Per the most recent statistics by Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), only 2 to 3% of tourists visiting Malta are U.S. citizens. What was once a small and often overlooked country with a mixed reputation, Malta is now emerging as a luxury travel destination — and more U.S. citizens are catching on. With various 5-star, boutique, and luxury hotels, fewer crowds than other European destinations, and opportunities for both luxury adventure travelers and relaxation-focused travelers, Malta is now turning into a spot worth adding to your bucket list. Here’s why Malta is the perfect European destination for American travelers to set their sights on next.
Boutique and luxury hotels
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
If you’re coming all the way from the U.S to visit Malta (no direct flights available), it’s only fair that you’ll have high expectations for your accommodations. Malta has over 15 5-star hotels on the main island and several on the island of Gozo, giving luxury travelers a great selection of stunning places to stay. I stayed at the renowned The Phoenicia Malta, a stunning high-end hotel with a rich history in Malta.
Beyond its stunning facade, U.S. travelers seeking an elegant getaway can enjoy a relaxing stay without even leaving the property. From the luxury spa to the serene gardens, to the elegant dining options and infinity pool on the property, hotels like this prove that the rumors around Malta simply aren’t true.
Less crowded than other European destinations
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
To me, visiting Malta felt like a “hidden gem” no one was talking about. U.S. travelers notoriously visit popular European destinations in the summer — like the Amalfi Coast, Santorini, or Rome. Though Malta was still plenty busy, it felt less crowded and hectic than other major travel destinations attracting U.S. tourists in the summer. Though the streets of Valletta were plenty vibrant, it wasn’t to the point where you couldn’t walk (think Sorrento or Positano in the summer). It almost feels like a best-kept secret I want to share, yet also want to keep to myself.
Top-tier dining
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
Malta also felt like a foodie’s paradise, offering a broad selection of cuisines from all around the world. From Michelin star restaurants like Legligin Restaurant serving Maltese cuisine to signature dining spots like Contessa, there’s no shortage of excellent places to dine and drink while visiting Malta. For an island that’s so small (it’s 122 square miles), I found myself surprised at the diversity in cuisine available. As you walk through the streets of Valletta (Malta’s capital city), you’ll find everything from Chinese to Indian to Italian cuisine. The Is-Suq Tal-Belt (Valletta Food Market) is also a great place to get a little taste of international cuisine, something that would appeal to food-focused travelers.
The bar and wine scene is also vibrant in Malta, with opportunities for outdoor, rooftop bars to artisan art-inspired cocktail bars. Wine-focused travelers will also want to check out a tour of Marsovin, one of Malta’s oldest and most respected wineries.
Opportunities for adventure
Emily Caldwell / The Manual
No matter what type of traveler you are, Malta is a destination worth putting on the map. Malta’s rich history and many fortifications will appeal to history and learning-centered travelers. Meanwhile, adventure travelers can participate in the exploration of Malta’s sister islands, Gozo and Comino, where there are many grottos to discover.
Whether you want to go on a day-long boat adventure or just bake in the sun on a beach all day, Malta is a well-rounded European destination that offers a little something for everyone. From beaches like Ramla Bay to cities like Mdina and Valletta, Malta felt like the best of both worlds for both adventure and relaxation-focused travelers.