Malta in November — Still Warm, Still Beautiful, Less Crowded

Solo traveller at Xlendi Bay

Every time I leave Malta to go to Northern Europe during autumn I notice a difference in mood. In my home country Germany it is already cold and grey and everyone walks fast with their heads down.

Back in Malta, even in November, I feel different from the moment I get out of the plane. Of course sunshine is no longer guaranteed, but it is warmer and at midday people still sit outside for a coffee or beer.

You get days that feel like early summer while the rest of Europe hides from the rain. That’s why I love this season here — it’s quiet, calm and still perfect for exploring the coast.

Riviera Beach

One of my favourite November spots is Riviera Beach. The brown cliffs actually start to turn green as the plants return. It is not as busy as in summer though you might see a few sailing boats anchored close to the shore and some locals swimming.

Cappuccino at Coffee Circus Riviera Beach

We usually stop for cappuccinos at Coffee Circus near the top of the stairs and then look down over the whole bay before we head to the beach.

In November you can just walk into Singita, the beach restaurant, with no queues at all. And if you’re lucky, you can see people surfing the waves.

View towards Singita and Riviera Beach

Few footsteps in the sand during November

The green plants that grow on the peninsula between Riviera Beach and Gnejna Bay look like it must be summer, but in fact it is November.

Ta’ Cenc Cliffs

Another great walk for November is Ta’ Cenc Cliffs, especially for sunset. Getting here is a bit tricky, so you may want to check out our blog “Ta’ Cenc Cliffs: Breathtaking Views”!

The views are incredible and remember, you are in Gozo during off-season. Therefore very few people will be around and you can hear the birds from the top off the cliffs (at approx. 150 metres) even if they might be flying close to sea level.

Watching Ta' Cenc Cliffs Sunset in November

Dingli Cliffs

At Dingli Cliffs you can basically walk for kilometres and enjoy the same beautiful view towards Filfla Island and the ocean.

If you swipe through the gallery, you will see people sitting on a rock that is just next to the Dingli window. Usually there are people around this iconic spot to take photos.

Behind the radar station, we were by ourselves again and took advantage of the bench to take a break from walking.

Xlendi Bay

Sometimes in November we make our way to Xlendi Bay. It always feels like the place that is farthest from the busy life of Valletta, Gzira and Sliema.

And what we like most is the fact that almost no wind enters the bay unless the wind comes from the Southwest. So we usually have lunch and a beer in one of the restaurants at the water.

Solo traveller standing on pillar, watching towards the sea and Xlendi cliffs

We always walk along the promenade — from the restaurant area until the spot where the bay opens up to the ocean. This is where we met a solo traveller from Barcelona who came to spend a few days in Malta last year in November. We captured his moment of joy as he stood on a little pillar watching the ocean and cliffs of Xlendi.

Note that the photos on this blog are from various Novembers that we have spent on the island. If you have any questions, drop us a message on instagram!

If you’re visiting Malta, I recommend staying at AX ODYCY Hotel in Qawra — a modern hotel with sea views, not far from Riviera Beach and Gnejna Bay.

Did you already check out our blog about the Secret Alleys of Valletta?

Historic house with eroded walls in St. Ursula Street