Looking back at my travel archives, one trip consistently stands out for its perfect blend of history, sun, and simplicity: my short but sweet escape to Malta in May 2018. If you’ve never been, May is the “sweet spot”—the Mediterranean sun is glowing, but the scorching heat of July hasn’t quite arrived yet.

I spent most of my time exploring Valletta and Sliema entirely on foot, which is truly the only way to experience the soul of these two coastal gems.

Valletta: A Living Museum
Stepping into Valletta, Malta’s capital, felt like walking onto a movie set. Every street is a postcard. Since I was exploring on foot, I started at the City Gate and worked my way through the grid-like limestone streets.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Don’t let the plain exterior fool you. Inside, it is a Baroque explosion of gold and intricate marble. Seeing Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in person was a highlight I still talk about today.

Upper Barrakka Gardens: This was my favorite spot for a “breather.” The panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities is unmatched. If you time it right (noon or 4 PM), you can watch the Saluting Battery fire its cannon
Republic Street & Merchant Street: These are the heart of the city. I spent hours wandering past the iconic colorful Maltese balconies, popping into tiny pastizzerias for a €0.50 pastizz (the ultimate flaky pastry snack).

Sliema: The Waterfront Vibe
While Valletta is steeped in history, Sliema offers a more modern, energetic pulse. I took the ferry from Valletta to Sliema—a quick, breezy 10-minute ride that gives you the best skyline views of the capital.
The Sliema Promenade: This 3km stretch of waterfront is a pedestrian’s dream. I walked from Tigné Point all the way to St. Julian’s. The path is lined with benches, kiosks, and people simply enjoying the sea air.
Tigné Point: For the photographers out there, this is where you get that shot—the one where Valletta’s dome and spires look like they are floating on the water.

Independence Gardens: Known locally as the “Cat Park,” this is a quirky little green space right by the water, home to dozens of very well-fed local cats and a giant colorful cat statue. It’s the perfect place to sit with a coffee and people-watch.
The “Roman Baths”: Along the rocky coastline, you’ll see rectangular pools carved directly into the stone. Though actually Victorian, they are a beautiful place to dip your toes in the crystal-clear Mediterranean.

Why May 2018 Was Perfect
Malta in May felt like a secret I was lucky to be in on. The bougainvillea was in full bloom, draping purple flowers over every limestone wall, and the breeze off the harbor kept the long walks comfortable.
Even though it was a short trip, the compact nature of Valletta and Sliema meant I didn’t feel like I missed out. I left with salt in my hair, a slight tan, and a deep appreciation for this tiny island nation.