blog title

test

If you're a UAE resident looking for an unforgettable escape filled with sun, sea, and sightseeing, then one of our holiday packages to Malta should be at the top of your list.

The archipelago of islands that make up Malta sit between Sicily and the North African coast. Malta has incredible warm, bright weather, with an average of 300+ days of sun a year and famously beautiful blue waters – ideal for swimming in the sea and sunbathing on Malta’s superb beaches.

Aside from the sun and sea, though, Malta offers a beautiful combination of both European and Middle Eastern influences and a rich, fascinating history. Malta has been ruled by Romans, Moors, French, British, and the Knights of Saint John over the ages; cultures which have all left a distinct footprint on the islands.

That melting pot of cultures also means that Malta is a haven for foodies and anyone that loves to try something new on their travels. At the time of writing, Malta boasts seven Michelin-starred restaurants, five Bib Gourmand restaurants, and thirty highly recommended by the Michelin guide - considering the island’s relatively small size, that’s an incredible amount of fine dining to experience during your stay in Malta!

So if you’re looking for both a bit of culture and adventure as well as the opportunity to truly relax on a long, luxurious getaway, DW Travel has you covered with our tailored Malta holiday packages for Dubai and UAE residents.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about visiting Malta, including the top places to see and things to do in Malta, the best places to make a dinner reservation, and must-see locales across the island.

Best places to visit in Malta

If you’re looking for things to do in Malta, there’s no shortage of amazing places and experiences - from culture and delicious cuisine in Valletta to relaxing by the beautiful Blue Lagoon, here are some of our favourite Malta travel recommendations.  

Valletta

Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most charming and historic cities. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, Valletta is well known for breathtaking architecture including grand palaces, cathedrals, and museums. One of the highlights is St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece with elaborate gold detailing and paintings by Caravaggio.

For panoramic views of the city, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where you can overlook the Grand Harbour and watch the traditional Saluting Battery cannons being fired at noon Valletta is also home to plenty more historic sites such as Fort St. Elmo, a stunning star-shaped fort, and the Grand Master’s Palace, a stunning palace to rival any other in Europe, and still the seat of power in Malta.

Where to eat in Valletta

If you’re looking for good food and drink as well as culture, then Valetta is bursting with options. ION Harbour by Simon Rogan is Malta’s only two-star Michelin restaurant, serving exquisite contemporary cuisine with a wine list to be admired. If you can, reserve one of the tables on the terrace to enjoy a view of the Grand Harbour that’s as spectacular as the food.

Another must-visit is Noni, an intimate fine-dining experience that blends traditional Maltese flavours with classic French haute cuisine technique. Or perhaps Risette, which is quirkily situated in a former family home-turned-hotel. Their dinner menu offers Mediterranean flavours with Asian accents and changes weekly, so a fresh experience is guaranteed each time.

Aside from all of the fine dining Valletta has to offer, don’t miss out on authentic Maltese specialties like pastizzi(ricotta cheese or pea-filled pastries) and ftira(Maltese bread) as you’re exploring the city. 

Mdina 

Mdina, an ancient walled city, was once the capital of Malta. It’s still referred to as ‘The Silent City’, and with only a few hundred residents, the peaceful atmosphere lives up to the name. Perched on a hilltop, Mdina offers breathtaking views of the rest of the island and a tranquil, almost otherworldly feel. The city’s medieval streets, lined with grand palaces and churches, create a fairytale setting that has even been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Must-sees in Mdina include admiring the architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral and discovering more about the natural world of Mdina and Malta in the National Museum of Natural History Make sure you stop by Fontanella Tea Garden, famous for its delicious cakes and panoramic views of the Maltese countryside. 

Where to eat in Mdina

Atop the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, you’ll find de Mondion, a Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing the best of Malta’s produce, with herbs and vegetables sourced from the restaurant’s own garden. If you’re willing to go a little further afield, then a fifteen-minute drive from Mdina in Balzan you’ll find Bahia - a fine-dining restaurant on the first floor of the Corinthia Palace Hotel. Named for a local variety of orange, Bahia is thoroughly inspired by local culture and cuisine. Their tasting menu ‘TheVillage’s Journey’ is designed to be a culinary tour of Malta’s villages, celebrating their flavours and customs.