The Top Places to Visit in Malta
Are you thinking of taking a holiday to Malta but wondering what to do or the best places to visit?
A gem in the south Mediterranean Sea, Malta offers sparkling blue waters, a hrich history, and fascinating local culture. Its southerly position means 300 days of sun a year, and it is one of the warmest European destinations, even in the shoulder seasons.
Whether you're wandering through the honey-coloured streets of Valletta, admiring frescos in breathtaking cathedrals, or soaking up the sun on the beach, Malta promises a blend of adventure and relaxation.
This guide has been designed to uncover the top places to visit in Malta, ensuring you don't miss a thing on this sunny European island nation!
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Shoulder Season: April-early June & late September-early November
A delightful time to explore Malta, spring and autumn are warm and sunny without the suffocating heat. These conditions make it an ideal time for sightseeing, hiking, and visiting historical sites without the tourist throngs that summer brings.
Summer Season: June-early September
Due to rising temperatures in the Mediterranean, the main summer season in Malta now stretches into early September.
This is the perfect time to visit for sunseekers and those wanting to take a dip in the island's crystal-clear waters.
Tourist sites get crowded and accommodation is more expensive, but days on the water during this time are unmatched! Don't be surprised if temperatures hit the 30s.
Winter Season: November-March
There is no bad time to visit, not even winter.
Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C and there are regular sunny days, this is great for those seeking a quiet getaway without the crowds.
Best towns to visit in Malta
With cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and picturesque views, Malta is home to some of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean.
Many of these places are vibrant centres of daily life despite looking more like a movie set. Spring and summer bring bustling cafes hidden within grandiose stone houses.
Prepare to journey back in time as you walk through narrow walkways and take traditional gondolas from town to town. Malta is brimming with culture and has so many stories to tell...
Valetta
I thought I would start with the obvious, Valetta, the modern day capital city of Malta.
Malta is a must visit, steeped in grandeur and elegance, filled with beautiful buildings tucked inside huge fortress walls.
Baroque architecture welcomes visitors, built after the Great Siege of 1565. The city is described as being 'built by gentlemen, for gentlemen', with Pope Pius IV sending his most highly regarded engineer, Francesco Laparelli, to build a city as a fortress as well as a cultural masterpiece.
The city today is a designated World Heritage City and a fine example of modern city planning. Built as a grid system atop a number of hills, Valetta was one of the first European cities to have been constructed as an entirely new site.
There are plenty of things to do, including the Upper Barrakka Gardens (with amazing harbour views!), the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral, watching a live performance at the Royal Opera House, and a tour around the The Grandmaster's Palace.
Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Located on the Grand Harbour, Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is one of Malta’s historic Three Cities.
Quiet but beautiful, Vittoriosa is a great city to visit during the afternoon when nearby Valetta is filled with people. The city stretches back to the Middle Ages, visitors can walk along the same winding streets as the Knights of St. John who made the city their base.
The waterfront is a beautiful spot for a leisurely lunch, with a line of carefully restored warehouses that have been converted into an array of shops.
The Fort Saint Angelo is a must see, once the grand seat of the Knights of Malta, visitors can learn all about the island's past.
Despite it being called a city, the old town is tiny and easily explored on foot. In the evening there is a gentle glow, giving the city an even more romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a tipple at a local wine bar and experience the rich soul of Malta.
Victoria (Gozo)
Often known as Rabat, Victoria is the capital of Gozo, the second largest of the Maltese islands.
The city is more like a quaint town, where modern life effortlessly weaves its way into historically rich surroundings. The Citadel sits above the city, an unforgettable and must-visit landmark offering breathtaking views over the island.
The town centre is bustling with activity, boasting many tourist shops, cafes, restaurants, and even pubs. The market square comes alive with local artisans and shopkeepers displaying their crafts and produce.
The Citadel, or Citadella, is a historic fortress with imposing fortress gates. Inside, visitors can discover a beautifully restored ancient city.
Here you can find the Gozo Archaeology Museum, displaying artifacts that date back to the Neolithic period, as well as the old prison, complete with graffiti carved by former inmates.
Mdina
With a history stretching back over 4,000 years, Mdina is the old capital of the island.
Virtually car-free, this walled city is filled with medieval and baroque architecture and has a mysterious and fascinating past. Tradition states that the Apostle St Paul lived in Mdina after being shipwrecked on the islands in 60 AD.
As you wander through the narrow streets, each turn reveals historic palaces and stately homes, many of which have been inhabited by noble families for generations.
It was here in which the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords lived during the 12th century, with some of their direct descendents still living here today.
In the heart of the city is the impressive St. Paul's Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece with a breathtaking interior and museum, offering a deep looking into the islands spiritual and religious past.
Marsaxlokk
Pretty but small, Marsaxlokk is a fishing village on the southeast coast of Malta.
Best visited in the morning, Marsaxlokk is home to a popular market. It offers everyday items such as local honey, jams, wine, vegetables, souvenirs, and clothes, as well as fresh fish and seafood.
The seafront is dotted with quaint seafood restaurants overlooking the fishing boats, the perfect way to enjoy a long and relaxing lunch. Many of the fishing boats are adorned with evil eyes, protecting the fishermen and their catch, and to ward off evil spirits.
These fishing boats are painted in bright colours, bobbing gently in the bay, a beautiful contrast to the clear blue skies.
Away from the market is a beautiful church, The Church of Our Lady of Pompei. The church was built by Marquess Rosalia Apap Viani Testaferrata as a fulfilment of a promise after she was saved fro the ocean during a storm.
Nearby is St Peter's Pool, a popular coastal spot, particularly with cliff jumpers and swimmers.
