Mesmerizing ancient sites, brilliant blue ocean, and sparkling beaches make Malta an outstanding destination to visit. This Mediterranean country might remind you of Greece or Cyprus, with its abundance of archaeological structures and breathtaking coastlines. However, Malta is a more affordable alternative to those two destinations. Then, what are the best places to visit in Malta?
To level up your Malta experience, these places are recommended by our local TripLeader Katy. She has called Malta home for the last 11 years and been hosting trips to this sunny country. So, check it out and get ready to have the best vacation ever!
12 Best Places to Visit in Malta – Summary
- Valetta
- Gozo
- Dwejra, Gozo
- Mdina
- Rabat
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay
- Mellieha
- Comino
- Birgu
- St. Julians
- Tarxien Temples
- Siggiewi Village
Valetta
Travel back in time as you step into the ancient city of Valetta. This majestic capital of Malta tells a tale beyond time. It holds a long history of the Knights of Malta in the 15th century, who were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain. You will be spoiled by a scene of intricate palaces, sand-colored fortress walls, and elegant churches. Besides that, the harbors of Valetta display an enchanting view of the glimmering Mediterranean Sea.
Valletta is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Malta. Get ready to be captivated by this small yet charming city. Stop by the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which stands proudly in the center of the city. The 16th-century church features an opulent facade that represents a blend of several different cultures, such as France, Spain, and Italy. Also, pay a visit to the Grandmaster’s Palace, which was once a residence of the Maltese knights. Besides being packed with history, Valletta also displays a trendy side. Find a fantastic nightlife scene in the city’s seafront clubs and city-center pubs.
Another note from Katy – Valetta is very walkable! The city is relatively small, so you can get from one point to another in under than 15 minutes.
Gozo
Traveling to Gozo means enjoying the exquisite natural beauty and immersing yourself in a relaxing atmosphere. As Malta’s most idyllic island, Gozo is simply quaint and charming. The island is dotted with a beautiful medieval city, majestic archaeological sites, and star-rated beach resorts. Not to mention, the island is home to spectacular cliffs, amazing natural pools, and a brilliant blue sea.
Gozo is one of the unmissable places to visit in Malta. Brimming with history and natural beauty, the island will show you what a perfect vacation looks like. Moreover, Gozo describes the word ‘relaxation’ very well. Quaint and tranquil – Gozo is rarely packed with tourists. Instead of vibrant cities, the island houses laidback villages, lovely farms, and humble local shops. Also, tourist spots like temples and archaeological sites are staying off the radar. The beaches are rarely crowded, offering you a perfect time under the sun.
Dwejra, Gozo
Gozo never ceases to amaze us, especially with its spectacular places. Dwejra is a small bay bordered by a series of rugged limestone cliffs. At a glance, it looks like a crystal-clear natural pool in the middle of the breathtaking Mediterranean Sea. Dwejra is a haven for divers and snorkellers due to its diverse marine wildlife and mesmerizing coral reefs. Besides that, Dwejra displays impressive rock formations that are worth snapping for your Instagram.
Visiting Dwejra means hopping on a sailboat and exploring the beautiful rock structures. Find yourself admiring the Wied il Mielah, a stunning naturally-formed arch standing on the glimmering ocean. Besides that, you can also get your rock climbing gear on and climb the limestone cliffs. Furthermore, you can also dive into the deep waters and enjoy the superb underwater landscape. Therefore, Dwejra is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Mdina
Traveling to Mdina means traveling back in time. This charming ancient city is brimming with majestic historical buildings, elegant Baroque structures, and sand-colored alleys that will take your breath away. Until today, Mdina is Malta’s center of nobility and culture. So, it’s not a surprise that Mdina looks elegant and regal even at first sight.
Spend your time strolling through Mdina’s old quarters and admire its distinctive structures. Stop by St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Baroque church that stands proudly in the center of the city. Then, make sure to pay a visit to The Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum, which showcases a myriad of medieval artifacts. Additionally, you can head to Bastion Square viewpoint and get a bird-eye view of the ancient city. With all it has to offer, Mdina is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Rabat
Tucked next to Mdina, these two towns look like peas in a pod. Rabat is also about history and culture. The town dates back as far as the 15th century, making it brimming with medieval houses, ancient fortresses, and elegant historical buildings. However, Rabat is less touristy and more developed than its neighboring town. Besides displaying centuries-old architecture, the town also features a pleasant modern side and an enjoyable nightlife scene.
The city of Rabat houses a myriad of historical sites to see. Stroll around the sand-colored city and immerse yourself in its magical vibes. Thus, stop by the Basilica of St. Paul, which displays an ornate Baroque facade. Thus, you can also see the Wignacourt Museum and spot ancient Roman artifacts. Furthermore, head to St. Dominic’s Convent which was used as the filming site of Game of Thrones. Therefore, Rabat is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay
No Malta itinerary would be complete without its outstanding beaches. Tucked on the East coast of Malta, Ghajn Tuffieha Beach is an exceptional beach to visit. Sparkling golden sand, sloping hillsides, and limestone cliffs are the building blocks of this beautiful beach. Not to mention, the waters are crystal-clear and gentle, inviting you to take a dip. Although the beach looks pristine, it doesn’t fit the word ‘secluded’ that much. You can easily find public restrooms, a snack bar, and sunbeds on the beach.
Just a few meters away from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, you can see Gnejna Bay. Surrounded by sandy slopes and verdant hills, Gnejna Bay looks ethereal. The sandy, golden shores meet the beautiful gradient of turquoise and aquamarine sea. Moreover, the calm waters of this small bay are great for snorkeling and canoeing.
One fact about Malta: It has 300 days of sunshine and a mild winter. The waters are not too cold if you want to take a dip in January or February. TripLeader Katy said that seeing her TripMates having a fun winter swim is one of the best moments during her 2-years career!
Mellieha
Dreamy and enchanting – those are the words that describe Mellieha. This laidback seaside village is tucked on the rugged hilltops of Malta’s east coast. Thus, the village acts as a viewpoint where you can see flawless white coastlines, an incredible blue ocean, and earth-colored limestone cliffs. Other than that, Mellieha is ready to captivate you with its pastel-colored buildings, sun-soaked promenades, and ornate structures.
Mellieha houses a myriad of historical sites and interesting spots that are worth visiting. Make sure you stop by the 19th-century Baroque Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory, which displays a gaudy Baroque facade. Moreover, as the highest point of Meilleha, this church offers an exquisite scene. Besides that, you can also see the Popeye Village, which was inspired by 1929 comic ‘Popeye the Sailorman’. With all it has to offer, Mellieha is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Comino
This idyllic Maltese island is calling you for an awesome vacation. Tucked between the big islands of Gozo and Malta, Comino offers a distinctive scene that you can’t say no to. Sparkling white-sand beaches, brilliant turquoise waters, and craggy rock cliffs create a breathtaking landscape. Moreover, the 3,5 square kilometers-wide island knows no car. You can get around the tiny island on foot. Thus, make sure to put on comfortable footwear as you might stumble upon rocky roads and cliffs.
Traveling to Comino means getting the best out of nature. You can check out the Blue Lagoon, which features warm, shallow waters and incredibly beautiful turquoise colors. Also, don’t miss exploring Camino’s thrilling sea caves. Get an adrenaline rush by swimming through Tunnel Cave or go for a calmer alternative by kayaking into Popeye Cave. Moreover, you can relax on the gorgeous Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay. Beautiful and calm, Comino is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Birgu
This centuries-old city keeps an important record of Malta’s long history. Tucked on the coastline, Birgu was once a bustling port city and trade center. It welcomed travelers, merchants, and politicians from Rome, Greece, Italy, Arabs, and many other countries. As different cultures meet in Birgu, the city displays an abundance of heritage through its architecture.
History buffs will fall in love with Birgu. The fortified city offers several impressive historical sites to see. The star of Birgu would be Fort St. Angelo, which has authentic medieval architecture and played a huge role during World War II. Moreover, you can stop at Malta Maritime Museum and find amazing artifacts. Alternatively, you can stroll through Birgu’s quite alleys and spot the city’s centuries-old gates. Therefore, Birgu is one of the most interesting places to visit in Malta.
St. Julians
“Not a lot of people know that Malta has an amazing nightlife. Here I am to say that and you are welcome to join us!” says Katy.
She also recommended St. Julians as the best place to party in Malta. This small yet vibrant town displays a series of classic old buildings and ornate towers. Interestingly, they stand side by side with futuristic glass buildings, fiery bars, and vibrant casinos. The perfect blend between the old and new makes St. Julians a must-visit place in Malta.
This seaside town fits the word ‘lit’ both during the day and night. St. Julians’ famous Spinola Bay and promenades are packed with delightful restaurants, incoming ferries, and busy shops during the day. However, as the sun goes down, Paceville takes over. The district is bustling with nightclubs, bars, and casinos that are ready to give you the best night of your life.
Tarxien Temples
Malta seems to have an endless collection of ancient historical sites. Tarxien Temples stands out as one of the most unique sites. It dates back to a mysterious prehistoric period called ‘the Temple Period’, which is predicted around 3,600 BCE and 2,500 BCE. Tarxien Temples comprises enormous megalithic walls forming a maze-like structure. Some of the walls are adorned with murals and reliefs depicting animals like goats and bulls. Whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, Tarxien Temples is one of the best places to visit in Malta.
Siggiewi Village
If you are looking for a more quite place in Malta, Siggiewi Village is worth checking out. Also known as Citta Ferdinand, this village is located in southwestern Malta. The cityscape and sand-colored buildings might remind you of Valetta or Mdina, but Siggiewi is much more quaint. The Parish Church of Saint Nicholas has become the city’s main attraction, catching attention with its beautiful Baroque facade. Moreover, Siggiewi houses the jubilant Festa (Fiest Days) which feature fireworks, brass music, and Maltese treats. You can see the festival in the end of June.
From the historically-rich city of Valetta to the powdery shores of Gnejna Bay, these best places to visit in Malta will bring you the best experiences. You can also join Katy and other Malta TripLeaders on their trip to get the best out of the sunny country.
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