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. 

The Blue Lagoon, Comino

If you’re looking for a picture-perfect beach escape, the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is an unmissable destination. This natural lagoon is famous for crystal-clear aqua-blue waters, making it a haven for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The shallow waters are ideal for families, while adventure seekers can explore nearby caves and hidden coves.

Comino, a tiny island between Malta and Gozo, is virtually uninhabited, offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling cities. Boats run frequently from Malta to the Blue Lagoon, and visitors can choose between a day trip or an overnight stay in one of the island’s few accommodations.

The Blue Lagoon is incredibly popular - arriving early in the morning is recommended to enjoy the lagoon before it gets crowded. In peak season (July and August) the Lagoon will be busy from mid-morning well into mid-afternoon.

Where to eat near the Blue Lagoon

Comino is home to the Blue Lagoon, a 17th-century tower and chapel, and plenty of birds - but not a huge amount else. So if you’ve worked up an appetite swimming, you’ll need to leave the island to find somewhere for a proper meal. We’d recommend catching the ferry back over to Gozo - there’s plenty more on Gozo’s brilliant food scene in our next section, but if you’re already hungry as you hop off the ferry then you’ll be delighted to learn that the marina area in Gozo, where the ferry terminal is located, is full of great options for food. 

Here, you’ll find Tmun, an informal but much-recommended restaurant serving fresh, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with a menu inspired by whatever’s been freshly caught that day by the local fishermen. Just the thing after a long and lazy afternoon of swimming! Alternatively, one80 Kitchen - located in the Yacht Marina in Gozo - is a lovely choice, also boasting fresh seafood and flavourful dishes, with scenic harbour views. 

Gozo 

Gozo, Malta’s smaller and greener sister island, is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. It is known for its scenic countryside, historic temples, and stunning coastline. One of the top attractions is the Ġgantija Temples in the Archaeological Park – the temples are a UNESCO-listed prehistoric site older than the pyramids of Egypt.

For beach lovers, Ramla Bay is a must-visit, with its distinct reddish-golden sand and clear waters. While Gozo’s famous natural rock formation, the Azure Window, unfortunately collapsed in 2017, you can explore the dramatic cliffs of Wied il-Mielaħ, which offer an impressive alternative.

The island’s capital, Victoria (Rabat), is home to the Cittadella, a historic fortress with panoramic views of Gozo. With authentic local cuisine and a slower pace, Gozo is a perfect escape from the busier parts of Malta – ideal if you’ve already been through Valletta and you’re looking for a change of pace.

Where to eat in Gozo

For a refined dining experience in Gozo, you’ll want to try Level Nine, located in the Grand Hotel. Head chef George Attard is a Gozo native, and has worked in Michelin starred-restaurants like Cail Bruich and Mdina’s own Bahia before bringing his experience and passion to Level Nine. Expect exceptional service and delicious food, especially their well-selected tasting menu. For fine French cuisine, try Ta’ Frenċ - set in a charming farmhouse with stunning views of the countryside, it’s well-known by Maltese foodies, but remains a hidden gem just off the main road from Victoria to Marsalforn.

St. Julian’s & Paceville 

For those looking for vibrant nightlife and entertainment, St. Julian’s and Paceville are the go-to destinations. St. Julian’s is a well-loved holiday spot - a lively coastal town with a mix of luxury hotels, seafront restaurants, and bars. The area is home to Spinola Bay, a picturesque spot that’s perfect for dining with a view, as well as Balluta Bay with its scenic promenade.

The Paceville district – once a military haunt in the 1930s – is now Malta’s nightlife hub, featuring an array of bars, clubs, and casinos that stay open until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated dining experience or a high-energy dance club, this area has something for everyone. For a more relaxed experience, visit Portomaso Marina, where you can enjoy a luxurious evening by the yachts.

Where to eat in St. Julian’s

For dinner in St. Julian’s, try Sole by Tarragon - taking over from local favourite Susurrus, Sole is a stylish seabar offering delicious food in smart surroundings, with a strong wine and cocktail list designed to match the menu. There’s also Caviar & Bull, an elegant eatery from Maltese celebrity chef Marvin Gauci, where the quality of the ingredients is second-to-none. 

Marsaxlokk

For a taste of authentic Maltese culture, visit Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village in the south of Malta. This picturesque harbour is famous for its colorful luzzus (traditional fishing boats) and its bustling Sunday fish market, where you can sample fresh seafood straight from the sea.

Nearby, you can explore St. Peter’s Pool, a famous natural rock pool with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and cliff diving.

Where to eat in Marsaxlokk

Along the waterfront, you’ll find an array of seafood restaurants offering delicious local dishes such as grilled swordfish and aljotta(Maltese fish soup). Book a table at Tartarun - an elegant restaurant on the harbour, run by the Schiavone family for more than ten years, where local fish and seafood are elevated to haute cuisine while supporting the local fishermen and bakery. 

The Three Cities

Located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – are a reminder of Malta’s rich maritime history. These fortified sister cities are lovely to explore, filled with narrow alleyways, historic churches, and impressive harbour views.

Vittoriosa, the oldest, is probably the most famous of the three. It’s home to Fort St. Angelo, a historic fortress that played a key role in the Great Siege of Malta. The city also features a beautiful waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and traditional Maltese architecture. Unlike Valletta, the Three Cities aren’t as busy with tourists, making them a peaceful destination to soak up some history.

Where to eat in the Three Cities

Each of the Three Cities has its own unique charms, and a culinary scene to match. In Senglea, we’d recommend Novità, a classic Mediterranean restaurant serving fresh fish and seafood with warm service and lovely views across the harbour. Alternatively, try The Little Bastion - a charming and intimate restaurant with a calm ambience and wonderfully attentive staff. If you’re exploring Vittoriosa, there’s Bebirgu - a lovely traditional bar and grill, conveniently located in the historical market square, with a terrace overlooking the courtyard.

Malta is a destination that offers something for every traveller—whether you’re exploring ancient cities, relaxing on stunning beaches, or indulging in the local cuisine. From the busy and winding streets of Valletta to the tranquil beauty of Gozo, each part of the island feels unique – so your holiday to Malta is bound to be memorable.

At DW Travel, we specialize in creating the perfect Malta holiday packages for UAE residents. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural city break, or an island-hopping adventure, we take care of everything—from flights and accommodations to guided tours and exclusive experiences.