I visited Malta at the end of 2025 and it completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of the biggest surprises of my travels.
Valletta is incredibly compact, meaning you can comfortably explore most of the city in a day but I’d still recommend spending a few days there to enjoy the atmosphere, food and nearby areas at a slower pace. The weather was fantastic, the seafood was excellent and the drinks were surprisingly cheap compared to many other European destinations.
What stood out most was how underrated the island feels. The architecture is beautiful, the streets are full of character and everywhere seems to be within walking distance. It has all the ingredients for a great city break without feeling overcrowded.
Locations shown:
Fort St. Elmo
Traditional Maltese balconies, Valletta
Independence Monument
Lower Barrakka Gardens
St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral
Feast of St. Publius celebrations
Steps near St. Elmo waterfront
Strait Street at night
St George’s Square
Parliament House
Drinks on Republic Street
Triton Fountain
For anyone looking for somewhere sunny, affordable and easy to explore, Malta is an easy recommendation. It’s not the biggest destination, but that’s part of its charm!