Malta — Travelrags

National GeographicSep 2, 2026

These Are the 20 Best New Hotels in the World

From a reimagined 18th-century villa in Malta to a mountain paradise near Yellowstone National Park, these just-opened and reopened hotels are unique, chic, and guaranteed to be worth the journey.

23 things in this story

One&Only Moonlight BasinHotelBig Sky, United Statesalpine retreat near Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky ResortSightBig Sky, United Statesprivate gondola takes guests to slopes
Lee Metcalf WildernessTrailBig Sky, United Stateshorseback riding nearby
Harbor House InnHotelElk, United Stateshistoric property on Highway 1 in Elk
Akira BackRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesMichelin-starred, known for wagyu and sushi
Jean-Michel Cousteau ResortHotelSavusavu, Fijiconservation retreat on Vanua Levu
Koroi Forest CampHotelArusha, Tanzanialodge in Arusha National Park
AirellesHotelVenice, ItalyFrench luxury hotel brand in Venice
Guerlain spaSightVenice, Italylargest spa in Venice, 18,300 square feet
Lee’s PoolsSightBig Sky, United Statespaddleboarding and fly-fishing at resort
MoonshackRestaurantBig Sky, United Statesspeakeasy-style cabin serving top-shelf whiskeys
Greenwood CoveSightElk, United Statesseals, sea lions, otters seen here
Château la CommaraineHotelPommard, Francewine estate in Burgundian village of Pommard
Clos de la Commaraine vineyardSightPommard, Franceprized premier cru monopole, nine acres
Auprès du ClocherRestaurantPommard, FranceMichelin-starred restaurant steps away
Caiman, PantanalHotelPantanal, Brazileco-resort near world's largest tropical wetland
Casa CaimanHotelPantanal, Brazilconverted farmhouse, main lodge with 18 rooms
Villa BaiazinhaHotelPantanal, Brazilprivate six-room stay
Villa CordilheiraHotelPantanal, Brazilexclusive seven-room option
OnçafariPlacePantanal, Brazilconservation project guests can see work
Instituto Arara AzulPlacePantanal, BrazilHyacinth Macaw Institute, conservation project
Coral SandsHotelHarbour Island, Bahamasbeachfront inn with cottages on Harbour Island
The Pink MermaidRestaurantHarbour Island, BahamasItalian fare with Caribbean twist

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Lonely PlanetSep 1

12 Months of Offseason Travel: Where to Go in Each Month of the Year

Discover 12 destinations to enjoy in the offseason, one for every month of the year, for fewer crowds, better value and more authentic travel.

23 things in this story

Riverside MuseumMuseumGlasgow, United KingdomIt forms part of the Glasgow Harbour regeneration project.
Wrigley FieldSightChicago, United Statesbaseball game at the very end of March
Torres del Paine National ParkSightPuerto Natales, Chileeasier to book accommodations in early fall
Willis TowerSightChicago, United Statesviews from the tower
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and MuseumMuseumGlasgow, United KingdomIt is located in Kelvingrove Park in the West End of the city.
Bunk'ArtMuseumTirana, Albaniatwo underground bunkers turned galleries
Sheshi SkënderbejSightTirana, Albaniacity's top attractions are centered around this square
Mt DajtiSightTirana, Albaniapeak is accessible via a scenic 15-minute cable car
Dajti ExpressPlaceTirana, Albaniascenic 15-minute cable car to Mt Dajti peak
Mt Dajti National ParkSightTirana, Albaniaroad to the park is not smooth
Union Oyster HouseRestaurantBoston, United Statescoveted restaurant for old Boston charm
Hotel NizaHotelSan Sebastián, Spainwaterfront accommodations with dropped room rates in winter
Día de San SebastiánFestivalSan Sebastián, Spainvibrant street celebrations on January 20
St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, Maltasee a painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio
The PhoeniciaHotelValletta, Maltadancing spot for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Stash CaféRestaurantMontreal, Canadahearty meal of Polish pierogi, schnitzel and apple cake
Padang PadangSightDenpasar, Indonesialegendary location for good surf on the east coast
Chicago RiverSightChicago, United Statesdyed green on St Patrick's Day
Monte AlbánSightOaxaca, Mexicoancient site that feels magical at sunset
Glasgow CathedralPlace of worshipGlasgow, United KingdomIt was the cathedral church of the Archbishop of Glasgow, and the mother church of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the…
The Clydeside DistilleryRestaurantGlasgow, United Kingdomwhisky tasting
Fort St ElmoSightValletta, Malta
National War MuseumMuseumValletta, Malta

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AfarAug 24

The Mediterranean Island Group With Sea Caves and Village Festivals

Island-hop through Malta’s living traditions, renowned collections, historic waterfronts, and the turquoise waters of Comino—all easily connected via inter-island ferries.

19 things in this story

Dingli CliffsTrailDingli, MaltaCountry's highest point, great for sunset strolls.
Mnajdra TemplesSightZurrieq, MaltaSee sunrise through ancient doorway during equinoxes.
Grand Master’s PalaceMuseumValletta, MaltaHalls host concerts, workshops, and art exhibitions.
Fort St. AngeloSightVittoriosa, MaltaHosts fitness classes like yoga.
Metropolitan Cathedral MuseumMuseumMdina, MaltaBoasts rare manuscripts and baroque art.
MUŻARestaurantValletta, MaltaNational community art museum with over 20,000 artworks.
MICASMuseumFloriana, MaltaContemporary arts space with interactive workshops.
Xagħra Fig FestivalFestivalXagħra, MaltaTakes over the square in this hilltop Gozo town.
Nadur carnivalFestivalNadur, MaltaSpontaneous carnival with fancy dress.
Malta International Fireworks FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaIlluminates skies over two weekends in April.
Valletta Baroque FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaFeatures classical concerts and vocal performances.
Mighty Hoopla MaltaFestivalValletta, MaltaCelebrates queer culture with international performers.
DefectedFestivalValletta, MaltaFour-day house music festival.
Crystal LagoonSightComino, MaltaGin-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
Santa Marija CavesSightComino, MaltaMultilayered caves for certified scuba divers.
P31 patrol boatAttractionComino, MaltaFormer minesweeper scuttled as an artificial reef.
Wied il-GħasriAttractionGħarb, MaltaEminently photogenic, deep-cut valley.
Wied il-MielaħSightGħarb, MaltaWind-cut slabs.
Popeye VillageTheme parkMellieħa, MaltaFilm set from Robert Altman's 1980 comedy.

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 20

5 Exciting Hotel Openings on the Mediterranean Coast That Are a Design Lover's Dream

The most exciting hotels opening in Southern Europe put local heritage and artisanship first.

14 things in this story

Casa BonavitaHotel18th-century palazzo with jasmine and bougainvillea gardens.
Villa BolognaGardenHand-painted pottery from nearby ceramics studio.
Elsewhere
Zannier Île de BendorHotelBendor, France17-acre private island retreat on the Côte d'Azur.
Franc 1884PlaceBendor, FranceOlfactory maison for lavender spindle workshops.
LuuraHotelParos, GreeceAdults-only, all-suite property on Paros's west coast.
Maria EconomidesPlaceParos, GreeceLeads ceramics workshop where guests make pieces.
Vestige BinidufàHotelMenorca, Spain11-room Menorcan hideaway on nearly 2,000 acres.
Sai CeramicsPlaceMenorca, SpainSpanish studio created sculptural ginkgo tree wall piece.
MesuraRestaurantMenorca, SpainPlant-forward restaurant with sculptural wall art.
Villa San Michele, A Belmond HotelHotelFlorence, Italy15th-century monastery in the Florentine hills.
Bianco BianchiPlaceFlorence, ItalyAtelier creates colorful coffee tables with scagliola plaster.
Elena CarozziPlaceFlorence, ItalyMilanese artist created fresco of surrounding landscape.
De Marés StudioPlaceMenorca, Spain
Villa San Michele Spa by GuerlainSightFlorence, Italy

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Atlas ObscuraAug 17

15 Best Places to Experience Bioluminescence

The humble glow worm is, in fact, a catchall term for numerous glowing creatures, from gnat larvae to fire flys to algae, that can be found all over the world. These tiny critters illuminate the night through bioluminescence, a process in which light is emitted by internal chemical reactions. Bioluminescence has evolved independently in over 90 different species, first emerging some 540 million…

15 sights in this story

Waipu CavesSightWaipu, New ZealandLesser-known alternative to Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Glowworm TunnelSightHelensburgh, AustraliaGlowworms settled in on the roof, illuminating the air.
Sea of StarsSightVaadhoo, MaldivesPhytoplankton called Lingulodinium polyedrum move with waves.
Synchronous Fireflies of the Great Smoky MountainsSightGatlinburg, United StatesRare breed of firefly, P. carolinus, flashes in unison.
Newnes Glow Worm TunnelSightPutty, AustraliaSandstone tunnel reclaimed by Arachnocampa richardsae larvae.
Bloody Bay Coral WallSightLittle Cayman, Cayman IslandsCoral wall home to microscopic bioluminescent creatures.
Blue Ghost FirefliesSightHendersonville, United StatesFlightless females glow and streak through the sky.
Glistening WatersSightFalmouth, JamaicaAgitation produces a strange and beautiful blue-green light.
Kampung Kuantan Fireflies ParkSightBestari Jaya, MalaysiaTens of thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison.
Glowing Millipedes of Sequoia National ParkSightThree Rivers, United StatesMotyxia millipedes use bioluminescence as a warning.
Gippsland Lakes BioluminescenceSightRaymond Island, AustraliaAlgae bloom of Noctiluca Scintillans visible at night.
The Firefly Squid of Toyama BaySightNamerikawa, JapanWatasenia scintillans light up like blue glow sticks.
Waitomo Glowworm CavesAttractionWaitomo, New ZealandThousands of bioluminescent larvae create starlike lights.
The Milky SeasSightSomaliaOcean area glows due to bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio harveyi.
Dismals CanyonSightPhil Campbell, United StatesCanyon lights up with hundreds of bioluminescent gnat larvae.

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Atlas ObscuraAug 11

19 Creepy Catacombs Around the World You Can Visit

Catacombs—underground rooms and tunnels used as cemeteries—date back to first-century Rome, but the most famous (and infamous) were created across Europe in the 17th century. Overcrowding in Paris’s more traditional burial spaces, as well as sanitation issues, led authorities to turn the miles of tunnels connecting quarries under the city into crypts. It’s believed that more than six million pe…

21 things in this story

Templo ExpiatorioPlace of worshipLeón, MexicoNeo-Gothic church providing entry to an underground world.
Catacombs of Washington, D.C.SightWashington, United StatesCreated by Franciscan monks to channel the Holy Land.
Petrovaradin FortressSightNovi Sad, SerbiaHidden underground military galleries, a four-story network.
Old St. Patrick’s CathedralSightNew York, United StatesCatacombs open to the public for candlelight tours.
Delmonico familyPlaceNew York, United StatesFounders of New York’s oldest surviving restaurant.
Sanità districtNeighborhoodNaples, ItalySite of Greek-era catacombs with oldest surviving Christian art.
St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombsSightRabat, MaltaHolds one of the finest surviving examples of an agape table.
Fontanelle Cemetery CavesSightNaples, ItalyCave complex used as a burial ground since the 1500s.
Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad ArcoSightNaples, ItalyBegan burying Naples’s poor and unclaimed in 1638.
Catacombs at Templo ExpiatorioSightLeón, MexicoLabyrinth of catacombs formed from seven interconnected crypts.
Warstone Lane Cemetery CatacombsSightBirmingham, United KingdomTiered, semicircular catacombs resembling a Roman amphitheater.
Maltese Catacomb ComplexesSightRabat, MaltaComplex holds tombs for over 1,000 bodies.
Igreja de São Francisco CatacombsSightPorto, PortugalCatacombs hold tombs for members of the Franciscan order.
Ta’ Bistra CatacombsSightMosta, MaltaLargest catacomb complex found outside Rabat.
The Sacconi Rossi CryptSightRome, ItalyCrypt decorated with bones of deceased brothers.
The Catacombs of St. Peter’s AbbeySightSalzburg, AustriaServed as a sacred burial site and hermitage.
Melník Chapel of BonesSightMelnik, CzechiaVault holds exhumed bodies from plague-ridden cemeteries.
Klatovy Catacomb MummiesSightKlatovy, CzechiaVentilation system naturally mummified bodies.
Museum Romeinse Katakomben (Roman Catacombs Museum)MuseumValkenburg, The NetherlandsFaithful reproduction of Roman catacombs in a quarry.
Capuchin Monastery CatacombsSightPalermo, ItalyNearly 8,000 corpses dressed in their Sunday best.
Catacombes de ParisMuseumParis, FranceHolds remains of six to seven million Parisians.

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetAug 4

Tiny islands in Europe that you can only reach by ferry

There is no better way to put some distance between you and the world than by hopping on a ferry to a small, low-key island. These five fit the bill.

15 things in this story

Isla de TabarcaSightTabarca, SpainSmallest inhabited island in the Mediterranean.
Platja de TabarcaSightTabarca, SpainMain sandy beach on Isla de Tabarca.
Nova TabarcaNeighborhoodTabarca, SpainTown with 18th-century walls, target of pirate raids.
Mar AzulRestaurantTabarca, SpainTry the island's classic dish, caldero de Tabarca.
Cape ClearSightCape Clear Island, IrelandHourglass-shaped island where Irish is spoken.
Fastnet RockSightCape Clear Island, IrelandLighthouse on Ireland's southernmost point.
Channel View Bed & BreakfastHotelBaltimore, IrelandCharming and warm accommodation in Baltimore.
Cala MinniolaSightLevanzo, ItalyBeautiful swimming cove with clear blue water.
Grotta del GenoveseSightLevanzo, ItalyCave with over 12,000-year-old prehistoric paintings.
Illas CíesSightVigo, SpainPart of a national park with beautiful beaches.
Praia de RodasSightVigo, SpainOne of Spain's most beautiful beaches.
Faro de CíesSightVigo, SpainLighthouse offering incredible views of the coast.
RachiSightTelendos, GreeceMountain that beckons rock climbers.
PothaSightTelendos, GreeceSunken city with ancient remnants.
Agios Konstantinos chapelSightTelendos, GreeceOffers a fantastic sunset view.

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

National GeographicJul 25

Witches, vampires, ancient aliens—you'll find them all in Malta

Sleepy and conservative on the surface, the island nation of Malta is filled with archaeological mysteries that have seeped into local folklore — and can still be explored today.

18 things in this story

Blue GrottoAttractionWater is a startling sapphire hue; said to harbor mythical creatures.
Misrah Ghar il-KbirAttractionSite of strange, deep grooves known as cart ruts.
Il-BelliegħaSightA serpentine monster said to live in dark, dank places.
Il-ĦaresSightA mercurial, shapeshifting ghost.
Fata MorganaMarketMagic shop with a stall at a gothic music festival.
FilflaSightA strikingly flat-topped island beyond the Blue Grotto.
Gothic music festivalFestivalA forthcoming event where Rosalind Dougall will have a stall.
Ta’ Verna Folk BandPlace
Elsewhere
luzzijietSightMarsaxlokk, MaltaWooden fishing boats painted with eyes to ward off evil.
Calypso's CaveSightGozo, MaltaOdysseus was held captive here for seven years.
National Museum of ArchaeologyMuseumValletta, MaltaHeritage Malta seeks to provide its various audiences with an enhanced experience during visits to our various sites…
Ġebel ġol-BaħarAttractionSt Julian's, MaltaRuins of a supposed sunken temple off the coast.
Ħal Saflieni HypogeumSightValletta, MaltaA 5,000-year-old underground burial chamber.
Church of St MatthewSightQrendi, MaltaOld men sit in its shade watching the world go by.
Il-MaqlubaSightQrendi, MaltaA giant sinkhole where land was swallowed by God.
Wied SperanzaSightMosta, MaltaA cave where a girl hid from pirates, protected by a spider web.
ĠgantijaAttractionGozo, MaltaThe oldest of Malta's ancient temples, built in 3600 BCE.
Ta’ Cicivetta FarmPlaceRabat, MaltaAn agrotourism project offering countryside dinners.

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Lonely PlanetJul 14

14 things to know before visiting Malta

Plan your time in marvelous Malta and Gozo with these tips on safety, etiquette and bookings.

12 things in this story

Cugo Gran MacinaHotelSenglea, MaltaOffers a view of Senglea Harbor from its rooftop.
The Three CitiesNeighborhoodVittoriosa, MaltaPart of Malta's highlights to see in 7 days.
Ħaġar Qim & MnajdraSightQrendi, MaltaPrehistoric sites to see in Malta.
Ħal Saflieni HypogeumMuseumPaola, Malta5000-year-old subterranean necropolis, booking essential.
Dingli CliffsTrailDingli, MaltaClifftop hiking route on Malta.
Xlendi WalkTrailXlendi, MaltaClifftop hiking route on Gozo.
Offbeat Malta Food TrailsPlaceValletta, MaltaPrivate walking tour for culinary insights.
NoniRestaurantValletta, MaltaPopular Michelin-starred restaurant in Valletta.
Malta International Food FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaAnnual event held in early August near Valletta.
PacevilleNeighborhoodSt Julian's, MaltaNightlife zone with late-night clubs.
St Peter’s PoolSightMarsaxlokk, Malta
Il-KalankaSightMarsaxlokk, Malta

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 3

The Best Airbnbs in Sunny Malta, the Underrated Island Nation in the Mediterranean

Including a former atelier in Valletta and a stylish penthouse with views across all of Sliema.

10 hotels in this story

Cool converted townhouseHotelValletta, MaltaSpiral staircase, original tilework, roof terrace
Palazzo San PawlHotelValletta, Malta17th-century palazzo with koi pond courtyard
Residenza Teatru penthouseHotelGżira, MaltaJapanese minimalism, fitness corner, sea views
Bizzilla retreatHotelŻabbar, MaltaLace-making inspired home, freestanding bath, rooftop deck
Bohemian penthouseHotelSliema, MaltaHeated pool, panoramic views of Valletta skyline
Modern apartmentHotelGozo, MaltaPrivate pool, balcony, outdoor dining area
Former architect’s atelierHotelValletta, MaltaShared terrace with views over Fort St. Elmo
Elegant villa with a private poolHotelPietà, MaltaSix bedrooms, outdoor pool, open-plan living space
Cheerful studioHotelCospicua, MaltaBalcony, luggage drop-off, five-minute walk to promenade
Stylish loftHotelFloriana, Malta

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Atlas ObscuraJan 7

Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex in Tarxien, Malta

Most megalithic structures across Europe are generally associated with locations in rural settings where the remoteness of the sites adds to the mystique of the locations. Additionally, these historic locations are simply more likely to be preserved if they are in places in the countryside that are less likely to be built over. In this sense, the Tarxien Temples in Malta are unusual because the…

3 things in this story

Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric ComplexSightformal name for Tarxien Temples, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tarxien TemplesAttractionNeolithic site in suburban area, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Heritage MaltaPlaceCreated by the Cultural Heritage Act, enacted in 2002, the national agency replaced the former Museums Department.

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →