Malta is small, but it packs more into 316 square kilometres than most countries manage in a region. Three inhabited islands, 7,000 years of history, some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean and a food scene that finally gets the attention it deserves. If you are asking what to do in Malta, this is the list we give friends who visit.
We have grouped it by island and by type so you can build your own days out of it. If you would rather have a day-by-day plan, read our 3-day Malta itinerary next.
Valletta and the Three Cities
- Walk Valletta’s grid. The capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city built by the Knights of St John in the 1560s. Start at City Gate, walk down Republic Street and let yourself get pulled into the side streets. The whole city fits in under one square kilometre.
- St John’s Co-Cathedral. Plain on the outside, overwhelming on the inside. Every surface is gilded, and Caravaggio’s Beheading of St John the Baptist hangs in the Oratory. Book a morning slot to avoid the cruise-ship rush.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens. The best free view in the country, looking straight across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. Time it for the noon saluting battery.
- Take the ferry to the Three Cities. A short crossing from Valletta drops you in Birgu (Vittoriosa), the Knights’ first home. Wander to Fort St Angelo, then eat by the marina in Senglea or Cospicua.
- Ride a dgħajsa. The traditional water taxi across the Grand Harbour is the most scenic way to move between Valletta and the Three Cities.
Mdina, Rabat and the centre
- Mdina at dusk. The old capital sits on a hill with walls, no traffic and honey-coloured stone. Go in the late afternoon when the day-trippers leave, then stay for dinner inside the walls.
- Rabat catacombs. Just outside Mdina, St Paul’s and St Agatha’s catacombs are a genuinely atmospheric look at early Christian Malta.
- Mosta Rotunda. One of the largest unsupported domes in Europe. The bomb that fell through it in 1942 and failed to explode is on display in the sacristy.
- Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. Glass-blowing, filigree silver and lace, useful for a rainy hour and for gifts that are not fridge magnets.
Prehistoric Malta
- Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. Two megalithic temple complexes on the south coast that are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. The visitor centre explains how they line up with the solstices.
- Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni. An underground burial complex carved into rock around 3,000 BC. Only a handful of people are let in per hour, so book weeks ahead.
- Tarxien Temples. Easier to reach than the south-coast temples and full of carved animal reliefs.
Sea, coast and beaches
- Blue Lagoon, Comino. The turquoise water you have seen in every photo. It is real, and it is crowded in summer, so read our Blue Lagoon guide before you go.
- Blue Grotto boat trip. Short boat rides from Wied iż-Żurrieq into sea caves lit by reflected light. Best in the morning.
- St Peter’s Pool. A natural rock pool near Marsaxlokk, popular for cliff jumping and calm swimming when the wind is right.
- Mellieħa Bay (Għadira). The longest sandy beach in Malta, shallow for a long way out, ideal for families.
- Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. Two sandy bays side by side on the north-west coast. Golden Bay has facilities, Għajn Tuffieħa has the view. See our best beaches guide for the full list.
- Dingli Cliffs. The highest point on the islands. Walk the cliff path at sunset.
Villages, markets and food
- Marsaxlokk on Sunday. The fishing village fills with market stalls and the harbour with painted luzzu boats. Go for the fish restaurants along the front, but arrive early.
- Eat pastizzi. Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas, sold everywhere for less than a coffee. The Crystal Palace in Rabat is the classic stop.
- Try a ftira. Maltese sourdough bread, either stuffed as a sandwich or baked Gozo-style with potato and cheese on top.
- Watch a village festa. From May to September almost every village throws a feast for its patron saint, with fireworks, brass bands and street food. Ask locals which one falls during your stay.
Gozo
- Take the ferry to Gozo. Twenty-five minutes from Ċirkewwa, or a fast ferry from Valletta. Gozo is greener, quieter and slower, and it is where we are based. Start with our things to do in Gozo guide.
- The Citadel in Victoria. A fortified hilltop town with 360-degree views over the whole island.
- Ġgantija Temples. The oldest of Malta’s megalithic temples, and arguably the most impressive.
- Dwejra and the Inland Sea. The Azure Window fell in 2017, but the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock and the boat trip through the tunnel are still spectacular.
How many days do you need?
Three full days covers Valletta, Mdina, a boat day and one beach. Five days lets you add Gozo properly. A week means you can slow down, which is how Malta is best enjoyed. Whatever you choose, book the Hypogeum and any boat trips first, since those sell out well before the rest.
