Recharging Under the Maltese Sun

A 4-Day Break from Riga to Valletta

Sometimes all it takes to feel reset mentally and physically is a short escape. Just four days, a change of scenery, a shift in climate, and your body and mind soften their grip on the everyday stressors. That’s precisely what I experienced during a refreshing mini-break from Riga to Malta, a Mediterranean jewel that offers far more than sun and sea.

Let me take you through this fascinating journey, highlighting why even a brief getaway like this can have long-lasting benefits.

From the Baltic Breeze to the Mediterranean Glow

Leaving Riga behind, with its cooler June winds and long northern daylight, and landing in Valletta under the golden blaze of the Maltese sun, feels almost cinematic. There are direct flights between Riga and Malta, making this destination surprisingly accessible for a long weekend.

The Mediterranean climate welcomes you instantly, dry heat, endless sun, and skies so blue they look retouched. But with this beauty comes a caveat for travelers: hydration is non-negotiable. The sun can be intense from morning till evening, so always carry a reusable water bottle and dress in light, breathable fabrics. Natural linen or technical cotton can be your best travel companions here.

A Glimpse at Malta’s Story and Soul

Malta is not just an island—it’s a historical crossroads of civilizations. Its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean brought Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John, the French, and the British to its shores. Independence came in 1964, and today it’s an EU member with a population of just over 500,000 people.

Valletta, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet it pulses with modern life. English, along with Maltese, is an official language, making everything from ordering coffee to museum visits effortless for international travelers. The island feels welcoming, familiar, yet entirely different.

Valletta: History Woven in Limestone

What strikes you first in Valletta is the honey-colored limestone architecture – uniform yet mesmerizing, casting different shades as the sun moves through the sky. The city is a maze of baroque facades, narrow streets, balconies, and fortress walls that rise proudly from the sea.

As a photography enthusiast, I must admit: Malta is visually rich, but harsh direct sunlight is a challenge. Midday shots tend to be overexposed, with strong shadows. Early mornings and golden hour (just before sunset) are best for capturing the soulful character of the buildings without blowing out the highlights.

Despite its historical importance, Valletta is not expensive, not in the way some Mediterranean cities are. I was positively surprised comparing prices to Riga: meals, cafés, and even handcrafted souvenirs felt reasonably priced. Speaking of which, many of the souvenir shops were tasteful and full of locally made goods, like ceramics, textiles, olive oils – not the usual plastic magnets and factory-made nonsense.

Getting Around: Don’t Drive, Just Tap the App

Here’s one tip I must emphasize: don’t rent a car unless you’re extremely confident. Driving in Malta isn’t impossible, but it’s not pleasant. The roads are narrow, congested, and they drive on the left. Roundabouts require particular attention, and in Valletta, parking is a daily drama.
Instead, download the Bolt app. Taxis are affordable, quick to respond, and stress-free. Distances are short. Malta is no bigger than a medium-sized city, so your transportation costs remain reasonable.

Sliema: Young, Buzzing, and Modern

Across the harbor from Valletta lies Sliema, and while geographically close, it’s a different world. Where Valletta is steeped in history and elegance, Sliema is youthful, lively, and modern. Think rooftop bars, waterfront promenades, cocktail spots filled with international students and travelers in their twenties and thirties.

Here, the vibe is less about cultural immersion and more about celebrating summer. Great, if you want a drink at sunset, people-watching, or simply enjoying a casual vibe that balances out the weight of historical exploration.

Mdina: The Silent City that Whispers Stories

No visit to Malta is complete without stepping into Mdina, the former capital and still one of the most beautiful towns on the island. Enclosed within stone walls, Mdina is known as the “Silent City”, and the name fits. Cars are mostly banned inside, which lets you wander cobbled streets in quiet reverence.

You’ll want to visit:

St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Mdina Gate, famously featured in Game of Thrones
Panoramic viewpoints offering countryside and sea in one frame

Even in the bright sunlight, Mdina feels dreamlike, like walking through a well-preserved Renaissance painting.

 

The Mosta Dome: A Short, Worthwhile Stop

On our way back toward the coast, we made a brief but memorable visit to the Mosta Dome, officially the Rotunda of Mosta. This grand church boasts one of the largest unsupported domes in Europe, and during WWII, a bomb fell through the dome during Mass but didn’t explode. Locals consider it a miracle, and you can see a replica of the bomb inside the church.

Even if you’re not religious, the architecture and calm grandeur of the place makes it worth a short stop.

The Beauty of a Short Break

Four days might sound brief, but Malta proves that a short vacation can still feel deep and meaningful. From sun-drenched architecture and ancient streets to fresh sea air and Mediterranean cuisine, this escape rejuvenated my senses.

Sometimes wellness isn’t about luxury spas or weeks off-grid. Sometimes it’s about breaking routine, changing latitude, and letting new textures, tastes, and temperatures wash over you. Malta did all that for me, and more – in just four days.