Malta: A Timeless Island Rich in History, Myth, and Beauty
Why Malta Belongs on Your European Travel List
One of the most unexpectedly fascinating places I’ve ever visited is the small island nation of Malta. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone—tucked quietly just south of Sicily, Malta doesn’t always make the top of people’s European travel lists. And yet, it absolutely should. This tiny country holds thousands of years of history, layered so beautifully into its landscapes and architecture that you feel as though you’re walking through time with every step.
Our arrival into Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, set the tone immediately. We took an almost two-hour ferry ride from Italy, and the moment we reached land, I was struck by the island’s stunning architecture—grand yet understated, weathered but luminous. Valletta is compact but powerful, filled with baroque buildings, narrow streets, and honey-colored stone that glows in the Mediterranean sun. As I later learned, Malta’s architectural story spans thousands of years. Long before Valletta was built, the island was home to prehistoric temples like Mnajdra and Haġar Qim, dating back to around 3600 BC. These remarkable structures are among the oldest free-standing buildings in the world—and seeing them in person is humbling, reminding you just how small we are in the grand timeline of history. Much of Malta’s architecture is built from a local limestone known as Franka stone, a pale, sun-bleached material that gives the entire island a clean, almost ethereal feel. It’s impossible not to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
One particularly memorable stop was Mdina Dungeons, where you can explore the dark underbelly of Malta’s medieval past. Walking through the narrow passageways, viewing the cells and torture devices once used for corporal punishment, is chilling—and fascinating. A word of warning: the ceilings are low (yes, I absolutely hit my head entering one of the cells). It’s immersive in the truest sense. From there, St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must. Sitting at the heart of Mdina, the cathedral is breathtaking—ornate, peaceful, and deeply spiritual. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, look up, and simply take it all in.
Another highlight of our journey was Gozo, Malta’s quieter, more rugged sister island. Beyond its natural beauty, Gozo is steeped in mythology. According to Greek legend, this is where Calypso, daughter of Atlas, held Ulysses captive for seven years after his shipwreck, seducing him with comfort and shelter while keeping him from returning home. The island is believed to be the setting of this myth, with Calypso’s Cave overlooking Ramla Bay—and yes, that photo is of me standing right at the entrance of that cave. Standing there, looking out over the water, it’s easy to understand how myth and reality blur in a place like this. Gozo was also home to one of Malta’s most famous natural landmarks: the Azure Window. Once a towering 92-foot limestone arch rising dramatically from the sea, it was one of the island’s most iconic sights until it collapsed in 2017. I was lucky enough to see it before then—one of those travel moments you don’t realize is fleeting until it’s gone. The arch and surrounding area were so cinematic that they’ve appeared in numerous international films and television productions.
And of course, no trip is complete without fully embracing the local cuisine and Malta did not disappoint. From hearty rabbit stew to flaky pastizzi and incredibly fresh seafood, every meal felt rooted in tradition. One of the most memorable (and adventurous) dishes we tried? Snails. Not the delicate escargot you might be used to—these were much larger, served in a bowl about the size of a cereal bowl, swimming in a rich brown gravy. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re an adventurous eater, it’s absolutely worth trying at least once.
Bottom line: if you’re already in Italy or Sicily, Malta is closer than you think—and so incredibly worth the extra journey. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced this beautiful country, its history, its mythology, and its flavors. If you’re planning your next Italian adventure, I wholeheartedly recommend making Malta part of the story.
Bing Video-Mdina, Malta HDR Walking Tour
Trip Advisor-Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs and St. Paul's Grotto
-Carrie H.
