The petite island nation of Malta, nestled between Italy and North Africa, has long been celebrated as a prime destination for winter sun.
With budget-friendly flights, a travel time of roughly three hours, and strong connections to the UK, it’s no surprise that it’s tipped as the top winter escape in 2025. However, like all winter holidays, there are pros and cons.
Indeed, the throngs of tourists during winter are significantly less than in peak season, but so too are the temperatures. It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Hence, I embarked on a stay at the all-inclusive AX Odycy hotel, booked through LastMinute.com to determine if a winter break was worth the effort and expenditure.
The Weather
As December approached, the weather was predictably variable. There were rainbows, heavy rains, thunderstorms, sea winds reaching 50mph, and also, some instances of splendid sunshine. So, while it was certainly a meteorological potpourri, Malta was undeniably warmer than the UK. As is often the case with holidays, the final day, spent at the airport, boasted clear skies and a pleasant temperature of 20 degrees. Such is the way of things.
Sunbathing
Sunbathing in the late November sun of Malta is indeed feasible, weather conditions permitting. However, whether you’ll achieve those coveted tan lines is another matter entirely. With temperatures peaking at a cool 17 degrees, and accompanied by persistent winds and intermittent rain showers, it wasn’t exactly the most tropical sunbathing experience I’ve ever had.
That said, it’s certainly more pleasant and warmer than enduring the UK’s paltry end-of-November highs of five degrees. So, to answer the question, yes, sunbathing is possible – just be prepared to bundle up. As for swimming in unheated hotel pools, I’d have to rate this a mere 1/10 on the enjoyment scale. While the AX Odycy was fortunate enough to boast a delightful heated indoor pool, the same couldn’t be said for its numerous rooftop counterparts.
It’s a sobering moment when the brut served at breakfast is warmer than the water in the outdoor pool. As a resilient Lincolnshire native, I naively believed I could withstand a quick dip in 15-degree water. After putting my body’s cold shock response to the test, followed by some rather ungraceful heavy breathing, I quickly concluded that swimming was off the cards during winter.
Hot tubs
The hot tubs at AX were a delight, with no complaints to be made. Although after some time it does feel like you’re lounging in a large human soup, it’s a welcome relief following the icy shock of the unheated pools. It was rare to find the hot tub unoccupied, as fellow Brits understandably monopolised the comforting warmth of the hot tubs.
Relaxing on the ‘beach’
The term ‘beach’ might be slightly misleading as the nearby beaches were predominantly composed of sharp limestone. The sea temperature wasn’t much warmer than the rooftop pools, so while you can indeed relax on the beach, it may not match the idyllic Euro-summer images you had envisioned.
Exploring tourist attractions
This is a frequently neglected but crucial aspect of winter holidays. Both within the hotel and outside, I noticed that the crowds were significantly smaller compared to the peak season. My visit to the Disney film-set-turned-living-museum, Popeye Village, was similarly crowd-free, allowing me to explore without the usual swarm of tourists encountered during high-season holidays.
Eating out
Dining experiences both within and outside the resort differed noticeably from a summer holiday. Even though it was my first visit, AX Odycy had a more subdued atmosphere, and dining followed suit. The hotel was far from deserted, hosting a decent number of guests, yet there were no significant queues and ample space for relaxed dining without the usual hustle and bustle associated with all-inclusive resorts.
The price
Let’s talk about prices. Given it was off-peak season and during school term, the rates offered excellent value for money. A full day at Popeye Village, including minigolf and popcorn, cost a mere £13, while the breathtaking Junior Suite at AX Odycy, boasting a private wraparound balcony, was priced at £750 per person.
The holiday provided exceptional value for money, making it clear why Malta has become a favoured destination for Brits seeking some winter sun. For those interested in booking, Lastminute.com offers attractive, affordable package deals. Their January Sale kicks off at the end of December.
Book it
Lastminute.com offers convenient, great-value package deals. Its January Sale starts at the end of December. A six-night stay for two adults in the 4* AX ODYCY in Qawra, Malta from 12 to 18 January costs from £199 per person, with flights from Manchester included.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
