Nestled between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta far exceeded all of the expectations I had before visiting. It blends beautiful architecture, breathtaking nature and history like nowhere else. I spent a week between Malta and Gozo and was never at a loss for something to do – from beautiful beaches, scuba diving and snorkeling, stunning sunset spots and ancient towns to wander through, Malta has a little something for everyone. These Top 10 Places to Visit in Malta are just a taste of the amazing array of experiences and destinations that Malta offers – enjoy!
Valletta
Built by the Knights of St John in 1566, Valletta is the capital city of Malta and (fun fact) is also the smallest capital city in the EU at just 1km x 600m. You can spend hours wandering through the town, down the famous Stait Street and through the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens which both offer stunning views overlooking the harbour. Make sure you head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens at either midday or 4pm to get the best view of the cannons being fired from the Saluting Battery.
Blue Lagoon, Comino
I’m sure the Blue Lagoon will be on every travel guide you read about Malta, and with good reason! Located on the small island of Comino, half way between Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon’s crystal clear aquamarine waters will truly take your breath away. I’d recommend heading to Comino as early as possible to enjoy the Lagoon for an hour or two crowd-free. A return ferry will cost you €13 and you can find the schedule and terminal locations on the Comino Ferries website.
Gozo
Gozo is the second largest island in the in the Maltese archipelago and, while it’s not as well known as the main island of Malta, I would highly recommend fitting in a day trip at the very least during your stay. If you’re able to fit in a few days on the island…even better! We stayed on Gozo for 3 nights and were never at a loss for things to do. My top recommendations on Gozo include visiting the main city of Victoria and admiring the amazing view over the island from the citadella, walking along to salt pans near Marsalforn up to the small hidden cove of Wied Il Gashri for a refreshing dip, making your way to Ta Cenc Cliffs to watch an incredible sunset and squeezing in a scuba diving session if you have time! For more information about the island, check out my guide on the Best Things to Do & See on Gozo, Malta.
Mdina
The fortified city of Mdina served as the original capital of Malta through the medieval era and is a beautifully preserved example of ancient Maltese architecture. Swing by Fior di Latte for a gelato and spend a few hours roaming through the quaint cobbled streets. You might even recognise the main city gate as the entrance to King’s Landing from Game of Thrones.
Golden Bay
A beautiful sandy beach that’s well worth a visit during your trip. Golden Bay is a great place to set yourself up for a beach day and then watch the sun set over the water in the evening…heaven!
Marsaxlokk
Head south on Malta and you’ll find yourself in the cutest fishing town of Marsaxlokk (pronounced marsa-schlock incase you’re struggling like I did). The harbour is dotted with traditional fishing boats and early in the morning you can see them returning with their days catch. La Nostra Padrona is a great spot to stop for lunch that’s right on the harbour edge.
St Peter’s Pool
While you’re visiting Marsaxlokk, make sure you leave some time to stop by St Peter’s Pool. There’s a (slightly terrifying) 6m cliff jump to test your courage and if the water is calm then it’s also a great place to practice your snorkeling skills.
Mellieha Bay
I stayed in Mellieha during my stay in Malta and found it to be the perfect base for exploring the island. Mellieha Bay is home to Malta’s largest sandy beach and is a great place to sit back, relax and get a feel for life in Malta. The Church of Mellieha is one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen and has an amazing view over the town. For a breath-taking sunset view, set yourself up at Sea View Cafe & Bar with an aperol and enjoy!
St Julian’s
If you’re looking for a party town, then St Julian’s is for you, being the heart of Malta’s nightlife. However, even if you’re not wanting to hit the clubs, St Julian’s is still well worth a visit. Take a walk around the bay and you’ll get an amazing view of the Valletta skyline. Then make your way around to Spinola Bay for lunch and a swim off the rocks.
Popeye’s Village
Popeye’s Village is the original film set from the 1980 musical production of Popeye and is a must-see photo op in Malta. The village is now a theme park that you can visit, and there’s also a great view point that looks over the whole village if you’d rather not pay the entry fee.
If you’ve ever thought of visiting Malta, I really hope you take this as your sign to do it! It’s such a beautiful place that feels so untouched and rugged and is brimming with history. The stunning beaches alone should be enough to convince you, if nothing else! If you get a chance to visit any of my recommendations, I’d love to hear what you think!
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