About malta
Make the
Most of Maltese islands
The Maltese archipelago, located in the central Mediterranean, consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta, the largest island, is the cultural, commercial, and administrative center, known for its vibrant history and densely populated urban areas. Gozo, the second largest island, offers a more tranquil and rural ambiance, with its scenic hills, traditional fishing villages, and ancient ruins. Comino, the smallest of the three, is largely uninhabited and famous for its crystal-clear waters and the Blue Lagoon, a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. Despite their small size, these islands boast a rich history that spans over several millennia, featuring a unique blend of cultures and architectural influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British.
Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s capital, is rich in historical and cultural sites. The Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, though modest from the outside, boasts a lavish interior with gold decorations and notable paintings by Caravaggio, along with tombs of nearly 400 Grand Masters of the Order of Malta beneath its marbled floors. Nearby, the Grandmaster’s Palace impresses with its extensive Armory, showcasing over 5,000 pieces of armor and weapons.
Republic Street and Merchant Street offer vibrant shopping and dining options, while the Manoel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest, adds cultural flair. Fort Saint Elmo, home to the National War Museum, and the National Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a diverse collection from the Order of Malta, are also key attractions.
The Barraka Gardens, divided into Upper and Lower sections, provide serene views and historical points of interest like the Saluting Battery, which fires daily at noon, echoing Valletta’s rich heritage.
Blue Lagoon and Comino island
Comino, a small island nestled between Malta and Gozo, may be tiny in size but is immense in reputation, thanks to the stunning Blue Lagoon with its turquoise waters. Daily shuttle boats ferry tourists from Malta and Gozo to Comino, making the Blue Lagoon an extremely popular destination. To ensure a smooth trip, it’s highly recommended to purchase boat tickets in advance. There are several options for reaching Comino: a classic boat trip, a larger catamaran experience, or a more extensive sailboat journey that includes other bays, snacks, wine, and lunch with free transportation from Malta. For a truly exclusive experience, a private VIP boat tour offers personalized service with stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, and a visit to the Comino sea caves.
Rabat & Mdina
Mdina, Malta’s former capital, holds a rich medieval history, earning it the nickname “Citta Notabile” or the noble city. Though once the hub of governance, it’s now adored by tourists for its tranquil streets and historic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Vilhena Palace. Nearby Rabat seamlessly complements Mdina’s charm. Highlights include St. Paul’s Church and Catacombs, St. Agatha’s Catacombs, and the Domvs Romana museum. Together, they offer a glimpse into Malta’s storied past, making Mdina and Rabat essential stops for history enthusiasts.
Three Cities
From Valletta, reaching the Three Cities is a seamless journey. Start at the Upper Barrakka Garden and take the panoramic Barrakka Lift down to street level. Continue left to find the boat departure point, where tickets are available onboard. A round trip costs 2.80€ per person and the boat ride takes just 10 minutes. You’ll arrive in Birgu, the largest of the Three Cities, which also includes Senglea and Cospicua. Each city boasts unique features but shares stunning views over Valletta. The best way to explore is simply by walking. In Birgu, notable sites include Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Malta Maritime Museum. Senglea’s Safe Haven Gardens offers one of the finest views of Valletta. For those interested in a deeper dive, consider a guided tour of the Three Cities that also covers Maltese wine history.
Gozo
Victoria, often referred to as Rabat by the locals, serves as the central hub of Gozo, offering excellent shopping and dining options. Its star attraction, the Cittadella, sits atop a hill and encompasses the Cathedral, an old prison, archaeological sites, and offers breathtaking views across Gozo from its ramparts. To the northwest lies the Djewra region, once home to the iconic Azure Window which collapsed in 2017, as well as Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea, and the Deep Blue Hole. Marsalforn, a lively beach town popular in the summer, features extensive 3km-long salt pans. The impressive Ta’Pinu shrine, visible from afar, stands on a small hill, while the Ta’Cenc cliffs offer a scenic 130-meter high viewpoint, ideal for drone photography. Ggantija temples represent some of the most remarkable and well-preserved historical sites on the island. For beach lovers, Ramla Bay offers the largest sandy beach in Gozo, making it a perfect spot for families.
Sliema
Sliema and St Julian’s are the primary tourist hubs in Malta, bustling with hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos, and shopping malls. These cities are ideal for those who thrive in vibrant settings and enjoy nightlife. However, they may not suit those seeking quieter locales. In Sliema, visitors can indulge in delicious meals at seafront restaurants that boast unique views over Valletta. Additionally, there is a popular promenade stretching from St Julian’s to Sliema and onward to Valletta along the coast. This promenade becomes especially lively during summer nights, attracting crowds and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Marsaxlokk
On Sundays, Malta offers a quintessential experience at the fish market in Marsaxlokk, an authentic fishing port renowned for its colorful luzzu boats. More than a mere seafood venue, the market features a variety of souvenirs and local products, attracting visitors with its large size and vibrant atmosphere. Often more affordable than similar markets in Valletta, it provides an opportunity to enjoy budget-friendly shopping. Along the port, numerous bars and restaurants offer the perfect setting for a relaxed lunch, where seafood is a popular choice, though pizzas and sandwiches are also available at typical Maltese prices.
St Peter's pool & Blue grotto
Close to Marsaxlokk, St Peter’s Pool is a must-visit natural attraction in Malta, known for its swimming conditions and popularity among children who enjoy cliff jumping. With limited shade, it’s less suitable for young children but offers additional natural pools nearby. Just a 10-minute drive from Marsaxlokk, it features easy access and free parking.
Nearby, the Blue Grotto, 2km from Zurrieq, is famed for its vivid blue waters and can be viewed from a lookout or by taking a 30-minute boat tour from Wied Iz Zurrieq port. Ensure to check the weather before planning a visit as tours may be cancelled during stormy conditions. Wied Iz Zurrieq also provides bars, restaurants, and a swimming area.
Dingli Clifs & red Tower
North of the Blue Grotto, the Dingli Cliffs are an impressive site, standing 250 meters above sea level and marking the highest point in Malta. They offer breathtaking walking paths (though caution is advised near cliff edges) and are particularly famous for their stunning sunsets, making them a favorite spot for photographers. Just a short drive away in Marfa, near Mellieha, stands the Red Tower or Saint Agatha’s Tower, constructed in 1649 as part of a network of towers built between Valletta and Gozo to guard against pirate attacks. Capable of housing up to fifty soldiers and armed with five cannons, its walls are notably red. For a small fee of 2€, visitors can tour the tower and enjoy panoramic views from the top, including sights of the White Tower, Saint Mary’s Tower on Comino Island, and Lippija Tower.
The Megalithic Temples of Malta
Malta and Gozo are home to several megalithic temples, some of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient structures were all built between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE. Notable temples include the Tarxien temples in the city of Tarxien, the Hagar Qim temples near Qrendi in South Malta, the Mnajdra temples just 500 meters from Hagar Qim, and the Ggantija temples on Gozo Island. For those interested in delving deeper into the history of these remarkable sites, consider opting for a guided tour. This typically includes transportation from your hotel and visits to three key locations: Ghar Dalam Cave and its museum, along with the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples.
How to get here
From MIA: Lines X2, TD2 will take you Ross stop, in the close vacinity of Antoniel Suites
