Malta Getaway: Exploring History, Culture & Relaxation in Valletta

We recently had an amazing trip to Valletta, Malta with good friends, and it was everything we could’ve hoped for. Here’s a recap of our adventure, including our stay at the beautiful Domus Zamittello and all the fun we had exploring Malta!

Day 1: Arrival in Valletta

Hotel: Domus Zamittello

When we landed in Malta, we were greeted by a private transfer that took us straight to Domus Zamittello, a stunning hotel right in the heart of Valletta. It’s a gorgeous 17th-century building that’s been updated with all the modern touches while still keeping its historic charm. Our room was spacious, elegant and had a great view of Republic Street, which gave us a perfect sense of the city’s energy.

Pre-dinner cocktails: Outside at Domus Zamittello

Before heading out for dinner, we kicked things off with cocktails on the hotel’s terrace. It was such a relaxing way to start the evening, with a nice breeze and a peaceful setting to unwind after our journey.

Dinner: Palazzo Preca

Dinner that night was at Palazzo Preca, a cozy spot known for its amazing seafood. The food was fresh and delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting—exactly what we needed to get into vacation mode.

Day 2: Exploring Valletta & beyond

Breakfast: Menu-ordered breakfast at Domus Zamittello

We woke up to a fantastic menu-ordered breakfast at the hotel—included with our stay! The options were delicious, and it was such a nice way to ease into the day before diving into sightseeing.

Tour: Private Valletta & Western Malta tour

We spent the day on a private tour, diving into Valletta’s rich history and culture. Our guide was awesome and really brought the city’s history to life. Here are a few highlights from the day:

Upper Barrakka Gardens: The views from here were breathtaking! We could see the entire Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities across the water.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: This cathedral is a total must-see. The Baroque interior is stunning, and we got to see Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist—such a powerful piece.

Dghajsa Boat Ride: We hopped on a traditional Maltese dghajsa boat to cross the Grand Harbour. The views of Valletta from the water were amazing, and it was a fun and authentic way to get around.

Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples: These prehistoric temples are mind-blowing. They’re older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids! It was incredible to stand in such ancient, historic places.

Lunch: Carmen’s Bar and Grill

We had lunch at Carmen’s Bar and Grill, a cozy little spot by the sea. The food was delicious, and the views of the tiny island of Filfla made it even better. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Dinner: Porticello

For dinner, we headed to Porticello, a lovely waterfront restaurant. The seafood was fresh and tasty, and watching the sunset over the harbor while enjoying dinner with friends made the evening even more special.

Day 3: Wrapping up in Mdina

Breakfast: Menu-ordered breakfast at Domus Zamittello

Our last morning at Domus Zamittello started with another wonderful breakfast. It was hard to say goodbye to this beautiful hotel, but we were excited to continue exploring.

Exploration: Mdina – The Silent City

After checking out, we spent our final day exploring Mdina, the ancient “Silent City.” It’s such a peaceful place with its narrow streets and beautiful architecture. The views from Mdina over the island were stunning, and it was the perfect end to our trip.

Key takeaways:

Best time to visit: June is ideal for warm weather and fewer crowds.
Stay recommendation: Two to three days provide ample time to explore Valletta, Mdina and nearby landmarks.
Highlights: Stunning views, rich history and easy access to Malta’s top sights make it an unforgettable destination.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Malta. In need of further inspiration? Check out my guide, Charleston Charm: A Girlfriend Getaway.