Can you imagine an island where history and beauty meet? Welcome to Malta! This place combines attractions that will catch your eyes and heart. Whether it’s wandering through Mdina’s ancient streets or enjoying Golden Bay’s sun, Malta has it all.
Did you know Valletta, Malta’s capital, has St. John’s Co-Cathedral with stunning Baroque art? And, the ฤฆal-Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola is a unique prehistoric underground temple. From Blue Lagoon’s clear waters to Marsaxlokk’s lively markets, Malta offers memorable experiences.
Malta is famous for its great weather, Mediterranean warmth, and varied adventures. Looking for vacation spots, sightseeing, or a Malta travel guide? This article covers the top must-see spots in this beautiful island group.
Join us as we explore the top 10 must-see attractions in Malta. Find out why this Mediterranean jewel should be your next vacation destination. Your unforgettable journey awaits!
Valletta: Maltaโs Capital City
Valletta, the stunning capital of Malta, is a must-see for anyone heading to Malta. Despite being the smallest capital in the EU, it’s packed with history and culture. You can explore historic sights, try delicious Maltese food, and see the beautiful Grand Harbour.
Historic Significance
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of history. Its architecture and fortifications show off its past. The city was important during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 and World War II. You can visit places like the Lascaris War Rooms and St. Johnโs Co-Cathedral for a fee of 15 Euros.
Museums like the Museum of Archeology, Palace Armoury, and Casa Roca Piccola bring Malta’s history to life.
Places to Eat and Shop
Vallettaโs dining scene is famous. It has three Michelin-starred restaurantsโNoni, Aki, and Under Grain. They offer Arabic, Italian, and northern European dishes. For drinks with a view, try Cafe Society.
Shoppers will love the variety in Valletta, from high-end boutiques to local stores. You’ll find everything from traditional crafts to modern fashion.
The Grand Harbour
The Grand Harbour is a must-see in Valletta. It offers amazing views and fun harbor cruises. The Upper Barrakka Gardens give you great views of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua.
You can take a 15-minute water taxi to the Three Cities or walk along the waterfront. The Grand Harbour is a big highlight of visiting Malta.
Mdina: The Silent City
Mdina is called “The Silent City” and is a peaceful place in Malta. Its quiet streets and old medieval buildings are breathtaking. This city was built by the Phoenicians around 700 BC. It feels like stepping back in time. Sitting high at about 200 meters above sea level in central Malta, Mdina has amazing views, ranking it among Malta’s top 10 must-see spots.
Historical Background
Mdina has a history going back more than 4,000 years. The Phoenicians founded it, and it flourished under many rulers like the Arabs, Normans, and British. Each of these rulers contributed to Mdinaโs architecture and culture. The city is known for its strong walls and narrow paths.
Today, Mdina isnโt just a relic; it’s a living city with under 250 people calling it home. Itโs very quiet, mainly because there are rules about noise and limited car use. Buses from Valletta and Sliema make getting here easy.
Stunning Views
The views from Mdina are incredible. From its position, you can see all across Malta. Walking the old streets or enjoying a coffee, the landscape will amaze you. Places nearby, like Dingli Cliffs, offer even more beautiful views.
Mdina’s mix of history and natural beauty is unbeatable. Itโs serene, interesting, and definitely a top place to see in Malta.
10 Best Places to Visit in Malta
Malta is a treasure trove of breathtaking places. You can’t miss exploring the historic Valletta and Mdina, or the stunning Blue Lagoon. These sites cater to allโhistory buffs, shoppers, and beachgoers.
Valletta
Valletta stands as the EU’s southernmost and smallest capital. It’s a historic gem with 16th-century fortifications. St. Johnโs Co-Cathedral, showcasing Caravaggio’s art, and the beautiful baroque buildings are a must-see.
Its lively streets boast charming shops and eateries.
Mdina
Mdina, the Silent City, offers peace due to its ban on regular cars. It attracts 750,000 visitors yearly with its preserved architecture and history. The city walls offer breathtaking views of the Maltese landscape.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is famous for its vivid blue waters. It’s perfect for swimming and diving enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy the sun, swim in the clear water, and try fun water sports. This spot shows Malta’s natural beauty at its best.
Sliema: A Mix of Old and New
Sliema is a beautiful spot along Malta’s northeast coast. It perfectly combines the excitement of modern life with historical beauty. Home to about 22,000 people, it’s one of Malta’s busiest areas. Here, old Maltese townhouses and modern apartments stand side by side. It’s a key place for exploring what Malta has to offer.
Restaurants and Bars
Sliema boasts a lively food scene. It has options for everyone, from local Maltese dishes to international flavors. The town’s nightlife is buzzing, with many bars open late. This mix creates a great night out. Various languages fill the air in eateries, adding to the townโs international vibe.
Shopping Options
Shopping in Sliema is top-notch. It offers luxury brands and local crafts in its boutiques. The shopping streets mix new with the old, providing a unique shopping experience. Here, Victorian buildings turn into modern shops.
Sliema’s coastline stretches for 3.5 kilometers, offering plenty of beach activities. It’s great for swimming and snorkeling. The town is also a quick ferry ride from Valletta, making it an ideal sightseeing base. Whether it’s history, shopping, or beach life, Sliema has something for everyone.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | 22,000 residents |
| Coastline | 3.5 kilometers |
| Languages Spoken | English, Maltese, Italian, Spanish |
| Key Attractions | Promenade, rocky beaches, scenic views of Valletta |
Golden Bay: Beautiful Beaches
Golden Bay stands out as a top vacation spot in Malta, known for its vast stretches of orange-gold sand. It competes with Malta’s finest places with its crystal-clear waters. Plus, it offers a wide range of fun activities.
Activities and Rentals
Golden Bay has lots of water sports and rentals for every adventurer. You can try windsurfing or parasailing here, much like at Mellieฤงa Bay. It’s a great place for both experts and beginners wanting to try something exciting.
Sunset Views
Evenings at Golden Bay are unforgettable, thanks to the stunning sunsets. The beach becomes even more beautiful, offering a calm place to relax. Watching the sunset from a beach cafe or the sand makes a perfect day even better.
The Idyllic Island of Gozo
Gozo lies just eight kilometers from Malta, offering a calm getaway. It’s known for some of the finest attractions in Malta. When you explore Gozo, you’ll find both its rich history and stunning beauty everywhere.
Victoria: The Citadella
Victoria is Gozo’s heartbeat, crowned by the grand Citadella. After Turks destroyed the original walls in 1551, the Knights of Saint John built this city fortress. It takes you back through Gozo’s history. From the Citadella, you see breathtaking island views.
The Cathedral of the Assumption is a must-see. This 17th-century Maltese Baroque gem is known for its stunning interior. With intricate gilded moldings and ceiling art, it’s a top site for those who love history and architecture.
| Attractions | Historical Significance |
|---|---|
| Citadel | Built by the Knights of Saint John post-1551 |
| Cathedral of the Assumption | Maltese Baroque architecture from the 17th century |
The ฤ gantija Temples, dating to the Copper Age, are a highlight in Gozo. These monuments, some of the world’s oldest, captivate those interested in ancient history.
Beautiful Beaches
Gozoโs coasts offer top beach destinations. Ramla Bay, the island’s biggest beach, boasts reddish sand and is great for swimming. Marsalforn, a serene resort town, provides a peaceful retreat.
Gozo is a diver’s paradise with over 80 dive spots, including exciting reefs and wrecks. It ranks among Malta’s premier destinations for diving.
- Ramla Bay: Finest reddish sand and perfect swimming conditions
- Marsalforn: Quiet seaside resort ideal for relaxation
- Dive Sites: Over 80 options including reefs, wrecks, and caves
Marsaxlokk: The Fishing Village
Marsaxlokk sits on Malta’s southeastern coast, a charming fishing village showcasing Maltese maritime life. It’s highly recommended in any Malta travel guide. The village is famous for its colorful luzzu boats and busy seafood market, attracting many daily.
Luzzu Boats
The luzzu boats, with the Eye of Horus, are Marsaxlokk’s highlight. These boats have a long history and are essential for anyone wanting to explore Malta attractions. Walking by the harbor, you’ll get a close view of these boats’ bright colors and craftsmanship.
Seafood and Market
The Sunday fish market in Marsaxlokk is a dream for seafood enthusiasts. It offers fresh fish and seafood for a genuine local flavor. In the village, restaurants like Taโ Victor, Roots, and TโAnnamari serve delicious seafood dishes. They provide octopus, lobster pasta, and fish specials, with a meal at Ta’ Victor costing about โฌ40.
Every month, Marsaxlokk conducts tours of the St Lucian Tower, built in the 1600s by the Order of St John. For those interested in history and places to see in Malta, Marsaxlokk is perfect. It combines culture, history, and amazing food.
St. Johnโs Co-Cathedral in Valletta
St. Johnโs Co-Cathedral is a top sight in Malta with its beautiful Baroque style and deep history. It was built from 1572 to 1577 by the Knights of Malta. Today, it still attracts people who want to see the best of Malta.
Baroque Architecture
The cathedral is a gem of Baroque design and stands out as one of Europe’s best. Inside, there are nine chapels. Each is dedicated to the Knights’ langues and is stunningly decorated. They feature beautiful marble, detailed sculptures, and historic tombstones.
The floor is laid with marble tombstones from the seventeenth century. This adds to the cathedral’s historic feel. One chapel shows Saint George on horseback, a masterpiece by Mattia Preti.
Caravaggioโs Masterpiece
One major highlight is Caravaggio’s ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’ from 1608. This piece is in the Oratory and is known worldwide, attracting art lovers. The cathedralโs interior and art make it a key part of Malta tours. Itโs both a visual and historical journey.
The cathedral serves as a spiritual haven and a place full of art and history. Tours are offered with various times and options for everyone. The entrance is โฌ15 for adults, โฌ12 for seniors and students, and free for kids under 12. For art and history fans or anyone exploring Malta, this cathedral is a must-see.
The Blue Grotto
Located on Malta’s southern coast, the Blue Grotto is a top place to see in Malta. It’s one of the island’s most amazing natural wonders. This beautiful network of sea caves is perfect for those looking for natural beauty and adventure.
Boat Tours
Boat tours are the best way to see the Blue Grotto. They last about 25 minutes. You’ll see the caves’ glowing waters and stunning interiors. A boat tour ticket costs about 10 euros. Up to seven people can fit on a boat. For a private trip, you can rent a boat for 80 euros.
Here’s what you need to know about the boat tours:
- Cost: 10 euros per person
- Duration: 25 minutes
- Capacity: 7 passengers per boat
- Private rental: 80 euros
The seas inside the Blue Grotto are breathtaking. They show off beautiful blues, purples, and greens. This happens because of how water, light, and minerals mix. The place looks amazing on sunny days. Then, the blue sky reflects on the sandy bottom, lighting up the grotto.
Unlike other spots in Malta, like the Blue Lagoon, the Blue Grotto is peaceful and not too busy. The boat captains know a lot. They share interesting facts about the caves’ natural formation and history. Giving tips is a nice way to show thanks. It makes your Malta trip even more special.
The Rotunda of Mosta
The Rotunda of Mosta is a top spot in Malta thanks to its beauty and history. It’s famous for its huge dome, which is the third largest of its kind in Europe. This makes it a key attraction for visitors from all around the world.
World War II Miracle
During World War II, something miraculous happened at the Rotunda of Mosta. A bomb fell through its roof while over 300 people were inside, but it didn’t explode. Everyone was safe. Today, a replica of the bomb inside the church reminds visitors of this incredible story. This adds to the many reasons it’s a must-see in Malta.
Architectural Details
The Rotunda’s architecture is simply stunning. It was designed to resemble the Pantheon in Rome, featuring one of the world’s largest unsupported domes. The interior details and large columns showcase its neoclassical style. When you visit, you’ll see why it’s ranked as one of Malta’s top attractions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dome Size | Third largest unsupported dome in the world |
| World War II Incident | Bomb pierced the roof but did not explode, saving over 300 people |
| Architectural Style | Neoclassical |
| Inspiration | Rome’s Pantheon |
If you love history or architecture, the Rotunda of Mosta is perfect for you. It gives a detailed look into Malta’s rich past. It’s clearly among the top places to visit in Malta.
St. Paulโs Catacombs in Rabat
St. Paulโs Catacombs give us a deep look at early Christianity in Malta. They cover over 2000 square meters, making them a large underground cemetery. It shows us Roman burial customs and ancient history from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD.
Historical Relevance
St. Paulโs Catacombs is Malta’s biggest Roman burial spot. It has about 30 hypogea or tombs. This place is perfect for learning about Malta’s Christian history and how religion evolved on the island.
It tells us about ancient burial practices adapted for Christians. The catacombs reveal early Christianity in Malta.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Area Covered | Over 2000 square meters |
| Number of Tombs | 30 hypogea |
| Date Back To | 3rd century BC to 7th century AD |
| Ticket Prices |
|
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible up to the visitor center and gift shop |
Christianity in Malta
Exploring these catacombs helps understand how Christianity spread in Malta. The catacombs show the life and death of early Christians. Most people spend 1 to 2 hours here.
The attached museum also displays historical relics, adding value to your Malta travel guide experience. St. Paulโs Catacombs is key in Maltese history and religion. Open every day, it’s easy to get there by bus, making it a must-visit for exploring Malta attractions.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples
Set off to explore Malta’s ancient history by visiting Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. These sites are famous worldwide and are protected by UNESCO. They provide stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Located on Malta’s southeastern coast, they are just 0.5 km apart. A walkway connects them, making your visit easy and enjoyable.
Prehistoric Significance
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are notable among Malta’s six megalithic temples. Hagar Qim is from around 3500 BC, and Mnajdra is about 5500 years old. These temples help us understand early human life. They show our ancestors’ skills and have been carefully studied. The way these temples align with stars shows people back then knew a lot about astronomy.
Architectural Features
The design of these temples is truly amazing. They have special stone setups that align with the sun during key yearly moments, like solstices and equinoxes. Specifically, Mnajdra’s South Temple matches perfectly with the equinox sunrises, making a beautiful light show. The Central Temple is built higher up, which shows how cleverly they solved construction challenges.
At these temples, visitors can see amazing work that has lasted for ages. Entry to Hagar Qim and Mnajdra costs โฌ10. They are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM, seasonally. For those really into Malta’s history, a Multisite Pass gets you into 23 amazing places in Malta and Gozo for 30 days.
For anyone interested in archaeology or just exploring, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are key places to see. They give a special look into one of the earliest societies, making them top spots to visit in Malta.
