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Malta might be small, but this Mediterranean island is gloriously diverse – boasting stone-age temples, fossil-adorned cliffs, secret coves, a remarkable history, and all the sun, sea, and sand you could wish for. And then there’s the beautiful island of Gozo, 5km northwest of Malta.
To shine a light on Malta and Gozo’s many charms, we’ve partnered with Visit Malta*. Whether you’re looking for ideas for things to do or recommendations for places to stay, you’ll find a wealth of information on site, as well as general tips and advice.
So, if you’re intrigued by what Malta and Gozo can offer, we’re here to help. Here are 10 things to do and places to visit – and for even more information, check out the Visit Malta website.
1. Explore Valletta Waterfront
Valletta is Malta’s grand and historic capital, full of beautiful buildings and intriguing nooks and crannies. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world, and because it’s small (only one km by 600m!), it won’t take long to explore. However, it’s best to do this slowly, as admiring its 16th-century elegance is worth taking your time over.
The Renzo Piano-designed City Gate, Parliament Building, and Opera House are popular sites, but the historic waterfront* is especially lovely. Also called Pinto Wharf, it once housed maritime warehouses, but today it’s a tourist hub full of restaurants, cafes, and bars housed in stately buildings. To make the most of your time here, you can download free interactive maps* on Visit Malta.
Explore more wonder with VisitMalta
Discover Malta’s timeless charm: stunning coastlines, rich history, and exquisite cuisine, plus 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Perfect for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural indulgence.
2. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral
Another must-see attraction in Valletta is St John’s Co-Cathedral*. Inside, you’ll find an incredibly lavish and ornate baroque interior, with marble floors, painted ceilings, and gleaming golden walls. Built by the Knights of St. John (a medieval Catholic military order based in Malta), 400 monuments honour them on the marble floor – with angels, skulls, and coats of arms dedicated to each knight.
Art enthusiasts should know that the cathedral is also famous for housing two Caravaggio paintings, including his largest (and only signed) piece. The decorative frescoes depict important scenes from the Bible. Be sure to head up the tiny staircase by the main door, which leads to a small gallery with gorgeous views of the church below.
3. Lose yourself in the streets of Mdina
Before Valletta, Mdina* was Malta’s original capital. It was called ‘Citta Notabile’—the ‘noble city’—and today, it’s still surrounded by imposing fortifications and impressive palaces. Mdina is ideal for anyone wanting to explore unique cultural and historical sites at a relaxed pace. Losing yourself in the pretty, labyrinth-like streets is a great way to pass the time.
And make sure you don’t miss the historical monuments here, too, like St. Paul’s Cathedral* and Museum and the 18th-century Vilhena Palace. Beneath the ground, there’s also a network of Roman-Byzantine tombs that are worth exploring. Climb down the steps to marvel at the tombs that range from small holes in the wall to elaborate four-poster tombs with arched windows.
Get 7 nights in Malta for £481pp this May
7 nights bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s including flights from £481pp in May.
4. Stroll through Barrakka Gardens
If you enjoy strolling around gardens and taking in gorgeous views, a visit to Barrakka Gardens should definitely be on your to-do list. Located by the Valletta waterfront, Upper Barrakka Gardens* is one of the most popular spots in the city and offers breathtaking views out to the Grand Harbour. You may find yourself coming back time and again just to sit on a bench and admire the panorama.
The upper gardens have grand colonnades, while the lower gardens* boast a beautiful temple. From the upper gardens, you can reach the Saluting Battery, an artillery battery built by the Knights of St. John that was used to salute foreign ships. It was also used by the British as an artillery battery after the Second World War – and is still working and in use today. If you’d like to see the cannons fire, make sure you visit at noon or 4pm.
5. Visit Lascaris War Rooms
If you’re interested in history, you may like to visit the Lascaris War Rooms.* During the Second World War, the War Rooms were used as top-secret British War Headquarters, and it was here that the Allies drew up plans for defending the Mediterranean. In these underground rooms, Eisenhower also gave his orders to invade Sicily and, today, they remain a powerful monument to Malta’s role in the war.
Visitors can explore the map room and the bunks, and admire the two wartime tanks on display – a ‘Matilda’ and an ‘M3 Stuart’. The communication system used during the war is still in place, and you can learn about it with an audio guide. Though the war rooms are underground, you don’t have to worry about stuffy air, as the ventilated air system used during the war still works today!
Get 7 nights all-inclusive in Malta for £795pp this May
7 nights all-inclusive at the four-star db San Antonio Hotel & Spa in St Paul’s Bay including flights from £795pp in May.
6. Go diving
Malta is known for being one of the best places in the Mediterranean to dive*. Beneath its crystal clear waters are mysterious wrecks* and cathedral-like caves to explore, as well as fascinating wildlife. One of the most popular shipwrecks is the HMS Maori, a destroyer sunk by the Germans in the Second World War. Due to its shallow depth and easy access, it’s a great site for beginners to explore.
Alternatively, head to Comino*, an uninhabited island between Malta and Gozo where underwater caves gleam with an otherworldly luminescence. The caves around Comino’s Blue Lagoon are also great for spotting octopuses and barracudas. Another diving spot is the Blue Hole, on the west coast of Gozo. The sparkly blue pool is a unique geographical formation that offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
7. Explore Marsaxlokk
If you’d like to get out of the capital, one of the best places to visit is Marsaxlokk, an authentic fishing village in the south of Malta. The harbour, with its bright-coloured bobbing fishing boats and busy restaurants and bars, can be a lovely place to spend the day. Keep an eye out for the menacingly glaring eyes painted on some of the boats’ prows – they’re meant to ward off evil spirits!
One of Marsaxlokk’s biggest attractions is its lively fish market*, held every Sunday. Whether you like fish or not, the market is a must-visit, as you can pick up other everyday items here too. It’s also a fun place to browse for unique souvenirs to take home. And, of course, if you consider yourself a seafood aficionado, Marsaxlokk is one of the best places on the island to enjoy fresh fish.
Get 7 nights in Malta for £481pp this May
7 nights bed and breakfast at the four-star Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s including flights from £481pp in May.
8. Visit the Tarxien Temples
If you’re interested in ancient history, you can’t visit Malta and not visit the Tarxien Temples*. Located in the small town of Tarxien, to the south of Valletta, the Tarxien Temples are the largest temple complex on the island, and the four different temples here date from 3,300 – 2,400 BC. Once the heart of the ancient Maltese community, the temples are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some temples are dedicated to the ancient goddess of fertility, and others to people buried at the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum – just a 10-minute walk away. The temples offer a fascinating insight into what life was like in prehistoric Malta – and admiring the huge doorways, stairs, altars, and ornate stone carvings of animals and people will give you a new understanding of the ancient Maltese people.
9. Take a ferry to Ramla Bay
Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Malta is Gozo*, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago so if you’re looking for a slice of peace, you’ll find that here. With a population of less than 40,000 people, Gozo is much quieter than Malta – and also has the best beaches. One of the very best is the beautiful Ramla Bay*, with red-golden sand situated at the bottom of a valley in Gozo’s north.
The area is blissfully undeveloped, though there are a few cafes, and it’s an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing. There’s plenty of history to discover, too. Roman remains lie beneath the sands, and on the western side of the beach, you’ll find Calypso Cave; according to legend, this is the cave featured in Homer’s The Odyssey, where the nymph Calypso detained Ulysses for seven years.
Get 7 nights all-inclusive in Malta for £795pp this May
7 nights all-inclusive at the four-star db San Antonio Hotel & Spa in St Paul’s Bay including flights from £795pp in May.
10. Take a trip to the Victoria Citadel
In Gozo, all roads lead to the capital Victoria, in the centre of the island. Like Mdina, Victoria has its own citadel*, which is perched atop a hill and visible from almost all parts of the island. Though the citadel was built in medieval times, it’s been beautifully restored, and you can admire Byzantine and Roman-style architecture behind the fortified walls, and enjoy glorious views from the battlements.
Remember to check out the prison here, as well as the elegantly baroque Cathedral of the Assumption – and, once you’ve got your fill of architecture and history, the rest of the city awaits. The bustling market square, It-Tokk, is an exciting place to people-watch or pick up a few bargains, so it’s worth leaving plenty of time to check it out!
Final thoughts...
Whether you’re more interested in art and culture, relaxing on the beach, or eating fresh and tasty food, Malta is an ideal holiday destination. With a flight time of just over three hours from the UK, the famously beautiful waters and sunny skies are only a short trip away – and there’s so much here to keep you occupied.
For further inspiration, head over to the Visit Malta* website, where you can find all kinds of information, tips, and guidance. From things to do to advice on booking your trip, and even downloadable guides, maps, and brochures, it’ll help you explore Malta (and Gozo) like a local.
Have you visited Malta or Gozo before – or has our article inspired you to think about booking a trip? Or do you have any of your own Malta travel tips you’d like to share with our readers? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Explore more wonder with VisitMalta
Discover Malta’s timeless charm: stunning coastlines, rich history, and exquisite cuisine, plus 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Perfect for travellers seeking relaxation and cultural indulgence.