Our first full day began with a deep dive into Valletta, Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s limestone buildings glow warmly in the Mediterranean sun, their baroque details telling stories of centuries past. Rather than a typical museum, Valletta feels like a lived-in tapestry — a blend of historic streets bustling with locals, quiet courtyards, and unexpected pockets of calm.

As evening fell, we made our way to Mdina, the old fortified city known locally as the “Silent City.” Its narrow, lamp-lit lanes felt almost suspended in time, creating a rare kind of stillness. Dinner at AD 1530 Restaurant, tucked into the courtyard of The Xara Palace, was a standout — authentic Maltese flavours presented with subtle creativity, served in an intimate setting that perfectly matched the city’s quiet charm.

The following morning, we slipped onto a traditional Dghajsa boat for a slow, peaceful cruise through Valletta’s Grand Harbour. From the water, the city’s imposing fortifications took on a different dimension — rugged yet refined, a reminder of Malta’s strategic importance through the ages. Later, we visited the iconic Phoenicia Hotel, where lunch was a relaxed affair amid lush gardens and elegant interiors. Nearby, the charming Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux offered another glimpse of Maltese refinement. We rounded off the day with a trip to Marsaxlokk, a fishing village famous for its colourful boats and fresh seafood.

What struck me most is how widely Malta can appeal. Couples looking for a romantic long weekend, solo travellers after easy cultural exploration, even foodies wanting something a little different – Malta delivers on all fronts. It’s compact, safe, friendly, and full of depth. If you’re not booking a rental car and would prefer to check out public transport, the option is largely buses, and Malta does them surprisingly well.