Why Malta is a Perfect Destination for First-Time Solo Travelers
Mdina
Visited November 2024
Malta is one of my favorite countries for solo travel as a woman.
I’m saying this wholeheartedly—and without hesitation—as someone who’s traveled solo to 25 countries (and lived in 3 of them). I’ve developed a strong read on how places feel, especially through a solo, female lens. And Malta? It’s truly a gem.
So why is Malta perfect for solo travel—especially if it’s your first time going it alone?
Because it offers the best of both worlds: a sense of adventure and discovery, paired with ease and comfort. That balance is incredibly empowering.
Here’s what makes Malta a standout:
✨ Safety
Malta consistently ranks high in safety, and that matched my experience. I remained aware of my surroundings—as any traveler should—but I never felt unsafe or uneasy walking around, even at night.
✨ Language
English is widely spoken, which adds a huge layer of ease—whether you’re navigating transportation, chatting with locals, or asking for recommendations.
As a native English speaker, this made things smoother. (Of course, I always encourage learning a few local phrases out of respect and connection!) But for first-time solo travelers, sharing a common language can be a confidence booster.
✨ A Whole New World Vibe
Even though it’s easy to get around and communicate, Malta feels wonderfully otherworldly. From ancient walled cities and golden limestone buildings to winding stone streets and epic coastlines, it’s rich with character and history. It stretches your perspective—but doesn’t overwhelm.
✨ Wellness-Friendly
For my wellness girlies—you’re not left out here. There are plenty of restaurants with healthy options, plus ways to stay grounded and connected. I found a yoga class I loved (sharing that below), and there are walks along the water, fresh food, and peaceful spots perfect for journaling or reflection.
🧭 Easy to Navigate
Malta is a small country, so it’s not overwhelming to plan or explore. Public transport is accessible, and day trips between towns and islands (like Gozo or Comino) are totally doable. You get variety—beaches, history, city vibes—without the stress of long travel days.
🤝 Friendly Locals
The people are generally warm and helpful. Whether I was asking for directions or striking up conversation, I felt welcomed—not judged or overly approached.
📍Pro tip for first-timers:
Base yourself in Sliema (or nearby) for walkability and access to restaurants, cafes, and day trips. Sharing more recs in my highlights below.
Trip Background:
Malta was on my mind for a while to visit, though tucked away for ‘someday’. Until I decided to flip the script and go there in November 2024 during my fall/winter Euro-trip. It was a last minute decision to go from Paris when my other travel plans weren’t coming together (this is when cancellable reservations and a flexible mindset really help!). Being in the Mediterranean and temperate weather made it a no-brainer. Admittedly, I didn’t do a ton of research before and did much on the go, which worked as I was flexible with time.
If only going for a few days (which could be sufficient), better to plan more in advance. However, as I’m an advocate of slow, immersive travel, you can easily spend a week + here.
About Malta:
Malta is an archipelago of islands in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. Malta is the smallest country in the EU (it is not part of Italy!) Prior to its independence in 1964, Malta has a lengthy history of control dating back to 1000 BC. The various influences are prevalent in the architecture, cuisine and culture. The British influence is perhaps one of the most evident, as they drive on opposite sides of the car & road, which take a minute to get used to crossing the street!
Other Fun Facts:
~ It takes approximately an hour to drive from one end of the island to the other
~ There are 365 churches
~ Home also to some of the oldest temples in the world
~ Diverse mix of people living here & on holiday. I only met 1 other American in the 11 days I was here!
~ Some of the friendliest and most chatty people I've encountered while traveling/abroad which made things feel even safer than they are.
~ Malta is consistently listed as one of the safest countries, which I can confirm- I felt extremely safe the entire trip.
WHERE I VISITED
Valetta
~ Capital of Malta, the walled city was established in the 1500s (there's so much history!) by the Knights of St John.
~ It was not originally the capital; Mdina held that title first.
~ Full of museums, churches, and hills! And lots of beautiful colored doors & windows. I LOVED wandering slowly through the streets, stopping to admire the architecture and details - primarily baroque, with a blend from the various influences from the controllers over the years. I was in my amateur photographer glory.
~ I took a guided walking tour to learn more about this important part of the country. It was a ‘free’ ie by donation tour. I learned a few nuggets, but it was with a very large group, which took away from experience- so I can’t recommend.
Birgu/Città Vittoriosa
~ Charming city on the south side of the Grand Harbour across from Valetta. With a blend of fortifications (walls) alongside a large port of yachts, sailboats and other boats - it has its own energy. Wandering the stone streets filled me with wonder of times passed.
Sliema, Tigné and Gzira
~ Where most people stay typically as there’s more options and it’s easier to get to other parts of the country. There’s a long promenade that is wonderful to stroll or run along. There’s also several swim spots (hint: look for the ladders and locals).
Mdina
~ The ‘quiet’ city. Walled, preserved, with the only few cars allowed within the walls for residents (who have likely lived there their entire lives and are from prior generations).
~ There was a ‘hush’ - a stillness and quiet energy in the air true to the name of the ‘quiet’ city. Not overly touristy (though there were quite a few tour groups) - I often found myself wandering through the stone streets solo.
~ This was the original capital of Malta before it was moved to Valetta as the inland location was not ideal for accessing ports and for defense.
Rabat
~ Next to Mdina, this energetic town had a buzz, filled with locals and visitors alike, walking, socializing and gathering.
~ Plenty of restaurants/dining, coffee and drink spots.
~ Most well known for the Catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha.
Mellieha
Located in the north, known for its beaches and vacation vibes. A tad touristy and also a destination for Maltese as well. I visited several beaches and can confirm, all were beautiful, with silky sands and clear, calm and warm waters.
EAT/DRINK:
~ There’s a diverse mix of restaurant options throughout the country, and I was excited to find ‘healthy’ eats. I cooked in for about half the time and the other dining experiences weren’t overly memorable.
Here’s a few memorable and recommendable options:
SLIEMA/TIGNÉ/GZIRA - all are within a very close proximity so grouping all together
WOM - Word of Mouth: Brunch restaurant - with unique egg dishes (like eggs benedict over crispy potatoes with bacon and avocado), and fresh and flavorful juices. Several GF, Vegetarian and Vegan options.
eeetwell: casual, fresh, salads and bowls to takeaway or dine in. Reminded me of Sweetgreen.
Abrazo Sliema: yummy juices and coffee.
Ta’ Kris: traditional Maltese restaurant - fish, rabbit features. Recommend reservations.
AYU: serves breakfast through dinner, unique dishes, beautiful space, near Manoel Island and the ferry.
Coffee
Coffee Circus Porto: Great vibe - mix of locals and expats and others working remote. Worked from here a few days. Excellent coffee and chipas.
Coffee Circus Sound: delicious coffee - recommend taking to go and walking or sitting along the promenade across the stree
Delizie Siciliane: Excellent coffee and pastries
A few other finds:
Casa Natura: health food store
Little Greens Sliema: variety of groceries, including some healthier pre-packaged options
VALETTA
Cafe Jubilee: variety of fresh salads, sandwiches etc - with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options
Coffee - all deliciously and properly prepared cafe americanos (using espresso - typically 2 shots;)
BIRGU
Along the waterfront, there are a number of restaurants that are great for a drink, coffee, juice and or light bite to eat while watching the boats come in and out.
RABAT
CHALK CAFE: Beautiful cozy space with a few tables out front, great for a sandwich, salad and glass of wine.
Café Wignacourt: the garden is everything. Sitting amongst citrus and pomegranate and other fruit trees- need I say more? Food was decent too.
Fra Angelico Wine Bar & Bistro: extensive selection of wines, cute outside area to grab a table, people watch and relax. Great for grabbing a meat and cheese plate.
Is-Serkin - Crystal Palace Bar: Well known for its pastizzi - often you’ll find a line unless you time it just right. The ‘famous’ pastizzi is a traditional Maltese dish, a flakey pastry filled typically with savory stuffings like meats or cheese.
Coffee Circus Smile: Amazing and friendly staff, strong and delicious brews. Rooftop and outside seating make it nice to take a break.
Marie Boutique Patisserie: Beautiful pastries, perfectly textured macaroons and delicious coffee near the Mdina.
MELLIEHA
Square Gastro Bar: enjoyed the fresh fish of the day
Villager by Munchies Mellieha: variety of dining options - open all day.
From the U.S., you’ll need to connect through a European hub. Depending on your travel plans, this makes Malta a great option to include with a longer trip. I flew direct from Paris - Orly and direct to Catania, Sicily.
GETTING AROUND:
~ Very walkable!
~ Bolt - download the app. Its like Uber (reasonably priced - I used several times including going to/from Mellieha and Mdina/Rabat).
~ Bus - extensive network - however, schedules /timing are not always accurate.
~ Ferry - connects Valetta with Sliema etc, and Valetta with Birgu. Ferries run frequently though not very late in the evening.
AREAS I STAYED:
I stayed primarily in Sliema, Tigné and Gzira (which are next to each other, on the eastern coast, near Valetta. I enjoyed and recommend staying in these areas as it’s easy and convenient to get to other parts of the country, including Valetta by the nearby ferry. I stayed in both hotels and an Airbnb. None knocked my socks off so not worth mentioning. There are a lot of options and at different price points though.
Mellieha - great for a beach holiday.
Weather:
Summers are hot (90s F/ 34 C) and dry; winters are temperate with occasional rain (60 F / 15 C low).
I visited in November - highly recommend as the weather is comfortable - in the 70s F / 20s C. another reason I picked to go then. The country typically has upwards of 270 days of sun a year. I just so happened to visit during a rainy period, which I didn’t mind and fortunately it didn’t impact my exploring. Many locals were grateful for this rain as the dry conditions already make it challenging to farm and grow crops. Approximately 70% of food products are imported.
Language:
Maltese & English. Italian was also an official language until 1934. Everywhere I went, everyone spoke English. Menus, signs, etc were always in English - which for some travelers, provides comfort and an ease.
Currency / Payment:
Euro
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except for some of the smaller shops and vendors.
A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS:
HOW I INCORPORATED HEALTHY HABITS:
~ Walk! Always, anywhere and everywhere. Hands down my favorite way to explore anywhere, get movement in & 'see' a place. Sometimes the pace was more brisk, often, it was leisure. The steps add up though!
~ Yoga outdoors. Fortunate to have found a teacher/class not far from where I was staying. The class took place on a fortress on Manoel Island, with Valetta across the water. Check out Yoga Malta if you’re in Malta.
~ Packed / brought my travel yoga mat. Even a 10 minute flow first thing in the morning to loosen up is a win.
~ When staying at hotels, I try to find ones with saunas. I adore a solid sweat sesh & a 'perk' of staying at a hotel is when a sauna is included.
~ Hydration: Water consumption still applies - needed to buy water for drinking here as tap, while not unsafe, has a strange taste. I always try to find a local store and stock up shortly after arriving. Also travel with a water bottle is a must.
WHAT SPARKED JOY ON THIS JOURNEY?
~ Finding flow - literally and figuratively. I found the yoga class nearby my hotel with ease and it was such a cool experience and great class. And! the teacher created an inclusive environment where everyone was invited to brunch after class.
~ Finding a favorite coffee shop to work from.
~ Finding a beach, tucked away in a cove, with crystal clear calm and sea green warm water. The sunset views were incredible as well!
I hope this is both helpful and inspiring. Thinking about or already planning an upcoming trip? I can help! As a certified travel advisor and experienced traveler, it would give me joy to support you in having an amazing journey through Malta (or anywhere!). Contact me - I’d love to help.
xoxo,
Megan Joy
