24 hours in Malta in winter

Malta in winter is full of surprises. The Mediterranean still catches the sunshine and Valletta's honey-coloured streets make an excellent setting for a day of discovery. There are clifftop walks with extraordinary sea views, centuries-old theatres, independent designers and enough Maltese food traditions to keep even the most dedicated explorer happily distracted. December adds Christmas markets and festive celebrations to the mix, but the island's quieter pleasures extend well beyond the holiday season. If you have just 24 hours in Malta, there's a remarkable amount to uncover.

At Corinthia Palace, the experience begins somewhere rather special. Set in San Anton, beside the gardens of the Presidential Palace, this is where the Corinthia story began. The hotel has grown around the historic Villa Corinthia, combining the charm of a Maltese country residence with contemporary suites, gardens, excellent dining and the restorative pleasures of Athenaeum Spa. Its central location also makes an excellent starting point for exploring both Malta's historic cities and its wilder countryside. 

8am -  A gentle start at Corinthia Palace

Begin with breakfast in the comfort of your room or suite, where soft Mediterranean tones and garden views set the scene for a leisurely morning. The Grand Deluxe Room's private balcony is a tempting spot for a first coffee, while the hotel's suites offer generous space to settle in before the day's adventures.

For those who prefer to begin the day moving, Reflex Fitness offers a programme of exercise classes alongside its gym facilities. Alternatively, step into the hotel gardens for a morning stroll, or wander towards neighbouring San Anton Gardens, one of Malta's most established green spaces.

There's a good reason to spend a little time here. San Anton Gardens developed around the palace that became the official residence of Malta's President, and their shaded paths, mature trees and ornamental planting offer a quieter introduction to the island than its more familiar coastal scenery. 

10am – Two ways to discover Malta in winter 

Option 1: Valletta, beyond the obvious 

Take the hotel's complimentary transfer to Valletta, a capital whose modest size conceals an astonishing concentration of history. Built by the Knights of St John following the Great Siege of 1565, the city is laid out in a grid of streets that run towards the sea, with grand Baroque buildings standing alongside narrow lanes and traditional wooden balconies.

Leave the busiest thoroughfares behind and explore Triq id-Dejqa, or Strait Street. Once famous for its lively nightlife and entertainment venues, it has reinvented itself as a place for independent businesses, restaurants and creative spaces. Browse The Vintage Collection for distinctive vintage fashion or seek out Vallettina Atelier for a contemporary take on boutique shopping.

Continue towards Old Theatre Street, where the city's cultural history comes into focus. This is the address of Teatru Manoel, one of Europe's oldest working theatres, built in the 18th century to entertain the Knights of St John. Its founder, Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, believed the city needed somewhere respectable for recreation. Nearly three centuries later, the theatre is still fulfilling the brief.

If you're visiting in December, Valletta's Christmas celebrations bring another dimension to the city, with festive installations, entertainment and seasonal activities. Fairyland – Santa's City has also become a popular festive attraction, with market stalls and fairground rides. Check the confirmed dates for your visit, as these experiences are seasonal rather than winter-long. 

Option 2: The wild beauty of Dingli Cliffs 

For a completely different morning, head west towards Dingli Cliffs, where Malta's landscape opens out towards the Mediterranean.

The cliffs rise to some of the island's highest points, offering sweeping views of the sea and, on a clear day, the tiny uninhabited islet of Filfla offshore. Winter is an especially rewarding time to explore the countryside, when seasonal rain brings fresh greenery to a landscape that can appear almost sun-bleached in summer.

Follow the paths towards the small Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, perched close to the clifftop. Its modest proportions are striking against the vastness of the surrounding landscape. This is a place to appreciate Malta's quieter side, with little to distract from the sea, the sky and the changing colours of the countryside.

The weather deserves respect here. Strong winds can make the exposed cliffs unsuitable for a walk, so it's worth checking conditions with the Concierge before setting off. 

1pm – A taste of Malta 

Option 1: Lunch behind the walls of Mdina 

Continue to Mdina, Malta's former capital, where narrow streets and imposing palaces sit behind ancient fortified walls. Known as the Silent City, it has a character quite unlike Valletta's lively waterfront capital.

At The Medina Restaurant, lunch is served in the historic surroundings of a converted Norman residence, with stone arches and an intimate courtyard setting that suit the city's atmosphere.

This is an opportunity to explore Maltese cooking, shaped by centuries of Mediterranean exchange. Look out for seasonal dishes that draw on the island's agricultural traditions, from rabbit and slow-cooked meats to local vegetables and fresh seafood. Ask the team about the day's specialities rather than assuming a fixed menu.

Afterwards, spend a little time exploring Mdina itself. Its narrow lanes conceal elaborate doorways, small chapels and beautifully preserved stonework, while the bastions offer far-reaching views across the island. 

During the festive season, continue into neighbouring Rabat to experience Natalis Notabilis, a much-loved Christmas village that brings the town to life with festive stalls, decorations, local crafts and seasonal treats. 

Option 2: A private tasting at Ta' Betta Wine Estates 

For a more intimate introduction to Malta's landscape, arrange a private visit to Ta' Betta Wine Estates near Siġġiewi. Malta's winemaking story is far older than many visitors realise. The island's Mediterranean climate, limestone-rich landscape and long agricultural history have shaped a distinctive wine culture, with local grape varieties such as Ġellewża and Girgentina offering an alternative to more familiar international grapes.

At Ta' Betta, a guided visit and tasting offer an opportunity to understand how the estate approaches Maltese winemaking. Rather than rushing through a conventional lunch, this is a chance to spend time among the vineyards, learn about the wines and appreciate the countryside that produces them. Visits must be arranged in advance, and the Concierge can help coordinate the experience with the rest of the day. 

3pm – Afternoon tea where the Corinthia story began 

Return to Corinthia Palace for afternoon tea at Villa Corinthia, the historic building at the heart of the hotel. This 19th-century villa is much more than a beautiful setting. It was here that the Pisani family's hospitality venture began, laying the foundations for the international Corinthia brand. 

Taking afternoon tea within its walls brings a little of that history into the present. The experience is traditional in the best sense, with delicate sandwiches, freshly prepared pastries, warm scones and a choice of teas. For something celebratory, add a glass of prosecco. On the first three Saturdays of December, our afternoon tea adds a festive touch to the experience, accompanied by live entertainment in the elegant surroundings of the villa.  

4.30pm – A little time for yourself at Athenaeum Spa 

After a day of exploring, Athenaeum Spa offers a welcome change of pace. Begin with a swim in the indoor pool before making time for the adults-only Vitality Suite, with its thermal and hydrotherapy experiences. The combination of warmth, water and a quieter atmosphere is particularly welcome after a morning on the cliffs or several hours navigating Malta's historic streets.

For a more indulgent experience, ask the spa team about its current treatment menu. A personalised massage or body treatment can be arranged to complement the facilities, with advance booking recommended. The spa's indoor setting makes it a natural part of a winter itinerary, when a little time devoted to wellbeing feels especially rewarding.

7.30pm onwards – A night at the theatre in Valletta 

At Teatru Manoel, the building is almost as compelling as the performance. Commissioned by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena and opened in 1732, its intimate auditorium, gilded ornamentation and tiers of boxes are a remarkable survival from the age of the Knights of St John. Above the entrance, a Latin inscription dedicates the theatre to the honest recreation of the people. It's a charmingly formal way of saying that everyone deserves a good night out.

The winter programme brings an opportunity to experience this historic setting as it was intended: with a live audience and a stage full of activity. Depending on your dates, the season may include drama, classical music, ballet and family performances. Around Christmas, look out for the Nutcracker (6 – 8 December) and numerous pantomimes, a much-loved Christmas tradition in Malta. After the curtain falls, continue the evening over dinner in Valletta.

At The Harbour Club, the Grand Harbour provides a dramatic backdrop to contemporary dining. NONI offers a more intimate experience, with inventive cuisine that draws on Maltese ingredients and the island's culinary heritage. For a longstanding Valletta favourite, Rubino is known for traditional Maltese and Mediterranean cooking in an unpretentious setting.

Whichever you choose, reserve in advance and allow the performance to determine your dinner time. In a city as compact as Valletta, the evening's pleasures are close together, but a little planning makes all the difference.

11pm – A final toast at Caprice Lounge 

Back at Corinthia Palace, end the evening at Caprice Lounge. Open until late, it's an inviting place for a final drink before retiring upstairs. The lounge's musical programme brings an extra sense of occasion on selected evenings, with live piano performances adding to the atmosphere. Choose a favourite nightcap, settle into a comfortable corner and enjoy the pleasure of returning to somewhere familiar after a full day of discovery.

The final stop of the evening is perhaps the simplest pleasure of all: returning to the comfort of your newly refurbished room at Corinthia Palace. After a day of exploring, indulging in local cuisine and enjoying the season's festivities, retreat to a peaceful night's sleep and let the Palace be your quiet haven until morning.

The next morning – Malta's creative side, close to home 

Before leaving Corinthia Palace, take time to explore one of Malta's most distinctive craft addresses, practically on the hotel's doorstep.

Villa Bologna Pottery in Attard is part of a longstanding tradition of Maltese ceramic-making. Established in the early 20th century, its workshop produces colourful hand-painted tableware and decorative pieces that combine Mediterranean motifs with a distinctive local personality. The workshop occupies former stables within the historic Villa Bologna estate, and visitors can discover the processes behind the finished pieces, from painting and glazing to the craftsmanship that makes each object individual.

For a more personal souvenir, browse the collection of plates, bowls and decorative ceramics. The designs are cheerful, distinctive and unmistakably Mediterranean, a fitting reminder of the island long after the holiday has ended.

If fashion is more your style, Malta has an equally interesting creative scene. Charles & Ron draw on the island's architecture, culture and Mediterranean identity in their collections, while Stephen Cordina Aroma & Therapy explores Maltese-inspired fragrances and scents.

For something entirely bespoke, ask the Concierge about arranging a visit to Azzopardi Studio or discovering the leather accessories and commissions available from Captain's Cut Leather.

Malta's craftsmanship tells a story that extends far beyond its historic monuments. Sometimes the most satisfying way to take a little of a destination home is to choose something made by the people who know it best.