13 Best Things to Do in Malta: Top Attractions & Tips

The island of Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea south of Italy. It follows the European continent and is surrounded by water from all directions. Malta enjoys a privileged strategic location between the European continent, the Middle East, and the countries of the African continent.

Malta is considered the largest of the country’s three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. 

People began to live in Malta from 5200 BC. They built early stone settlements and caves discovered in 2500 BC. The Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs controlled Malta. Malta became independent in 1964, joined the European Union in 2004, and used the euro currency four years later.

Weather in Malta

Summer is characterized by hot, dry, and high temperatures. The best time to visit Malta is from June to September when the average temperature is between 28 and 32 degrees.

Winter is considered the wettest season, with temperatures reaching 17 degrees in December and 15 degrees in January and February.

Things to do in Malta  

The island of Malta is considered among the most important tourist areas, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its many unique archaeological monuments make it a precious gem in the European continent. Various civilizations, such as the Romans, the Spaniards, the Muslims, the French, and the British also characterize Malta.

Now it is time to tour the smallest country in Europe and see what we can do there.

Valletta: Malta’s Capital

Valletta is the capital of the Republic of Malta, the island in 1530 was offered to the Knights of Malta by the King of Spain and they built a capital to be similar to the other beautiful cities in Europe. Valletta was planned fascinatingly with public squares and buildings.

When you visit the city, you will find many attractions, such as Saint John Cathedral. It is one of the most famous spots in the capital city, and it was built in the 16th century by knights from France, Italy, and Spain.

Another place in Valletta is the Grandmaster’s Palace. In the past, it was a residence for the Knights of Malta. The palace contains many lovely paintings and an armoury that tells the story of the knights’ victories.

Island of Gozo

It is Malta’s second-largest island. With beautiful beaches and lovely towns, it is the perfect place for tourists to enjoy a wonderful vacation. The island contains many attractions, like Marsalforn, considered the most important archaeological site in Malta. Also, there are the Ggantija Temples, which were built in 3500 BC.

Ramla Bay is one of the favourite beaches, with its sandy shore and magnificent blue water. There are many facilities, such as showers, restrooms, changing areas, etc. 

The countryside on the island is beautiful, where farms cover the valley and villages rise above the landscapes. Subsequently, there are beaches and an old port. The Island of Gozo is perfect for nature lovers and people who love to relax. 

Castle of Malta

The Castle of Malta is considered one of the most beautiful castles. It is located on the island of Gozo in the Victoria region. Built in 1500 BC, powerful fortresses surround it and is famous for its distinctive ancient architecture.

Tarxien Temples

Tarxien Temples is considered the most significant and best-preserved prehistoric site in Malta; it consists of four structures and was excavated in 1914. The temples cover an area of 5400 square meters and display Malta’s prehistoric culture from 300 BC to 2500 BC.

When you visit the site, you will see that the stone walls of the temples are decorated with spiral patterns and animal figures. The South Temple contains many collections of art and reliefs, such as goats and bulls.

The East Temple has strong slab walls with oracle holes, while the Central Temple features a six-apse architectural plan and an arched roof.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a fascinating natural place any tourist would like to visit. It is located on a Cliffside above the Mediterranean Sea, and you will see a magnificent view from the top. The water shines a brilliant blue in the sun.

A story said the Blue Grotto was home to the sirens, who charmed sailors. When the sea is calm, you can take a guided boat tour, which takes 20 minutes and takes you through the sea past six caves.

John’s Cathedral

St. John’s Cathedral is located in Malta’s capital. It was built in 1572 and is one of the loveliest churches in Europe. The Knights of St. Johns built it and are distinguished by its good design and Baroque architecture.

The marble tombstone floor contains about 400 monuments made in honour of the Knights of Malta. The tombs’ decoration includes angels and skulls.

Marsaxlokk Village

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village located in the south of Malta. There, you can find the throbbing market, held every day and considered one of the known attractions in Malta. Also, make sure to have delicious seafood, whether for lunch or dinner.

National Museum of Archeology

The National Museum of Archeology is one of the famous attractions in Malta that displays historical collections from all over the country like Bronze Age weapons and a Phoenician sarcophagus. Also, there are many statues, altar stones, and jewellery, and don’t forget to look at the magnificent ceiling in the grand lobby that is decorated beautifully. 

Fort St Elmo

Fort St. Elmo was built by St John in 1522. It was strategically located to withstand Ottoman attacks and gave a magnificent view of the harbour and the surrounding villages.

When you visit the fort, you will also see that it hosts the National War Museum, which includes many collections from prehistoric times. You will also see the beautiful architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne.

Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay Beach is one of the fascinating beaches in Malta. It is located northwest of the island and is surrounded by many hotels where you can relax and enjoy a fantastic view.

Golden Bay Beach is the perfect place for visitors. It features soft gold sands and calm water suitable for swimming and sunbathing. You can reach Golden Bay Beach by bus or car, and the bus stop is only a five-minute walk away.

Manoel Theatre

The Manoel Theatre was constructed by the Grand Master of the Knights of St John and opened in 1732. When you enter, you will be delighted by the gilt decorations in the main hall, which are covered in gold and blue.

Inside the theatre are 623 seats, giving the theatre a warm feel. You will also see the white marble staircase. Many performances are held there that showcase the arts of Malta, such as music concerts, opera shows, and ballet recitals.

Hilltop Town of Mdina

The Hilltop Town of Mdina is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You must go through the main gate to enter the city, and you can see and explore its history, from its streets to its sandstone buildings.

You will see St. Paul’s Cathedral, a lovely Baroque building designed by Lorenzo Gafa. Its dome, marble columns, and ceiling paintings feature the building. You will also have the chance to visit Vilhena Palace, built in the 18th century and now hosts the National Museum of Natural History.

Blue Lagoon (Island of Comino)

Another lovely place for you to relax and have a great time with your family, its crystal clear water makes you feel comfortable with the white sand. It is a fantastic place for swimming or floating on inflatable tubes. 

There is a beach with umbrellas and chairs that can be rented. You can sunbathe on the rocky hillside. The beach is always crowded in the high season from 10 p.m., so be there early.