If you’ve booked a holiday to Malta and are wondering what to do when you get there, do not fear. After touring the island for 2 weeks, we’ve assembled our top recommendations on places to visit in Malta. Whether you’re looking for sleepy beach towns or rich culture and history, you’re sure to find attractions that suit your interests.
Although Malta is a small country, it’s packed full of historic sites. It has been inhabited since before 5900 BC and has been influenced by countless empires and cultures, from the Phoenicians in 700 BC, to the Knights of St John in the 16th – 18th century. It also benefits from year-round warm weather and an excellent tourist infrastructure.
All the Malta attractions on our list can be accessed by hire car, tours or public transport. Being a small island, you can pack a lot into an itinerary, and towns are rarely more than 30-minute drive away from each other. If you have any questions about any of our recommendations, be sure to post a comment.
Mellieħa Bay
Starting our list of top places to visit in Malta with the north of the island, Mellieħa Bay is one of the most relaxing areas of Malta. It has long been the go-to resort area for families that want a traditional beach holiday in the sun. A long, sandy beach, seaside promenade and some nice beach cafes make it the perfect spot for a beach day.
If you get bored of the beach, check out the neighbouring nature park, which is free to visit.
The Red Tower
Also in the Mellieħa area, The Red Tower, or St Agatha’s Tower, is a large bastion watchtower that was built between 1647 and 1649. Malta has many coastal watch towers, but not many are quite as striking as The Red Tower. It’s perched on top of a hill overlooking Mellieħa Bay.
Coral Lagoon
Venture to the far north-east of the island and you’ll discover Malta’s most remote landscapes, views of the island of Comino and very few people. The Coral Lagoon area is much unlike the rest of Malta, and we highly recommend hiring a car to explore it in all its beauty.
Coral Lagoon is a unique open-air pool that has naturally formed from the coral cliffside. Peer through the hole in the rock face and you’ll see through a window to the sea. It’s the perfect spot for a coastal walk.
Paradise Bay
Paradise Bay is a bright, turquoise inlet on Malta’s north coast. Far away from the tourist crowds, this small but picturesque beach area has crystal clear water, white sands and views of the islands of Gozo and Comino in the distance. Swim in the sea, relax on the beach or hire a kayak and explore the surrounding coastline.
We recommend visiting Paradise Bay as part of a road trip around Malta’s Mellieħa region.
Golden Bay Beach
Probably one of the top places to visit in Malta for beaches and where you’ll find the best sunsets, Golden Bay is a strip of coastline to the west of the island. It’s a long sandy beach that doesn’t get too populated. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour, which contrasts nicely with the golden sand.
Drive to Golden Bay for an afternoon of relaxation in the sun. It’s one of the nicer sandy beaches and is perfect for families. A popular activity here is to join a horse-riding tour and go on an adventure around Malta’s rugged west-coast landscapes.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Just around the cove from Golden Bay, you’ll find the remote sandy beach of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. As it’s a little more difficult to get to than Golden Bay, there are far fewer tourists. It’s a nice place for an afternoon of swimming and relaxing, especially on the warmer days. We recommend starting your trip to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay at the tower viewpoint. You can then hike down the winding trail to reach the sand.
Bugibba and St Pauls Bay
There’s a good chance you might be staying in the St Paul’s/Bugibba area of Malta; after all, it is one of the most popular tourist resorts. Alongside the rocky beaches and many hotels and holiday apartments, it has a vibrant nightlife scene, plenty of restaurants, and is in a great location for boat and scuba diving trips.
Visit Bugibba for a traditional seaside resort experience. Go for a walk on the promenade with an ice cream, dine in one of the many bars and restaurants or walk along its long promenade. The town is home to the National Malta Aquarium, plus an excellent bird-watch park, Salina Nature Reserve. The wider St. Paul’s Bay area has some excellent beach coves to explore.
Mdina
The historic old city of Mdina one of the top-rated places to visit in Malta on Tripadvisor. Located in the centre of the island, this small, historic town is perched on a hilltop, surrounded by castle walls. It has a population of only 250 people and most cars aren’t allowed past the city walls.
In Mdina you’ll find medieval, underground restaurants, small gift shops, a stunning church and a series of narrow sandstone-washed alleyways. It feels much like a town in Morocco. Another must-do activity in Mdina is a walk along the city falls, where you’ll find stunning views of the countryside. We recommend visiting Mdina during the day and then returning one evening for dinner.
Rabat
Rabat is the outer suburb of Mdina where most of the locals in the area live. It’s often missed by most tourists but is well worth checking out after exploring Mdina. The town features similar sand-coloured buildings, narrow alleyways and historic buildings Mdina, but it feels less touristic.
Top things to see and do in Rabat include a tour around St Paul’s Catacombs, an underground labyrinth of burial chambers and hidden tunnels. There are also several old buildings, a museum, grand church and a series of picturesque alleyways. The quaint cafes and restaurants of Rabat are known to offer some of Malta’s best regional dishes.
Mosta Rotunda
Whilst in the Rabat and Mdina area, we recommend taking a side trip to the town of Mosta to see one of the best churches on the island. Mosta Rotunda was built between 1833 and the 1860s in a neoclassical design. It’s famous for its giant domed roof, which is impressive to see both inside and out. Admire the rotunda from afar. You can then pay a small fee to tour the inside of this magnificent church.
San Anton Palace Gardens
San Anton Palace Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Malta for those that want something a little different to the towns and beaches on our list. The gardens are a free-to-visit attraction that are part of the President of Malta’s residence. They date back to the 17th-century, featuring trees and plants that are up to 300 years old.
Visit San Anton gardens for a quiet, scenic walk at any time of the day. The surroundings are beautiful, and the landscapes are beautifully maintained. Ornate flowers, orange trees, a turtle pond, grand fountain and ivy-covered archways are just some of the sites to see.
St Julian’s
St Julian’s is one of Malta’s most upmarket resort towns and nightlife hubs. It has long been a top place to stay, offering a good selection of 4 and 5-star hotels. It’s also one of the most modern towns on the island, boasting several skyscrapers and a thriving business centre.
Visit St Julian’s during the day to explore its beautiful marina at Spinola Bay. There’s a long scenic promenade and an endless choice of bars and restaurants. Venture deeper into St Julians and you’ll find a bustling collection of shops, cafes and bars. There’s also a large shopping mall called Bay Street Shopping Complex, which is full of international brands, coffee shops and a cinema.
Return to St Julians on an evening to experience Malta’s nightlife scene, in an area known as Paceville. It’s a long street of lively bars and clubs with parties that last until the early hours. It’s the number one spot in Malta for young people that want to party.
Sliema
Across the bay from the historic city of Valletta you’ll find the town of Sliema. The built-up resort area is a top place to stay for its central location. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Malta for its selection of shops, the seaside promenade and variety of bars and restaurants. Visit Sliema to see the rows of boats in the bay as you stroll along its scenic promenade.
Returning on an evening, you’ll find some nice bars and an upbeat nightlife scene. If you fancy making a full day trip out of your visit to Sliema, walk to the end of the harbour to marvel at the mighty Fort Tigne or join a harbour boat tour to see the beauty of Valletta from the shore.
Valletta
We couldn’t have a list of top places to visit in Malta without including its iconic capital city, Valletta. It’s the living, breathing heart of the island, steeped in rich history, beautifully designed buildings and packed full of excellent cafes and restaurants. There’s always a lot going on in Valletta no matter the time of year. We recommend spending at least a full day sightseeing in the city.
Top things to see and do in Valletta include:
Upper Barrakka Gardens – A neatly manicured garden area with views of Valletta waterfront. It has a saluting canon battery ceremony that takes place every day.
Lower Barrakka Gardens – Another peaceful garden area with a water fountain, monument, and views of Valletta waterfront.
City Centre – The heart of the city is where you’ll find old, impressive buildings and a plethora of museums. It also boasts a good selection of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. It’s where you’ll spend most of your time in Valletta.
Fort St Elmo – This fort and war museum is one of Malta’s most magnificent coastal fortresses. Walk the fortress walls, learn about its historic past or watch a live military ceremony.
St John’s Cathedral – St John’s Cathedral is Valletta’s number one attraction. The interior of the cathedral is something special, featuring ornate golden furnishings, wall-to-ceiling paintings and a history dating back to the Order of St John in the 1500s.
WWII Tunnels – Remnants of WWII are apparent throughout the island. One of the best places to learn about Malta’s military history is to take a tour through Valletta’s labyrinth of underground tunnels and shelters.
Valletta Waterfront – Walk down to Valletta waterfront and you’ll find the cruise port. The promenade area has some good bars and restaurants, and the atmosphere is excellent, especially on an evening.
The Three Cities
The Three Cities refers to the fortified neighbourhoods to the south of Valletta. The trio of preserved cities are some of the oldest areas of Malta, each rich in history and with an impressive selection of old buildings. Each city has museums, fortresses and picturesque city streets to explore. They’re much like Valletta but with a more relaxed and less touristic vibe.
Key things to see include the Maritime Museum, marina promenade, Fort St Angelo and St Lawrence Church. Birgu is where you’ll find the most attractions and is the recommend place to visit if you only have time for one of the Three Cities. History lovers that want to explore deeper will enjoy a guided tour of the entire area.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a pretty, sleepy little fishing village on Malta’s south-coast. If you want an experience of local life in Malta, this is the place to go. The marina is filled with colourful boats, many of which feature on postcards of Malta.
Stop by Marsaxlokk on a weekend to see the town’s local market and the bustling atmosphere it brings. The beauty of any visit is simply wandering around, admiring the seaside scenery and enjoying an ice cream on a bench. You can see everything Marsaxlokk has to offer in a couple of hours.
St Peter’s Pool
St Peter’s Pool is a rugged coastal area just an 8-minute drive from Marsaxlokk. It’s a small rocky cove that has naturally formed near the sea, creating a natural, sheltered swimming pool. On a sunny day, the water glistens and appears a brilliant blue colour. You can visit St Peter’s Pool on a boat tour from Marsaxlokk.
Alternatively, hike or catch a cab from the town and spend a few hours relaxing by the bay. Go for a swim in the natural pool, or if you’re brave enough, join the locals and dive into the St Peter’s Pool from the cliffside.
Blue Grotto
Malta’s Blue Grotto showcases some of the island’s most stunning coastline. Located to the south-west, this intricate collection of cliffs, sea caves and rock formations is known to have some of Malta’s best sea caves. You can see the magnificent archway of Blue Grotto by standing at the top of its cliffside viewpoint.
However, to truly experience the natural beauty of the area, you’ll need to join a boat tour. Boat tours operate all day from the nearby town, taking you on a 30-minute voyage around the caves in a small motorboat. It’s a great way to see the rock formations and vibrant turquoise water.
Dingli Cliffs
Dingli Cliffs is one of the top places in Malta to experience a beautiful sunset. Situated to the far west of Malta, these whitewashed cliffs sit 253 metres above sea-level, featuring panoramic sea views from several viewpoints. It’s a peaceful, quiet area with a handful of benches, and sometimes food trucks.
The best time to visit the Dingli Cliffs is at sunset. Arrive 1 hour before the sun sets, grab a seat and enjoy the show.
Hagar Qim Temple
Located a short drive from Dingli Cliffs, Hagar Qim Temple is one of Malta’s ancient megalithic temple complexes. It dates back to the Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BC) and is a UNESCO recognised heritage site, showcasing the remains of the megalithic temple in a series of museums and archaeological sites.
You can visit Hagar Qim Temple for a small fee. The history of the temple is remarkable, and whilst there’s not a great deal to see here, ancient history enthusiasts will appreciate the age and story of the archaeological site.
Victoria Lines
The Victoria Lines are one of the most unique places to visit in Malta. Away from the main tourist trail, this winding trail of hillside fortifications was built in the 19th-century by the British. It was designed as a barrier to stop invasion forces from the north and contains a variety of defence structures.
Today, the remnants of the Victoria Lines can be seen across the hillside in the centre of the island. They form a scenic hiking trail that you can walk along, featuring various viewpoints, ruins and caves.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is one of the best places to visit in Malta to experience one of the island’s most ancient sites. The hypogeum is an intricate collection of Neolithic subterranean caverns that date all the way back to 3000 BC. It’s a burial ground for an estimated 7000 people and is a remarkable place to explore, especially if you’re interested in ancient history.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum was only discovered in 1902 and has been a top Malta attraction ever since. Tours sell out months in advance, so we recommend booking as soon as possible if you’re interested in visiting. You can book tickets on the Heritage Malta website here.
Gozo Island
Malta is not one island but an archipelago of 5 islands. Gozo is the northern-most and second largest island of the group. It’s where you’ll find rich Maltese tradition and a much quieter atmosphere compared to the main island. Many people stay in Gozo for a quiet holiday, but it’s also a great place to visit in Malta for the day.
Catch the ferry from the northern tip of Malta and you’ll arrive in Gozo in less than 20-minutes. Alternatively, you can visit Gozo as part of a boat tour, stopping at both Comino and Gozo in one full-day trip.
There’s a lot to see and do in Gozo. So much so, you can spend a few days here to see everything. In a single daytrip, we recommend checking out the following sites:
Victoria – The main city in Gozo sits at the centre of the island. Old, sandstone buildings, market stalls and many shops and restaurants make it the busiest tourist spot. The number one attraction to check out here is the old Citadel castle, which features stunning views of the island. It’s free to visit.
Xlendi Bay – Xlendi is one of the most picturesque bay areas in Gozo. It has a small promenade with several cafes and restaurants, a short walking trail and some stunning viewpoints. On a sunny day, the water shines a bright turquoise colour.
Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs – Ta’ Ċenċ is the go-to place in Gozo for a scenic coastal walk. The rugged coastline has cliffs that tower a staggering 120m above sea level. It’s a beautiful place to visit for sunset.
Hidden beaches – Gozo has some excellent beaches, many of which are tiny and sheltered by cliffs. Top beaches to visit include Mġarr ix-Xini, Ramla Beach and Xwejni Bay.
Dwejra Bay – A coastal viewpoint with dramatic rock formations.
Comino Island
Another island worth visiting is Comino, which sits between Malta’s main island and Gozo. Unlike the other two islands, Comino has very few inhabitants and infrastructure. In fact, it only has one hotel! You can visit Comino on a half day trip as part of an organised tour from Malta or Gozo. Alternatively, catch the local ferry to the island or hire a boat and explore at your own pace.
Top things to see and do in Comino include its famous Blue Lagoon, a bay with unique coral rock formations and a turquoise lagoon. There are also several beaches, coastal caves and rock formations.
Thanks for reading our guide on the best places to visit in Malta. We hope we’ve inspired you with plenty of beaches, towns and unique attractions. As you can see, there’s a lot to do in this small country, so we recommend creating an itinerary and grouping attractions together.
Malta is tiny, so you can visit a lot of areas in a single day if you wish. If you have any questions about any of the places we’ve featured, be sure to post a comment below.
BY SUSIE
Author bio:I’m is a passionate traveller that loves a sunny beach holiday, but also appreciate the cultural side to a trip and checking out undiscovered destinations. I’m the go-to Toucan Traveller for great holiday stories, cool photos and foodie recommendations.