Winter

Sightseeing and walking are at their most comfortable, with clear skies and soft light. This is the perfect season for exploring museums, catacombs and historic houses, or joining local cooking classes in nearby villages.

Winter Sundays offer something distinctly Maltese: horse racing at the Marsa Racecourse. Race meetings typically take place on Sunday afternoons, drawing a loyal local crowd and continuing a tradition that dates back to the British period. It is lively, informal and wonderfully unpolished, a glimpse into everyday Maltese life that visitors rarely see.

Creative pursuits continue year-round, including pottery classes at Villa Bologna Pottery, where guests can learn traditional ceramic painting techniques in the gardens of one of Malta’s most historic estates. These relaxed workshops offer a chance to spend a quiet afternoon working with colour and pattern while engaging with a long tradition of Maltese craftsmanship.

December brings Christmas markets, festive lights and seasonal celebrations across Valletta and Gozo, with streets and squares illuminated and filled with music, food stalls and small artisan markets. The atmosphere is warm and celebratory, offering all the charm of the festive season while Malta’s mild climate allows visitors to enjoy it comfortably outdoors.

January is a cultural highlight with the Valletta Baroque Festival, now in its 14th edition. Over two weeks, historic venues such as St John’s Co-Cathedral and Teatru Manoel host concerts, baroque opera and chamber music, turning Valletta into a living stage.

Winter is a wonderful time to explore Malta’s smaller trattorias and restaurants, when dining moves indoors to cosy rooms and quieter tables. It is also the season to discover hidden countryside spots, where local cooking takes centre stage. Seasonal dishes appear on menus, from slow-cooked stews and baked pasta to fresh citrus, artichokes and early greens, often enjoyed with Maltese wines on cooler evenings.