Malta might not be in your radar, however the Mediterranean nation is likely one of the finest seaside locations in Europe.
There are such a lot of issues to do in Malta from exploring historic websites to diving in a few of the world’s finest wonders: Malta is the right vacation spot for these eager to loosen up or for these eager to have an journey.
Whether or not you’re solely staying in Malta otherwise you’re including it as a pitstop whereas within the space (Malta makes an awesome addition if you happen to’re already touring across the Mediterranean). I’ll go over a few of my favourite issues to do in Malta, however for much more inspiration, take a look at my final Malta Travel Guide.
Listed below are the highest issues to do in Malta!
Fisherman’s Village
Probably the greatest issues to do in Malta is to go to the small and picture-worthy fisherman village of Marsaxlokk. This little village presents wonderful seafood eating places, peaceable walks across the harbor, and exquisite historic websites.
Take a morning, or the afternoon to wander and admire the colourful boats bobbing within the azure waters and the country fishermen’s homes. I beloved strolling via the slim streets, chatting with the pleasant locals, and sampling a few of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
If you happen to go to, make sure that to take a look at Marsaxlokk church, Forst St. Lucian, and Marsaxlokk markets.
Go to the Previous Village of Msida
The village, positioned within the central area of Malta, is steeped in historical past and boasts a singular combine of contemporary and conventional parts. I used to be notably drawn to the colourful facades of the buildings, the ornate balconies, and the intricately designed doorways and home windows.
As I wandered via the slim streets, I might really feel the wealthy historical past of the village seeping via each nook and cranny. The Previous Village of Msida is actually a hidden gem in Malta and a must-visit vacation spot for these searching for an genuine and culturally wealthy expertise.
The small harbor city can be residence to St. Joseph’s Church. It’s a super place to go to in July, through the feast of St. Joseph.
Discover Valetta
The capital of Malta, Valetta, is an exquisite metropolis to go to whereas vacationing in Malta. From exploring the historic landmarks to indulging within the native delicacies, there’s one thing for everybody on this charming metropolis.
I like to recommend beginning with a stroll via the winding streets of town’s previous city, admiring the grand structure and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Subsequent, take a tour of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the crucial spectacular church buildings in Europe, with its ornate Baroque inside and beautiful paintings. For a style of Malta’s culinary scene, head to the open-air market, the place you may pattern native delicacies and contemporary produce.
Make sure to go to the Higher Barrakka Gardens, the place you may absorb breathtaking views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. And no customer needs to overlook the Basilica of Our Woman of Mount Carmel; different notable websites are St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Grand Grasp’s Palace.
Grand Harbour Cruise
When in search of issues to do in Malta, make sure that to take a look at town from the ocean. There are a lot of totally different cruises across the Grand Harbor of Malta.
Lots of the Grand Harbor Cruises include tour guides that may clarify the sights and historical past. It is a nice method to get a brand new perspective of town.
If you happen to go for one among these cruises, you’ll see a surprising view of Malta’s historic forts, bastions, and charming cities of Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa…that are actually spectacular and wealthy with historical past.
Because the solar units over the horizon, the Grand Harbour comes alive with a magical glow, making for a very breathtaking expertise. Whether or not you’re touring with pals, household, or solo, the Grand Harbour Cruise is a must-do exercise in Malta that may depart you with recollections to final a lifetime.
Wander By means of Birgu
Birgu is usually referred to as the Three Cities, because it was three cities constructed shut to at least one one other. It’s best identified for withstanding the assaults of the Ottoman invaders through the 1565 Nice Siege.
Birgu is usually additionally known as Vittoriosa. You’ll be in awe of the mix of previous and new, with trendy boutiques and cafes nestled alongside historic landmarks and buildings.
A very powerful websites to go to in Birgu are the Malta Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Vittoriosa Parish Museum.
One of many must-visit points of interest in Birgu is the Fort St. Angelo, a surprising fortress that dates again to the thirteenth century. You’ll be able to take a tour of the fortress, discover its underground tunnels, and study in regards to the many battles that have been fought right here all through historical past.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
Are you a fan of crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches? Because I sure am!
The Blue Lagoon is located on the island of Comino and offers some of the most beautiful views of Malta’s crystal blue waters. It is a great place to take Instagram-worthy photos and go for a little swim.
The lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding caves and coves. While the Blue Lagoon can get quite crowded during peak season, it’s still worth a visit for its sheer natural beauty.
I recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks, as there aren’t many facilities on the beach itself.
Scuba Diving
If you’re an adventure seeker and looking for a unique way to explore the Mediterranean Sea, scuba diving in Malta is an absolute must.
The island’s clear blue waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, octopuses, and even shipwrecks making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
One of the best places to go scuba diving in Malta is the Cirkewwa Reef, a popular dive site that’s teeming with marine life and underwater caves. The wreck of the Um el Faroud, a former oil tanker, is also a popular destination for experienced divers. You’ll also want to check out the Santa Maija caves.
There are plenty of diving centers in Malta that offer courses for both beginners and experienced divers, so no matter your skill level, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Popeye’s Village
You don’t want to miss Popeye’s Village when looking for the best things to do in Malta.
This unique-looking town looks like it popped out of a movie set, and for good reason since it was built for the Popeye movie! This village has been around since the 1980s and offers visitors a blast from the past.
Also known as Sweethaven Village, while you’re in this charming village…or set, one of the must-do activities is the boat ride, which takes you on a leisurely tour of the beautiful coastline and the village itself.
You can also visit the film set, explore the various houses and buildings, and learn about the history of the movie and the village. For the younger visitors, there’s a fun park with a variety of activities, including face painting, puppet shows, and interactive games.
And of course, no visit to Popeye’s Village is complete without trying the famous Popeye’s spinach pie, a delicious local delicacy.
Mosta Church
Commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta, this is one piece of architecture that you do not want to miss. It’s a stunning example of Baroque architecture and was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.
The most magnificent thing about the architect is that it is the third-largest unsupported dome in the world.
It’s said that during World War II, a bomb was dropped on the church during a service, but miraculously, it failed to explode and no one was hurt. Today, a replica of the bomb can be seen in the church’s museum, a testament to the church’s enduring strength and resilience.
St. Agatha’s Tower
St. Agatha’s Tower, or sometimes referred to as the Red Tower is located in the historic town of Mellieha. When looking for things to do in Malta, St. Agatha’s Tower is a must.
The tower was built in the 17th century by the Knights of St. John as part of the island’s coastal defense system, and today it’s a popular destination for history buffs and those interested in Malta’s military past.
Inside the tower, you can explore the various rooms and galleries, learn about the tower’s history, and even see some of the original cannons and weaponry.
However, the highlight of any visit to St. Agatha’s Tower is undoubtedly the breathtaking views from the top, which make for the perfect photo opportunity. The tower offers some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea, Gozo, and Comino.
Hit the Beach
Malta offers some of the best beaches in the world. The three islands of Malta all offer their own unique beaches.
- Golden Bay – This crescent-shaped beach is popular with tourists and locals alike, thanks to its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like windsurfing and jet skiing.
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay – Located next to Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a more secluded beach that’s popular with hikers and nature lovers. It’s surrounded by rocky cliffs and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is a bit rocky, but the water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
- St. Peter’s Pool – This natural pool is located on the southeastern coast of Malta and is popular with locals. It’s surrounded by rugged cliffs and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island, thanks to the crystal-clear water and abundance of marine life.
- Mellieha Bay – This long, sandy beach is popular with families, thanks to its shallow waters and kid-friendly activities like beach volleyball and pedal boats. It’s also home to some of the best beach bars and restaurants on the island.
- Blue Lagoon – Located on the small island of Comino, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most iconic and picturesque beaches in Malta. It’s known for its turquoise water and white sand, and is popular with snorkelers and divers who come to explore the underwater caves and reefs. However, it can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Hike Malta
Hiking across Malta may seem like a huge feat but can be done in about thirty minutes. In Ghadira Natural Reserve the island narrows to about a third of a mile, which means that hiking across Malta is not only doable but easy.
Another more strenuous hike, but one that offers many historical sites is the Girgenti Walk. If you are looking for the highest point in Malta with the best views, head over to the shores of Dingli Cliffs.
Or…stroll through the streets and get your steps in that way. 😉
St Paul’s Bay
St. Paul’s Bay is one of the largest seaside towns in Malta. St. Paul’s has many unique boutique hotels, many cute cafes, and some of the best restaurants on the island making it ideal for a relaxing getaway.
One of my favorite things to do in St. Paul’s Bay is to simply wander along the waterfront promenade, taking in the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the colorful fishing boats bobbing in the harbor.
The town is also home to several lovely beaches, including the popular Bugibba Beach and the quieter St. Paul’s Island Beach.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands of Comino and Gozo, or even try your hand at scuba diving to discover the underwater world of the Mediterranean.
For a taste of Malta’s rich history and culture, be sure to visit the nearby town of Mdina, known as the “silent city” for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful medieval architecture. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, St. Paul’s Bay is the perfect destination for a Mediterranean escape.
St. Paul’s Bay also has great nightlife — think cocktails with a Mediterranean view. Don’t mind if I do!
Have you been to Malta before or are you in the process of planning a trip? Let me know in the comments below!
