10 Picture-Perfect Places To Visit In Malta

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An archipelago nestled in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is located fairly close to both Sicily and Africa. From historical temples, medieval architecture, and hollow caves, this beautiful island is blessed with a mythical aura. While it may seem like a small country, there are plenty of places to visit in Malta. Stroll around its charming towns and villages as you walk past markets, churches, museums and even one of the oldest structures in the world. When you tire of exploring the many fun-filled outdoor excursions, tuck into authentic Maltese cuisine at local restaurants and eateries.

10 places to visit in Malta that’ll take your breath away

Here are the top things to do in Malta – add these to your bucket list right now!

1. Stroll through the Malta’s capital city, Valletta

The capital of Malta, Valletta is so small that it only actually occupies half a square kilometre in space. For most people, however, this is actually an advantage because it makes exploring Valletta’s distinctive streets a breeze.

Marvel at the elegantly-built houses with their colourful balconies, historic buildings and baroque-era architecture. Not to mention the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer breathtaking views of the city and its harbour. There are also many fascinating museums in Valletta, including the National Museum of Archeology. 

2. Kick back and relax on the beach

The ideal time to visit the Mediterranean is between April and October, especially if you want to hit the beaches. On Malta’s mainland, the most popular beaches are usually found on the north-west coast, like the Golden Bay and the Għajn Tuffieħa.  

The nearby island of Gozo, reachable in just a short 20-minute ferry ride from Malta, is highly rated for its beaches among sailors and divers alike. The Ramla I-Hamra beach or Ramla Bay, known for its stunning red sands, is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Malta.

3. Try cave diving in Comino 

Known for its azure waters and warm temperatures, Comino is perfect if you want to spend the day diving and snorkelling in one of the island’s most stunning locations. Here, you’ll find impressive rock formations, caves, reefs, and wrecks just lying underneath the water, waiting to be explored. If it’s your first time diving, there are also a handful of diving schools in the area that can help you out. 

Moreover, if you want to go reef and cave diving, both Comino and Gozo are ideal spots. Sitting on the coast of Malta in between the mainland and Gozo, Comino is an uninhabited island that boasts a series of underwater caves which sparkle in the dark blue waters. It’s also a great place to see a diverse range of marine life. 

4. Attend a Maltese ‘festa‘

Each town and village in Malta holds an annual celebration for their patron saint in the form of a week-long festa. If you’re visiting Malta, it’s a must-see event. Usually held every year during the summer months, these events centre around parades, music, food, drink and religious activities. 

It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local food, culture and Maltese hospitality. The evening festivities are just as impressive, with spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night skies. 

5. Visit Gozo for the day

Gozo is Malta’s smaller sister island, situated around a 25-minute ferry ride away. The island’s sandy beaches, jagged coastlines, authentic Gozitan restaurants, and traditional cultural activities help to make it one of the best places to visit in Malta.

Don’t miss the Cittadella in Victoria, a fortified city that’s widely regarded an architectural wonder, designed in Roman and Byzantine styles. 

7. Sail across the Three Cities

Just a short walk from Valetta Harbour, you’ll find the famous ‘Three Cities’ ‒ Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa. Both Cospicua and Senglea are known for their stunning marinas and picturesque waterfront promenades. 

However, it’s Vittoriosa that stands out from these three cities. The main highlights here are the Malta at War Museum and the Church of St. Lawrence. There’s also the historic Fort St. Angelo, which played a pivotal role in the Great Siege of Malta during 1565.

8. Watch a show in the one of the world’s oldest theatres

When you arrive in Malta, check for local listings as you watch a show at Europe’s oldest working theatres. Opened back in 1732, the Manoel Theatre in Valletta is a small yet majestic theatre, featuring an auditorium covered in gold and blue with gilt decorations all over. Plays here are usually performed in the English language and during the winter season, a traditional pantomime is featured.

Ballet recitals, rock and folk concerts are also featured here and The Manoel Theatre is famous among dance companies, as well as the international opera. 

9. Wander along Valletta Waterfront

Also known as the Pinto Wharf, the Valletta Waterfront has been well-preserved throughout the years and still remains one of the top places to visit in Malta. What was once a collection of drab buildings and warehouses has now been turned into a bustling tourism complex packed with restaurants, stores, and cafes.

10. Swim in Roman Baths in Sliema, Malta

Although their rugged nature makes them somewhat less aesthetically pleasing than some of Malta’s other attractions, the Roman Baths in Sliema, Malta are still worth visiting.

Thought to have been constructed in the late 19th or early 20th Century, Sliema’s Roman Baths would perhaps be more fittingly described as Victorian Baths, as they seem to originate from the Victorian era, coinciding with the rising popularity of the seaside at a time when it was not yet acceptable for women to appear in public unless fully clothed. Read more about the Roman Baths in Sliema.

Malta Travel FAQ

Hopefully, by now, you’ll be itching to explore the many places to visit in Malta. However, you might have a few questions about the island ahead of your trip. With this in mind, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Malta.

Is Malta expensive to visit?

While flights to Malta from the UK are relatively inexpensive and the island is cheaper than many other parts of Europe, it is a little pricier than some other popular European destinations. However, where sight-seeing is concerned, you can find something to suit all kinds of budget, so it really depends on how much you’re able or willing to spend.

While food and drink isn’t overly expensive in Malta, you’ll pay more to dine at restaurants serving fresh fish or homemade dishes, in addition to restaurants serving quality wines.

Is Malta safe to visit?

Malta is widely regarded as a very safe destination to visit, thanks to its friendly inhabitants (most of whom speak English), reliable transport network, little threat of terrorism and relatively low crime rates.

That said, you still need to remain street wise and vigilant, as you would do when visiting any new and unfamiliar destination. Keep an eye out for pick-pockets, road accidents and occasional violence (usually during the night-time).

How many days do you need in Malta?

While some people claim it’s possible to travel around Malta’s main island in just one day, it’s probably best to spread your itinerary out over three to four days to ensure you don’t have to rush around and make time to explore all that there is to see and do in Malta.

If you have the time, you may even wish to stay in Malta for up to two weeks, allowing time to relax and unwind in between crossing countless activities and landmarks off your bucket list.

What is the best month to visit Malta?

Although it’s entirely possibly to have an enjoyable time in Malta at any time of the year, generally, the best time to visit is during the summer months. July is usually Malta’s hottest month, when temperatures average around 80°F (27°C).

However, you may prefer to visit sometime from April to June, when the climate is still fairly warm, yet more bearable and as the peak tourist season has not yet begun, you won’t be surrounded by hoards of tourists.

Have you been to Malta? Share your suggestions on the top things to do in Malta below.

While you’re here, check out these posts – I think you’ll enjoy the read!

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