Malta is geographical proof that size doesn’t matter.
It’s a tiny archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Yet history’s greatest empires coveted it, and bloody wars have been fought over it – realities that shaped Malta into the fascinating destination it is today.
From fortified cities and paradise beaches to cave systems and ancient temples, there is a huge and eclectic mix of things to do in Malta. Keen to visit?
Here are 14 incredible sights, activities, and attractions that belong on anyone’s Malta itinerary.
1. Explore Valletta
I could write an entire article about Malta’s capital city. The place is magical – a history lover’s dream – and jam-packed with things to see, do, and experience.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortified city, with its huge, imposing stone walls, seems like something straight from Game of Thrones. And for good reason. Various “Kings Landing” scenes were filmed here, not to mention scenes in Gladiator and other popular movies.
Valletta’s so unique that my main recommendation is simply to explore on foot and soak it all in. Highlights include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, and the Grandmaster’s Palace.
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2. Visit the Three Cities
When you visit Valletta, you’ll gaze out across the Grand Harbor and see three peninsulas jutting out into it. Collectively, they’re known as Malta’s Three Cities.
Individually, they’re called Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.
If you love history, visiting them will be one of the best things to do in Malta. They’re magnificent medieval towns home to unbelievable fortresses, palaces, museums, cobbled streets, and age-old artifacts. A fun way to visit them is by catching the boat from Valletta.
3. Visit Mdina, the Silent City
This walled city opens another portal to the past. Mdina (pronounced em-dee-nah) was Malta’s capital for most of the country’s history.
Alas, the majority of its inhabitants left when Valetta became the capital in the 16th Century. Apparently, this is one reason for its nickname, the Silent City.
Of course, it could also have something to do with Mdina’s knack for leaving you speechless…
Cobbled streets, laid eons ago, take you past sandstone palaces and pretty piazzas. Eventually, you hit the walls themselves, where epic views of the surrounding area await. Like Valletta, you can spend a happy afternoon simply strolling around, taking in the atmosphere.
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4. Go Underground in Rabat
Next to Mdina is Rabat. At face value, this town isn’t the most enticing part of the island. Yet dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some of the best things to do in Malta.
Take St. Paul’s Catacombs. These underground burial chambers go back thousands of years and are the largest in Malta. You can walk the stone passageways for a small fee, duck through narrow chambers, and see where ancient Romans laid their dead to rest.
Rabat’s piazza is full of charm and character, too. Sitting and watching the world go by grants visitors a taste of Maltese life. The town is also a great spot to gorge on the famous Maltese pastries, called pastizzi, or go on a night out.
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5. Visit Ancient Temples
Malta’s history is long, complex, and fascinating. Drawn to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans, Knights of St. John, and the British (among others) have all ruled here.
However, people have lived in Malta since Neolithic times – and possibly even before.You can explore this distant history at Malta’s extraordinary megalithic temples, such as Tarxien, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra. Gozo, which I’ll talk more about later, is home to the remarkable Ggantija temples, too.
Questions remain over how such immense structures, which pre-date the Great Pyramids of Egypt, were built. But one thing’s for sure: they’re worth seeing.
6. Chill Out at St. Paul’s Bay
Although it lacks the charm of other places, St. Paul’s Bay provided a perfect base for my trip. A mid-sized town on the north coast, it’s relatively built-up and modern.
Expect lots of bars, cafes, and restaurants, a lovely promenade along the waterfront and beaches ideal for swimming. Another perk of St. Paul’s Bay is its strong public transport connections. Regular buses take you almost anywhere in Malta.
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7. Do the Xemxija Heritage Trail
There are some hidden gems near St. Paul’s Bay, too. For example, if you head west to a suburb called Xemxija, a heritage walk up a hill connects several ancient landmarks.
Among the coolest is an ancient apiary (somewhere you keep bees) carved straight into the rocky hillside.
In typical Maltese fashion, there’s no fanfare about any of this. In other countries, having these age-old sites in such proximity would be a major tourist attraction, complete with paid entry and a museum. Here, you just stumble upon it and are free to roam.
8. Explore Popeye’s Village
Welcome to one of Malta’s more unusual attractions.
Popeye Village is precisely that – the “village” (AKA film set) built for the 1980 musical production of Popeye, starring Robin Williams. Rather than knock it down when filming finished, they kept and transformed it into a themed tourist attraction.
It’s the definition of kitsch. Expect something a little tired and cheesy, with actors dressed in tacky costumes who may or may not want to be there.
But don’t let that put you off. It’s just a bit of fun. The novelty value alone makes it worth visiting – when was the last time you explored a movie set on a Mediterranean island? And anyone (especially kids) tired of cultural activities will love it.
There are cafes, a water park, a mini-golf course, a cinema showing a documentary about the movie, and more.
9. Venture South to Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village in the south renowned for its bustling marina, markets, and brightly colored fishing boats called Luzzu.
The latter is one of the main draws, with people coming from all over to see/photograph them. You can also pay for luzzu tours that take you out along the coast.
Feeling hungry? Marsaxlokk is a great place to buy fresh seafood. If you want to cook it yourself, the markets have stalls overflowing with the day’s catch; if you want it cooked for you, several high-quality restaurants line the waterfront.
Overall, Marsaxlokk offers something vibrant and different – a glimpse into traditional Maltese culture with a modern touristic twist.
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10. Swim in St. Peter’s Pool
Anybody going south to visit Marsaxlokk should spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing at St. Peter’s Pool. This scenic swimming spot is arguably the area’s most popular attraction.
Unlike typical beaches, there’s no sandy expanse to lay your towel down. You’re directly on the limestone – the same limestone that’s eroded over time to create the swimming spot.
Still, you can see why people gravitate to St. Peter’s Pool.
It’s a classic Instagram spot: an emerald alcove that glistens in the sun, inviting you to jump from rocky ledges into the clear waters below. With trails leading up to and around it and with such close proximity to Marsaxlokk, you should definitely check it out.
11. Go to the Blue Grotto
Talking of Instagram spots, next on this list of things to do in Malta is the beautiful Blue Grotto on the southwest coast.
Countless years of erosion have hollowed out a distinctive archway in the cliff.
It almost looks like the land is pouring into the sea, which glistens in brilliant blue hues below – hence the name.
If you come in peak season, you can explore this sea cavern on a boat tour. You can also see it from a viewing platform at the top of a nearby cliff, which is right next to a bus stop.
A bonus of the Blue Grotto is that it’s close to Haqar Qim and Mnajdra. Why not kill two birds with one stone? See the Grotto, then venture further up the coast to explore two world-famous megalithic temples.
12. Visit Gozo
Malta comprises three separate islands: Malta, Comino, and Gozo. If you have enough time, I strongly suggest you visit the other two – especially Gozo, Malta’s sister island.
This beautiful island shares many of Malta’s main draws. For example, the history is unbeatable. Gozo’s breathtaking ancient citadel rivals places like Mdina and Valletta. You’ll find impressive geological features, as well – not to mention pristine sandy beaches.
However, Gozo also feels very different. Although it’s definitely still popular with tourists, it’s not as busy. There‘s masses to see and do, but Gozo’s smaller and feels more rural. It has a peaceful, local vibe. History and nature lovers seeking a tranquil escape will love it.
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13. Go Scuba Diving, Visit the Inland Sea
Most people visit the Maltese archipelago for its historical attractions, gorgeous Mediterranean weather, and glorious beaches. Others go scuba diving.
I don’t dive, so I can’t speak from personal experience. But it’s common knowledge that Malta’s clear waters, interesting geological features, and countless shipwrecks make it a haven for enthusiasts.
You’ll find two famous dive spots on Gozo’s glorious west coast.
One is the Inland Sea – a turquoise lagoon separated from the ocean by a tunnel through the cliffs. And next door is the Blue Hole – a fitting name for a small pool of water that descends 10m to an archway connecting it to the ocean.
Diver or not, this part of Gozo is worth seeing. Once upon a time, you’d have seen a huge rock archway called the Azure Window. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2017. Thankfully, it was just one attraction in this stunning landscape.
14. Take a Boat to Comino
Comino’s most famous attraction is the aptly named Blue Lagoon.
The crystal-clear turquoise water is heavenly to swim in, and snorkeling and diving are popular. If you want to stretch your legs, you can also walk to an impressive 17th-century watchtower called Saint Mary’s Tower.
Comino is a place of simple pleasures, but it’s definitely worth spending an afternoon or two enjoying its beautiful coast and historic appeal.
Best Tours and Activities in Malta
Enjoy These Things to Do in Malta
This list of the best things to do in Malta is far from exhaustive.
However, these are the places, activities, and attractions that helped make my time there so special—plus one or two ideas I wish I’d ticked off my bucket list but wasn’t able to.
With any luck, the recommendations will help you have an unforgettable Maltese adventure.
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