Malta: sun, sea and atmosphere, so close to home.

Why Malta is perfect for extending summer

• Reliable sunshine: September and October are generally still warm and sunny.
• Less than a 3-hour direct flight between Brussels and Malta.
• Compact and easy: no time is lost on long transfers; everything is close at hand.
• Plenty of variety: culture, sea, nature, culinary gems, boat trips, villages and islands… every day can be different.
• Delicious food: from refined modern cuisine to simple, fresh fish dishes in traditional restaurants.
• Fewer crowds: outside the July and August peak, the towns and villages feel much more relaxed.

A compact island with a wealth of experiences

What makes Malta so enjoyable is its small, compact scale. We stayed in lively St Julian’s—not Malta’s prettiest place in my opinion, but a convenient base. Everything is quick and easy to reach by rental car or Uber, so you never have to choose between relaxing by the hotel pool and exploring: you simply do both.

Valletta: Baroque beauty with foodie vibes

Valletta is the capital and immediately felt very ‘grand’ for such a small country: city walls, viewpoints, churches, museums, cathedrals and historic buildings. It was also very busy with cruise passengers in August, but even then it remained impressive.

The Three Cities: authentic charm across from Valletta

Across from Valletta lie the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua. For me, this is one of Malta’s most charming and easy-going areas, far from the cruise-ship crowds. Authentic streets, many small churches and locals sitting on benches outside their homes… You also get a magnificent view of Valletta’s skyline, especially at sunset.

Gozo: small island, big experience

We started in Victoria with the citadel and views across the island. Then we followed bumpy lanes past Wied il-Mielah, Wied il-Għasri—highly recommended for a refreshing swim—and the Salt Pans, where salt has been harvested since Phoenician and Roman times. Gozo truly felt like a mini-holiday within our holiday: calmer, more authentic and unspoilt.

Sunday in Marsaxlokk: fish, colour and boats

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village with colourful luzzu boats, a lively Sunday fish market and, above all, plenty of fish restaurants.

Mdina & Rabat: the Silent City and hidden corners

Mdina, the ‘Silent City’, is the old walled city high on a hill. Time seems to have stood still here: narrow lanes, stately palazzi and softly coloured stonework. Just outside the walls lies Rabat, with its atmospheric streets, churches and inviting squares. It was the perfect combination for a cultural afternoon followed by a delicious dinner.

A day at sea with a sailboat and skipper: Blue Lagoon & the coast from the water

Pure instant happiness. A dip in the famous Blue Lagoon may be a cliché, but it is a very beautiful one. Especially in spring and autumn, when it is a little quieter, you can truly appreciate this place.