Malta has a way of surprising you. What started as a week of sunshine, seaside walks, and historic sightseeing quickly turned into a trip filled with election celebrations, island-hopping adventures, and even a dramatic news event or two. Using Sliema as my base, I spent seven days discovering the best of Malta's coastlines, cities, and local culture.

Day 1: Arrival in Sliema and Discovering Manoel Island

After arriving in Malta and settling into Sliema, I headed straight out to explore one of the area's hidden gems: Manoel Island.

Connected to the mainland by a short causeway, the island offers incredible views across Marsamxett Harbour towards Valletta. What began as a casual afternoon swim on my first day of Malta quickly became a daily tradition. The rocky shoreline provided perfect spots for sunbathing, while the clear Mediterranean waters were impossible to resist. By the end of the trip, Manoel Island had become our favourite place to unwind each afternoon.

Day 2: Valletta's Magnificent Fortifications

One of the best things about staying in Sliema is the easy ferry connection to Valletta. The short crossing offers spectacular views of Malta's capital before arriving at one of Europe's most impressive fortified cities. The Sliema - Valletta return ferry is €5 per person, which was a great value even as we had to pay cash at the ticket booth. However Ie could choose when we wanted to return from Valletta and I very much enjoyed this method of transport for some picture taking, and also as an alternative to the regular buses to Valletta.

I spent most of the morning wandering along Valletta's imposing fortress walls, admiring the city's military architecture and panoramic harbour views. The narrow streets, honey-coloured limestone buildings, and grand squares revealed why Valletta is often considered one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful capitals. Every corner seemed to offer another postcard-worthy scene.

Valletta is also very busy during May with tourists flocking into the city from Cruises, ferries, coaches, or any other forms of transport. This gave the city an amazing atmosphere where you could hear snippets of French, Spanish, Australian English, Italian, and other languages. It definitely gives you a strong vibe of what Malta would have been like in the past as an important trading and maritime hub.

One slight downside was the strength of the Sun. Despite taking precautions with sunscreen, I definitely got a bit burnt so I would recommend a strong sunscreen protection and also to apply it often.

Day 3: Coastal Walks from Sliema to St. Julian's

In comparison to Valletta, the next day was dedicated to exploring Sliema's waterfront on foot.

Beginning along the lively Sliema waterfront, I followed the promenade around Tigné Point, enjoying uninterrupted sea views and watching ferries glide across the harbour. I took some time to go to the shopping mall to cool off and also check out Zara and my other favourite fashion brands. I then continued north to the historic Roman Baths, where natural rock formations create unique swimming spots along the shoreline. I, of course, took the opportunity for a swim, where the waves were rough and a good challenge for my strong swimming skills.

The walk eventually brought me to St. Julian's Bay, where colourful fishing boats and waterfront cafés create a relaxed atmosphere. It was one of those days where there was no need for a strict itinerary, I just simply followed the coast without caring about my step count.

Day 4: Three Cities Adventure During Election Day

What was planned as a day exploring Malta's historic Three Cities turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

After taking the ferry from Sliema to Valletta, I scuttled to the other side of Valletta to get another ferry to the Three Cities. The ferry was extremely peaceful as I sailed down Grand Harbour with the intention to visit Vittoriosa and Senglea. Coincidentally, this was the day Malta's General Election results were being announced.

The atmosphere was electric. Streets filled with celebrating supporters, car horns echoed throughout the harbour, and flags waved from nearly every direction. Fireworks (which Malta is famous for) randomly fired from squares or grassy areas, with several loud pops and bangs heralding our arrival to Birgu's (Vittoriosa) harbour. The energy transformed the historic streets into a giant celebration. Amid the excitement, I still found time to admire the beautiful architecture, quiet alleys, and stunning waterfront views that make the Three Cities such a rewarding destination.

Birgu was especially beautiful as one of Malta's oldest fortified cities, and as an open air museum there was still a chance to climb alongside the walls while learning about the Knights of St John - all during the celebrations I might add.

Day 5: A Day Trip to Gozo

In my opinion, no trip to Malta feels complete without visiting Gozo.

I boarded the ferry in Sliema around 10am and made my way to Malta's smaller sister island. As we travelled around the island, news began spreading about a fireworks factory explosion elsewhere in Gozo. It was a surreal reminder of how closely fireworks are tied to Maltese culture and village celebrations. Thankfully, our day continued safely, and we were still able to enjoy Gozo's dramatic landscapes, charming villages, and slower pace of life.

I used the hop-on-hop-off bus to explore its highlights. Gozo immediately felt different - quieter, greener, and more rural than Malta. I immediately loved exploring Victoria and tTh Citadel, taking some time to disappear down the quiet streets of Gozo's capital city. I then got back on the bus after getting some Maltese pasties for lunch to head to the Ggantija Temples, which are the oldest ruins in Malta that pre-dates even the Pyramids of Giza! I caught glimpses of Ramla Bay and small villages with the hop on hop off bus, and I very much enjoyed learning about the island and the history of Gozo. I then returned to the ferry in Mgarr where I promptly took a nap for the duration of the ferry back to Sliema (which was around 45 minutes)

If I were to go back to Malta, I would definitely come back to explore more of Gozo, perhaps take a few days to stay and go to the beaches.

Day 6: Coffee, Shopping, and Another Day in Valletta

With Valletta becoming a favourite destination, I returned once more via ferry for a slower paced exploration.

This visit focused on enjoying the city's everyday pleasures. We sought out traditional Maltese coffee, browsed local shops, and spent time soaking up the atmosphere in the city's streets and squares. Without a packed sightseeing schedule, Valletta revealed another side of itself.

Sometimes the best travel experiences come not from rushing between attractions, but simply sitting in a café and watching city life unfold around you or finding another rock for a quick afternoon dip.

Day 7: Ta' Xbiex and a Farewell to Malta

For my final full day, I followed the waterfront through Ta' Xbiex, an elegant area known for its marina views and quieter atmosphere.

The walk led me to the beautiful Argotti Botanical Gardens, a peaceful green escape hidden away from the busier tourist areas. I am a fairly keep botanical garden visitor whenever I travel so this was definitely a small treat. After exploring the gardens, I made one final ferry journey back to Sliema.

Watching Valletta's skyline recede across the harbour felt like the perfect ending to a remarkable week. Between historic cities, crystal-clear swimming spots, scenic coastal walks, and unforgettable local experiences, Malta had delivered far more than I expected.

Our Favourite Local Restaurants

My favourite part of travelling will always be trying all the restaurants that locals love and hidden gems that no one else can find. Valletta and Sliema definitely promise both variety (from Maltese cuisine to Thai or Lebanese) and delicious plates of great food. 

Ta' Kris

In my opinion, this is a must-visit for anyone wanting to try traditional Maltese cuisine. This restaurant offers authentic dishes, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff were super efficient and clearly very proud of their establishment and the food.

It is extremely popular, however, so a great idea is to ring up the restaurant to book 48 hours ahead.

Isabella Café

Perfect for breakfast, coffee breaks, or a light lunch while going through the back streets of Gzira and Msida. Their Tuna Ftiras (which is another well known Maltese traditional staple) were freshly prepared and extremely tasty.

Dal Siciliano Pizzeria

Excellent Sicilian-style pizza served in a relaxed setting. Ideal for a casual evening meal after a day of sightseeing, and the football is always on if you want to keep an eye on local matches.

Olive House

A fantastic Lebanese restaurant offering fresh mezze, grilled dishes, and plenty of flavourful vegetarian options. This restaurant (and their Teta Kibbeh) was a firm favourite of the holiday.

Tal-Kafe'

A charming coffee shop where we sampled traditional Maltese coffee, which has chicory, aniseed and cloves in it. The perfect stop to hide away from the busy streets of Valletta. The building is also very old and the owners are lovely to chat to as they have a lot of knowledge about coffee and the building that they are in.

Final Thoughts

Malta may be small, but I certainly packed an incredible amount into a single week. From swimming at Manoel Island and wandering Valletta's ancient streets, to exploring Gozo and experiencing the excitement of election day celebrations. Every day brought something different and I definitely was able to fit in all I wanted from the holiday.

If you're planning a first visit, basing yourself in Sliema provides easy access to Malta's major attractions while offering plenty of its own seaside charm. And if you discover Manoel Island on your first day, don't be surprised if you find yourself returning there every afternoon for a calm and peaceful swim just as I did.