Malta offers a treasure trove of incredible attractions, both natural and man-made. From prehistoric temples and ancient Roman ruins to stone forts, soft sand beaches, and natural swimming pools, Malta truly offers something for every type of traveler. We don’t want you to miss out on any of the action, which is why we have carefully crafted this list of the best things to do in Malta. This way, you can plan an itinerary that matches your interests without missing out on any of the best attractions.
Valletta
The walled capital city of Valletta is where tourists will find the best landmarks and museums while sightseeing in Malta. Those with an interest in architecture and art should make sure to stop at St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This opulent Baroque-style cathedral has a fascinating history and is home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece, “The Beheading of Saint John,” which is the famed artist’s largest piece and the only painting he ever signed. A slew of other tapestries and paintings can also be explored, and the exquisite interior can be toured with an audio guide, along with the bell tower. While touring around Valletta, another must-see landmark is the Grand Master’s Palace. Here, you can tour 85% of the palace’s rooms and corridors while learning about 450 years of Malta’s government, wars, and history.
After a tour of the Grand Master’s Palace, head down to the Saluting Battery for a cannon show and talk about how the guns work. Tours of the Saluting Battery are offered twice a day, and the cannon blast ceremony happens every day at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. The show can be seen for free from Upper Barrakka Gardens‘ balcony, but it does fill up quickly, so you’ll need to get there a bit early! Ensure you leave time to explore Upper Barrakka Gardens either before or after the show as the park boasts some photo-worthy views of the water, along with stunning gardens adorned with Romanesque stone arches, fountains, and statues. Lower Barrakka Gardens is equally stunning and well worth a visit, as it features incredible harbor views as well as stone pillars, beautifully manicured gardens, and statues.
Another great attraction in Valletta is Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century mansion that was once home to a noble family. This historical museum offers 50 awe-inspiring rooms filled with fine antique furnishings, exquisite silverware, and paintings, along with mysterious underground tunnels and a bunker that dates back to World War II, which you can explore on a guided tour. For those with a particular interest in military history, one can’t-miss attraction is Fort St. Elmo, which is home to the National War Museum. There is so much to explore at this site, as it covers a majority of Malta’s history, so make sure to schedule at least two hours to explore the fort. When evening rolls around and you’re looking for a place to eat, cruise over to the Valletta Waterfront. Here, you’ll find a great selection of bars and restaurants all set in a repurposed 18th-century port warehouse!
For even more things to do in the capital, check out our comprehensive Valletta itinerary.
Three Cities
One must-see in Malta for history buffs is Three Cities. The area of Three Cities is comprised of three fortified smaller cities in Malta’s historic center: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. All three cities offer travelers a chance to step back in time and explore the deep-rooted culture of the country found in the historic buildings and traditions kept alive in the area. Fort St. Angelo, the oldest fort in Malta, sits on the tip of the city of Vittoriosa, one of the oldest cities in the country. This historic military site was once a medieval castle before the Knights of St. John repurposed the land and structures into a dominating fort in the 16th century. Today, you can tour the artillery platforms and buildings while learning more about its fascinating medieval and siege history through immersive displays. Another worthwhile attraction to visit in Vittoriosa is the Inquisitor’s Palace, which was constructed as a courthouse in the 1530s as an official seat for the inquisitors. Today, tourists can explore the restored rooms and even see the carvings made by prisoners hundreds of years ago.
If you’re wandering around Senglea, make sure to walk to the peninsula of the city and visit Gardjola Gardens for a great view of Valletta, Fort St. Angelo, and the water. This is a great free thing to do in Malta, as the gardens and their guard tower are free to visit and offer plenty of history and photo opportunities.
Mdina & Rabat
Both Mdina and Rabat are fantastic towns to visit, each for their own reasons. The hilltop town of Mdina was once the capital of the island from antiquity until the medieval period, and today, the medieval buildings, walls, alleys, and bastions are still in excellent condition to explore, making it popular with tourists. Enjoy cruising the old streets of Mdina and get lost in the historic maze of alleyways and architecture. However, make sure to stop in at a few key places, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the country’s oldest church, and Palazzo Falson, a medieval palace turned museum with displays on weapons, artworks, and antiquities. When you’re ready for a break and a bite to eat, head over to Fontanella Tea Garden for an afternoon drink and cake accompanied by some seriously impressive views.
The neighboring town of Rabat is vastly different from Mdina, offering a more rural Maltese feel with stunning natural landscapes, traditional festas, and interesting museums. Between the two towns sits Domvs Romana, a Roman historical site that Roman aristocrats once called home. Many fascinating artifacts and mosaics were discovered by accident here in 1881, which have since been moved to the Domvs Romana Museum so tourists can learn more about the Roman history of the towns. In Rabat, you can also visit St. Paul’s Catacombs, where you can explore parts of an ancient underground Roman cemetery with an audio guide. The catacombs are part of a larger historical attraction, the Wignacourt Museum, which includes St. Paul’s Grotto and World War II shelters that can also be explored and toured.
Megalithic Temples of Malta
The Megalithic Temples of Malta are a must-see for any tourist. These prehistoric structures are thought to be some of the oldest and most diverse free-standing stone structures in the world, dating back to three time periods between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. Several of these impressive temples are dotted across the island and stand as a shining example of a sophisticated society that documented their traditions and environment through artifacts and carvings. Each of the temples is uniquely designed and built, but the most popular to visit are Mnajdra, Ħaġar Qim, and Ġgantija, as they are well intact.
The Ġgantija Temples, located a 10-minute drive from Victoria (Gozo Island), are the oldest of all of Malta’s megalithic temples and date back to before the pyramids of Egypt were built. Ħaġar Qim is a single temple dating back to between 3200 BC and 3600 BC and one of the best preserved. It’s located right beside Mnajdra Temple, so both of these temples can be explored in one visit.
Both Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat in the northwest of the island are also worth a visit for those nearby, although they are less intact than the other temples. Tarxien Temples is a great option for those who don’t want to wander too far from Valletta, as it’s only a 15-minute drive from the city. While it’s not as well preserved as Ġgantija or Mnajdra, it’s still better than Skorba or Ta’ Ħaġrat’s ruins.
Gozo
If you decide to visit the Ġgantija temples on Gozo, consider spending a little extra time on the island exploring its attractions. This small sister island is home to some seriously cool places to visit in Malta, such as Tal-Mixta Cave, where you can enter and enjoy breathtaking sea views of Ramla Bay from the cave’s mouth. After exploring the cave, you can head down to enjoy a swim on the red sands of Ramla Beach, which is overlooked by the famous Calypso Cave. The Citadel (also known as Gran Castello) is another top-notch free thing to do in Malta, where you’ll climb stairs for an incredible view of the entire island. The Citadel offers a maze of Middle Age streets, statues, and buildings to explore, including the landmark clock tower. Several museums can be visited in the Citadel as well, such as Gran Castello Historic House (which is included in the ticket price of the Cathedral of the Assumption), the Old Prison, and the Gozo Museum of Archaeology.
On the northwest end of the island sits the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, a religious site well worth a visit. This impressive church was completed in the early 1900s, but the lands had previously had a chapel that dated back to the mid-16th century. Today, this isolated neo-romantic, Roman Catholic church is open to the public to explore its impressive mosaics, statues, and ornate details. It holds another name, the Church of Miracles, as several stories have come from the healing miracles that occur at its shrine. This has also made it a popular site for pilgrimages.
When you’re ready to cool off from the Maltese sun, go to Wied l-Għasri. This rocky gorge offers fantastic calm azure waters for swimming and snorkeling, along with hiking trails. There are even underwater caves for divers and snorkelers to explore!
Comino
The small island of Comino, located between Gozo and Malta’s mainland, is a welcome respite for those looking to escape the crowds and indulge in some seriously breathtaking natural landscapes. The entire island is a protected nature and bird sanctuary, and it is famous for its excellent scuba diving and snorkeling, especially at Blue Lagoon, where you’ll find dolphins, sea lions, and crystal-clear waters. While Blue Lagoon is well worth the hype, it can get quite packed. Crystal Lagoon is just as impressive for snorkelers and divers and way less packed, but it is only reachable by boat. Speaking of boats, if you are looking to get out on the water, consider taking a Comino Caves tour to discover the island’s jaw-dropping natural caves!
Santa Marija Bay is also well worth a stop if you’re looking to enjoy some fun in the sand and sun. Not only is the area known for its excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, but it’s also quite shallow, which is perfect for families with little ones. Another great attraction to visit, which is nowhere near Santa Marija Beach, is Santa Marija Tower. This massive stone tower was set up as part of Malta’s early fortification system to communicate with the Mdina and the Citadel in Gozo. Tourists can enter this impressive tower and go all the way to the top for incredible views of Comino, Gozo, and Malta.
To get to Comino, you can either take the ferry from Cirkewwa in Malta or from Mgarr in Gozo, or book a boat tour on a catamaran.
Popeye Village
Popeye Village is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Malta, and for good reason. The town was once the film set of the 1980s musical “Popeye” and has since grown into a themed resort town. Today, the young and the young at heart can explore the stilt huts from the original movie set, hit up one of the many water trampolines, take a dip in the pool, play a round of mini golf, watch a documentary in the cinema, or grab a treat at one of the many restaurants and shops. There is plenty more to do here, but entrance to Popeye Village requires a ticket, which you can book in advance here to avoid the lines.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is easily one of the most popular natural attractions on the island, boasting incredible natural caves accessible only by boat. In fact, the only way to see the Blue Grotto and its caves up close is by boat unless you drive to the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint, which gives you a bird’s-eye view. Several guided boat tours group multiple attractions, including the grotto, into one trip. The boat trips take you inside some of the seven famous caves, allowing you to appreciate the clear azure waters and limestone formations up close.
Dingli Cliffs
Another worthwhile Malta attraction is the Dingli Cliffs, where it’s said the sea meets the sky. As Malta’s highest point, there are some incredible views from the top of this cliffside attraction. There are plenty of parking spaces available, as well as a public bus that runs to and from the cliffs every hour. Visitors can wander along the cliff path, discover the beautiful little chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, and take in views of the Mediterranean Sea and the small uninhabited island of Filfla. Dingli Cliffs is a great pit stop for those in the area visiting the Blue Grotto, Mnajdra, and Ħaġar Qim, as all three are only a 15-minute drive away.
Mosta Rotunda
If you’re wondering what to do in Malta in the city of Mosta, consider a visit to the Mosta Rotunda. This 17th-century domed Catholic church offers unique neoclassical architecture along with an excellent interactive app where visitors can learn more about the church’s history. Tourists can climb to the top of the dome for a view of the church interior from above, watch a short documentary film on the church, enter the catacombs, and even explore a World War II air raid shelter built within the church walls. There is also a replica WWII bomb on display!
Malta’s Beaches
While on vacation in Malta, it would be a shame not to spend a little time at the beach! Malta offers some seriously beautiful beaches, each with its own perks and beauty. Golden Bay Beach is known for its soft white sands and jaw-dropping sunsets. The beach is quite popular with families and tourists, as there are plenty of sun loungers available for rent and the beach is shallow, making it ideal for little ones to splash around.
Ghajn Tuffieha and Riviera Beach are great alternatives to Golden Bay Beach, and they are less crowded. The soft dark sands here are fantastic to walk on, and visitors will find plenty of loungers and umbrellas available for rent, along with cafés and restaurants.
Mellieha Bay Beach is another great place to set up for a day of fun in the sun and sea. The beach is easily accessible by public transit and offers crystal-clear water ideal for snorkeling, shallow waters with soft sands, and plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy a nice seaside lunch.
If you want a good chance of avoiding crowds altogether, then make your way to Gnejna Bay Beach. This stunning sandy cove is less accessible as you have to hike down, but the lack of people makes it cleaner and more peaceful. You can easily set yourself up here for a day on one of the rented loungers. Plus, there is food available on-site for those who don’t want to pack a lunch.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an incredible underground burial site and a must-see for anyone with an interest in history. Dating back to between 4000 B.C. and 2500 B.C., this massive three-level prehistoric burial ground offers a rare insight into the burial methods and traditions of humans 6,000 years ago. Interestingly, the methods used to create some of the stone ceilings mimic those of the Megalithic temples. The tunnels and graves span an area of roughly 500 meters, and tourists can tour the underground prehistoric cemetery as well as see fascinating artifacts like animal drawings, pottery, amulets, and more.
Palazzo Parisio & Gardens
The ornate detailing and exquisite gardens at Palazzo Parisio make it one of the best places to visit in Malta. This massive palazzo was built during the times of the Knights of St. John around the 16th century and served as a hunting retreat for Grandmaster Vilhena. The lavish interior is striking and sure to leave you awe-struck at its opulence and detail. Not only is the stately home worth a tour, but so are its walled gardens. The gardens stand as a testament to the merging cultures between Malta and Southern Italy, with much of the garden’s design inspired by Italian landscaping. Visitors can explore the lush gardens and enjoy high tea of finger sandwiches and scones in the garden’s lovely patio area.
Marsaxlokk
This small fishing village in the southeast of Malta is popular for its bustling harbor and vibrant boats. These traditional, colorful boats are available for hire, and we highly recommend taking a boat cruise around the harbor and bay. The Sunday market at Marsaxlokk Market is not to be missed either. Here, you’ll find fresh seafood, homemade honey, jams, souvenirs, and local wines all in one spot.
There are plenty of hiking paths and natural landmarks to explore in the area, with the most popular being St. Peter’s Pool. The horseshoe-shaped rocky natural pool boasts clear waters for swimming and cliff jumping from various heights!
Għar Dalam
There is no shortage of prehistoric attractions in Malta, and Għar Dalam Cave is another fantastic place to visit for those interested in Paleolithic art. As the oldest prehistoric site in Malta, Għar Dalam is filled with a treasure trove of interesting finds. Most notable are the animal bones found in three separate layers within the cave. Several Ice Age animal bones were found deposited in the layers, which date back anywhere from 18,000 to 500,000 years ago when the waters were higher in the Pleistocene era. Visitors can learn more about Malta’s earliest inhabitants and the animals that once roamed the lands at the on-site museum, then enter the cave with a guided tour.
Malta’s Museums & Aquarium
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Malta on a rainy day, head to one of the fantastic museums on the island. In Valletta, there are several top-notch museums where you can learn more about Maltese culture, history, and art. The National Museum of Archaeology offers a glimpse into prehistoric weapons and sculptures, all hosted in a beautiful 16th-century building. For a look at Maltese art from prehistoric to medieval times, head to MUŻA National Museum of Art. Several Baroque masterpieces can be found here, all housed in an incredible 18th-century knight’s palace. Lascaris War Rooms offer tourists a chance to head underground and explore the tunnels and war rooms used by the Allies in World War II, while the Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa offers a deeper look into the effects of World War II in Malta. There are loads of museums dedicated to WWII across the island. Plane enthusiasts can explore an entire hangar of WWII airplanes at Malta Aviation Museum near the Ta’ Qali Craft Village, while those interested in exploring air raid shelters can head to the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter for a tour.
Another great spot to visit is the Malta National Aquarium, where you can eat in a glass-covered restaurant surrounded by sea creatures or explore the glass tunnels on a stroll while being surrounded by zebra sharks, stingrays, and eels!
Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park
On the island of Gozo, tucked in Xlendi Bay, lies Xlendi Underwater Archaeological Park, a brand-new underwater site that spans 67,000 square meters (42 miles) and is the world’s first deepwater archaeological park. The seabed hosts a treasure trove of goodies for certified scuba divers to explore, such as third-century Roman ruins, a Phoenician shipwreck from the seventh century, a submarine spitfire, and many more shipwrecks and submarines. All of the wreck sites sit at depths ranging from three meters to over 100 meters. If you’re not diver-certified but curious to explore this deepwater archaeological park, you can take a virtual tour of the sites on the official underwater website!
Bird Park Malta
If you’re looking for activities in Malta with children, Bird Park Malta is a great choice. With over 200 species of birds, this attraction is home to several feathered friends that visitors can get up close and personal with, such as flamingos, peacocks, parrots, and storks, as well as fun-loving creatures like kangaroos, deer, wallabies, and marmosets. This is a great educational activity for kids and a fun attraction for bird lovers alike!
Ta’ Qali Crafts Village
Ta’ Qali Crafts Village is set in an old RAF wartime airfield and is now a popular tourist attraction that boasts beautiful locally made crafts. Visitors will find plenty of cute wares to peruse, such as jewelry, candles, wooden sculptures, ceramicware, and souvenirs. You can experience glassblowing up close or watch goldsmiths craft stunning filigree pieces. This awesome local market is open six days a week: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
From prehistoric temples and caves to stunning beaches and world-class snorkeling, Malta truly offers something for every type of traveler. Now that you’re an expert in all the top things to do in the country, all you have to do is figure out how many of these awesome attractions you can pack into your Malta itinerary! Wherever your adventures take you, we know you’ll have a fantastic vacation on this beautiful Mediterranean island.
