Top Things to Do and See in Malta

Why Malta

Three islands, 7,000 years of history and water so blue it barely looks real. Malta packs walled cities, megalithic temples and some of the Mediterranean's best swimming into a country you can cross in under an hour. Here are the experiences worth planning around.

Valletta, the fortified capital

Malta's UNESCO-listed capital is a grid of honey-coloured Baroque streets. Don't miss St John's Co-Cathedral, with its gilded interior and two Caravaggio paintings, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views over the Grand Harbour. The noon gun still fires daily from the Saluting Battery below.

The Three Cities

A short ferry or traditional dgħajsa boat from Valletta brings you to Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. These are older and quieter than the capital, with waterfront cafes, the Inquisitor's Palace and the Malta Maritime Museum.

Mdina, the Silent City

Malta's former medieval capital sits on a hilltop. Cars are mostly banned, so wandering its lamplit lanes after dark is genuinely atmospheric. Climb to the bastions for views stretching to the coast.

The Blue Lagoon and Comino

The tiny island of Comino is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, a shallow turquoise inlet ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Boats leave from Cirkewwa and Sliema; arrive early to beat the crowds in summer.

Megalithic temples

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, perched on the southern cliffs, are among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. The nearby Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is an underground burial complex, but tickets are strictly limited, so book well ahead.

Gozo

Malta's greener sister island deserves a full day. See the Ġgantija temples, swim at Ramla Bay's red sand, and visit the Citadella in Victoria. The dramatic Azure Window collapsed in 2017, but the dive site beneath it remains spectacular.

Marsaxlokk fishing village

This southern village is famous for its luzzu boats painted in bright colours with the Eye of Osiris on the bow. The Sunday market and waterfront fish restaurants make it a relaxed half-day trip.

Dive the wrecks and caves

Malta is one of Europe's top diving destinations, with warm, clear water and wrecks like the Um El Faroud off Wied iż-Żurrieq. Even non-divers can take a boat into the Blue Grotto sea caves.

Food and pastizzi

Grab a pastizz (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas) for under a euro, try rabbit stew (fenkata), and finish with a Kinnie, the local bittersweet soft drink.

Stay connected in Malta

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