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Secrets of Malta: Insider’s Guide
Traditional dghajsa boats add a wash of color to Malta’s Grand Harbour. Photo: Exclusively Malta
The insider advice on this page is from two of Wendy’s Trusted Travel Experts for Malta: Jason and Damon Camilleri Allan of Exclusively Malta.
From accessing private residences of nobility in the city of Mdina to meeting members of the Knights of Malta, brothers Jason and Damon can unlock doors that you couldn’t find on your own and probably didn’t even realize exist. Damon is based in London and Jason lives in Canada; both are citizens of Malta, where their mother was born and where they have a team on the ground. Malta’s central location makes it an easy connection before or after other European itineraries, and they’re equally skilled at adding a few nights onto a trip elsewhere in Europe, or custom-tailoring a weeklong exploration of the islands’ rich history and culture. They work with a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to locally run boutique properties and classic Mediterranean palazzos that you can have all to yourself (with private maid, butler, and chef service, if you like).
Things to Do and See
Stroll the streets of Ghaxaq for a serene evening in a small traditional village. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Most underrated place
The Three Cities, a six-minute ferry ride from Valletta. Before Valletta was established as the capital in the 1560s, the fortified towns of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua), and Isla (Senglea) held the spotlight. Today, their quiet streets, waterfront promenades, and spectacular tucked-away museums offer a serene vantage point on Malta’s history, with fewer crowds.
Most overrated place
The Blue Lagoon, off Comino Island. During the warmer months, tourist boats flock there to see the clear waters. Instead, Damon and Jason can arrange a sailboat or luxury yacht to places just as beautiful but without the crowds. If you’re set on the Blue Lagoon, stay on nearby Gozo Island and visit early in the morning—or better yet, charter a sailboat or yacht for the night and have the lagoon all to yourself when you wake up.
To have the Blue Lagoon to yourself, charter a sailboat or yacht for the night. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Hidden gem
While many people visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, most overlook the public garden with fantastic views that is located across the harbor in the city of Senglea. Its most striking feature is the Gardjola watchtower; Damon and Jason can arrange for a private cocktail hour or dinner in the tower, with a spectacular fireworks display.
Our Trusted Travel Experts can arrange a private dinner in the Gardjola watchtower. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Cheap thrills
Charter a traditional dgħajsa boat to see the Grand Harbour. A 30-minute tour of the port and fortifications is under $60 for six people.
Stroll along the relatively short, flat route from the sleepy village of Qrendi to the Blue Grotto. Be sure to visit the ancient Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temple complexes along the way.
The Qbajjar Salt Pans on Gozo offer stunning views for a private picnic. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Prime picnic spots
The views are astounding from the Dingli Cliffs on Malta and the salt pans on Gozo. Jason and Damon frequently plan private pop-up picnics in quiet spots around the islands, with a casual basket of goodies or a more formal white-tablecloth chef-prepared barbecue.
Bragging rights
The Knights of Malta is a Roman Catholic organization dedicated to charity that has played a role in the country’s heritage since the 16th century. Jason and Damon can introduce you to various members of this Order over a private dinner. These local luminaries will elucidate how the Knights’ history is interwoven with that of Malta and explain their current philanthropic mission.
Jason and Damon are friends with a noble family whose ancestors have lived on Malta since the 17th century. They will personally welcome you into their 250-year-old home, which is full of remarkable works of art; it’s like stepping into a museum.
Diving is a great way to unlock the deep wonders of Gozo’s waters. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Underwater adventures
Gozo’s waters hide a spectacular world of caves, arches, legendary shipwrecks, and reefs filled with vibrant marine life. Jason and Damon can arrange private dive experiences tailored to any level.
Where to Stay and What to Eat
Well-preserved Mdina was Malta’s capital in the Middle Ages. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Best-value splurge accommodations
The Iniala Harbour House is Valetta’s most coveted hotel address—in terms of design, food, and service—with magnificent views of the Grand Harbour.
For something more intimate, Malta’s most beautiful and interesting properties are its private countryside villas and city palazzos, including both modern Mediterranean-style villas in the north of the island and centuries-old palazzos (some of which have pools or rooftop hot tubs) in the Three Cities.
Best-bang-for-your-buck hotel
The 21-room Cugo Gran Macina blends Scandinavian-style minimalist luxury into the bones of a limestone historic landmark. Although it’s located across Grand Harbour from Valletta, Jason and Damon work with boaters who will privately ferry you to town and back in their dghajsa water taxis. It’s worth booking a mid-category corner suite for the harbor views from your private terrazzo.
Valletta, the current capital of Malta, is built on ancient walls above the Grand Harbour. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Restaurants the locals love
Most villages have a band club, with everyone from the young to the elderly marching in the band during that village’s feast. Stop in at the King’s Own Band Club Bar and Restaurant, just off the main street in Valletta, for a sampling of Maltese delicacies.
For seafood, stop for lunch or dinner at Harbour by Johann in Marsaxlokk, where the catch of the day is served just steps from the colorful fishing boats that brought it in.
Dishes to try
Rabbit is Malta’s national meat. Try it pan-fried, stewed, or in pasta. The Qrendi Bocci Club serves an excellent version, along with other local dishes.
Many restaurants offer a Maltese platter, which showcases local bread, cheese, tomatoes, sausage, pickled vegetables, and more. For the ultimate farm-to-table experience, Jason and Damon can arrange a picnic platter in a private olive grove.
Pastizzi is a delicious snack: filo dough usually filled with ricotta or mashed peas. Photo: Exclusively Malta
Don’t miss pastizzi, the flaky filo-dough snack, usually filled with ricotta or peas. Try it at a bar in Rabat, or roll up your sleeves for a hands-on pastizzi-making session—just ask Jason and Damon to organize one.
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Best Times to Go
From May through October, village feasts happen around the country almost every weekend, with parades, concerts, and fireworks. Around mid-June, the sea becomes warm enough for swimming.
From November to March, Malta is less balmy and sees few cruise-ship day-trippers.
Worst Times to Go
August is the warmest and busiest month, while January and February may bring brief rain and wind.
Can't-Miss Photo Op
Sunset at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. This serene stretch of coastline provides gorgeous vistas and an old tower of the Knights of St. John.
The Souvenirs
A custom-designed Maltese clock, gilded and hand-painted with a scene from your favorite spot on Malta. Jason and Damon work with a renowned custom clockmaker in Valletta.
A blown-glass Maltese Cross wine-bottle stopper from Mdina Glass makes for a great conversation piece.
Scam to Avoid
Always ask for taxi rates, which are charged by zone. Taxi drivers are usually reliable, provided that you agree ahead of time on what you are willing to pay.
Must-Have Tech
Visit Malta offers detailed maps and directions for a number of walks around Malta and Gozo. You can also download Map of Malta for offline map access.
Uber can get you rides around the islands.
Tipping Tip
Tipping is not expected, but an extra 10% in restaurants is appreciated.
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