Officially known as the Republic of Malta, this beautiful South European island country is a great spot for tourists to plan an amazing vacation. An archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, tourism is an integral part in Malta and it contributes nearly 15% to the nation’s GDP. This world-class tourist destination is uniquely charming with 300 days of sunshine and the perfect spot for people looking for a break. Malta’s capital city Valletta is sought after by travelers for its charm. Here they can explore the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor, Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Upper Barracca Gardens and the Museum of Archaeology. History lovers can pay a visit to the Wignacourt Museum in Rabat, where they will come across an extensive collection of Punic-Roman artifacts. Adrenaline junkies can take a short ride from Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq to the Dingli Cliffs. Enjoy hiking on a short walking trail here to reach the highest point from where you can admire the breath-taking seaside panoramas. Families with children can unwind at the Blue Lagoon in the Comino island. Laze on the white-sand seabed or enjoy swimming and lounging on inflatable cabanas. Check out the best things to do over the summer holidays in Malta.
Get some more insights about Malta by checking out our interview with Veshali. She’s recently visited the wonderful island republic and has loads of tips worth listening to.
1. Bask in the sun and admire the scenery
Start your full-day excursion to discover the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago – Gozo. Odysseus is said to have been stranded here for seven years. This place boasts amazing hotspots including the Dwejra, the Citadel of Rabat and the ancient Ggantija Temples. Head to the island after a 20-minute ferry crossing and learn about the historical events and legends that have shaped this beautiful island. Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, which has a history of more than 5500 years. After that, tourists can pay a visit to the Citadel in Rabat - the island’s historical capital. Dwejra is another popular tourist destination, where you can click Instagram-worthy photos before heading to the fishing village of Xlendi.
Book Tours : Full-Day Gozo Island Tour from Valletta
2. Visit the silent city of Mdina
Popularly known as Città Vecchia or Città Notabile, Mdina is a fortified city in the Northern Region of Malta. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this silent city, and walk on the old ramparts to admire the stunning views across the island. Strategically situated in the center of the island, tourists can click innumerable pictures of the spectacular mix of architecture embedded within the walls. St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina is a famous tourist spot, which has a beautiful dome and artifacts that should be visited. Filmed as the capital city of King’s Landing in the popular television series Game of Thrones, this place has gained fame and attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Book Tours : Mdina and Rabat: Guided City Walking Tour
3. Treat yourself to a pastizzi
Pastizzi is a traditional savory pastry, which is filled with either ricotta or mushy peas. Enjoy your breakfast with this traditional street food, while you take a stroll down the streets of Malta. Malta Pastizzi in Valletta is one of the best-known locations, where you can find these crispy cheese snacks at 30 cents.
Malta Pastizzi
Address: 57, Merchant Street Valletta VLT, 1172, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: .01 USD
4. Catch a show in one of the world's oldest theaters - Manoel
Catch a live performance at Europe’s third-oldest working theater, which was built under the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Operating since 1732, tourists visit here often to admire the interiors and the blue and gold combination of the main auditorium. Offering seats to 623 people, this theater features a white-marble staircase and a courtyard bar, along with a homey ambiance. Showcasing various forms of art like music concerts, a rock or folk concert, opera shows, and ballet recitals, this place is a must visit.
Manoel Theatre
Address: Old Theatre Street, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Website: Manoel Theatre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 1pm, 5pm - 7pm, Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
5. Join the party at the Malta International Fireworks Festival
Organized by the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta Tourism Authority, tourists can become a part of the Malta International Fireworks Festival. Held especially during the summer, these festivals usually take place in the villages, where they celebrate their respective patron saints. This festival is very lively and colorful and lights up the Maltese skies. People come all the way to witness the participation of international pyrotechnic companies in this festival.
Malta International Fireworks Festival
Address: Building SCM 01, Suites 301-306, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli SCM 1001, Kalkara, Malta
6. Explore the historic forts
Cruise in a traditional Maltese boat along the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour, while you learn about the historic cities and forts. Stop by the busy dockyards and marinas to explore Malta’s living past and see the battlements and creeks. Boarding from Sliema Ferries, this cruise will pass by the two natural harbors and their ten creeks. Visitors can learn about the history of Valletta, Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa, which date back to 1565. A live commentary is provided to guests on the cruise as they learn how the cities played an important role during the siege of Malta during World War II. Enjoy this relaxing cruise with a glass of wine from the fully stocked bar.
Book Tours : The Best Traditional 2 Harbours Day Cruise of Malta
7. Explore the Blue Lagoon's shimmering turquoise waters
Swim, snorkel, and admire the enchanting beauty of the Blue Lagoon’s shimmering turquoise waters. Enjoy the cruise trip to this natural marine oasis where you can spend maximum time in the crystal-clear waters. Head to the Sliema ferry dock to board the cruise, which leaves at 10:30 am for a 7-hour exquisite experience to the Comino’s Blue Lagoon. If you are not interested in getting into the water, sit back and relax in the air-conditioned cabin packed with snacks and beverages, or bask in the sun on the upper deck. Nestled amid the small island of Comino and the smaller islet of Cominotto, Blue Lagoon is a basin of clear water with a white sandy bottom. Tourists can enjoy snorkeling and click pictures of the abundant marine life in this area.
8. Witness Malta's most beautiful spot - The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is one of the most-visited spots in Malta, where tourists can witness how the sunlight turns the pools of sea caverns into numerous shades of brilliant blue. Situated on the southern coast of Malta, these caverns are nestled across the small uninhabited islet of Filfla, and to the west of Wied iz-Zurrieq Harbor. Visit the cave’s unique location to see the amazing reflections in the mesmerizing blue waters. Sometimes the caverns also act as a mirror, through which you can see the brilliant phosphorescent colors of the underwater plants. If you visit this place during perfect weather conditions, you can enjoy a 20-minute boat ride around the caves at an additional charge.
9. Set sail for the three cities - Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea
Explore the winding streets lined with historic churches and landmarks in the beautiful cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea on a half-day tour. Get ready for a morning departure from your hotel to explore the three cities and learn their history. Head to the double-fortified harbor city of Cospicua, where you will drive past the streets and attractions. Take a walking tour of Vittoriosa where you can click pictures of the historic landmarks and gain knowledge about the long history of sailors, merchants, and warfare. The island city of Senglea is the last stop, where you will find out how it resisted the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Book Tours : Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour
10. See temples older than the Pyramids
Tour Malta’s Megalithic Temples, which are known to be older than the pyramids, dating back as early as 3600 BC. Take a half-day tour from Valletta to explore the Temples of Tarxien, Ghar Dalam or the “Cave of Darkness” and the Ġgantija temples of Hagar Qim. Visit the prehistoric temple of Hagar Qim, which is solely made of globigerina limestone overlooking the islet of Filfla. Head to the Megalithic Temples of Tarxien, which are standing here since 3000 BC. Last but not least, visit the Ghar Dalam, where you will come across the fossilized remains of prehistoric animals from the glacial period.
Soak in the serenity of Malta
Brimming with cultural and natural beauty, Malta is an all-year-round destination. Awarded for having some of the cleanest seas in Europe, and for being the third-best diving location in the world, it also has the world’s most scenic airport. With a palm-tree fringed landscape, picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports and old fishing villages, Malta is the perfect getaway.
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