Malta Uncovered: Exploring Baroque Architecture, Ancient Cities, And Mediterranean Coastlines

“Malta is just a teardrop in the Mediterranean,” says my driver, Mabroek. “Oh, but what a beautiful teardrop it is,” I exclaim. Within five minutes’ drive out of the airport, I was greeted by a breathtaking view of the southern European island country; its limestone buildings dotting the skyline made it feel like I had been transported back in time.

I must admit that I had to look up Malta on the map when Robb Report Malaysia received an invitation to visit its capital city of Valletta from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as part of its 26th Global Summit. Few Malaysians make the journey to this sun-drenched archipelago each year, so much so that my driver told me I was the first Malaysian he had ever met. However, according to the European Travel Commission, Malta is among Europe’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, yet it remains a hidden gem for Malaysian travellers.

It occupies a fascinating position in the central Mediterranean Sea, roughly midway between southern Europe (Sicily) and North Africa (Libya). Despite often being referred to as a single island, the country is actually an archipelago with three principal inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, alongside several smaller, largely uninhabited islets. The entire Maltese archipelago is only approximately 10 sq km larger than Penang Island at 316 km². Its compact geography is part of its allure: its historic cities, medieval hilltop towns, and dramatic coastal landscapes are all within relatively easy reach.

With only three days or so to explore, I spent most of my time in Valletta and Mdina. Put on your walking shoes—you’ll need them—and follow along as we explore the historic city. As they say, Merħba (welcome) to Malta.

The Open-Air Museum Of Malta

Valletta was founded in 1566, in the aftermath of the Great Siege of Malta, when the Knights of St John successfully defended the island against Ottoman forces. Despite being the European Union’s smallest capital city by area, Valletta boasts 320 monuments, all within an area of 55ha, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Naturally, the city as a whole is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Immediately upon stepping into Valletta’s cobblestone streets, I felt like I was transported into the pages of a history book. The city has a distinctly Baroque character, with elements of Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture; it was hard to know where to look.

Another striking feature is the colourful, ornate wooden enclosed balconies, known as gallariji, which provide shade from the strong sunlight and allow residents to observe activity outside while maintaining privacy. As Valletta was designed on a grid system, with straight streets intersecting at right angles, it is relatively easy to navigate. Many slope towards the sea, offering glimpses of the glimmering water between rows of historic buildings.

Turn down one road, and you might find yourself amid a lively strip of bars and restaurants, with tables packed closely together in a bid to maximise the island’s precious real estate. I sampled excellent pasta carbonara at a little restaurant called Zero Sei Trattoria Romana, with views of an ornate Baroque-style façade of a church and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.

Among Valletta’s most celebrated landmarks is St John’s Co-Cathedral, whose interior is considered to be one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe. There is much to appreciate inside, from the lavish gold leaf ornamentation and intricate carvings, to the painted ceilings and colourful marble floors.

One of the busiest parts of the cathedral is two important works by Caravaggio: The Beheading of St John the Baptist (1608) and Saint Jerome Writing (1607). The former measures 5.2m in width and is the only known painting that the revolutionary Italian artist signed. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, a visit to the cathedral makes it difficult not to feel that such splendour represents humanity’s attempt to create something worthy of the divine.

Then, take a walk to Castille Square, one of Valletta’s most iconic piazzas, enclosed by various prominent buildings and structures, including the Auberge de Castille, which housed the Castilian and Portuguese knights of the Order of St John and currently the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta. Just off the square lies Upper Barrakka Gardens, perched atop Valletta’s fortifications. From its terrace, the city’s architectural splendour unfolds before you, with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, and the historic shipyard. As Malta is a popular port of call on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, you may also spot luxury vessels from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea sailing into the harbour.

At noon and 4pm daily, visitors can witness the firing of cannons from the Saluting Battery below. Built in the 16th century, the battery originally served a defensive purpose; today, its cannon fire is a ceremonial tradition that preserves a piece of Malta’s military history—after all, it was the most heavily bombed place on Earth per square kilometre during WWII.

A Mediterranean Time Capsule

Although Valletta’s history goes back over five centuries, Mdina as a city dates to antiquity (around the 8th century BCE), when the Phoenicians built the first formal fortifications and turned it into an organised urban centre. Here, there are fewer signs of modern city life, lending it a more timeless atmosphere and earning it the name the ‘Silent City’. With its imposing stone walls, winding streets, and hushed courtyards, Mdina feels like stepping back into medieval times.

Most visits to Mdina start at the Mdina Gate, the grand main gate to the fortified city, which also served as one of the gates to King’s Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones. Within, explore the Mdina Cathedral Museum, which claims to have the country’s finest collection of Baroque art, silver, Albrecht Dürer prints, and sacred artefacts.

Head to Bastion Square along Mdina’s northern walls at sunrise or sunset for sweeping views of terraced fields stretching towards the coast. Alternatively, visit Fontanella Tea Garden, where you can try to secure a rooftop table to savour its signature chocolate cake alongside sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby, shop for souvenirs made by local glassblowers or ornate brass knockers inspired by the distinctive doorways of Maltese townhouses.

Just beyond Mdina’s walls lies the neighbouring town of Rabat, home to one of Malta’s most significant religious sites, St Paul’s Grotto, with St. Paul’s Church situated above it. According to the biblical account, St Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on Malta around 60 CE. This ancient cave is traditionally believed to be where he sought refuge and preached during his stay on the island. Nearby are the St Paul’s catacombs, an extensive network of underground burial chambers dating back to the Roman period, with intricate layouts, carved tombs, and evidence of different burial traditions that reveal how the island’s ancient communities honoured their dead. After exploring the catacombs, stop for a bite of pastizzi, Malta’s beloved savoury pastries with crisp, flaky layers and fillings of either creamy ricotta or mushy peas.

Other Treasures Of The Archipelago

Beyond Valletta and Mdina, one may recognise sites from movies and television series such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Troy. Known as the ‘Hollywood of the Mediterranean’ for its film locations, Malta’s architecture and historic forts frequently double for ancient Rome, medieval kingdoms, and Middle Eastern cities. Many spots served as filming locations; I visited the 18^th-century Fort Manoel, transformed into the Great Sept of Baelor, and the site where Ned Stark was brutally decapitated.

For a more intimate way to explore the coastline, private speedboat charters can take you to secluded coves, while a more traditional option is the dgħajsa, a wooden water taxi with a brightly painted hull. The latter are charming boats that ferry passengers across the Grand Harbour between Valletta and the Three Cities, including Birgu, offering a scenic perspective of Malta’s historic waterfront.

More Sights Around Malta

Unfortunately, all too soon, it was time to bid adieu to Malta, or as they say, Saħħa. My time there had offered a glimpse into a country shaped by centuries of history, from Valletta’s grand Baroque streets to Mdina’s quiet, winding lanes, yet there was still much left to see. A return trip will be necessary to explore the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves known for their crystal-clear waters and limestone formations, as well as Malta’s captivating beaches, from Għajn Tuffieħa, a sandy cove backed by golden cliffs, to St Peter’s Pool, a natural limestone inlet with turquoise seas. The Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Complex is also on the list, its prehistoric megalithic temples dating back some 5,000 years, offering a glimpse into the island’s ancient civilisation against a dramatic coastal backdrop. For such a small country, Malta offers a remarkable range of experiences, from centuries of history and architectural treasures, to dramatic coastlines that invite further exploration.

During our time in Malta, Robb Report Malaysia checked into one of the island’s leading luxury hospitality destinations, Iniala Valletta. A Five-Star Forbes Travel Guide property and holder of two Michelin Keys, the boutique hotel is also the sister property to Thailand’s Iniala Beach House. Iniala Valletta is a collection of rooms, suites, and private residences set across restored Maltese palazzos and townhouses overlooking the Grand Harbour and historic city streets, each shaped by internationally renowned designers. This year, the property is entering a new chapter with expansions and refurbishments, looking to expand and create ‘a boutique resort at a city scale’. I stayed at the Solis Wing, a nine-suite property designed by Madrid-based studio A-cero, where contemporary sculptural forms are carved into the building’s historic Maltese limestone to reflect the idea of ‘excavated architecture’. The new Wing also houses the Solis Pool Club, a panoramic rooftop retreat overlooking the Grand Harbour and Thai restaurant Anaalã by celebrity chef Ian Kittichai. The reimagined ION Harbour by Simon Rogan, Malta’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, has reopened with more intimate interiors and a new menu celebrating local Maltese produce. Other facilities at the hotel include the Essensi Spa, with an underground indoor pool and a gym with advanced equipment like Panatta strength training machines and Woodway treadmills. This year also saw the launch of Within, a longevity and wellbeing ecosystem slated for completion in 2028. It will bring together advanced diagnostics, health assessments, and data-driven wellbeing programmes, integrating spa therapies, nutrition, and medical expertise.

The WTTC Global Summit is the premier gathering of Travel & Tourism CEOs and C-suite executives, bringing together private sector leaders, governments and international organisations to discuss the future of the industry. Its 26th edition, held in Valletta, Malta, welcomed more than 1,000 delegates, including over 200 leading CEOs and government representatives, alongside more than 100 speakers. Notable speakers included Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings, who discussed ‘Developing Destinations for the Future’; Alejandro Reynal, CEO of Four Seasons, who spoke on ‘Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel’; and Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton and former WTTC Chairman, who addressed ‘Where Will Future Growth Come From?’. The 27th Global Summit will take place in India in 2027.

Photos courtesy of Christopher Cauchi, Eric Nathan, Visit Malta, Iniala Valletta