Discovering Malta, a Budget-Friendly European City

A spa day in the UK can cost £150 or more.

I found a great deal in Malta, with a £40 flight from London and a coffee in a historic square.

Malta is a popular destination for British holidaymakers, but it's not as well-known for weekend getaways.

People often visit Lisbon, Barcelona, and Rome, but Malta has over 300 days of sunshine per year.

I spent three days in Malta and found it offers a great combination of city, beach, and history without needing a lot of planning.

Malta is a small island, making it easy to get around without getting lost.

Most attractions are close together, and the capital, Valletta, is easy to explore on foot.

Staying in Sliema can be more affordable than Valletta, and the ferry ride is just a few euros.

The ferry ride to Valletta is like approaching a giant sandcastle.

Many attractions in Malta are free, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens with its great views.

The Saluting Battery is a daily event where cannons are fired at 12pm and 4pm.

I enjoyed the Saluting Battery, but it's very loud and feels like a substitute for checking your phone.

The Saluting Battery is a remarkable custom, but you can forget it's happening and still be surprised.

The Baroque interior of St John's Co-Cathedral is breathtaking, with 24-carat gold leaf.

Valletta's streets are narrow, with balconies and washing lines, making it feel like a real community.

Locals use the sea as a public bath, and stone ledges replace sand.

People swim in the Mediterranean without sunbeds or umbrellas, and it works well.

Malta feels like a part of Britain that was left behind, with English as an official language.

Red phone boxes and Marks and Spencer stores are still found in Malta.

I visited the local Marks and Spencer and found they didn't have some traditional British items.

Malta's food scene is a mix of Italian, North African, and British influences.

St Lucia Street is a great example of Malta's atmosphere, with its stepped alley and restaurants.

At night, St Lucia Street becomes a lively dining area with tables on the stone steps.

I had a great meal at Taste, with an Aperol Spritz and rigatoni, for €25.

For a deeper look at Malta's history, I visited Caffe Cordina, a historic cafe.

Caffe Cordina has been serving Malta since 1837, when the family emigrated from Italy.

The family's history is interesting, with their shop being demolished by a German bomb in WWII.

The bomb led to the family rebuilding and creating the cafe in its current location.

The cafe's owner, Luca Cordina, said the bomb was the best thing that happened to them.

Luca's grandfather, Cesare, had faith in the location and said, 'When the sun rises, it warms everyone'.

Caffe Cordina has hosted many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles.

I enjoyed a coffee and traditional ricotta pastizzi at Caffe Cordina for €5.70.

My other favorite lunch spot was in Mdina, the former capital, which is very peaceful.

Mdina is known as the Silent City, and it's a great contrast to busy cities like London.

The rooftop terrace of the Fontanella Tea Garden has great views of the city.

Mdina is surrounded by historic fortifications, but it's easy to visit today.

Three days in Malta was enough time to experience the main areas without feeling rushed.

May is a great time to visit Malta, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Malta is suitable for couples or solo travelers who want to experience different things without hassle.

Flights from London to Malta can be very affordable, with prices starting at £40 one way.

My total trip cost was less than £295, which is a great value.

Approximate combined total: £295

Follow Lucy's travels on social media.

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