All About Travel’s Annual Trip Away – This Year: Malta 2026

This year for our annual All About Travel team trip, we headed somewhere completely new for most of us Malta and it’s safe to say the island pleasantly surprised everyone.

Before visiting, we knew Malta for its sunshine and history, but we didn’t quite expect just how much it would pack into such a small destination. From fascinating historical and cultural sights to dramatic coastlines, vibrant nightlife, fantastic food, and plenty of activities, it really offers something for every type of traveller.

Although the weather wasn’t at its sunniest (despite Malta being known for one of Europe’s best year-round climates!), we didn’t let that slow us down and still managed to make the absolute most of our time there.

Exploring the Island

On Sunday, we hired a vintage bus for the day and toured some of Malta’s most iconic spots which turned out to be a real highlight of the trip.

We visited the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, stopped at the Blue Grotto, took in the incredible views at Dingli Cliffs, wandered through the cobbled streets of Mdina (the Silent City), and finished in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage capital, Valletta.

Throughout the day we explored pretty limestone buildings, historic palaces, traditional markets, and stunning sea views at every turn. Malta’s mix of history and scenery makes sightseeing feel effortless — everything is close together, yet each place feels completely different.

Where We Stayed & Hotel Visits

During our stay, we also toured three hotels (including our own base), each offering something slightly different depending on the type of trip you’re planning.

OX ODYCY Malta – Qawra

Recently renovated, this was a fantastic base for exploring the north of the island. The hotel feels modern, fresh and stylish, with multiple pools, great dining options and lovely sea views. It has a relaxed, sociable atmosphere and offers excellent value for money — ideal for couples, friends, families or anyone wanting a trendy stay without the luxury price tag.

DB San Antonio Hotel + Spa – St Paul’s Bay

This popular all-inclusive hotel has a distinctive Moroccan-inspired design and is perfect for guests who want everything taken care of. With extensive dining options, family-friendly facilities, entertainment and a spa, it’s a great stress-free choice, especially for families or those who prefer a full resort experience.

DoubleTree by Hilton Malta – St Paul’s Bay/Qawra

For a slightly more upscale feel, DoubleTree offers the reliable comfort you’d expect from the Hilton brand. Spacious rooms, polished facilities, large pool areas and direct sea access make it a great choice for a relaxed, comfortable stay with a touch more luxury.

Food, Drink & Evenings Out

Of course, no team trip would be complete without sampling plenty of local food.

Across the three nights we tried everything from a cosy gastropub to Indian/Asian cuisine and a traditional Maltese restaurant, all excellent and easy to recommend. We also tasted some local favourites, including Imqaret (a delicious date-filled pastry) and Ftira, a Maltese flatbread that’s somewhere between a pizza and a sandwich.

And yes… we tested the nightlife too! From a quirky Elvis bar to Medusa Sky Lounge and a lively night out in St Julian’s, we were genuinely surprised at how busy it was, even on a Monday night in January.

Our Overall Thoughts

Malta really does have something for everyone. You can easily combine sightseeing with relaxation, making it perfect for both longer holidays and shorter breaks. Valletta alone would make a brilliant city break.

There’s plenty for younger travellers too, with summer festivals, beach clubs and nightlife, while families are well catered for with activity-packed hotels, kids’ clubs and great day trips.

A huge thank you to easyJet holidays and Visit Malta UK for their support in making this trip happen, we loved discovering everything the island has to offer.

If Malta is on your list or you’d like help planning a trip, feel free to get in touch, we’d be happy to chat and share more tips from our experience.