In the middle of winter, leave the frost behind at your windows and head to Malta: here, the thermometer flirts with 20°C, the sky boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine, and the serene cafés welcome you like a regular. Just 2h40 from Paris, its soothing streets whisper centuries of history, while the atmosphere remains gentle, authentic, and delightfully tranquil, far from the crowd.
Set your course for Malta, where winter feels like spring: 20°C on the thermometer, serene cafés for leisurely strolls, soothing streets bathed in sunlight, and a cultural heritage that is breathtaking. Just two hours and forty minutes from Paris, this small archipelago situated between Sicily and North Africa offers a concentrated dose of the Mediterranean: less crowd, more authenticity, a fabulous history, rides in dghajsa, crispy pastizzi, contemporary museums, terraced vineyards, and mythical hotels. Here’s why the island, sweet and bright, is the dream destination for winter.
In mid-January, you settle on a terrace under golden light: here, winter often shows 20°C, and the sun acts like a permanent resident with nearly 300 days of beautiful weather a year. The scenery? A living postcard where we drive on the left (a British heritage), where English shares space with Maltese with Arabic sounds, and where afternoon tea remains an institution as comforting as a ray of sunshine. All this within the tiniest member of the European Union (about 23 km by 16), perfectly sized for wandering leisurely in winter.
Malta is also an immense stage where centuries parade: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Spaniards, French… and of course the Knights of the Order of Malta. From Saint Paul to Napoleon through Caravaggio, all have left delicious scars and baroque jewels. The result: one travels through time without queuing, and savors the archipelago in its essence, far from the summer hustle.
A winter sweetness that lifts your spirits
The magic happens as soon as you land: the sea sparkles, the honey-colored stones warm the gaze, and the air makes you forget scarves and puffer jackets. Just 2h40 from Paris (direct flights from Orly), you switch to slow mode: stroll along the ramparts, enjoy a frothy cappuccino, watch the sunset over the Grand Harbour… Winter, here, rhymes with serenity.
Valletta, baroque in technicolor and cafés where time slows down
You enter the capital through the City Gate reimagined by Renzo Piano, who also designed the neighboring Parliament. You quickly understand why Malta has been nicknamed “the island of 365 churches”: there are actually about 359 on Malta, Gozo, and Comino, all proudly standing and generously decorated. An absolute gem, the Saint John’s Co-Cathedral (1573-1577) displays stunning baroque artistry: mosaic marble floors, painted vaults, sculpted stones… and within the oratory, the monumental Decollation of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio, his largest work and the only one bearing his signature.
After the wonder, a break is a must at Café La Valette (297, Republic Street), a friendly place where Maltese gather to discuss the world over a drink, a game of pool… or a hot tea. Here, the serene cafés truly live up to their name.
Baroque vertigo guaranteed at Saint John’s
Amidst gilding, frescoes, and marble tumult, the co-cathedral dazzles you in the most beautiful way. Take the time to explore chapels and oratories: every nook unveils a knight’s story, a sculpted detail, a light that dances.
Soothing streets: head to Birgu and the Three Cities
From the Barrakka Gardens, the panoramic elevator glides down to the Valletta Waterfront. Then embark on a dghajsa (the local gondola) to cross one of the most beautiful harbors in the world and reach Birgu/Vittoriosa. At sunset, the honey-colored ramparts blaze, and one is left speechless.
In Birgu, you wander through the soothing streets, gaze up at façades adorned with pious images, stop by Birgu Blue for handmade souvenirs, and then bite into a hot pastizzi (ricotta or peas) on a terrace where conversations in Maltese rise. On the other side of the island, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk lines up its colorful luzzu and perfectly complements this slow-paced stroll.
Indulge like the locals, in a slow and savory way
Maltese cuisine mixes Italian, Eastern, and English influences. The national rabbit is prepared in countless ways, just like pasta with bottarga. In the heart of Valletta, Trabuxu offers a warm bistro atmosphere (checkered tablecloths, impeccable linguine) and attracts architects who renovated the Parliament at lunchtime. For a gastronomic elevate, head to ION Harbour, perched on the rooftop of the Iniala hotel and adorned with two Michelin stars: chef Simon Rogan crafts a locavore menu (red snapper, chamomile vinaigrette…) that showcases the archipelago.
Along the waterfront of Vittoriosa, Don Berto serves simple happiness: grilled catch of the day and roasted vegetables that sing of the sun. In short, cuisine that smells of the sea and the sweetness of life.
Contemporary art at MICAS: an open-air cultural bath
Freshly opened, the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) asserts itself as the first national contemporary art museum. Located in the Ospizio from the 17th century in Floriana, facing Valletta’s ramparts, it boasts 1,400 m² of exhibition space and a sculpture park. The inaugural exhibition highlights Joana Vasconcelos, whose Tree of Life, 13 meters tall and woven from over 140,000 leaves, dazzles young and old alike. Address: MICAS, Ospizio Complex, Bieb il-Pulverista, Triq Joseph J Mangion, Floriana, FRN1830.
Terraced vineyards and picnics at Ta’Betta
Just ten minutes from Mdina, the former capital with its silent streets, the Ta’Betta estate unfolds 4 hectares of terraced vineyards amidst olive trees, fig trees, and carob trees. Grapes selected in France, winery with oval concrete tanks, American barrel cellar: the technique is precise, the scenery bucolic. Here, you can taste three cuvées (one Chardonnay and two reds) during a picnic in the vineyards. Contact: Ta’Betta, Taz-Ziri Off Triq Blat Il-Qamar, Girgenti L/O Siggiewi SGW4051. Tel: +356 7977 4477.
Mythical hotels and private palaces: sleep with flair
At the entrance to Valletta, The Phoenicia gazes at the sea and has welcomed the crème de la crème from around the world for decades, from Queen Elizabeth II to the filming crews of Gladiator 2. Art deco rooms, a Spa with a 20-meter indoor pool, and a vast infinity pool in the gardens, panoramic views of the harbor: elegance without pretension. The Mall FRN1478, Floriana. Starting at about €310 for a double room.
For an immersive noble experience, the Palazzo del Prelato (in the heart of Mdina) is available for full rental: 800 m², period furniture, and even a chapel dedicated to Santa Croce. An aristocratic immersion in absolute tranquility. Info: michael_lanfranco@hotmail.com.
Practical info for a sunny winter
Getting there — Transavia connects Paris-Orly to Malta twice a week (Thursday and Sunday) from €57 one-way, with an increase in flights in spring to one flight per day.
Local guide — Passionate about history, Yvette Ellul Falzon offers private tours of Valletta in French. Approximately €30/hour. Tel: +356 79389130.
Shopping — Dive into nostalgia at D’Amato Records Shop (98 Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta) among vinyl and cult CDs. Want handmade leather? Captain’s Cut Leather (68 St Mark Street, Valletta VLT 1363) crafts perfectos, belts, and bags with precision of a goldsmith.
For more information — All practical info and route ideas can be found on the official site: visitmalta.com.
Wishing to prolong travel inspiration
To uncover more secrets of the archipelago, dive into this savvy guide: Discover the secrets of Malta that travel guides don’t reveal. Curious about exploring new ways to travel this winter and beyond? Also read the new trends in tourism. If the call of adventure beckons, head to Central America with wonders and activities in Guatemala, hop on two wheels to admire the landscapes of Creuse by bike, or take the road freely with an RV trip across Europe.
