Eat, Stay, See, Do: A First-Timer’s Guide to Malta

Sandwiched between Sicily and Africa, the small but proud nation of Malta is a jewel of the Mediterranean. The entire country is only around 315 square kilometres, but has some of the region’s most unique landscapes and coastal stretches.

The culture of Malta is as deep and rich as its history, featuring a tapestry of different occupiers from the Ottoman Empire and Sicilian kings to the British, all of whom have left a lasting impact. The language is an amalgamation, similar in aspects to Spanish and Italian, but with the cadence and lilt of Arabic. And, of course, it’s home to warm, hospitable locals.

Although modest in size, the archipelago has an astounding number of things to see and do. Keen to visit? Qatar Airways flies there from Australia four times a week. Before you touch down, here’s your guide to Malta.

Eat and drink

Rubino

A succinct encapsulation of Maltese and Sicilian dining, Rubino resides in the bones of a 120-year-old confectionery store and showcases traditional Maltese cooking in a trattoria-style environment. Here you’ll find fried rabbit fenek moqli, a staple dish of Malta cooked down and grilled with garlic, alongside octopus that’s smoked in-house, a fish soup called aljota, and seabass involtini.

Noni

Malta’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Noni, takes its name from the moniker of chef and founder Jonathan Brincat. Training and honing his craft in Michelin-starred establishments abroad, Brincat returned home to Malta to explore how the country’s unique blend of cuisine and highly localised produce – as well as his childhood love of food – could come together on a plate. The result? A fine-dining restaurant that offers a succinct reimagining of Maltese staples and takes it to new heights.

Caffe Cordina

Established in 1837, Caffe Cordina is a hallmark of distinction in Malta, offering more than just coffee – it’s an experience. Think marble floors, arched ceilings and white-shirted waiters bustling between sun-drenched umbrellas, all unfolding against the backdrop of the capital Valletta’s main thoroughfare. Its menu is extensive, from pastizzi and a bread pudding called pudina, to ftira, a chewy and dense ring-shaped bread filled with tomato paste, tuna, mint, capers and gbejniet, a local peppered sheep’s cheese.

Roger’s Bakery

Easily Malta’s most recognisable export, pastizzi can be found the world over – but few compare to the quality and craft of Roger’s. Located in Zejtun, a small suburb in the country’s south, Roger’s bakes the golden flaky pastry fresh every single day in a 60-year-old stone oven. Each golden parcel is rolled using lard or butter and filled with ricotta or a spiced pea mash called pizelli.

Terrone

A repeat recipient of Michelin’s Bib Gourmand award, Terrone is centred on Maltese and Italian dining, specialising in the high quality fish and seafood caught daily in nearby waters. Created by Australian Maltese chef Adrian Hili, the restaurant resides in the 400-year-old Fort St Angelo.

See and do

Valletta

A true contrast of then and now, this 16th-century capital city is home to some of the most historical and significant sites in Malta, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the great harbour barracks. But it’s also evolved over the years, and is now littered with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Villa Bologna

Built in 1745 in the village of Attard, this Baroque estate is home to Malta’s oldest working ceramics studio, where you’ll find an assortment of handcrafted pottery, from small table dishes to full vases and pots. Set among lush gardens, the estate also hosts an elevated farm-to-table restaurant, with more Italian-leaning dining perched in lush garden surroundings.

St Peter’s Pool

By no means a well-kept secret, St Peter’s Pool on the cliffside hills of Marsaxlokk is an essential spot to visit in Malta. A natural limestone amphitheatre rests above the crystal blue rockpool and is a haven for cliff jumpers, divers and swimmers – or anyone who just wants to lounge by the water.

Hondoq ir-Rummien

Located on Malta’s sister island of Gozo, a short ferry ride from Valletta, Hondoq ir-Rummien is a sparkling seaside inlet with azure waters. One of the lesser-travelled tourist locations, this magnificent mini beach is more of a locals’ spot and is limited in space, so getting there early is recommended – and well worth it.

A Maltese festa

Maltese festas are a true sight to behold, with entire villages transformed into bustling street parties with food stalls, decorations, live brass band music and fireworks. The celebration is based around each village’s patron saint, with processions through the street and pyrotechnics illuminating the skies for hours on end.

Where to stay

The Phoenicia

For a bit of old-world charm, The Phoenicia is the perfect spot. Situated just in front of the gates to Valletta, the 75-year-old hotel boasts five-star service and has retained all its heritage lustre, with the addition of modern amenities such as an infinity pool, ritzy bistro lounge and cocktail bar that’s set the standard for mixology in Malta since 1957.

Sliema Apartment

Located in the very happening Sliema, a resort town on Malta’s east coast, this sleekly designed and furnished converted townhouse is for those who prefer taking things at their own pace. Spread across four floors, the entire space has been carefully curated with beautiful pendant lighting, large windows, a fireplace, standing bathtub in the master bedroom’s ensuite, a balcony with sunlounges, an outdoor terrace with a woodfired barbeque and splash pool, and even a rooftop for slow mornings.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Qatar Airways, the World’s Best Airline, as voted by Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. Qatar Airways operates four flights a week from Australia to Malta via Hamad International Airport, so you can explore the Mediterranean gem’s ancient history, golden beaches, sun-soaked landscapes and rich cultural heritage.