Spectacular landscapes, crystal-clear waters and landmarks with millennia of history. Though small in size, Malta offers rich experiences.
Combining ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, beaches with turquoise waters and cultural life, sunny Malta is a little treasure in the heart of the Mediterranean. The island nation bears strong influences from different peoples (Italians, British and Arabs), offering a succession of scenes and colors from end to end. From Valletta to Mdina and from Gozo to Comino, Malta is an ideal destination for holidays filled with exploration, sightseeing and intriguing gastronomy.
Enchanting Valletta
Your journey to Malta begins in its beautiful capital, Valletta. The sun-drenched, well-preserved medieval city, built by the Knights of the Order of St John, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as Il-Belt in Maltese, it blends culture, history and going out in a uniquely captivating way.
Wander among the imposing buildings, striking squares, narrow alleys and historic monuments. At the city entrance stands the imposing Valletta City Gate, designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its worth visiting St. Johns Co-Cathedral (St. Johns Co-Cathedral), a Baroque masterpiece from 1578 that houses Caravaggios famous painting «The Beheading of Saint John». Very close by youll find the Grandmasters Palace, which today houses Maltas Parliament.
The citys pulse beats on Strait street, its most lively and historic thoroughfare. Sit at its bars and restaurants and snap photos in the red London phone boxes. Two of the most beautiful buildings in the city are the National Library on central Repubblika Square and the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a small Roman Catholic basilica that is a city landmark, with its dome visible from the lanes. The popular Upper Barrakka Gardens are among the loveliest spots for a stroll, especially before sunset.
An emblematic landmark is the Grand Harbour (Grand Harbour), which has been in use for over 2,000 years and serves as the countrys main maritime gateway. There you can enjoy a waterfront stroll, see Fort St Elmo at the edge of the city and admire the view towards the Three Cities.
The Three Cities
Right across from Valletta, like a postcard, lie the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla), which will offer you an authentic glimpse of Maltese life. Hop on a traditional Dgħajsa Ferry, the little boat that will take you across in a few minutes. Devote at least a day to exploring them so you can see the main sights and truly get to know each of the three.
Maltas old capital and historic Rabat
Known as the «Silent City», Mdina is Maltas old capital, inhabited since 700 BC. Just 13 km from Valletta in the center of the island, L-Imdina, as it is called in Maltese, is a town that will make you feel as if time has stopped. The town is easily walkable as it is small. Pass through its grand gate and lose yourself in streets within the medieval walls and buildings from the Norman to the Baroque era. The second main entrance is the Greek Gate, named after the community that lived outside the city.
Visit one of the citys most important sights, St Pauls Cathedral with its imposing interior, as well as the Mdina Museum which hosts historical exhibits and religious relics. Feel the towns tranquil atmosphere especially at sunset and in the evening when it is softly illuminated.
Right next to Mdina youll find Rabat, a historic town with equally significant sights, yet far from the tourist crowds. In its quiet streets youll come across some of Maltas most important Christian monuments, such as the St. Paul’s Catacombs (St. Paul’s Catacombs) and the St. Pauls Grotto, where according to tradition the Apostle took refuge after being shipwrecked on the island.
The prehistoric temples
If history captivates you, visit the countrys prehistoric temples. The complex of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra stands on the hilltop and dates back to 3200 BC. The Megalithic Temples of Malta are among the oldest religious sites in the world and are considered unique architectural masterpieces.
The village of Popeye
Hidden in Anchor Bay in Mellieħa, Popeye Village is one of Maltas most intriguing places. It is the set created for the 1980 film of the same name starring Robin Williams, and it has been preserved since as a visitor-friendly theme park. The scene is composed of colorful wooden cottages, umbrellas and little boats bobbing in the blue-green waters. It is ideal to visit with the family and kids, but also to spend a nostalgic afternoon.
The picturesque fishing village
On the southeastern coast of Malta lies Marsaxlokk, an authentic fishing village. The village is about 12 km from the capital and took its name from the Arabic word marsa meaning port and the Maltese xlokk, a local name for the southeast wind. Known for the colorful "luzzu" boats swaying in its harbor, it keeps the islands traditions alive and is ideal for a leisurely seaside stroll, especially on Sundays when the fish market operates. Sit at the waterfront tavernas serving fish and seafood and try the Maltese fish soup “aljotta".
The islands and the beaches
Malta is also famous for its smaller islands, which are especially popular in the summer months. Gozo, Comino and the tiny Cominotto feel exotic thanks to their striking beaches, which is why many travelers choose them for their swims. Take the boat to Gozo with its picturesque villages and sights such as theGgantija temple, one of the oldest monuments in the world, the Qbajjar Salt Pans and the Wied il-Għasri gorge. You can start from Valletta and arrive within 45 minutes, or choose to drive to Cirkewwa and cross in 25 minutes. If you wish, you can opt to stay there to experience the island more fully.
On tiny Comino the scenery evokes the Caribbean. The island is famous for the Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon), a natural lagoon with limestone rocks and caves all around. Directly opposite lies uninhabited Cominotto, ideal for swims and snorkeling. The islets are also offered for organized day trips. In the summer months, aim to arrive early as they quickly fill with people.
Beyond the dreamlike seas of the islands offshore, youll find a few more where you can enjoy the sun and relax on their loungers. Popular, among others, are the organized Golden Bay, ideal for young and old, the rocky St. Peters Pool, St Georges Bay with the hotels in touristy St Julian’s and Qawra Point Beach in the resort of St Pauls Bay.
Gastronomic experiences
Maltese cuisine is clearly influenced by Italian, British and North African gastronomy. One of the most popular dishes is traditional rabbit stew, which youll find at Rubino, and Maltese bragioli, a stuffed beef roll. One of Vallettas oldest spots is Caffe Cordina. There you can try pastizzi, the traditional pastries filled with ricotta or pea purée, and sweet cannoli. At The Harbour Club youll eat aljotta, the local fish soup. Rampila serves Mediterranean flavors, while Zero Sei Trattoria Romana is famous for its pasta.
At Ta Kris in Sliema youll taste the countrys authentic cuisine, and in Mdina an excellent stop is the Fontanella Tea Garden, a café-patisserie perched on the city walls. Ta Rikardu on Gozo is famed not only for its views but also for its pasta, and La Nostra Padrona in Marsaxlokk for its seafood.
