5 things to do during your Malta summer holiday

Sun, sea and a super holiday – a short break in Malta during the warm months delivers it all, and then some. There’s magic around the Maltese Islands as soon as summer hits. Maybe it’s that Mediterranean flair, or maybe it’s simply because Malta and Gozo offer all the ingredients for a perfect summer holiday.

How so, we hear you ask. There are so many reasons, and fitting each one of them into your itinerary is a tall order. So here are the top five must-dos during your holiday in Malta. All you need to do to start ticking the boxes and making some beautiful memories is book your flight and accommodation now!

All set for your summer holiday in Malta? Get ready for some serious street parties as, every week it’s festa time somewhere in the Maltese Islands, with villages and towns honouring their patron saints with music, fireworks and revelry.

The feasts started out as a religious celebration but in time have evolved into a cultural phenomenon that embraces a more secular flavour. Think street parties that bring together entire towns, sugar candy and popcorn stands, dancing… and everyone is welcome. The church whose saint is being honoured is beautifully decorated and it’s worth popping in to immerse yourself in the experience.

If you’d like to know where the best festas are happening during your stay, ask the staff at Hotel Valentina. We will be happy to give you the best tips.

It’s summer and you’re on a Mediterranean holiday, of course you need to visit the best beaches in Malta  and Gozo for a spot of snorkelling. We suggest Għadira Bay, Golden Bay and Paradise Bay – the good news is they’re all very close to each other so it’s easy to fit them all in one day. The waters are shallow, with some deeper coves for the more adventurous, and there’s plenty of flora and fauna to marvel at. There are amenities and water sports available at all three to keep your adrenaline going when you get tired of snorkelling.

If rocky beaches are more your thing, Sliema’s Exiles beach is another excellent option. Should you wish to give scuba diving a go, St George’s Bay is within walking distance from Hotel Valentina and it is serviced by diving centres nearby. It’s also a certified Blue Flag Beach, which means you get to enjoy the best of everything – clear blue water, bars, restaurants and plenty of other amenities. Whether you’re an expert diver or a newbie after a taster dive, the diving centres cater for all and you will be in the hands of professionals.

Check out our Best Beaches Blog

The fortified city of Valletta is buzzing any season, but it’s particularly gorgeous during the summer months. The stunning, Baroque buildings create shelter from the sun, making it pleasant to meander around on foot, taking in the UNESCO heritage architecture and the distinctive street life.

Start off with an espresso, Mediterranean style, in one of the cafes in the main piazza. After some people-watching, it’s time to hit world class museums like St John’s Co-Cathedral, where you can view the Caravaggio and Rubens masterpieces, as well as the iconic marble flooring.

MUŻA and Spazju Kreattiv are the destinations for art lovers, while if you’re into shopping there are high street and designer brands, too. For those who after more quirky gifts, drop in at one of the artisan shops where you’ll find handcrafted jewellery, thrift stores, indie designers, homeware and more.

Do try to catch the sunset over Sliema – the best spot to capture it is from Hastings Garden, before heading off for aperitivo hour to experience the nightlife.

The sister island of Gozo is a very short 25 minute ferry trip away. You can take the scenic boat from Ċirkewwa if you’re planning to drive around the island. Alternatively, pedestrians can also take the fast catamaran from Grand Harbour.

It’s certainly worth dedicating a day of your short break to Gozo, as the vibe here is totally different. A slower, more authentic way of life still persists and the old fishing villages and little squares remain very much in their original state. Start your day with breakfast in the capital of Victoria, walking up to the Ċittadella for the best views stretching all the way to Malta.

After that, the day is yours to enjoy. Want to discover off-the-beaten path, unspoilt beaches? Gozo has plenty of those, with Ramla l-Ħamra, Daħlet Qorrot and Mġarr ix-Xini being the most picturesque. Prefer a spot of history? The megalithic temples of Ġgantija hail back to the neolithic era and are older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Want to try out some local delicacies? Stop at one of the restaurants along the Marsalforn or Xlendi promenade and keep some space for the famous Gozitan ice-cream.

So many festivals, so little time! The summer months offer visitors a packed schedule of whatever it is that makes your heart sing. Into jazz music? Valletta hosts one of the hottest European jazz festivals in July, with Grand Harbour as backdrop. Prefer the latest pop hits? Isle of MTV brings over mega stars like RAYE and DJ Snake for a free open-air concert in Floriana.

There’s something happening pretty much every weekend, including on the sister island of Gozo. Check out the regular ceramics festival that takes place in Marsalforn on multiple weekends in summer, or perhaps head up to Victoria, where you’ll find live music. The events continue throughout August, with Summer Daze calling the partying generation with a range of artists at different venues. Up for a beer festival? There a flagship event taking place in Ta’ Qali, and a small one in the quaint village of Zabbar. Prefer sampling wine under the stars? July and August see myriad local winemakers organising open-air festivals, with live music and dancing.

Hotel Valentina enjoys the best of all worlds, located in the heart of the town of St Julian’s – known for its buzzing restaurant, bar and club scene at night, and offering excellent shopping and leisure activities during the day. With some of the best beaches in Malta within walking distance, and very well-connected to the rest of the island by public transport, it offers the perfect base for your summer holiday.

We have several options for families, couples and business travellers, so check out our offers and start planning your Malta summer break!