Malta is a small country in the Mediterranean Region cradled between Italy and Africa. This beautiful country is famous for its stunning beaches, amazing views of crystal clear sea, rich culture, and fascinating history.
Due to its geographical location, Malta is visited all around the year. But summer is the best time to visit there. However, you can also visit Malta during the winter as everything is comparatively cheaper then and the place is less crowded.
It is one of the most popular backpacking destinations by many travellers. There are many fun things to do in Malta that will keep you entertained throughout your trip there.
Here are the top best things to do in Malta when you are there-
1. A Visit to the Capital City of Valletta is a Must!
The capital city of Valetta is the epitome of classical beauty, elegant architecture, and Malta’s glorious history, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valletta is full of museums displaying timeless creations, stunning sea views, and even more stunning nightlife.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is a famous place in Valletta that attracts many tourists because of its contents. As plain and basic as the exterior of the Cathedral looks, the interior is extremely grand and royal. It is full of gold and also shelters the painted masterpieces of Caravaggio.
Another prominent place is the Grandmaster’s Palace which was once the home of the masters and nobles of Malta. Take your time and explore the entirety of the palace and see the Supreme Council Hall, the Ambassador’s Room, and the armoury full of all the weapons used by the nobles. You can also pay a visit to the tombs of the Grand Masters.
Walk along Republic Street and see the exquisite National Museum of Fine Arts collections.
Valletta has a lot of tourist attractions that will keep you entertained. You can try the local dishes, buy yourself a souvenir, and walk around the streets. You can book a guided tour.
Top Tourist Attractions: Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, Republic Street, Merchant Street, National Museum of Fine Arts, the Manoel Theatre, Barraka Gardens.
2. Visit the Three Cities.
The three cities are a short boat trip of 10 minutes from Valletta’s capital city. The ideal blend of the unique cities brought together as a whole offers you the most stunning views of Valletta and visiting there is among the top things to do in Malta.
The three cities are named Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. There are many tourist spots in Birgu, such as Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and Malta Maritime Museum. Still, you can get the most authentic views of Valletta can only be seen from the Safe Haven Gardens in the city of Senglea.
You can hire a guided tour or walk around the cities and enjoy the local delicacies. A wine tasting experience is a must when you are here because these cities’ relationship with Maltese wine goes way back in history.
Top Tourist Attractions: Birgu, such as Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, Malta Maritime Museum, and Safe Haven Gardens.
3. Visit the Silent City of Mdina.
Better known as ‘Citta Notabile‘, this noble city of Mdina was previously the capital of Malta during the Middle Ages as it was the centre of all the administrations and the government. This fortified place serves right to fill the plates of history lovers.
Mdina is also called “the Silent City” because of its serene streets and fascinating history. Many historical monuments are sheltered in this historic city, like the oldest cathedral in Malta, St. Paul’s cathedral, and its museum. You can also visit the Vilhena Palace and Palazzo Falson to experience the classic royalty.
Visiting Mdina is one of the best things to do in Malta. The city is beautiful, with all the streets, cobbled roads, and attractive cafes.
Top Tourist Attractions: Lascaris War Rooms, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral Museum, Mdina Underground Dungeons.
4. Visit Stunning Rabat.
Right after Mdina, the place that waits for you is Rabat. Visiting Rabat is a perfect holiday getaway and one of Malta’s top things to do. This city is also live evidence of the history of Malta.
The St. Paul’s Church and Grotto is said to be where Apostle Paul took shelter after their boat drowned, making it a notable place to visit. Apart from that, the city’s cemetery in ancient times at St. Paul’s Catacombs is also worth seeing.
Top Tourist Attractions: St. Paul’s Church, at St. Paul’s Catacombs, Sy. Agatha’s Catacombs, Domvs Romana.
5. Enjoy the Nightlife at St. Julian’s and Sliema.
Sliema and St. Julian’s are the ultimate cities to take a break from the fascinating history of Malta and party like a star.
The city is lined by several hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos, and many shopping centres, making it the perfect destination to enjoy the bustle of the city. Visiting these cities is among the top fun things to do in Malta.
Enjoy the local foods on the streets of Sliema and buy yourself a souvenir from the stores. Then, you can walk along the beautiful promenade from St. Julian’s to Sliema, the most crowded area at night.
6. Gozo Island Of Malta is a Must!
The second-largest island in Malta is Gozo Island. A visit to this peaceful countryside area with stunning scenery and relaxing beaches is among the easiest things to do in Malta.
You can reach the island by taking a 20 minutes Gozo Channel Line Ferry ride from Cirkewwa. After which you can take a vehicle to reach there.
On reaching there, you will have a lot of places to visit, like the city of Victoria, also called Rabat, by the natives. This fortified city is considered the main centre of attraction for tourists. It has several places where you can go shopping, and the authentic food here is delicious.
This popular beach is Marsalforn, which is a great place for your summer visit. Also, the stunning Church of Ta’Pinu Shrine and Ggantija Temples are the most beautiful and well-preserved religious places to visit.
Top Tourist Attractions: Marsalforn, Ta’Pinu Shrine, Ggantija Temples, Djwewra Region, Ta’Cenc Cliffs, Ramla Bay Beach.
7. Visit the Beautiful Comino Island and Blue Lagoon.
A small island located between Malta and Gozo is Comino Island. In it is the Blue Lagoon with light blue water and always blowing breeze.
You can board the shuttle boats, or catamaran boat rides from Malta or Gozo to reach Comino Island. This island is one of the top tourist attractions and remains highly crowded as it receives tourists almost daily.
If you want to spend a day appreciating the turquoise water of the sea, then you should book private VIP boat trips that will assure you a tour of the Blue Lagoon, all the nearby bays, and the beautiful sea caves.
You can also opt to walk along the beaches and enjoy the solitude of the beautiful sea views and the scenery.
Top Tourist Attraction: Santa Maria Bay, Blue Lagoon
8. Take a Lot of Pictures in Marsaxlokk.
The best way to spend the weekend in Malta is by visiting this quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk. You can go fishing in the colourful and vibrant boats here called luzzu.
A traditional, huge fish market takes place every Sunday from where you can buy fish, unique handicrafts, and other souvenirs. It is called a fishing market, but there are other stalls too. The place gets overly crowded by the tourists as the price of the goods here is comparatively cheaper.
There are many bars and restaurants lined by the port, where you can stop by and enjoy a break with fish, pizzas, sandwiches, and all the traditional Maltese food the place offers.
9. Relax in the St. Peter’s Pool.
When in the country, swimming in the St. Peter’s Pool is among the most fun things to do in Malta. It is close to Marsaxlokk, which a 10 minutes drive can reach.
This beautiful pool was created naturally by erosion. You can jump off the small cliffs and enjoy the waves and water. It is the perfect spot for swimming in the summer and one of the most loved places by the children.
However, there are lack of shady places here, which may overwhelm the kids, but it can be overcome if you travel with umbrellas. There are many other small natural pools made in the rocks where you relax.
10. The Iconic Monument of Mosta Dome is worth the visit!
This huge church of Mosta dome is one of the top tourist attractions while visiting Malta. It is one of the biggest domes in Europe, whose architecture is inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
Built-in 1833 with the help of the local fund, this gigantic and beautiful church can be seen from several spots on the island. Another fact you must know about this church was from 1942 when a bomb was dropped here by Germany. It is a miracle that the bomb never exploded.
Visiting this iconic church is among the top fun things to do in Malta.
11. Swim in the Blue Grotto.
Located 2 kilometres from the Zurrieq town, the Blue Grotto is called so because of its deep blue water in the cave. You can take a 30 minutes boat tour from the Wied Iz Zurrieq Port or opt for sightseeing outside the city.
Wied Iz Zurrieq is also famous for its many bars and restaurants, where you can stop by after swimming in the Blue Grotto.
12. Visit the Highest Point of Malta at Dingli Cliffs.
Located North of the Blue Grotto is the Dingli Cliffs. Visiting the beautiful cliffs is one of the best things in Malta.
It is 250 meters above sea level and the highest point in Malta. You can walk around and enjoy the views of the sea. The sunsets can be the best backdrop if you want to capture a picture of yourself.
13. See the Amazing Views from Red Tower.
Located in Marfa, a short drive of five minutes from Mellieha, you will be met with the exquisite sight of the Red Tower.
Also called the saint Agatha’s Tower, this tower was built in 1649 to watch over the coasts and protect the locals from pirates. It can hold up to 50 soldiers and has 5 canons.
After seeing the White Tower, Saint Mary’s Tower, and Lippija Tower from this tower, you can take a relaxing stroll along the cliffs. The top of the tower offers stunning views of the blue water. You can enter the Red Tower for just 2€.
14. The Megalithic Temples Fills you with a Sense of History.
As Malta is a historically profound country, it is also influenced by many religions. Many megalithic temples here in Malta and Gozo were built from the 4th to 3rd-century B.C.E.
Visiting these temples is one of the best things to do in Malta. Some of the temples are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You can hire a guide to get a thorough knowledge and know about the history of the temples. A visit to the Ghar Dalam Cave and its museum, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra Temples is a must.
Top Tourist Attractions: Ghar Dalam Cave, Tarxien Temples, Ggantija Temples, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra Temples.
15. The Favourite Place of a lot of Kids-Popeye Village.
A paradise to visit that will be loved by children. The Popeye Village is located in the northwestern part of Malta. It is tucked in the stunning Anchor Bay.
This village was created as the 1980 movie ‘Popeye’ set featuring Robin Williams. The set was built with a lot of effort, so they decided to keep it as it was even after wrapping up the shoot. The houses in the village were built with imported trees from Canada.
Currently, the village is an amusement park that all the kids enjoy as they can get accustomed to the characters and act in a custom-made one.
The park has many facilities for boat rides, trampolines, and many other fun activities. After the end of the trip, you can stop in a restaurant, have a meal, and buy something from the stores here.
16. Explore the Other Side of the World in Malta National Aquarium.
Another fun place to take your kids to is the Malta National Aquarium. It was built in 2013 in Qawra city, next to Saint Paul’s Bay.
Visiting this place is one of the most entertaining things to do in Malta. You can discover and gain a lot of knowledge about many marine animals from the Mediterranean and Malta regions and the Pacific and Indian oceans.
The most surprising thing about this aquarium is the underground tunnel from where you can see the sharks and other marine animals swimming above you. You can also spot many reptiles and amphibians.
17. Reminisce your Childhood in the Playmobil Fun Park!
Taking your kids to the Playmobil Fun Park is a must. Malta is where one of the earliest Playmobil manufacturing factories was built, and it still stands there.
The Playmobil Fun Park has indoor and outdoor areas that will keep the visitors entertained throughout their visit. The outdoor part has a huge park with Playmobil statues, and the indoor area is full of many Playmobil games.
18. Visit all the Beaches of Malta.
Blue Lagoon
Located on the Comino Island. More details are already given above.
Santa Maria Bay
A famous tourist attraction on Comino Island.
Paradise Bay
Located near Gozo Island. It is one of the best places to enjoy the sea views.
Mellieha Bay
A perfect destination to visit with your family and loved ones, this beach has white sands and turquoise water beyond eyesight.
Golden Bay
The Golden Bay is a mass tourism spot. This huge beach has a lot of water activities to keep you entertained.
Ramla Bay
Located in Gozo Island is the Ramla beach with ocher sand. This place is yet another tourist destination to visit with your family.
Pretty Bay
Many playgrounds are ideal places to visit with children, and the water is shallow too.
19. Participate in All the Adventure Activities.
There are many adventure activities in Malta that you must take part in. Below given are the most adventurous things to do in Malta-
Quad Bike Ride
The best place to take a quad bike tour is on Gozo Island. Riding the quad bike is one of the most fun things in Malta.
You do not need professional validation or experience for this tour, as the guide here will teach you all the basics and everything you need to know.
Horse Riding
Golden Bay is one of the best places to go horse riding. Some guides lend you their horses to ride around the beach and see the beautiful sea as you do so.
Hiking
Hiking is among the top things to do in Malta if you want to explore the secret gems of the country.
Take a hiking tour from the Selmun Palace to Mistra Bay in northern Malta. During this tour, you can see many coves.
And if you want to take a hiking tour in south Malta, you can start from St. Peter’s Pool to St. Thomas Bay. Walking along the beach will give you amazing views of the sea.
Climbing
There are hundreds of spots on Gozo Island where you can go climbing under professional supervision.
20. Water Activities in Malta are awesome!
Trying all the water activities are among the best things to do in Malta-
Scuba Diving.
One of the best scuba diving sites in the Mediterranean region is Malta. A scuba diving experience will surely be memorable.
You can go under the warm water and discover all the marine life, caves, and wrecks from a long time ago. You will be swooned by the adventure, even if you are a beginner or an experienced diver.
Top destinations: Valletta, Blue Grotto, the wreck of the Um El Faroud oil tanker, the wreck of MV Rozi, Blue Hole, and Santa Maria Caves.
Jet Skiing
The city of Valletta and the islands of Comino and Gozo are the perfect places to go jet skiing. Enjoy the sea as you skid across the waves.
Snorkelling
Malta is heavenly if you are into snorkelling. The entire Maltese island has various spots to see the coral reefs. However, the best spots to go snorkelling are Comino and Gozo Island.
Snorkelling is perfect in summer, but in winter, you can wear a wetsuit before going into the water.
Parasailing
If you love feeding your adrenaline, parasailing is among the best things to do in Malta. The parasailing flights take off from Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s and last for around 10 minutes.
The expert instructors will assure you the safety, so you must enjoy the activity.
21. Rent a Boat Ride or Go on a Boat Party.
A boat ride during the day to see all the Maltese bays and enjoy the gushing sea waves and the breeze.
And, if you are a party lover, a boat party is the absolute thing for you! You can enjoy the evening with hundreds of other party people in an open bar.
22. Dance the Night Out at the Lively Nightclubs.
As I said, the nightlife of Malta is amazing, and the high-spirited nightclubs add a star to it. The most visited nightclubs in Malta are located in St. Julian District.
One of Malta’s biggest and most vibrant nightclubs is the Havana Club, and the entrance is free here. Close to the Havana Club is another famous club of the Footloose.
There are many other clubs where you can go and enjoy the music, dance it out or relax.
Conclusion
Malta is one of the best places to visit this vacation. The place is quite budget-friendly and will serve you right as a traveller. A trip for a week or 10 days would be the perfect duration. It is an amazing place to visit with your family or if you are looking forward to some entertainment alone.
