Valletta is not only the capital city of Malta but it has also been named as the European Capital of Culture. This charming city is less than a square kilometre and it is best explored on foot. Boasting with 320 monuments you are guaranteed to stumble across something interesting every step you take, the streets are full of history, charm and impressive baroque-era architecture. As one of the top things to do in Malta, there’s everything in Valletta from historical buildings, fountains, restaurants, churches to grand harbour which is lined with luxury yachts.

The mains street boasts international clothing and souvenir shops, wander down the smaller narrow streets and you will be treated to quaint cafes and shops. While wandering the streets of Valletta be sure to look up at the buildings which have some of the most colourful picturesque balconies. If you are travelling to Valletta from one of the other towns the closest and most secure carpark is MCP. It is located just outside the Valletta, about 5 minutes walk from the main city. 

While you are in Valletta make sure you don’t miss the Saluting Battery. It is one of the top things to do in Malta. The Saluting Battery takes place daily where the cannon is fired at noon, sharp. There is also an evening canon fire which takes place at 4 pm. It is claimed that this saluting battery in Malta could possibly be the oldest saluting better that is still in operation anywhere in the world. 

The saluting battery is located just underneath The Upper Barrakka Gardens. As soon as you enter the Upper Barrakka Gardens spectacular views over the grand harbour will catch your eye. You can also spot the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, it offers a completely different perspective of the city. Entry to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is completely free. You can also view the Saluting Battery from the large balconies of the gardens. If you fancy getting up close with the canons, tickets for the saluting batter can be purchased on site along with a tour of the museum. 

From Valletta’s harbour, you can take a ferry ride to the Three Cities, namely Birgu Senglea, and Cospicua. The Three Cities of Malta are an embodiment of living history that has been maintained through centuries of preservation efforts and, at times, remarkable occurrences. These fortified cities resemble a cluster of towns situated in the core of Malta’s historical hub, positioned directly across from Valletta, the capital city, on the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities give you an insight into the more traditional day to day life in Malta. Wander through the streets and soak in the atmosphere and culture. A trip to the Three Cities also gives you the chance to view Valletta from the sea.

One of the things to do in Malta is visiting one of the many beaches. The island of Malta receives more than 300 days of sunshine so it feels like a shame not spending time by the beach. There is a beach for everyone. Malta may be a small island, but there is no shortage of pristine beaches in Malta. Beaches in Malta offer some of the clearest water, there is something for everyone from sunbathing, diving, snorkelling, cliff jumping, natural pools to family-friendly beaches.

Beaches in Malta can range from soft sandy beaches, rocky shore to blue lagoons. Furthermore, with 12 Blue Flag beaches and very hot summer temperatures, the archipelago’s beautiful, warm seas attract numerous people. So, wherever you go to soak up some rays, remember to arrive early. We have put together a detailed guide on the best beaches in Malta. Some of the most popular beaches include the Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Għadira Bay. There is even a red beach in Gozo which is worth a visit. 

Related: Best Beaches in Malta

One unique way to take in the stunning scenery Malta has to offer is on a horseback. Golden Bay Horse Riding offers treks which are suitable for all, whether you are a beginner or an expert. You can either opt for a treck which overlooks Malta’s popular Golden Bay Beach or a coastal sunset ride which overlooks the Mediterranean. We highly recommend the sunset ride, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean is simply a sight worth witnessing.

Malta’s distinctive geography and complex historical background have contributed to a culinary palette that is a fusion of Arabic, Mediterranean, French, and British tastes. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Maltese cuisine is a unique and delicious cuisine that’s definitely worth trying if you have the chance. And what better to sample the cuisine than in one of their 5 Michelin star restaurants. Three are in Valletta ION The Harbour, Under Grain and Noni. De Mondion in Mdina and Bahia in Balzan.

Located in the southern coast of Malta is the St. Peters Pool. This natural wonder is worth visiting purely due to the atmosphere on the beach, particularly in the peak summer months. ( this hidden gem can be fairly quiet on the weekdays but on the weekends it is a hotspot ). St. Peters Pool is very popular with the locals you will find people doing tricks on a rope across the natural pool and the brave one’s cliff diving. 

The beach itself is rocky but the energy on this beach is truly contagious and makes it worth visiting. There are plenty of flat rocky surfaces around the bay to spread your towels and sunbath. St. Peters Pool is a great alternative to some of the tourist beaches in Malta and gives you a real taste of how the locals like to spend their summer on the beach. One of the downsides is that there are no facilities nearby so you have to come prepared. We have put together a detailed guide on the best beaches Malta has to offer. The best way to reach St. Peters Pool is by a car alternatively, If you want to make the trip traditional locals run trips in their fishing boats from Marsaxlokk to St. Peters pool regularly. 

Related: Best Beaches in Malta 
 

Located to the south of Malta is the popular fishing village of Marsaxlokk. This cute little fishing village is one of the top things to do in Malta. It offers you a slice of the real Maltese life. You will see the local fishermen going about their day to day life. The main attraction of this picturesque village is the daily open-air market. Have a stroll down the promenade which is lined with restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood. By the harbour, you will find the traditional fishing boats called ‘Luzzu’ which are painted in bright colours.  You will also find locals running tours in their traditional fishing boats to St. Peters Pool and the Blue Grotto from here. 

How to get to Marsaxlokk: If you are planning to take the public transport. Take a look at the Route map here to help you plan your journey. There is parking by the seafront however if you are visiting on Sunday when the fishing market is open finding a spot to park can be quite tricky.

The Southeast part of Malta is somehow less visited by tourists but this part of Malta is home to one of Malta’s hidden gems – The Blue Grotto. Not to be confused with Blue Lagoon, the Blue Grotto in Malta is a complex natural system of 7 caves, the sunlight, the deep blue water and caves reflect to create the most beautiful phosphorescent colours. The whole cave is illuminated with phosphorescent.

The blue grotto in Malta is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malta. A visit to the Blue Grotto is highly recommended. Skilled fishermen who have extensive knowledge of the area and the caves, and make use of a traditional Maltese fishing boats to help you explore the caves. The best time to visit Blue Grotto is from early morning to around midday. This is when the sun is in the best position and provides the best lighting for that illuminated effect. Many boat tours operate to take you inside the Blue Grotto from the Wied iż-Żurrieq, harbour. If you are driving, although there isn’t a specific address, head towards Żurrieq and you will find plenty of signs directing you to the blue grotto.

Blue Lagoon is based on a smallest Maltese island of Comino (it is so small that it only has five permanent residents and one hotel). There are small white sand beaches around the blue lagoon, however, the majority of the beach is rocky. The crystal clear azure water is what makes this beach lagoon one of the top things to do in Malta.

Blue Lagoon may be a tourist hotspot in Malta but it is a must visit at least once. The dazzling clear water makes it a great spot for snorkelling, there are also some coves and caves in the surrounding areas to explore, you will find many small boat tours that run to these caves from the blue lagoon. Along the coast, you will find vendors selling cocktails, juices and fruit salads in a pineapple. It can get very crowded especially around the summer months we highly recommend visiting early or later in the evening to truly appreciate the lagoon.

How to get to Blue Lagoon Malta:  Many day cruises run from all the major town in Malta. If you are looking to go to the lagoon independently the nearest departure point in Malta to the Blue Lagoon is Cirkewwa. 

Gozo is the sister island of Malta located just 20 minutes away by ferry. Although Gozo is an even smaller island than Malta we recommend spending a day in Gozo. This tiny island is a tranquil haven and has a lot to explore, with its rugged coastline, secluded beaches, valleys and even a winery. View our full Gozo Guide here.

Ghasri Valley also known as Wied il-Ghasri is a picture perfect narrow creek located on the coast of Gozo. Wied il-Ghasri is the hidden gem of Gozo, the beach is tucked in between impressive high cliffs and can be reached via a narrow staircase. It is a small beach but the calm crystal clear water hosts plenty of marine life making it a perfect spot for snorkelling. The popular cathedral cave ( also known as the blue dome ) commences from this spot. 

The surrounding areas of Ghasri Valley are also worth exploring, it is a great place for country walks or bike ride. Just over a mile from Ghasri Valley are 350-year-old rock-cut saltpans which are simply scenic and worth a visit. If you are lucky you could spot the locals harvesting salt from the pans during the summer months. 

How to get to Wied il- Għasri: The most convenient way to reach Wied il-Ghasri is via a car. As this is one of Gozo’s hidden gems, the hop on and off bus or the main tour operators do not cover this location.

Just over a mile from Ghasri Valley are 350-year-old rock-cut salt-pans which are simply scenic and worth a visit. They stretch about 3km and have been part of the culture in Gozo for numerous generations. It is still a fully functioning salt pan, so you cannot walk on these pans, however, if you are lucky you could spot the locals harvesting salt from the pans during the summer months.

The spectacular deep Blue Hole is a popular spot for diving, swimming and snorking. Divers from all over the world travel to Gozo to dive the Blue Hole, due to its distinctive natural characteristics and a wealth of marine life. Situated on the west coast of the island close to Dwejra Bay and one of the best places to visit in Malta and Gozo if you enjoy a thrilling dive.

The Blue Hole is an outstanding geological phenomenon made of naturally occurring granite that has produced a tunnel that leads into a sizable underwater cave. It is worth noting that the Blue Hole is not for the faint of heart since it requires a lengthy trek across rough rocks when fully equipped. Yet the payoff is a breathtaking dive that is considered to be among the greatest in the world. The dive usually starts with a fall through the Blue Hole, a confined vertical passageway that opens up to the ocean. You may see the intriguing rock formations and local marine life as you pass through the tunn

One of the things to do in Malta is visiting Dwejra Bay. It offers three major attractions, the well known Azure Window ( which has now sadly collapsed into the sea after a heavy storm ) it was not only mother nature’s impressive work but this was also a filming location for the Game of Thrones, the spectacular deep Blue Hole for diving and the circular lagoon known as the Inland sea where the water is calm and shallow making it a great spot for a swim. The Inland sea is ideal for swimming and snorkelling, there are also boat trips which run from the Inland sea and gives you a chance to explore the natural rock formations, caves and coves up close.

18Experience the Nightlife in St. Julians

Paceville in St. Julians is the nightlife capital in Malta. St. Julian’s is packed with nightclubs, bars, restaurants and even open-air clubs. St. Julian’s is also the home to many luxury hotels which house rooftops bars overlooking the city. Here you can find a wide variety of venues catering to all tastes, from sleek and stylish cocktail bars to pulsating dance clubs.

Paceville might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is certainly worth the experience. For those looking for a more laid-back evening, the Portomaso Marina offers a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes that overlook the stunning waterfront. Here you can enjoy a relaxing evening with friends, sipping on cocktails or sampling local cuisine. The Thirsty Barber is one of our favouriates in St. Julian’s. It is Malta’s first and only 1920’s prohibition-style bar, providing an excellent array of handmade cocktails made by expert mixologists.

Located to the north of the island is the well-preserved city of Mdina, also known as the silent city of Malta. This quieter part of Malta has a population of only 300 people and only a limited number of cars are allowed to enter. Mdina has the ability to make you feel like you have travelled back in time. Wander around the sleepy streets, explore the old town and historic sights the sleeping city has to offer.

In the evening as the sun sets the sleepy village is lit with lamps, it is simply magical and you will feel like you are the only people there. One interesting fact about Mdina is that is has been the filming location for many of Game of Thrones episodes.

How to get to Mdina: Due to the nature of the city, parking is very limited but you will find a few parking spaces right outside the Mdina’s entrance ( next to the playground). If you are planning to take the public transport. Take a look at the Route map here to help you plan your journey 

Over the years Malta has been a popular spot for many TV series and films like Game of Thrones, Da Vinci Code, Gladiator and many more. One movie that has left its marks and has been left intact is the 1980’s Popeye. It has now been turned into a family theme park. Even if you are not familiar with Popeye this man made village is worth visiting purely for its location. It is set against the Anchor bay with some of the clearest water you will ever see. During the summer months, this bay host a little waterpark along with boats rides to explore the bay. The Popeye Village is one of the top things to do in Malta particularly if you are travelling with kids. 

The historic Citadella, which is located in Victoria, or Rabat as it is called by the locals, the island’s capital, is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Gozo. The striking old walled city, stands out as Gozo’s most notable feature, a beacon seen from all across the island, with its unique skyline and towering military architecture. The structures and walls of the Citadella were built in the early 1600s and have been restored carefully whilst preserving much of the original architecture. It has stood the test of time and remains a significant part of Gozo’s heritage. Today, just a few families are housed behind the walls of the Citadel.

Housed within the walls are several museums such as The Cathedral Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Nature Museum, the Old Prison, the Old Gunpowder Magazine, the Grain Silos, the Battery, and the World War II Shelter. You could easily spend half a day exploring this beautiful ancient site and soaking in the views over Gozo. The majestic baroque Cathedral of Gozo, which is devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary can all be found in the plaza. Visitors are welcome to tour the walls and many sights inside the Citadella without paying anything. Nevertheless, certain places, like the cathedral and the museum of archaeology, charge entry.