We’d heard great things about Malta – its stunning coastline, beautiful capital city, gorgeous weather – and were lucky enough to spend a couple of weeks there earlier this year. You’re in for a treat – read on for our guide to the best things to do and the best places to go!
Explore Valletta, Malta’s Capital City
Valletta is the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the scenic northeastern coast of Malta. It’s where most people will stay (or close to). It’s known for its rich history, beautiful streets, Baroque architecture and grand harbour. Some top attractions include:
- Grandmaster’s Palace: This opulent 16th century palace was the residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta and features armor, tapestries and frescoes
- St John’s Co-Cathedral: This ornate cathedral has striking interior decorations and paintings, as well as the crypt of the Knights of St John. You’ll get a free audio tour as part of your entrance (its pretty essential, as information boards are limited) or you can get a guided tour.
- Fort St Elmo: This star-shaped fort guarded the entrance to Valletta and withstood epic sieges. It offers panoramic views from its parapets
- Malta at War Museum: although war may not be your thing, there’s so much more than this and the museum gives a great history of Malta. We went on one of Malta’s few rainy days, as its mostly inside. If you go to one museum in Malta, this should probably be it!
Valletta is very walkable and you can easily spend a full day wandering its narrow streets and taking in the sights. Don’t miss the scenic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour – they’re beautiful all day, but especially during sunrise or sunset.
Read our full guide to Valletta
Marvel at the Megalithic Temples
Malta’s megalithic temples are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back over 5,500 years. These immense stone structures were built between 3600 and 2500 BC, predating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge.
The most impressive of the temples are the Ggantija Temples located on Gozo island. Ggantija consists of two separate temples surrounded by a massive common wall. The temples feature huge stone slabs weighing over 50 tons each. Archaeologists believe Ggantija was a focal point for ritual activity in Neolithic Malta.
Another incredible site is the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples located on Malta’s southern coast. These two temple complexes feature elaborate carved stone facades and chambers aligned with the summer and winter solstices. Mnajdra is believed to be among the earliest and most refined of the Maltese temples.
Visiting Malta’s ancient temples offers insight into the mysterious prehistoric culture that flourished on the islands thousands of years ago. Marveling at the scale and workmanship of these stone structures is a highlight for history lovers visiting Malta.
Relax at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s most famous attractions located between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. It’s known for its bright turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, providing the perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. The lagoon’s shallow, crystal clear waters allow you to see straight to the sea floor, with visibility up to 30 meters in some areas.
The lagoon is a protected nature reserve, formed in a natural cove with very few waves thanks to the surrounding rock formations. The water temperatures are pleasant for swimming throughout the summer months, typically between 20-26°C. With an average depth of 1-2 meters that gradually increases, the lagoon is ideal for people of all ages to swim and snorkel. You’ll find smooth rocks, sea grass beds, and plenty of marine life under the surface.
To reach the Blue Lagoon, you’ll need to take one of the regular ferry services from Malta or Gozo. The journey takes about 25 minutes from Cirkewwa on Malta’s northwest coast. There are no facilities on Comino itself, so be sure to bring anything you might need for the day, like food, water, sunscreen and towels. For the best experience, arrive early before the crowds and cruise ships. The water can become packed during peak summer months. Morning and sunset are magical times to capture photos of the lagoon’s dazzling blue waters.
Visit the Three Cities
The Three Cities refers to the fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. These neighboring maritime cities have a rich shared history and are a must-see when visiting Malta.
Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is perhaps the most picturesque and historic of the three. Its narrow winding streets are lined with historic buildings, churches, and museums. Walk along the Vittoriosa Waterfront to see the iconic Inquisitor’s Palace and Fort St Angelo. Don’t miss St Lawrence Church, one of Malta’s oldest churches.
Cospicua, originally known as Bormla, is the largest of the Three Cities. St. Helen’s Basilica is the main church here. Walk up to the Gardjola Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and Valletta. Cospicua is also home to the Dock No. 1 historical site.
Senglea, also called Isla, is located on a small peninsula jutting into the harbour. Walk up to the Gardjola Gardens for scenic views over the harbour. St. Philip’s Church and the Vedette (watchtower) are landmarks worth seeing. The Malta at War Museum provides insight into World War II history.
The best way to reach the Three Cities is by ferry from Valletta. Wandering the atmospheric streets is like stepping back in time. Don’t miss the chance to explore this historic and picturesque area of Malta.
Explore Gozo Island
Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago and a must-visit destination. It’s located just a short 25 minute ferry ride from Malta, making it easy to access. Some highlights include:
The Azure Window was a famous natural rock arch and one of Gozo’s most visited sites. Sadly, the arch collapsed in a storm in 2017. You can still visit the spectacular Dwejra Bay where the arch once stood and admire the rock formations along the coast.
The Citadel in Victoria is a fortified old city located on Gozo’s highest point. Walk along the fortified walls and winding narrow streets past beautiful churches and architecture. Don’t miss the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology housed in the Gran Castello Historic House.
The Ggantija Temples are two megalithic temples dating back 5,500 years ago, making them some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers insight into Gozo’s fascinating ancient history.
With its rolling green hills, rocky coastline, and slower pace of life, Gozo offers a more peaceful contrast to the main island of Malta. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and those looking to relax.
See our full guide to visiting Gozo!
See the Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a popular tourist attraction located on the southeast coast of Malta. It’s a series of sea caverns with brilliant blue waters that sparkle in the sunlight. The caves are located near Wied iż-Żurrieq on the southern coast and can be accessed by small boat tours from the quaint fishing village of Wied iż-Żurrieq.
The water in the cavern glows bright blue and turquoise from the sunlight reflecting off the seabed and limestone rock. It’s an incredible sight, especially on a sunny day when the colors are most vivid. The best time to visit is in the morning when the sun is low in the sky and directly hits the water inside the cave.
Boat tours of the Blue Grotto are very popular and run all year round, weather permitting. The short 25 minute trip takes you inside the main cavern so you can marvel at the dazzling colors up close. As your boatman skillfully navigates the narrow cavern entrance, make sure to have your cameras ready! Tours generally cost around €8 per person.
Even if you don’t take a boat tour, the Blue Grotto is worth seeing from above. There are some scenic overlook points where you can peer down into the cavern and see the brilliant blue water. For the best views, head to the Belvedere near the parking area.
No trip to Malta is complete without visiting the magnificent Blue Grotto. The stunning blue waters inside the natural cavern make for an unforgettable sight and one of the top attractions in Malta.
Tour Mdina
Mdina is a must-see when visiting Malta. This fortified medieval city is located in the northern part of the main island and offers a glimpse into Malta’s rich history. Mdina has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its strategic location and natural defenses. It served as the island’s capital from antiquity until the medieval period.
Today, Mdina is also referred to as the “Silent City” since it has a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. As you walk through its narrow, winding streets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. The entire city is still enclosed within its medieval walls, which date back to the Arab period. Walking along the walls offers stunning panoramic views of the island.
One of the main attractions in Mdina is St Paul’s Cathedral, an impressive Baroque church that was built on the site where St Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on Malta. The cathedral contains many works of art, including the painting St Paul’s Shipwreck by Joseph Calleja. Don’t miss the peaceful chapel dedicated to St Publius, the first Bishop of Malta.
Mdina is best explored slowly on foot to appreciate its medieval and Baroque architecture. Give yourself at least half a day to wander its peaceful streets.
We combined it with a trip to Rabat and the Catacombs to make it a full day out. You can easily get there using by bus (numbers 51, 52 and 53 go direct from Valetta and will take about 30 mins). Or, you can go via day tour.
Visit Popeye Village
Popeye Village Malta 1 has grown from its days as a Film Set of the 1980 Musical Production ‘Popeye’ into one of the major tourist attractions in Malta. It is located at Anchor Bay, 3 km from the village core of Mellieħa. The set was built as a temporary set for the production of the 1980 live-action musical feature film directed by Robert Altman and adapted from E. C. Segar’s Thimble Theatre aka Popeye comic strip.
After production of the movie wrapped up, the set was reopened as an open-air museum and theme park. The village contains a number of rustic wooden buildings, including Olive Oyl’s house, the Sweet Pea House, and Popeye’s house. You can also walk along the wharf, see the stunt show, or meet the characters. It’s a unique and fun experience for both kids and adults who want to step into the world of Popeye.
Explore Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a picturesque fishing village located in southeastern Malta. Its harbour is filled with colourful traditional fishing boats called luzzus and are lined with restaurants selling fresh fish.
The village is renowned for its daily fish market, which takes place along the harborfront. Local fishermen bring in their fresh catches each morning, including favorites like lampuki (dorade), bream, and swordfish. You can wander through the market seeing the different types of fish on display, with some vendors even allowing you to sample their wares. It’s an ideal place to get some fresh seafood for a beachside barbecue or to take home. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the local favourite fried lampuki!
The harbour is lined with traditional luzzu boats painted in bright shades of blue, red, green and yellow. It’s a picturesque scene, with the boats bobbing on the waterfront and the village’s pastel-coloured buildings in the background. For great views be sure to walk along the waterfront promenade. The best photo opportunities are from the breakwater pier at the end.
Marsaxlokk makes for a relaxing half-day trip, especially on Sundays when its main square hosts a large outdoor market selling everything from souvenirs to local delicacies. It’s an easy day trip from Valletta by bus or taxi. With its laidback vibe, colourful boats and fresh seafood, Marsaxlokk provides a nice contrast from the busier tourist spots. We combined it with a walk up to St Peter’s Pool (there’s a few nice interest points along the coast – see Google Maps). Its also close to the airport (35 minutes via the 119 bus, or 15 minutes via Uber) so its the perfect place to say goodbye to Malta – we went in the morning before our flight out of Malta that afternoon.
Napkin Adventures 
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