Malta, the ultimate guide for discovering the attractions

What to see and do in Malta: the attractions not to be missed

The Maltese archipelago is a fantastic place where to go all year long due to its climate. Situated between Sicily and the northern coast of Africa, Malta is a perfect destination that offers a vast range of attractions in addition to beaches, nature, and delicious food. Let’s see what you shouldn’t miss if you are planning to visit this little country.

Our Top 10 Maltese attractions

1. Valletta

The archipelago Maltese capital is the main attraction and one of the most beautiful side of the country. Valletta is listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, and it is a place rich in history and culture. Get lost in the capital streets and its building characterised by colourful balconies known as gallarija (or gardjoli), visit a masterpiece such as St. John’s Co-Cathedral shrouded by myths or enjoy the breathtaking view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, is something not to be missed. 

2. The Three Cities

Once you’ve visited Valletta, go to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take the lift for heading to the jetty where the ferry will bring you to three cities. They are certainly the richest areas in history, the most fascinating and characteristic in all of Malta. Senglea (L’Isla), Cospicua (Bormla), and Birgu (Vittoriosa) are just situated in front of the Maltese capital and walking through its alleys is like to back in time. Breath the history of Malta and visit exciting attractions such as Gardijola Gardens, St. Lawrence’s Church, the Inquisitor Palace, the Maritime Museum and Fort Saint Angelo.

3. Mdina

The ancient capital of Malta, also known as the “Silent City” or the “Noble City“, is situated on the hill at the centre of the Island, and it is a must for tourists. Its incredible mixture of Baroque and medieval architecture and narrow streets enclosed by high walls make this tiny town one of the most visited spots of the whole of Malta. The 17th century St. Paul Cathedral stands out with its beautiful interior richly decorated among the city’s attractions. Mdina has also been chosen as a location for many movies and series. Recently the Gate of Mdina was used for the popular Tv Series “Game of Thrones“. 

4. Rabat

Situated next to Mdina, this village is known for its rural character, surrounded by nature and quiet. Apart from its beautiful alleys and houses, Rabat is pretty famous for some points of interest, especially for St. Paul’s Grotto and Catacombs. St. Paul Apostle, the patron saint of Malta, took refuge in the Grotto after he shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD during his trip to Rome. St. Paul Catacombs dates back between the 4th and 9th centuries AD,  and it is the largest in Malta. A few minutes walk from St. Paul Grotto and Catacombs, also worth a visit the St. Agatha’s Catacombs, where Saint Agatha hid during her exile from Sicily. Rabat also boats the Domus Romana, the most important building of the Roman era discovered so far in Malta (turned into a museum).

5. Mosta

The town of Mosta is situated in the central part of the Island, and it is a fascinating place shrouded by myths. Its church, the third-largest unsupported dome in Europe, is the main attraction and a must for those visiting Malta. The Rotunda of St Marija Assunta was built between 1833 and 1871 on a former church site, and it was thought to look like the Pantheon in Rome. The church survived at German bomb during World War II, and you can see a replica of the bomb inside the building as a memorial to the event. If you have time, you can also visit the catacombs of Ta ’Bistra, dating back to the 4th century AD, and the most extensive series of Maltese tombs and catacombs after the Rabat catacombs.

6. Marsaxlokk

Located in the south of Malta, this traditional fishing village is a top-rated tourist attraction. It is a beautiful place to spend a day enjoying its views surrounded by fishermen and “Luzzu” (characteristic colourful boats) or eating fresh seafood at the many restaurants along the promenade of Marsaxlokk. The best day to visit this small village is Sunday when a traditional market is held: fish, vegetables, sweets, clothes and many other things. Moreover, you can reach St. Peter’s Pool by boat and enjoy the crystal waters of Malta.

7. Megalithic Temples

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are prehistoric temples built approximately between 3600 BC and 700 BC. Some of them are listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they are scattered in different parts of the Archipelago, including Gozo.

8. Dingli Cliffs

Located on the western coast of Malta, the Dingli cliffs are the country’s highest point, at around 253 meters above sea level. Once there, you can walk along the cliffs enjoying breathtaking views and reach the tiny chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, which perches on edge and marks the highest point of the whole archipelago.

9. Blue Grotto

Close to Zurrieq and Qrendi Village, Blue Grotto is many sea caves situated in the south of the island, attracting thousands of tourists all year round. You can observe the natural beauty from above at the observation point but, if the weather is good and the sea not choppy, you must try the boat tour to discover the caves close by.

10. Gozo & Comino

The other two Islands, which composed the Maltese archipelago, are much quieter and more rural than the main one. Gozo is just 20 minutes by ferry from Malta, so if you don’t want to oversleep there, you can have a daily tour for discovering the Island. It is a fascinating place immersed in nature, and the Ggantija temples or the Citadella in Victoria is something you shouldn’t miss. The neighbour Comino is the smallest of the three islands but no less beautiful than the others. It is car-free and well known among snorkelling lovers for its wonder, the Blue Lagoon. For those who would love to enjoy Comino much longer, it is possible to sleep there in the only Hotel on the Island.