Malta Travel Guide and Best Things To Do In Malta

Where is Malta and how do you get to Malta. Malta is a beautiful island country in Southern Europe. Its closest neighbors are Italy, Tunisia, and Libya. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, and it only has about 450 thousand people living in it. Yes, we’ve heard people ask is Malta a country. Yes, it is. Malta is one of those small yet beautiful countries that lies in the Mediterranean Sea.

Where is Malta Located

Malta island is a part of Europe. It lies just 93km south of Sicily, on the south coat of Italy, and is approximately 300km North of the North African Coast. From the Malta map, you can see that this region contains 3 main islands, Gozo, Comino and Main Island, Malta. 

People sometime ask if Malta is in Italy. No, it’s not, but it’s quite close. You can get from the island of Malta to Sicily, Italy with a ferry when the weather is not windy or the seas choppy. It takes just about 1 hours 45 mins to get from Malta to Sicily using the Valletta-Pozzallo ferry crossing.

What color is the Malta Flag?

The Maltese flag is a simple bicolor, made up of white and red, featuring a representation of the George cross in the top left-hand corner. 

What is the Population of Malta

Malta’s population currently stands at 490,000 people. Malta measures only a mere 316km squared, making it rather densely populated compared to some of its European neighbors. Most of Malta’s population live in cities (which are referred to as cities, but are more like large towns). 

What is the Capital of Malta 

The capital of Malta is Valletta. Despite being the capital city, the city of Valletta only had a population of 5,000 people. It is largely tourism which propels this town economically, with a comprehensive list of things to do, see and explore in this wonderful city. 

What is the Link between Malta and Gozo?

Gozo was mainly populated by mainland Maltese inhabitants in the 16th century. The two islands have ever since been very closely linked. The Maltese Government ruled over the island of Gozo for almost its entire history, apart from a brief spell at the end of the 18th century, when Napoleon French forces began their takeover of Malta. Apart from this exception, the Maltese Government has been controlling social and economic laws on the island since its discovery.

How to get to Malta

From anywhere in Europe, flying to Malta is easy, despite the fact that there is only one airport on the entire island, Malta International Airport (MLA). From this one Malta airport, however, you can easily access any location on Malta’s main islands by car, bus or taxi, within 45 minutes. 

If you’re flying outside of Europe, you don’t have to worry. It just means that you will have to get a connecting flight at another major European city (London, Paris or Berlin) before making your way to this Southern island. 

How to Get Around Malta

Thanks to its compact size, Malta is not a difficult island to explore. Perhaps the easiest way to get around is by the public transport system. The public bus system serves the main tourist areas and allows you to for practically anywhere for a relatively low cost.

Renting a car is another viable option, and would normally cost between €15-€30 a day. Numerous car rental services can be found at the Malta airport. Alternatively, renting bikes and shooters are another great way to get around the towns and cities. 

What Language is Spoken in Malta

The main language in Malta is Maltese, however, with the huge rise in tourism over recent years, most people will speak English, especially in the areas popular with tourists, such as St George’s square. So Malta language is Maltese and English. 

What Currency is Used in Malta

As Malta is part of the Eurozone, the Euro (€) is the money used in Malta. You can use your credit cards or cash as most places accept either. However, you’ll find out that some places especially small local stores or some fishing villages, might prefer or accept only cash. So plan to use your credit card but also have some cash available for places that don’t take credit cards. 

When is the Best Time to visit Malta and what is Malta Weather

The best tome to visit Malta is the spring or autumn months, when there is a nice, warm temperature and the tourist spots are not too crowded. While during the summer months may bring fantastic weather, the beaches and tourist spots can be very crowded. Malta is considered one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in November, December, January,  February, and March due to it’s southern location. It’s also one of warmest counties in Europe in April, May, June, and July and in fact, July, August, and September can sometimes be uncomfortably warm in Malta. 

Is Malta Safe?

Malta is considered to be very safe for tourists, particularly in in the city centers. The only real dangers come from petty crimes and road accidents. So if you look after your belongings and stay sensible, you shouldn’t see any trouble on your trip. So if you’re wondering if Malta is safe for Americans, Canadians, Middle Easterners, Australians, other Europeans, Asians, African, South American, and others, yes, Malta is safe for everyone as long as you follow common sense precautions like you would do in every other country you travel to. 

31 Best Things To Do in Malta:

1. Peter’s Pool

Since Malta is an island country, expect that it is surrounded by the beautiful ocean and there is no scarcity of great swimming spots. St. Peter’s Pool is one of these popular swimming spots located in Marsaxlokk, Malta.

Aside from swimming, free diving, and snorkeling, cliff jumping and sunbathing on the flat rocks are among the popular activities here. This is the perfect getaway when it’s freezing cold in your country. Make sure to not forget to pack your swimsuits and sunblock, because you will surely be spending a lot of time under the sun. This is one of the best places to see in Malta.

2. Valletta, Malta 

Valletta is Malta’s capital city and often referred to as one huge open-air museum. Its architectural structures and historical significance, which dates back a far at the 15th century, makes this city an UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s. It is widely considered as being one of Europe’s smallest, and most southern capital cities, making it a must visit on your trip to Malta.  

3. Grand Harbor

Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to take a tour around the Grand Harbor. This natural harbor on the island of Malta has been developed over the years, but this used to be the home of the British Royal Navy.

Take a tour around the harbor on a traditional wooden boat called dghajsa. The boatmen also act as tour guides, and would gladly tell you stories of the structures nearby.

4. Upper and Lower Barakka Gardens

If you are searching for the most fabulous viewpoint on the entire island, then you should make your way to Upper Barakka gardens. These gardens were first created in 1661 on top of the Grand Harbour, and today, thousands of visitors flock to see the panoramic views of the city. Just 15 minutes down from here, is the Lower Barakka gardens, where another viewpoint of the Grand Harbour, and other spots can be admired by visitors. Visiting these gardens are one of the best things to do in Malta.

5. Grand Master’s Palace

If you are interested in seeing an array of armors and suits by real knights, drop by the Grand Master’s Palace. This building was built in the 16th century and used to be the residence of Grand Masters of the Knights of St. John.

This also used to be the seat of Malta’s Parliament. What attracts visitors into coming here though is the collection of over five thousand suits from 16^th to 18^th century. Ancient weapons such as muskets, crossbows, swords, and pistols are also displayed. Spending time here will certainly be one of the top things to do in Malta.

6. Blue Grotto

This slightly less populated site in south east Malta is home to one of the most extraordinary sites on the entire island. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock every year to see the gorgeous, clean and clear water, and to engage in scuba diving, snorkeling, boat trips, and other exciting aqua adventures, making this site a must-see on our list of activities on the island.

7. John’s Co-Cathedral

Catholic tourists frequent St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, which was built as a dedication to Saint John the Baptist. This is a top sight in the island of Malta and also at top tourist attraction in Malta.

For architecture enthusiasts, a visit to this church means having a glimpse of some of the finest Baroque architecture in Europe. This was designed by Girolamo Cassar, a Maltese architect, in the 1570’s. The most famous work of art in the church is the painting of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio.

8. Republic Street

Republic street in Valletta is perhaps one of the most famous and colorful streets amongst the entire island. It can be found in the city centre of Valletta, and a walk down this 1km avenue will offer a glimpse of markets, stalls and restaurants, as well as being the commercial and legislative stronghold of the island. When the weather in Malta is decent, this is somewhere you should spend time visiting. 

9. Ghajn Tuffieha

Malta is surrounded by amazing beaches, and Ghajn Tuffieha is one of the best. Sure, it’s a bit challenging to get here, since you might need to trek downhill and uphill a little, but it is definitely worth it.

Its sandy beach is perfect for working on those tans, and its crystal clear sea is perfect for swimming. The locals don’t recommend visiting here in colder months though because the strong currents, but needless to say, the sunset here is magnificent. If you’re on a Malta vacation, add this to your list of places to visit in Malta.

10. St Julians Malta

Wondering what to do in Malta? Head out to  St Julians, a town by the sea in Malta. It is known for its famous and beautifully beaches, such as Balluta Bay, a gorgeous promenade with bars ad restaurants. The close-by area of Paceville has streets lined with other nightclubs and entertainment options. If you are interested in fishing, then Spinoza Bay will be a paradise for you. Regardless, however, St Julian’s is a must visit in your trip to Malta. 

11. Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum

Ghar Dalam means cave of darkness. This cave and museum is a 475-foot long (145-meters) cave in Birzebbuga, Malta. Among the collections displayed here are Paleolithic art, human remains, and Ice Age artifacts.

The museum also has an array of Victorian style exhibitions and a didactic display. If you are a fan of Malta’s flora, the site also has a garden full of indigenous plants and trees.

12. Popeye Village, Malta

The Popeye village of Malta has grown from only being known for the movie production of the film “popeye”, into one of the most colorful and popular tourist towns in the region. It is filled with fun activities for people of all ages. Better more, this climate guarantees good weather all year round, meaning you can have the time of your lives at any time of the year.  Malta Popeye village maybe answere your question – where was Popeye filmed – but it’s a lot mroe than time. It’s a place that should be on your top list of places to visit and things to do in Malta.  

13. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

You can find Hal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, Malta. This is a subterranean structure that has been dated back to 3300-3000 BC. Locals commonly call this structure “underground” or hypogeum. Visiting this hypogeum is like stepping back in time.

It is a good place to have a refresher of your history lessons and to learn more about paleontology and artifacts. This structure was discovered by accident in 1902 when construction for a housing development was conducted in the area. This has remained protected by the government ever since and is a hidden gem in Malta Island.

14. Megalithic Temples

Malta is best know for its Megalithic Temples. They were built by inhabitants more than 5000 years ago, and are a testament to traditions of historic architecture the region, hence why they were named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. No surprise, then, that the Megalithic temples makes our list as one of the most tourist attractions in Malta. 

15. Wiedil-Ghasri

Weidil-Ghasri or Ghasri Valley is a perfect place to spend a day reconnecting with nature. With its impressive cliffs, narrow cove, and crystal blue waters, this is a paradise on Earth. People who are up for snorkeling and diving frequent this place.

The open sea is teeming with marine life, and the water is mostly calm, although there are occasional swellings from time to time. In Weidil-Ghasri Bay, locals and tourists frequent the Pebbly Beach. It is not as spacious, but the water is good for swimming and the shoreline is perfect for a picnic with your family. Take a trip out here when the weather in Malta is good and make this one of the coolest places to visit in Malta.

16. Marzaxlokk

Pronounced “Marsha-Lock”, this little village is hugely popular amongst tourists, particularly for its open air market, selling some of the widest ranges of fish on the entire island. It offers peaceful walks around the boats and harbour, as well as peaceful swimming zones. Locals enjoy waking along the promenade in the summer, particularly in the good weather. This market is best visited on Sundays so plan ahead to make sure you find a Sunday in your travel days to visit this very colorful and unique attraction spot in Malta. We think it’s certainly worth visiting and rank it as top 10 things to do in Malta island.

17. Cathedral Cave

Ghasri Valley holds a lot of treasure, and this includes the Cathedral Cave. This one is so extraordinary and deserves a special shout out. The Cathedral Cave or Blue Dome is a paradise for the thrill seekers. This may not be advisable for those with faint hearts.

In order to access the dive, you need to walk down about a hundred steps to the fantastic creek in Ghasri Valley. Once inside the Cathedral Cave, you will be welcomed by coral covered walls, hydroids, sponges, and golden zoanthids. Underwater photographers are fascinated by the Blue Dome. This, you have to agree with us, is one of the coolest things to do in Malta. It’s also probably one of the scariest!

18. Mdina

Mdina is often referred to as “the silent city” even though it’s not so silent as it’s a top tourist attraction in Malta. It sits on top of a hill overseeing many neighborhood towns. It is a small city which boasts a cultural blend of Baroque and medieval architecture, which line out the twisting, narrow little streets. If you are on a visit to this little town, you shouldn’t miss St Pauls Cathedral, built in the 17th century, taking as much as five years to completely build. We think a visit to Malta is incomplete without a visit to Mdina which is one of the best things to do in Malta. 

19. Malta National Aquarium

Still looking for what to do in Malta and wondering where to start? Malta National Aquarium is a great place for families travelling with kids. This is the perfect place to teach kids about marine life. Malta National Aquarium is pretty new, having opened in 2013. They have different activities on a daily basis, such as a shark conservation project, fish feeding sessions, piranha talk, and a big fish campaign to name a few.

Walking around from one aquarium to another would excite your little kids. It would be fun and educational and a great way to help them understand how important marine life is at an early age. The building itself looks like a starfish made of glass and metal. They also have a 39-foot (twelve-meter) underwater tunnel, which allows guests to walk through a big tank and observe the aquatic resources in their own environments.

20. Dingli Cliffs

The Dingli cliffs are Malta’s highest point and situated on the western coast of the island. The cliffs offer a majestic view of the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy hours of endless walking and relaxation along these cliffs, with views particularly attractive during the summer, especially on the calmer days. If you are looking for top things to do in Malta, Dingli Cliffs should be on your list. 

21. Valletta Waterfront Malta

With nineteen warehouses, each of which dating back to more than 250 years ago, the Valletta waterfront is one of the most historically rich locations not just in Valletta, but in the entire island of Malta.

It is a fabulous gateway into the city of Valletta itself, with over 500,000 cruise passengers docking in Malta’s capital city every year. This comes with a fabulous setting too, the Malta Harbour. This marine backdrop offers a majestic setting to the breathtaking location and make this one of the best things to do in Valleta Malta. 

22. Triton Fountain

By now, you probably already have a long list of things to do in Malta but we’ll add more to your list especially for things to do in Valletta Malta. Originally, tourist began to explore Valletta starting from the Triton fountain, the symbol of the sea which was closely associated with the Greek Gods. The impressive scale, explosiveness and accuracy of the sculpture is what is most talked about regarding this phenomenal structure. The green boulevard area of the Manglio gardens is what makes this unique area such a relaxing place to enjoy in Valletta. So, what to do in Malta? Visit the Triton Fountain and explore it’s beauty. 

23. Valletta City Gates

What to see in Malta and things to see in Malta is probably few of the question you had when you started planning your trip to Malta. You might have also wondered about fun things to do in Malta and maybe Malta must see places. The Valletta gate is a place that can answert those questions. Over the last number of years in Malta, the capital city has been transformed with a new entrance to the city centre. The original city gate was designed in the 14th century,

It was constantly refined and redesigned until the modernistic look of the 2011 rendition was finally replaced by the “Piano Gates” designed by Renzo Piano in 2014. This fabulous entrance to the city center is hard to miss on a visit to Valletta, but it is well worth stopping to take some photographs next to. This is one of the things we think is the best of Malta and of course, a place that is one of the best Valletta Malta points of interest. So if you’re wondering what is in Malta and Malta top sights, head to this unique gate. 

24. Comino Island

The Comino Island is a tiny and peaceful island which is situated roughly midway between the islands of Malta and Gozo. There are only a handful of inhabitants, and the island is mostly visited only for a day by tourists and locals alike. For those more adventurous travelers, Comino is a place to camp or spend a day hiking across the island. It is most famous amongst visitors for its rocky wilderness, sandy beaches, and jagged cliffs. Comino is a Malta tourist site and top 10 Malta attraction. 

25. St George’s Square

St George’s square is a fantastic place to stop and catch some beautiful photographs, soaking in the beautiful Mediterranean architecture and atmosphere. It’s a place that most tourists sometime miss because there are so many other attractions in Malta as well as top Malta activities to see and to do. But we think that if you really had to ask what is Malta famous for, apart from its Megalithic temples which are amazing, this old square is a destination in Malta that should be a tourist attraction just for the sights and authentic contemporary Malta scenery. 

It is a must-see in Malta if you happen to be in Valletta. You can get around quickly by the public transport system, as it is easily accessible, making the square a must-see on your trip to Valletta. We rank visiting and spending some time here as one of the top activities to do in Valletta Malta. So if you have enough time in Malta and are looking for what to do in Valletta Malta, head out to this square and get a cup of cold drink and some pastry from one of the nearby cafes  while watching people go by. 

26. Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay Beach can be found on the West Coast of Malta and is perhaps the most famous beach on the entire island, partly thanks to the Radisson, a Golden Sands hotel in nearby proximity in case you’re looking for where to stay in Malta around that area. The red sand and natural dunes on surrounding slopes are partly what makes Golden Bay beach so popular amongst tourists. Not to mention the easy accessibility, a wide range of public transport options, and facilities such as restaurants. So, if you ever wondered “is Malta worth visiting”, this beach alone is sure to convince you that Malta is worth visiting, over and over again. And the beauty of Malta’s weather is that it stays generally warm so you’ll be surprised to find out that Malta in March can be warm enough to hang out on the beaches and visiting Malta in October might feel the same. 

27. Qawra Point Beach

Between the Qawra and Bugibba rocky coast, the beautiful stretch of sand known as Qawra beach can be found. The Malta Tourism Authority recently claimed the area to accommodate the enormous popularity and manage the beach interest of the tourists.

It has now become one of the most popular beach spots for families. If you are nearby the region, this spot is a must-visit for all visitors and tourists. And since Malta is one of the warmest countries in Europe in December and most of wintertime, you might still be able to visit this beach and hang out even if you don’t swim as the water will be too cold to swim in the winter months. However, visiting Malta in June, July, August, September, should leave you with pleasant warm temperatures suitable for long hours of swimming at this top attraaction in Malta. 

28. Basilica of Our Lady

This magical piece of architectural beauty stands tall and proud, overlooking the Sliema Waterfront. Compared to some other churches we have mentioned here, this construction is relatively modern as it was only finished in 1964. This church is especially impressive during the evening hours, where tourists and locals can admire it as they stroll past on their evening walks. When you are making a list of what to see in Malta, this would be a great location to have on your list. 

29. ll-Majjistra Historic Park

This landscape was first declared as a National Park in 2007 by the Maltese government. This 6km of nature reserves was made a National Park a part of the widespread movement to protect the landscape and wildlife in this North Western Region of the Island.

The park encourages a wide range of exercise activities to promote an active lifestyle amongst the locals. Also, educational trips are often taken by local schools to increase awareness of historical nature. This is a Malta top sight and one of the best places to visit in Malta. 

30. Knights of Malta History Museum

The Knights of Malta history museum is the perfect place to truly uncover the medieval history and culture of the fabulous island. The knights of Malta is a unique series of a range of scenes to capture the view of original tales from the lives of Crusader Knights. This truly extraordinary experience for all ages should not be missed on a trip to the island. This museum is one the best of Malta museums and if you don’t visit other Malta museums, please visit this one as you’ll learn so much from your experience. 

31. Splash and Fun Water Park

The Splash and Fun Water Park in Malta is the only one of its kind on the island. The family friendly ambience and activities make this the perfect day out for all of your family to enjoy. The island of Malta is promoting Malta tourism and we know that a water park like this has to be on the top list of things the kids or adult who love water parks, might want to do in Malta. 

The adrenaline-inducing wave generation pool, incredible water slides, or the calmer lazy river means there is something for every member of your family to enjoy. Even if you still aren’t entertained, the animation team can certainly make sure there is something to keep you entertained. Whether it be salsa, aerobic or tropical dancing. This is a Maltese location that you’ll enjoy visiting over and over again. 

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