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Solo Travel in Malta: A Conclusive Guide (Updated 2022)

On my second ever solo trip, I spent six days in Malta and I loved every second of it. Now, I want to share my knowledge about this Mediterranean island with you. This is my Malta solo travel guide.

In the early days of my blog, I wrote a blog post about my time as a solo traveller in Malta . But now, I realise that this article was a narrative rather than a blog post that was useful to my readers, so I wanted to write this for the people who want to pursue solo travel in Malta themselves.

Note: this post includes a downloadable 6-day solo Malta itinerary! Subscribe below to get it to your mailbox.

Before we go any further, why don’t you take a look at this Malta travel video I made when I was there in 2017?

Table of contents

Malta travel information, how to get to malta.

• Rabat & Mdina
• Gozo & Comino
• Miscellaneous

Where to stay in Malta

Solo travel in malta.

• Solo travel in Malta: Tips and tricks
• Free pdf itinerary

Malta is a small nation-state located in the Mediterranean Ocean, made up of a three-island archipelago. The main island, Malta, is the biggest one and houses the country’s capital, Valletta. The other islands are called Gozo and Comino.

• Malta inhabitants : 433,212
• Capital of Malta : Valletta
• Malta languages : Maltese and English
• Climate in Malta : Mediterranean (mild winters and hot summers)
• Malta currency : euro
• Malta time zone : UTC+1 (winter) and UTC+2 (summer)

Now, a few frequently asked questions to get the most commonly Googled queries out of the way.

• How much does it cost to travel to Malta?

Including expenses like transport and accommodation, you’ll probably need to budget about 50 USD per day when visiting during high season.

(In Malta, high season is between June and August)

• Is solo travel in Malta safe?

Malta is very safe for solo travellers. The locals are friendly and speak English, there’s a vast network for public transport and there is a low crime rate throughout the island.

• What is Malta known for?

Malta is mostly famous for its great diving spots, stunning historical architecture and its nature, which has been used in big movie and TV show productions (like Game of Thrones, World War Z and The Da Vinci Code).

The main way to get to Malta is by plane. Most airplanes to Malta will land on Malta International Airport (also sometimes referred to as Luqa Airport).

This airport is served by many budget carriers like Ryanair, WizzAir, EasyJet and Norwegian. It’s also a hub for Air Malta.

International flights to Malta usually connect through a European hub, like Frankfurt (Lufthansa flights) or London (easyJet flights).

Flights to Malta

Finding flights as a solo traveller is easier than when you’re travelling with other people. After all, you only need one seat – duh.

My favourite websites to find flights are Google Flights , Momondo , Expedia , Cheap Flights and Skyscanner .

Ferry to Malta

If you are unable or not willing to take a flight to Malta, there is another option. Two companies regularly operate ferries between Italy and Malta.

Virtu Ferries and Grimaldi Lines operate ferries from Catania to Valletta and Virtu Ferries also operates ferries from Pozzallo to Malta.

Check out their websites for more information.

Be advised that ferries often tend to be more expensive than flights with low-cost operators.

What to do in Malta

Skip to the next section: Where to stay in Malta

The best things to do in Malta will take you more than just a few days to cross off your list.

Below, you’ll find some of my favourite activities and places to visit in Malta, grouped by category. Keep in mind that I spent six days there, so if you have more time, you can add more activities to your travel itinerary .

Here are 20 things you have to do in Malta as a solo traveller.

What to do in Valletta

Valletta is an awesome place for solo travel in Malta. Although it’s quite small, there’s more to do than meets the eye. Here are some of my favourite things to do in Valletta.

Stroll through Valletta Old Town

Valletta, Europe’s smallest capital, has centuries of history packed into its historical old town. And – best of all – this history is influenced by its Mediterranean, Arab, British, Italian and Castilian heritage.

The Maltese capital is renowned for its colourful balconies that tower over narrow streets and its small, independent shops.

Walk around this area for an hour or so without having any real plan. Soak everything in.

Bask in St John’s Co-Cathedral

Unlike any church or cathedral I’ve ever seen, St John’s Co-Cathedral is a real baroque feast for the eyes.

The inside of the cathedral, which was constructed in 1577, is plated in gold and houses many Baroque artworks and a fascinating ornate marble floor. The most impressive feat in this cathedral, though, is one of Caravaggio’s best-known paintings: the Beheading of John the Baptist.

Admission is €10 for adults and €7.50 for students and seniors. This price also includes an audio guide and a visit to the museum.

Walk along the Valletta Seafront

One of my favourite parts of solo travel in Malta was the Valletta Seafront. Finding your way to the water through paths that aren’t on Google Maps to walk along the fishermen is truly a unique experience.

Pro tip: don’t be afraid to leave the main road and head to the rugged rocks down below — they’re not as dangerous as they look from above.

Watch the sun set over Valletta Harbour

A great continuation of the last point: take a ferry across the Grand Harbour and watch the sun set from literally anywhere.

I promise you won’t regret it.

I personally watched the sunset from Valletta itself while waiting for my ferry back to Bormla, because that’s where my Airbnb was.

Get up to $40 off your first booking on Airbnb by signing up through this link!

View this post on Instagram Summer doesn't taste better! Have you tried our Iced Chocolate Praliné yet? This refreshing, dairy-free nutty chocolate mix is a summer bomb! 🙌 🍫❄️ A post shared by CHOCOLATE DISTRICT (@chocolate.district) on Jul 3, 2019 at 2:41am PDT

Enjoy a drink at the Chocolate District

If you’re looking for a place to get an energy fix before lunch time, look no further than the Chocolate District .

This is a small shop in one of the aforementioned narrow streets of Valletta where you can buy great chocolate bars, pralines and teas and coffee beans.

However, I recommend getting an iced chocolate drink if you’re visiting during the summer. It’s VERY refreshing and it tastes amazing.

View this post on Instagram Excited for your trip to Malta, but rain is forecast? Don't worry! There are many activities to do whilst indoors – including visiting us of course! #malta #maltese #visitmalta #lovemalta #rain #rainyday #relax #holiday A post shared by The Malta Experience (@the_malta_experience) on Oct 7, 2019 at 2:12am PDT

Learn about history at the Malta Experience

If you’re a history buff, the Malta Experience is something for you. This is a very informative 45-minute documentary on the history of Malta. I’m personally not a huge fan of historical documentaries, but I found this one to be well-made and interesting.

After this short movie, you also get a guided tour through the infirmary.

Have a quick bite at Gugar Hangout & BAR

Gugar is a great place in the city centre to get a cheap and quick bite or drink.

They don’t have a website, so it takes some insider knowledge to find this place. Luckily, I had my Airbnb host Daniel show me Gugar, and I’m glad he did.

On the menu, you’ll find a lot of vegetarian and vegan options. I can’t remember for the life of me what I had here, but the vegan ftira is supposed to be really good.

View this post on Instagram It’s Friday! Come get your boogie on with Afrobeats from @djshaywho on the decks from 9 pm and get your drink on with the best cocktails in town from your friendly neighbourhood bartenders 💁🏼‍♂️💁🏽‍♀️ A post shared by Cafe Society (@cafesociety_valletta) on Nov 29, 2019 at 10:48am PST

Have a drink at Cafe Society

One of the best cocktail bars in downtown Valletta is called Cafe Society. The cocktails are very reasonably priced and the bar puts on frequent events, as can be seen on their Facebook page .

In short, Cafe Society is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail or a late-night party.

Scuba diving with Diveshack

If you’ve never gone scuba diving, Malta is the perfect place to do it for the first time.

I did the Discover Scuba Diving introduction programme with Diveshack , a dive shop that is located a short bus ride away from the capital (take bus 13, 13A, 14 or 16 from Valletta and get off at Sliema).

The people at Diveshack were very helpful and professional and their material was clean and up to date.

What to do in Rabat & Mdina

Visit the Silent City (Mdina)

Mdina is a fortified walled city that used to be Malta’s capital. Now, the Silent City — as it’s often called — is still home to about 250 inhabitants.

Many travellers visit Mdina for its sandstone-coloured narrow streets with traditional medieval balconies and archways, as well as the many cultural heritage sites within the city walls.

Fun fact: Mdina was used as a filming location for King’s Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones. One particular scene that was filmed in Mdina was the fight between Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister.

View this post on Instagram Hurry up! to work to study to love to travel! To live! 😻 A post shared by Ekaterina Abramova (@kat_abra) on Apr 28, 2017 at 1:35am PDT

Explore Rabat

Rabat is the city located right next to Mdina, so it’s a good idea to combine these two in one day. I recommend visiting Mdina in the morning and heading to Rabat after lunch.

One place I’d highly recommend you visit is St Paul’s Church and the Grotto upon which it was built. This grotto is linked to the Wignacourt Museum, which will be discussed shortly.

Secondly, you can’t miss St Paul’s Catacombs . This place will take you back in time to see burial rituals and urban legends from throughout Malta’s history. The Catacombs are definitely worth the €6 entry fee (€4 for students and seniors).

View this post on Instagram The first floor houses the extensive gallery of the #wignacourtmuseum. This was originally the Piano Nobile for the Chaplains of the Order of St.John. #museum #malta #rabat #history #culture #tourism A post shared by wignacourtmuseum (@wignacourtmuseum) on Apr 4, 2017 at 4:35am PDT

Check out the Wignacourt Museum

The Wignacourt Museum is located in Rabat and was named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt .

Be sure to look at the fascinating exhibits on the Order of Knights and the map room with the intriguing mappa mundi (medieval European world map).

What to do in Gozo & Comino

When you’re travelling alone in Malta, you just have to venture off the main island and take in the beauty of the country’s other islands, Gozo and Comino.

Quick heads up: if you follow these tips, you should see Gozo and Comino in two days, including a night on Gozo .

Take a day trip to Gozo

Starting off your two-day mini-trip, take a bus from Valletta to Cirkewwa, then transfer to the ferry to Mgarr and then take another bus to Qorrot. Then, walk from the Qorrot bus stop to Dahlet Qorrot beach.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE WATER. Don’t make the same mistake that I made. Okay, moving on.

After baking in the sun and swimming in the sea for a bit, make your way to the other side of the island for your adventurous night. Take bus 303 to Victoria and transfer to bus 312 to Lawrenz. Walk the last part to the Azure Window remains.

If you still have time, you can check out the Citadel and St George’s Basilica in Victoria.

Sleep at Wardija Punic Temple

Before you get to your place to sleep for the night, take a look at what remains of the Azure Window. Although the arch collapsed in March 2017, it’s still a great place to stare at the sea and the natural rocks that the waves created.

Fun fact: before its collapse in 2017, the Azure Window was also used as a filming location for the very first episode of Game of Thrones.

After this, have dinner at the Azure Window restaurant . Pro tip: get a pizza. They’re cheap here.

Once you’ve had dinner, it’s time to make your way to the temple where you’ll be sleeping. I wrote a whole article with everything you need to know about Wardija , so go check that out for a more detailed description of how to get there.

Basically, it comes down to this. You need to use Google Maps (one of my favourite solo travel apps of 2020 ) to figure out the route from the restaurant to the temple.

Relax in Comino

After waking up in Wardija and walking back to the bus stop at the Azure Window, take the bus back to Mgarr and board the ferry to Comino.

One insider tip I’ll give you: skip the swimming session in the Blue Lagoon if you’re travelling alone. Especially during the summer months, there’ll be too many people in the water for you to enjoy yourself. Besides, it wouldn’t be safe to leave your things unattended while you’re swimming.

If you’re in Malta during shoulder season, knock yourself out.

That being said, you can still enjoy yourself on Comino without swimming in the Blue Lagoon.

Walk around the island and explore the rough landscapes at the less-visited part of Comino. Have a Popsicle. Enjoy the sun.

When you’ve seen it all, take the ferry from Comino back to Malta.

Miscellaneous things to do in Malta

Here are some things to do as a solo traveller in Malta when you have some time left over.

View this post on Instagram Birgu is part of the “Three Cities” – it was the capital of Malta before Valletta – you can’t miss that #efmalta A post shared by EF Malta (@efmalta) on Dec 8, 2019 at 10:46am PST

Learn about history in the Three Cities

The Three Cities is a collective name for Conspicua, Birgu and Senglea — three fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.

If you have an extra day, you may want to consider taking the ferry across the harbour and walking through the history-lined streets, soaking up the atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram Vakantie, dus dit soort plekjes bezoeken🌿✨ A post shared by Dilia Oosting ✨ (@diliaoosting) on Mar 10, 2019 at 9:42am PDT

Visit San Anton Gardens

These gardens are located in Attard and form a part of the President of Malta’s official estate, San Anton Palace. They’re free to enter and there is a very peaceful atmosphere, with different species of fish, birds and even turtles.

These large gardens were established during the British rule over Malta and still form a nice, calming refuge, surrounded by Malta’s busy streets.

Check out Mosta Rotunda

The Rotunda of Mosta, also known as the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, is a neoclassical church whose construction was completed in the early 1860s. The design was based on the Pantheon in Rome.

The big draw of this church is its ornate dome, which at one point was the third largest unsupported dome in the world.

During the second World War, a German bomb fell into the church during Mass but failed to explode. As if by miracle, nobody was hurt. A replica of the bomb is still displayed in the sacristy at the back of the church.

Visit Marsaxlokk

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit Marsaxlokk, but I’ve heard that it can be a great addition to solo travel in Malta.

Any postcard from Malta worth its salt will feature the colourful fishing boats in Marsaxlokk. These boats can be spotted all over the island, but Marsaxlokk is the only place where they’re still used for actual fishery.

After wandering along the promenade, you might want to check out the Sunday fish market or pay a visit to St Lucian Tower, which was constructed by the Order of St John to protect Malta from Ottoman threats.

Skip to the next section: Solo travel in Malta

If you’re travelling solo in Malta, you have a few options regarding accommodation .

Firstly, you can check Airbnb for cool places to stay with local hosts. This is how I found my accommodation when I was in Malta in 2017.

Sign up through this link and get over €40 off your first Airbnb trip !

Secondly, check Couchsurfing for free accommodation in Malta.

Next, take a look at websites like Hostelworld to find cheap hostel rooms all over the island. The cheapest average cost for hostel rooms is in Sliema, with prices starting at just €10/night during the peak summer months.

Last but not least, since Malta is such a cheap country, you could really find hotel room bargains. Compare websites like Hotels.com , Booking.com and Trivago to find the best deals.

Skip to the next section: Tips & tricks for solo travel in Malta

Travelling alone in Malta is a great way to discover everything the country has to offer.

And, while that may be true for many countries, I have a special relationship with solo travel in Malta.

Malta was the second place I travelled to by myself and it was the first real solo adventure trip I did. It’s completely different from a solo city trip to Dublin or Berlin , for example.

Since Malta was a British colony for such a long time, English is still commonly spoken throughout the country.

And, since you’re reading this, you can speak English and you can get around easily by talking to locals.

Solo travel in Malta is anything but boring: the Mediterranean island has it all.

Countless diving options, great restaurants, friendly locals, cities steeped in history and breathtaking nature: whatever it is you’re looking for on your first solo trip , you can find it in Malta.

Solo travel in Malta: Tips & tricks

Public transport.

• Get a week pass for the bus ( Explore Card ). This card will give you unlimited access to public transport for 7 days and it costs €21. If you buy individual tickets for every bus ride, you’ll probably pay a lot more.
• If you’re not staying long enough to get value out of your Explore Card, keep in mind that bus tickets are valid for two hours after purchase, even if you transfer buses.
• Use the Journey Planner to see which buses will get you where you need to go.
• If you’re a student, don’t forget to take your student card. Many attractions will give you a student discount if you can prove that you are a student (i.e. by showing your student card).
• Similarly, if you’re a senior, take some form of identification with you to prove that you’re over 50/60/65 years old.
• Consider purchasing a Malta Discount Card – check the website to see which restaurants and attractions will give you a discount.

Food and drinks

• Try some traditional Maltese pastizzi (a cheap savoury pastry, usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas).
• Drink Kinnie (a bittersweet soft drink with a strange orange aftertaste).
• Taste some freshly-caught fish and seafood in Marsaxlokk.
• Bring a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. Malta can get very hot and dry in the summer months.
• Please don’t forget to bring and regularly apply sunblock.
• Tap water in Malta is safe to drink, but its taste is kind of eh .
• It’s common to tip about 10% at restaurants, but you’ll be fine if you don’t tip.

Malta itinerary (pdf)

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Hi, I’m thinking of going Malta early June. Would you recommend any tours/free tours? I’ve heard some unpleasant things about the buses how expensive is cabs there? Is it safe I’m a solo female traveler. How much money should I take for a week? Any scams I should be aware of?

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The 18 best things to do in Malta and Gozo: culture, cuisine, and outdoor adventures

May 12, 2022 • 6 min read

From hearing the cannons roar in Valletta to kayaking the coast of Gozo, here are the best things to do in Malta © TheLiftCreativeServices / Shutterstock

Encompassing just 316 sq km (122 sq mi), Malta may be the world’s tenth-smallest country, but it still manages to pack in many diverse things to see and do.

These recommendations – combining world-famous attractions with a few under-the-radar surprises – to experience the best of this compact island nation at the heart of the Mediterranean .

Experience the roar of Valletta's famous cannons

Walking around Valletta , you'll probably hear an almighty bang at noon and 4pm. Make your way to the Saluting Battery to see what all the fuss is about, and combine the pomp of Valletta's ceremonial cannons – traditionally used to fire salutes to visiting naval vessels – and brilliant views across Grand Harbour to Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities.

Explore Malta's Three Cities in an electric buggy

Traveling in an eco-friendly electric buggy from Rolling Geeks, embark on a self-drive discovery of the piazzas, avenues, and sleepy backstreets of the historic Three Cities of Vittoriosa , Senglea, and Cospicua. Pre-programmed directions are handled by the buggies' onboard GPS, so it's impossible to get lost on a leisurely journey taking in museums, churches, and gardens.

Be challenged by contemporary art in Valletta

Inspired by Valletta's 2018 stint as a European Capital of Culture, several of the city's heritage mansions now showcase contemporary art. Galleries worth visiting for thought-provoking installations and sculptures include Valletta Contemporary and Blitz . Scheduled to open in 2023, Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS ) will encompass around 7000 sq m (75347 sq ft) of galleries and exhibitions in a restored fort in the historic Floriana precinct.

Learn about "Fortress Malta" at the Lascaris War Rooms

Concealed 40m (131ft) below Valletta's Upper Baraka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms housed the Allies’ top-secret command HQ during WWII and were a vital part of the island's defense during the 18-month Siege of Malta from 1940 to 1942. Fascinating guided tours explore map rooms and communications centers restored to how they were during the war.

Hike the clifftop trails of southern Gozo

Tackle the Xlendi Walk, meandering for 12km (7.5 miles) from Mġarr Harbour to the rocky bays around Xlendi. En route, there's the improbably narrow cove at Mġarr ix-Xini, coastal watchtowers built by the Knights of St John in the 17th century, and a vertiginous stairway leading to the compact Carolina Cave. Buses from both Mġarr and Xlendi link to Victoria, Gozo 's historic capital.

Discover family-friendly science at Esplora

Focus on both education and entertainment with a visit to Esplora , which opened in 2016 as one of Europe's best interactive science centers. More than 200 interactive exhibits explore cosmology, plate tectonics, and Malta's natural history. The playground, well-kept gardens and an expansive rooftop terrace all offer brilliant views of Valletta and the Three Cities’ Fort St Angelo .

Swoon at classic cars

If you're renting a car, a compact Japanese or Korean option is probably best for negotiating Malta's winding and often narrow roads, but that won't stop you from being envious of the stellar array of automotive excellence at the Malta Classic Car Collection . Look for the blue vintage Bugatti sports car out front and you'll know you're in the right place.

Relax in Mdina's il-Foss

First created as part of the walled city's defensive bastion, a 21st-century makeover has transformed Mdina's historic il-Foss ( ditch gardens ) into a very pleasant place for a picnic and leisurely stroll. Overgrown tangles of ivy have been replaced by olive trees and a citrus grove, and the space is also used for occasional festivals and concerts.

Ease into the weekend with alfresco jazz

Make a beeline for Valletta's Bridge Bar , especially on a Friday night, when music fans spill out onto the city's honey-colored stairs and enjoy live jazz. Colorful cushions make it a comfortable impromptu concert, and the relaxed tunes usually kick off around 8:30pm and run through until midnight.

Kayak around Gozo's coastline

Idiosyncratic wind- and sea-eroded coastal formations and hidden sea caves make Gozo an excellent destination for sea kayaking. Gozo Adventures run half- and full-day kayaking trips, kicking off at Hondoq Bay on the island's south coast before crossing the Gozo Channel to Comino . Other kayaking destinations include Gozo's sheltered Inland Sea .

Harness Maltese ingredients at a cookery school

Focusing on how its place in the Mediterranean Sea has impacted Malta's culinary diversity, the Mediterranean Culinary Academy's menu of cookery classes includes experiences crafting ravjul (Maltese ravioli) and teaming Maltese wines with artisan produce including cheese, honey, and preserves. Local and sustainable ingredients are regularly used.

Dive into the amazing Blue Hole

Unfortunately, Gozo's famed Azure Window sea arch crumbled into the sea during a big storm in March 2017, but the surrounding Dwejra Bay coastline is still wildly spectacular. Boat trips exploring the nearby Inland Sea also take in views of the arch underwater in gin-clear Mediterranean waters, while it's also possible to dive in the nearby Blue Hole , a 25m (82ft) deep underwater limestone chimney.

Travel 500,000 years back in time at Għar Dalam Cave and Museum

Translating to "Cave of Darkness,"  Għar Dalam is a 145m-long (475ft) cavern carved into Lower Coralline Limestone, the oldest exposed rock in the Maltese islands. Ancient fossils, some up to 500,000 years old, have been discovered in the cave, representing the bones and teeth of dwarf elephants, hippopotamuses, and prehistoric micro-mammals.

Experience living history at Gozo's ancient salt pans

Negotiate quiet coastal roads and unsealed tracks on Gozo's northern coast to the often-windswept site of the Marsalforn salt pans . Cut into the coastal limestone by hand, the salt pans date from Roman times, and are still used to harvest salt between May and September. Rent a mountain bike in nearby Marsalforn, and make the 2km (1.25 miles) journey west to the salt pans.

Meet the locals at Malta National Aquarium

Five different aquatic zones – each representing different aspects of the waters surrounding Malta – make up the country's national aquarium . Specialist exhibitions focus on Valletta's Grand Harbour and Gozo's coastline, and more than 250 species are displayed in 50 tanks. A highlight is a 12m (40ft) walk-through underwater tunnel.

Climb high for Gozo's best views

Gozo's rocky and serrated coastline is one of Europe's best places for climbing. Many of the island's 300-plus sport climbs are focused on the southern coast, especially around the Munxar-Xlendi Valley, and further east at spectacular Mġarr ix-Xini. It's a good place to learn to climb, especially with Gozo Adventures who can also arrange bouldering and abseiling trips.

Make a difference with BirdLife Malta

Check BirdLife Malta's website for opportunities to join one of the organization's regular events promoting the protection of local and migratory avian species. Events could include after-dark experiences learning about the impact of light pollution on Gozo's nesting seabirds, or eco-walks around northern Malta's Park tal-Majjistral .

Tour Gozo on a Segway or e-bike

Hook up with Gozo Segway Tours – either on a Segway or an e-bike – to explore Malta's smaller and less-populous island. Options include an overland journey from the Marsalforn salt pans to the rocky and narrow coastal bay of Wied l-Ghasri , and then on to the immense Basilica of Ta' Pinu near the village Għarb.

You might also like: Malta and Gozo's best beaches    We swapped our homes for life at sea: the families living on the Mediterranean    20 of Europe's most stunning beaches to explore in 2022

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4 days in Malta: A Malta itinerary on things to do in Malta without a car

April 8, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

If you’re planning to visit Malta, you might be wondering how many days to spend in Malta.  Although it’s easy to spend to one week in Malta, I considered four days to be the perfect amount of time in Malta to see the main sightseeing attractions in Malta.

If you’re wondering what to do in Malta without the expense of a car, keep reading as you can do a surprising number of things in Malta during four days.  I wrote this guide as most of the guides that I found about Malta focused on having a car.

Malta  is small, so my husband and I chose not to rent a car during my long weekend in Malta as I felt that we could see everything that I wanted to see with the bus after checking the schedule.

• 0.1.1 Note about four days in Malta and Gozo and going car free in Malta
• 0.2 Day 1: Valletta
• 0.3.1 Where to stay in Valletta
• 0.4 Day 2: Day trip from Valletta to Mdina/Rabat
• 0.6.1 Where to stay on Gozo
• 0.6.2 Victoria
• 0.6.3 Ġgantija it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija
• 0.6.4 Adventure activities on Gozo
• 0.7 Other notes on Gozo
• 0.8 Day 4: Marsaxlokk
• 0.9.1 How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by public transit
• 0.9.2 Taxis in Malta
• 0.10 Map of the Malta itinerary
• 1 Have you been to Malta?

Summary of your Malta itinerary:

Day 1: valletta.

• Day 2: Day trip from Valletta: Game of Thrones / Mdina and Rabat

Day 3: Gozo

Day 4: marsaxlokk.

• Map of our four day Malta itinerary

Note about four days in Malta and Gozo and going car free in Malta

At the time that I took this trip to Malta, I didn’t have much vacation time left.  In trying to maximize my vacation time while working full-time , I ended up deciding to take a long weekend in Malta.

I was very concerned that four days in Malta would be far too rushed, but the trip felt laid back with an easy pace.  Most of the fun of Malta is enjoying their food, culture, wine, and history, so if you’re lounging at a good restaurant with a glass of Maltese wine, good on you.

Although most people rent a car in Malta, I was more interested in exploring the city centers, where a car isn’t practical.  As a result, we chose to spend our four days in Malta and Gozo without a car. I don’t feel that we missed out on much as it allowed us to walk around in warm weather.

Our carbon footprint grows as soon as we take a plane anywhere and I liked the idea of countering a bit of the emissions spent on our plane ride with minimizing our footprint via taking buses instead of driving. (Additionally, renting a car just adds to the cost of the trip!)

Whenever I mentioned that I wouldn’t rent a car in Malta, every Maltese person that I met was concerned.  However, I really felt that getting around Malta with public transportation was easy enough with using Google Maps.

If you’re interested in getting a bit off the beaten path in Malta in places where it’s harder to get there without a car, it’s easy to take a tour or taxi.  I hope to revisit Malta to see more of this beautiful country in even warmer weather.

I was lucky enough to arrive into Valletta bright and early ready to explore. I took the bus from the airport into Valletta, which was quick and easy.

Thanks to a colleague of my husband’s, I was lucky enough to be introduced to a charming local who was eager to show off her hometown.  I include detailed information about the Maltese public transportation system as well as how to get from the Malta airport to Valletta at the bottom. 

Valletta’s modern day architecture dates back to the 16th century and the city now falls under a UNESCO world heritage sight.  Valletta very much feels like an old  European city due its Baroque architecture, however you’ll find evidence of British rule, including iconic red telephone booths.

Every alleyway and street is full of charm, so be sure to look for the pregnant windows, a Maltese classic that you might spot in movies that tried to pass off Valletta as another European city.

Be sure not to miss the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens , which give you panoramic views of the Harbor.  Originally these gardens were used by the Knight of St. John, who are responsible for building Valletta.  Note: The closer you are to the tourist attractions, the more that you’ll find prices for basics will rise.

After enjoying the Upper Barrakka gardens, be sure to pass by the elaborate buildings along Triq-In Nosfsinhar, which mostly belong to the government.   Valletta is small and walkable, so meander the narrow streets until you find  St. John’s Cathedral , which dates back to the 15th century.

Of particular note is the  Palace of the Grand Master , which is the administrative capital of Malta since 1571.  Originally used by the Knights of St. John for governing, it was also used using British colonialist times for the government.  Now, this building is used by the House of Representatives in Malta.  Even if you don’t enter to visit the Armory (8 euros), the exterior is worth admiring.

Be sure to stop off at the Lower Barrakka Gardens for scenic and romantic views over the water, especially around sunset. For the iconic shot of Valletta from the water, consider taking the Sliema ferry .

At the request of my husband’s colleague who had been living in Valletta, we went to Anciova , a Sicilian restaurant with phenomenally fresh seafood multiple times. (It’s a little outside of the city center in Gzira.)

Martese also brought us to Sotto Pizzeria Italiana , which is her favorite pizza place in Valletta for a nice sit-down dinner with high quality ingredients.   For a more complete guide to Valletta, please check out this comprehensive local guide to Valletta .

Where to drink in Valletta

If you’re into craft beer, do not miss Wild Honey .  This cozy, small craft beer bar in the historic center has a fantastic selection of both local beers as well as international beers (including hard-to-find Belgian beers!).  The bartender is friendly and it’s even possible to sit outside on a nice day.

For wine, you’ll find many great wine bars in Valletta, many with a historical atmosphere.  My husband’s colleague recommended Trabuxu Wine Bar  for both cocktails and wine for unparallelled atmosphere.  The bar is located in a 400 year old stone cellar and their bartenders are truly talented.

Where to stay in Valletta

You’ll find numerous 4* hotels in the historic center of Valletta as well as boutique hotels in historic buildings .  There’s also a number of hostels close to Valletta.

Although St. Julian’s is more popular than Valletta among the partier crowd, I think that it’s worth it to stay in Valletta for two nights to experience the historic atmosphere of the capital of Malta.

To save money, consider staying right outside of the city center in Sliema , which means that you can take the ferry to/from Valletta.  We stayed in Pieta , which was even less expensive and required only a longer walk to Valletta.  I felt that Pieta was a better base for exploring Malta without a car.

Check prices for accomodation now

Day 2: Day trip from Valletta to Mdina/Rabat

If you’re coming to Malta for Game of Thrones locations in Malta , you must include Mdina on your Malta itinerary!  Even if you’re not into Game of Thrones, Mdina and Rabat are beautiful cities with a rich history and stunning architecture.

It’s possible to do a Game of Thrones tour for the full-day, as I did, or you can independently visit Mdina/Rabat.  There are good resource online about the various locations, so don’t feel that you’re required to have a tour to visit Mdina.

How to get from Valletta to Mdina by bus: Get onto bus 51, 52, or 53 and get off at Mdina Gate.   The journey should take about thirty minutes.  Although most people assume that you cannot visit Malta without a car, you should have no problems if you use Valletta as a base.

Mdina existed prior to Roman times, however it was fortified during Roman times.  This small fortified city had three main gates, including the stunning Mdina Gate,  which was renovated in the 1700s. Mdina is and remains the silent city, where many noble families have their ancestral family homes.

As a result, very few people (400) actually live in Mdina full-time.  In peak season, Mdina is crazy, so try to come here early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the bus loads of tourists as visiting Mdina is one of the biggest attractions in Malta included in most Malta itineraries.  There are countless alleyways in this historical city, so don’t be afraid to get lost.

Some people choose to stay in Mdina overnight to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere once all the tourists leave after taking a day trip although there aren’t many hotels within the city center of Mdina, bur rather in Rabat outside of Mdina.

You’ll find a variety of hotel options here and it should be easy to drop your luggage off at your hotel after arriving into Mdina. Just be aware that the alleyways make it tricky to find the same spot twice, so be sure to flag your location on Google Maps!

If you’re looking for something special,  Xara Palace is a historic five star boutique hotel in an old palace in Mdina where celebrities often stay while filming in Malta, close to the city gate.

Click to check prices in Mdina

If you spend the morning in Mdina, be sure to stop for lunch outside of the city center (in Rabat) at  Il-Veduta Restaurant . This stunning restaurant has incredible views over the nearby countryside, a friendly cat (if you’re lucky enough to see it), and delicious food at a reasonable price.  As Mdina is quite touristic, I can recommend stopping here for a late lunch after doing some city exploring.

Rabat is derived from the word “suburb” in Arabic and it’s what lays outside of Mdina (derived from “market”). It’s a short walk (1.2 kilometers) from the Mdina Gate to St. Dominic’s Priory .

The reason? Game of Thrones. This stunning church with a quiet courtyard was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and stands in for the Red Keep.

Beyond Game of Thrones, this church has a fascinating history as it originally started in a nearby grotto (now below the church) where a local farmer saw the Virgin Mary.

Although the grotto is not accessible anymore due to the steep steps, pilgrims often come here after a marble statue of the Virgin Mary appeared to be shedding tears of blood, starting in 1999.

After the Vatican tested the blood confirming it as a miracle, they put the statue beyond glass where you can see it today. The church is free to enter.

Once you’re finished in Rabat, feel free to head back to Valletta or Mdina depending on what you prefer.  Although I loved Valletta, the atmospheric alleyways of Mdina was one of the highlights of my four day trip to Malta.

How to get from Rabat to Valletta by bus : Get on bus 51, 52, or 53 from outside of the church

For today, I recommend getting up early if you’re visiting Malta without a car.   In the morning, hop onto bus 41 or 42 towards the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.

The bus journey from Valletta to Cirkewwa will take about an hour and a half (less if you’re lucky), so be sure to get up bright and early today.  I recommend bringing your bags with you as the journey is long enough that you’ll want to stay overnight in Gozo or back on the main island closer to the ferry.

The ferry to Gozo is one of those really experiences in Malta that allows you to appreciate the Malta and Gozo coast by sea, even if you don’t have time to kayak around the island.  I spent most of my journey enjoying the views from the deck.

You can purchase a ticket on the Gozo Ferry upon arrival and the journey will take about 45 minutes. Expect to pay a bit less than five euros round trip.  (It’s possible to pay with card.)  Inside of the ferry station, you’ll find a cafe in case you’re in need of a coffee or breakfast although there’s also food/drinks on the ferry itself.

Where to stay on Gozo

Once arriving into Gozo, you’ll need to take bus towards your accommodations and the main attractions on Gozo.  For ease of transit, I’d recommend staying in Victoria as it’s the main bus hub of Gozo and you’ll have more food options in Victoria.

We stayed further away in Qala , close to the ferry although over three miles away from the ferry, which made things quite a bit more difficult for us with our bags without taking a taxi or a bus.

There are certainly more scenic parts of Gozo to stay in than Victoria, especially if you can stay in Gozo near the coast. If you have the opportunity, try to stay in a historic Maltese farmhouse for the unique experience.

Check prices for accomodation in Victoria now!

Once you drop off your belongings, explore Victoria.  Victoria is pretty small and walkable, with a charming atmosphere, complete with red telephone booths.

Be sure to stop off for pea pastries, which you’ll find at many of the bakeries that you’ll pass by in Victoria. These Maltese specialities are delicious!  If you choose to, you can head up to the Citadel for epic views, but we chose to focus on doing an adventure activity in the morning prior to heading to Ġgantija.

Ġgantija it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija

I’m quite into history and I had to visit the neolithic temple of Ġgantija.  Built before Stonehenge (3600 and 3200 B.C.), this massive temple of connected rocks was hidden from sight for hundreds of years prior to its discovery in the 1800s.

The museum within Ġgantija has some kid-friendly exhibits although I felt it was one of the most engaging museums about neolithic history that I’ve seen.

Some visitors and locals assumed that the temple belonged to giants due to the size of some of the stones, however it’s believed that this Maltese megalithic temple, used for ceremonial sacrifice, could be seen from all around the island at its peak.

I was impressed by the sophistication of these early settlers to Malta as well as the ambitious construction that involve stacking numerous stones that fit together.   (It takes maybe two hours to see Ġgantija if you’re a history geek like myself although longer if you befriend the friendly kitties who make it home now.)

Adventure activities on Gozo

You’ll find a number of adventure activities on Gozo as the rock face is some of the best in the world for climbing due to the porous holes in the rock and the crystal clear water makes it perfect for diving .

If you’re visiting Gozo in warm weather, be sure to look up deep water soloing. This is when you climb directly over the sea without ropes and if you fall, you fall into the sea. No sweat.   It’s still best to try this activity with a knowledgeable guide who will know the safest routes where you cannot harm yourself if you fal l.

Many climbing activities and diving activities on Gozo will be half-day adventures, so if you’re interested in going sea kayaking in addition to climbing, this is possible.

We went with Gozo Adventures  (Phone number: +356 99 99 45 92) and I was very happy with our experience.  Our guide was well experienced at climbing and would give us feedback on the routes/how to improve our climbing.

The rock was a bit sharp, but easy to grasp due to the many holes.  For beginner climbers, it might be harder than you realize as I struggled on natural rock despite climbing regularly at a rock climbing gym.

Other notes on Gozo

We stayed out in Qala with an adorable snuggly cat who loved to fall asleep in my lap.  The Maltese are cat lovers and this really pleased me.

We went out at  Zeppi’s Pub , a cozy hole-in-the-wall bar with a mix of locals and tourists. The drinks were very reasonable.  I found the prices for food and drinks higher in Victoria although we ended up having a great meal at a cozy local cafe.

Note on travel in Gozo : The Azure WIndow on Gozo is unfortunately underwater now.  If you’re a diver, you can still see the remains of it, however it is NOT possible to visit the Azure Window anymore.    I was lucky enough to see it and it’s heartbreaking to see this stunning landmark gone.

Depending on your day, I recommend leaving Gozo earlier to have time to head towards Marsaxlokk, one of the gems of Malta that you cannot miss during your four day trip to Malta.

This sleepy fishing town is one of the best places to get seafood and fish in Malta, as recommended by our local friend.  It will take about 1.5-2 hours to get from Cirkewwa to Marsaxlokk using the public bus and you’ll have a transfer close to Valletta.

Marsaxlokk is an easy day trip from Valletta if you have an evening flight and prefer to stay in Valletta, otherwise you can do it as a half day trip prior to departing for the airport.

It’s also possible to stay in Marsaxlokk if you’re interested in soaking up the charming atmosphere for one more evening in Malta prior to heading to the airport in the morning.  The airport is only five kilometers away.

Once you to get to Marsaxlokk, ask one of the hotels if they can hold your luggage for a small fee, so you can explore this beautiful town unencumbered by your baggage.

If possible, be sure to to visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday in order to enjoy the market, a great place to buy Maltese souvenirs. (Be sure to have cash as you’ll want to buy the homemade salt, honey, and alcohols!)  There’s usually stalls on other days if you miss the main market that cater to tourists.

Marsaxlokk has a small port area, however it’s full of charm, so it’s easy to spend a half a day here just taking in the colorful boats painted in traditional colors.  Be sure keep an eye out for the eye on the boats, which is a tradition that dates back to Phoenician times.

Marsaxlokk is still a fishing town and you can get some of the freshest fish in Malta here.  As described by our local friend, walk along the port to see the various restaurants and what their catch of the day is before committing.

Most restaurants will provide a set meal with 2-4 courses for less than fifteen euros depending on the fish included. Lampuki (Mahi-Mahi) is very popular although you can also get swordfish or tuna.  My husband loved the lampuki that he got although you’ll find other specialities.  Ask what’s fresh before you order as it’s a good sign when a restaurant has a handwritten menu that changes with the catch.

We ended up having our lunch at Ta’ Mattew , a casual seafood restaurant with a good lunch special. The owner was incredibly friendly and the portions were massive, so be sure to have a light breakfast…  I absolutely loved the fresh octopus, lightly cooked in lemon and spices.

Eating was definitely my favorite thing to do in Malta and the high quality meals were a highlight of our four day trip to Malta.  My meal at Ta’ Mattew was one of my favorite meals in Malta due to how fresh the seafood and fish was.

To get from  Marsaxlokk to the Malta Airport, you can take a taxi for about 20 euros (if you’re in a rush)  or two buses, which will take about thirty minutes with a transfer close to Valletta.

If you’re considering staying the night in Valletta, it should be possible to drop off your baggage earlier in the day prior to taking a day trip from Valletta to Marsaxlokk.

Advice on taking the bus in Malta

The public transportation in Malta is far better than many residents described to me, however the buses don’t run  that regularly between certain cities, so it’s important to check the bus schedule ahead carefully.

I used Google Maps and the journey planner on their website for up-to-date information about bus journeys.  We usually paid with cash/coins as I didn’t end up buying the tallinja card, which allows you to tap in for the bus with a preloaded balance.  Another option is the 12 single rides card, which is valid for up to one year.

How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by public transit

Depending on your destination, you’ll find several buses from the Malta Airport into Valletta, including bus lines 71/72/73.  I recommend double-checking your route as well as the stop before going as well as having three euros for the bus in case you don’t have time to get a reloadable bus pass.

The Maltese buses are modern with electronic stop announcements, so check the top scrolling bit to determine if you’re stop.  Maltese people are super friendly/helpful if you seem like a tourist and you’re unsure where to get off.

There are clear signs to the bus stop.  If you’re more into taxis, you’ll find taxis waiting in front of the airport although you should go to the booth  first to pay for your fare.

Taxis in Malta

Malta and Gozo are fairly small.  If you need to take a taxi, you can get across the islands in around forty minutes.

Our Maltese friend recommends pre-booking or ordering your taxi in Malta using eCabs , a reliable taxi service that we used multiple times on Malta.  They have a handy app that allows you to pay by card and I was impressed by their professionalism.

At the airport, you’ll need to go to the desk in order to book a taxi and prepay for the distance, which will get you a cheaper rate.  According to our friend, it’s best to prepay if possible as some taxis will take a roundabout way if you’re paying by fare and you’re clearly a tourist.

Map of the Malta itinerary

Have you been to Malta?

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

June 22, 2018 at 5:50 pm

This is a super useful post. I’m going to Malta for four days in August and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to fit everything into one trip without a car. You’ve set my mind at ease with the public transport now – thank you 🙂

August 13, 2018 at 3:39 pm

A great post Karen! Thank you for sharing your experiences and making my plan easy to do it without a car

September 25, 2018 at 6:11 am

Thank you so so much for this . I am a solo male traveller.. active 74 Australian who loves to use public transport wherever possible . Money saved on posh hotels and packed sightseeing can be spent on goid meals ..and more travel .I will be coming from Siciky next June by ferry or flight and then visiting a friend in Portugal . I will have 5 days and will follow your advice to stsy in Valleta and have a night in Gozo . You have been so generous sharing this information and it really really help me . Warmest regards Ron Each Day is a Precious Gift

December 1, 2018 at 7:18 pm

Thank u so much for such an useful post! I’m traveling alone and renting a car isn’t an option for me. 🙂

January 22, 2020 at 12:16 pm

I really appreciate your tips! I am planning a trip without a car and this will really help!!! YAYAY!

May 12, 2020 at 10:50 am

4 days is way too short. You have to consider there’s more: Valletta, the Three Cities, Blue Grotto, Popeye’s village, Rabat and Mdina, Dingli Cliffs. The whole North of the Malta island, where you find forts, caves, ancient underground catacombs. And then you need at least 2-3 days for Gozo and all its wonders. All in all you need 10-14 days and that would be very busy days. So no! Sorry you can’t do with just 4 days!!

October 1, 2021 at 4:27 pm

I agree. Two weeks is almost enough for first trip in Malta. Next time you will know which ones are missing. During holiday take once per week a real holiday, just for relaxing.

September 7, 2020 at 7:52 pm

Great article but I don’t think 4 days are enough. I think it will be safe to say you need at least 7 days in Malta and 3 days in Gozo. There is way more places to see. Also, I would say you should splurge on taxis because by public transportation it will take three times longer to get somewhere. As a rule of thumb, don’t eat at restaurants on main/touristic streets, just turn round the corner for better food and most likely cheaper. Also, for a quick b’fast, lunch or snack (or even a quick cheap dinner) you can stop at a pastizzeria and buy some pastizzi or qassatat.

April 20, 2021 at 7:53 am

Definitely agree with Des and Roman – you need way more days to explore Malta and Gozo. We used a combination of buses and taxis. The cathedral at Mostar also has an interesting story. We also took the fast ferry to Sicily – where we hired a car and drove up to Mt Etna and stayed overnight at Taormina then caught the late ferry back. That was worth doing

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Malta travel blog — the fullest malta travel guide for first-timers.

Malta is a small island nation in the middle of Mediterranean Sea and to the southern island of Sicily, Italy. The charming landscape, secluded beaches, warm climate, vibrant life, long-standing history, cultural diversity and especially it possesses massive fortresses, ancient temples that have made this place to be one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. This country once played a big role in shaping human history. There are temples dating back 5000 years old and are considered the oldest remaining independent structures on earth. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Malta for the first-time? Let’s check out our Malta travel blog (Malta blog) with the fullest Malta travel guide (Malta guide, Malta tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• 20+ beautiful photos show the beauty of Malta – The island nation filled with sunshine in the Mediterranean
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Having been annexed by many empires, Malta offers visitors an interesting mix of cultures. When traveling here, it’s easy to see the blending styles of Italian, British and North African in cuisine, language, culture and architecture. Thanks to its wonderfully warm climate and relatively cheap travel costs and friendly locals, it is a good place for those who love medieval cities and castles and cities decayed but still has its own charm.

Malta travel guide: Overview of Malta

The Republic of Malta located away 80 km to the south of Italy, 284 km to the east of Tunisia and 333 km to the north of Libya. This country has only an area of ​​316km2 (square kilometer) with a population of about 450,000 people, Malta is one of the smallest countries and the highest population density across the globe. The capital of Malta, Valletta with an area of only ​​0.8 square kilometers is the smallest capital in the European Union. Malta consists of 9 large and small islands, but only 3 large islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.

Malta has strategically located in the middle of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, once occupied by the Phoenicians, the Aragonese, the Knights of Saint John, the French and the British. The country also played an important role in many of history’s most famous wars, such as between Catholic Europe and the Ottoman Empire, the success and failure of Napoleon, as well as World War II. That continuous change of control has given it a unique culture – a blending of architectural styles, culinary and cultures (in fact, Maltese is a blend of Arabic and Italian) that you can’t find anywhere outside of Southern Spain.

Malta is known as an international tourist and leisure destination, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The official languages ​​of Malta include Maltese and English. Roman Catholic is the main religion of Malta, in addition to Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Islam.

Malta travel guide: When to come?

Malta has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature from January to April during the day is 12 – 18 degrees Celsius and 7 – 12 degrees Celsius at night. From mid-April to November, the daytime temperature is 28 – 34 degrees Celsius and nighttime is 19 – 24 degrees Celsius.

In summer from May to October is the best time to explore this island nation. If you want to explore Malta’s beaches, diving, water activities, then from July to September is an ideal time to come, the temperature is approximately 30 degrees Celsius.

Malta travel guide: How to get to Malta?

While most European countries have seasonal flights, not many airlines operate routes to Malta year-round. But Ryanair, Air Malta, EasyJet and Lufthansa, Emirates are the largest airlines that offer services to Malta year-round. If you flying from London, it will take more than 3 hours by flight to reach Malta. Access Google Flights , Momondo , Skyscanner , Kayak to find your suitable flights.

To getting from Malta Airport to city center you can take the bus: BUS X1, BUS X2, BUS X3, BUS X4 or Bus TD2, Bus TD3. In which TD buses stand for Tallinja Direct are direct buses running from airport to your destination and quicker than X buses which running to most localities in Malta and stop at every bus stop.

Alternatively you can reach Malta by waterways with ferries from the ports of Catania and Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy, which take about 2 and a half hours and cost about 61 – 127 euros ($63 – 135) / one-way (depending on each season). Ferry details here .

Malta guide: Getting around

There are 3 main ways to getting around Malta: Buses, taxis and self-drive.

Ticket price: The single ticket costs EUR2 in summer, EUR1.5 in winter and EUR3/night bus.

In addition, there are a 12 SINGLE DAY JOURNEYS for EUR15 for adults (Children up to 10 years old 15€) which can be used for groups, families, valid for 1 year from the first-time you validate it and with this ticket you can take 12 bus rides. Or 7-day ticket for EUR21 / adults and EUR15/children called EXPLORE CARD .

We stayed here for a week, so we chose to buy a 7-day ticket for EUR21, the ticket is made with a very good hard card and can be kept as a souvenir ^^.

• Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Where to buy tickets? There are places to buy tickets in each locality, usually in bookstores or souvenir shops, but note that all supermarkets and shops here close before 7pm. So, we planned to go to Valletta at night to strolling around streets and then buy tickets, but when we arrived, almost shops were closed, but luckily we were help by a local, he said there was a ticket vending machine located at the Valletta bus station , which still operating 24/24.

Bus and ferry times: Buses here are not as frequent as other major cities in Europe, you usually have to wait about half an hour to an hour with a trip, so you should remember to note the departure and return times, especially at night with very few trips, 10:30PM is the last trip.

Renting a car costs $41 / day (rental costs around $53 or higher in the summer). There are many local car rental companies, but I rent at Hertz because it’s close to my Airbnb. Many companies only accept cash payments. Rent a car from big companies to ensure your safety.

Taxi & Uber

Taxis cost EUR10-20, you can book a taxi via Whatsapp in advance and taxi may a good last minute option if you get stuck and can not take a bus. In addition, you also can use Uber rideshare service.

Ferry ticket to Comino island cost about EUR13 / round-trip, from the Cirkewwa wharf with the earliest trip departs at 9:10am and the last trip at 3:40pm, the return trips from 9:30am to 6:00pm daily.

The ferry to getting to Gozo is super big and beautiful, with no cost for departing trip, when return, you buy a ticket for EUR4.65 / person, the ferry running all day and night, and the best thing when we took the return trip at sunset, sitting on the ferry and watching Gozo island lights up against the pink sky of the sunset is really memorable moments (information about the ferry to Gozo here).

For convenient traveling and saving when exploring Malta you can buy in advance some PASS or CARD such as MALTA PASS which allows you free to visit more than 35 museums, architectural or historic, famous tourist attractions throughout the country, it also covering free sightseeing bus ride. Price: 1-day 49.95€ / 2-day 79.95€ / 3-day 99.95€. Website: www.maltapass.com.mt .

Or VALETTA CARD which allows you free to visit some famous attractions in the capital of Valleta as well as traveling from, to, and within Valletta plus 2 free ferry trips. Price: 24 hours 19€. Website: www.publictransport.com.mt/en/valletta-card

Malta travel guide: What to do and where to go?

The capital of Valletta

With an enthralling history, amazing architecture and a bustling urban lifestyle, this city proudly received awards such as the European Cultural Capital of 2018 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Traveling to Valletta, visitors feel like stepping on a journey through many majestic, magnificent of ancient architectural buildings and structures such as: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, Grand Harbour, Manoel Theater, Regina Square (Republic Square)… Quaint, secluded Medieval architecture attracting and captivating all your eyes, bringing an atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they are immersed in endless stories. The narrow steep alleys, signature and colorful windows of hillhouses make Valletta more charming and romantic.

In particular, take time to strolling and enjoying the beauty of Valletta at night with a vibrant nightlife, you also easily see the world’s famous DJs in the splendid capital along with most luxurious brands in the world also garthering here.

Popeye Village (Film Set Village)

Built as a movie setting in 1979, the Popeye sailors’ village is still today a popular tourist attraction in Malta. “Popeye Village”, also known as “Sweethaven Village” is an amusement complex – an open-air museum, and one of the most popular tourist attractions around Anchor Bay on the Mediterranean coast. Popeye Village was originally built as a filming location for Robert Altman’s “Popeye” film, co-produced by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions.

Throughout the years, many activities have been held in the village, but the most special and attracting the attention of visitors is Popeye and Olive’s wedding. There are also exhibitions of Popeye’s sailor comics, as well as more than 200 original comics and cartoons from the 60s, 70s and 80s. In good weather, visitors can take a tour to explore Anchor bay by boat and admiring the beautiful Popeye village from the sea.

Address: Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta Hours: 10:30AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

The fishing village of Marsaxlokk

About 30 minutes by bus from the capital Valletta to the South Eastern of Malta, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk is considered a convergence of colors. From the Luzzu boats painted pure white to the gentle blue water reflecting the sunlight. All create a poetic picture bearing typical style of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can stroll along the coast, visit fishing village and enjoy specialties in harbor restaurants.

Love the beauty of nature, blue sea and golden sunshine? So, Gozo Island is the perfect destination for you. Gozo Island is one of the 3 largest islands in the island nation of Malta which attracts travelers with a wide coastline, majestic and magnificent Window Azure arch which was formed in a limestone rock in a unique shape lying quietly in space creating a spectacular scenery of nature. Not only that, visiting Gozo you also have the opportunity to visit the ancient and sacred temples of Ggantija. An early morning sunrise on the island of Gozo will be a great start for your journey. You can take a boat tour to visit the rock arch to feel the grandeur and wonder of nature, swimming or diving in the clear water in this sea are also interesting experiences.

With 200km of coastline, Malta possesses beautiful hidden coves, bays, secluded beaches that intriguing visitors at firt sight. In Comino, an island has only an area of ​​​​about 3.5 square kilometers but owns the most beautiful beach in this island nation. In particular, the Blue Lagoon on the island wears a sparkling turquoise blue with a white sand strip in a tranquil space between heaven and earth. Lying on the sand, enjoying the warm sunlight on the beautiful and romantic island of Comino will make you always in a peaceful and happy mood. Wandering around the island, watching the waves crashing on rocks or the magnificent scenes of sunrise and sunset will make you fall in love with this beautiful island more.

Mdina is a fortress town in the North, which served as the capital of Malta during the Middle Ages. The whole city was enclosed within the fortress wall with a total population of less than 300 people. The town is exactly an ancient fortress that has preserved its original structure and shape from ancient time. From the narrow roads surrounded by golden stone walls to the ancient street lamps along the alleys, corners, street signs… All of them still have the impression of medieval times.

There is a wide range of activities to enjoy here such as strolling around the picturesque streets as well as visit many museums. This town is also known for its cute cafes and eateries, perfect for relaxing for hours.

Located just outside the walls of Mdina fortress is the town of Rabat. Rabat means “suburban”, or in other words Rabat is the suburb of Mdina. The small town of Rabat with about 11,000 people, is not as magnificent as Mdina, but literally a more ordinary inhabited town. The road leading into the town center is filled with shops, houses, small cafes with red and blue windows that are very typical of Malta.

Visiting Rabat you will be surprised when green dominating everywhere. The green of the lawns adorning the foot of the ancient citadel, of the sparse forests interspersed and spreading, the town is full of old trees whose trunks are large enough for two people to embrace, with their elaborately trimmed foliage in round or square shape.

Sliema is a coastal town located in the northeast of Malta, bordering St. Julians. Once the home of the Maltese nobility, it has now become a major commercial area, very popular for shopping, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels. Elegant villas and townhouses as well as many Victorian buildings built by the British lying along the promenade overlooking the rocky coastline. A unique experience that worth a try is Dinner in the Sky, where your dinner table will be lifted 40 meters above by a crane, and the panorama from above is something you’ll never forget.

Qrendi is located in the South West of Malta near Mqabba and Zurrieq. The town is small, with a population of around 3,000 people, but it has two of the most important Neolithic temples in Malta, Mnajdra and aġar Qim. On the seaside, you can find the Maqluba, a massive sinkhole that was formed by a great storm in 1343. Qrendi also home to the spectacular Wied iz-Zurrieq harbour and the famous Blue Grotto. The village center is quiet, with many old buildings, however, the suburbs are quite modern and developed. There are no tourist facilities in the centre, making Qrendi a truly Maltese village.

It is a megalithic temple complex, and one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Hagar Qim area, Mnajdra temple is located 500 meters from Hagar Qim temple. This archaeological site is located in an isolated and rugged stretch of the south coast of Malta facing the sea. The complex consists of three buildings facing a common oval front yard and may be part of a larger complex.

The oldest structure, the southern temple dates from around 3600 to 3200 BC. Two other temples were built between 3150 and 2200 BC. These three structures represent an important period in prehistoric human development known as the Ggantija Period (circa 3150 BC to 2500 BC), which was an important period of The Bronze Age period in Malta (2400 BC – 700 BC).

This rural village has a history dating back to 1436. The Grand Master de Rohan (Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc) elevated Zeborms to a city, renamed it Citta Rohan and built the triumphal arch at the town’s entrance. The main square is decorated by the two-story Baroque Parish Church of Saint Philip with an ornate interior. The original design was created by Cassars, the architect of Saint-John Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Zeborms holds its annual religious festival, The Saint Philip’s Festival at the Parish Church in June.

Blue Lagoon

Great for swimming, water activities, or floating on a life jacket, Blue Lagoon with its emerald water, smooth white sands, the same length as Olympic-sized swimming pool. Good swimmers can cross the cove and small beach on the other side of the lagoon.

From May to October, tourists can stay at Comino Hotel (the only hotel on the island) to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without a tour and enjoy a peaceful vacation more easily. Things to do on Comino Island include walking, hiking, and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Blue Grotto

Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon above, located in the Northwest of the archipelago, in Comino Island, the Blue Grotto is an ensemble of seven caves found along the island’s southern coast, directly across from the islet of Filfla and less than a kilometer from Wied iż-Żurrieq village to the west. It was given its name in the 1950s when a British soldier visited the area and compared it to the famous Grotta Azzurra of the island of Capri, which basically means “Blue Grotto”, because the water is so blue.

The breathtaking seaside setting and limestone caves here are a picture of pure serenity, the water surface shines a brilliant blue in the sun. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was the home of mermaids and sea nymphs, who seduced sailors with their enchanting voices.

The village of Wied iz-Zurrieq (just 1 km from the Blue Grotto) has many souvenir shops, ice cream shops and cafes, as well as cliff restaurants with great views. You’ll enjoy a meal at one of the restaurant’s terraces overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The beach is extremely wide with soft golden sand, clean water, quiet because it is far from traffic, safe for swimming. Many visitors spend whole day here for sunbathing while listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. There are also cafes and restaurants with terraces overlooking the coast and gentle waves.

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and the beaches of Gnejna Bay

For visitors exploring the area by car, it’s worth the two-kilometer drive from Golden Bay to the pristine beach at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Surrounded by cliffs and steep hillsides, the beach is accessed by climbing down 200 steps. Considered one of the top beaches in Malta, Ghajn Tuffieha is popular with locals.

Continuing riding for another seven kilometers from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is Gnejna Bay, a protected cove surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Walk down the steep stairs you will reach the beautiful orange-sand beach, which is popular with swimmers and snorkelers. Water ski and canoe rentals are also available as well as public restrooms and food stalls.

Between the bays of Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna is the rural village of Mgarr, a scenic spot of vine-covered hills and small farms. Outdoor lovers will enjoy beautiful hiking trails from Mgarr to the countryside and along the coast to Gnejna bay.

Mellieha Beach

Located in the scenic countryside of the Northwest, Mellieha is a family-friendly beachfront destination. The beach is located next to a busy road but does not lose its natural beauty. Mellieha Beach has the largest stretch of sand in the island nation of Malta with a 1.5 km long coastline with fine white sand.

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

At Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, visitors can explore the prehistoric world (circa 4000BC – 2500 BC). This UNESCO archaeological site is a Neolithic relic discovered in 1902. It is a complex of stone-carved catacombs. In this underground labyrinth, prehistoric humans performed religious burial rituals. The most fascinating thing of the site is that it represents an ancient cultural tradition that no longer exists but remains a mystery to archaeologists and scholars.

Diving at HMS Maori

Malta has a warm climate and is also blessed with azure seas, which means it is the perfect choice for those who love to swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. There is an array of man-made reefs here as well as a number of military shipwrecks dating back to the Second World War.

One of the most famous diving sites is called HMS Maori, a frigate that was sunk by the Germans and now lies on the seabed at a depth of 14 meters. This is a good diving spot for beginners due to easy access and relatively shallow depths, and if you want to get a diving certificate, some expert divers can support you.

Malta guide: Where to stay?

Hotels in Malta are also very diverse with wide-range choices and different prices, depending on the choice of travelers. Hotels are usually concentrated in St Julian’s , Sliema , St Paul’s Bay , St George’s Bay and Bugibba. In addition, there are many hostels, guesthouses and apartments in Malta for tourists to rent and relax. Campsite in Mellieha will also be an interesting experience if you want to try. Malta also has 2 tourist villages and villas suitable for families and large groups.

If you choose to stay in Valletta, it’s hard to find a cheap hotel (lowest rates are usually 70 euros/night), but one thing is for sure, you will get a room of the right value. Dozens of luxury hotels and apartments are offered in the city, with beautifully decorated authentic buildings, historic buildings and spacious, villa-like hotels. Hotel Phoenicia Malta ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , Hotel Palazzo Paolina ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , Palais Le Brun ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) and Ursulino Valletta ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) are just some of the best options if you want the ultimate in experience.

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Malta on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Malta blog: What to eat?

Local, fresh, simple and seasonal dishes are the essence of Maltese and Gozitan cuisine. Maltese cuisine is influenced by its proximity to Sicily and North Africa but it still holds its own flavor and uniqueness.

You can find a wide range of Mediterranean flavors with mains being seafood, vegetables, pasta, meat, bread, cheese and olive oil. To experience the most authentic dishes and a better understanding of Maltese cuisine, look to family-run restaurants in smaller towns.

Stuffat tal-Fenek (Stewed Rabbit)

Stewed rabbit is the national dish of Malta. Rabbit meat is usually prepared in one of two ways, stewed or fried. For stewing, this is a slow cooking process (more than 2 hours) that made the meat to become extremely tender. Stew dishes uasually add a rich tomato sauce and can include a variety of vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. It is also often served with spaghetti or some other pasta. You can find this dish at most restaurants in Malta.

Gbejniet (Maltese cheese)

Maltese love their own cheese, especially Gbejniet! Gbejniet is a typical cheese of Maltese people, made of goat or sheep’s milk, salt and rennet. It can be found in 3 forms: fresh, dried or processed and may have peppercorns added to enhance flavor or remain original. In addition to being eaten in original form, this cheese is also commonly served by deep-fried, sprinkled on salads, filling for ravioli (instead of ricotta), and sometimes, even in pies.

Don’t miss this pastizzi. This is one of those wonderfully creative dishes, this pastry is filled with a variety of ingredients, but the two traditional pastizzes contain ricotta cheese or peas. They’re incredibly greasy, delectable and full of calories, so it’s best to try them in the morning when they’re fresh out of the oven!

Aljotta (fish soup)

Aljotta is a soup that uses fish and herbs, has a light, fresh and delicious taste. The flavors stem from herbs, citrus, garlic and of course fresh seafood (mussels, octopus, shrimp, fish, typically kingfish). A hearty meal for any seafood lover!

Timpana (Grilled Macaroni)

These are great pasta pastries. This baked pasta dish is made with very simple ingredients – pasta and dough. Macaroni is cooked in a bolognese sauce with minced meat, bacon, tomatoes, garlic, onions and cheese and then baked in a puff pastry. This dish is quite filling, so make sure you are very hungry before enjoying this meal!

Torta tal-Lampuki (Lampuki Pie)

Always loved by Maltese people, Torta tal-Lampuki brings a sea flavor will surely make diners excited to enjoy. Torta tal-Lampuki is made with fresh sea fish as the main ingredient, cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled or fried and then topped with tomato sauce, onions, olives and fresh herbs. The time from late August to November is the “season” of this dish.

Imqaret (Doughnuts)

Imqaret is a deep-fried Maltese sweet that can be found at any street corner and on dessert menus at restaurants. The pastry is filled with dates then deep fried and covered with icing sugar and served with ice cream. If you want to get one for takeout, you’ll be missing out the delicious ice cream, so be sure to give it a try while sitting at the shop.

Zalzett tal-Malti (Maltese Sausage)

Maltese sausage is a homemade sausage mainly made of pork. The dish is influenced by British cuisine but prepared in the Portuguese tradition way. Fresh Maltese sausages are made from garlic, herbs, pepper, crushed coriander seeds and spices while the dried ones are made a bit simpler.

Pan-fried Lamb Chops

Maltese people love to eat well-done cooked meats, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find both lamb and pork on many menus. Because the meat is slow cooked and tender, it has more flavorful. The cuts of meat are tender and tastier, especially when covered in gravy and served with butter and potatoes, it’s amazing!

Maltese Platter

The best recommendation when you want to learn about Maltese cuisine is a Maltese appetizer plate. Most of them will have small portions of the most appreciated dishes by locals. In the example below, you’ll enjoy a spread with tuna, capers and dried tomatoes, Maltese sausage, stewed beans, and olives, and a salted cheese and pepper similar to feta cheese (gbejniet).

Recommended bars and restaurants:

Restaurants: Rising Sun (Marsaxlokk) , Loli (vegetarian restaurant), The Grassy Hopper (vegan), Marsaxlokk fish market, Suruchi, Ta Doni, Cuba, Rocksalt, Ta’ Rikardu (Gozo) , Electro Lobster Project.

Bars: Hole in the Wall (Sliema) , Native (and any bars on this street as it is the main hub for nightlife), Dubliner, Legligin, The Thirsty Barber.

Malta travel guide: Malta travel costs

Traveling to Malta is surprisingly cheap, the cheapest one among European countries. I came here in the middle of winter – there is no seasonal increase in accommodation, car rental and airfare and my friends tell me that most costs for food, activities and year-round public transport remains the same. Here is a list of common costs in this country:

• Ferry from Sliema to Valletta: One-way: 1.50 euros. Round-trip: 2.80 euros
• Ferry from Valletta to Gozo: 4.65 euros/person, Car and driver : 15 euros
• Pastizzi (cheap snacks): 1-2 euros
• Sandwiches for breakfast : 3-4 euros
• Full breakfast: 3-4 euros
• Lunch at the cafe: 8-10 euros
• McDonald’s: 5-6 euros
• Sandwiches: 6 euros
• Dinner with wine at a restaurant: 25 euros
• Main meal: 10-14 euros
• Pizza: 6-9 euros
• Bottled water: 1 euro
• Wine: 8-10 euros
• Beer: 3 euros
• Admission to the museum: 6 euros
• Car rental: 38-48 euros
• Taxi fare: 10-20 euros
• Bus ticket: 2 euros

On average, you can travel to Malta on a budget with 30-45 euros per day, but in the summer you’ll need around 50 euros per day. For that price, you will have to stay in a hostel or share an Airbnb with a friend, take public transport, most of the activities you take part in will be free activities, prepare your own breakfast and cheap eats at cafes.

In addition, all churches are free admissions. You will find lots of companies that will take you around the island in a boat for EUR25. Most museums and attractions cost EUR5 entrance fee but you can choose to buy a Malta tourist card as suggested above (there is one for Mdina and another card for Valletta) which will save you around EUR10-20 depending on number of tourist attractions you will choose to visit.

Malta blog: Before you go

• Opening hours of restaurants, cafes and bars will be from 9AM to 1PM. The hotel bars will be open from 1PM to 4PM but will continue to serve guests from 6PM.
• Short-haul flights between Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo usually take about 20 minutes. You can also rent cars and bicycles for your convenience of traveling.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Malta you can refer to

• Valletta Traditional Two Harbours Day Cruise of Malta
• Malta Prehistoric Temples Tour
• Valletta Half Day Tour
• St Paul’s Bay: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
• Bugibba: Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon Sightseeing Cruise
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo – 2 Island Boat Cruise
• Malta: 5-Hour Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food
• Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise
• Gozo: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Lunch and Powerboat Ride
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves Day Trip
• Malta: Shuttle Transfer between Malta Airport and Hotels
• Malta: Malta Island Bus Tour and Boat Tour
• Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise with Drinks
• Malta: Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour Cruise by Night

Are you looking for more top things to do in Malta: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Malta travel guide here .

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A local’s guide to Malta: 10 top tips

The island has been at the heart of Mediterranean history and culture for centuries, and it can be enjoyed once more now it’s on the green list

Malta claims to be the first EU country to have achieved herd immunity. Vaccinations recently extended to all over-16s and 58.6% of the population have had two jabs.

Since 2020, 420 people have died of the virus, and the country has not recorded a death since 26 May. Neither quarantine nor a PCR test is required for passengers travelling to Malta from the UK, but they must be fully vaccinated.

Museums and tourist sites, shops, restaurants and cafes are open, and allow tables of six people. Cinemas and theatres reopened on 7 June, but bars and nightclubs are still closed, and boat parties are not allowed.

Masks are mandatory for everyone over three years of age in public spaces, but from 1 June mask-wearing on beaches was advised but no longer required. Maltese health minister Chris Fearne said masks would cease to be mandatory outdoors from 1 July for vaccinated people, as long as cases remain low.

Valletta by night

Valletta used to be like a ghost town at night. Today, it is different – or rather it will be once the pandemic recedes and visitors return. In normal times the streets are full after sunset with live music and happy Mediterranean chatter all around. The grid system used by the knights to build the city creates what feel like parallel nightlife realities. Republic Street is imposing and distinct with exquisite cafes and restaurants; Merchant Street is laid-back leading down to the covered market; but walk down Straight Street and you would walk back in time, like the British sailors did in the past, and enjoy bar-hopping down to the Gut. Look out for the old street signage along the way.

Festivals in Malta

There are a lot. Before you visit the island it’s worth checking the Malta Tourism Authority’s website and festivals.mt to see what’s on, and to note that this year, until further notice, all festivals will be virtual.

The Strawberry festival , Notte Bianca in Valletta, Karnival ta’ Malta , the Malta jazz festival , the Valletta baroque festival , the Farsons beer festival , the Delicata wine festival , the Fireworks festival , and the Three Palaces are just some of the events over the year. My favourite though is BirguFest and its culmination Birgu by Candlelight, which is an extraordinary experience. One of Malta’s oldest cities, Birgu (also called Vittoriosa) is magically lit by thousands of candles adding a romantic and mystical touch to its medieval houses, auberges and palaces connected by winding alleys. The festival features historical re-enactments, open museums and churches, exhibitions and installations alongside concerts, theatre and laser light spectacles.

Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens

In Malta you’re surrounded by limestone, from the old cities of Mdina and Valletta, through the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and the Hypogeum, to the ornaments on the traditional Maltese townhouses. The limestone has been instrumental in preserving the history of the island. At the family-run Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens , in Siggiewi village, visitors can trace the use and role of this resource throughout the ages. Don’t miss the stone-carving and sculpting, where a visitor can spend time working on a limestone souvenir. The Farmer’s Lunch , in the peaceful garden of the estate, is a great way to try Maltese gbejna cheese, homemade pasta and rabbit dishes and traditional desserts. Younger visitors will enjoy the heritage park: there’s space to run around in, and an animal petting zoo. €8.10 adult, €5.40 student, €2.70 child with online discount, limestoneheritage.com

Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta

Not your usual museum, this is the only privately owned palazzo open to the public in Valletta. It exhibits unusual pieces of furniture, memorabilia, family paintings and rare medical instruments from the Knights’ Sacra Infermeria in Valletta. A museum by day and a stately home by night, its rooms bring the history of the Knights Hospitaller and the Maltese nobility to life. The palace was built in the 16th century for Don Pietro La Rocca, an admiral of the knights and is the ancestral abode of the Marquis Nicholas de Piro family. Today, it also houses a boutique B&B, with a peaceful garden and a cheerful macaw named Kiku. Tour groups are sometimes taken around by the marquis himself . Regular hourly tours are held throughout the week. casaroccapiccola.com

Caffe Cordina, Valletta

This is the most beautiful cafe in Valletta and something of an institution. I love going there to have an espresso with one of its signature sweets. Relaxing in the sun at Pjazza Regina in front of the statue commemorating the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and the baroque National Library is bliss. The cafe was established in Cospicua in 1837 and moved to Valletta in 1944. The building known as the Casa del Commun Tesoro or the Treasury during the rule of the Order of the Knights of St John in Malta was used by the British for various public offices and it was later converted into the Grand Hotel. The cafe’s eclectic interior decor and the vaulted ceiling embellished with paintings by the Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali add to the special character of the place. caffecordina.com

Meridiana Wine Estate, tour and wine tasting

About 30 years ago the production of world-class wines in Malta seemed like an ambitious goal. Some considered the investment risky, others thought it was doomed from the start. Today, one looks back at the legacy of a brave venture that explored the potential for high-quality wine production in Malta. The Ta’Qali wine estate, near Mdina, was planted in 1994 on the site of an airfield used by the RAF during the second world war, using a British-built herringbone system of irrigation. Success was achieved with the first harvest in 1996, which Meridiana sold within weeks. Its wines are now internationally established. My preferred Maltese wines are, of the reds, Nexus – a merlot, and Celsius – a cabernet sauvignon. Of the whites, Baltis, from the moscato grape, is excellent. Wine-tasting is held on Meridiana’s panoramic terrace overlooking its vineyard or in the courtyard near the cellars. A tour includes a visit to the fermentation-hall and underground cellar, both within the picturesque Maltese farmhouse. Wine tasting and tours at meridiana.com.mt

Taste of History at the Maritime Museum of Malta, Birgu

This museum gives visitors the opportunity to dine inside the museum itself. The atmosphere is special, the menu exquisite, and unique – as historians and chefs have researched 18th-century documents to find foreign influences, ingredients, spices and eating habits from the menus used by the knights. The Maltese fruit and vegetables used are grown by local farmers, the sausages are made by the butcher round the corner strictly following traditional methods and the in-house chefs follow the authentic recipes. This is a dining experience like no other. The building is a former bakery from the British period in Birgu, one of the three cities just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Maritime museum, heritagemalta.org . More about Taste of History on Facebook

Lascaris War Rooms

Below the fortifications of Malta’s capital city Valletta, this complex of tunnels and chambers hold fascinating secrets from the second world war. Built by the British military, the war rooms housed the allied war HQ, which played a crucial role in the defence of the island and the coordination of Operation Husky – the invasion of Sicily. Named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, a 17th-century grand master of the knights of Malta, who built a garden on the site and fortifications across the island , the war rooms received communications from all radar stations and mapped the aerial and naval movements around the islands. After the war the Lascaris rooms were used as the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. Climbing up the stairs of the bastion takes you to the Upper Barrakka Garden for the spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Adult €13, student €11, under-16 €6, open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, lascariswarrooms.com

National Community Art Museum (Muza), Valletta

Flagged by the Guardian Travel as one of 13 must-see new European museums , Muza opened in 2018, in a building that was once the seat of the Italian knights of the Order of St John. The site offers a chance to explore an auberge in which the knights lived during their stay on the island. The grand baroque entrance, the courtyard, the main staircase and the halls were rebuilt with contemporary material to expose intriguing features from the late 16th-century architecture. As a national community museum one of its missions is to make art accessible to the public; Muza does this by presenting contrasting artworks by old masters and contemporaries. The Masterpieces at Muza exhibition, currently on show, displays 13 old masterpieces from a private collection, including paintings by Rubens, François Boucher, Leonardo da Vinci and Giovanni Bellini. €10 adult, €7.50 students and people aged 60-plus, €5.50 children under 11, not open on Tuesdays, muza.mt

Boat trips and dramatic views

Whenever I can I always take the water taxi service across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua) and back by a traditional boat. The local dghajsa was built in the 17th century for that purpose. Used to ferry passengers connecting the harbour towns and also for taking passengers off the arriving ships, the boats were the main means of transportation in the harbour areas. The crossing takes 10 minutes and costs €2. Tourists can opt for a harbour cruise for €8pp. The real thrill is to feel the waves among the imposing views of the bastions of Valletta, Fort St Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the grandeur of one of Europe’s largest natural harbours.

Fra Nikola Soukmandjiev is a diplomat, priest and tour guide

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Malta in 3 Days Without a Car: An Awesome Malta Itinerary

Seeing Malta in 3 days (and without a car) sounds like an impossible mission, I know. I actually had more time on this Mediterranean island , but because of the most annoying vertigo, I had to spend a part of my trip in my hotel room.

I didn’t get to visit places like the Three Cities and Dingli Cliffs, and missing out was definitely not fun. Not exactly what I had in mind for this trip, but it is what it is.

Nonetheless, I feel like I used my healthy(ish) time properly and I want to share my itinerary with you, so if you only have three days in Malta, here’s how to make the most of them.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

3-Day Malta Itinerary Summary and Map

Is three days enough time to experience Malta to the fullest? Definitely not, because I could easily spend a full week there. That said, I think my itinerary won’t leave you disappointed as it gives you a taste of different sides of the main island in this archipelago.

Here’s what you’ll see on this itinerary:

• Day 1: Valletta.
• Day 2: Mdina, Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Beach).
• Day 3 : Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk.

See these places on the map .

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Malta Without a Car

The city of Sliema is a great base for taking day trips by public transport in Malta . Although I wouldn’t say it’s “a beautiful city”, it has a lovely promenade, some nice rocky beaches, and a variety of restaurants. I stayed at Slimiza Suites (I had a good time there, but unfortunately, its rating dropped recently).

Higher-rated places to stay in Sliema include Marea Boutique Hotels and Amery House .

Another option is to base yourself in the UNESCO-listed capital city, Valletta . It is well-connected by bus to many points of interest across the island and is packed with landmarks, places to eat, and pretty streets.

Check out highly-rated hotels in Valletta like Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse , Ursulino Valletta , and 66 Saint Paul’s & Spa .

You can also read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Malta .

Optional Itinerary Changes to See the Best of Malta in 3 Days

1. If you have an extra full day or want to make some changes to this itinerary, take a day trip to Gozo and the uninhabited Comino (known for its Blue Lagoon), Malta’s other two islands. Gozo’s infamous Azure Window might have collapsed, but there’s a lot more to see there, from the capital Victoria to the salt pans.

You can visit Gozo and Comino independently (with a bus to Cirkewwa + a ferry to the islands) , with a cruise, or with a guided day tour . If you’re basing yourself in Sliema like me, you can take this Comino & Blue Lagoon cruise (other tours are only suitable for those staying in the northwest part of Malta). You can also take the Gozo Fast Ferry from Valletta.

2. Other places I would have loved to visit are the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta (Hagar Qim, Tarxien, and others) scattered around the island and the San Anton Gardens.

3. If you have an extra half a day or prefer doing something more relaxed, stay in Sliema . Enjoy the sun and the water at Sliema’s Roman Baths and rocky beaches. You can also book this highly-rated cruise around Malta’s harbors .

Take your time and continue walking along the promenade towards the town of St. Julian’s. Apart from all the cafes and restaurants, you can enjoy the end of your trip relaxing and savoring the sea views.

Getting Around Malta Without a Car

Considering all the pros and cons of traveling by car along with what I had read about Malta’s bus routes, traffic, and driving culture, I decided to use both buses and taxis to get around the island (fun fact: they drive on the left side of the road ) .

You can buy your bus ticket directly from the driver or get a 12-ride rechargeable card at the ticket office or machines located next to all the bus stations in either Sliema or Valletta. Note that buses can get full quite quickly, but I still think public transport is a good way to get around Malta.

Traveling from Sliema to Valletta or vice versa is extremely easy, as you can take a 5-minute ferry (that operates once every half an hour).

Regarding taxis, I used them a few times when I didn’t want to switch buses and spend 90 minutes on a bus instead of 15 minutes in a car. You can also use Uber or Malta’s eCabs app.

Getting from Sliema to Valletta:  Take the ferry or buses 13,14,15 or 16 from Sliema to Valletta.

With all the things to do and see in Valletta , a city founded by the Knights Hospitaller ( Order of St. John ), it’s hard to believe that it is the EU’s smallest capital city yet clear why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

All the shops and cafes on the main streets make it seem slightly modern, but everything else about it just screams ‘history.’

Although it has become a highly-visit city, you can always find quiet corners away from the popular streets. To enjoy the best of it, here are some of the best things to do in Malta’s capital.

1. Highly-Rated Tours You Can Take in Valletta

A walking tour in Valletta: Learn about Maltese history while discovering Valletta’s main sights. Read reviews and check out this highly-rated 3-hour tour .

Street food tour: Learn about Valletta’s history and the local food culture, and try some popular Maltese dishes. Read reviews and browse its latest prices here .

2. Admire Valletta’s Narrow Streets and Maltese Balconies

Strolling through the streets of a city is the best way to see it and discover its hidden treasures, especially when it comes to a city as enchanting as Valletta.

With a mix of European and Middle Eastern vibes and the abundance of colors of the traditional Maltese balconies, Valletta is one big maze of uniqueness.

Some of the streets you should explore are St. Christopher’s Street, Old Mint Street, Old Bakery Street, and Republic Street, but that’s just a taste of Valletta, and you can spend hours wandering around.

3. St. John’s Co-cathedral

Probably one of the most visited landmarks in Valletta (and one of the top historical sites in Malta ), the St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in the 16th century by the Order of St. John.

With so many intricate architectural and decorative details, it’s practically one big work of art and one of the best places in Europe to appreciate Baroque architecture. It also has immense religious importance, so expect this place to be busy.

If you want to visit it with a guide, book this walking tour.

4. Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens

Both gardens are exactly where you want to be when you’re looking for a peaceful scenic spot in Valletta.

While the Lower Barrakka Gardens offer views of the Grand Harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens has a special treat for you – the Saluting Battery , a 16th-century artillery battery that was mainly used for ceremonies.

Looking down from the gardens’ main terrace, you can watch the cannon firing every day at 12 PM and 4 PM (for free!). I don’t about you, but to me, that was one hell of a unique experience. You can also buy a ticket to see the Saluting Battery up close.

The main terrace is also a perfect place to enjoy the views of the magnificent Fort St. Angelo (which was also built by the knights).

5. Casa Rocca Piccola

Dating back to the 16th century, Casa Rocca Piccola is the palace and home of the Maltese noble family de Piro (that still lives in it today!).

Some of its rooms are open to the public, and they allow you to have a glance at a noble family’s lifestyle. From silver items and antique furniture to paintings and clothing, this place is the definition of old-school luxury.

Address: Republic 74. You can purchase your ticket in advance here.

6. Grandmaster’s Palace and the Palace Armory

I have much respect for royal palaces, but visiting the residences of actual knights has always seemed uniquely cool to me.

I had already visited one on my Lisbon to Porto road trip , and I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to see a second one.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Grandmaster’s Palace is the largest palace in Valletta and one of the first buildings that were built in the city. Let me tell you one thing – this place has been through a lot.

After serving as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John, it was also the Governor’s Palace during British rule and the seat of the Parliament of Malta. Nowadays, it’s the Office of the President of Malta.

When visiting the palace, don’t miss the Palace Armory. Seeing such a large and impressive collection of original knight armor is simply amazing.

Address: Palace Square.

Prices and opening hours: Here .

7. Auberge de Castille, and Churches of St Catherine of Italy and Our Lady of Victory

Located one next to another, these three beautiful buildings are worthy of at least a few minutes of your time.

Now housing the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta, the Auberge de Castille was once the official seat of the knights of the Langue of Castille, Leon, and Portugal.

Right next to it, you can marvel at the oldest church in the city, the Church of Our Lady of Victory, and the Church of Saint Catherine of Italy which was built by the Italian knights of St. John.

8. The Royal Opera House and the Parliament of Malta

Two more points of interest in Valletta located right in front of each other are the 19th-century Royal Opera House and Malta’s Parliament Building.

While you can appreciate the modern architecture of the parliament building, you can only see the remains of the opera house.

Sadly, it was destroyed in an aerial bombing in 1942, but I did find its remains pretty charming thanks to its Greek-like quality.

9 . MUSEUMS

There are several intriguing museums you can check out in Valletta, including the National War Museum in Fort St. Elmo, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the Museum of Fine Arts.

10 . THE CITY GATE AND THE TRITON FOUNTAIN

If you want to make an official entrance to Valletta, head to the City Gate, which is actually the fifth one built in that location.

But the true icon in this place is the Triton Fountain. It became such a beloved landmark right from the start (about 60 years ago), so who am I to argue with three mermen holding up a giant plate?

11. A Hidden Gem in Valletta: Sunday in Scotland Chocolate Boutique

I know it’s the last thing you’d expect from this post, but to me, hidden gems come in all shapes and forms. Besides, I’m not going to say no to chocolate.

With its adorable interiors, tempting pralines, and picture-perfect patisserie desserts, you also won’t be disappointed by the chocolate shop & cafe Sunday in Scotland.

Address:  St. Lucia 172.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Malta , and Mdina is one of them. Also known as ‘The Silent City’, it is a thing of beauty and an ideal spot to start your second day. This gorgeous fortified city was actually Malta’s capital from antiquity until the 16th century.

For those of you who love mazes of charming alleys, Mdina has got you covered. I know that this UNESCO city has other highlights like the city gate, the Vilhena Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Cathedral Museum, but its streets have won me over the most.

Strolling through them truly felt like stepping back in time. No cars are allowed unless you have a special permit, and there are very few residents, but it’s important to know it has become a popular tourist spot.

If you want to explore Mdina with a guide, you can book a walking tour.

To cool off, head to Gelateria Fior di Latte (Villegaignon 21). Apart from devouring the delicious gelato, you can enjoy a fantastic lookout point right next to it.

Getting from Sliema to Mdina:  Take bus 202 from Sliema and get off at Rabat station, which is only a minute away from Mdina’s entrance gate.

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Also known as Riviera Beach, I knew I wanted to visit this bay ever since I had laid my eyes on it on Instagram .

It’s the perfect spot for both relaxing and enjoying some scenic viewpoints. The jaw-dropping sight of the bay reveals itself right when you walk down the stairs from the parking lot above it.

You can get another angle of it by walking towards the Ghajn Tuffieha Tower before taking the stairs down to the beach.

I also highly recommend climbing up to the Ghajn Tuffieha viewpoint on the other side of the beach to see yet another gorgeous little bay.

Important tip:  Don’t do any of these climbs with flip-flops. They may be short, but you must wear decent shoes or sandals.

Good to know:  The facilities and services in this bay include a restaurant, toilets, and beach chair & umbrella rentals.

Getting from Mdina to Ghajn Tuffieha:  To save time, I took a taxi. It should cost about 20 Euros (yeah, not as budget-friendly as a bus), but it only takes about 20 minutes instead of 60-90 by bus (including a switch/transfer).

Getting from Ghajn Tuffieha back to Sliema:  Climbing back up, right next to the parking lot there’s a bus stop called Riviera. From there, take bus 225 which goes all the way to Sliema.

Did you know? There’s a European legend that says that Malta is the lost city of Atlantis!

The Blue Grotto

Let’s just say that boats and I are not the best of friends, but I made an exception for the Blue Grotto.

Located on the island’s southern coast, this complex of seven caves is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malta, and taking a cave boat tour is a must-have experience.

On the 25-minute tour, you get to see some impressive arches, rock formations, and the most mesmerizing hues of blue water courtesy of the sunlight. In one word: MAGICAL.

Opening hours:  9 AM – 5 PM during summertime. 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM during wintertime.

Good to know #1:  You don’t need (and can’t) book the tour in advance. Buy your ticket at the ticket office and wait in line. Boats always come and go, and you won’t be waiting for too long even if it’s a bit busy.

Good to know #2:  You can also swim in this area, so be sure to have your swimsuit with you.

Getting there from Sliema:  Take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta or buses 13,14,15 or 16. From Valletta’s bus terminal, take bus number 74 and get off at the Panorama bus stop.

Tip #1:  Choose a sunny day to visit the Blue Grotto and take your tour before noon to enjoy the best blue colors. Also, the tours don’t operate if the weather doesn’t allow it.

Tip #2: Don’t miss the Blue Grotto’s viewpoint where you can feast on the iconic picture-perfect views of the main (and tallest) arch. It’s located not too far from the bus stop. You can either take your photo (and take in the views) and continue towards the ticket office or head there after taking the boat tour.

The colorful boats of the fishing village of Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-sash-lok) have made it one of my favorite places in Malta.

The village is small, and there isn’t much to see beyond the boats in the port and Marsaxlokk’s Parish Church, but I still think it’s worth the visit.

The village also hosts a famous market on Sundays, and I even came across a cute little souvenir market in the middle of the week. I visited on a tranquil day, but note that Marsaxlokk is becoming more and more popular.

If you’re feeling hungry, you can find countless restaurants along the promenade. I had some delicious pasta at La Nostra Padrona Restaurant‏, which also serves fresh seafood.

From Marsaxlokk, you can take a short boat ride to St. Peter’s Pool (you’ll see many boat tour signs while walking alongside the port), a well-known natural swimming pool in this area.

Price: A one-way boat ride to/from St. Peter’s Pool should cost you about 5 euros.

Getting from the Blue Grotto to Marsaxlokk:  Again, to save time, I decided to take a taxi. It should cost about 20 Euros (again, I know it’s not cheap), but it only takes about 15 minutes instead of an hour or more when you have to switch buses.

Getting from Marsaxlokk back to Sliema:  Bus 81 goes from Marsaxlokk to Valletta’s bus terminal. From Valletta, you can take either a bus (13,14,15, or 16) or the ferry back to Sliema.

Instead of Marsaxlokk, you can take bus 201 from the Blue Grotto and visit the Dingli Cliffs or Ħaġar Qim Temples (from where you can take a bus directly back to Valletta).

Looking for a girls’ trip destination in Europe ? A long weekend in Malta could be a great choice!

Related Posts

To know what to expect from this beautiful country, here are a few other Malta travel tips you have to read before your trip.

Want to explore other Mediterranean islands or European regions without renting a car? Read:

• 4 days in Crete
• 7 days in Mallorca
• 5 days in Puglia
• 5 days in Alsace

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

10 thoughts on “Malta in 3 Days Without a Car: An Awesome Malta Itinerary”

I would love to visit Malta and admire the cute balconies and see the fishing village! Looks really charming!

These places were super charming 🙂

Very detailed and insightful post! Thank you, Or!

Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂

I rarely see things on Malta even though it’s on my bucket list – I’ve just added all of this to my list 🙂

It’s an amazing destination! I hope you get to visit soon!

I was only in Malta for part of one day, so I did hire a private car to be able to see what was most important to me. Along with several of the locations you mentioned, I visited (most important tome) the cave where the Apostle Paul stayed when he became shipwrecked on the island. It later served as a bomb shelter during the war. I fell in love with Malta, and hope to return for an extended stay!

I hope it was fine for you to drive there – I really didn’t want to. And I hope you get to visit again soon! Also, do you remember the name of the cave?

I really enjoyed reading this about Malta! I would love to go! I have pinned this too!

Thank you so much! I hope you get to visit soon!

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Home » Best Things to Do in Malta

Things To Do in Malta: 40+ Best Attractions and Activities

If you’re planning to visit the Maltese islands, there are more than enough fun things to do in Malta – from sightseeing to tourist attractions and more adventurous activities.

Here’s a comprehensive list of my best Malta travel tips to help you decide what to do in Malta!

Top 3 Things to Do in Malta

1. head to the stunning blue lagoon.

Malta’s most must-visit destination is on the tiny island Comino: Blue Lagoon Bay . Just northeast of the Maltese coast, this gem of a lagoon boasts the most sparkling azure-blue water, which will invite anyone into the water.

Head here for a lazy day of tanning, swimming and cocktails – and bring a snorkel set just in case; the marine life is exciting.

The best boat tour to the Blue Lagoon is one of Sea Adventure Malta , where you’ll head to the lagoon on one of their three boat options:

• Large catamaran with slides – great for families with kids
• Same large catamaran but at sunset ( highly recommended – much quieter experience!)
• Smaller catamaran (“Sea Odyssey”)

TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5

I recommend taking a boat tour rather than organising everything yourself and taking the ferry, as it will save you hassle and also because it can be hard to find a spot to relax on the tiny beach near the Blue Lagoon.

If you’d rather have more flexibility, I recommend taking the iSeeMalta ferry . This hop-on-hop-off ferry works the same way as the buses, which allows you to hop on at different stops and hop off wherever you want.

For just an attractive price, you can get a day pass, with which you can head to the Blue Lagoon and back to your accommodation, wherever that is.

2. Explore the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of the most unique things to do in Malta. This is a must-visit, especially on sunny summer days when the Mediterranean seawater sparkles around the impressive rock cave formation in the south of Malta.

You’re taken inside the Blue Grotto with a short boat tour to admire the sunlight bouncing off the sandy sea floor onto the rocks above. Truly magical!

Combine it with a visit to Malta’s traditional fishing village, Marsaxlokk and its big market in this Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk tour to make the most of your day.

3. Tour the famous Grand Harbour

The absolutely stunning and fortified capital of Malta, Valletta, is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea – and the Grand Harbour . From Marsamxett Harbour in the west to the Three Cities and their harbours on the east side, all the surrounding areas have played a significant role in protecting the capital throughout the centuries.

You can cruise through Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour for just €20 with the iSeeMalta Grand Harbour cruise .

You’ll get the opportunity to imagine the rich history of the area as you visit the natural harbours on both sides of Valletta. This 90-minute hop-on-hop-off tour allows you to get on board wherever you are, as well as make several stops on the way. Flexible and enjoyable!

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!

Top 5 Malta Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing Destinations

1. the capital city of valletta.

You can’t visit Malta without visiting its intriguing and gorgeous capital, Valletta. The city holds a centuries-long history and is filled with historical sites. It definitely needs to be on your list of things to do in Malta! Read more about Malta’s capital further down.

2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Within Valletta, you’ll find the iconic Saint John’s Co-Cathedral . The Roman-Catholic co-cathedral dates back to 1577, and its interior is considered to be one of Europe’s finest examples of high Baroque architecture. Learn more about the cathedral in the Valletta section of this article.

3. The walled city of Mdina

If you are interested in Malta’s history or want to visit its second-most impressive city, the ancient city of Mdina is bound to impress. The fortified city used to be Malta’s capital, and within its walls hides some of the most admirable art and architecture. Learn more about Mdina in the section below.

4. Gozo: Natural beauty

Prefer nature over city life? Then, the smaller Island of Gozo is an absolute must. Malta’s sister island is a natural gem, with bountiful greenery and plenty of beaches to explore.

A lot quieter than the bustling island of Malta, the idyllic island will capture your heart if you love peace and serenity. Further down below, you can find more details about Gozo and how to get there.

5. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Malta is famous for its prehistoric buildings and remains, and one of the most impressive ones is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. This underground burial site dates back to 4000 BC and was only discovered in 1902. Read on to find out more!

Visit Malta’s capital city of Valletta and its many museums

Valletta is a true gem of a place and an absolute must-visit. It’s one of my favourite places in Malta, and I always discover something new whenever I go there.

These are a few of the top places to visit and things to do while you’re there.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

The jewel of Valletta is the St. John’s Co-Cathedral. A modestly designed exterior hides what’s inside: A jaw-dropping display of art, Baroque design, marble floors with large tombstones and several niches and chapels. To boot, its museum displays works by the world-famous late-Renaissance painter Caravaggio.

La Sacra Infermeria

La Sacra Infermeria’s Great Ward was once Europe’s longest at 155 metres long. The entire Infirmary accommodated a total of 563 beds in 1787.

When visiting La Sacra Infermeria, don’t miss out on the Augmented Reality (AR) experience named ‘Reliving The Sacra Infermeria’. Interact with the history and its protagonists while being transported back in time with this innovative concept – a fun and educational experience for everyone.

There is also the Malta Experience, an audio-visual showing narrating the intriguing 7000-year history of Malta.

In just 45 minutes, you’ll grasp the country’s unique history, which will enrich your entire understanding of the islands, its people, and the places you’ll visit.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a real serene treat in Valletta, hidden away in a corner of the city and offering a break from the bustling capital.

Take a stroll past the fountain and flowers, enjoy the amazing views of the Grand Harbour and grab a coffee while you enjoy some shade. You can also visit the Lascaris War Rooms while you’re here. It doesn’t get better than this!

Grand Master’s Palace

Right in the centre of Valletta, you’ll find the Grand Master’s Palace in all its majesty. The palace was built between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta.

Inside the Grand Master’s palace, you’ll find stunning artworks, heritage items, and old Maltese furniture. You can also visit the Palace State Rooms, located inside Grandmaster’s Palace, which is a very impressive attraction to admire as well.

Finish your visit with the Palace Armoury, which houses a huge collection of armour and artillery that belonged to the Knights of the Order of St. John and the Ottomans.

Lascaris War Rooms

Located under the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms are known as Malta’s best-kept secret.

The underground complex of tunnels and chambers housed the War Headquarters, which was used to coordinate the island’s defence during the Second World War. After that, the Lascaris War Rooms were used by NATO, and today, you can visit them as a museum.

Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck

One of Valletta’s oldest churches is the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, dating back all the way to the 1570s.

The story of the apostle St. Paul is described in the New Testament, and it is believed that his shipwreck on the island brought Christianity to Malta. Today, St. Paul is considered Malta’s spiritual father.

National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo

Check out the National War Museum as you explore Fort St. Elmo . With a superb collection of artefacts dating back to prehistoric times, this national museum provides a detailed overview of Malta’s important role in several wars, especially the Second World War.

Casa Rocca Piccola

This unique attraction in the heart of Valletta is an impressive 16th-century palace of a Maltese noble family, and it’s clear from the second you step inside.

Casa Rocca Piccola is still privately owned by a noble Maltese family and lovingly taken care of, and the owners will happily show you around their beloved home.

MUŻA is an art museum located at Auberge d’Italie in Valletta, Malta, displaying works by Maltese and foreign artists representing the major European artistic styles

Formerly known as the National Museum of Fine Arts, it was located at Admiralty House between 1974 and 2016.

Today, it’s the perfect place to visit if you are into art and want to discover some of Malta’s iconic artists and want to learn about Malta’s history through the arts.

Valletta walking tours

You can tour Valletta in different ways, either by yourself with my Valletta travel guidebook  (highly recommended, of course!) or with one of these well-reviewed walking tours:

• Majestic Valletta – Half-day tour – If you only have half a day to see Valletta, fear not – you’ll be able to see the main highlights. This half-day Valletta tour takes you to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and Grandmaster’s Palace without feeling rushed.
• Night tour through Valletta, Mosta and Mdina – Valletta at night is a whole different experience, as people sit back and relax after a day of work. But it isn’t the only city that lights up after sundown, as Mdina and the Rotunda in Mosta shine just as bright. This night tour takes you to all three to give you the most magical Malta at night experience.
• Private Valletta Guided Tour – If you prefer a private guide, this is one of the best options I usually recommend. You’ll be guided around by one of the most knowledgeable tour guides in Malta, who knows Valletta inside out. Apart from being able to book a date of your choice, you can also customise your itinerary, covering a half day (4 hours).
• Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour If you want to indulge even more in Maltese culture, check out this tour.  You’ll discover the city’s main landmarks while savouring the island’s tastiest street food.
• Valletta: The Dark Side Walking Tour – This night tour is slightly different. You’ll explore the most spectral and mysterious side of the city, with several commonly known ghost stories told at specific spots. Having seen centuries of war, occupation, and violence, that’s no surprise!

More info on sightseeing in Valletta here: Top 20 Things to Do and Places of Interest in Valletta

Admire the Natural Beauty of Gozo

If you have a day or two, I absolutely recommend visiting Gozo Island. The more natural and serene sister island to Malta offers peace and quiet and just as much history as the island of Malta itself. It’s definitely one of my favourite things to do in Malta!

How to get there

You can take the main ferry to Gozo from the north of Malta, in Ċirkewwa. Depending on where you are staying, it can take quite a while to get there – around an hour and a half from Valletta by local bus.

However, the ferry trip to take you across to Mġarr Harbour in Gozo just takes 20 minutes, and a return ticket is €4.65. Ferries go to and from Gozo almost 24/7, about twice per hour.

Another faster option (if you are located centrally) is the fast ferry from Valletta, which also arrives at Mġarr Harbour. The ferry is operated by Gozo Highspeed, charging €7.50 for a one-way ticket. The trip from Valletta to Gozo takes just under 45 minutes.

Just be aware that the vessels, although fast, aren’t recommended for people who get seasick easily!

Take a day trip to Gozo

While public transport exists in the form of buses, the network isn’t known for its efficiency, and a rental car is almost always the better alternative if you’re set on discovering Gozo without help.

These are a few of the best options for day trips in Gozo :

• A fun and exciting way to explore Gozo is on a Tuk Tuk tour . Cruising around in a traditional Tuk Tuk with a driver who knows the very best spots on the island, you’ll be sure you won’t miss a thing while enjoying the sun on the way. Each of these Tuk Tuks can carry up to 6 passengers, so it makes for a great option if you’re travelling with a group or for families with kids. Prices include hotel transfers and lunch! More info here: Gozo Tuk Tuk tours .
• You can also get Quad bike tours with the same operator. These vehicles are for real adventurers and easily cover rough terrain, seating two people. More info here: Gozo quad biking .
• Gozo is gorgeous, and if you have the time, I recommend going for at least one full day. This full-day Gozo tour lets you discover the stunning island and includes all the top attractions, and the price includes all transport and entrance costs.
• This Gozo tour “with a difference” takes you to the lesser-visited spots on the island. Visit the Ġgantija Temples complex (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), hop on a trackless train and enjoy the Marsalforn, Qbajjar and Xwejni bays. You’ll get to see nature and history at once.
• This is another great Gozo full-day sightseeing tour , taking you to the impressive Ta’ Pinu Basilica and on a train ride to the Cittadella in Victoria. Check out Gozo’s beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites at a relaxed pace.

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Wander around Victoria’s old town

Gozo’s capital, Victoria, is a small but lovely town with an authentic atmosphere.

Wander around to explore the little alleys, many churches and cosy squares, and make your way to a local coffee shop for a quick break or Maltese pastizzi (puff pastry).

You’ll also find amazing hand-made and original souvenirs in the stores around town.

Explore the Cittadella

In Victoria lies the majestic and ancient Cittadella, Gozo’s fortified city. This is a must-see, as it dates back to circa 1500 BC and is still home to many interesting sites and museums.

Take a nice walk around the city’s walls to see Gozo’s most amazing views, and check out the Old Prison to get an idea of what the Middle Ages in the capital were like.

Visit Dwejra and its Inland Sea

Few spots around Gozo provide as much natural beauty as Dwejra and its surroundings.

From the Inland Sea (a small bathing area surrounded by tall cliffs connected to the open sea) to Fungus Rock (once known for a rare species of fungi) and Dwejra Bay itself, peace and nature are one here.

It’s one of my favourite spots around the Maltese islands.

Fancy a visit to Gozo? Get more ideas here: 25+ Things to Do in Gozo .

Hop-on-hop-off buses and ferries

If you want to see most of Malta and Gozo but are short on time or simply enjoy being driven around with the flexibility to get off anywhere, check out the hop-on-hop-off buses and ferries by iSeeMalta .

The buses and ferries take specific routes, hitting almost all of the islands’ highlights, and you can decide where you want to stop and have a better look around.

Very convenient if you want your transport sorted and know where you want to go.

Go Back in Time at the Silent City of Mdina

Valletta is a historical city, but Mdina beats Malta’s current capital in terms of age and should definitely be in your list of things to do in Malta.

The island’s former capital, also known as the Silent City, dates back all the way to the 8th century BC when Phoenician settlers inhabited the town, which was then known as “Maleth”.

But even if you’re not a history geek, Mdina is an incredible city that you can’t miss out on. Sitting on top of one of the tallest hills on the island of Malta, Mdina is a small town surrounded by tall bastions and a large moat (which is nowadays a garden).

Although it’s a popular option among things to do in Malta, it rarely feels busy in its narrow streets and alleys, and there really is nothing like it. It’s as if you’re taking a step back in time – that’s how well-preserved the place is.

Once there, I also highly recommend paying a visit to the town of Rabat, which you can find on the doorstep of Mdina.

Tours of Mdina

Because Mdina has many stories to tell, getting a tour is a good idea. These are a few of the options:

• Get a 2.5-hour walking tour of the highlights of Mdina and Rabat with an experienced local guide and learn about these towns’ fascinating history.
• This full-day culture & history tour takes you to Mdina, as well as the Dingli cliffs, Catacombs, San Anton, Botanical Gardens, Presidential Palace, the Rotunda in Mosta and Ta’ Qali.
• If you’d like to explore both Mdina and the capital, Valletta, after the sun sets (- a completely different experience), check out this popular night tour .

The best things to do and see in Mdina

• Speaking of food: Sample some local sweets paired with Italian coffee at Fontanella Tea Garden or enjoy lunch at Xara Palace  – Trattoria AD 1530 . You can also grab some of the tastiest pastizzi (savoury pastries with ricotta cheese or mashed peas) made in Malta at is-Serkin (just outside of Mdina, on the edge of Rabat – close to the Domus Romana – see below).
• St. Paul’s Cathedral can be found at the heart of Mdina and is worth a visit. TIP: The small chapel of St. Roque around the corner is a little hidden gem which you can admire from inside during the day.
• Palazzo Falson is one of the quirkier places to visit in Malta. The former home of a collector of antiquities, this ages-old house is full of old weapons, art and artefacts collected by its most famous resident Olof Frederick Gollcher.
• The National Museum of Natural History is located in the stunning 18th-century Vilhena Palace, designed in the French Baroque style. From local geology to human evolution and from marine fauna to birds, you’ll discover everything there’s to learn about nature here.
• The Domus Romana is one of the finest examples of Roman Empire remains found on the island of Malta. This museum, right outside Mdina, is known for its beautiful examples of Roman mosaic floors, forming part of what once was a Roman house.

Experience Malta as a Local at the Three Cities

Walking around, you will take in the century-old architecture and hear the locals share daily gossip from their balconies over a te fit-tazza – a traditional Maltese cup of tea.

You’ll get the most out of the Three Cities by simply wandering around, having a taste of traditional Maltese food in one of the many restaurants, and taking in the views (and sun!) at the Grand Harbour.

Prefer a guided tour? I highly recommend this half-day tour (4 hours) which includes a harbour cruise by boat.

While you’re in the Three Cities, you can opt to visit these museums in Vittoriosa:

Fort St. Angelo

When the Knights of the Order of St. John arrived in Malta, it wasn’t Valletta or even Mdina, which was their seat of power. It was Vittoriosa.

At the end of the peninsula of Vittoriosa, you can find the beautifully restored Fort St. Angelo, which was the home of the Knights and which played an important part in their victory during the Great Siege of Malta.

Apart from the impressive building and its fortifications, the museum inside its walls tells the story well.

It’s not just a destination for history buffs, families with kids also enjoy a visit to explore Fort St. Angelo.

Malta Maritime Museum

Surrounded by the sea, it’s no wonder that Malta has a rich naval history.

Covering over 7000 years, the Maritime Museum presents over 20,000 artefacts that represent traces of occupancy, conflict and change throughout the centuries.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Malta’s history is long and intriguing, so much even that three sites have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List , while another seven are on the Tentative List.

1) Valletta

First on the Inscribed list is Malta’s capital, Valletta, which is no surprise because the city is basically a historical open-air museum.

Built in the 16th century by the Knights of Malta, it’s one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, largely surrounded by impressive fortifications.

Despite intense bombing during the Second World War, a large number of centuries-old buildings have survived, and there’s something to admire at almost every corner.

Valletta is a destination in itself, and you can easily spend three days sightseeing there. A number of popular things to do in Malta can be found here, so you won’t get bored here.

2) The Megalithic Temples of Malta

Seven of the several Megalithic temples that Malta is known for are recognised by UNESCO, and most are open to the public.

The most important temples were built between approximately 3600 BC and 2500 BC, and are impressive to visit. Although you could list them all on your sightseeing itinerary, my advice is as follows:

• Visit the Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples near the village of Qrendi, in the South of Malta. These temples are some of the best-preserved examples and are located next to each other. They also have an excellent visitors’ centre that provides rich information on the temples as a whole and the people who built them.
• Alternatively, the ancient ruins of the Tarxien Temples are also a great option and a little more central on the island of Malta. The Tarxien Temples also have a small visitors’ centre, but more importantly, the remains of the temples are worth viewing.
• Visit the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta if you want to get more detail on the subject and admire some of the unique artefacts found around some of the temples.
• If you plan to stay in Gozo, the Ġgantija Temples should be on your to-do list.

3) Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Another extremely impressive UNESCO World Heritage site to visit is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground Neolithic complex in use between 4000 BC and 1500 BC.

Discovered accidentally in 1902, it’s a popular sightseeing destination for history buffs and curious culture-seekers. In fact, I recommend buying tickets in advance from Heritage Malta if you decide to visit the Hypogeum.

Sample fresh seafood at Marsaxlokk

An island in the middle of the Mediterranean can’t go without a fishing hotspot, and Malta’s famous fishers’ village is Marsaxlokk , in the south of the island.

With picturesque, colourful luzzu (traditional Maltese fishing boats) all around the harbour and some of the island’s best seafood, you can have an amazing time in this tiny fishing village.

On Sunday mornings, there’s a famous fish market, selling anything from seafood and fresh produce to souvenirs and clothes.

Don’t miss out on the local cuisine, especially if you love fish, and wander around to spot the Marsaxlokk parish church.

Though Marsaxlokk is picturesque, it is also quite small, so the things to see and do are limited. That’s why I recommend taking this combo tour with the Blue Grotto , where you’ll be hitting the South’s highlights in one day.

The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk make for a great sightseeing combination, so make sure to see both!

Take the family to Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a must if you’re travelling with children, but the view is just as impressive even if you aren’t with the little ones.

The colourful village was built up against the cliffs in Mellieħa in 1980 as a set for the iconic Popeye film starring Robin Williams, so you might recognise it if you’re a bit of a movie buff.

If you’re on a budget or don’t feel like going inside Popeye Village, do go for a swim at the bottom of the cliffs at Anchor Bay.

This picturesque bay and its sparkling water lures down many tourists. It’s a great spot for snorkelling and diving, too, provided the wind direction is favourable.

Visit the Malta National Aquarium

If you love marine life or want to entertain the whole family, visit the Malta National Aquarium.

Discover the Mediterranean species that can be found all around the Maltese islands and plunge into Gozo and Comino’s waters.

But that’s not all – you’ll find history from the time of the Roman Empire, exotic species in the Tropical Oceans zone, and plenty of other interesting animals in the reptiles and amphibians area. Lots to see and learn!

Explore Sea Life in the wild

Scuba diving.

Malta’s underwater life is rich, as you’ll find caves, reefs, and wrecks dotted all around the islands.

Some of Europe’s most impressive dive sites are located in Malta, Gozo and Comino, and with plenty of Mediterranean wildlife, there is always something interesting to see.

Gozo’s Blue Hole is one of the most stunning dive sites around the island, as you descend into a natural swimming pool and find yourself between caves and rock formations.

A good reason to visit Malta is that it is also a great place to discover scuba diving, get your license, or even further develop your skills by doing one of the more advanced courses.

These are a few recommended dive sites to check out:

Um El Faroud

A massive tanker, 115 metres, sunk to a depth of 31-35 metres as an artificial reef in 1995. Today, it is considered one of Malta’s best wrecks, with lots of marine life and plenty to explore. You need to be an advanced diver for this dive site.

Patrol boat P29 & Rozi

This East German minesweeper became a Maltese Patrol Boat in 1997 and sunk a decade later, after which it sits on a sandy bottom at 36 metres deep. Head to the north of Malta, Cirkewwa, to get a good look at the P29 and the Rozi wreck. You need to be an advanced diver for this dive site.

Santa Marija Caves, Comino

You can swim through the Santa Marija caves in Comino, where you’ll see stunning light reflections on the vertical walls and observe abundant marine life. This diving spot is for divers of all levels.

Inland Sea Tunnel, Gozo

Near the famous Blue Hole in Gozo, you’ll find the Inland Sea Tunnel, which is also an amazing dive site. Swim through the 80-metre-long tunnel from the Inland Sea to the open water and admire the light show that the sun and water create.

Marine wildlife

Malta’s cliffs, reefs and wrecks are home to many different Mediterranean marine species.

The ones you’ll likely come across underwater in Malta include groupers, amberjack, various bream, octopi, squid, flying fish, gurnard, stingrays, meagre, bogue, red mullet, parrotfish and the occasional moray eel.

Though there aren’t many big fish around the islands, a lucky diver might see tuna, dolphins and bonitos – but don’t get your hopes up too much.

Snorkelling

The best spots for snorkelling in Malta are those with crystal blue waters and plenty of rock formations and reefs for fish and little sea animals to hide in.

Fomm ir-Riħ Bay

This remote beach is a gem in itself, as not many tourists find their way there, but the underwater life might be even more impressive.

The sea is clean and clear, and there are plenty of fish, water animals and rock formations to spot.

St. Peter’s Pool

St. Peter’s Pool in the south of Malta is a popular natural pool where locals and tourists alike love to enjoy a long summer day. Besides cliff jumping, the area is ideal for snorkelling, as there are rocks, cliffs and beautiful fish species. You can get there either by car, on foot or by taking one of the boat tours from Marsaxlokk.

Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is perhaps Malta’s most famous spot for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. Remember that you definitely won’t be the only one here, but many would say the crystal-clear waters are worth it.

Check out the caves, beaches and inlets around Comino too, where you’ll find more marine life and fewer people.

Head to one of Malta’s Sandy Beaches

Although it’s just a tiny rock in the Mediterranean Sea, there are a few beautiful sandy beaches around Malta to admire.

You can either visit these beaches by public transport or with a rental car or get a completely different experience by enjoying these beaches at sea: This Beaches and Bays Cruise by Sea Adventure Excursions is highly recommended .

You’ll sail to the first two of the beaches below (depending on the weather/sea conditions) on a catamaran, combined with a stop at the Blue Lagoon.

Want to just visit the beaches the old-fashioned way? These are my top recommendations!

Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay is Malta’s staple beach and definitely the place to go if you’re seeking a sunny day on a large, clean and comfortable beach.

Although it does get busy in summer, Golden Bay has access to all the amenities you might need – from toilets and kiosks to all the water sports you can imagine – and is easily accessible for anyone, whether you drive yourself or hop on a bus.

Especially on weekends, it’s also a popular beach for barbecues, and there’ll be a lively atmosphere.

Riviera Bay

Riviera Bay, also known as Għajn Tuffieħa , is my all-time favourite beach. It is situated right next to Golden Bay Beach, just a 10-minute walk away. It is lesser-known and therefore slightly less busy, but it’s also way smaller, making it quite crowded on summer days.

At this beautiful bay, you’ll find more surfers, stunning nature to explore and hike through, and one restaurant that offers basic meals.

Do keep in mind that you need to descend and ascend stairs to get there, so it’s not the most easily accessible.

St. Peter’s Pool isn’t a sandy beach but a beautiful natural pool near Marsaxlokk, in the south of Malta.

This natural swimming pool is popular for swimming and cliff jumping, but you can also do some amazing snorkelling here.

Head to the natural swimming pool from Marsaxlokk village and spend your day on the rocks while taking in the sun and the sea.

Experience the Festa

Maltese people know how to party, and it shouldn’t surprise you that they have plenty of local and national festa – feasts.

For each saint and event, there is a celebration, and towns typically have their own annual festa, too.

Check out this year’s festa calendar to see when and where there’s a festa around the time you’re visiting because it will definitely make your visit a unique one.

Visit the Mosta Dome

Perhaps Malta’s most impressive church (though the St John’s Co-Cathedral is hard to top) is the Mosta Dome, aka Rotunda . Built in 1860, this enormous rotunda is the third-largest unsupported dome in the world.

It survived a 200kg bomb falling through the dome without exploding during the Second World War, and today, it still proudly stands as one of Malta’s most impressive buildings.

Go Underground at St. Paul’s Catacombs

The St. Paul’s Catacombs, located on the outskirts of Mdina in the heart of Rabat, served as a burial ground during the Punic and Roman times.

The Roman-Byzantine catacombs complex consists of interconnected underground cemeteries, with more than 30 hypogea, used up to the 7th and 8th centuries AD. Definitely worth a visit if you’re a history buff!

Let yourself go: Malta Nightlife

Want to sample some of the local nightlife ? There are a few key options to go for.

1)   Paceville

If you’re a party animal, you can’t head to Malta without visiting Paceville. The town is Malta’s party hub, with a concentration of restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here. Brace yourself for cheap drinks and good times.

2) Join a boat party

Available during the summer months only, you can hop on a large boat for a sunset trip from Sliema with a DJ, drinks, games and a lot of fun. These boat parties in Malta are a really unique experience and a great way to cool down, dance and have a few drinks while taking in the scenes, enjoying the vibes and taking a dip in the sea at one of the stops.

3)   Open-air clubbing

If you’re visiting Malta during the warmer months, you have to give open-air clubbing a go. The Gianpula complex on the outskirts of Rabat consists of 9 nightclubs, of which 7 are outdoor clubs, as well as rooftop lounges, pool clubs and festival arenas. With 200 parties per year, there is always something going on at Gianpula.

Alternatively, check out Uno , which is located on the edge of the Ta ‘Qali Crafts Village.

4)   Valletta

If you’d rather have a more laid-back night out, Valletta is perfect to spend your evenings. From good restaurants to classy wine bars and cosy pubs, you’ll find that there is always something going on. Check out the famous Bridge Bar for live jazz on Fridays and a drink on the ancient steps, or head to Trabuxu Wine Bar for a glass of local wine in a 400-year-old stone vaulted cellar.

Unwind in Nature

Dingli cliffs.

For some of Malta’s most stunning views, you need to visit the Dingli Cliffs in the south of the island – it’s Malta’s highest point. Spend an afternoon hiking along the beautiful coast and explore Dingli village’s surroundings before settling down to enjoy the sun setting into the sea.

From there, you’ll also be able to spot the small, uninhabited islet of Filfla.

Buskett Gardens

Buskett, also known as the Buskett Gardens, is Malta’s only woodland area, located in a valley in Siġġiewi – just east of Dingli and close to Rabat and Mdina.

The forest was planted by the Knights of St. John as a hunting reserve and is now home to the Verdala Palace – an official residence of the President of Malta.

San Anton Gardens

The San Anton Gardens are some of Malta’s loveliest gardens, with a large variety of gorgeous flowers and plants. Located in the central village of Attard, you’ll discover fountains, little ponds with ducks and turtles, and plenty of different flowers.

The garden and the San Anton Palace it belongs to were built by Grand Master Antoine de Paule, and the palace is currently the residence of the Maltese President.

Sample Maltese food

Whether you are into street food, traditional food or wine, tasting the local food is one of the best things to do in Malta.

Street food

You can’t say you’ve been to Malta if you haven’t sampled some of the islands’ delicious street food.

The country’s national snack is known as pastizzi – a hearty puff pastry traditionally filled with peas or ricotta cheese. Nowadays, you’ll also find different variations, such as chicken and Nutella.

You’ll find pastizzi in almost every town and on every street corner, but the best pastizzi in the country can be found in is-Serkin in Rabat, near Mdina.

If you’re up for a bigger meal, a traditional Maltese dish is rabbit stew. Locally known as stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew) has been a staple of Malta since the Knights of St. John, so it is both a cultural and a historical staple. Not to be missed!

For lunch, grab a ftira with a can of Cisk (local beer) at a local kiosk. This isn’t just your average sandwich – it is made of mouthwatering Maltese bread, topped with tomato sauce, tuna, fresh tomatoes, onion, capers, goat cheese, and olives.

Maltese wine

While Malta may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of wine tasting, the archipelago has a perfect Mediterranean climate, and local wineries know exactly how to make great wine out of indigenous grapes.

Visit the Marsovin Winery or the Meridiana Wine Estate to get a taste of Malta’s very best wines, or order La Valette while eating out.

If you can’t get enough of it, this wine-tasting day trip combines a visit to the historic Three Cities with Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua in the morning and a professional afternoon wine-tasting.

Decided on what to do in Malta or not quite sure yet?

If you need more inspiration, check out these carefully crafted itinerary guides:

• Malta itinerary for 7 days/one week
• 4/5 Days in Malta
• 3 Days in Malta

Do you still have questions left? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

Was this article helpful? Share it with your friends!

Just a small note regarding Golden Bay. One cannot use open fire (charcoal) BBQs on that beach; park rangers rightfully monitor the area, and you would risk a fine. Best that the article is updated. 🙂 Nonetheless well done for the article and ideas!

Thanks Chris, you’re right – updated it. Thanks for flagging! 🙂

Amazing blog! I won’t need to check any other travel blog/TripAdvisor – everything you need and more is nicely structured in this guide! Already booked my accommodation based on your tips. One question – are the Jeep safari trips in Gozo nice and relaxed or would it be a little wild? I’m traveling with a toddler and I’m not much into wild driving either 😉 Thanks

Hi Andra, you’re welcome and happy to hear it’s been helpful to you! It’s been a while since I went on one of those safaris but if I recall correctly they’re not the smoothest of rides. To be safe I’d contact whatever company you’re looking to use in advance though.

Very, very helpful guide. Thank you!

Glad it’s proven to be useful to you, Geraldine!

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Your Quick Malta Travel Guide (What to Do, Where to Stay + Tips!)

As Europe’s smallest island nation, Malta doesn’t traditionally get a lot of tourist attention from visitors outside of Europe–but that is changing, and this quick Malta travel guide will help you discover this unique Meditteranean country.

… and hopefully, convince you that planning a trip to Malta is a great idea!

Though it is regularly overshadowed by heavy hitters like popular Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia , there is no doubt that Malta has a charm all its own.

Boasting warm temperatures and sunshine well into autumn, Malta is one of the best fall destinations in Europe –which is why we chose to visit in September!

Regardless of what time of year you visit, though, you’re bound to find something to love about Malta.

Thinking about planning a trip to Malta soon?

This quick Malta travel guide will get your plans started!

Table of Contents

Essential Things to Know About Malta

Fun things to do in malta, where to stay when visiting malta, getting around malta, what to pack for malta, read more about visiting malta + southern europe.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before you arrive, make sure you know a few things about Malta !

Malta uses the Euro.

We also found credit cards to be widely accepted, and ATMs were easy to locate.

You may not want to drink the water.

While online sources say that the water is technically safe to drink, we did not like the way it tasted (in fact, we’d say it’s probably to worst tasting water we’ve come across in our travels).

We drank it anyway for the first couple of days, but after several locals emphatically told us not to drink it (they seemed a bit horrified that we were drinking it in the first place) and my stomach started to protest a bit, we switched to bottled.

In Malta, you drive on the left.

… And not only on the left, but they also drove in a way that felt quite reckless to us.

Malta has an enormous amount of traffic jams considering its size and watching the cars weave quickly in between lanes and the aggression of the drivers, we were glad we opted not to drive.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta , be sure to come prepared for a driving experience that will require all of your concentration!

English is one of the official languages of Malta.

The other one is Maltese, though no one expects visitors to speak it.

Italian is also widely spoken, especially among the older generation.

Malta is a former British colony.

This is no surprise to Brits, of course, but Americans like us may be taken by surprise–if they haven’t watched The Crown , anyway.

Malta gained independence in 1964 from the United Kingdom in 1964.

The British weren’t Malta’s first colonizers, though: as a small island conveniently located between northern Africa and southern Europe, Malta has been visited by (and ruled over) by just about everyone over the centuries, including the Romans and Byzantines.

Malta is the name of both an island and a country.

Malta is both the name of the largest island in the country, as well as the country itself.

Malta the country, though, is actually an archipelago.

Gozo (home to some villages and sites, and once the famous Azure Window), and Comino (home to three people and the famous Blue Lagoon) are the other two islands that make up the country of Malta.

Comino is fairly small and the Blue Lagoon is essentially its only claim to fame, but there are lots of cool things to do on Gozo, starting with visiting the Citadel, admiring the Wied il-Mielah Sea Arch, stopping by the Marsalforn Salt Pans, and of course, relaxing on the gorgeous Ramla Beach.

We visited several of the best places to visit on Comino and Gozo (including the Blue Lagoon!) on this memorable day trip .

Book your cruise around Gozo and Comino today!

If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Malta, consider scuba diving , sailing, swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon, visiting the Hagar Qim Temples that date back to 3600 — 3200 BCE, touring the nearby island of Gozo, visiting the beautiful Blue Grotto caves, strolling through the “silent city” of Mdina , and enjoying the beautiful beaches. .. just to start with!

No trip to Malta is complete without spending time in the capital city of Valletta, admiring the views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a cruise over to the Three Cities for views, and a visit to the colorful Marsaxlokk fishing village!

Even a full week in Malta won’t cover everything there is to do, but it will be sure to give you an excellent taste of the country.

We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Malta here !

While on Malta, we stayed at Central Suites  in the town of Bugibba near St. Paul’s Bay, which is semi-conveniently located for accessing Gozo and Comino (the island that the Blue Lagoon is next to), but not convenient for much else.

We enjoyed the neighborhood we were in, but wouldn’t stay there again because it is so far out of the way!

If we return to Malta, we will stay in Valletta , which is not only the capital (and home to a central bus station that makes it simple to get everywhere you want to visit in Malta ), but was also our favorite city that we saw in Malta–it was home to lovely sites, lots of restaurant options, and, in our totally biased opinion, it was the prettiest!

Checking into a property like the well-reviewed  Melior Boutique Hotel  or  Hotel Pjazza Merkanti  would be at the top of our list.

… Or, if we felt like a splurge, perhaps the gorgeous  Embassy Valletta Hotel –those views are incredibly tempting!

Sliema is very close to Valletta (there’s a short water taxi that goes between them) and is another option worth considering.

St. Julian’s Bay is near Valletta and Sliema as well and is popular with travelers looking for nightlife.

We would not recommend staying in Marsaxlokk .

T he fishing village is adorable and cute to visit for a day , but it is small and remotely placed from the rest of the island –you’ll eat up way too much time in transportation by staying there!

If you’d like a different, quiet experience in Malta, consider staying on the island of Gozo  or eve n Comino (there are only three full-time residents on Comino, and they run a hotel during the summer!).

Keep in mind that this plan isn’t for people who want to easily access Malta’s most famous attractions, but it can be great for travelers who are looking to step off the beaten path and/or spend lots of time on the water.

Check rates & book your stay in Malta today!

Don’t be fooled by Malta’s small size!

N o matter where you stay in Malta, you’re going to be faced with some significant time on the road to get between major destinations–often more than an hour each way.

Though you can rent a car , if you’re not a confident driver in heavy traffic and/or on the left side of the road, we would recommend using Malta’s incredibly extensive bus system to save money, stress, and fossil fuels!

The bus will get you virtually anywhere you need to go on the island of Malta.

For 21 Euros, you can buy a seven-day unlimited travel pass for Malta’s bus system.

Standalone, one-way tickets are 2 Euros in the summer, 1.50 Euros in the winter, and 3.00 Euros for night journeys and express buses.

You can check bus schedules and keep up with routes on Malta’s free transportation app, the Tallinja App .

We used the app some but actually found Google Maps to be more useful for getting around Malta.

An EU SIM Card : Having access to Google Maps in real-time was a must when dealing with managing bus schedules across the island.

You can pick these up when you arrive in the country–we used the one we had picked up in Prague .

Malta may be a small country, but this Mediterranean island nation definitely doesn’t deserve to be overlooked.

Plan a trip to Malta and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, a chance to learn about some incredible history, and a great excuse for some fun in the sun!

Ready to plan a trip to Europe… and maybe several other sunny destinations?

If so, be sure to check out these guides, too!

• 11 Marvelous Things to Do in Malta in September
• The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary
• 33 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)
• The Ultimate 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

29 thoughts on “Your Quick Malta Travel Guide (What to Do, Where to Stay + Tips!)”

Love these tips! I’ve been wanting to visit Malta for quite some time! I had no idea they drive on the left, that’s interesting to note. Looks like a really fun place for a long weekend getaway!

Thanks! Definitely a great getaway, especially if you are craving sunshine as much as we were! 🙂

Malta hasn’t been on our radar, but your photos are lovely! And good to know that English is one of their national languages and that they use the Euro!

Thanks! Malta is definitely in the process of trying to raise its tourism profile–and for good reason, in our opinion!

I’d love to visit Malta, especially as I’m in Sicily quite often. Gozo sounds like my kind of place, just the island life. You were brave to drink the tap water there; I always stick to bottled!

Brave, reckless… tomato, tomato, right? 😉

I had no idea that Malta was technically an archipelago. It’s such a beautiful place and where I’d love to snorkel and scuba dive. I love how rich a history that is in Malta. I’d love to discover it’s hidden stories!

I didn’t either! Truthfully, we knew very little about it at all–made for a memorable trip that way, though!

Malta and the architecture of the buildings there is simply astonishing. I am definitely adding this awesome travel destination to my bucket list! How many days would be enough to see all the highlights there?

The architecture is incredible! I love all the enclosed balconies. I think you could probably see all the highlights in 5-7 days if you move fast… we were there for 5 full days and got through about 70% of them, though we tend to check things off rather slowly these days. The biggest thing is planning out your schedule well to limit transportation time!

I LOVE this post!! I have been seeing Malta all over Instagram and have been interested in going but most of this was new to me. They drive on the left side? English is the official language? It’s an archipelago? So interesting!! This made me want to visit even more, so thanks for sharing! It’s officially on my list.

Thanks, Christie! Hope you get a chance to go. Malta has definitely been popping up more and more on Instagram et al. this year–it’s easy to see why, it is quite photogenic along the coasts!

Bookmarked!!! One of the places I’m dying to visit is Malta. Stunning pictures and I loved it.

Thanks, Jaypee!

I am surprised to know the water of Malta is not good to be consumed by an outsider ! Also, it is good to know English is one of the official languages, that saves a lot of stress in communicating. The 21 Euro seven day unlimited travel pass sounds like a budget way to travel within the country!

We were, too–it didn’t even occur to us not to drink it at first! A couple of locals we talked to were mildly horrified when they heard we were drinking it.

Malta has been making all the right news off late. I love traveling to offbeat places like this one. Despite the small size, there is so much to se/do/eat in Malta. One of my facebook friend lives in Malta. Hope to visit her soon. You shared some really useful tips since not much is known about Malta.

It definitely has been! Malta is still a bit offbeat for now, but I’m not sure how long it will stay that way. Hope you get a chance to go!

What a great guide of Malta! The water fact definitely surprised me, I thought this was only a rule for places like India or countries in Africa. Good to know! Also, the architecture is something to die for. You captured the true essence of this paradise! Thank you for sharing. All best, Mariella

Thanks, Mariella! Hope you get a chance to visit soon! 🙂

Ahh I loved Malta so much! Such an absolutely beautiful country! I want to go back so bad next year if I have time

Hope to get to go back, Dave!! 🙂

Fantastic tips, everything i needed to know before hand, and now 100% convinced that i have to go! Thank you so much!

Thanks, Ericka! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi Jeremy and Kate,

I’m glad you chose to visit our gem of a country! Malta has a lot to offer, hospitality is in the genes of most people… and lots to offer in terms of history and attractions. Every where we dig here underground temples and very important discoveries are made :0

Take care and hope to see you soon in Malta.

Thanks a lot, Kate Storm for an amazing presentation of a real jewel !!!

Most certainly, I will be there in coming October.

Your Briefing is quite Decent and Comprehensive !!!!

Thank you, Ateeque!

A reminder to make a booking first for some of the temples. Also the ferry from Gozo and Valetta is limited in the off season January and February. A return ticket is essential. Valletta is definitely the place to stay. 5 unesco sites and one of the best archaeological museums I have seen. I have to say it’s not inexpensive. Meals are pricey accommodation even in the low season. bus trips are plentiful and buying a travel pass is the way to go.

Thanks for sharing, Jenny!

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25 best things to do in malta [full 2024 travel guide].

Malta is a small but beautiful country nestled in between Africa and Italy.

It’s a country bursting with history, beauty and amazing things to see and do.

In fact, it's since become one of our favourite backpacking destinations !

Bradley and I spent 1 month in Malta, so we definitely had the chance to truly explore all the amazing things this country has to offer.

So if you’re wondering “Is Malta worth visiting?” then let us convince you as we offer you a guide on the best things to do in Malta!

How to get to Malta

Getting to Malta is pretty easy and transport links are very easy! Based on our experiences, here’s how you can get to Malta from some of the most popular locations.

Getting to Malta from the rest of Europe

If you’re living in the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and elsewhere in Europe, then you can usually get direct flights to Malta with Ryanair, Easyjet, Lufthansa, or Malta Air. Check Skyscanner for the best prices. 

You can also get a ferry/boat to Malta from Italy if you wish to drive there yourself. 

Getting to Malta from the rest of the world

If heading to Malta from the USA, Australia, or anywhere else, chances are you’ll need to get a flight to a larger European country, then get a connecting flight to Malta. Again you can check Skyscanner for the best prices. 

Getting around Malta

When it comes to getting around Malta, you’ve got a variety of different options. I’ll explain them briefly here, but for full details, check out my complete guide on getting around Malta .

• ‍ Hire a car : This is one of the popular options to explore beautiful Malta. Car rental is cheap and useful. What’s weird in Malta is that it’s the smaller local companies are more trustworthy than the big companies like Hertz, Avis etc. We chose the highest rated car company, which happens to be a lovely local company called Compass Car Rental and they offered fuss-free car rental for a great price. Of course you can also check Rental Cars for both local and national car rental companies and the best prices.  ‍
• Buses: Malta actually has a really well developed bus network and you can get to most of the major cities via public transport. There is a schedule in place, but it doesn’t really run exactly. And it can take a bit of time to get from A to B as the bus stops at many different stops. BUT if you’re not in a rush, then it’s perfect. Buses are a standard fare regardless of the distance you go. In the winter the price is 1.50 per ride, and in the summer it’s 2.00.  ‍
• Hop on Hop off: Another great way to get around Malta is the hop on/off bus services. Running the entire country is a great option. You can book yours online here.
• ‍ Bolt/Cool: Malta has a couple of ride sharing and taxi apps that you can download. They typically have sign up offers to give you some sort of discount. 

Where to stay in Malta

Since we were staying in Malta for a month to live and work, we opted for Airbnb as the monthly discounts offered typically work out as a great deal! We got a 1 bedroom penthouse apartment with a jacuzzi for £600 for the month, and if you decide to use Airbnb you can use our sign up code to get money off! 

But, if you’re just staying for a couple of days, then I suggest you stay in one of the many great hotels on offer in Malta. I’ve done my research and here are my top recommendations for hotels in Malta. 

Budget Choice

‍ $20 (pppn)

Sunny Coast Resort Club

Luxury Pick

Hugo's Boutique Hotel (Adults only)

25 Best Things To Do In Malta

Okay, now we’ve come to the great part, the best things to do in Malta! All these different activities have been undertaken by Brad and I, apart from 1, but we had planned on doing it, so I’ve left it in any way to maybe inspire you….

1. Visit the awesome Popeye Village (original set!)

Well let’s start with one of my favourite things to do in Malta and one of the best Malta attractions. Before we visited Malta, I had heard the set of Popeye was here. I had seen this movie when I was younger and my dad always did a great Popeye impression, but I couldn’t remember it fully. 

So, before we visited, Bradley and I watched the Disney movie and when we visited the set, it was AWESOME. The set is actually set in the beautiful Anchor Bay, so it’s a stunning place to visit regardless of whether you’ve seen the movie or not. But Popeye is iconic and so is this tourist attraction in Malta. 

We had SO much fun, walking around, eating popcorn, taking travel photos , playing mini golf, watching the actors and admiring the views. Since we visited in the winter season, there were actually less activities on, so I think it would be even more fun in the summer, but busier! 

In the winter months (up until March), it’s open until 4.30pm and entrance costs 11 euro up until 3 o'clock. Your entrance includes: 

• Access to the set 
• Games on set including Mini Golf 
• A free postcard
• Free popcorn 
• Free photos 

TIP! : After 3 o'clock they reduce the ticket price to 7.50 euro. We visited at 3 o’Clock and we had loads of time to see everything before it closed at 4.30. So if you’re on a budget, then save a couple of euros by visiting in the late afternoon. Crowds will be lower too. 

AND no, Popeye Village is not just for kids, it’s actually for adults too! 

GET YOUR POPEYE VILLAGE TICKETS HERE!

2. Spend the day by St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay is actually the area in which Brad and I lived for 1 month in Malta, so it felt only fair that we should include it on this list of places to visit in Malta. It’s actually very beautiful and a wonderful place to catch a dinner, enjoy sunset and walk along the promenade for miles! There are lots of souvenir shops in this area too, and some great ice cream so a good place to relax and buy some presents.

There is also the Malta National Aquarium here and you can book your tickets to visit right here. 

3. Walk around the silent city of Mdina 

Mdina was a pleasant surprise to us. We knew it would be beautiful, but it’s even more beautiful than I imagined. Countless small streets, cobbled roads, cute coffee shops and a whole lot of history. This was one of my favourite places in Malta, and you could spend a couple of hours walking around this small old capital of Malta, and seeing the museums and other sights on offer. Popular things to do in Mdina include: 

• A visit to the Mdina underground dungeons 
• The National History Museum 
• The Mdina Experience 

You can get to Mdina via bus or one of the taxi apps such as “Cool” or “Bolt”. OR you can take a Mdina 2 hour walking tour here that will cover all the best sights. 

4. Visit the Blue Grotto View Point 

The Blue Grotto is one of the most popular places to visit in Malta, and it’s actually another location that the Popeye Movie was filmed (you’ll totally recognise it if you’ve seen the movie). You can easily access the viewpoint via either local bus or via your own transport. 

It’s a beautiful view point and is best visited before 1pm when the sun will reflect on the blue water perfectly. When in season, you can do boat trips to and through the Blue Grotto too, but we didn’t do this when we visited. 

The viewpoint can be accessed 24/7. 

5. Explore the highest point in Malta: The Dingli cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs are the highest point in Malta, which doesn’t have many high points on the island. But these cliffs offer a fantastic view and look quite dramatic. Just be careful with the wind here as it’s quite strong and you could easily fall over the edge! The cliffs go on for a while, so just pull your car in wherever you like and you’ll have a great viewpoint. 

You can visit via public transport, just get the bus to the closest stop next to the cliffs then walk the rest. 

Visit the Dingli Cliffs via Segway here for a unique experience in Malta. 

6. Check out the fishing village of Marsaxlokk & visit its markets 

This is one of the cutest villages in all of Malta. Marsaxlokk is packed with most of Malta’s fishing boats in lots of different colours, so it’s very picturesque. Not only that, it’s also lined with lots of awesome restaurants offering outdoor seating with nice views. Of course since it’s a fishing village, then you’re going to get some amazing fish here. So if you eat seafood, you’ll love it! 

On Sundays a fish market is held here alongside another big market, and locals and tourists alike flock to get some great bargains! We visited during the week and there were a few local market stalls selling unique handicrafts, foods and souvenirs. 

7. Discover the amazing St Paul's Catacombs

If you don’t know, a catacomb is an underground burial site and the St Paul's Catacombs is the largest collection in Malta. It is truly fascinating and you walk underground around these catacombs, some of which still have bones in them. Some of the spaces are quite small, but there are larger areas and 26 to choose from, so you’ll be able to visit some of them, even if you don’t like small spaces, like me! 

Tickets are 6 Euro which is great value. This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Malta. There are a variety of other Catacombs in the area, but this one offers the most, so would be the worthwhile choice in my opinion. 

8. Be amazed at the stunning Mosta Dome 

The Mosta Dome was a pleasant surprise for us. I wasn’t expecting too much, but it turned out to be a magnificent church both inside and out. This church is extravagant and very beautiful. You can pay an entrance fee into the dome itself and have a look around for 2 euro, then pay an additional fee to go upstairs to the dome viewpoint which is quite cool.

Inside the church they also have an original bomb that was thrown into the church but miraculously never went off! 

Your best option is to pay 5 euro which gives you entrance to 3 sights. The two mentioned above and the 3rd one which I will mention next. 

9. Check out an original WW2 bunker 

Right outside and underneath (Technically) there is an original WW2 Bunker. Your entrance is included in the 5 euro price, or you can pay 2 euro to see this sight individually. 

You’re going underground, so if you don’t like small spaces, then you might not be a fan of this place. It’s very interesting and there is lots of information about Malta’s time in WW2 and different items depicting the time there. Very interesting! 

One of the unique things to do in Malta, and important! The war is a very important part of Malta's history, especially since it was the most bombed country in Europe.

10. Take a dip in the beautiful St Peter's Pool 

This is a brilliant place to take a dip in the summer months in Malta, but when we visited, it wasn’t quite warm enough. But it was a lovely place to have a picnic lunch! You can park your car up for 3 euro at the closest car park but the road in and out is a little dodgy (most roads in Malta can be), so just drive slowly. 

Entrance into St Peter's Pool is free and I did read online there is a free car park, but I ever found it myself. 

11. Visit the unique and wonderful Tarxien temples 

Before visiting Malta, I didn’t realise it had quite so many temples and World Heritage Sites! But it does, which is pretty cool. One set that we visited was the Tarxien Temples, which were very interesting. These temples were actually uncovered by farmers, and little did they know they had uncovered an amazing complex where the history has been lost.

As you walk around there is information suggesting what the remains are for and what rooms could have been used etc, but there is no solid evidence. It’s a very interesting set of temples that I didn’t expect to find in Malta! 

Entrance is 6 euro. 

There are also other temples in the area which all date to around 3000 BC and 2500 BC, but we didn’t visit them all, but I’ll list a few of the others that you can visit: 

• Ta' Hagrat
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum 

This tour actually takes you to quite a few of the best temple locations in Malta and includes pickup and drop off, so a great way to see the temples if you don’t have your own car rental. 

12. Head underground at the Ghar dalam cave 

This was one of the coolest things to do in Malta, and another unique attraction that I wasn’t expecting. I love caves, and Bradley and I have seen some pretty cool caves in our time. Now it’s not as exciting as caves in say, Vietnam, but for its purpose and story it’s cool. There is a large and I mean large collection of bones that are OLD, there are remains of elephants, hippos and other animals that you would never imagine in Malta, it’s crazy and fascinating at the same time. 

Entrance is only 3 euro so it’s definitely worth a visit. 

13. Relax in the sun at Golden Bay

Despite being surrounded by water, Malta actually has very few “sand beaches' '. Well, Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful and most popular sand beaches in Malta! It’s got restaurants, bars, epic sunset views and it’s a great place to swim in the water, or partake in other water related sports and generally have a great time relaxing in the beautiful Malta sunshine. 

14. Visit St Julian's for an awesome night on the town 

St Julian's (otherwise known as Paceville), is the party area of Malta and the place to experience Malta nightlife. It’s the place where you will find lots of bars, restaurants, a Hard Rock Cafe, clubs, strip clubs and more. You can do a pub crawl here if that’s your thing! Either way, there is a range of really cool bars, some slightly more upmarket and some that will give you 30 shots for 19 euro. Brad and I went for a few drinks when we watched the “Six Nations Rugby” and if you’re looking for a somewhat classy place to drink and dine, then I recommend Hugos Bar & Lounge as a hip and happening spot! 

Don't forget to book your pub crawl here.

15. Dine by the sea in modern Sliema 

Sliema is another popular area in Malta and it’s a great place to locate yourself if you want to dine by the water. There is a large strip of different restaurants that offer you epic views of the oceans whilst tasting local delights and sipping delicious wine! A perfect romantic date location in Malta. 

16. Try the local delicacies: Pastizzi 

Malta has a few local delicacies that are produced only on the island. One of those is Pastizzi. These are like little pastry dishes and they’re typically filled with either meat, peas or ricotta. Brad and I had quite a few of the ricotta ones and we loved them. They’re usually around 50 cents so a perfectly cheap snack and suitable for vegetarians. 

Another famous Maltese dish is their Rabbit Stew, which we didn’t try, since we’re vegetarian! The Maltese also produce their own wine, and they make fantastic red wine (I hate red wine, but loved theirs….seriously good!). 

17. Take a day trip to beautiful Gozo 

Gozo is the second largest Island in the Maltese Archipelago, and it’s the most beautiful. Gozo is BURSTING with stunning sights. Beautiful cliffs, wonderful walks, great swimming opportunities, and so much more, Gozo has it all. We’ve done a complete guide on the best things to do in Gozo , so you can get all your inspiration there. But I suggest you spend more than one day on the island if you truly want to see it all and delve into the charm. Gozo may be small, but it’s mighty and jam-packed with awesome attractions. 

18. Visit the Blue Lagoon at Comino (Malta's smallest island) 

Before visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino, I remember seeing the pictures of just how blue it was online and thinking, well, it’s clearly been enhanced, but I can tell you, it’s BLUE as blue can be. It’s absolutely stunning and if it wasn’t winter the water wasn’t freezing, I would have been in the water all day. 

Brad and I took a Blue Lagoon cruise with Sea Adventure cruises and it was awesome. We sailed to the beautiful lagoon, got amazing water, they even had slides to slide into the water (Brad was brave and did this once!) and the cruise even had a glass bottom so you could see a shipwreck and lots of jellyfish! (The jellyfish prevented us from swimming much! :() 

We even got to check out different caves which was pretty cool. On a typical boat ride you can also walk around Comino and visit the other nearby lagoon including “Crystal Lagoon” which tends to be less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, especially in the summertime. 

But yes, even though this place gets super busy in the summer months, it’s still an amazing place to visit for the sheer beauty of the blue! 

This is the tour we did here and it’s actually cheaper to book online.  

19. Visit a winery 

Malta actually produces some pretty awesome wine, as does Gozo and the main maker of wine in Malta can be visited for tours and tastings! We didn’t do this tour, although I wish we had, but it was a last minute decision and you need to call them in advance. This is the company here, Meridiana Vineyard, so just drop them a message to organise a tastings and tour of a winery on a beautiful summer day.  

20. Visit the beautiful St Paul's Church & Grotto in Rabat 

Rabat is the area located just outside the Mdina, so you can easily combine a day trip of both here. It’s home to some beautiful buildings and one of those is the St Paul's Church! It was closed when we visited, but it still looks pretty epic from the outside. There are also lots of adorable restaurants and cafes surrounding the church, so it’s worth stopping for lunch and a glass of wine in the sunshine. 

Another popular place to visit in Rabat is the last standing Roman Temple known as “Domvs Romana”. You can pay to go in and learn about them in the museum, or you can look at the remains from the outside at the side of the road, like Brad and I did! 

21. Walk along the Xemxija Bay 

Malta is bursting with beautiful “bays” to check out, and another nice walk is along the coast from Bugibba, across to St Paul's Bay, ending at  Xemxija Bay. There is actually the Xemxija Hill Heritage Walk there too which can be as long or short as you want it to be, but you’ll discover temple ruins and other historic sights. It’s a great spot to bring a packed lunch, take a walk and enjoy the views. Another beautiful bay that’s popular to visit is Għadira Bay, it’s got a white sand beach (one of the few of it’s kind in Malta) so it gets super popular in the summer months! 

22.  Explore the capital city of Valletta 

Valletta is one of my favourite capital cities in the entire world! Brad and I aren’t typically a fan of capital cities as they tend to be overcrowded, stuffy and way too busy. Not Valletta, this walled city is bursting with history, culture, beauty and it’s not too busy.

We could spend hours wandering through this beautiful city. It's super picturesque, not overpriced and there is so much to see and do. It’s literally bursting with history! 

We’ve got a whole guide on the most epic things to do in Valletta that you can check out here. 

Check out this original Walking Tour in Valletta.

23. Explore the The Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua 

Across the water from the capital of Malta, Valletta, there are “three cities” which are basically like 3 traditional fort towns. They served a very strategic position in the wars that Malta has faced throughout its history and they’re very unique. You can learn all about them in the Malta Experience, and you can see the viewpoint of them at St Elmo Fort. You can also take boat tours to/around them for a small fee and learn more about the history. 

‍ Check this three cities tour here. 

24. Go snorkelling across the island 

Malta is a divers and snorkel dream! The whole island has great places to discover unique Coral reefs. This is especially the case in the nearby islands of Comino and Gozo. You can take snorkelling trips through an organised tour, or you can head to the coastline with your own snorkel and see what fish you discover. 

The sea water is quite cold in the winter season, but you can still snorkel if you wear a wetsuit. The water in the blue lagoon is warmer, so it’s still possible to snorkel if you can handle some cold! 

25. Get off the beaten track 

Before I went to Malta, I had a few people tell me “there’s not much to do or see there”, and my god they are wrong. Malta is seriously bursting with things to see and discover, you just have to rent a car and find them. Rather than sticking to the typical tourist things like sitting at the beach, or visiting the Blue Lagoon (although still do that ;) ), you should also discover the real Malta.

I suggest you simply rent a car and drive in any given direction. It’s such a small island, that you’ll eventually get back to where you need to be, but on the way you’ll actually discover more random temples and sights that sometimes aren’t even marked on Google! 

When we started driving around Malta we kept seeing signs for more temple ruins, more churches and more historic monuments that we had never heard about from anyone! By creating your own adventure and itinerary, you’ll discover the true beauty of Malta and it’s fascinating history! 

Remember you can check for the best deals on car rental in Malta right here.

Malta Itinerary

I wrote a whole guide on the perfect 5 day Malta Itinerary , which includes beautiful Gozo & Comino as well!

Be warned: It's pretty epic!

Other Malta travel tips

Can i just book a tour in malta.

Absolutely, there are lots of great websites to book tours in Malta. Your best choice for Malta is Viator or GetYourGuide

Here are some of the most popular tours:

• Malta Hop On Hop Off (Great if you’re short on time!)
• Blue Grotto and Sunday Market tour of Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
• Comino Blue Lagoon Tour 

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Because of its location Malta is actually a brilliant country to visit all year around. Bradley and I visited in their winter which saw temperature highs of 22 degrees C. This was perfect for us! We only had around 3 bad days of weather (cloudy) in 4 weeks and it feels like even temperatures of 17/18 feel a lot warmer here, than say if it was the same temperature in England!

Of course if you visit in winter too, everything will generally be cheaper and the crowds will be less. 

But, the most popular time to visit Malta is definitely the summer. It can reach the mid 30s so it gets super warm and it’s no wonder people flock to this beautiful Mediterranean island. 

How long should you spend in Malta?

When most people visit Malta, it tends to be for a beach style holiday and they typically visit for around 1 week. But if you’re visiting Malta and you actually want to SEE Malta and Gozo, then you’ll need a minimum of 5 nights, and 2 of those days will be in Gozo. 

You can check out our Malta itinerary for detailed inspiration, but I suggest a week in Malta to really appreciate the sights and enjoy the sunshine. 

How much should you budget for Malta?

I would describe Malta as a fairly low to mid-range country in Europe. You can get great value hotels (especially in the lower season), tours are very reasonable and food is decent too. Alcohol is also pretty darn cheap in Malta! 

You could survive in Malta on around 40-50 euros a day, quite comfortably, perhaps a little more if you’re dining out a lot and doing a lot of tours!  

Where to after Malta?

If you are visiting the incredible island of Malta, then you’re going to need to take time to see beautiful Gozo too.

It’s bursting with awesome things to see and do, so it’s worth spending a few days on Gozo before you leave Malta. 

For help planning the rest of your trip , here are some other guides that we put together …

• Gozo- 15 Best Things To Do In Gozo 
• Valletta - 15 Best Things To Do In Valletta

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Complete Guide: Visiting Malta In Winter

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Feb 25, 2023 | Europe , Malta , Travel Tips

Visiting Malta in winter gives you the best of both worlds – plenty to see, do, and experience, but without the scorching heat and crowds of summer.

What’s more, everything is cheaper – including travel to and from the island, accommodation and even some activities and tours.

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This guide is designed to help you plan the perfect getaway to this fascinating and friendly destination.

It includes a list of the best things to do in Malta in winter and a look at what to expect each month in terms of weather and available activities.

Visiting Malta In Winter

Visiting Malta in the winter is an amazing idea, but it will definitely be different from a summer visit.

Here are tips for visiting in December, January, February, and March.

Malta In December

Winter in Malta begins in December, but the temperatures remain mild, with an average daily high of 17 degrees Celsius, dropping to 11 degrees Celsius at night.

It is often sunny, but it can sometimes be windy, which makes the temperature feel lower than it actually is!

The best thing about visiting Malta in December is the festive cheer you feel everywhere you go.

The Maltese love Christmas and many streets and houses tend to be decorated with twinkling lights and snow scenes right from the start of the month.

Because December is the busiest winter month to visit, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation well ahead of time.

Thankfully, there are accommodation options in Malta and Gozo for all budget types too!

Malta In January

The temperatures drop a little in January, down to an average of 16 degrees Celsius during the day and 9 degrees Celsius at night.

But this is a rainy month, so be prepared for short but heavy downpours and expect it to be fairly windy too!

Once all the New Year celebrations are over, this is a quiet time to visit the island and the perfect time to see the sights without competing with the crowds. 

Malta In February

You can expect pretty much the same weather in February as in January, with the strong possibility of rain and some windy days.

February is, of course, the month of love and there are plenty of romantic spots in which to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner.

This is also the month in which the country’s vibrant and colorful carnival usually takes place.

Malta In March

As winter in Malta comes to a close, the temperatures rise again slightly to an average daily high of 17 degrees Celsius, dropping to 10 degrees Celsius at night.

The daylight hours become longer so you’ll have more time to explore and you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the occasional warm and sunny day.

That being said, it can still be wet and windy, so you may need an umbrella and a couple of layers of clothing.

Malta starts to get busier in March, but the number of visitors is still low enough to comfortably enjoy the sights without getting caught in crowds. 

Things To Do In Malta In Winter

Whether you love museums, hiking, or Christmas markets, there are plenty of fun things and beautiful places in Malta to keep you busy during your visit.

Here are some of the best things to do in Malta in winter.

Staying in Malta?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Malta. Best hostel: Inhawi Boutique Hostel Best mid-range hotel: Palazzino Birgu Host Family Bed and Breakfast Best luxury hotel: The Phoenicia Malta

Winter in Malta is the perfect time to appreciate its natural beauty, as the summer temperatures can be too high for serious walking!

The island has many dramatic landscapes and beautiful sights to offer, from craggy, windswept coastlines to historic landmarks and open countryside. 

Hikes range in difficulty from fun and easy walks like the Zurrieq Loop, to the Dingli Cliffs Walk, known as the toughest hike in Malta.

For the most beautiful views, check out the Marfa Watchtowers Route which takes you along the idyllic Marfa Ridge past historic monuments and olive groves.

Or – if you prefer to get off the beaten track – head to the little island of Comino located between Malta and Gozo and take the easy walk along the Comino Loop.

Shop For Gifts At The Christmas Markets

There are Christmas markets across Malta during December, some offer general items and some with particular themes.  

Some of the best include Natalis Notabilis located in the historic heart of Rabat, and the Sliema Christmas Market, which you’ll find in the popular shopping spot at Bisazza Street. 

The Malta Artisan Christmas Market is located just underneath Valletta’s bastions.

It tends to focus on locally made arts and crafts, whilst the mouthwatering Austrian-German Christmas Market selling traditional German sausages and meats, usually takes place at the LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa in Mellieha.

Visit Malta’s Museums

A visit to a museum is the perfect rainy day activity and Malta has 30 different ones to choose from! 

Some of the most popular are the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum which houses 100 beautifully restored vehicles, and Fort St Elmo, the National War Museum.

Children will love the interactive exhibits on offer at the Esplora  Science Centre, whilst the National Museum of Archaeology offers a fascinating display of artifacts dating back to the country’s Neolithic period. 

Other museums well worth a visit include the Lascaris War Rooms, Fort Rinella, and the Grandmaster’s Palace, with its impressive collection of weaponry.

Enjoy The Local Food

Malta is a foodie’s heaven and whether your preference is for formal dining or street food, you will easily find a venue to suit!

One of the most popular locations for amazing food is the Valletta Food Market – a Victorian-era structure where you can either dine, relax, or shop for food to take away with you.

If you choose to dine in, then you will be invited to select your ingredients and wait whilst they are prepared for you in minutes.

You will find a range of cuisines in restaurants across the country, although the primary traditional influence is Italian.

Local specialties include pastizzi – a tasty dish of pastry filled with either peas and onion or ricotta cheese and parsley – and Ftira, a traditional Maltese bread.

Be sure to also try the delicious fish broth aljotta, the wonderful beef olives known as braġioli, and the island’s favorite fish, lampuka.

If you are feeling a little daring, you may also want to try the favorite Maltese national dish of fenek (rabbit).

Go Horse Riding

This is a popular activity in Malta and there are lots of locations to ride, right across the country.

You don’t have to have any experience as lessons or tours with trained instructors are widely available.

Rides are affordable, usually, last from 30 minutes to an hour, and are discounted. for children

Sightseeing on horseback is a fantastic way to explore the countryside and some of the best routes are in Gozo and along the northwest coast.

For a truly unforgettable experience, book a sunset tour at the popular and beautiful Golden Bay.

Admire Malta’s Beautiful Churches

For a small country, Malta has a lot of churches – over 350. Many of them are architecturally stunning or have fascinating histories that make them well worth visiting.

What is particularly striking is the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a neo-gothic Roman Catholic church located in Valletta.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was damaged during WWII then rebuilt from 1958 to 1981. Its seaside location gives it a dramatic look, making it a popular spot for some amazing photos!

The Parish Church of the Assumption in Mosta has an interesting design said to be based on the Pantheon in Rome, whilst the Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church at Fgura displays unique avant-garde architecture.

For sheer beauty, nothing comes close to St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, home to ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’, the largest altarpiece ever painted by Caravaggio.

Take Part In Carnival Week

If you are visiting Malta in February, then this is a must! Valletta is the center of the action, although festivities take place right across Malta’s town and villages.

Expect to see beautifully decorated floats, brightly colored costumes, marching bands, and masquerade balls.

There are also lots of late-night parties to enjoy and absolutely everyone is encouraged to dress up, wear a mask and take part in all the fun. 

A slightly different carnival experience is on offer at the Nadur Carnival on Gozo, where the costumes range from the strange to the macabre.

This is a particularly popular event with the Maltese youth, so it’s a good idea to take an early ferry to Gozo, as the later ones become packed with party-goers!

Final Thoughts On Visiting Malta During Winter

If you have been wondering about what to do in Malta in winter, I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas.

With such a diverse range of attractions, there really is something for everyone on this beautiful and welcoming Mediterranean island.

If you are visiting Malta soon, make sure to check out these guides:

• Is Malta expensive
• Where to stay in Malta
• Is Malta worth visiting

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Is Malta Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons You Should Consider Malta as Your Next Destination

Is Malta worth visiting? I’ve heard this question so many times and after spending a month and a half there, I can say it is a wonderful little country with plenty of charm, sweeping beaches, crystal clear water, dramatic coastlines, friendly locals, and plenty of history.

Malta is a delightful mix of old and new, abandoned and shiny, nature and city.

There are an array of reasons why visit Malta is a good idea.

In this post, I’ve compiled some of the top reasons to visit Malta that might be appealing to different types of travelers.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, a beach dweller, or love a good hike, there are plenty of things to do in Malta , being such a tiny, underrated country.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Reasons to visit Malta

So, what is Malta like and is it worth visiting? Here are my top reasons to visit this underrated Mediterranean city.

Breathtaking coastlines

The breathtaking coastlines of Malta with its jaw-dropping cliffs and pristine beaches are enough of a reason why Malta is worth visiting.

Dropping tens of meters directly into the deep blue Mediterranean, the golden cliffs attract tourists all year round whether visiting Malta in winter or summer. Your vacation in Malta is guaranteed to give you hundreds of incredible pictures!

Pristine beaches

The beaches in Malta are incredibly beautiful with crystal-clear blue water. While Malta is mainly seen as a summer destination and that is what most people will think of when you mention the beaches, you can easily go for a swim in winter too.

No matter if you are in Malta, Gozo, or Comino, the beaches are so beautiful and the water is clear. among my favorites, are Golden Bay and the Blue Lagoon in Comino. So if you ask yourself “Is Malta nice?” you haven’t seen the beaches yet!

Stunning hiking destination

If you’ve been around for a while, you know that hiking is one of my greatest passions, so you can only imagine that I spent quite some time walking the many hikes in Malta during my stay.

Truth is, when I flew over Malta before landing I looked down on the tiny islands and saw hardly any inhabited places. I said to myself that one of the number one reasons not to visit Malta was that there were no hiking trails there.

Luckily, I was wrong.

There are enough hiking trails crisscrossing the three islands to go hiking for months to end. You can explore coastal trails along the top of the cliffs, walk beach to beach, or explore historical sites like you will find along the Xemxija Heritage Trail or the Victoria Lines.

Picturesque rock pools

Malta does not only provide sweeping sandy beaches but with all the cliffs surrounding the islands, there is a number of picture-perfect rock pools to enjoy too.

Among the most famous, you find the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island and St. Peter’s Pool near Marsaxlokk.

You can easily jump on any of Malta’s boat tours to explore these turquoise pools and go for a swim or cliff jump with the locals.

Are you still wondering “Is Malta a good place to visit?” Because with these rock pools, I don’t know what will convince you.

Great vegan food options

As a vegan foodie, I can say that Malta is not a bad destination for eating out. While most of the cuisine is seafood and meat-based, there are some naturally vegan Maltese dishes to look for.

Amon them Fitra pizza, Soppa tal-Armla, a soup of potatoes, carrots, peas garlic, and cauliflower, where you must ask them to skip the egg and cheese topping, and a selection of dips like Bigilla bean dip and Kunserva, a thick sundried tomato sauce.

There are also plenty of restaurants serving vegan and healthy food throughout the island. But as anywhere, the most common places to find this are the big cities and the most touristy areas like Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julians.

So, is Malta nice to visit as a vegan? I would say yes!

You can visit World War 2 Shelters

Malta was hit hard during World War 2 and a large number of underground shelters were built throughout the islands to protect entire towns and cities when the non-stop bombings took place.

Today, they are a memory of what was and a great way to learn about the daunting attacks that the Maltese endured.

Walking through the shelters is both interesting and depressing as you imagine how the people were crammed inside the tunnels, the sick were treated, and children were playing.

Intriguing history

Is it worth visiting Malta for history buffs? Trust me. The history of Malta goes far beyond the Second World War. The island has a whole lot of megalithic remains and is seen as a highly spiritual destination.

If you hike across the island, you will come across several remains from pre-historic to Roman telling a tale of former civilizations inhabiting the little island.

If you prefer the convenience of museums, make sure you visit the Archaeological Museum in Valletta.

The churches are so beautiful

Don’t get me started with the churches in Malta. They are dotted everywhere across the island (and Gozo!)

If you are wondering: Is Malta a nice place to visit for the churches, all you need to do is trust me on this and book your ticket.

One of the most prominent landmarks in Malta is the majestic St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Not only is it imposing from the outside, but step inside and you won’t believe the opulence of the golden decor, the frescoes, and the detailed decorations. It is grand!

Besides, the Mosta Rotunda, where allegedly a bomb fell through the roof without detonating during the Second World War, is a unique place to visit in Malta.

Worth visiting are also the main churches in any other city or town in Malta , whether you visit Mdina, Mellieħa, or Valletta, there are pretty churches to step inside.

Epic party scene

Is Malta good for party animals? While I’m not much of a party animal myself anymore, I can assure you that the party scene in Malta is epic.

Whether you stay in Sliema, St. Julians, or Valletta, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs to party all night long.

Particularly famous for its nightclubs is the Paceville area in St. Julians. My entire hostel could vouch for that neighborhood during my stay. Whether it’s winter or summer, the party scene goes strong!

Visit Popeye Village

Finally, is Malta worth a visit with kids? Heck yes! I am a big kid, so I can tell. Malta is home to the Popeye film set which is absolutely adorable.

Cute, crooked houses in a picturesque setting, the Popeye Village is ideal for a visit with kids – or without. Every day, there are parades and performances in the village which are fun to watch.

Final thoughts: Is Malta Worth Visiting?

So, is Malta worth visiting or not? Bottom line, it is up to you to decide, but if I haven’t convinced you with the above, I don’t know what will.

There are a million reasons why you should visit Malta, but if they don’t speak to you I hope this helped you clarify.

FAQ – Is Malta Worth Visiting?

Is malta a good holiday destination.

Malta is a fabulous holiday destination both in summer and winter offering g a wide range of things to do from beaches to historical sites, shopping, and food.

Is Malta too touristy?

While some areas in Malta are very touristy, especially in the summer, there are plenty of rural destinations to retreat. In fact, the island is famous for its yoga and meditation retreats.

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Is Malta Worth Visiting in 2024? Honest Review

Are you wondering if Malta is worth visiting? I have got the answer for you, and it is a wholehearted YES – Malta is worth visiting in 2024!

Slow travelers, couples, and adventure travelers will find themselves drawn to Malta for many different reasons. Even families love Malta – for several reasons. I have just returned from Malta and totally loved it.

The small island is located between Sicily and North Africa- and has an interesting mix of cultures to show for it. It offers not only the most stunning turquoise water in all of Europe but we also know it for its high density of cultural sights.

Many people know Malta for being the backdrop of the famous TV show Game of Thrones. Apart from that, many other movies, such as Popeye, Gladiator, and World War Z play in Malta. Not convinced yet?

I have created a list with 17 reasons why I loved traveling to Malta, and the things I did not like as much.

Let’s get to it!

Table of Contents

Why malta is worth visiting, upsides of visiting malta, downsides of visiting malta, how to get to malta, where to stay in malta, summary: is malta worth visiting in 2024, frequently asked questions, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

If you just want my quick opinion on Malta, you are in the right spot. I wholeheartedly loved my trip to Malta, and the upsides totally made up for the very few downsides of the island. Malta is for me a 9/10, and here is why!

There were a couple of things that bugged me a little in Malta for sure. The weather in August was pretty unbearable . Traffic and driving were also a bit of a mess sometimes. But that’s as far as the downsides of visiting Malta go.

Stunningly blue waters, amazing landscapes , and a super interesting history totally made up for the very minor downsides. The Maltese food is great, the island is super cheap and people are friendly.

You get to feel some Arabian charm and culture, while still enjoying European safety standards . I never felt unsafe and we had a blast exploring by ourselves (two young girls) without a guide.

Try to avoid going during peak tourist season, and I guarantee you’ll have the vacation of a lifetime. I would definitely rate Malta as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe (actually my second favorite, after Santorini ).

1. Thousands of Years of Interesting History

In Malta and Gozo, you can find prehistoric temples that have existed for thousands of years.

Some of the oldest, man-made structures in the world can be found in Malta. The Megalithic Temples (some of them are more than 5500 years old) are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Make sure to visit the old capital of Mdina, the silent city . Mdina is a small, picturesque town nestled on a hill overlooking the island. It was one of the excursions I enjoyed the most.

The town is famous for its historically significant buildings, museums, and cute cafes. It was built in the Middle Ages, and visiting Mdina feels like taking a time machine. Also, Game of Thrones was filmed there.

2. Amazing Weather Year Round

Malta is an extremely good destination for a summer vacation – almost no raindrops in sight.

Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. I would not recommend going in August (as we did), it was soaring hot.

Summers last from June to September. They are typically sunny and hot with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). It is a great time for beach activities and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. However, it can get a bit uncomfortable in the middle of the day in summer.

Winters, from December to February, are mild, with temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F). An amazing time to travel to Malta on a budget.

Spring and autumn are great times for going as well. Less heat, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices.

Malta is also an amazing stop for a cruise – read what to do in one day in Malta.

3. See the Location of Your Favorite TV Series

It will come as no surprise to you that the picturesque structures of Malta have been featured in many movies and series.

Many spots in Malta and Gozo became especially famous with the TV series Game of Thrones. Just like Dubrovnik , Malta is one of the main filming spots for the series.

It is so much fun seeing the magnificent backdrop that we all know from TV in real life!

Other big productions, like World War Z, Gladiator, and Midnight Express have also been filmed in Malta.

4. Huge Cultural Diversity

In history Malta was ruled by the Romans, the Arabs as well as the Brits, therefore you may encounter a great mix of cultural influences around the island.

Due to all of these influences, the food, the architecture, and the mentality of people are extremely diverse. The Arab presence is today still very strong since it left a distinct mark on the Maltese language. I mainly saw it in the Arab languages on street signs.

All of these influences make Malta so interesting – and I definitely think Malta is worth it in 2024.

5. Historic Cities

Mdina, the silent city is not the only historically significant place in Malta.

Make sure to also take a ferry to Gozo: the small sister city of Malta is only a 20-minute ferry ride away. The town offers you a journey back in history – as well as a great choice of sandy white beaches. You can even stay in Gozo for a couple of days.

Valletta itself is of course always worth a visit. In Valletta , you can find the Upper Barrakka Gardens , a total highlight for me.

Other cultural and architectural highlights of the island are Fort St. Elmo, Casa Rocca Piccola, Mosta Dome, Palazzo Parisio, Ggantija Temples, Auberge de Castille, and many more. Don’t forget about the Azure Window.

6. Stunningly Clear Blue Water

The water off the coast of Malta is stunningly clear, you could almost think you landed in the Caribbean. This is one of the main reasons why Malta is worth visiting – especially in summer!

84 out of a total of 87 beaches across Malta and Gozo have been classified as having  excellent bathing water quality in the season .

Very few places in the world receive such perfect scores. I spend a lot of time in the Caribbean, and I promise that the Maltese waters are just as fine.

7. Cute Little Islands Close By

There are quite a few small islands located right next to Malta. Only three of the islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino are actually inhabited.

You can book a boat trip to Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and the Crystal Lagoon of Malta! This was by far one of my favorite things to do in Malta.

The boat tour took us to stunning caves and beautiful turquoise waters and gave us a chance to work on our tan while being served ice-cold drinks.

These little islands alone definitely make Malta worth visiting.

8. Interesting Landmarks

Apart from all the historical landmarks I have mentioned, there are also quite a few places that are quirky and interesting.

One of these interesting landmarks is Popeye Village. It used to be a film set but has been turned into an amusement park later on.

The Gozo Salt Pans are another interesting landmark that makes Malta worth a visit.

9. Beaches, Lagoons and Natural Pools

Beaches, lagoons, and natural pools are some of my favorite features of Malta.

Malta does not only have fabulous beaches, such as Ghajn Tuffieha (Riviera Bay) and Għadira Bay but is also known for amazingly blue Lagoons and Natural Pools.

You can see stunning Natural Pools at St. Peter’s Pool and Għar Lapsi.

10. Delicious Food

The food in Malta is extremely delicious. As mentioned before, the many different cultural influences also left their mark on the cuisine of the island.

One of the biggest influences on Maltese cuisine was made by the Italians. There are lots of pasta dishes and other Italian favorites served in Malta (I am obsessed with Italian food, so that was a big upside).

Apart from Italian food, traditional Maltese food is rustic and very seasonal. Make sure to try traditional Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Bragioli (beef olives), or Kapunata, the Maltese version of ratatouille.

Do you need travel insurance in Malta? Yes, travel insurance in Malta is highly recommended. Avoid nasty surprises and travel worry-free with EKTA.   EKTA offers worldwide travel insurance  with 24/7 service and no hidden fees or restrictions.

11. Fun Festivals

Malta is home to almost 300 different churches. Each and every single church is dedicated to a different saint.

In summer, many of these saints are celebrated with some so-called “ festas “.

This means lots of decorations in the streets and a fun party around the island. Sometimes you can even see some pretty spectacular fireworks.

12. Friendly People

The Maltese are very laid back, friendly, and outgoing . This makes exploring the island a total joy.

The crowds traveling to Malta are usually consisting of young people since it is a popular destination for these ages.

So not only will you meet super nice locals but probably also meet many interesting, young people traveling to Malta on your trip.

13. Easy to Explore

Malta is extremely easy to explore because the island is not very big. Traffic can be lagging sometimes, so you need a little bit of patience.

We have rented an ATV for our entire stay and we had an amazing time driving around the island. It just took us some getting used to driving on the “ wrong ” side of the streets.

I love visiting smaller islands, such as Malta, exactly for that reason. You can drive around without much planning and just see where you end up.

14. Vibrant Island Life

Malta offers a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, making it a popular destination for young and old seeking entertainment after the sun sets.

From lively bars and clubs to beach parties and music festivals, there is something for everyone.

Paceville, in St. Julian’s, is known for its bustling nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.

Valletta and Sliema also offer a variety of venues where visitors can enjoy live music, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

I am not a party gal, but I heard it is amazing!

15. Affordable Luxury

Compared to other islands in the Mediterranean, Malta is relatively cheap. You can stay in amazing hotels for very little money comparatively.

There is a broad selection of fancy hotels and resorts that will make your Malta vacation definitely worth a visit.

Malta is considered a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is relatively low, and violent crime is rare.

Even though there are Arabic influences around the island (as you can see on the street signs sometimes), we did not feel a need to cover up or dress in any special way to be respectful.

We have also never felt unsafe despite being two young girls exploring on our own. The locals are also extremely helpful and not opposed to having tourists on the island. We didn’t experience any catcalling, as opposed to in Morocco.

17. English is the Second Official Language in Malta

Malta is a former British colony, which means that most locals are fluent in English.

I don’t know about you, but I always find it extremely helpful when I can communicate with locals effectively when traveling.

The main language spoken on the island is Maltese. It also helps that the official currency in Malta is the Euro.

😔 As I mentioned before, the weather in summer can be way too hot for exploring. In the middle of August during our trip, we literally melted.

😔 Malta is not big on white, sandy beaches. They have a couple of nice ones, but they are a bit touristy.

😔 Malta can be a bit messy, and people are unpunctual. That is just typical Southern Europe, nothing to worry about.

The quickest and easiest way to reach Malta is by plane. Most European cities offer a direct connection to the island, usually operated by the Maltese Airline Air Malta.

The biggest and only airport on the island is Malta International Airport. People refer to it as Valletta Airport.

Theoretically, you can also reach the island by ferry (e.g. from Sicily), but the transfer time is quite long.

The capital city of Valletta does allow cruise ships in its port. Many people will arrive in Malta via the big vessels on a Western Mediterranean Cruise.

Based on your preferences there are many possibilities on where to stay on the island of Malta. Slow travelers will most likely find themselves preferring to stay around the Mellieha area (where you can find the best beaches) or in St. Paul Bay.

Sliema and St. Julians are famous beach towns on the island. They are usually very crowded with tourists and young people seeking the nightlife. Therefore, I would not recommend staying there if you are craving a more quiet setting.

If you like being close to historical sights, you might want to opt for Valletta, Rabat or Mdina. Valletta is a great choice for a shorter stay. I would not recommend it for a prolonged vacation due to its lack of beaches.

By ferry, you can reach Gozo island, which also offers plenty of nice places to stay. Gozo is a very small island offering a charming and quiet, yet historically significant place to stay. The other small island close to Malta is called Comino.

On our trip to Malta, we chose the 4-Star Santana Hotel in Qawra, close to St. Paul Bay. The hotel had luxurious and spacious rooms, and the service was absolutely lovely.

We especially enjoyed the rooftop pool after a long day of exploring as well as the diverse breakfast buffet. Conveniently, the hotel has its own restaurant, so good food was always within reach!

Yes, Malta is definitely worth visiting in 2024 and should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

Stunning landscape, impressive historical cities, and amazing beaches make the island worth visiting. I loved how easy it was to explore, and how safe we felt all week.

Malta has become known as a culturally vibrant and budget-friendly summer holiday destination in Europe. Because of all the historical influences you can expect to be amazed at the cultural diversity of the island.

Of course, there are some minor downsides, but all in all, I would rate Malta with a 9/10 points for a European destination.

So is Malta a good place to vacation? Yes, Malta is definitely an amazing place for a summer vacation in Europe.

Yes, Malta is very good for tourists. There are many affordable luxury hotels on the island, the beaches are pristine and the island life is vibrant. Locals are very friendly and hospitable

I suggest staying in Malta for at least a week. There are many points of interest that you should visit on your Malta trip, and a week will cover all of them without having to rush.

Malta has stunningly blue water, amazing architecture, and lots of culture to offer its visitors. There are beautiful historic villages, stunning lagoons, and natural pools that vacationers love.

No, Malta is not expensive to visit. Compared to many other European summer hotspots, Malta is relatively cheap. You can find great accommodation, food, and excursions on a budget in Malta.

Yes, Malta is very safe. There is very little violent crime on the island and we did not feel unsafe at any time on our holiday. We had a blast exploring by ourselves (two young girls) and never got into any unsafe situations.

Malta is surprisingly not yet on the radar of most tourists. Over the last couple of years, it has definitely gained in popularity, but it is not as overrun as the Greek islands for sure. There are definitely some tourist spots in Malta, but we never felt too crowded.

Malta is, compared to other European holiday destinations, still very cheap. Most day trips on the island cost around EUR 50,00. Nice hotels cost around EUR 150,00 per night. Eating out is very cheap as well, and especially alcohol is inexpensive.

Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.

She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.

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