Malta is a stunning archipelago in the Mediterranean, nestled between Sicily and the North African coast. This island is a melting pot of cultural influences from the Romans, Moors, French and British. Making Malta one of the best destinations to visit in Europe.
Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. This makes it a perfect city to explore on foot and an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Enjoy slow mornings with a coffee at one of the cafés lining the steep streets, and watch the world go by.
What to visit in Valletta?
Grand Palace
The most visited site in Malta is the Grand palace. During the British period, the palace served as the Governor’s Palace and was the seat of Malta’s first constitutional parliament in 1921. Today, it is the seat of the Office of the President of Malta.
The armoury room is not to be missed. It showcases historic weapons and armour used to defend the Catholic faith against attacks of the Ottoman Empire. The armoury collection is considered one of the best in the world and includes the armour suits of Grand Masters Alof de Wignacourt and Jean de Valette, Ottoman weapons and armour, as well as a selection of artillery pieces.
Tickets can be purchased online, at electronic kiosks, or at the staffed counter.
St. Johns Cathedral
St. Johns Cathedral is one of the most luxurious cathedrals I have ever seen. Built in the 1570s for the knights of St. John, the church boasts a breathtaking Baroque interior. Its Caravaggio masterpieces, ornate ceiling murals and marble floors make it a must-see visit. Entrance is 15 EUR.
Upper and lower gardens
In need of a break? Visit the upper and lower Barrakka gardens. The upper gardens offer stunning views over the Grand Harbour and the three cities Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua. The Lower Gardens also provide beautiful views of the Grand Harbour and are the best spot to watch cruise liners entering and leaving the city. Twice a day, military officials fire cannons to commemorate the navy.
Where to eat? Order a cheese board and enjoy a glass of wine from Trabuxu Wine bar
Birgu
One of the oldest cities in Malta and a quieter place to visit is Birgu. From Valletta, this fortified city is easy to reach by ferry or by a local boat. The traditional Maltese boats look very similar to those in Venice.
A walking tour is a popular way to learn more about the history of Birgu. Other points of interest include Fort St. Angelo and The Inquisitor’s Palace.
Where to eat? Popular places to eat are France M’en Bon and Mykonos by Yiamas
Mdina
Our first trip in Malta was to Mdina. Also known as the Silent City, it is just a 20 minute drive from Valletta. Wandering through the narrow streets of the former capital feels like stepping back in time. It’s no surprise that films such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator were filmed here.
Rabat
When visiting Mdina, be sure to also make your way to Rabat, just a 10 minute walk away. To get there, stroll through Howard Garden, a beautiful public park. In July, Rabat comes alive during the Feast of Saint Paul, featuring concerts, cultural events, and spectacular fireworks. The famous St. Paul’s Catacombs, the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta, are also located here.
Marsaxlokk
St Peter's pool
St. Peter’s Pool is a 20 minute drive from Birgu and a wonderful spot for a relaxing morning by the sea. This natural pool has steps that lead straight into the crystal-clear water, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take the plunge and jump in. Don’t forget to bring your snorkelling gear, as there is plenty of marine life to discover.
Fish market Marsaxlokk
After your swim at St. Peter’s Pool, take a short drive to Marsaxlokk. In this charming fishing village you’ll find plenty of excellent seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day. If you’d rather buy fresh fish yourself, plan to visit the lively Sunday market in the morning before heading to the pool.
Other activities to do in Malta
Deep sea fishing
If you enjoy fishing, Malta is the place to be. Bluefin tuna, albacore, mahi-mahi, swordfish and amberjack are some of the larger game fish found in the waters around Malta. Specific catches depend on the season. My partner went deep sea fishing with Island Fishing Malta.
Scuba diving
Malta is one of the best places to go scuba diving in Europe. Dive sites are suitable for both beginners and technical divers. I completed my Advanced Open Water certification in Malta and added a deep dive and ship wreck to my list of underwater experiences. Check out DiveBase if you are thinking of becoming a certified diver. Popular dive sites include the Rozi tugboat, the P29 patrol boat and the Blue Hole in Gozo.
Wine tasting
Despite Malta’s modest size, the island has two unique grape varieties: Girgentina (white) and Ġellewża (red). In recent decades these local varieties have been blended with international grapes such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the wine that is produced in Malta is consumed locally. Excellent wineries to visit include Meridiana Wine Estate and Ta’ Betta Wine Estate.
How to get around?
By ferry
Gozo
If you would like to visit Gozo there are two options to get there:
- Gozo channel: This is a large ferry that also carries buses and cars. The ferry departs from Ċirkewwa (Malta) and arrives in Mgarr (Gozo). Ferries run every 15 – 30 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online.
- If you are not travelling by car the Gozo Highspeed is another option. This passenger-only service departs from Valletta and takes under 45 minutes to reach Gozo. Tickets can be booked online.
Comino
If you are planning a day trip to Comino, there are several ways to get there:
- Private boat operators offer a more exclusive experience, often including lunch and cocktails.
- The easiest and most budget-friendly option is to catch one of the regular Comino ferry services running between Ċirkewwa and Marfa, on the northern tip of Malta. These ferries operate frequently.
- If getting to Ċirkewwa is difficult, there are also operators leaving from Sliema, Bugibba, and St Paul’s Bay.
By plane
There are direct flights from Amsterdam to Malta, with a flight time of approximately three hours.
Transportation in Malta
Getting around Malta is easy, whether you prefer the freedom of driving or a more relaxed sightseeing option. Renting a car is relatively inexpensive and ideal for exploring the island at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit more remote beaches and villages.
If you don’t want to drive, the hop on – hop off bus is a convenient alternative. The bus operates both a north and south loop, covering major attractions across the island. Some ticket options even include a cruise and a day trip to Gozo, making it a great all in one option for first-time visitors.
Want to visit the other islands?
Check out the itineraries for Comino and Goza.
