Three days in Malta: culture, coastline and a taste of island life

There’s something special about Malta. Maybe it’s the sunshine, the history around every corner, or the fact you can be swimming in crystal-clear waters one moment and wandering through centuries-old streets the next.

Our Marketing Manager, Alison Bowett was lucky enough to experience all of that and more on a recent Fam trip, organised by British Airways and VisitMalta.

Day one: Gozo, the Blue Lagoon and a perfect first evening

After a comfortable flight and restful sleep, we hit the ground running, starting our trip with a visit to Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island, known for its rugged landscapes, charming villages and slower pace of life. 

Our first stop was Ġgantija Archaeological Park, home to some of the oldest free-standing monuments in the world and a fascinating insight into Malta's ancient past. We then made our way to Ramla Bay, famous for its distinctive red-golden sand and crystal-clear waters, before exploring the charming streets of Victoria (Rabat) and the impressive Citadel, which offers spectacular panoramic views across the island.

To round off the morning, we enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch prepared by Gozo Picnic. Set against Gozo's stunning scenery, it was the perfect opportunity to sample fresh local produce while taking in the island's relaxed pace of life.

From there, it was time for one of the trip highlights: a speedboat ride across to the famous Blue Lagoon. The water really is as clear and blue as the photos suggest, and there was no resisting the chance to jump in for a swim.

After drying off and taking in the views, we wrapped up the day with dinner at Liska Restaurant. Great food, great company and the perfect way to start the trip.

Day two: stepping back in time in Valletta

Day two was all about discovering the rich history of Valletta, Europe’s smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Throughout the trip, we were incredibly fortunate to be guided by Stanley, whose knowledge, humour and passion for Malta made every stop even more memorable. Whether he was sharing stories from Malta's past or pointing out details we would have otherwise missed, he brought the island to life in a way that no guidebook ever could.

Our first stop was the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, offering panoramic views across the Grand Harbour and a great introduction to the city.

Next up was the breathtaking St. John's Co-Cathedral. From the outside, it’s understated, but inside it’s full of intricate detail, gold interiors and incredible artwork.

We then explored Grandmaster's Palace, another key piece of Malta’s fascinating past, before stopping for lunch at 59 Republic in the heart of the city.

That evening, we headed to OKA's at The Villa in St. Julians for dinner. A beautiful setting, fantastic food and a brilliant chance to reflect on just how much Malta packs into such a small island.

We rounded off the evening by watching England beat Panama in a bustling outdoor bar, where the atmosphere was just as memorable as the match itself. Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the hotel.

Day three: tradition, local flavours and the journey home

On our final day, we explored The Three Cities; Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, often described as the historic heart of Malta. Walking through these quieter, less touristy streets gave us a real sense of the island’s heritage and everyday life. From there we moved onto Mdina, known as the "Silent City" and Malta's ancient, fortified medieval capital - also the location for Kings Landing from Game of Thrones!

Lunch was at Ta' Ċiċivetta Farm, where we enjoyed local dishes and experienced a traditional Maltese band performance, a great reminder of how much culture and authenticity Malta offers beyond the beaches.

Why Malta should be on your radar

What stood out most about Malta was its variety. In just three days, we experienced island hopping, swimming spots, historic landmarks, fantastic food and authentic local culture, all within easy reach.

For your clients, that means a destination that can offer luxury, adventure, relaxation and culture in one easy package. Add in direct flights with British Airways, and it’s easy to see why Malta continues to be such a strong choice.

A huge thank you again to British Airways and VisitMalta for hosting such a memorable trip. Malta, you were a dream.