Seeking some winter sun? With balmy temperatures even in December and a fascinating history and culture to explore, Malta ticks all the boxes, as our writer discovered
Some people aren’t cut out for enduring an entire British winter, so a short escape from the plummeting temperatures can provide a very welcome boost. Step forward Malta — one of the warmest winter spots in Europe and a wonderful place to spend a relaxing, culture-filled few days.
With a flight time of just over three hours from London, Malta achieves a comforting combination of feeling far away and yet rather Anglicised. It was previously part of the British Empire and became independent in 1964. There are the occasional red telephone boxes dotted about (probably used more for posed social media snaps than phone calls) and the ambulances look the same as British ones – plus they drive on the left hand side. English is widely spoken and yet the country has a strong identity of its own, rather than feeling like ‘Brits abroad’ territory.
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We visited in November and it was T-shirt and shorts weather, which is such a treat when you’ve been engulfed in warm layers plus hats and winter coats back in Britain. (But it is a bit of a shock to the system when you arrive at your home airport with a chill in the air and only your fond holiday memories to keep you warm).
What to do in Malta
A guided walking tour of Valletta is the perfect way to get a taste of the capital’s rich history and culture. Valletta is an elegant walled city which was established in the 1500s and has very attractive baroque architecture. Indeed, it is such a distinctive setting that it was used as a filming location in hits such as Gladiator and Game Of Thrones.
St John’s Co-Cathedral is an ornate affair, which houses Caravaggio’s 1608 painting, The Beheading Of Saint John The Baptist. Such is its popularity that it feels like a busy museum rather than a house of worship, but it is inspiring nonetheless. The Grandmaster’s Palace is also a sight to behold and visitors can take a stroll around its magnificent state rooms, courtyards and armoury. The British influence is strong here – a sign from December 1858 displays that the courtyard is named Prince Alfred’s Court, in honour of Queen Victoria’s second son.
Mdina is Malta’s former capital and is a 25-minute car journey from Valletta. It’s a wonderful place to visit at night thanks to the enchanting lighting, which makes the quaint cobbled streets look rather magical. It has a very tranquil atmosphere with beautiful panoramic views from some of the city walls. The only cars allowed in the city are those owned by residents, which makes it an extra-special place to take a moonlit walk without having to worry about traffic.
Where to stay in Malta
The Barceló Fortina Malta has so many amenities that you could actually have a very enjoyable stay without leaving the hotel complex. From a delicious breakfast at Stella’s Restaurant on the ground floor to a flamboyant cocktail in The Bridge bar, the hotel has quite a buzz about it – as well as a beautiful spa and wellness centre, a gym and an outdoor pool.
For those who aren’t well versed in the world of massages, the staff at the hotel’s spa are experts at putting you at ease – who knew that even your hands can feel fabulous after being massaged?!
The Barceló Fortina Malta is located on the seafront of Sliema, across an inlet from Valletta. It’s a lively area full of restaurants, bars and shops. Rooms with a balcony and a breathtaking view of the capital are certainly worth investing in, if finances allow.
Where to eat and drink in Malta
If you only want to fling on your holiday wardrobe and sashay over the road, then Tora in Sliema is the perfect choice for a first-night meal. Serving Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated setting, the tasting menu is a great way of sampling a variety of dishes. Vegetarians and vegans are also widely catered for.
Trabuxu Bistro in the centre of Valletta is an atmospheric venue ideal for lunch, if you want a restorative break from all that sightseeing. It has rustic charm and delicious dishes in abundance, plus a very relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The Medina Restaurant is a popular venue in Mdina so it is well worth booking in advance. On offer is an eclectic menu with a Maltese flourish, which makes for an impressive and authentic dining experience with very warm and pleasant staff.
And what can you drink alongside all this fabulous food? We discovered a fantastic Maltese Chardonnay called Isis, which is very drinkable indeed. Cocktails are also a popular pre-dinner tradition here and The Bridge bar at the hotel has a variety of enticing options, so you can be as adventurous as you dare.
How much does it cost to stay at the Barceló Fortina Malta?
Superior rooms at the Barceló Fortina Malta cost from £140 per night, room only. The walking tour of Valletta can be booked here.
For alternative hotel options, have a browse on Expedia or Booking.com.