A bright gem in the shimmering Mediterranean, the Maltese islands are a true winter wonderland. Enchanting towns, beaches and coastlines—all within reach of the capital, Valletta—offer both a festive escape and a much-needed dose of sunshine.

From the beauty of St. John’s Co-Cathedral to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the archipelago seamlessly blends history, culture and epic landscapes. The nation’s compact size means you can experience all of it within a single trip; each of the three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino have their own unique charm and character.

Cinema-goers around the world can see Maltese locations brought to life in the long-awaited Gladiator II epic but getting there in person has never been easier. Our regular flights from Dublin reach this mainly English-speaking destination and its year-round Mediterranean climate in less than four hours. Whatever season you choose for your visit, you’ll be guaranteed to find gorgeous sunshine waiting for you.

Dive into rich history and culture

You’ll touch down in Valletta, Malta’s beating heart—steeped in history and brimming with Baroque architecture. Winter is a great time to explore its winding streets, adorned with festive lights. Begin at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece with intricate frescoes and Caravaggio’s only signed painting. Wander through Upper Barracca Gardens for epic views of the Grand Harbour, breathtaking under Malta’s bright winter skies.

As Malta’s main urban hub, Valletta is easy to navigate. With more than 7,000 years of history packed into its streets, the city is a treasure trove for history buffs, art lovers and anyone in search of the Mediterranean pace of life. And with regular sunshine and low rainfall, Malta’s mild winter climate makes it a great escape from colder weather.

Explore Malta’s festive side

In winter, Valletta and the other towns of the Maltese archipelago come alive with holiday cheer. Valletta’s Christmas Market fills the capital’s squares with artisan crafts, festive decor and seasonal treats. Explore Republic Street and Merchants Street for local boutiques selling hand-made ceramics, jewellery and Maltese speciality foods.

Christmas gifts secured, step into Caffe Cordina in Valletta for a cosy coffee break. This historic cafe has been serving warm pastries and coffee since 1837 and is a favourite winter spot for both locals and visitors. Try traditional Maltese pastries like kannoli, imqaret (date-filled pastries) and pastizzi, an indulgent treat on a winter’s day.

Satisfy your culinary cravings

Malta’s food scene is delightful, blending traditional and modern influences from the nation’s rich history. In Valletta and beyond, you’ll find everything from street food to upscale dining (including one two Michelin-star restaurant and six one Michelin-star restaurants). For a refined experience, visit Noni, known for its inventive Mediterranean dishes, or ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, which has recently earned two Michelin stars. Another top spot is Under Grain, which serves exquisite tasting menus inspired by local ingredients.

For a more casual taste of Malta and Gozo, try local street food options like Sphinx Pastizzeria, which serves the classic pastizzi—flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Head to Is-Serkin (also known as Crystal Palace) in Rabat for another take on pastizzi, a local favourite. Marsaxlokk’s The waterfront eateries of Marsaxlokk (a small fishing village on Malta’s southeastern coast) offer an authentic seafood experience with freshly caught fish always on the menu. For something truly remote, take a picnic to Comino and enjoy it overlooking the serene Blue Lagoon, or visit a seasonal kiosk for light bites while soaking in the island’s natural beauty.

For more food and travel inspiration, read Pintxos or tapas? Eight must-taste Spanish treats, our journey through some of the most delicious flavours of Spain.

Malta’s must-see locations

With Malta’s small size, day trips from Valletta couldn’t be easier. A short drive takes you to Mdina, the Silent City, renowned for its medieval atmosphere and stunning views over the island. Mdina is especially enchanting in winter; fewer crowds make it easier to wander the narrow, lantern-lit streets and soak up the history.

Another fantastic day trip is to the Three Cities—Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. These historic cities, just a ferry ride from Valletta, offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime past, with fortified walls, ancient buildings and a vibrant marina. Walking through these towns, you’ll see traditional Maltese life up close, with local shops, cafes, and views across the Grand Harbour.

Discover Malta’s ancient wonders

Maltese history stretches back over 7,000 years, making it one of the most historically rich destinations in the world. This small island nation is home to some of the oldest free-standing structures known to humanity, including the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo (the second-largest island in Malta’s archipelago), which predate even the Egyptian pyramids. Travel to the ferry terminus at Ċirkewwa (on the northern tip of Malta) to reach Gozo by water in about 25 minutes.

Gozo is known as Malta’s greener sister island and boasts rolling hills, picturesque village and a relaxed pace of life. For more ancient exploration, visit the Cittadella in Victoria, a centuries-old fortified city with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

In Valletta, you can gain an understanding of the strategic importance Malta has held throughout history, from its founding by the Knights of St. John to stone fortifications that still survive today. Ancient relics are woven into the landscape—take a walk through the Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex to see Megalithic structures that reveal some of the deep-rooted cultural traditions and mysteries of this Mediterranean archipelago.

Escape to the tranquillity of Comino

A trip to Malta wouldn’t be complete without visiting Comino, the smallest of Malta’s three main islands. Known for its rugged beauty and crystal-clear waters, Comino offers a peaceful retreat, especially in winter when the famous Blue Lagoon is less crowded. Take a leisurely hike along Comino’s trails, where you’ll discover dramatic coastal views, hidden coves and the historic St. Mary’s Tower, a 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the island and beyond. Comino is perfect for those looking to reconnect with nature and it’s just a short ferry ride from either Malta or Gozo.

Tips for exploring the Maltese islands in winter

Thanks to direct flights from Dublin with Aer Lingus, Malta, Gozo and Comino are closer than you might think for a spontaneous Mediterranean getaway. The nation’s neat size means that you can make the most of your time, whether you get away for the weekend or a longer winter break.

The Maltese islands are the perfect escape from colder European climates; all you’ll need to pack is a light jacket for cooler evenings. Dining out on the archipelago is getting increasingly glamorous, so booking restaurants ahead of time will save you some hassle (especially when it comes to Michelin-star spots in Valletta and Mdina).

In terms of transport, a reliable bus network makes exploring towns beyond Valletta is both easy and affordable. Car hire is also a popular choice, giving you the chance to venture to lesser-known spots and explore at your own pace.

Ready to go?

This winter, exchange Ireland’s cold drizzle for some of the Maltese islands’ 300 annual days of sunshine. (Or opt for a summer break filled with balmy temperatures and blue skies.) Malta, Gozo and Comino promise a winter break filled with festive cheer, beautiful landscapes, Mediterranean flavours and cultural treasures—all just a short journey from Valletta. As a mainly English-speaking destination, it couldn’t be easier to navigate.

With our new direct flights from Dublin, your next adventure is closer than you think, whether that’s a stroll through Valletta’s festive streets, a delicious Maltese meal, or an adventure in the island’s storied towns.  Why not take the plunge and book your flights to Malta today?