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Things to Do in Malta, Malta
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Malta, Malta
Exploring things to do in Malta, Malta offers a rich palette of experiences. Wander the historic streets of Valletta, home to St. John's Co-Cathedral with its stunning Baroque art. Venture to Mdina, the silent city, just 10 kilometers from Valletta, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino island for a refreshing escape.
1. Valletta
Dive into a vibrant maze of history and baroque charm. Experience stunning harbour views and lively street scenes unlike anywhere else.
Quick facts: The city brims with baroque architecture, including over 320 historic monuments packed into its tiny footprint. Daily life buzzes around its narrow streets lined with colorful balconies and bustling markets.
Highlights: At sunrise, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour, punctuated by the midday firing of the Saluting Battery cannons. Local lore says the gardens were once a secret meeting spot for knights, adding a layer of intrigue to its serene beauty.
2. St. John's Co-Cathedral
Step into a breathtaking Baroque marvel rich with history. Experience awe-inspiring art and the monumental tombs beneath the floor.
Quick facts: Bright, dazzling marble covers the entire interior, crafted with intricate Baroque artistry. Visitors often marvel at the masterpiece ceiling paintings by Caravaggio housed inside.
Highlights: The cathedral's floor serves as a storybook of Malta's knights, with elaborate tombstones etched beneath your feet marking the resting places of 400 knights of the Order. The stunning contrast between the austere exterior and the vivid, gold-leafed Baroque interior is like stepping into a treasure vault of history and art.
3. Mdina
Step into timeless charm with awe-inspiring views and peaceful lanes. Wander silent streets and enjoy medieval magic set against breathtaking coastal landscapes.
Quick facts: Mdina was once the capital city and sits high on a hill, offering stunning views all around. Its narrow, winding streets are so quiet that locals call it the 'Silent City' due to the relaxed atmosphere and limited traffic.
Highlights: The city's medieval walls date back centuries and form a perfect backdrop for atmospheric twilight strolls when the golden light hits the limestone, making the whole town glow. Walk along the bastions and peek through ancient bastion windows for panoramic vistas stretching to the Mediterranean Sea.
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I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Malta, Malta, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. The Blue Lagoon
Swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by striking limestone cliffs. Experience serene beauty and vibrant marine life in a peaceful lagoon setting.
Quick facts: Crystal-clear turquoise waters create a stunning contrast against the surrounding white limestone cliffs. The lagoon draws visitors from all over the globe who come to swim and snorkel in its refreshing, shallow waters.
Highlights: Turquoise waters reach visibility up to 50 meters deep, making it perfect for spotting marine life like colorful fish and sea urchins. Unlike crowded city beaches, this spot offers a serene escape where only boats and gentle waves break the silence.
5. Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni
Step into an underground world where ancient spirits whisper through vibrant red ochre walls. Experience a profound acoustic wonder and mystical artistry underground.
Quick facts: Subterranean chambers echo with whispers from over 5000 years ago, crafted entirely by hand in soft limestone. An acoustic marvel resides inside: a small chamber amplifies sounds more than 20 dB, stunning visitors with its ancient design.
Highlights: Unique red ochre paintings and carved spiral motifs clad the silent worship chambers, evoking a mystic aura of forgotten rituals. The eerie silence is punctuated only by curious sound reverberations across the hypogeum's three levels.
6. Blue Grotto
Experience a spectacular play of light and water unlike anywhere else. Glide through shimmering blue caves and soak up breathtaking coastal beauty.
Quick facts: Sunlight filtering through underwater caverns creates dazzling blue reflections that enchant every visitor. The sea caves are famous for their vibrant marine life and stunning natural light shows.
Highlights: The magical turquoise glow appears when sunlight hits the water at a certain angle, typically mid-morning, transforming the grotto into an otherworldly scene. Small boats gently rock visitors beneath high limestone cliffs covered in aromatic wild herbs, adding to the sensory experience.
7. Fort St. Elmo
Experience epic sea views and hear stories carved in stone. Walk the historic walls where battles shaped a nation's fate.
Quick facts: Once a crucial defense point protecting the Grand Harbour, this fortress played a leading role during a fierce siege that lasted over a month. Its walls show scars from intense battles, providing a tangible link to history that you can touch and explore.
Highlights: Step onto the walls to witness sharp bastions and deep moats designed to repel enemy ships, while the view across the water unveils dramatic silhouettes of warships and the shimmering Mediterranean. At night, the fort's illuminated cannons stand as echoes of past agility, creating a haunting yet fascinating ambiance only few get to experience.
8. National Museum of Archaeology
Explore Malta's oldest artifacts revealing secrets of an ancient world. Feel history come alive through stunning temple statues and delicate figurines.
Quick facts: Discover relics from Malta's prehistoric era that unveil stories older than the pyramids. Marvel at intricate figurines and pottery that reflect ancient island life and artistry.
Highlights: Experience the awe of the thin, delicate Venus figurines called 'Sleeping Lady,' which captivate with their subtle, serene forms representing Malta's prehistoric culture. The collection of temple statues and decorated stones brings you face-to-face with the mysterious talents of early Maltese civilizations.
9. Marsaxlokk Fish Market
Vibrant boat colors and bustling seafood stalls create an unforgettable experience. Dive into fresh catches and lively local chatter at this vibrant morning market.
Quick facts: Brightly colored traditional fishing boats called luzzu bob in the harbor, giving the area a vivid, lively feel that photographs love. The market bustles with fresh catches brought in daily, offering the freshest seafood straight from local fishermen.
Highlights: Vendors shout their irresistible fish offers while seagulls swoop overhead, creating a lively soundtrack. Early mornings reveal the freshest hauls, including rare Mediterranean delicacies like lampuki, showcasing the fishing culture’s heart and soul.
Where to Stay in Malta, Malta
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kannoli
Kannoli are Maltese pastries filled with sweet ricotta cheese, a beloved treat during celebrations and festivals.
Imqaret
Imqaret are deep-fried date-filled pastries, traditionally served as a popular street food and sweet snack.
Qaghak tal-Ghasel
Qaghak tal-Ghasel are honey rings, circular pastries flavored with aniseed and sesame seeds, usually enjoyed during Christmas.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Fenkata
Fenkata is a traditional Maltese rabbit stew, considered the national dish and enjoyed during family gatherings and feasts.
Bragioli
Bragioli are beef olives stuffed with minced meat and herbs, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce for a flavorful meal.
Pastizzi
Pastizzi are flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, famous as a quick and delicious Maltese snack.
Traditional Beverages
Kinnie
Kinnie is a unique Maltese soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs, popular as a local refreshment.
Maltese Wine
Maltese wine has an ancient tradition and is known for its distinct character due to the island's unique climate and terroir.
Bajtra
Bajtra is a traditional prickly pear liqueur made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, often homemade and enjoyed as a digestif.
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Most popular day trips
Mdina
Historic fortified city with medieval and baroque architecture.
Getting there
Airports
From Malta International Airport, taxis and buses connect you to major towns in around 20-30 minutes.
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Comments (10)
Skip the Blue Lagoon on sunny weekends if possible, it’s packed beyond belief. Try Mellieha Bay for a calmer swim, less crowded.
The architecture and culture there blow you away just walking around. The weather was perfect but watch out for the strong sun, bring sunscreen.
Cash is king here. Many small shops and taxis don’t take cards so keep some euros handy. Also, early morning museum visits get you in before the crowds.
Malta was pretty warm even in early spring, nice for outdoorsy types. Crowds can get annoying in Valletta though, expect that.
Had high hopes but found it a bit touristy. Some beaches were packed, and prices leaned on the steep side compared to what I expected.