Situated in the south of the Mediterranean, Malta, despite its small size, is a country full of things to visit, discover and do. Take a minute to read through our selection of the 9 best things to do in Malta.
1. Go on a trip to the Comino Island (from USD 27.0)
Are you dreaming of clear, pristine blue waters and a lazy day on a boat? Search no more, a trip to the Comino Island is exactly what you need! Expect a day filled with laughter, beautiful sightseeing and a good tan!
Tip from Content Creator
If you're looking for somewhere sunny and warm to visit in Europe in mid-October, I can't recommend Malta enough. Coming during this time means it’s cheaper and waaaay quieter for exploring. If you visit, make sure you fit in a trip to beautiful Comino Island to visit the fabulous Blue Lagoon.
Comino and Blue Lagoon Cruise
Duration: 8 hours
2. 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Tour
Did I hear you say “winter is coming”?! Fans of “Game of Thrones” will be delighted with this tour of Malta, highlighting the filming location spots. Get up close to the ancient forts, parkland and streets that set the scene for the Red Keep and King’s Landing — among other top sites — in season one and two of the series. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes trivia about the series as you explore Mdina, Rabat and more.
Malta 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations Full-Day Tour
Duration: 9 hours
3. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral
Being one of the smallest countries in Europe, with 246 square kilometers (95 square miles) only, one would expect Malta and its islands to have just a few architectural gems, but the Catholic tradition is very strong and present in the country. As a result, Malta counts not less than 359 churches (313 in Malta and 46 in Gozo)!! This means that we will find a bit more than one church per square kilometer (three and a half churches per square mile).
That being said, if you have to visit only one cathedral/church in Malta, let it be St John’s Co-Cathedral. Built between 1572 and 1577, this cathedral’s architecture follows the European Baroque style. The interior of the cathedral was originally very modest but the grand master Raphael Cotoner ordered in 1660 the re-decoration of the interior to ressemble the rival churches of Rome. Annexes on the side were later on added and feature the coat of arms of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena who reigned from 1722 to 1736.
The cathedral has nine rich chapels, one dedicated to Our Lady of Philermos and the rest dedicated to the patron saints of each of the Order’s eight langues: Chapel of the Langue of Auvergne; Chapel of the Langue of Aragon; Chapel of the Langue of Castile, Leon and Portugal; Chapel of the Anglo-Bavarian Langue (the Chapel of Relics); Chapel of the Langue of Provence; Chapel of the Langue of France; Chapel of the Langue of Italy; Chapel of the Langue of Germany.
An entry fee applies, however prayers are not subject to any charge. If your intention is to pray, please inform the staff at the main entrance and you will be guided to the designated chapel.
St John's Co-Cathedral
Address: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Website: St John’s Co-Cathedral
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4. Visit Mdina old city
Mdina (also known as Città Vecchia or Città Notabile), is a fortified city in the North of Malta. Mdina used to be the capital of Malta from antiquity to the medieval period before Valletta became the official capital in 1571.
Mdina is nowadays one of the favorite attractions of Malta for tourists with its carless narrow streets, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The city earned its nickname of ‘the Silent City’ due to the fact that no cars are allowed. The architecture in Mdina is a mix from Baroque and Norman styles, including several palaces now used as private houses.
Make sure to combine your visit to Mdina with a visit of Rabat, a suburb of Mdina, which is now a lot bigger than the old citadel. Rabat is recognized as the birthplace of Maltese christianity and home of the infamous St Paul Church.
5. Walk the Valletta fortifications walk
Malta was built by the Knights of St John (the Knights of Malta) after they nearly lost the islands to the Ottoman Turks in the Great Siege of 1565. The fortifications were meant to protect Malta and add to the sea and rock cliffs some difficulties for possible attackers. The fortifications were so impressive that no country dared to attack Malta for more than 200 years. Nowadays the construction is still in a good condition and you will get impressive views of the island and sea while walking the fortifications of about 1 kilometer long (0.6 miles).
Valletta fortifications walk
Address: St. Mark street St Mark Street, Valletta, Malta
Website: Valletta fortifications walk
6. Go to the museum(s)
The National War Museum is one of the most popular museums in Malta and exhibits a collection from the Bronze age to 2004. As its name implies, the museum’s collection contains artifacts related to the military history of Malta. The biggest collection relates to World War II and showcases photographs of Malta during the war, especially the civilian’s lives and the damages done to the country with the bombardments.
The National Museum of Archaeology collection contains artifacts from the Maltese islands from the prehistoric times. The collection is completed by a temporary collection in the Grand Salon on the second floor, with many artifacts of particular national interest.
National War Museum
Address: Fort St Elmo, Valletta VLT 1741, Malta
Website: National War Museum
National Museum of Archaeology
Address: Republic St, Valletta, Malta
Website: National Museum of Archaeology
7. Go to the ancient temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra
Hagar Qim temples and Mnajdra temples are two complexes of megalithic temples, just 500 meters (0.3 miles) away from each other. These temples are considered amongst the most ancient religious sites on Earth.
Hagar Qim Temples
Address: Triq Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi QRD 2501, Malta
Website: Hagar Qim Temples
Mnajdra Temples
Address: Qrendi QRD 2502, Malta
Website: Mnajdra Temples
8. Go visit Gozo
Located just a few minutes by boat from Malta, the island of Gozo is home to beautiful rock cliffs and some infamous rock formations such as the Azure window (which is now collapsed) and the Dwejra bay. Make sure to visit St George Basilica, a historic Baroque church in Victoria, the main city of Gozo.
If you get the chance, spend about two to three days in Gozo and experience the laid back island lifestyle of the locals. Victoria is the perfect starting point for most excursions in Gozo and home of most of the restaurants, bars and shops of the island.
St George Basilica
Address: Charity Street, Victoria VCT, Malta
Website: St George Basilica
9. Malta Falconry Centre
Watch the falconers fly their well trained birds of prey and pretend for a day that you are in Harry Potter, training your messenger owl. The falconry is the perfect place for a chill afternoon with the family and to delight the little ones with a spectacular show. Get on the falcon protection gloves and let the owls and other bird species sit on your arm to snap your next viral social media picture!
Malta Falconry Centre
Address: Mqabba, Is-Siġġiewi, Malta
Website: Malta Falconry Centre
Surprising Malta
Malta is home to many activities, for families, couples, or groups of friends. Everybody will find something to fall in love with in Malta, from the clear, pristine blue waters, the impressive fortifications walls to a tour of the beloved “Game of Thrones” locations, there is definitely something for everyone!
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