Malta. Photo: Alex Igna Whenever I look for my next vacation destination and I come across a country or a Greek island that has a “Blue Lagoon”, my sixth sense is activated. There’s something incredibly magnetic about spending a few sunny days swimming in a parasidiac location with crystal-clear blue or turquoise water. Malta is one of those places that immediately drew my attention with the promise of its very own Blue Lagoon, so the rest came naturally.
Blue Lagoon, Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaIn all honesty, the fact that the sun-drenched Mediterranean country also happens to blend dramatic cliffs with vibrant coastline villages and medieval cities also helped me decide.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaThe small country stands on 7,000 years of history, hosting UNESCO-listed walled cities and an entire ancient network of tunnels and chambers beneath Valleta, the capital city.
While I did have Valletta, Sliema, and the Blue Lagoon on top of my list, all extremely Instagrammable places, upon getting there, I soon discovered that the actual charm of the island lies beyond the places that dominate social media feeds.
Since I was willing to venture a little further, I discovered what I enjoy finding most on my vacations: quiet islands, hidden swimming spots, and surprisingly affordable experiences.
Resting on top of a hill in the heart of the island, Mdina feels like stepping into another era. Surrounded by ancient walls and largely free of traffic, the former capital is known as the Silent City and popular for its colored hand-carved doors.
Famous Malta doors. Photo: Alex Igna I found that the best time to explore the narrow limestone streets is early in the morning or right after sunset, as the crowds tend to disappear then, and you have the whole city to yourself.
Don't skip coffee (€1 to €1.50) and a pastizz (a traditional Maltese snack for as little as €0.50.
Pastizz pastry in Malta. Photo: ShutterstockThe best ones are sold from street-corner bakeries where you will not find any seating. I recommend the classic ricotta (cheesecakes) or pea (peacakes) filling, but don’t ignore the chicken fillings either.
The country’s second-largest island offers dramatic cliffs, rural villages, scenic coastal walks, and a noticeably slower pace of life. A return ferry ticket costs less than €5 for foot passengers, making it one of the cheapest excursions in the country.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaThe fact that accommodation is often cheaper than on the main island makes Gozo very appealing for tourists. Rental apartments typically start around €80 to €120 per night, while traditional farmhouses with pools range from €110 to €220 depending on the season.
While most tourists usually crowd the beaches around St Julian's and Mellieħa, locals often head elsewhere. And since I was lucky enough to have a local as a guide, I ended up with a few excellent recommendations for hidden swimming locations, including St Peter's Pool, Għar Lapsi, Riviera Bay (Għajn Tuffieħa), Wied iż-Żurrieq, and Ramla Bay.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaI first chose St Peter’s Pool and enjoyed every hour spent at the rocky coves with crystal clear water, excellent for snorkeling.
Riviera Bay is another gorgeous, wild and sandy beach located on the northwest coast, where I had to climb 187 steps for access (not recommended if you suffer from mobility issues). There is also free parking at the top, but it usually fills up pretty fast.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaI also went to Ramla Bay, a beautiful spot with a lovely beach with soft sand and clear water that was just perfect for swimming.
One of the most fascinating ancient chambers in the city is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an ancient subterranean structure on three levels with an "Oracle Chamber", a specially carved alcove in the rock where, when you speak at a certain pitch, your voice will resonate throughout the entire complex with great power.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience I strongly recommend you not to miss. Just make sure to book your ticket a few months in advance, as daily capacity is limited to 80 people/day (conservation rules).
As you might have guessed by now, compared with many Mediterranean destinations, Malta is incredibly affordable.
Accommodation varies significantly by season. During the summer, you can find hotel rooms with breakfast included and pool access for as little as €55 to €60. Four-star properties range from €99 to €380. Rental apartments generally cost between €100 and €170 during shoulder seasons and €170 to €300 during peak summer months.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaWe found a beautiful four-star hotel in Mellieħa and booked a standard sea-view double room for €110/night. The resort had a beautiful beachfront and we enjoyed access to a private beach, spa massages, a 24-hour gym, and a volleyball court.
Economy sea view rooms start at €99/night, while a top-floor sea view room is around €147/night. For larger groups, you can opt for two connecting family rooms starting around €192/night.
Food is where Malta continues to offer strong value. Typical prices include €1 to €3 for coffee, €3 to €6 for beer, €8 to €18 for a casual lunch (don't ignore their seafood and pasta dishes), and €20 to €45 per person for a mid-range dinner.
Malta. Photo: Alex IgnaPublic transportation is also inexpensive. Seven-day bus passes cost around €21 and can be purchased from the airport. Just beware that buses have a weird policy: they will not stop at stations unless someone on the bus actually wants to get off.
You can also rent a car at very affordable prices, ranging from €5 to €35 a day, depending on the vehicle size and time of year. Important mention: cars have the steering wheel on the right side, and the roads are particularly narrow with lots of serpentines.
Whether it's wandering the peaceful streets of Mdina, spending a few days in Gozo, swimming in hidden coves, or enjoying a seaside meal without paying Santorini prices, I guarantee you are going to leave with plenty of memories from Malta.