Malta is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it’s full of history, beaches, party, culture and friendly people. I’ve been exploring Malta quite a lot in recent years, and I actually lived there for a short brief back in 2015.
After that, I’ve re-visited twice, so I think it’s about time I make a fully dedicated post on why I think everyone should visit Malta at least once in their life. On the plus side as well, Malta has one of the best climates in all of Europe and is one of the destinations with the highest percentages of sunny days and hours per year.
If you haven’t yet been, here are 35 Reasons why you should visit Malta! and of course, I could list more reasons, but I think this is a good start, and if you’re from Malta or have visited and got some more suggestions, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article.
1. Valetta
The Beautiful and historic capital of Malta might be one of the smallest capitals in the world, but there’s plenty to see and experience. In Valletta, you will get a mix of the history and modern society with all the events, restaurants and shopping.
But you can also admire the old architecture and iconic balconies. From Valletta, you can also take a bus all over the island.
2. The locals are renowned for their hospitality
Maltese people are in general talkative, friendly and welcoming. At least from my experience, and I know other foreigners who had similar experiences from meeting locals.
3. Gozo
Gozo is a more laid back island than the main island of Malta. It’s also a greener island, which makes it a good place for those who enjoy spending time in nature. On Gozo, you will also find some of the best beaches in Malta, such as Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay.
4. More than 6000 years of history to explore
The Knights of Malta are very famous and played an important rule during their era. But did you know that Maltese history stretches back at least 6000 years back in time? That’s pretty cool, and if you like history, this is a really good reason to visit Malta!
5. Marsaxlokk
This little village is probably best known among tourists for its Sunday Market and the colorful Luzzu boats. If you can I can recommend going to Marsaxlokk on a Sunday to stroll around, and then sit down and have a meal at one of the local restaurants.
6. Mellieha
In the north-western part of the main island, you will find this beautiful town – Mellieha.
7. Cisk
This is the local beer, and you’ll see this in almost every bar and restaurant on the islands.
8. Maltese Bread
A crusty sourdough bread from Malta, usually baked in wood ovens. It’s delicious!
9. Kinnie
Kinne is a local beverage that you definitely should try while visiting Malta!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BegAkBfBOfU/?taken-by=kinnie_malta
10. Sliema
The economic part of Malta with lots of businesses as well as restaurants. It’s a bit calmer than St Julian’s and this is where I used to live for 3 months back in 2015. Sliema is a very nice Maltese town to live in with proximity to almost everything on the island.
11. Join a Maltese village festa
If you want to indulge yourself in some real Maltese culture, make sure to visit Malta during one of the village festas. These are celebrations for the town’s local saint. They usually take place during several days, and you can expect almost everyone out in the streets celebrating.
12. Very nice climate
If you’re looking for sunshine in Europe, you have another good reason to visit Malta. With around 3000 hours of sunshine each year and an average yearly temperature of 23 degrees Celsius, I think most can agree that it’s a very nice climate.
Especially during winter when most of the countries in Europe see snow or temperatures around 0 degrees, it’s nice to visit Malta and enjoy a warmer temperature and get some sunshine even during the coldest months of the year.
13. The Megalithic temples
There are several Megalithic Temples in Malta, and what makes them more special is the fact that they’re some of the oldest temples in the world! The most notable ones are Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien Temples and Ggantija Temples.
14. Birgu
One of the “three cities” and the former capital of the Knights of Malta.
15. The majority speak English
Malta became a part of the British Empire in the 1800’s and didn’t get their independence until 1964. So, even though the Maltese have a unique language of their own, even the older generations, as well as the younger generations, speak English fluently. So, don’t worry about not being understood.
16. Golden Bay
One of the most popular and beautiful beaches of Malta.
17. Mosta Dome
A spectacular building with an even more impressive inside. This dome took 27 years to build! I will only show you a photo of the outside, and I promise that you will be happily surprised and impressed when you see the majestic dome from the inside.
18. Great Nightlife
If you like to party, you have plenty of nightclubs and bars, especially in St Julian’s.
19. Bajtra
A local liqueur made from prickly pears.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi6m2GynH4k/?tagged=bajtra
20. The Blue Lagoon
Probably the most famous place in all of Malta, and rightly so. The water of the Blue Lagoon is magical!
21. Ta Qali Crafts Village
The old barracks have been remade into a handicraft village where you can buy Maltese handicrafts. A good place to find some souvenirs.
22. Bugibba
A popular tourist resort in the northern part. A great base to explore both Gozo, the Blue Lagoon and the main island.
23. Twistees
Another local product you should try!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BilV-Xxgc9e/?tagged=kinnie
24. Stuffat Tal-fenek
The national dish of Malta – Rabbit Stew.
25. Popeye Village
If you’ve seen the movie Popeye, you might recognize this village since it served as the filming location in the movie from the 1980’s starring Robin Williams. If you haven’t seen the movie, it’s still beautiful to come here and have a look.
26. One of the world’s best Scuba diving
If you like to explore the marine world, check out the video to get a taste of the Scuba diving here. It has been listed as the 3 best scuba diving site in the world!
27. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
A neolithic underground Catacomb dating back to 3300-3000 B.C.
28. Ramla Bay
The red sand beach of Gozo is stunning, and one of my favorite beaches. Close by from here you also have a natural cave window where you get an amazing view over Ramla Bay and the sea.
29. The Grandmaster’s Palace
An iconic attraction in the heart of Valletta, which is pretty interesting if you like history. In the Grandmaster’s palace, you can see lots of weapons and historical artifacts.
30. Mdina & Rabat
If you watch Game of Thrones, you might recognize Mdina since it has been used as a filming location. But the old capital of Malta is really stunning by itself and worth a visit even if you haven’t watched the tv-series.
Rabat is the nearby suburb with some interesting attractions as well such as St Paul’s catacombs.
31. Blue Grotto
Here you will find a number of sea caves to explore, and the water is ridiculously blue!
32. Gaghaq Tal-Ghasel (honey rings)
Another local treat I would like to recommend you to try when you visit Malta.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdwsa4MFKe_/?tagged=maltesehoneyrings
33. St Julian’s
The island’s party capital. If you want to have a good time and meet other people, this is a great place to go, especially if you’re younger.
34. Beautiful walking trails
This is the beautiful Dingli cliffs in Malta, and just one of the many places you can walk and enjoy beautiful nature. Hiking is not very developed though, and it’s pretty new, but more and more hikers come here to enjoy the scenery.
35. The Maltese Language
Last but not least, we have the Maltese Language. It’s a unique mix of Arabic, Italian, Sicilian and English. A recent study was made where they discovered that a Tunisian person might be able to understand as much as 40% of the Maltese language, and a Maltese less than a third of the Tunisian Arabic.
As a European tourist, you might be a bit confused when you hear the locals speak because you will recognize a lot of words even though many are pronounced with a different accent. It’s very interesting, and if you visit Malta, don’t be afraid to learn a few local words and meanings, it will be appreciated, even though the majority of the Maltese people speak English.
Have you been to Malta? If you have some more suggestions on places to see and visit, feel free to leave a comment or share your experience!
A very good read. An interesting story about the Mosta Dome dates back to World War 2. Given that Malta was one of the most countries which suffered attacks during that time, once 2 bombs hit the Mosta Dome, but none of them exploded, at the time when a mass was going on. It was hailed as a miracle, as no one died. When it comes to language I would say only a handful of people don’t know how to speak English, with a lot of people also being fluent Italian speakers, amongst other languages. Seeing our tourism rates increase annually, it can be said that Malta is really one of the countries that one must put on his/her bucket list! Thanks for taking time to write about our island.
Thank you, happy you like my article about Malta :) and that is interesting indeed. I didn’t know that story! Thank you for sharing.
The azzure window has unfortunately collapsed but Dwejra remains an amazing location with its inland sea (originally an undersea cave) walk on sea fossils on rocks millions of years old, the General’s Rock, the watch tower…
Yes, I know. Luckily I got to see it before it collapsed. Thank you for the recommendation!
We just spent 3.5 weeks in Malta – 1 week Gozo & remaining time on main island. On Gozo, we stayed in a lovely apartment close to the bus station. This was great as it allowed us easy access to the buses to explore the whole wee island. Bus service on Gozo was great. On Malta, we split our time between 2 apartments in Sliema & on Spinola Bay. Both great apartments & locations good for different reasons. Spinola Bay – great view over the bay – fun to watch fishermen & others boaters. Also, lots of great restaurants really close by. Sliema was handy to ferries & other activities. Lots of restaurants but none as good as the ones we tried around Spinola Bay. Bus service on Malta is struggling – roads are congested so never knew when a bus might arrive & we understand there is a shortage of drivers so lots of runs just don’t happen. So, bus usually really crowded. But younger locals were really good about offering us seats. In 25 days, we only had 1 when it was overcast & a cool wind. We were there Apr 19 to May 14. And, yes, Valletta is spectacular – fun just to wander the streets or sit and people watch.
Thanks Al for your review on our tiny jewel in the Mediterranean. An amazing read if anyone wants to take a trip to Malta and land on a first hand experience.
Qaghaq tal-ghasel :)
Thank you. I lived there once for two years. It is a place I will always remember. Wonderful article.
Good read and interesting. In fact there are 36 reasons to visit, you forgot to mention the PASTIZZI which are very Maltese but you did mention Rabbit stew and honey rings.
Thanks for a nice review
I am maltese and enjoyed reading your review. Thanks. You helped me appreciate what we take for granted! We should be more proud of our jewel!
My husband has just surprised me in announcing we are going to Malta for our 20th Wedding anniversary & my 50th in mid October & taking our 3 sons who have never been abroad yet. We are staying at the Victoria Hotel which is in Sliema so reading all your comments including the best sights to see are so helpful in helping make the most of our exciting trip & cant wait
Thanks for your comment Suzanne, that’s wonderful :) I wish you a happy wedding anniversary, and hope you get to see the beauty of Malta! And let me know if you have any more questions, and I’m happy to help if I can.
Very interesting and informative article, thank you.
We have just booked to visit your beautiful island, very excited ??