26-06-2025
Gorgeous country four hours from Dublin is dubbed one of most 'underrated' destinations
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Want to jet off abroad, but worry that you don't have enough funds? This budget-friendly destination might be the answer to your prayers.
To make things even better, it's been dubbed 'one of the most underrated countries in the world'. And what's more, it's only a few hours from Dublin.
A travel fan, named Hannah, recently revealed why you should be adding Malta to your bucket list. She managed to bag a holiday there for less than €500 – and you can too.
Hannah and her friends spent a few hundred on flights, a five-night hotel stay complete with a rooftop pool, breakfast, baggage, and transfers.
She was so chuffed with the experience that she shared snippets from her holiday on TikTok. Her video on the social media platform has since garnered more than one million likes.
(Image: © 2019 Piero Damiani)
In the short clip, Hannah said: "Malta is by far the most underrated country I think I've ever visited. Even though Malta is the 10th smallest country in the world, it is definitely giving big country energy...
"One thing I loved about Malta was that it was like nowhere I'd ever been before. It's got such strong Arabic and Roman influences. It was just absolutely beautiful and everyone we met just seemed so proud to be Maltese."
Her highlights included exploring Valletta, which you can do affordably if you hop and and off of buses that are "convenient and cheap".
She remarked: "Just spend a day in Valletta, roaming around, street dining, going to the boutique shops, wandering in and out of the gardens, seeing the cannons being fired at the saluting battery, and checking out the harbour front."
Hannah also recommends trying out the Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon cruise. It embarks from Sliema and stops at each of the hotspots for around €20.
More than 1,000 viewers eagerly responded to Hannah's video, sharing her affection for Malta. One gushed: "I am from Malta and I am so happy that you loved our little island."
Another said: "Malta is stunning, I would go back in a heartbeat." And a third added: "Genuinely one of my favourite European destinations ever- never gets boring.
Top things to do in Malta
Valletta
Takes the time to explore the historical sites at Valletta.
Highlights include St. John's Co-Cathedral, where you can marvel at the ornate interior and Caravaggio's masterpiece.
You can also wander around Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
Mdina
Then why not stop off at Mdina. It's home to The Silent City, where you can amble through the narrow, winding streets.
There is also an impressive Baroque cathedral with ornate architecture that's bound to blow you away.
Comino Island
Comino is a small island situated in the Maltese archipelago. It lies between the islands of Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean Sea.
When visiting, you can swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters and relax on the beach at the Blue Lagoon.
Dingli Cliffs
Enjoy breathtaking views from Malta's highest point I'll be sure to stop off at Dingli village for some delicious local food while you're there.
How to get to Malta
There are several flights a week between Dublin and Malta, making it a very well-flown route. Ryanair and Aer Lingus are among the budget airlines offer this route.
The flight time is around three hours and 45 minutes. You can snap up tickets from around €80 – so it is very affordable to visit.
