The SL Pocket Guide To Malta

Romègas Hotel, Valletta

One of Malta’s most exciting new openings, Romègas Hotel is a 500-year-old palazzo transformed into an intimate 22-room hotel in central Valletta. The hotel celebrates the island’s rich culture, craftsmanship and community. Original features like hand-carved façades and traditional Maltese balconies sit alongside contemporary touches, from terrazzo floors and marble bathrooms to warm wood panelling. Emerging Maltese artists are showcased throughout the property, while a rooftop pool and bar make the most of the views across Valletta’s rooftops, cathedral domes and towards Manoel Island. With its combination of heritage, considered design and a strong sense of place, Romègas is a stylish base for discovering the Maltese capital.

Visit ROMEGASHOTEL.COM

The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux, Mdina

For a romantic stay steeped in history, the Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux is hard to beat. Hidden within the medieval walled city of Mdina, this beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo is home to just 17 individually designed rooms and suites. Antique furniture, original paintings, Parisian fabrics and generous beds give the interiors a suitably elegant feel, while some suites have sweeping views across the ancient city. Food is another highlight: Michelin-starred De Mondion serves sophisticated French, Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine, while Trattoria A.D. 1530 offers a more relaxed option on the hotel’s picturesque piazza. Surrounded by Baroque architecture and perched on centuries-old bastions, the Xara Palace can feel a world away from the busier parts of Malta – making it an ideal spot for a slower stay.

Visit XARAPALACE.COM.MT

Iniala Harbour House, Valletta

On the historic St Barbara Bastion, Iniala Harbour House is one of Valletta’s most distinctive luxury hotels. Spread across four beautifully restored Maltese townhouses and a series of ancient 17th-century vaults, the hotel combines historic architecture with striking contemporary design. There are 23 individually designed rooms and suites, many of which make excellent use of the hotel vantage point over the Grand Harbour. Founded by philanthropist Mark Weingard in 2021, Iniala has established itself as one of Malta’s standout luxury addresses. Right in the centre of Valletta, it’s well positioned for exploring the city’s highlights and sights without a car.

Visit INIALA.COM

The Phoenicia, Valletta

Just outside Valletta’s historic city gates, The Phoenicia is an elegant base for exploring Malta’s capital while still offering a sense of seclusion. Surrounded by elegantly landscaped gardens, the award-winning hotel is just a ten-minute walk from many of Valletta’s main sights. Inside, original 1930s features have been carefully restored, while whitewashed walls, blue furnishings and contemporary details give the rooms a fresh feel. If you can, take a room with a balcony overlooking the city, or upgrade to one of the spacious suites. There’s plenty to do without leaving the hotel: spend time wandering the gardens; take lunch at the pool restaurant; or make use of the excellent spa, which includes an indoor pool, salt room, sauna, steam room and fitness suite.

Visit PHOENICIAMALTA.COM

Villa Bologna Restaurant, Attard

Within the beautiful gardens of Villa Bologna in Attard, this family-run restaurant offers a relaxed take on Mediterranean and Italian dining. Husband-and-wife team Sophie and Rowley Edwards have recently refurbished it, bringing fresh energy to the historic setting while preserving its character and heritage. A seasonal menu spans pasta, meat and fish dishes, alongside comforting Italian classics such as tiramisu. The setting is a major part of the appeal, with the restaurant surrounded by the villa’s architecture and greenery.

Visit THEVILLABOLOGNARESTAURANT.COM

ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, Valletta

On the rooftop of five-star hotel Iniala Valletta, ION Harbour is Simon Rogan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Malta. Since taking over the space in 2023, Rogan and his team have brought his signature farm-to-table approach to the Mediterranean, working closely with local producers across the Maltese islands and nearby Sicily. Almost everything on the menu is sourced locally, including ingredients from a third-generation salt farmer in Gozo and local spear fishermen. Foraged and seasonal produce also play important roles. Sustainability runs through the entire experience, with the kitchen team making use of everything, with peels, stalks and trimmings often transformed into infusions, syrups and garnishes.

Visit IONHARBOUR.COM

Is-Serkin Crystal Palace, Rabat

If there’s one Maltese food you need to try, it’s pastizzi. These traditional savoury pastries are a staple of the local cuisine, usually filled with either creamy ricotta or a spiced pea mixture. For one of the most authentic places to try them, head to Is-Serkin Crystal Palace in Rabat. Open 24 hours a day, this local institution is just the spot for a quick bite while exploring the historic town and nearby Mdina – or as a late-night snack.

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Paradiso, St Julian’s

Drinks lovers should make time for Paradiso, an immersive cocktail bar from the visionary Giacomo Giannotti. The original Paradiso in Barcelona has become one of the world’s most celebrated cocktail destinations, having been named The World’s Best Bar in 2022 and consistently ranking among the global top five. The Malta outpost brings the same playful approach to mixology, combining creative cocktails with sophisticated small plates in a striking setting. The interiors take inspiration from a submarine, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels a world away from a traditional cocktail bar.

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Matto, St George’s Bay

Matto is an all-day Italian restaurant and open pizza kitchen overlooking St George’s Bay. Designed around the idea of social dining, it has both indoor and outdoor spaces where guests can settle in for everything from a relaxed lunch to an evening meal. Pizza is at the core of the concept, with the open kitchen giving diners a glimpse of the action in an atmosphere that is welcoming and family friendly. The views across the bay make the outdoor space particularly appealing, especially around sunset.

Visit MATTOMALTA.COM

Kiru, St George’s Bay

New this summer, Kiru is a Korean-fusion steakhouse where dinner comes with a side of entertainment. The island’s first interactive Korean barbecue concept, with cuts of meat cooked at the table, the experience is designed so guests can get involved in the grilling. The bar offers a considered selection of sake, adding another layer to the experience. It’s a great choice for groups.

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Gozo

A day trip to Gozo is a must, particularly if you want to experience the country’s more natural side. Beyond its warm, clear waters and sheltered bays that offer some of the Mediterranean’s best diving, Gozo’s slower pace, pretty landscapes and traditional villages deserve a full day’s exploring. Take a boat to the island and seek out the prehistoric Ggantija Temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Underwater, there’s the chance to discover colourful marine life, while on the surface you can kayak through hidden coves. For the full experience, Original Diving offers family diving holidays, including flights, accommodation and diving.

Villa Bologna Pottery, Attard

For a taste of Malta’s traditional craftsmanship, make time for a visit to Villa Bologna Pottery in Attard. Founded in 1924, it’s the island’s oldest pottery and offers a fascinating glimpse into techniques that have been passed down through generations. The pottery shop is filled with hand-painted tableware, decorative ceramics and distinctive lamps, making it a good place to pick up something more memorable than the usual holiday souvenir. Next door, the workshop occupies the old stables of Villa Bologna, where you can watch the artists at work, hand-painting and glazing pieces.

Visit VILLABOLOGNAPOTTERY.COM

ION at Sea

ION at Sea is an exclusive floating chef’s table from two Michelin-starred ION Harbour by Simon Rogan. Available until 4th October, the experience takes place aboard a private Riva 44 yacht, combining a seasonal tasting menu with views of Malta’s coastline. Running five days a week, the experience offers a very different way to immerse yourself in Rogan’s farm-to-table philosophy, with the sea effectively becoming the dining room.

Visit ATSEA.IONHARBOUR.COM

MICAS, Valletta

Late in 2024, Malta’s contemporary art scene received a major boost with the opening of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS). It occupies a striking position within the 17th-century Floriana fortifications, combining contemporary architecture with the island’s rich heritage. The collection includes work by internationally recognised artists like Ugo Rondinone and Conrad Shawcross. A sculpture by renowned Maltese artist Ray Pitrè greets visitors at the entrance, setting the tone for a cultural destination with distinctly international ambitions.

Visit MICAS.ART

Direct flights from London to Malta are around three hours. The main airport is Malta International.