A Mediterranean melting pot offering Arab medinas , Spanish courtyards, and Italian Baroque cathedrals. Because, in fact, Sicily is just over 90 kilometers away and Africa just under 300.
Malta is the Mediterranean you don't expect . An archipelago of six islands, of which only three are inhabited (Malta, Gozo and Comino) make up this island state in southern Europe, and also the smallest country in the European Union (316 square kilometers).
what can you see in Malt?
The Maltese archipelago has had great strategic importance in history, so much so that it has attracted Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, French and English, who dominated the islands from 1800 to 1964.
Therefore, Malta is a cultural melting pot where English, the second official language, alternates with Maltese, the harsh sounds of Arabic, and the musicality of Latin languages.
The architecture combines megalithic temples older than Stonehenge, Baroque churches, and medieval citadels. A significant legacy is left by the Knights of Malta, formed by religious figures and knights who made up the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, to whom Charles I of Spain ceded the island in 1530.
millennial island
Malta is, therefore, an island with a thousand-year history that has recently experienced a boom in tourists not only interested in nightlife but also in the wonders that the islands have to offer.
Stay a few days in Malta, but also in quiet Gozo to see the islanders throw confetti at the statues of their patron saints during religious festivals, admire the domes of the sanctuaries that shine in the sun, get lost in the citadels of yellow ocher stone and dive into the crystal clear water. Waters of the legendary Blue Lagoon.
This is what you have to see in Malta.
Valletta
Città Fortezza , Città Umilissima, “a city built by knights for knights.” These are the various names given throughout history to Malta’s capital. Valletta is a charming 16th-century walled city where all roads lead to the sea.
In fact, the city is located on the rocky peninsula of Mount Sceberras, which rises steeply between two large inlets that house the city's ports, Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. Valletta takes its name from its founder, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John, Jean Parisot de la Valette, who, after the siege by the Saracens, had it rebuilt in 1566.
Unesco heritage
Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta has recently flourished again thanks to restoration and architectural improvements, an exciting culinary scene, and a lively nightlife. Today, it is an important cultural hub waiting to be discovered.
The city center is a captivating cluster of 16th- and 17th-century houses with bow windows, typical Maltese balconies overlooking the sloping streets with the sea as a backdrop. Begin your exploration at the imposing City Gate, the ultramodern Parliament Building, and the Opera House , all designed by Renzo Piano. You'll start strolling along charming streets lined with ochre-colored stone buildings, including the Grand Master's Palace, which now houses the Maltese Parliament but is temporarily closed. A hidden gem not to be missed is the 16th-century Casa Rocca Piccola, the family residence of the 9th Marquis De Piro, who still lives there today and has opened part of the building to the public.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Don't miss the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Baptist , one of the largest cathedrals in the world and one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.
The striking building was completed in 1577 and now houses two paintings by Caravaggio , who resided in Malta for a time and was a member of the Order of the Knights of Malta.
Gozo
Co-Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Those wishing to delve deeper into Malta's history can visit the National Museum of Archaeology, housed in a refined Baroque palace built in 1571 by order of the Knights of Malta. It houses a rich collection of works from prehistoric to Roman times. Or you can visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, whose collection is dedicated to Maltese art, Baroque painting, British rule, and the works of Antonio Sciortino, an early XNUMXth-century Maltese sculptor.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
For a panoramic stop in the green, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the most beautiful gardens in Malta, located in the Bastion of Saints Peter and Paul, from where you can admire the port and the capital.
Here you will find a lift that will take you down a few steps from Valletta's waterfront where the dghajsas, traditional Maltese boats, leave for the Three Cities: Senglea, Vittoriosa (Birgu) and Cospicua. The Knights of the Order of Malta were in charge of building these three historic cities facing Valletta, dating from the XNUMXth century and which over time served as a refuge, defensive bastion and home to the different peoples who conquered Malta. The Three Cities are perfect for an aperitif or a pieds dans l'eau dinner.
Mdina
Mdina is an ancient fortified city that embodies all the magic of Malta.
Mdina's history dates back more than 4.000 years. According to tradition, it is here that the apostle Saint Paul lived in AD 60 after being shipwrecked on the islands. The truth is that the citadel of Mdina was fortified around 1000 BC, when the Phoenicians built protective walls in this place and a settlement called Malet, which means "place of refuge". Later, the Romans built a large city which they called Melita.
The Arabs, who arrived in the XNUMXth century, renamed it Mdina, which means "fortified city". During the Middle Ages, Mdina became the favorite residence of the Maltese aristocracy and the seat of the so-called university (governing council), hence its name Città Notabile.
The Knights of Saint John of Malta
The Knights of St. John moved the center of power first to Birgu (one of the Three Cities) and then to Valletta. In recent centuries, therefore, Mdina has suffered a slow depopulation, to the point of being almost uninhabited, hence the nickname Silent City.
Even today, after sunset, you will understand why barely 300 inhabitants today live within its mighty golden stone walls.
Saint Paul Cathedral
Once you have crossed the city gates, lose yourself in the narrow streets and alleys of the medina where ancient churches and noble palaces hide. Then visit St. Paul's Cathedral, the most important ecclesiastical church in Malta.
Palazzo Falson is a former Maltese noble palace open to the public. Inside Palazzo Vilhena, on the other hand, is the Natural History Museum.
Furthermore, in the basement of Palazzo Vilhena, you can visit the Mdina dungeons, which will remind you of the darkest and most mysterious events in Maltese history. Finally, at Palazzo Vilhena, you can rent the Discover Mdina audio guide, available in six languages and narrated by a fictional character, Baron Phillippe Caxaro d'Antonio Murina della Verga.
Discount
Rabat is a small town located just outside the walls of Mdina . The word Rabat is of Arabic origin and means suburb, as it was once a district of Mdina.
Although small in size, Rabat is steeped in history. According to Christian tradition, it was in Rabat that Saint Paul stayed in Malta, founding the first Christian community on the island.
Catacombs San Paolo
In fact, here you can visit the catacombs of San Paolo, one of the oldest places in Christianity that includes about twenty catacombs, as well as numerous monasteries and convents. Outside the catacomb complex is the Crypt of Sant'Agata, a small underground chapel dating from 1504, dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, who lived for some time in Malta. The Domus Romana remains from Roman times.
Adjacent to Rabat's main church, dedicated to Saint Paul, is the Wignacourt Museum, which houses a diverse collection of World War II paintings, antiquities and bomb shelters, as well as housing Saint Paul's Grotto.
Casa Bernard, on the other hand, is a fully restored Maltese noble residence. Finally, lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of Rabat, where the atmosphere is more traditional and popular than that of the pretentious Mdina.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
In the suburb of Paola, southwest of Cospicua, lies the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum , an underground necropolis, discovered in 1902 during construction work, and one of Malta's most important prehistoric sites.
Its construction is very old, it is believed that the complex dates from a period between approximately 3600 and 3000 BC The hypogeum was excavated entirely in the rock and the structure takes up the plan of other Maltese Neolithic temples.
Its function is still unclear, but it is assumed that it was used as a sacred temple and burial place. More than ten meters deep, the complex includes rooms, chambers and corridors perfectly excavated in the rock over an approximate area of 500 m². The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is usually very visited, so it is essential to book your visit.
Tarxien Temples
Next to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum are the Tarxien Temples, another important prehistoric site in Malta.
It is a complex of four megalithic structures built between 3600 and 1500 BC, discovered by chance in 1913 by local farmers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tarxien temples likely hosted rituals involving animal sacrifices.
In fact, several altars, animal remains and a flint knife were found, as well as many other objects and finds, many of which are kept in the National Archaeological Museum in Valletta.
Gozo
Gozo is the second largest island in the archipelago and, along with Malta, the only one that is inhabited. It's an island with rural charm, a slower pace of life, and a more relaxed atmosphere than the chaotic and overcrowded Malta.
It is the perfect island for those who want to discover Gozo's cultural heritage, but also want to relax on its beautiful beaches.
Start your discovery from Victoria, the capital of Gozo named after the Queen of England but still called by its old name, Rabat, by its inhabitants.
Fortified citadel in Malta
It has a medieval fortified citadel (Il-Kastell) initially inhabited by the Knights of the Order and by the nobles who came from Aragon, where you can see the Cathedral of the Assumption, famous for the frescoes on the false dome, the old prison, the Gozo Nature Museum and Republic Street, the main shopping artery.
Also worth seeing in Gozo are the Ggantija Temples : megalithic temples declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the oldest building in the world, even older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt. They were built between 3600 and 3200 BC and were dedicated to the goddess of fertility.
Venture to the north-western tip of Gozo to Dwejra, where the coastline features some of Gozo's most picturesque rock formations.
Fungus Rock
In Dwerja Bay lies Fungus Rock, a peculiar rock that Game of Thrones fans will be familiar with, as the wedding scene between Daenerys and Khal Drogo was filmed here. A little further north along the coast is the Azure Window, or what remains of a particular rock destroyed during a violent storm in 2017.
On the island's north coast, however, you can see the Marsalforn salt pans, carved into the rock and still in use, particularly striking at sunset. Finally, relax on the beautiful beaches and coves bathed by crystal-clear turquoise waters, such as Cala Xlendi or Hondoq Beach, from where taxi boats depart for Comino's Blue Lagoon.
The ideal way to get around Gozo is by car, allowing you to explore basilicas like Ta'Pinu, charming villages like San Lawrence, and secluded coves. Gozo can be reached from Malta in about 25 minutes by ferry from the port of Valletta or from Ċirkewwa.
Cumin
Between Malta and Gozo lies Comino , a tiny island measuring 2,5 km by 1,5 km. It was once said to have been a haven for pirates and smugglers, and in the early 19th century, it became a place of isolation for plague and cholera victims. Almost deserted, the island has only one hotel and surprises visitors with the breathtaking beauty of its coastline, fringed by caves and cliffs.
Comino's main attraction is clearly the Blue Lagoon, a protected inlet between the western end of the island and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto.
Maltese Dreaming Waters
The shallow white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters make the Blue Lagoon a dreamy natural pool. But it has recently been invaded by kiosks offering drinks and hot dogs to the countless tourists who disembark. So the best way to see the Blue Lagoon during peak season is to arrive by early morning water taxi from Hondoq, Gozo, spend a few hours in the fabulous waters off Comino, and then head off to other beaches.
Malta's Blue Lagoon
To rediscover the magic of the Blue Lagoon, as you may have seen it in the 1980 cult film of the same name starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins, try to isolate yourself in the turquoise waters with its tropical charm, forgetting about the people around you.
However, the Blue Lagoon isn't Comino's only beach. From there, in fact, a 20-minute walk north along a dirt road leads to another beach, unknown to many, Santa Marija. It's less picturesque than the Blue Lagoon but certainly more peaceful.
Mnajdra and Hagae Qim
Don't miss a visit to the megalithic temples of Mnajdra and Hagae Qim , both sites have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and are located in the south of the island of Malta.
Saint Julian
It's Malta's entertainment city. Here you'll find well-equipped beaches, beach clubs, and the best nightlife in the entire archipelago.
the three cities
The three cities are worth a visit: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, where you can admire the most authentic side of Malta, where you can review the history of the Knights of Malta.
Sliema
Make a stop in Sliema , the town on the island of Malta, where you can combine the beaches of the seafront with a walk to discover the city's street art, which every year welcomes artists from all over the world for the Sliema Street Art Festival.
Marsaxlokk
Still on the island of Malta, Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village worth a visit for its relaxation, colorful houses and good food.
Birkirkara
It's the most populated city in the entire archipelago, where the medieval churches are worth admiring. Visit the historic city center, which still preserves narrow, cobbled streets and typical houses of old towns. The old town and the new town are separated by a garden. It's worth visiting one of the old train stations located between Rabat and Valletta.
Popeye village in Malta
In Anchor Bay, in northwest Malta, lies the wooden Popeye Village. It was built as a set for the film Popeye, produced by Paramount and Walt Disney. Today, this village is open to the public as an open-air museum, perfect for children.
Majjistral Natural Park
In the area between Golden Bay and Anchor Bay, in northwest Malta, lies Majjistral Nature Park , Malta's only national park. Here you can admire not only cliffs and beaches, but also the remains of walls, farms, tombs from the Classical period, and stunning caves. Malta is the perfect place to explore on foot, so we've created a guide to the most beautiful trails in Malta.
Malta's most beautiful beaches
- PARADISE BAY
- GHADIRA BAY
- GOLDEN BAY
- GHAJN TUFFIEHA
- PETER'S POOL
- WIED IL-GHASRI
- SAN JULIAN'S BAY
- RAMLA BAY
- XWEJNI BAY
- DWEJRA BAY
- XLENDI BAY
- SAN NICOLAS BAY
- BLUE LAGOON
- SANTA MARIA BAY
What can you eat in Malta?
Maltese cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean specialties. In Malta, you must try: pastizzi (the king of street food, rustic puff pastry usually filled with ricotta cheese), qassatat (basket-shaped shortcrust pastry tarts filled with fresh cheese, vegetables, anchovies, and peas), bigilla (a cream of fulta' Girba beans seasoned with garlic, oil, parsley, and chili), gbejniet (goat or sheep cheese), soppa-tal armla (widow soup, a vegetarian soup made with vegetables and gbejna cheese), aljotta (a fish soup resembling Provençal bouillabaisse), kawlata (a winter soup made with pork), timpana (a type of baked pasta made with macaroni and meat sauce, covered with puff pastry), ross-il forn (baked rice timbale), and stuffat-tal fenek (rabbit stew).
Among the desserts, try kwarezimal (cookies made with flour, sugar, and almonds), qaghaq tal-ghasel (a kind of sweet taralli), and imqaret (fried puff pastry cookies filled with date paste). Pair lunches and dinners with local wines, or if you prefer beer, order the local Cisk.
How can you get to Malta and how can you move around Malta?
Numerous direct flights depart from Italy to Malta. Once you arrive at the airport, we recommend renting a car to explore the island freely. However, please note that driving in Malta is on the left, just like in the United Kingdom.
When is it better to go to Malta?
The best time to go to Malta is from late spring to early autumn. For a beach holiday, the months of June to September are ideal, but if you want to visit cities and monuments, it is preferable to go in spring, until June at the latest, or from September on to avoid the months with the highest temperatures.