Things to Do in Malta: The 10 Must-See Attractions

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a true open-air museum. The fortified city, with its imposing ramparts, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Every alley is steeped in history and brimming with treasures to discover. Among the must-sees in Valletta: St. John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace with its armory, or the Upper Barrakka Gardens, renowned for their famous “Saluting Battery” (daily cannon firings in Valletta).

A visit to St. John's Co-Cathedral alone justifies exploring Valletta. Behind an austere facade, the interior is simply breathtaking, undoubtedly the visit not to be missed during a stay in Malta. This unique place also houses the masterpiece “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist” by the painter Caravaggio, which overlooks the oratory. One can also discover 407 funerary marble artworks dedicated to the memory of the Knights of Malta, including 21 tomb monuments and 384 richly decorated tombstones.

The capital of Malta is a unique place, deeply marked by the legacy of the Knights of Malta. To fully appreciate the historical richness of the sites, it is recommended to take at least one guided tour of Valletta. A simple and enjoyable way to uncover the anecdotes and stories hidden behind every building.

The blue lagoon of Malta, more commonly known as the Blue Lagoon, is undoubtedly one of the must-see stops for any traveler wishing to visit Malta and discover the archipelago.

The lagoon is an inlet located between the islands of Comino and Cominotto. It is a shallow blue lagoon with translucent waters and a sandy bottom, giving it a Caribbean feel in the heart of the Mediterranean. The lagoon is also bordered by two small white sandy beaches, among the most beautiful in Malta, thanks to its exceptional setting. However, note that the beaches are very small and spots to lay a towel are scarce.

The Blue Lagoon and its surrounding coves are among Malta’s most popular attractions, drawing numerous tourists as well as snorkelers. For the more adventurous, it is also possible to tour the island of Comino to discover the Crystal Lagoon (much less touristy), St. Mary’s Tower, the Santa Marija Battery, or even an abandoned hospital dating from the Napoleonic era. A picturesque hike of about two hours, offering a guaranteed change of scenery.

Departures for the Blue Lagoon are made from the small port of Ċirkewwa, from where regular boat shuttles connect to Comino. Numerous cruises departing from Sliema or St Paul's Bay also allow visitors to reach the blue lagoon.

The former capital of Malta, Mdina (L-Imdina), is a magnificent fortified city nestled in the heart of the island. With only 250 inhabitants, it is the smallest municipality in Malta. A city that seems to have been frozen in time since the Renaissance, earning it the nickname "The Silent City".

Visiting Mdina is primarily about strolling through its narrow streets, with the highlight being the discovery of St. Paul's Cathedral, a 17th-century architectural gem adorned with precious marbles, frescoes, and an impressive painted dome.

Another must-see mentioned in all travel guides, a visit to Mdina almost invariably includes a stop at the Fontanella Tea Garden. This restaurant-brasserie, located near the ramparts, offers a breathtaking view of the Maltese countryside. Renowned for its delicious pastries, it is the ideal spot for a gourmet break in Mdina.

The Blue Grotto is an iconic geological site located in the south of Malta, in the town of Żurrieq. This spectacular location actually houses seven sea caves, the most impressive being the “Blue Grotto”, which stretches 43 meters long and plunges to a depth of 40 meters. The crystalline waters surrounding it, shifting between deep blue and turquoise green hues, offer a striking display. Several tens of meters below the surface, the seabed can be discerned thanks to the exceptional clarity of the water.

Highly popular with tourists, the Blue Grotto is a must-see attraction on the island. It is typically visited aboard a traditional Maltese boat, the Luzzu, offering an experience that is both authentic, immersive, and fun. The excursion generally lasts 20 minutes, and tickets are sold on site. To fully enjoy the light effects on the rocky walls, it is recommended to visit in the morning, when the sun enhances the palette of colors.

To admire the cave from another angle and capture the perfect shot, a panoramic viewpoint is accessible from the main road leading to Żurrieq. From this vantage point, one can observe the immense limestone arch. The Blue Grotto is a unique location that continues to amaze travelers in Malta with its forms and unparalleled atmosphere. A true natural jewel, the Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most remarkable sites.

Popeye Village (or Sweethaven Village) is a theme park located on the outskirts of Mellieħa. It was initially built for the filming of the musical “Popeye” in 1980. Since then, the original film sets, composed of numerous colorful wooden cottages, have been preserved and transformed into a tourist attraction.

In addition to the immersive experience, the park offers a multitude of attractions and activities for the whole family: inflatable water structures, a cinema, a comic book museum, mini-golf, shows, and more. An unmissable excursion for families traveling to Malta with children.

Tickets for Popeye Village can be purchased online or directly on site. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during events or peak season, as spots can quickly become limited. Fun and immersive, the visit will delight both children and those young at heart.

Often overlooked in travel guides about Malta, Mellieħa is nevertheless a destination well worth the detour. The town boasts several points of interest, with one major asset: its coastline.

Firstly, Mellieħa is home to the main beaches of Malta, including the iconic Golden Bay (Ramla Bay) located to the west, and Għadira Bay, the largest and best-equipped, situated to the east of the town. Other small beaches, such as Little Armier Beach or Paradise Bay, are also found to the north. For those who love relaxing or for families seeking a beach outing, Mellieħa is the place to go.

For hiking enthusiasts, trekkers, or simply those who appreciate undeveloped coastlines, Mellieħa is also the part of the island to favor, as it remains largely preserved from excessive urbanization. The coastal path that begins at Mistra Bay and ends at Coral Lagoon offers one of the most beautiful hikes on the island. This approximately 12 km walk traverses steep coastal trails in the heart of a preserved, sometimes lunar, landscape. Along the way, one can discover St. Paul’s Island, the secluded Imġiebaħ Beach, Għadira Beach, St. Agatha’s Tower (also known as “Red Tower”), and finally the famous Coral Lagoon, an impressive cavity carved into the rock.

Mellieħa is also a charming town that overlooks the sea with a breathtaking view. To fully enjoy the setting, the Sea View Cafe/Bar, located on the heights of the town, is one of the restaurants offering the best view in Malta.

Malta is famous for its chivalric past, but also for the top-notch archaeological sites the archipelago hosts. Several major sites are recognized for having an Exceptional Universal Value by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, including the 7 Megalithic Temples of Malta and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. These extraordinary sites, dating from the Neolithic period, are scattered throughout the archipelago.

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, located in Paola, is an impressive prehistoric underground complex dating from around 4000 to 2500 BC. Initially a sanctuary, it later became a necropolis housing the remains of nearly 7000 individuals. Carved out of limestone, the Hypogeum comprises three levels of funerary chambers with red ochre paintings, making it a unique archaeological site in Europe and a must-visit location. It is also at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum that one of Malta's most iconic works was discovered: the statuette of the sleeping woman, the "Sleeping Lady".

The megalithic temples of Malta are among the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world. Built with enormous blocks of limestone, they attest to advanced engineering and a unique prehistoric ritual culture. The temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, built on a cliff, are the most spectacular to visit. Ħaġar Qim impresses with its carved altars and statues, while Mnajdra intrigues with its astronomical alignment. These sites combine history and natural beauty, making them must-sees in Malta. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are located near the Blue Grotto, another site not to be missed; both excursions can be combined in a single half-day.

St. Peter’s Pool is a unique cove in Malta, a geological formation shaped like a basin, surmounted by a natural rocky promontory about 2 to 3 meters high. An ideal spot for diving enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, or simply travelers in search of an unusual swimming setting.

The site is located in Delimara (Marsaxlokk), not far from the famous fishing village. Access to St. Peter’s Pool is difficult by car, as parking is very limited, and it requires a walk of about 500 meters along a steep road—but the effort is well worth it.

Very popular in Malta, especially among young people, the spot tends to get crowded during peak season, but it is nevertheless worth a visit. About a hundred meters away, in the direction of the “Remarkable Stones”, a small cove offers a quieter spot for a swim, away from the crowds.

It is important to note that the site is unfortunately not suitable for people with reduced mobility. It is also recommended to wear water shoes to protect your feet and to visit only during calm weather. As the cove is exposed to waves, swimming at St. Peter’s Pool can become dangerous in rough seas.

The Three Cities comprise the three towns facing Valletta: Cospicua (Bormla), Senglea (L-Isla), and Vittoriosa (Il-Birgu). These three towns are famous for having been the scene of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, thus holding great symbolic importance.

They were built as small fortresses during the era of the Order of Malta and the great maritime battles. The ramparts and fortifications carry the memory of the great siege that took place on the Grand Harbour. The Three Cities offer a fascinating glimpse into Malta's history and provide beautiful viewpoints from atop the ramparts.

To visit the Three Cities, the ideal is to cross the Grand Harbour by boat from Valletta, then explore the narrow streets of these emblematic towns. Vittoriosa is undoubtedly the most interesting of the three. It houses many buildings marked by the legacy of the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, such as Fort St. Angelo or the Inquisitor's Palace. To better understand the importance of each monument and uncover the history of the Great Siege, it is highly recommended to take a guided tour of the Three Cities.

Nestled in the south of Malta, Marsaxlokk is a charming coastal town renowned for its iconic fishing port and authentic atmosphere. The town is famous for its picturesque harbor that hosts numerous luzzu—traditional Maltese boats with bright colors, adorned with the iconic Eye of Osiris believed to protect sailors at sea.

Every Sunday, Marsaxlokk comes alive with its famous fish market, a must-visit event where the flavors of the sea mingle with local authenticity. Locals and tourists wander among stalls brimming with fresh fish, seafood, and artisanal products, offering a unique sensory experience.

For travelers in search of discoveries, the town also offers pleasant walks along the waterfront, dotted with cafes and restaurants serving Maltese specialties. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a grilled fish dish accompanied by a glass of local wine while admiring the view of the port. On Sundays, it is recommended to visit the market early in the day to fully enjoy it and avoid the crowds.