Best Rooftop Bars & Wine Bars in Malta: Sunset Views & Mediterranean Vibes

Few places do sunset drinks better than Malta. With year-round sunshine, historic rooftops, and Mediterranean vistas, the island offers some of Europe's most spectacular spots to enjoy a cocktail or glass of local wine. Here's where to catch the magic hour.

Best Rooftop Bars in Malta

🌅 ION Harbour (Valletta)

Sitting atop the luxury ION Harbour hotel, this rooftop restaurant and bar offers arguably the best views in Malta. Looking out over the Grand Harbour, you'll see the Three Cities, cruise ships, and the ancient fortifications. Sunset here is genuinely breathtaking.

• Cocktails: €14-18
• Wine by glass: €8-15
• Must try: Their signature "Harbour Sunset" cocktail
• Reservations: Essential, especially sunset slots
• Best seats: Outdoor terrace facing the harbor
• Small plates menu available

🌅 Trabuxu Bistro (Valletta)

Set in a 400-year-old wine cellar below the streets of Valletta, Trabuxu isn't a rooftop but deserves mention as one of Malta's most atmospheric wine bars. The vaulted stone ceilings and candlelit ambiance are unforgettable.

• Wine by glass: €6-12
• Specialty: Maltese wines and local cheese platters
• Vibe: Intimate, romantic
• Hours: Open until late
• Try their Maltese wine flight

🌅 Level 22 at AX The Palace (Sliema)

The highest rooftop bar in Malta at the 22nd floor of AX The Palace hotel. 360-degree views spanning from Valletta to Mdina. On clear days, you can see Sicily.

• Cocktails: €12-16
• Beer: €6-8
• Access: Hotel guests priority, public welcome
• Best time: Golden hour (1 hour before sunset)
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• DJs on weekend evenings

🌅 Rosselli AX Privilege (Valletta)

A boutique hotel rooftop terrace overlooking Valletta's rooftops. More intimate than others with a sophisticated atmosphere.

• Cocktails: €14-18
• Champagne: Excellent selection
• Capacity: Limited, feels exclusive
• Reservations: Highly recommended
• Exceptional service

🌅 Sky Beach Club at InterContinental (St Julian's)

A hotel rooftop pool and bar combo. The infinity pool overlooking Balluta Bay creates stunning photos. More relaxed daytime vibes transitioning to cocktail bar in evenings.

• Day pass: €30-50 (includes pool)
• Cocktails: €12-15
• Best for: Weekend afternoons
• Pool access with sunbed
• Poolside food service

Best Wine Bars in Malta

🍇 Vinotica (Valletta)

A proper wine lover's paradise tucked into Valletta's narrow streets. Hundreds of wines by the bottle and a curated selection by the glass. The sommelier here knows their stuff.

• Glass of wine: €7-20
• Specialty: Maltese wines, Italian imports
• Food: Excellent cheese and charcuterie
• Vibe: Knowledgeable, unpretentious
• Wine flights available
• Regular tasting events

🍇 Legligin Wine Bar (Valletta)

Meaning "to sip" in Maltese, Legligin focuses on local wines paired with traditional Maltese food. A great introduction to the island's wine scene.

• Glass of wine: €6-10
• Must try: Local Girgentina white and Gellewza red
• Food: Maltese platters, ftira
• Atmosphere: Rustic, authentic
• Knowledgeable staff

🍇 Enoteca at Casa Rocca Piccola (Valletta)

Wine tasting in a 16th-century palazzo. The owners are Maltese nobility, and the setting is extraordinary. Tours of the house available too.

• Wine tasting: €15-25
• Setting: Historic palace
• Unique factor: Aristocratic atmosphere
• Appointment recommended

🍇 Vino Veritas (Mdina)

A cozy wine bar in the Silent City. Perfect after exploring Mdina's medieval streets. The outdoor seating area is magical at night.

• Glass of wine: €6-12
• Atmosphere: Medieval charm
• Best time: Evening, when day-trippers leave
• Local and Italian wines

🍇 Marsovin Wine Tasting (Marsa)

Malta's oldest winery offers cellar tours and tastings. A great way to learn about Maltese wine production and try varieties you won't find elsewhere.

• Tasting experience: €15-35
• Duration: 1-2 hours
• Booking: Essential, via website
• Historic cellars
• Purchase wines on-site

Cocktail Bars Worth Visiting

🍸 Hole in the Wall (St Julian's)

Consistently rated Malta's best cocktail bar. The bartenders here have won national and international competitions. Creative menus that change seasonally.

• Cocktails: €12-16
• Vibe: Speakeasy, intimate
• Seating: Limited - arrive early or book
• Ask for bartender's choice

🍸 Charles Grech (Sliema/Valletta)

A stylish all-day venue that transforms from café to cocktail bar. Beautiful interiors and a well-executed drinks menu.

• Cocktails: €10-14
• Coffee: Excellent daytime option
• Multiple locations: Sliema and Valletta
• Great for remote work during day

🍸 Native Bar (St Julian's)

Farm-to-glass cocktails using local ingredients. The team works with Maltese farmers to source seasonal produce for their drinks.

• Cocktails: €11-15
• Specialty: Local, seasonal ingredients
• Food: Small plates available
• Sustainable focus

Hidden Gems

🏛️ The Harbour Club (Valletta)

Members' club with terrace bar open to visitors for drinks. Old-world charm with harbor views and a sense of stepping back in time.

• Drinks: €8-14
• Atmosphere: Classic, sophisticated
• Check opening hours for non-members

🌿 Palazzo Preca Rooftop (Valletta)

A lesser-known rooftop terrace at the Palazzo Preca hotel. Smaller crowds and excellent value compared to bigger names.

• Cocktails: €10-12
• Views: City rooftops
• Best kept secret: Often overlooked by tourists

🏖️ Hugo's Terrace (Paceville)

Not a rooftop but worth mentioning - the terrace at Hugo's offers great people-watching and is perfect for starting a night out.

• Cocktails: €8-12
• Vibe: Social, pre-club
• Location: Heart of Paceville

Maltese Wine Guide

Don't leave Malta without trying local wines. The island has been producing wine for 2,000 years.

🍇 Indigenous Grape Varieties

• Girgentina: White grape, crisp and citrusy. Perfect for seafood.
• Gellewza: Red grape, light-bodied with cherry notes. Similar to a light Italian red.

🏆 Top Maltese Wineries

• Marsovin: Oldest and largest, excellent range
• Delicata: Great value, widely available
• Meridiana: Premium wines, French winemaker influence
• Ta' Betta: Boutique winery, limited production

Budget Tips

• Happy hours: Many bars offer 2-for-1 between 5-7 PM
• Wine over cocktails: Glass of wine often better value
• Hotel bars: Sometimes have drink-only minimums instead of day passes
• Valletta: Generally better value than St Julian's hotel bars
• Local wine: House Maltese wines are cheap and good

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations for rooftop bars?

For sunset slots at popular venues like ION Harbour and Level 22, yes - book 2-3 days ahead, especially on weekends. Weeknight evenings are easier.

What should I wear?

Smart casual works everywhere. For hotel rooftops, avoid beachwear and flip-flops. Valletta wine bars are relaxed but stylish.

Are rooftop bars expensive?

Compared to Paceville, yes. Budget €15-20 per drink at premium rooftops. Wine bars offer better value at €6-12 per glass.

Best rooftop for a date?

Rosselli for intimacy, ION Harbour for wow-factor views, Trabuxu for romantic wine cellar vibes.

Can I work from rooftop bars?

Daytime at Sky Beach Club or Charles Grech works. Evening rooftops aren't laptop-friendly.

When's the best time for sunset drinks?

Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset. In summer, that's around 7:30 PM; in winter, around 5 PM.