“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley
Why Malta, Why Now?
Let’s be honest—Malta isn’t usually the first country that comes to mind when Americans think “Mediterranean vacation.” But that may be changing, and fast.
In a world where travelers are beginning to push back against overcrowded landmarks and checklist tourism, Malta feels like a breath of fresh (salt-sprayed) air in a world where tourists are starting to rebel against crowded landmarks and checklist tourism. This small island nation is making waves for all the right reasons. It is compact, rich in history, and strangely underappreciated. Google Trends shows a 30% spike in “Malta travel 2025” searches, and Lonely Planet just named it one of the top destinations to watch this year.
Is it a beach destination? Yes. A cultural escape? Also yes. A one-week wonder with serious soul? Absolutely.
So, if you’re planning your 2025 travels and want something scenic, story-rich, and still somewhat under-the-radar—this list’s for you where we will check 5 Hidden Gems in Malta.
Valletta – The Storybook Capital City
Golden stone buildings. Quiet alleys. Cafés spilling into shaded courtyards. Valletta feels like a film set you forgot to research before stepping onto.
Despite its modest size (less than one square kilometer), it is rich in layers of history. The city wears its past with no apologies, from World War II air raids to the Knights of St. John. Additionally, 2025 is a fantastic year to visit since the national art museum, MUŻA, has opened a daring new show on Mediterranean identity in transition, and some 16th-century palazzos are reopening as boutique hotels.
While you’re there:
- If you want to see the Caravaggio picture in person, duck into St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
- From Upper Barrakka Gardens, observe cannon fire over the Grand Harbour.
- While the city lights flicker, enjoy a bottle of Maltese Ġellewża wine on a rooftop.
Go if you’re craving walkable culture and architecture that still feels lived-in.
Mdina – Malta’s Silent City
Some cities feel like they’re waiting for you to look up from your phone. Mdina doesn’t care if you do.
Walled and near-wordless, this ancient capital sits quietly on a hilltop, content to let you wander and wonder. It’s often nicknamed the “Silent City,” and that’s not a marketing gimmick—it really is hushed, partly because it’s car-free. At night, with its medieval lanes lit by yellow lamplight, Mdina feels like a lucid dream.
TripAdvisor’s 2024 list of Europe’s most enchanting small cities placed Mdina firmly in the top tier—and it’s not hard to see why.
Worthy detours:
- Have dinner at a rooftop spot with views all the way to the coast.
- Step inside the Mdina Cathedral (baroque, but not braggy).
- Peek behind wooden doors—you might catch a glimpse of a crumbling family chapel.
Best for travelers who like their history slow, quiet, and slightly surreal.
Gozo – Malta’s Green and Mythical Sister
Gozo feels like the island that time forgot—and that’s meant as praise.
You’ll get here by ferry (or a short helicopter ride, if you’re feeling cinematic), and almost immediately, the pace changes. No honking. No high-rises. Just terraced farms, wind-worn cliffs, and villages where life runs on local rhythm. While it’s long attracted in-the-know Europeans, 2025 marks Gozo’s emergence as a case study in sustainable island tourism.
The European Green Capital Network highlighted it last year for its push toward eco-lodges, solar-powered accommodations, and electric mobility.
Don’t miss:
- Hiking the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs just after sunrise—no crowds, just sea and sky.
- Wandering Ġgantija, a temple site that predates Stonehenge by over 1,000 years.
- Snorkeling in Wied il-Għasri, a narrow sea canyon that feels private even when it isn’t.
A smart pick for travelers seeking nature without the noise.
Marsaxlokk – The Fishing Village with a Soul
It’s simple to fall for yet difficult to pronounce.
The charm of Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sa-shlok) is that it is still a thriving fishing community. Luzzus, which are vivid blue boats with painted eyes on their prows (a Phoenician custom), are scattered throughout the harbor. The village awakens to a riot of colors, scents, and conversation on Sunday mornings when the outdoor fish market begins.
2025 might be the year that more tourists begin to remain longer, even while some only visit for a short time. Locals are now providing artisanal workshops, immersive cooking sessions, and even slow-food excursions that allow you to fish, prepare, and consume the day’s catch.
Where to linger:
- Order grilled lampuki (dorado) at Tartarun, just steps from the water.
- Visit the sunrise market before the tour buses show up.
- Swim at St. Peter’s Pool, but skip midday unless you’re into crowds.
A good fit for foodies, sea lovers, and people who want to hear the real soundtrack of Malta.
Comino – The Blue Lagoon, Rewritten
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is on postcards. And yes, it can be packed with selfie sticks by midmorning. But Comino is more than a one-photo stop—if you let it be.
The island (population: handful) is introducing new visitor caps in 2025, with timed entry and eco-preservation measures that may finally make the Blue Lagoon feel like the paradise it’s meant to be. If you’re up for a different approach, try staying overnight—there’s a small eco-campground and a few boat charters that offer overnight stays.
After dark, Comino becomes something else entirely. The crowds leave. The silence returns. The sea glows.
Things that might stay with you:
- Floating in water so clear you see your shadow on the sea floor.
- Climbing to Santa Marija Tower and realizing there’s not a soul around.
- Lying on warm limestone, counting shooting stars.
Go if you’re chasing solitude, not spectacle.
Know Before You Go: 2025 Travel Tips for Malta
- Weather: April–June and September–October are the best shoulder seasons. Although appealing, summer can be unbearably hot.
- Transportation: Ferries and private transfers are quicker between islands, but public transportation is adequate.
- Costs: Reasonably priced. You may get nice dinners and boutique accommodations for €100 per day.
- Etiquette: Churches = cover up. Tipping = optional but appreciated. Locals = friendly but reserved.
- Languages: Maltese and English. No need for Google Translate, but it won’t hurt.
How to Plan Your Trip
- Flights: There are currently no direct flights from the United States; instead, you must connect in major European cities like Rome, Frankfurt, or Istanbul.
- Visa: U.S. nationals are permitted to stay for up to 90 days (Schengen regulations apply).
- What to Pack:
- Wear light clothes, comfortable shoes, and a swimwear that you don’t mind getting dirty in.
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat.
- Scarf or shawl (comes in handy more often than you’d think).
- Apps to Download:
- Tallinja (for public transport)
- VisitMalta (for events and maps)
- XE (for currency conversions)
Final Thought
Malta isn’t trying to be the next Santorini, or Dubrovnik, or Amalfi. And maybe that’s the point.
For American travelers willing to trade crowds for character, and flash for feeling, Malta in 2025 may quietly become your most memorable trip yet.
You don’t just visit Malta. You catch its rhythm—and eventually, it catches yours.