Top Things to Do in Malta | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Malta's a small group of islands in the Med, yet it's full of surprises - thousands of years of stories, water so clear you can see right through, plus traditions shaped by Arabs, Italians, and Brits. Instead of just ancient ruins recognized by UNESCO - older than Egypt's pyramids - you'll also find hidden coves ideal for exploring underwater life. This place isn't only about old stones; there are sandy shores, tasty bites, lively streets, and moments that stick with you. If you're into past vibes, sunbathing, or hunting down local flavors, we've got the real highlights covered - no fluff, just what matters for your visit.

Dig into 15 top spots across Malta - packed with local secrets, handy info, and one-of-a-kind moments that'll help you make the most of your trip. While exploring these picks, expect offbeat finds instead of tourist traps; each location delivers something unexpected. Whether chasing quiet coves or ancient streets, this list keeps things real without fluff. So skip generic guides and go straight to what actually matters when planning where to go.

1. Wander Valletta's Baroque Streets

Valletta - the heart of Malta - draws you in with sunlit stone buildings, towering walls from the 1500s shaped by the Knights of St. John. Though small, it's packed with surprises: secret green spaces, detailed chapels, vistas that stretch out over the Mediterranean. Skip generic tours; instead, dive into narrow lanes full of life. Kick off at Upper Barrakka Gardens, where cannons fire every day at noon and again at four, booming above the harbor waters. Art lovers and history fans find plenty here - it pulls crowds, no doubt.

St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of Malta's top spots, featuring two powerful paintings by Caravaggio - the dramatic Beheading of St. John plus an unusual self-portrait - with detailed stone tiles laid out in sharp shapes underfoot. Tickets run €15 per adult while audio tours help unpack the lavish past of the Knights; set aside around 90 minutes to take in the wall hangings and prayer hall properly. Close by, the National Museum of Archaeology holds old Phoenician pieces that hint at what came long before modern Malta.

As night falls, Valletta gets buzzing with musicians playing on corners, walks by the water near Strait Street, while small shops hand out warm pastizzi - crispy pockets stuffed with peas or cheese. If you're after things to do in Malta that mix flavor and history, try a guided snack stroll (around €40–50), tasting slow-cooked rabbit plus fresh ftira flatbread. Bring soft-soled shoes - the slopes are tough on feet - or grab a day pass (€22) for open-top buses hopping key stops without effort.

Try this: Head there in January for the Valletta Baroque Festival - catch live music at old-world spots without charge, boosting your trip while dodging peak-season crowds.

2. Explore Mdina, the Silent City

Mdina sits atop Malta's tallest hill - its narrow lanes and old stone ramparts give it that hushed feel, plus no vehicles are allowed inside. It used to be the main city before the Knights showed up. Fans recognize it as King's Landing from Game of Thrones, thanks to its curved entrances and high fortress outlooks. You can walk in without paying, yet the exits shut near 10 at night; catch bus 50 or 51 from Valletta - it takes half an hour, costs two euros.

Inside, the cathedral's old dome from the 1600s shows painted Bible stories - check out the nearby museum if you don't mind tossing in five more euros. Head up the fortress walls to see everything around, stretching all the way to the ocean; it's best when the sun drops and lights the rocks on fire with color. Grab a quick bite at Fontanella where snacks come with killer outlooks, or go big at De Mondion, tucked in a rebuilt noble house, dishing updated local flavors such as slow-cooked octopus.

This spot in Malta stands out thanks to its old-world vibe, great for snapping photos or just sitting quietly. Pair it with a trip to Rabat's St. Paul's Catacombs (€6), a 1,500-meter maze of ancient burial tunnels, to fill a morning with history. Kids love the horse-pulled carts (€20 for 30 mins), whereas those into the past might check out the Mdina Dungeons show on how people were punished back in medieval times.

In low season, the quiet hits deep - grab a scoop from Gelato d'Arte to end your stroll on something cool.

3. Swim in the Blue Lagoon on Comino

Comino's Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular spots in Malta, known for its bright blue water surrounded by steep rock walls - perfect for spotting fish and floating through underwater plants while snorkeling. A small island sitting between Malta and Gozo pulls visitors who hop on boats leaving from Mgarr or Ċirkewwa (around €25–30 return, takes half an hour), sometimes pausing at coastal caves and another calm bay called Crystal Lagoon. The sea stays cozy no matter the season (can hit 28°C when it's hot), great for paddling around in a kayak, gliding on a stand-up board, or just chilling on stony shores.

Skip busy July-August weekends if you want space to relax; instead, catch morning boats at 9 AM - water's quieter then, perfect for swimming or snapping pics minus the beach chaos. Use local rental kits (just €10) or pack your own snorkel to see parrotfish and hidden octopuses; check out the shallow P31 shipwreck nearby, great for first-time divers. Expect to pay €15–20 for sunbeds and shade covers, while small stands sell cold juice and tasty burgers.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen - water shoes help on rocky shores while motion sickness pills come in handy when waves get rough. You'll see why this place stands out among Malta's sights; it bans plastics to keep waters clean. Adventurers can leap off cliffs at 5 to 10 meters if they check how deep it is beforehand.

Go longer by hiking the Comino Trail - it takes an hour, loops the island, reveals secret coves.

4. Discover Gozo's Azure Window Legacy

Gozo, Malta's second-biggest island, has rough trails along cliffs, old salt pools shaped by hand, also spots like Dwejra where the Azure Window once stood; now it's a hotspot for divers heading into the Blue Hole - down 30 meters full of big groupers. Boats leave Ċirkewwa every three-quarters of an hour (costs €4.65 for grown-ups, takes just 25 minutes), while local buses or rented rides make moving around easier. A place known as the Inland Sea offers calm boat rides - about €10 - that go directly to secret sea caves underneath.

Check out the Ġgantija Temples – they're more than 5,600 years old, older than Stonehenge, recognized by UNESCO; managed by Heritage Malta, you can get an audio guide showing how huge rocks got piled up (that's €9). Nearby, Ramla Bay has reddish sand beaches with gentle clay slopes ideal for swimming, plus stories of a secret mermaid hiding in one cave. Feeling like some wheels? Rent a quad bike (€40 daily) or take an e-bike instead (€25), either gives access to spots like Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs where wildflowers grow freely while hawks soar overhead.

Gozo feels slower than the rest of the island, great for laid-back lunches at Ta' Karolina - cheese from nearby farms mixes into greens along with snipped herbs. Instead of driving, walk the 7-kilometer trail from Victoria toward Marsalforn - spot cliffs along the way plus old stone remains atop Ta' Dbiegi ridge. While kids enjoy Popeye Village back in Malta, parents often catch a boat to explore Gozo's fortified town in Victoria, home to an ancient church and weekly stalls.

Grab a Gozo day trip (€50), includes smooth rides plus local tips from guides.

5. Dive into Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an ancient burial site recognized by UNESCO and dating back to 4000 BC, takes people deep underground through three levels where around 7,000 individuals were laid to rest - some areas built so sound would echo during ceremonies. Found by accident in 1902, it still shows traces of red artwork on walls along with etched symbols suggesting early spiritual practices. Entry costs €50 for grown-ups, but spots vanish weeks before due to high demand, bookable solely online through Heritage Malta - with no last-minute entries allowed. To protect the delicate structure, visits are limited to small batches of ten folks lasting just under an hour.

Check out the clever design: a big 10-meter hole in the middle, plus temple-like nooks on the surface. Just around the corner, the Tarxien Temples cost six euros - look for swirl patterns carved into stone, along with round female figures tied to birth and growth. Mix both spots for a deep dive into ancient times, hop on bus number 27 from Valletta - it takes half an hour.

This spot in Malta needs some prep, yet gives a wild experience - put on covered footwear, leave bags behind. Sound bounces around, adding to the creepy vibe, fueling ideas about old healing tunes.

6. Boat Tour the Three Cities

Birgu, Senglea, along with Cospicua - known as the Three Cities - stand watch over Valletta's port, their old forts dating back to the 1565 battle when invaders were turned away. Inside, you'll find shipyards plus storage hubs once used for war galleys that helped stop Napoleon. For a front-row look, hop on a local ferry - it costs €2.80 return and takes just five minutes - from Valletta's shoreline docks. Over in Birgu, the former Inquisitor's home now runs as a museum (entry €6), filled with eerie tools of punishment and records of past witch hunts during Church rule.

St. Lawrence Church amazes thanks to old paintings from the 1600s made by Mattia Preti; meanwhile, up in Senglea, the Gardjola Tower shows views all around plus holds statues tucked in green space. Evening boat rides cost twenty-five euros - lights make ancient walls glow, especially if you grab a meal loaded with fresh fish. Walk through Vittoriosa's defenses, following stone paths laid down ages ago by forced workers.

Explore Malta's spots tied to Knight legends - try a history walk (€30) full of battle tales. At night, hang by the water where bars pour cold Cisk beer.

7. Relax at Golden Bay

Golden Bay's wide stretch of yellow sand plus towering 50m cliffs turn it into one of Malta's top seaside spots - soft waves are great for paddling while activity zones provide kitesurfing (€60/hr) or jet ski rides. Just next door, Għajn Tuffieħa hides below 200 stone stairs leading to rust-colored shores. Loungers cost €20 daily when it's hot; you can park close by at no charge.

The sheltered side keeps wind out, great for families who want quick access plus spots close by to grab a ftira. Paths along the cliffs take you to quiet bays such as Għajn Riħana - perfect if you're into clothes-free tanning. Go between April and June or in September when the sea hits 25°C but tourists aren't swarming.

Sunset hangs low - pack a blanket, sip Maltese wine slow. Chill vibes hit hard near island gems.

8. Tour St. John's Co-Cathedral - go beyond the main sights, explore hidden corners

Inside Valletta's standout church, dim lighting sharpens the dark tones of Caravaggio's intense "Beheading" in the prayer hall. Along the main aisle, local craftsmen set intricate stone patterns - about 400 exact shapes - that reflect the knights' devotion. Woven scenes from Flanders show old wars; entry at €15 covers everything.

Vaults hold knights' graves - check out hidden chaplets on a tour (adds €5). No flash when snapping pics.

9. Hike Dingli Cliffs

Dingli Cliffs rise 250 meters - Malta's tallest - with walking paths stretching 8km. Breathe in wild thyme while watching falcons plunge toward crashing surf. Catch bus 74 from Valletta; takes about 45 minutes. No ticket needed to get in. From up top, you can spot Filfla island way off - a quiet refuge where birds thrive.

Picnic by caper shrubs; nearby chapel remains bring old tales. Wild blooms shine best from March through May.

10. Visit Blue Grotto Caves

The Blue Grotto features seven seaside caves on Malta's south shore - come sunrise, they light up in a vivid blue because sunlight bends through the clean Med water, hitting submerged rocks below. Close to Wied iz-Zurrieq, it pulls thrill lovers into snug boat rides (about €8 each, lasting half an hour), slipping between grottos such as the Cathedral Cave and the Honeycomb, where shimmering patterns flicker across pale stone surfaces. Go between April and October for smoother waves; access to the area is €10, while boats leave often starting at 7:30 AM so you skip the hot afternoon sun.

Head out early - before 9 - to dodge crowds; sunrise lights up the rocks in wild color. Try the Rabbit Beach path, about 1–2 klicks with some uneven ground, where ocean lookouts stretch forever. It's close to Ħaġar Qim Temples, only fifteen minutes by car if you want ruins mixed into your coastal day. Grip-ready footwear helps on slippery stones near the shore entry. If kids are along or swimming feels risky, hopping on a quiet boat ride gives fun without soaking. Snorkeling? Bring €5 for kit rental and check shallow zones packed with sea life like urchins and fish. Mornings here pack the biggest punch when shadows shift just right.

Locals say mermaids once lived in these caves - your boat driver might spill some wild stories while you cruise. Afterward, pick up a hot drink from one of Wied iz-Zurrieq's little stands or keep walking to find natural rock bridges shaped by waves. This slice of Malta shows off its rugged cliffs and glowing waters, ideal if you're snapping pics looking for that bright turquoise glow.

11. Shop and Dine in Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk, a bright little fishing town on Malta's south-east edge, wakes up each Sunday with a lively fish market right by the sea. Old-style luzzu boats, painted with staring eyes, float gently in the water - meant to scare away bad luck from old Phoenician times. Locals fire up grills selling fresh lampuki and swordfish straight off the boat, around €15–20 a plate. You'll find rich octopus pots and baked squid at seaside stands such as Nenu The Artisan Baker. Nearby, a posh marina brings higher-end picks like Picnic Island Restaurant, dishing out seafood spreads while you watch yachts sway.

Stroll back alleys to find handcrafted pots, lace bits, and tiny boats sold in local stores run by families. Get there before nine if you want close parking and a look at fishers hauling in morning hauls. Take bus 81 from Valletta - it's half an hour ride for two euros - or go by car when you need more freedom. Markets pop up Tuesday and Friday, though Sunday's the busiest, packed with folks, tunes playing loud, ideal spot to sip Kinnie while watching crowds pass by.

This Maltese spot mixes everyday vibes with travelers; bargain nicely for keepsakes, or wait till after 11 AM when street grills really heat up. Kids love the busy streets, whereas food lovers team trips here with walks out to Delimara Lighthouse for ocean views at dusk.

12. Explore Mosta Dome

Mosta's big round roof sits right in the middle of a quiet little town. Built way back in 1833, it stretches 37 meters across - one of Europe's largest domes made without steel support. Inside, sounds travel just right, so orchestras used to play here. One wild day in 1942, during Sunday service, a bomb smashed through the ceiling but didn't blow up - saving everyone inside. Around 300 people were there when it happened. Now, a fake version hangs where it landed, reminding folks of that strange moment. You can walk into the main hall for free and look straight up at the massive arch overhead. If you pay five euros, climbing up gives you full-circle sights: green fields, olive trees, even the faraway coast.

Take bus 44 or 45 from Valletta - it's just half an hour away, so reaching this top spot in Malta is hassle-free; plan around 45 to 60 minutes overall. Now and then during the year, you'll find live music here that highlights how sound bounces inside the dome - try snapping your fingers gently to hear it come back. Close by, a small church-run exhibit explains how builders raised walls with native stone, all done without today's heavy machines.

Walk around Mosta's plaza - grab arancini, sit awhile, soak it in. Perfect if you like old stories from wartime tucked into fancy stone buildings, hits harder when locals remember each year.

13. Snorkel at St. Peter's Pool

St. Peter's Pool is a rocky ledge carved by the sea on Malta's wild southern shore - jump off 10m cliffs into deep green water, 15 meters down, boxed in by towering 50m walls shaped by years of crashing waves. Next to it, smaller tide pools offer safer splashing for young ones or new swimmers; shallow spots heat up in sunshine, packed with parrotfish, damselfish, maybe even octopus - if you've got goggles bring 'em, if not grab a pair close by (costs about €5). No entry fee at all, reach it by taking bus 81 from Valletta - it'll take an hour, costs two euros - and what makes this spot special? It feels untouched, real, nothing flashy here.

Slide down the rocky trail slowly - grippy soles help. Watch sea levels if you plan leaps; deeper water shows up when it's low tide. Go early in the week, morning light keeps others away. Bring your own drinks plus munchies - there's hardly any shops around. Peek underwater near cracks and you might see eels hiding. Others just stretch out on flat rocks to catch some rays.

Some say it's where Saint Peter once baptized new followers - mix that with trails along high cliffs leading to secret bays. One of the best things to do in Malta if you're into raw southern landscapes and offbeat exploration.

14. Walk around Sliema, then head over to St. Julian's seafront path

Sliema plus St. Julian's share a lively 5-kilometer seaside path buzzing with fresh energy - trendy spots pop up beside Tigné Point's sleek stores, while Spinola Bay shows off shiny boats lit by nightglow. Nearby, Paceville kicks hard after dark, pumping electronic beats through more than a hundred venues nonstop until morning rolls in. Catching a ferry to Valletta costs five euros and takes just fifteen minutes, or hop on a bus if you'd rather; both keep things smooth for visitors. You can stroll the full stretch along the water in about one to two hours without breaking a sweat.

Dine on fresh picks from is-Suq Tal-Belt - think burrata bowls - or swing by The Strand when drinks flow under sea winds. Grab global labels at The Point mall, afterward peek at yachts docked in Balluta Bay. Folks with kids lean toward sunny walks and cones; after dark, crowds chase beats and bars.

This Maltese getaway mixes past vibes with modern perks - ideal starting point for nights ahead of Valletta boat rides.

15. Uncover Prehistoric Temples Beyond Hypogeum

Ħaġar Qim, sitting high above the sea close to Blue Grotto, lines up exactly with the sun during midsummer and midwinter days. Nearby Mnajdra does the same, hinting at smart sky watching way back when. Together they're part of Malta's ancient temple period - think 3600 to 2500 BC - full of carved spirals and chunky stone figures tied to birth rituals. For nine bucks you can visit both sites in one go. Today, lightweight roofs shield these old rocks from storms and salty air. You can hop on bus 74 from Valletta - it takes about fifty minutes - or grab a cab if you're short on time. Inside visitor spots, scale models plus virtual reality show how people followed seasons using only stones and stars, no written words needed.

Head to Ħaġar Qim's so-called "men's temple," where bold stone shapes stand out compared to Mnajdra's trio of rounded ends - set aside about 90 minutes altogether. The ocean backdrop brings a punch, most striking at sunrise when ancient light tricks play out. Tours, costing an extra five euros, reveal why this spot matters - it's a UNESCO site that beats the pyramids in age.

Bird lovers see uncommon birds - hang out close by to soak up calm vibes. These top spots in Malta hold clues to ancient times.

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FAQs: Top Things in Malta

What's worth checking out in Malta if you're visiting for the first time?

Visit Valletta's old churches first, then cool off at Blue Lagoon - great mix of past and sea time. Instead of just one spot, try Mdina's thick walls for a quiet walk. Skip the usual path by hopping on Gozo ferries or short boat rides to Three Cities. The underground temple needs prep - book weeks ahead through Heritage Malta. Plan a week to ten days so you're not rushed. Mix it up instead of rushing sights.

What's the ideal number of days to see Malta's top spots?

Seven days lets you hit Valletta, Gozo, Comino, along with sandy shores; ten opens up ancient sites plus local towns. Break it into Malta for four days, Gozo gets three, toss in side excursions. Use ferries combined with buses - makes getting around easier without hassle.

What's worth checking out in Malta away from crowds?

Dingli Cliffs hikes lead to quiet views, meanwhile Marsaxlokk markets buzz with color early morning. Over at Blue Grotto, sunlight breaks through water just after dawn, while Xemxija's old paths tell stories under olive trees. Catch a local bus - it shows up often - slipping past packed tour zones without delay.

Malta okay for families looking for fun stuff?

Golden Bay's beaches keep children busy, while Popeye Village adds laughs through playful scenes. The Mellieha sea life spot brings joy, whereas Mdina's old carts offer gentle rides near calm waters. Quick trips work well for families moving slow, especially when hopping between Malta's top spots.

What's the ideal moment to enjoy things in Malta?

Spring and autumn bring comfy temps between 22° and 28° - great time to explore Malta without the rush. Hot months fill up coast spots; cooler ones give calm vibes plus a chance to dive into old-town stories when it's around 15°.