Looking for a self-care escape after a breakup, I stumbled upon an irresistible flight deal to Malta for less than £50. With no hesitation, I booked a solo trip for four days to this underrated gem in the Mediterranean and it turned out to be the best decision I made for me. Malta’s serene beaches, soothing ocean waves and picturesque sunsets provided the perfect backdrop for me to relax and reconnect with myself. As a seasoned travel planner & consultant who has organised trips to Malta for groups as large as seventeen people and solo travellers, I can confidently say that Malta is an ideal destination for both group and solo travel and it’s only a 3-hour flight journey from London. Nestled in Southern Europe, Malta is a charming country with a fascinating history, lively culture, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Trust me, Malta is a country you don’t want to miss.
Malta has a lot to offer for solo travellers, including beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. The island is also rich in history and culture, with many museums, churches, and ancient ruins. You can explore the narrow streets of Valletta, the capital city, and discover its colourful balconies, street art, and lively squares. You can also visit Mdina, the “silent city,” which is known for its medieval architecture and stunning views of the island. If you’re travelling to Malta soon, this blog post is for you.
Introduction into Malta
Situated in the Mediterranean Ocean, Malta is a small nation-state comprised of a three-island archipelago. The largest island, Malta, serves as the country’s capital, housing the vibrant city of Valletta. The other two islands, Gozo and Comino, add their own unique charm to the picturesque landscape. With a population of 535,064 people, Malta has a rich history dating back to 4,000 BC and has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St John, French, and British. Its diverse history is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and language.
Capital of Malta: Valletta
Official languages: Maltese and English
The climate in Malta: Malta experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, making it a popular year-round destination for those seeking sunshine and warmth.
Time zone: Central European Time Zone, which is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer.
Currency: Euro
Is Malta Safe For Solo Travel?
One of the most important things to consider when travelling alone is safety. Malta is quite a safe destination for solo travellers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Of course, it’s always important to check the foreign travel advice before you go, just to be sure. It’s always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. You should avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas, especially at night. It’s also recommended to keep your valuables in a safe place and not to carry too much cash with you.
Airport Transfers and Getting Around
Malta has one international airport, Malta International Airport, which is located in Luqa, about 8km from Valletta. To get to your accommodation, you can take a taxi, which costs around 15 € for the journey into the city centre of Valletta and 20 € to St. Julians. You can also take the bus, which is the cheapest option, but it can be slow and crowded. As a solo traveller, I recommend arranging a private transfer beforehand, which costs about £10.
Book a private transfer from Malta International Airport
To get around Malta, you can use the public bus system, which is operated by Malta Public Transport. To make the most of your time in Malta, I recommend buying the “Tallinja Card: Explore 7 days” card. It costs €21 and allows you unlimited travel in both Malta and Gozo, including night services. You can buy the card at the airport or at the bus terminal in Valletta.
Malta has a bus system route around the whole island, and the Tallinja Card gives you unlimited travel for 7 days. However, the buses can be slow. If you’re looking for more flexibility, I would recommend hiring a car to get around the island.
Essential Items To Pack For A Solo Trip To Malta
When packing for a solo trip to Malta, it’s important to consider the essentials you’ll need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential items you should pack:
- Passport and travel documents: Ensure you have your passport, visa (if required), and any other necessary travel documents. Have a copy of your accommodation reservation details, contact information, and directions to your accommodation.
- Sun protection: Tunisia can get quite sunny, especially in coastal areas. Bring sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a hat to protect you from UV rays. My go-to sunscreen is the Garnier Ambre Solaire Anti-Dark Spots & Anti-Pollution, Protection Fluid SPF50+. This is my favourite sunscreen because it’s light, hydrating and does not leave a white cast on my face(we all know how annoying that is if you have a darker skin tone)! Plus it’s travel-size friendly.
- Adapter and charger: Malta uses the same standard plug (Type G) as the British which is very useful! I would still recommend bringing a universal adapter as you can use it to charge multiple electronic devices.
- Money and banking essentials: Bring sufficient cash in the local currency (Euro) and have a credit/debit card for emergencies. My go-to travel card is Monzo as it offers great exchange rates and I can easily track my spending. Also, consider carrying a money belt or a secure wallet to keep your valuables safe.
- Travel insurance: It’s always recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Don’t travel on vibes and inshallah, stay ready for any mishaps.
- Power Bank: If you’re like me and you’re always capturing content on your phone it’s more likely you run out of battery on your phone quite often. This is why I always bring a power bank with me when I travel as I never want to be in a situation where my phone has died on me.
- Mini portable fan: If you’ve been following me long enough, I carry my mini portable fan everywhere I go, to the club, the beach, a crowded concert, and basically anywhere that gets hot. It has been a lifesaver for me especially travelling to countries with scorching climates.
- Water shoes: Malta offers numerous opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring its beautiful coastline. Having a pair of water shoes can be extremely beneficial, especially when navigating rocky beaches or exploring underwater caves. Water shoes provide protection for your feet, offer good traction, and help prevent injuries like stepping on sea urchins.
- Waterproof phone case pouch: Since you’ll likely spend a lot of time near the water, having a waterproof phone case pouch can help protect your phone from water damage. Whether you’re swimming, boating, or simply relaxing at the beach, a waterproof case pouch will keep your phone safe and dry. It allows you to take photos, create content and stay connected without worrying about water-related accidents.
- Clothing: Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the Mediterranean climate. Include swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, light pants, comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Additionally, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
- Toiletries and medications: Bring your personal toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, hand sanitiser, any prescription medications, and a basic first aid kit.
Top Things to Do in Malta
Malta is a great destination for solo travellers because there is so much to see and do. Here are some of my favourite activities:
1. Visit Valletta
Valletta is the capital city of Malta and is a must-see destination for any visitor. The city is packed with history and culture, and there are plenty of museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore. One of my favourite things to do in Valletta is to take a free walking tour, which you can book online. Take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a stunning vantage point overlooking the Grand Harbor in Valletta.
2. Explore the 3 Cities
The 3 Cities are a group of three fortified cities located across the Grand Harbor from Valletta. The cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, and they are steeped in history and culture. You can take a ferry tour for just €2.80 to see the cities from the water.
Book Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting Tour
3. Visit Mdina, the Silent City
Mdina is a medieval walled city located in the centre of Malta. It is often called the “Silent City” because no cars are allowed inside the walls. The city is filled with narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and historical sites. If you’re a fan of the TV series, Game of Thrones, you may recognise the Mdina gate which was featured in season 1, episode 3 (Lord Snow). After Mdina, you can stop by Rabat, another medieval town for some more exploration.
Enjoy a Malta by Night Guided Tour of Valletta, Mdina and Rabat
4. Gozo and Comino Islands Cruise
If you’re looking for some time on the water, a cruise to the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino is a great option. You’ll see stunning coastal landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages. In Gozo, make sure to visit the Citadel, a fortified city with panoramic views of the island. In Comino, don’t miss the iconic Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, snorkel and relax in the turquoise waters. This was one of my favourite days in Malta and a must-do activity for beach lovers.
Book a Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise
5. Relax at the Beaches
Malta is blessed with beautiful beaches, perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun. My personal favourite beaches include Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay in Comino, where the waters are incredibly clear and inviting. Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay are also great options for beach lovers.
6. Indulge in Maltese Cuisine with a cooking class
No trip to Malta is complete without trying the delicious local cuisine and a great way to do this is by learning to make local dishes in a cooking class. Try traditional dishes such as pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas), rabbit stew, and ftira (Maltese bread). Explore the local markets and restaurants to savour the flavours of Malta.
Cooking class: Cook Maltese three course meal with a Local
7. Blue Grotto and Sunday Market at Marsaxlokk
If you love browsing local markets, don’t miss the Marsaxlokk Market, held every Sunday in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Explore the stalls filled with fresh seafood, colourful handicrafts, and local products. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs to remember your trip to Malta. After your market shop, take a boat tour from Marsaxlokk to the Blue Grotto. This natural wonder is a series of caves renowned for their striking blue waters.
Book a Marsaxlokk Market and Blue Grotto guided tour
8. Popeye village
I felt like I was reliving my childhood when I saw popeye village in person. It was pretty cool and such a lovely photo spot. Popeye Village is a unique and enchanting attraction located in Mellieħa, Malta. This charming village, originally built as a film set for the 1980 musical film “Popeye,” has since been transformed into a fun-filled theme park that delights visitors of all ages.
There’s a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy at Popeye Village. You can also catch the entertaining live shows and performances that take place throughout the day, however, I would say this is aimed at kids.
From the breathtaking sunsets to the rich history and vibrant culture, Malta captured my heart in ways I never expected. Whether you’re seeking solace, adventure, or simply a chance to unwind, Malta offers it all. Don’t hesitate to embark on your own solo journey to this underrated gem in the Mediterranean. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Well done Joy you are doing a fantastic job
Author
Thank you 😊