What to see in Malta: 15 must-see attractions and recommended itineraries

Malta is one of those destinations that has everything you can imagine: sea, sun, culture but also a lot of fun . This is what every year pushes thousands of young people, and not only, to explore this splendid archipelago of the Mediterranean. Located between Sicily, Libya and Morocco, the archipelago of Malta is one of the smallest states in the world, but nonetheless it holds timeless treasures, all to be discovered.
Here are all our tips on what to see in Malta !
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1 – Valletta Historic Center
Despite its small size, the center of Valletta is home to around 320 monuments and has beendeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site ! It is enclosed by the ancient ramparts and the entrance door and the particular Bieb il-Belt, located in front of the Tritons Fountain.
The interior of the historic center is characterized by a set of narrow streets and alleys, with a continuous ups and downs and ancient buildings. Among the most famous streets we find Republic Street, the main street, or the ancient Strait Street, once a red light district, today the hub of nightlife. Also within the walls we also find the Co-Cathedral of St. John, one of the largest cathedrals in the world, and the wonderful Barrakka gardens, where every day, from The Saluting Battery, cannon blanks are fired by people wearing traditional historical clothes, one at 12:00 and one at 16:00 o’clock.

SEE ALSO : Valletta: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

For a first approach to the city : we recommend that you take part in a guided walking tour with a local guide, who will set you up in the city and will tell you many secrets and curiosity! Info and costs here

2 – Palace of the Grand Master in Valletta
Built in 1571 at the behest of the Grand Master Pietro del Monte, as the name suggests, this is the ancient residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta . A building full of history and charm!
Today the Palace of the Grand Master and the seat of the Office of the President of Malta . Nonetheless, it is still open to the public for visits, so we advise you to grab this opportunity! The first places you will encounter are the courtyards of the complex, enriched by fountains and statues. Continuing inwards, then, you will enter the Council Hall, also called the Hall of the Tapestries, and the State Chambers. Finally, the ancient Armory houses the Arms Museum, in which there are more than 5,000 pieces dating from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century!

Coffee break at Caffe Cordina : the Palazzo del Gran Maestro overlooks Piazza San Giorgio which also houses the wonderful Caffe Cordina, a place open since 1837! It is a real institution and the interiors are spectacular. Not to be missed! Get directions
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Misrah San Gorg. Easily accessible on foot from Bieb il-Belt (550m, 6 min). Reference Stop Nawfragju (Line 133) – Get directions
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9: 00-16: 30. Closed for institutional events / Armory every day from 9:00 to 17:00
• Ticket price: Palace + Armory full € 10.00, reduced € 7.00 / Armory full € 6.00, reduced € 4.50

3 – The Three Cities
These are the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua . Located right in front of Valletta, also clearly visible from the terraces of the Barrakka Gardens, they are also easily accessible thanks to the ferries that connect the two sides of the port.
All three locations are unique and have their own characteristics. Birgu is the oldest : also known as Vittoriosa, it was built in the Middle Ages, while Senglea and Cospicua were founded between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Knights Hospitallers. All the towns are fortified and, in Birgu, you can visit the Forte Sant’Angelo. The ideal would be to dedicate a whole day to this area, between history and culture!

Take part in an organized visit from Valletta: from the Maltese capital there are numerous tours that depart to discover the Three Cities, with transport and local guide included. Some tours also organize tastings of wines and local products. Info and costs here

4 – Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola
Photo by Hamelin de Guettelet. Another interesting day trip from Valletta is the one to Paola, located just 7 km away. Its name derives from its founder, or the Great Master Antoine de Paule, but it is also commonly known as Rahal Gdid, in Maltese “New Town”.
Paola’s main attraction is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, the only prehistoric underground temple in the world, discovered in 1902. Dating back to 1600 BC, it has preserved for centuries about 7,000 skeletons and the famous statuette of the Sleeping Woman. The hypogeum consists of 3 levels . The first is the oldest, while the second is the most spectacular. Inside, in fact, there are numerous decorations that adorn the ceilings and houses the Main Room and the Oracle Room, where, through a hole, the voice of a man (but not a woman) can be heard throughout the hypogeum. The third, finally, is the one that has not returned artifacts to date, and this makes us think that it could have been a warehouse or warehouse of wheat.

It can be visited only by guided tour: the site can only be visited by guided tour, to be booked well in advance to find a free place. This is not a recommended experience for claustrophobic sufferers due to the narrow and underground locations. Info on the official website
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Triq Ic Cimiterju Rahal Gdid. 7km from Valletta, reachable by car via Route 6 (15 min) or by direct bus line 81 or 85 from Valletta A6 to Ipogew (15 min) – Get directions
• Hours: only by guided tour, to be booked on the official website. Generally visits start at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00
• Ticket price: full guided tour € 35.00, reduced € 20.00

5 – Blue Grotto
The southern coast of Malta also contains incredible natural beauties , first of all the Blue Grotto, also known as the Blue Grotto! Located near Zurrieq, one of the oldest villages on the island, it is certainly one of the Maltese must see!
It is one of the most enchanting corners of Malta , represented in numerous postcards and images of the island. The name derives from its wonderful blue waters and it is a sea cave that can only be reached by sea. Not only that: this is an ideal place for diving lovers ! Not far from the area, in fact, on the seabed, at a depth of about 20 m, there is also the wreck of a Libyan ship that sank in 1998.

Climb aboard a typical luzzu : these are the traditional Maltese boats that, from the Wied Hoxt pier, Il-Qrendi, will take you right into the cave. The boats leave every 5 or 10 minutes, the average cost of this small excursion is € 8.00. Get directions
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 15 km from Valletta, reachable by car via Route 6 (25 min) or by direct bus line 74 from Valletta A5 to Panorama (35 min). Then reachable by boat- Get directions
• Timetables: boat trips departing every 5 or 10 min
• Ticket cost: boat excursions on average € 8.00 per person

6 – Temple of Menaidra in Qrendi
Photo by Frank Vincentz. Qrendi is a small town in the southern part of the island of Malta, with a long history behind it . Also perfect to visit as a day trip from Valletta, it is just 15 km from the Maltese capital.
The main attraction of this small town is the Temple of Menaidra, one of the megalithic temples of Malta , declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But not only: built around 3000 BC, therefore even older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids, this temple is also the oldest example of a dry-built building , that is, without the use of mortar. Overlooking the sea, it has a structure that resembles the shape of a horseshoe.

Also make a stop at the temple of Hagar Qim : located in the same archaeological site as Menaidra, this temple also dates back to around 3000 BC The ideal is to combine a visit to these two wonderful megalithic temples in a single morning. Get directions
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 15 km from Valletta, reachable by car via Route 6 (30 min) or by direct bus line 74 from Valletta A5 to Hagar (30 min) – Get directions
• Hours: every day 9: 00-16: 30
• Ticket price: full € 10.00, reduced € 5.50

7 – La M’dina
La M’dina, located in the center of the island about 13 km from Valletta, is the ancient capital of Malta . It dates back about 4,000 years and, over the years, has been the residence of Maltese nobles. Its undisputed charm, derived from the mix of Baroque and Middle Ages, in an environment that sees palm trees and prickly pears, conquers all who visit it.

Ideal to visit it and in the day , perhaps with a walking tour of the city with a local guide, who will take you to discover all its secrets! Fulcrum of the Old Town is the beautiful and lively Pjazza Mesquita and here, among the attractions to visit, you certainly cannot miss the Cathedral of San Paolo, the oldest church in the whole country! It is a small treasure chest: inside you will find frescoes, engravings and Baroque works of art!

Take a photo under the Mdina Gate : this is the elegant eighteenth-century gate that serves as the entrance to the ancient citadel of Mdina. It can be reached by crossing a wonderful stone bridge. This is the perfect spot for a souvenir photo. Get Directions

8 – Catacombs of St Paul in Rabat
Photo by Balazs Sudar. Rabat is a town located in the western part of the island and bordering the M’dina. The name derives from the Arabic, Rabat means “suburb”. It is an excellent day trip to do from Valletta, perhaps combining it with a visit to M’dina.
The town is mainly known for hosting the Catacombs of San Paolo. According to the Christian tradition, Saint Paul found shelter in Malta, precisely in Rabat, in 60 AD and here he founded the first Christian community of the island. As evidence of this today we find the complex of San Paolo, formed by the cave where the saint takes refuge and the catacombs, one of the first Christian settlements in the West . The catacombs inside still preserve the remains of decorations with red paint and engravings, up to the remains of air-raid shelters used during the Second World War!

Taste one of the best pastizzi in Malta: in Rabat there is the Is-Serkin – Crystal Palace Bar, where you can eat one of the best pastizzi in Malta! It is a typical Maltese street food which, according to tradition, dates back to the sixteenth century and is due to the Knights of the Order. The originals are filled with ricotta, but today there are several variations. Get directions
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: 13.5 km from Valletta. Accessible by car via Triq L-Imdina (25 min) or by direct bus line 51, 52 or 53 from Valletta C2 to Inguanez (30 min) – Get directions
• Opening hours: Rabat always open / Catacombs of St. Paul Wed-Mon 10: 00-16: 30, closed Tue
• Ticket price: Rabat free / Catacombs of San Paolo full € 6.00, reduced € 4.50

9 – Palazzo Falson in La M’dina
Photo of Bellina 09. Among the main attractions of La M’dina, you definitely can’t miss a visit to Palazzo Falson, one of the main museums in Malta ! It is located in the heart of the city, a few steps from the Cathedral of San Paolo and Pjazza Mesquita.
The museum is housed in an ancient medieval noble house , where treasures of inestimable value for the island are exhibited today. These are works of art, such as paintings by Van Dyck, weapons and objects of various kinds, such as ancient coins and silver, all collected and collected by its owner of the twentieth century.

Stop at the Gustav Cafe: this is the cafeteria of the building, which in addition to the internal rooms also has a wonderful terrace overlooking the roofs of the M’dina. In addition, the customers of the restaurant are entitled to a 10% discount on the entrance ticket to Palazzo Falson! Get directions
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: on Villegaignon Street, Triq IL Villegaignon, Mdina. Easily reachable on foot from St. Paul’s Cathedral (180 m, 2 min)
• Hours: Wed-Sun 10 am-4pm, closed Mon-Tue
• Ticket price: full € 10.00, reduced € 5.00

10 – Popeye Village in Mellieha
Photo by Wusel007. If you are traveling with children you certainly cannot miss a day at Popeye Village, also known as, Sweethaven Village, or Popeye Village ! It is located in the town of Mellieha, not far from where ferries leave for Comino and Gozo.
Popeye Village is a beautiful theme park , in the past set of the 1980 musical “Popeye”, starring a fantastic Robin Williams. Even today you can see the 19 colorful wooden houses, which can be perfectly visited, which compose it, a real open-air museum. Furthermore, it is possible to participate in many activities: the little ones will be able to meet the main characters of the film, including Popeye, Olivia, Brutus and Poldo, you can take a boat ride in the bay and even the bathroom.

Events, film screenings and much more : Popeye Village hosts many events, both public as film screenings and private as weddings. Before the visit, we advise you to consult the official social channels to see what’s on the agenda. Info on the official website
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: in Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieha. 25 km from Valletta, reachable by car via Triq L-Imdina (40 min) or by direct bus line 41, 42 or 59 from Valletta B6 to Adenau (1 h), from here bus line 101 to Popeye (6 min ) – Get directions
• Hours: every day from 9:30. Closing time according to the period, generally in summer 19:00, in winter 16:30
• Ticket cost: one time € 10.00, accompanied children free

11 – Comino
Photo of BoneA. Comino is the smallest Maltese island, but at the same time one of the most important . It is located off the northern coast, halfway between Malta and Gozo. Often the destination of an excursion from Valletta, and considered a real paradise, both for lovers of the sea and for hikers!

There are so many things to see and do in Comino ! If you have a day, the best solution is certainly to visit it by sea, taking part in a cruise between caves, Comino and the Blue Lagoon! In addition to the most famous beach of the Blue Lagoon, the island is full of unspoiled places and, above all, wonderful uncrowded beaches: one of these is Santa Marija. Unknown to most people, this little bay is a real paradise, very quiet and where you can enjoy a few hours of relaxation (deckchair and umbrella rental € 7.50).

Take part in a combined excursion : if you have little time available, you can take advantage of day excursions that combine several destinations, such as Comino, Gozo and the wonderful sea caves of the two islands. Info and costs here
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: reachable by ferry from Cirkewwa, the latter 30 km from Valletta (reachable by bus line 41 or 42, 1 h 20 min). Ferries to Gozo run from March to November, average journey 30 min – Get directions
• Timetables: always accessible / ferry from March to November, first departure at 9:00, last return time varies according to the period, from June to September at 18:00
• Ticket price: free / full return ferry € 13.00, reduced return € 7.00

12 – Blue Lagoon in Comino
Located in Comino, the Blue Lagoon, also known as Blue Lagoon, is certainly the symbolic beach of Malta . It is the most famous and best known, consequently also one of the most popular!
It is a real natural swimming pool , with an intense blue water! It is also an area accessible to families, as in addition to rocks and rocky areas you can also find stretches of white and very fine sand. Completely surrounded by the typical Mediterranean vegetation, where it is also possible to follow some trekking in the woods, the Blue Lagoon and also an area suitable for those who love snorkeling , with depths full of life!
The Blue Lagoon can be reached by ferry from Cirkeww. Once you arrive, the port of Comino is located just 50 m from the Blue Lagoon (1 min walk) – Get directions

Avoid August and the central hours : given its notoriety, it is also one of the busiest beaches in Malta. The best solution is to reach it early in the morning or in the afternoon after 4pm. Not recommended in August, the most crowded.

13 – Gozo
Gozo, one of the most famous islands of the Maltese archipelago, is one of those essential must see during a trip to Malta. It is located after the small island of Comino and is a real treasure trove of natural beauty and artistic treasures. The ideal would be to stay at least two or three days, alternatively the best solution is to take part in a daily excursion, which includes lunch, jeep tour and motorboat ride, to discover more sides of the island.
Gozo is a very important place from a historical point of view : it has in fact been inhabited for thousands of years and many peoples have been seen here, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Sicilians, up to the French and English. But its history begins in the Neolithic period and the marvelous and important Temple of Gigantija bears witness to it. Finally, Gozo is also rich in natural beauty , an ideal place for trekking, snorkeling and diving and to enjoy the wonderful beaches.

How to reach it by ferry: Gozo can be reached from Cirkewwa, where ferries to Comino also depart, but also from Valletta. In the latter case, the connection has been active since June 2021, with departures every 45 minutes from the Lascaris pier, near the Barrakka Gardens.

14 – Calypso Cave in Gozo
Photo by Carole Raddato. And if the Ggantija Temples are one of the most important historical testimonies of Gozo, the Calypso Cave is certainly one of its most renowned natural beauties ! It is located along the north coast overlooking Ramla Bay and, again, is easily accessible from the island’s ferry terminal.
It is a truly spectacular place, from which you can admire a unique view across the bayand the Mediterranean Sea. But not only that, it is a historical place: according to legend, in fact, it would be the cave that hosted the Homeric hero Ulysses. Right here he was held captive for 7 years by the Nymph Calypso! Definitely not to be missed!
It is located in the locality of Xaghra. It is 9 km from the port of Gozo, reachable by car via Triq l-Imgarr (20 min; parking on site) or by bus direct line 322 to Ramla (15 min), then 10 min on foot. Always Accessible & Free – Get Directions

Relax at Ramla Bay’s Red Beach: after the visit to the cave you certainly cannot miss the Red Beach of Ramla Bay, easily reachable from the parking lot. It is a not very busy beach, livable even in August and equipped with services and a restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. Get directions

15 – Temples of Ggantija (Gigantia) in Gozo
Photo by FritzPhotography. One of the main attractions of Gozo, but also of all Malta, are the Temples of Gigantia, among the oldest monuments in the world ! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples are located in the heart of the island, easily reachable from the port of Gozo by direct bus!
Built between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, they are even older than the Pyramids of Egypt and the famous Stonehenge in the United Kingdom. According to legend,this place would have been built by giants , hence the name. The complex consists of two limestone temples, which have come down to the present day in excellent condition! Just think that some of the boulders used in the construction weigh up to 5 tons! In addition to the archaeological site, the area now also has a Visitor Center and a museum, where you can learn more about the history of this incredible place!

Discover Gozo and the temples with the tourist bus : the ideal solution when time is limited! The open-top panoramic bus follows a route throughout the island, with stops at key points of interest, including the Temples of Gigantia. Once your visit is over, you can get back on the bus and proceed to the next attraction. Info and costs here
Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: by Triq John Otto Bayer, Ix-Xaghra. They are 6 km from the port of Gozo, reachable by car via Triq l-Imgarr (11 min) or by bus direct line 322 to Bayer (20 min), then 5 min on foot – Get directions
• Hours: every day, from June to October 9: 00-18: 00, from November to May 9: 00-17: 00
• Ticket price: full € 10.00, reduced € 6.00

Other things to see
Malta is really full of things to see and do. If you have more time available, in addition to the attractions already mentioned, we recommend you visit Slimea (for free), one of the most touristic places on the island, also ideal for enjoying the nightlife! Another beautiful resort in Malta is Mosta (free), known mainly for its monumental Mosta Rotunda church (€ 2.00).
If you manage to stay in Gozo for more than a day , there are many things to see: Victoria (free), the main city of the island; Marsalforn (free), a famous seaside resort; the Sanctuary of Ta ‘Pinu (free), located on a hill and clearly visible from every point of Gozo; the cliffs of Ta’Cenc (free), 130 m above the sea.
If you wantlive some authentic experience , then visit the characteristic Sunday market of Marsaxlokk (free), then reach the nearby St Peter’s Pool (free), ideal for swimming. Finally, Malta is also full of wonderful diving sites, scattered all over the island!

Things to do in Malta Catamaran
cruise around the main

Blue Lagoon islands

Visit the Sunday market of Marsaxlokk

Watch the sunset from the Dingli Cliffs

Instagrammable photo at the Red Tower

Attend a boat party

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1. Boat trip between the main islands : visiting Malta and its islands by boat is absolutely a must. You can opt for more targeted excursions or enjoy a day between Gozo, Comino and the sea caves. Info and costs here
2. Blue Lagoon by catamaran : the Blue Lagoon, in Comino, is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! We advise you to enjoy it on a catamaran, a beautiful experience. Info and costs here
3. Taste the pastizzi : this is the typical street food of Malta. The original is made up of puff pastry and a ricotta heart, but now there are several variations
4. Visit the Sunday market of Marsaxlokk : if you are in Malta on a Sunday, do not miss this particular and authentic city market, which is held on the seafront. Ideal to combine with a visit to the Blue Grotto. Info and costs here
5. Admire the sunset from the Dingli Cliffs : in the south of Malta, they are the highest point on the island, about 250m above the sea. Here the view is spectacular, especially at sunset
6. Instagrammable photo at the Red Tower : Known as the Red Tower, located in Marfa, 5 min drive from Mellieha, its red color contrasts completely with the blue of the sea and sky, making it an ideal place to photograph
7. Diving : Malta is the ideal place to dive, discovering some wrecks on the seabed, such as the Libyan ship near the Blue Grotto, the wreck of the HMS Maori in Valletta or the MV Rozi wreck in Cirkewwa
8. Take part in a boat party : the unmissable boat parties, departing from the port at sunset and the whole evening between drinks and wild dances. Not to be missed for a different evening than usual. Info and costs here

What to see in 1 day
With only one day available, it is inevitable to make some sacrifices. You will have to optimize the times and forgo the internal visit of some attractions. The best solution is to concentrate between the capital Valletta and maybe include some excursions in the afternoon. Here the full day itinerary.

1. 9:00 – Valletta historic center, with the Grand Master’s Palace and Barrakka Gardens
2. 14:00 – M’dina (by bus from Valletta 30 min)
3. 15:00 – Rabat (reachable on foot from M’dina)
4. 17:00 – Blue Grotto (by bus from Rabat 45 min)
5. 19:00 – Valletta (by bus from Blue Grotto 50 min)

What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can dedicate yourself to all the main attractions of the capital Valletta and also take part in some excursions in the surrounding area. Here the itinerary of a complete weekend.

1. Day 1: Valletta, with its historic center, the Grand Master’s Palace, Barakka Gardens, St John’s Co-Cathedral
2. Day 2: M’dina, Rabat, Temple of Menaidra and Hagar Qim, Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs
3. Day 3: Day trip to Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon and sea caves

What to see in 7 days
In a week it is possible to see numerous places and attractions scattered throughout the archipelago, focusing first on Valletta and its surroundings, then on its surroundings. Here is the full week itinerary.

1. Day 1: Valletta, St. John’s Cathedral, Fort St. Elmo and National War Museum, Barrakka Gardens, Herbert Ganado Gardens, Grand Master’s Palace / Distance covered: 4.1 km – 56 min
2. Day 2: Crendi, Blue Grotto and Temple of Menaidra and Hagar Qim, Sliema / Distance covered: 21.5 km – 43 min by car
3. Day 3: Marsaxlokk fishing village, Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Gezira / Distance covered: 47.3 km – 1 h 19 min by car
4. Day 4: Rabat and St. Paul’s Catacombs, M’dina and St. Paul’s Cathedral with Cathedral Museum, St ‘Julian’s / Distance traveled: 17.8 km – 44 min by car
5. Day 5: Golden Bay, Popeye Village, Mellieha Bay / Distance covered: 6,8 km – 1 h 27 min
6. Day 6: Island of Gozo, with Ramla Bay and Calypso Cave, Ninu’s Cave, Ggantija Temples, Ghajn Barrani Bay, port / Distance covered: 13.1 km – 32 min by car
7. Day 7: Comino Island, with Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St Mary’s Tower, Lantern Point / Distance traveled: 38.1 km – 6 h 36 min

Plan your stay in Malta: tips, flights and hotels
Malta is served by Malta International Airport , about 8 km away from Valletta, which can then be reached by taxi (15 min, ride € 15.00) or by bus line X4 (25 min, ticket € 2.00). From Italy there are several direct flights , even low cost ones, which allow you to quickly reach the island (compare flights). The best period is from May to October , perhaps avoiding August as it is the most crowded.
The choice of the area in which to stay depends a lot on the type of holiday you want to experience(compare accommodations). Valletta, being the capital, is certainly one of the best areas, well connected to the rest of the island. Sliema and St Julian’s are instead the centers of nightlife. For beach life and more tranquility, Mellieha and St Paul’s Bay are ideal. To get around, the ideal would be to have a rental car , but the public service is also really good. Alternatively, you can opt for the tourist bus, with stops at the main points of interest around the island!
Finally, if you are traveling as a family , Malta is a perfect destination. You can go on boat trips between Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon and the sea caves, have fun and relax on the beach, visit Popeye Village or Wildlife Park Malta.