Whether you are interested in Maltese history and religion or you’re just here for the picturesque architecture and stunning beaches the island of Malta has something for everyone.
Here’s our list of 14 things to do on your visit to Malta.
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Despite appearing to be an average but well-made building from the outside, St John’s Co-Cathedral is home to some beautiful architecture and artwork.
Stepping inside you can bear witness to the artwork of Mattia Preti, Malta’s most famous painter, and beautiful marble flooring decorated with the coat of arms and art from famous Italian artist Caravaggio.
With all that and more it is little wonder that this centuries-old cathedral has become a go-to tourist spot for anyone at all interested in the history of Malta.
Blue Lagoon
On a rather opposite side of things, we have the Blue Lagoon, located on the small island of Comino.
The Blue Lagoon is famous for its stunning crystal blue waters making it an ideal spot for some swimming, diving, or perhaps just admiring the awe-inspiring scenery. There’s little surprise that this area has become quite the tourist destination for anyone who wants to admire some truly stunning coastal scenery or take a cool relaxing swim.
Mdina
The ancient capital of Malta sitting in the centre of the island atop a scenic hill, Mdina is a place you must-see during your visit.
Between the streets lined with local cafes and the many museums dotted throughout the city, you will certainly not be lost for something to do while visiting this ancient city.
Known as “the silent city” it is much valued by tourists for its quiet streets and calming atmosphere.
The Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens
If you fancy visiting a sightseeing hotspot or two then we highly recommend both the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens.
Built on the highest point in Valletta the upper gardens have beautiful flower beds, statues, and fountains all open to the public. Down one level there’s the Saluting Battery where a traditional gun salute ceremony will take place every day at noon.
The lower gardens are located further along the seashore, though smaller than the upper gardens the lower gardens are not without their charm mostly found in a small temple dedicated to Alexander Bell who led the Maltese in the war against the French.
HMS Maori
Due to the warm climate and stunningly clear waters, Malta has become a go-to spot for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
The HMS Maori is a destroyer sunk by the Germans in World War II which now lies 14 metres deep in Maltese waters making it the ideal starting point for someone looking to get into diving by being both accessible and at a relatively shallow depth.
Fort St. Elmo
In order to protect Valletta Harbour, Fort St. Elmo was constructed in 1552 and has since become an important memorial site for the people of Malta.
As well as being a beautiful location to explore in your own time you can also visit the National War Museum located inside giving a firsthand look into the storied military history of Malta.
Ancient Cittadella
Located on the northern island of Gozo the Ancient Citadella is home to churches and museums all of which are worth your time.
The primary attraction here is the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the themes on display here are food, art, religion, and more all gathered from various archaeological sites around the island.
Due to the sheer amount of museums and churches, it is easy to lose half a day exploring this beautiful area.
Ggantija Temples
It’s clear to see why the Ggantija Temples are one of the few tourist attractions across Gozo that you will have to pay for but we assure you it is worth it
One of the best-preserved Unesco World Heritage sites in the world, the over 5000-year-old temple is a must-see attraction for any and all who wish to step inside of history and see some of the oldest structures on the planet.
Ta’Qali Craft Village
If you’re after traditional Maltese craftsmanship then look no further than Ta’Qali Craft Village.
Located on an old World War 2 era airfield Ta’Qali is the go-to place if you not only want to purchase some traditional craftsmanship but also want to see the experts at work making their traditional linens, leathers, ceramics, and even hand was blown glass from professional glassblowers.
The Three Cities
Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa makeup the so-called three cities of Malta
In ancient times these three cities would have made up a long wall of defense in Malta, in modern times however Senglea and Cospicua are renowned for their waterfront promenades which are some of the most picturesque in the country.
Vittoriosa however is the true highlight of the three being home to the church of St. Lawrence, Malta at War Museum, and Fort St. Angelo, an important part of Maltese history.
Manoel Theatre
As one of the oldest still-functioning theatres in all of Europe, the Manoel Theatre is the ideal place for experiencing the culture of the past.
Relatively small as theatres go this is still a sight to behold upon stepping inside. Unfortunately in modern times, the theatre doesn’t host as many events as it used to, however, you can still get an audio tour that will take you around the theatre and the attached museum.
This is a must for all visitors who wish to admire some of the ancient cultures of Malta.
Marsaxlokk
In the south of Malta, we find the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Obviously, as well as being a bustling village with a lively market a main draw of Marsaxlokk is its delicious fresh seafood. The many bars and restaurants along the port are ideal places to take a rest and watch all the colourful local fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water.
Popeye Village
As the name may suggest the Popeye Village was originally built for the 1980 musical Popeye and has since been converted into a small theme park where some of the buildings still have props used in the film.
You can take a short 15-minute boat ride where you can explore the old wooden buildings. Alternatively, you can head into the centre of the village where you’ll come across a cinema dedicated to teaching you about the film and all about how the set was constructed.
Rabat
If you took our earlier suggestion of visiting Mdina then as soon as you exit the fortified city you will actually find yourself in Rabat.
The main highlights of this ancient settlement are St. Paul’s Church and Grotto and St Paul’s Catacombs as well as Domvs Romana, a museum that was once a Roman-era house.
This is one of the best places to visit if you fancy more of a relaxing day to experience the quieter side of Maltese life.
