Golden Stone & Azure Seas: A Mother-Daughter Escape to Magical Malta

We arrived in the late afternoon, just as the sun began to dip, casting a golden hue over Valletta’s honey-colored buildings. The city shimmered with quiet elegance, like it had been waiting patiently for us to arrive. There’s a calm beauty to Valletta—timeless and unhurried that gently pulls you in.

Valletta from the boat

Our home base was in nearby Sliema, at The Waterfront Hotel, a well-located four-star property set along the lively promenade. The views across the harbor were stunning, and with public transport just steps away, it served as the perfect starting point for each day’s adventure.

Sliema Marina

The next morning, we stepped out into a city bathed in early light. Narrow, timeworn streets twisted between golden facades and balconies dressed in color. In that moment, it became clear: Malta is where history and modern life live side by side, effortlessly intertwined. Every stone seemed to hold a story. And I knew—this was a place I’d come back to.

Each day began with the scent of salt on the breeze and the gentle rhythm of fishing boats rocking in the harbor. Across the bay, Valletta slowly woke, its skyline glowing softly in the morning sun. It felt cinematic, like we were walking through the pages of a travel novel.

Exploring Valletta was like stepping into a beautifully preserved time capsule. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is layered with history—its steep streets, colorful balconies, and quiet courtyards offer discovery around every corner. One of the most fascinating stops was Fort St. Elmo & the National War Museum. Perched on the edge of Valletta, this impressive fort played a pivotal role in the Great Siege of 1565, and today it houses a captivating museum dedicated to Malta's military history. Standing inside its stone walls, looking out at the harbor, you can almost feel the weight of centuries of conflict, resilience, and pride.

View from Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum

We ended the day with an early dinner at Grana Cucina, where every dish tasted like a love letter to Malta’s culinary roots. But the highlight of our time in the capital was St. John’s Co-Cathedral, a breathtaking masterpiece of gold, marble, and centuries-old reverence. The silence inside held weight, and for a moment, time seemed to stop.

Another memorable moment of our trip was a private boat tour of Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. As we glided through quiet inlets, our skipper shared stories of the Knights of St. John, whispered legends, and Malta’s layered past. The sea sparkled like glass beneath us, while the skyline of domes, bastions, and bell towers unfolded like a living postcard.

On another day, we ventured inland to Mdina, the Silent City. Enclosed by stone walls and untouched by time, it was hauntingly still and undeniably beautiful. From the ancient ramparts, we could see the island stretch toward the sea in every direction—golden, green, and dotted with olive trees. We stopped at Coogi’s Restaurant & Tea Garden, a hidden gem with a rooftop terrace and gluten-free menu, perfect for a quiet midday pause.

But it was our visit to Gozo that truly captured my heart. We boarded the ferry from Valletta—just a 45-minute ride—and spent the day chasing hidden coves, swimming in the turquoise waters of Ramla Bay, and savoring a slow, scenic lunch perched on the cliffs. Gozo felt like Malta’s gentler, more rustic soul. Greener, quieter, and more peaceful, it was a place that calms you in ways you didn’t know you needed.

Cathedral of the Assumption, Gozo

Gozo, Malta

And then there was the food. As a pescatarian, I was in absolute heaven. Every meal felt like a celebration of flavor and simplicity—grilled fish fresh from the sea, rich tomato-based stews, olives bursting with brine, crumbly local cheeses, and warm, crusty Maltese bread. One of the most memorable meals was in Marsaxlokk, a charming fishing village that feels untouched by time. We ate at a small family-run spot—no frills, just warmth, and food that felt like it was made with love.

Malta is a land of contrasts—ancient and modern, rugged and refined, vibrant yet deeply serene. It’s a place that rewards the curious and invites you to slow down, to wander, and to notice.
I arrived with few expectations, just the hope of sharing a beautiful trip with my mom. I left with a full heart, a sun-kissed soul, and a promise to return.

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