Malta: A Gem in the Winter Sun

While much of Europe was shoveling their way through winter, I boarded a plane bound for Malta, a sun-kissed archipelago brimming with history and charm.

Malta was slated for my 2026 Adventures List, but it was intended for a May or June Adventure. I never in a million years expected to kick off the new year in such a stunning, refreshing location!

Can you believe it? January, of all months! Talk about a plot twist to my travel plans!

Well, there are definitely worse ways to begin a new year, right?

GETTING HERE

Flying to Malta was my only reasonable option. Yes, there are cruises, but those are boats. I hate boats.

My flight was delayed by nearly two hours because a snowstorm the night before had blanketed the airport. Understandably, this frustrated many travelers.

Me? I used the time to unwind and recharge (my electronic devices, that is, lol) at one of the airport’s cozy restaurants.

You can only imagine how I can make one cup of tea last two hours.

Delays, gate changes, weather, frustrated travelers — it’s all part of the adventure.

Upon arrival, I met my Welcome Pickups driver and headed for my lodgings.

As we drove through Valletta, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant architecture — honey-colored stone buildings glowing in the golden light, creating a stunning backdrop that made me eager to explore more of Malta’s charm.

The winding alleyways were alive with history; I could almost hear the echoes of knights and sailors as I passed by beautifully preserved facades.

Courtyard by Marriott Sliema

The Courtyard by Marriott Sliema truly rolled out the red carpet for my stay in Malta. I’d happily return to this lovely hotel for future Malta escapades!

For just $225 total, I can confidently say this place is a steal for anyone on the hunt for a inexpensive, stylish, safe and clean hotel. The bonus Marriott BonVoy points I received didn’t hurt either.

From check-in to checkout, the customer service was ‘chef’s kiss’ — absolutely phenomenal!

The hotel’s location is a gem — close to public transport, making city exploration a breeze. And did I mention there’s a supermarket just a quick four-minute stroll away?

There are plenty of restaurants and eateries nearby, which means you won’t go hungry — unless you’re like me and get too distracted by the sights.

My room, a standard size with a King bed, was exactly the size I expected, with a bed so comfy I half-expected it to serenade me to sleep. Plus, the complimentary water and refreshment station made me feel like royalty.

Now, the view outside my window wasn’t exactly postcard-worthy. But, I wasn’t here to explore, not write about the real estate. Thankfully, my room was shielded from any construction noise, which is a big win in my book. The breakfast was reasonably priced too, a mere €12.50, a perfect way to fuel my adventures ahead!

The bathroom was surprisingly spacious, which was a welcome surprise. However, the comedy show that was my Maltase shower was another reason why I prefer a bath to a shower.

Yes, there was enough hot water, but the unexpected ice-cold blast was not the ‘Welcome to Malta’ greeting I expected.

Once I figured out the awkward knobs setup and the warm water cascaded down, and I felt like doing my victory dance. I didn’t because that’s not safe to do on a wet surface.

Hey, showering in Malta is no ordinary routine; it’s a full-fledged thrill ride!

Exploring Valletta

One of the highlights of my adventure was exploring the vibrant streets of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of Malta.

As I wandered through the city’s narrow cobblestone alleys, I was captivated by the stunning Baroque architecture that adorned nearly every building.

Each facade seemed to tell its own story, with elaborate wooden balconies and weathered stone walls that had witnessed centuries of history.

I walked along the bastions overlooking the Grand Harbour; the panoramic views of the sparkling blue waters and the skyline of neighboring cities were nothing short of spectacular.

I could see historic fortifications and the silhouettes of sailboats gliding gracefully by, encapsulating the essence of this maritime hub.

Barrakka Lift

The Barrakka Lift was a blessing. This sleek, panoramic glass elevator zooms down from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to the Lascaris Wharf waterfront, and let me tell you, it felt like stepping into a scene from a fancy sci-fi movie.

Sure, it costs €1 for a round trip. Pocket change, really, when I think of the thousands I would have spent on knee and hip replacements. I can’t even imagine the agony of that steep uphill trek from the Grand Harbour.

Instead, I savored the breathtaking views of the harbor and the city’s stunning architectural wonders as I glided smoothly up and down.

So, if you ever find yourself wandering in Valletta, do yourself a favor: take the Barrakka Lift! Don’t be cheap. Your legs, and hips, will thank you.

Ranieri Restaurant & Cafe

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID!

I popped into the Ranieri Restaurant & Cafe during an unexpected rain shower, hoping for a cozy meal.

What I experienced was more of a rancid, oozing mass of spoiled leftovers, lurking in a dim, mold-infested cellar where shadows danced menacingly, and the air was thick with the stench of decay!

Customer service was okay at the start. Yet, once I ordered, they disappeared as if they’d never been there in the first place.

C’mon, did I just imagine the waitstaff? Did they all take a detour to another dimension?

Did I just into the Twilight Zone?

I must have, because the service was slower than a snail in slow-motion. I’m pretty sure I binged-watched an entire series worth of paint drying.

It took 55 minutes for my order to arrive at my table. When it did, I swear my fork nearly broke in half from the subarctic temperature.

I’d ordered the pan-fried chicken, thinking it would be full of flavor and deliciousness. Instead, I got tasteless chicken barely cooked, with veggies so burnt you’d think they’d been roasted in a sauna.

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, they let me know that credit cards were a no-go, even though I’d asked before ordering and I could see the little machine was working without a hitch.

In fact, it was used to collect payment from another customer just 10 seconds ago.

I was fortunate to escape from this terrible Twilight Zone episode.

Lesson learned — sometimes a ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant is just that — a hole in the wall.

Some divine entity must have agreed, for they took mercy on me and the city by granting us glorious sunshine for the rest of the day.  

I’d heard Malta’s culinary scene was a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors. This is true, as I learned when I dined at other restaurants. It was just unfortunate series of events that caused me to stumbled across Ranieri Restaurant & Cafe’s path.

Yet, sometimes, the worst meals make for the best stories!

Photo Safari

I spent the rest of my first day in Malta on an exhilarating photo safari, captivated by the vibrant scenes around me. Capturing life through my lens is one of my favorite travel pastimes, alongside my quirky hunt for my rubber duckies.

Despite a rocky start due to the weather delay and a dreadful meal, each camera click, and every step I walked, opened up a world of memories waiting to be created. The day transformed into an exciting adventure that fueled my desire to explore more of this stunning island oasis.

Until next time …

HAVE PASSPORT, WILL TRAVEL!