10 Things To Do In Malta: Your Comprehensive Travel Guide

Periodic buildings with typical architecture are standing tall near a vast waterbody.

Malta is a fascinating island in the Mediterranean that’s full of history, beautiful scenery and rich local culture. With ancient temples, fortified cities and turquoise waters, this small but beautiful archipelago is a history buff’s, beach lover’s and adrenaline junkie’s dream. Whether it is the ancient lanes of Mdina, the blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, or the panoramic sights from Valletta, Malta has it all. Malta is the land of an old tradition, nature and charming towns that suit any traveller. With a variety of things to do in Malta, this place will not at all disappoint you.

Top 10 Things To Do In Malta

From ancient temples and panoramic views of medieval castles to lazy days on the island’s lovely beaches, here are some of the top things to do in Malta.

1. Wander Through Mdina

An aerial view of Malta’s once capital, Mdina, featuring an array of unique buildings.

Photo: Polina / Pexels

Situated high on a hill, Mdina is a walled city which was once Malta’s capital. The “Silent City” because of the silence, Mdina is a great experience to travel back in time. It is an island that has narrow streets and medieval architecture with some beautiful landscapes. In the city, there are places like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Mdina Dungeons, which allow you to explore Malta’s history. Mdina is all history, beauty and calm, and one of the highlights of your Malta tour.

Location: Mdina, central Malta
Best Time To Visit: Mid-afternoon for a quiet experience
Top Attractions: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina Dungeons, panoramic views

2. Explore The Ancient Temples Of Hagar Qim And Mnajdra

The ruins of the pre-historic Hagar Qim Temples are protected under a white canopy.

Photo: Eva Darron / Unsplash

Malta is home to some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures, and the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are prime examples. Dating back to 3600 BC, these megalithic temples are older than both the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. These temples are tucked away on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and give an unparalleled view of Malta’s history. The temples’ extraordinary stone sculpting and solstice alignment also interest historians. Visiting these temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites is like entering the island’s long past.

Location: Southwest Malta, near the village of Qrendi
Best Time To Visit: Morning to avoid crowds
Top Attractions: Megalithic stone structures, Mediterranean views, UNESCO site

3. Relax At The Blue Lagoon On Comino

Blue Lagoon, alongside natural landforms made of stone are looking serene in sunlight.

Photo: Jiří Dočkal / Pexels

The Blue Lagoon is one of Malta’s popular places, and with good reason. This turquoise bay on the small island of Comino has crystal-clear water and offers swimming and snorkelling opportunities, or you can just relax by the shore. Although the lagoon is packed during peak season, if you come early in the morning or late afternoon, it is more peaceful. You can visit the lagoon by ferry or go on a boat trip from Malta’s principal island. If you are out there to soak up the sun or get in the water, then you have to visit the Blue Lagoon.

Location: Comino Island, accessible by boat
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds
Top Attractions: Crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, scenic boat tours

4. Visit Valletta

The view of Valletta, bathed in golden sunlight, one of the best things to do.

Photo: Alexander Serzhantov / Pexels

Valletta, Malta’s capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a city with a lot to offer. It was founded by the Knights of St John and contains a lot of wonderful Baroque buildings, beautiful palaces, and historic sites. The Upper Barracca Gardens offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, while St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a masterpiece of Baroque art, housing works by Caravaggio. Valletta’s narrow streets are perfect for wandering, and with its many cafes and boutiques, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring.

Location: Valletta, Central Malta
Best Time To Visit: Morning to explore the city before it gets busy
Top Attractions: Upper Barracca Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Baroque architecture

5. Take A Boat Tour Around Gozo

Wide view of Ramla Bay from a nearby cliff in Gozo Island, Malta, one of the things to do.

Photo: Luke Tanis / Unsplash

Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, is a haven of natural beauty, quaint villages, and historic sites. While many visitors take day trips, Gozo deserves at least a couple of days to explore fully. A boat tour is one of the best ways to admire the island’s dramatic coastline and visit highlights like the Azure Window (even though it collapsed in 2017) and the beautiful Blue Hole, a top diving spot. Exploring Gozo by boat allows you to discover hidden caves and serene beaches not accessible by foot.

Location: Gozo Island, accessible by ferry from Malta
Best Time To Visit: April to June or September to October
Top Attractions: Azure Window (former site), Blue Hole, dramatic coastline

6. Snorkel At St. Peter’s Pool

Numerous tourists flock to the St. Peter’s Pool near Marsaxlokk in Malta for a great time.

Photo: Imhotep tep / Wikimedia Commons

St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming pool, is located in southern Malta, near Marsaxlokk. It is one of the best places to swim, sunbathe, and dive in Malta, with turquoise water and cliffs. It’s a rocky beach, which makes the pool perfect for snorkelling, and you can find lots of marine life. It’s quieter than the other beaches, so you’ll have a more laid back and private experience. You can swim in the pool or explore the ocean floor. There is no better place to see it than St. Peter’s Pool.

Location: Marsaxlokk, southern Malta
Best Time To Visit: Morning for a peaceful experience
Top Attractions: Swimming, snorkeling, cliffside views

7. Stroll Through The Fisherman’s Village Of Marsaxlokk

Numerous fishing boats docked at Marsaxlokk in Malta, one of the best things to do.

Photo: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons

Marsaxlokk is a pretty fishing village in southeast Malta. Marsaxlokk, with its painted boats known as ‘luzzus’, its Sunday fish market – is a place where Maltese life is most alive. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to admire the traditional fishing boats, visit the market to sample local fish, or enjoy a seafood meal at one of the seaside restaurants. The village is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Location: Marsaxlokk, Southern Malta
Best Time To Visit: Sunday for the fish market
Top Attractions: Colorful boats, seafood restaurants, Sunday market

8. Tour The Lascaris War Rooms

Numerous fishing boats docked at Marsaxlokk in Malta, one of the best things to do.

Photo: Frank Vincentz / Wikimedia Commons

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta is a must during your trip to Malta. These underground chambers were the Allied Headquarters during the Second World War, and they were used to successfully invade Sicily. The rooms are now a museum, and it is here that visitors can read about Malta’s key role in the war. The building is also stocked with communication centres, bunkers and wartime artefacts, and it offers a fantastic window into Malta’s wartime past.

Location: Valletta, Central Malta
Best Time To Visit: Morning for a guided tour
Top Attractions: WWII history, war rooms, artefacts

9. Discover The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Front view of the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Southern Malta’s Paola, an amazing activity.

Photo: Continentaleurope / Wikimedia Commons

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an amazing underground prehistoric burial complex in Malta, takes you back in time to Malta’s early history. This is a World Heritage site from around 4000 BC, a special three-storey complex of rock-cut chambers and tunnels. The hypogeum was a burial and sanctuary complex that’s among the most enigmatic and preserved prehistoric sites on Earth. Due to its delicate structure, visitor numbers are limited, so you have to book tickets in advance. This is an absolute must-see for history buffs and anyone who wants to know more about Malta’s ancient people.

Location: Paola, Southern Malta
Best Time To Visit: Early morning
Top Attractions: Underground chambers, prehistoric history, UNESCO site

10. Visit Popeye’s Village

A wide view of Popeye’s Village near Anchor Bay in Mellieħa, Northern Malta for all to see

Photo: Magdalena Smolnicka / Wikimedia Commons

Popeye’s Village, on Malta’s north coast, is a quirky, kid-friendly place, especially for families and those who like the 1980s movie Popeye. This beautiful theme park was designed around the location of the live-action film Robin Williams, and it allows guests to wander around the wooden motifs, ride a boat, or witness entertainment shows. The village is nestled in a beautiful bay, providing excellent photo opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for nostalgia or to enjoy a day of family-friendly fun, Popeye’s Village is an entertaining and light-hearted stop on your Malta adventure.

Location: Anchor Bay, Mellieħa, Northern Malta
Best Time To Visit: Late morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds
Top Attractions: Popeye movie set, boat rides, live performances

Malta has so much to do and see, from its beautiful historical sites and lively cities to its pristine shores and turquoise sea. This island has megalithic temples, medieval villages, turquoise water, and fishing villages. Book your trip now with TripXL for an unforgettable journey that combines culture, adventure, and fun all on one beautiful island. Discover Malta as never before with lots of things to do in Malta and leave with lasting memories!

Cover Photo: Micaela Parente / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of Malta's most famous historical sites include the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, the fortified city of Mdina, and the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta.
Malta is a family-friendly destination with different activities like visiting Popeye's Village, enjoying the clear waters at St. Peter’s Pool, or exploring the interactive Malta National Aquarium.
Malta boasts beautiful beaches such as Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. For a more secluded experience, head to the stunning St. Peter's Pool or the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
Malta’s capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta once belonged to the Knights of St John. It is a city with many wonderful attractions, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace and Upper Barracca Gardens where you will have an incredible experience of culture and history.
Malta has a long public bus network that makes travelling there affordable and convenient. Or you can rent a car, which is flexible enough for going to remote places. You can even get a taxi or ride-share for a smoother ride.
Gozo Island offers a more tranquil and picturesque atmosphere compared to Malta’s main island. With attractions like the Citadel in Victoria, the Blue Hole for diving, and stunning coastlines, Gozo is perfect for those seeking natural beauty, history, and outdoor activities.

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