The 11 essential things to do in Malta

Do you want to visit Malta? So find out immediately the 11 must-have things to do on "Miel Island"!

Visiting Malta is a unique moment. Indeed, in this beautiful country there are so many things to see and do despite the small size of the island. From the beautiful beaches of Comino Island to the amazing architecture of La Valette, it is difficult to choose what to do if you have little time to spend on the island.

In the middle of the Mediterranean you can also discover the magnificent Maltese islands. There you will find great prehistoric temples, cliffs sprinkled with fossils, glittering hidden coves, the possibility of diving and a history of remarkable intensity.

Malta is also a perfect destination for the festivities, many of them compare the night atmosphere of the island to those of cities like Ibiza or Mykonos . As you have understood, there is for all tastes on the island! Here are the places to visit in Malta.

1. La Valette

This spectacular fortified city was listed in UNESCO World Heritage. It offers a multitude of modern architectures and striking buildings that only need to be explored! Built in one of the most important periods of the History of Malta , this city of the sixteenth century exists since the reign of knights of the order of Saint John of Jerusalem .

To visit the city of La Valette, start with the co-cathedrale Saint-Jean , where you will find the marble tombs of the Knights scattered in the church. Through a walk in the city walls, you will also discover hidden restaurants, serving delicious Mediterranean specialities.

The Valette gives a magnificent view of the Grand Port of Malta ( Grand Harbour ), often described as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Also think of getting to see him Fort Rinella , which once protected the port. You can also make the traditional tour of the port in Maltese boat!

2. Mdina

A walk through the medieval alleys of the charming and silent city of Mdina – which has barely changed in a thousand years – is one of the best things to do if you visit the island of Malta for the first time!

Indeed, Mdina is a medieval jewel of only 300 inhabitants. Once the home of the richest and most noble citizens of the island, Mdina is now full of medieval buildings full of wealth.

A place to visit is the Roman villa archaeological wonder dating from the Roman era. Another example of the nobility of the island, the Palazzo Falson , which is considered to be the best preserved architecture of Mdina, offering paintings, jewellery and armour of incredible beauty.

3. The former French Window on Gozo Island

In March 2017, the mythical French Window collapsed following a storm and the natural erosion of the ark.

The Azur Window was a natural limestone arch, carved over time by the perpetual waves of the sea that came to crash against the spectacular cliffs of Gozo Island.

Easy access, this site is to be visited absolutely if you are on the island of Gozo. To do this, simply jump into a ferry towards the island and go to Dwejra Point .

4. Victoria (Rabat) on Gozo Island

Let's stay on Gozo Island! Direction the capital of the island, called the Città Victoria or Ir-Rabat . She has one citadelle – the Gozo citadel – built at the Bronze Age, which offers an exceptional view of the groups of houses and neighbouring fields located just below.

Know that Rabat is visiting the same way as Mdina, that is to say on foot, through its alleys. Also, don't miss the basilica Saint-Georges , one of the main attractions of the island.

5. The megalithic temples

Visiting Malta is also an opportunity to marvel at the temples, built in massive stones a few 5,500 years ago, and which are the oldest self-porting structures in the world! They would have about 1,000 years more than the pyramids of Egypt!

17 sites on the island of Malta gather around thirty megalithic temples. Some of them are listed in UNESCO World Heritage. In Gozo, the two temples of Kitts and Nevis are remarkable and popular for their gigantic achievements dating from the Bronze Age.

On the island of Malta, the temples of Hagar Qin , Mnajdra and Tarxien are unique architectural masterpieces, given the very limited resources available to builders at the time. The sets of Ta’Hagrat and Skorba Also attest to the way in which the tradition of temples perpetuated on the Maltese archipelago.

6. Comino Island and Blue Lagoon

Once a paradise for pirates, the small island – barely 2.7 km2 – of Comino offers some of the best swimming, snorkeling and diving spots in the whole Mediterranean! It houses the beautiful Blue Lagoon , a natural sapphire-colored marine pool that will marvel at you by its beauty.

Many excursionists travel each year to this protected creek, with azur blue water, to spend the day. There is no traffic on the island, the ideal so to relax and spend a peaceful day in the sun, just a few minutes by boat from Malta or Gozo.

7. Marsaxlokk

Authentic small coastal town, Marsaxlokk is a true haven of peace, located southwest of the island of Malta. Unique seaside resort has been preserved from modern buildings, you will love to visit it!

Especially his Sunday market, which was originally a fish market. Today, he continued to grow and extend his charm. From now on, it also sells locally produced honey, fruit jams, wine and vegetables, souvenirs and clothing.

After a tour of this market, you can have lunch in one of the many restaurants scattered in front of the picturesque Marsaxlokk bay to taste seafood. A great moment when you come to visit Malta!

8. San Pawl il-Baṭar

Located along the North-East coast of the island, in the Baie de Saint-Paul , this city is the place where the Apostle Paul – the man who would have launched Christianity in Malta – made a sinking on his journey to Rome in 60 AD.

In the summer, the city triples its population and becomes an important seaside resort. The splendid Mediterranean Sea caresses the shore and offers magnificent maritime landscapes and a peaceful setting. This is a must-see stage during a stay in Malta!

9. Nightlife in the Paceville area of San Åcijan

Located west of San Kitts and Nevis (St Julian en fraçais) in Malta, Paceville is the name given to a generously populated area of lively discotheques, bars, pubs and restaurants.

It is a hub of nightlife in the midst of a boom on the island and one of the most popular neighborhoods to party! This is where many Maltese nights end... if you want to party in Malta, you now know where to go!

10. Maltese parties

Every Maltese village celebrates its patron saint! Thus, the Maltese sky lights up summer with spectacular fireworks during the holiday season. Although there are also festivals in winter and spring, the holiday season reaches its peak during the summer months.

In July and August, there are a few weekends where up to eight villages celebrate their holidays simultaneously! Scrolls of tanks and processions in bright colours, through the old streets, create an irresistible holiday atmosphere.

11. And other suggestions...

• La rotonde Sainte-Marie located in Mosta
• The village of Popeye
• The Città Vittoriosa, or Birgu
• Gộar Dalam, a cave east of the island of Malta
• Falaises de Dingli
• Ta’ Qali, near Mdina
• The Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar

How to go to Malta?

To find a cheap flight that meets your criteria, we recommend using a flight comparison such as Ulysses For example. Simply specify your requirements, the comparator handles the rest.

You will find the best prices on the plane tickets to Malta. From France, many flights depart every year towards the island.

Where to stay in Malta?

Malta is mainly composed of two large islands. The capital La Valette is obviously the most lively city that offers most housing , but it’s not the same best place to stay in Malta .

To find a cheap hotel in Malta, search this Compare hotels . You can also choose one Airbnb to your taste, for a more authentic stay!