Why Malta Is Europe’s Most Underrated Holiday Destination
Malta is often overlooked when people plan a European holiday. Many travellers do not even realise it is its own country, let alone a Mediterranean archipelago with a huge amount to offer. That is what makes Malta so underrated: it is compact, varied, and easy to explore without long travel days or complex planning.
Staying at ST Hotels in Sliema and Gżira makes it possible to see a lot in a short stay, with easy access to ferry links and main transport routes. From layered history and coastal scenery to local food, festivals, and simple day trips, Malta delivers far more than most people expect.
8,000 Years in Plain Sight
Malta’s long history is one of the strongest reasons it often gets overlooked. The islands hold around 8,000 years of human history, and that past is not hidden away in museums. It shows up in everyday places and shapes how the islands feel as you move around.
This layered story comes through in simple, visible ways:
Prehistoric roots: ancient megalithic temples point to some of the earliest stone structures ever built.
Early Christianity: the tradition of St Paul’s shipwreck places Malta firmly within the story of the ancient Mediterranean, with hundreds of churches dotting the island.
The Knights of St John: their rule left behind strong fortifications, harbours, and city layouts that still define the islands.
The Second World War: defensive walls and rebuilt areas reflect Malta’s strategic role and its ability to endure.
You experience this history on foot; it’s there in forts overlooking natural harbours and churches built into residential streets. The capital, Valletta, was designed by the Knights as a fortified Baroque city and today holds UNESCO World Heritage status, yet it remains busy and lived in. In contrast, Mdina feels quieter and more enclosed, often described as the island’s “silent city,” offering a very different sense of Malta’s past.
The Places That Make Malta Feel Like Multiple Trips in One
One of Malta’s biggest strengths is how much variety fits into a small area. A short drive or ferry ride can change the setting completely, which makes each day feel different without needing long journeys.
On the main island, these contrasts stand out clearly:
Valletta: the capital is best explored on foot. Quiet side streets open onto wide viewpoints over the Grand Harbour, while museums and impressive church interiors sit alongside everyday homes and shops. It feels compact, detailed, and easy to explore at your own pace.
The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua: just across the water, these historic towns have a strong connection to the sea. Old forts line the harbour, waterfront paths are ideal for relaxed walks, and a short ride in a traditional boat adds a memorable moment on the water.
Mdina and Rabat: inland, the atmosphere changes again. Enclosed streets, thick stone walls, and high bastions create a slower, more peaceful setting, with views stretching across much of the island.
Nature brings another side to Malta:
Dingli Cliffs: open sea views and a strong sense of space along the western coast.
Blue Grotto: reached by boat from Wied iż-Żurrieq, offering a clear look at Malta’s coastal scenery.
To the south, Marsaxlokk adds colour with its traditional fishing boats and relaxed harbour atmosphere, completing the feeling that Malta offers many different experiences in one place.
Two Sister Islands That Change the Pace
Just a short ferry ride away, Malta’s sister islands offer a clear shift in mood and scenery, making them easy additions to a stay on the main island.
Gozo feels noticeably calmer and more rural. Life moves at a slower pace, and villages are spaced further apart. Many travellers treat Gozo as a kind of reset button, ideal for a quieter day away from busier areas. One of its main highlights is the Ġgantija Temples, often seen as the island’s standout sight and a strong reason to visit, even on a short day trip.
Comino offers a very different experience. The island is small and largely undeveloped, which makes it perfect for a simple, water-focused day. Most visitors come for the Blue Lagoon, where clear water invites swimming and snorkelling. It works best as a short visit rather than an overnight stay.
Both islands are easy to reach by regular ferries, making them straightforward to add to a Malta-based holiday without changing accommodation or plans.
Food Worth Travelling For
Malta’s food scene often takes visitors by surprise. The islands sit at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, and the cooking reflects that mix, with Italian influences blending naturally with Middle Eastern flavours.
At the casual end, food is simple and easy to enjoy:
Pastizzi: light, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, eaten on the go and loved by locals.
Local staples: dishes using rabbit, honey, and capers give Maltese cooking a clear identity without feeling complicated.
Alongside this everyday food culture, Malta has built a quiet reputation for fine dining. Several restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide, including a small number with Michelin stars. These sit comfortably alongside bakeries and neighbourhood cafés, rather than feeling set apart.
This balance between traditional flavours and modern cooking is part of what makes Malta’s food scene so easy to overlook, and so rewarding once discovered.
Festivals, Nights Out, and Curated Experiences
Malta has a lively energy that runs through the whole year. The islands follow a full calendar of events, so there is usually something happening, no matter the season. This creates a sense of movement and atmosphere without making the islands feel crowded.
One event many visitors plan around is the Malta International Fireworks Festival, which takes place in late April or early May. The final display over Valletta’s harbour adds a strong highlight to a spring trip.
Evenings in Malta offer plenty of choice:
Nightlife: laid-back bars, busy clubs, and DJ nights in popular coastal areas.
Cultural nights: theatre shows, classical music, and orchestral performances in historic settings.
For something more personal, Malta also offers curated experiences such as wine tastings and yacht charters.
Conclusion
Malta brings together history, sea, food, and culture in a compact destination that feels easy to enjoy and full of variety. Using ST Hotels locations in Sliema or Gżira as your base makes it simple to explore Valletta and plan relaxed day trips across the islands.
