48 Hours In Malta

Last month, Charlotte was lucky enough to travel to Malta on a whirlwind two-night trip packed with culture, history, and luxurious experiences. From the moment she touched down, Malta’s charm unfolded—from the elegant Corinthia Palace Hotel to the ancient walled city of Mdina and the vibrant harbours of Valletta and the Three Cities. With expert guides, unforgettable meals, and stunning views around every corner, it was a brief but brilliant introduction to all that this beautiful Mediterranean island has to offer.

Here is her account of the trip:

We set off late morning with Air Malta from Heathrow (flights from Bristol are also available with Jet2 and EasyJet). After a seamless three-hour flight, we arrived at Malta International Airport and were swiftly transferred—just 30 minutes—to our hotel, the 5* Corinthia Palace. This luxurious property is centrally located between the capital, Valletta, and the ancient walled city of Mdina. Originally built in the 19th century as a private villa, the Corinthia Palace has since been transformed into an elegant haven, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens.

The hotel features a serene spa with a dedicated private area you can pre-book—what better way to unwind after a day exploring Malta than relaxing in your own private sanctuary?

With 159 grand rooms overlooking the landscaped gardens, the hotel offers an impressive range of amenities: a Michelin-starred restaurant, a large swimming pool, tennis court, gym, coffee shop, and bar. We were treated to freshly barbecued seafood and meats accompanied by delicious local wines—an absolute highlight of our first evening.

After a delicious à la carte breakfast the next morning, we set off to explore Valletta on foot, guided by a superbly knowledgeable local guide. We visited highlights such as St John’s Cathedral and Casa Rocca Piccola. Having such an informed guide made a huge difference—we learned about Malta’s fascinating history, from the first settlers from the Greek island of Rhodes to the island’s more recent military past and eventual independence.

A definite standout was Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palazzo and the ancestral home of the Marquis de Piro. With 50 rooms, it’s the last privately-owned palazzo in Valletta—and we were lucky enough to be shown around by the Marquis himself! Each room was full of character, with captivating memorabilia and artefacts, and he shared fascinating stories throughout our tour.

We enjoyed lunch and a full tour of the Phoenicia Hotel, located just outside Valletta’s city walls. This is the only Maltese member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Set in seven acres of lush gardens, the fully refurbished 5* property offers 136 contemporary rooms and suites with spectacular views of either the harbour or city walls. A short stroll through the gardens leads to a peaceful pool area, complete with an infinity pool, Bastion Pool Bar, and views across the harbour.

In the afternoon, we travelled to Mdina, Malta’s oldest medieval town, which dates back over 4,000 years. We entered the walled city through its iconic Main Gate, built in 1724—a stunning example of Baroque architecture with its imposing arch and intricate carvings. In the heart of Mdina, we explored the 17th-century St Paul’s Cathedral, known for its marble floors, intricately decorated ceilings, and striking artwork.

We also visited The Xara Palace, a 5* boutique hotel within the city’s historic walls. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the hotel occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo and has just 17 unique rooms. It offers fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant and a more casual experience at the in-house trattoria. Although there’s no pool onsite, guests have access to the nearby Xara Lodge, just a five-minute complimentary transfer away. I would highly recommend including a two-night stay here as part of a longer trip to Malta.

After a beautiful three-course dinner, we returned to our hotel for the night.

The following morning, we set off to tour the Three Cities: Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea. Our guide took us through the fascinating Inquisitor’s Palace, where we learned about the Maltese Inquisition between the 16th and 18th centuries. We then hopped into a traditional Maltese boat, known as a dg?ajsa, for a harbour cruise—offering breathtaking views of Malta’s magnificent natural harbour.

Next, we travelled to Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village on the island’s southern coast. As it was Sunday, the vibrant local market was in full swing, selling everything from fresh fish and local delicacies to handmade lace and souvenirs.

After a delicious lunch at a small, family-owned restaurant serving the freshest fish, it was time to return to the airport for our journey home.

It was a whirlwind two-night trip, but it gave me a real taste of what Malta has to offer. I’d highly recommend spending a full week here to truly enjoy its rich history, vibrant culture, diverse attractions—and of course, the incredible food!

To make your own exploration of Malta, contact Charlotte today.