Under $100: Republic of Malta

Azure Window of Gozo Island, Republic of Malta © Viewapart | Dreamstime

Start your day in the Republic of Malta with coffee and breakfast pastries at Prego (€3). After you’ve had your coffee, wander around the incredible city ofValletta on foot.

After breakfast head to one of Malta’s several UNESCO World Heritage sites (Valletta itself is another one). Just outside of Valletta, you’ll find one of Malta’s seven megalithic temples, Tarxien. These temples are among the world’s oldest free-standing structures, built more than 4,000 years ago (€6). Although Tarxien may not be the best temple on the island, it is perhaps the most convenient.

From Tarxien, you can make the short trip to another of Malta’s heritage sites: Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis that is 5,000 years old and unique in the world. This site is more expensive (€30), but you will not want to miss it.

Mgarr Church, Republic of Malta © Arseniy Rogov | Dreamstime

In the afternoon you’ll want to get a break from history. You have two great options for this. Malta is pretty much one big beach, so you’re never too far away from its famous azure waters. Mellieha Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha are two of the more popular options. Or you could get out of town and head across the island to the beach at Gneja Bay.

On your way to the bay, stop in Mgarr to have lunch at Il-Barri restaurant. Malta is home to many unique foods and you’ll want to try their signature rabbit dish (€11).

Alternatively, in the afternoon you could rent a cruise and take in the city and the island by sea, which is perhaps the way Valletta should be experienced (€15-20).

For dinner, Guzé Bistro is one of Valletta’s top restaurants, with a Mediterranean menu with a Maltese touch (€30).

Finally, for nightlife with a Maltese flair, St. Julien’s/Paceville are popular with both locals and tourists and you can find everything from pubs to discos. And of course, another stroll around Valletta is always in order.