Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa. These ancient cities, now lined with superyachts, gave us a deeper sense of Malta’s maritime history. A highlight was our relaxing dgħajsa (traditional Maltese boat) cruise through the harbor, gliding past historic fortifications and modern luxury vessels.
We even spotted the MSC Orchestra in dry dock undergoing maintenance. Before heading back to the hotel, we climbed to a lookout tower to catch one last view of the harbor.
Dinner was at Cheeky Monkey’s gastropub, where we enjoyed burgers, sipped G&Ts, and soaked up the lively atmosphere. What a perfect end to an incredible day!
Day 3: Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk
Today’s adventure started with a visit to the stunning Blue Grotto, stopping at a scenic viewpoint along the way. We walked down to the boats, opting for a €10 trip through the sea caves, where the choppy waters gave way to serene, crystal-clear lagoons.
Next, we explored the bustling fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where colourful luzzu boats with protective eye symbols lined the harbour. The lively market was packed with fresh seafood, crafts, and souvenirs.
Lunch was at a farm-to-table restaurant in Dingli, where everything was made from locally grown produce. After tasting traditional Maltese dishes, they visited the San Anton Botanical Gardens, home to trees gifted by visiting royals.
Back at the hotel, a happy hour drink at Side Street bar set the tone for the evening. Dinner was at Ricardo’s Italian, featuring Diavola pizza, a Vito Spritz, and tiramisu. The night ended back at the bar, enjoying a live piano performance.
Day 4: A Day in Gozo
Today the group started bright and early, leaving the hotel at 8:15 to catch the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. As it was a public holiday, the usually packed terminal wasn’t too busy! The ferry crossing took around 20 minutes—busy but with plenty of outdoor space, two cafés, a shop, and toilets.
First stop: a surprise viewpoint not on the itinerary, and it was stunning! Gozo is much greener than Malta due to its clay-rich soil, and its rolling hills are covered in religious statues and beautifully carved houses. A lovely tradition here, Gozitans who emigrated and later returned would carve symbols of their adopted countries onto their homes as a thank you. An eagle for the US, a kangaroo for Australia, and so on!
Next, we visited the salt pans, where locals have been harvesting salt for centuries, followed by a quick stop at a charming little church. Then it was off to Fontana Cottage for lunch, where we had a fascinating demonstration on how traditional sheep’s cheese is made before sitting down to enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal.
The afternoon was spent in Victoria (Rabat), browsing souvenir shops and boutiques before heading to Cittadella for a history talk and breathtaking views over Gozo. Then, it was back on the ferry to Malta at 4pm.
To round off the day we had a relaxing dinner at Luzzu Mediterranean Restaurant—a comforting plate of carbonara and a crisp glass of white wine. A perfect end to a fantastic day!
Day 5 in Malta: History, Tastes & Stunning Views
We started with a visit to Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar—a stunning home with incredible history. Then, off to Mosta to see the impressive Rotunda, learning about its miraculous WWII survival.
A scenic drive through Rabat brought us to Mdina, where we paused outside the ancient walls for a perfect photo. Inside, we tasted pastizzi—I had a curried pea one, delicious! We even learned the local way to eat raw broad beans, straight from the pod.
With free time to explore Mdina’s bustling gift shops and breathtaking views, we then wandered into Rabat’s charming square. Finally, we ended the day at the Dingli Cliffs, braving the fierce wind to reach a tiny rock window overlooking the sea—what a view!
What truly stood out to me was how much variety Malta packs into such a small space, from ancient temples and fortified cities to beachside markets and hidden coastal paths. The people were warm, welcoming, and deeply proud of their heritage. It was capturing to see Malta’s unique blend of influences, British, Arabic, Italian, and North African all rolled into one compact, sun-kissed island. It reminded me why face-to-face experiences are so powerful, reading about Malta simply can’t compare to walking its streets or tasting its food yourself.
This trip deepened my understanding of what makes Malta such a versatile destination. For solo travellers, it offers safety, ease of navigation, and plenty of cultural depth. For groups, it offers a rich variety of excursions that blend history, cuisine, and natural beauty. I now feel much more confident recommending Travelsphere and Just You’s itineraries here, knowing the quality of their partners on the ground and the thoughtful pacing of their tours. Meeting the local guides and hoteliers in person gave me trust in the experiences my clients will have.
Conclusion:
Malta surprised and delighted me at every turn. It’s perfect for travellers looking for something unique and rich in history without being overwhelming. Thanks to this group trip, I can now speak with real enthusiasm and knowledge when recommending Malta. Whether you're planning your first group trip, exploring solo, or just craving a Mediterranean escape, Malta deserves a spot on your list.
