Malta is one of Europe’s smallest countries, yet it has a lot to offer its visitors. In Malta awaits intriguing history dating back 6000 years in time mixed with good food, party, and natural beauty.
The fact that the Maltese climate is also pleasant all year round do not make things worse either. More and more people have in recent years found to Malta, and nowadays there are also several direct flights from many destinations around Europe.
In this article, I have gathered my favorites when it comes to attractions and things to do in Malta as a tourist.
Azure Window
If you have seen the TV series Game of Thrones, you might recognize this location. Azure Window was, in fact, the place where they recorded the wedding of Daenerys Targaryens (“Mother of Dragons”) and Khal Drogo. Besides being a popular recording spot, it also offers crystal clear water in a lovely azure color and fantastic views.
Blue Lagoon
Malta Blue Lagoon has become one of Malta’s most famous beaches, and rightly so. The lagoon is surrounded by beautiful nature and limestone cliffs and offers a fantastic bathing experience with turquoise crystal clear water. Blue Lagoon is located in Comino, and the easiest way to get here is via ferry or organized tour.
To go to the Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Malta!
Comino
This small island is situated between Malta and Gozo and is best known for the Blue Lagoon. But, Comino is also a paradise for anyone who likes to snorkel or dive together with windsurfing or hiking.
Comino is fully free of traffic, and nature is almost untouched, and the smell of spices like thyme and other wild herbs whiz past at regular intervals.
Marsaxlokk
A large part of the real Malta can be found in the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk, located about an hour’s bus ride from the capital Valletta. Marsaxlokk is mostly known for its market which is held every Sunday. A market that attracts both locals and tourists. The market offers local delicacies and handicrafts mixed with everything you can imagine.
But coziest of all is yet to walk along the harbor and to watch the colorful Luzzu boats, characterized by “the protective eye ‘at the front of the vessel. Do not miss to go for lunch or dinner at one of the fish restaurants serving freshly caught fish at reasonable prices.
You can easily reach Marsaxlokk from Valletta by bus number 81 or 85th
Gozo
Malta’s second largest island, Gozo is characterized by scenic areas and agriculture. It is a small island measuring not more than 8 kilometers in width and 16 kilometers in length. Here await a slower pace and a more rural and rustic atmosphere. If you like to hike, you should definitely write down Gozo on your list of things to do in Malta.
The ferry to Gozo runs daily from Cirkewwa to Mgarr, but there are also arranged tours from Sliema. Moreover, the Island also has a legend, saying that it was here on Gozo that the Greek Ulysses was being held as a prisoner of love for seven years by Calypso.
Valletta
A visit to Malta is not complete without exploring Valletta, which is one of the world’s smallest capitals. But do not let the small size fool you. Valletta is a lively city that is full of historical sites and buildings mixed with shopping and cozy cafes and alleyways.
My best tip for Valletta is to spend a whole day by just strolling around and go wherever you feel like.
Valletta also serves as a hub for all the buses on the island, and it is here one can go by public transportation to other villages around the island.
Mdina & Rabat
If you like history, it is a must to visit Mdina and Rabat. Mdina was the capital of Malta and was founded in 1000 BC by the Phoenicians. Rabat was the suburb of Mdina, but the border between the two is almost non-existent. In these cities, there are several old buildings and attractions that have a history that goes far back in time.
On a visit to Mdina and Rabat one should not miss these attractions: St. Paul’s Grotto, Roman Villa, Mdina Craft Village, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Palace in Mdina, Mdina Dungeons, and St Paul’s Catacombs.
It is easy to get here by bus or car, but arranged tours are also available via the hop on hop off buses.
Other attractions and things to do in Malta
The Malta Experience
If you are interested in Malta’s history, I can heartily recommend going to The Malta Experience, located in Valletta. Malta’s history dates 7000 years back in time at The Malta Experience; you get to see an interactive film about the country and its history, which lasts for about 45 minutes.
Afterward, you can also check out an old infirmary which was used by the Knights of Malta.
Grand Master’s Palace
Nowadays this is a museum, but in the past, this was the palace where the grand master lived. If you are interested in culture and history, this is a given visit. Here awaits an extensive collection of weapons, statues, paintings and other interesting historical objects.
The inner courtyard is also a cozy garden. The palace is located in Valletta.
Golden Bay
Do you want to sunbathe and swim, you better not miss a visit to Golden Bay. This bay is home to one of the best beaches in Malta and during the summer it is a popular beach for all age groups.
It’s easy to get here by bus number 44 from the capital Valletta, or bus number 225 from St Julians and Sliema.
Bar Street in St Julians
Many young people visiting or moving down to Malta ends up on the “infamous” bar street in St. Julians. It is the place to go if you are looking for clubs and nightlife. Bar Street is lined up with large nightclubs mixed with smaller lounge bars and nightclubs along with strip clubs and eateries.
Looking for a party in Malta, this is the place you should go to!
Casino
Games and gambling is a relatively large part of the Maltese economy and of course, there is also some casinos to visit for those interested in gambling. Olympic Casino is the largest and is located in St. George Town.
Another famous place is the Portomaso Casino. The age limit is 18 years.