Fortresses & Footsteps: A Solo Traveller’s Guide to the Wonders of Malta

Is Malta safe for solo travel? Absolutely, Malta is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe for solo travellers, featuring low crime rates and an English-speaking population. Reliable public transport makes it easy to navigate the island on your own.

Update April 2025

Waking Up on Melita Street in Valletta. Opening the traditional wooden Maltese balcony windows to the morning sun, I could get used to this. The smell of pastizzi from the local bakery and the distant echo of church bells; breathe and just take it all in. Renting a small studio flat on Melita Street for me was the ultimate basecamp. Central enough to walk everywhere, yet tucked away from the main tourist drag of Republic Street.  Walk south down Melita Street, take a right past the stately buildings of the Auberges, and emerge through the modern City Gate at the Triton Fountain. (Less than a 10-minute walk) You are next to the bus station.

Walk East from Melita St down to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, take the panoramic lift to the waterfront and the Grand Harbour. Not far from the lift is the terminal for the high-speed catamaran to Gozo. Only a 45-minute trip and a good day out.

An easy Journey for the solo traveller by Catamaran and bus from Valletta.

On Gozo, the Citadel in Victoria is one of the island’s highlights and well worth making time for. Set high above the town, it offers sweeping views across the island and a real sense of Gozo’s history. Walking through its narrow streets and along the ancient fortifications gives you a feel for a place that has stood at the centre of island life for centuries. It is a peaceful spot to slow down, take in the scenery, and appreciate the quieter charm that makes Gozo so appealing.

Take the time to visit the Cathedral of the Assumption at the centre of the Citadel, a historical wonder and a must-see.

Take the Bus from Valletta bus station straight to Mdina and Rabat. A perfect day out!

Mdina: A day trip to Mdina is easy to arrange using Malta’s bus network, which is a practical and affordable way to get around the island. If you are planning several journeys, a bus pass is very good value and saves the hassle of paying each time separately. I honestly recommend you get one. A bus pass can be purchased at the bus station just outside

Valletta, near City Gate, left of the Triton Fountain. Taking the bus makes Mdina simple to reach without needing a car, and it gives you a more relaxed way to see the island. I found the town of Rabat just opposite Mdina well worth visiting; here you will find the Basilica of St Paul and the catacombs. And for a treat, nearby, Parruccan's bakery has wonderful first-class cannoli and many other delicious offerings too numerous to mention.

Just a bus ride and a walk through the city gateway. It couldn't be easier.

Birgu and Fort St Angelo: One of my favourite ways to spend a few hours in Malta was wandering through Birgu, a bus ride away from Valletta. Here, the pace is slower and the atmosphere more lived-in than in some of the busier parts of the island. As one of the Three Cities, it has a timeless charm, with narrow streets, old stone buildings, and a waterfront that invites you to slow down and take it all in. A visit to the Inquisitor’s Palace adds an

intriguing layer to the experience, while Fort St Angelo brings a real sense of Malta’s history and strategic past. Exploring the fort, the palace, and the streets around Birgu felt like stepping back through layers of the island’s story, and the views across the Grand Harbour make it all the more memorable. There is a lot to see, and I have by no means covered it all in this article. For sure, Malta did not disappoint, and the people I met were friendly and helpful. I honestly cannot recommend Malta enough; the island has a lot to offer, and I know you will love its charm and historic vibes just as I did.