15 Must-Do Experiences in Malta, the Mediterranean’s Hidden Gem

Though Malta is one of the smallest nations globally, it offers a wealth of activities. This three-island archipelago, situated just over 100 miles south of Sicily, consists of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Despite its size, it boasts an impressive array of historic sites, from megalithic temples dating back to the 4th millennium B.C. to medieval forts and walled cities, attracting many visitors. Yet, Malta's appeal extends beyond historical relics, offering natural marvels to explore, vibrant festivals to enjoy, and an exciting nightlife.

Whether you’re rock climbing, swimming in the Mediterranean, or exploring ancient ruins from various eras, here are some top activities to enjoy in Malta.

To dive into Malta’s rich history and ancient heritage

1. Dedicate a day to discovering Valletta and its iconic sites

• Location: Valletta

Considering Malta’s pivotal position and the various rulers it has seen—from the Romans and Normans to the Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French, and British—it's remarkable that Valletta remains so well-preserved. This capital city, founded in the 16th century, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. Recognized as the European Capital of Culture in 2018, several historic sites, including the city gate at Valletta's entrance, received extensive restoration. Be sure to spend a day exploring and visiting landmarks such as:

Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: Reaching nearly 138 feet, the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel dominates the city’s skyline. While the church was originally built in 1570, it suffered significant damage during World War II and reopened in its current form in 1981 after a 23-year restoration effort.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: This church is designated as a co-cathedral because the bishop of Malta also oversees St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. Regarded as one of the world’s essential churches, it boasts a stunning gold interior that epitomizes high baroque architecture, along with eight chapels dedicated to the eight divisions of the Knights of Malta. History enthusiasts will find the crypt fascinating, while art aficionados will admire the ceiling frescoes by Mattia Preti. Admission includes access to the adjacent museum.

2. Explore the National Museum of Archaeology

• Location: Valletta

Set within the baroque Auberge de Provence, the National Museum of Archaeology showcases artifacts dating back to 5200 B.C. from the Neolithic era. With items like intricate stone tools and Phoenician amulets, it offers a comprehensive overview of Malta’s prehistoric heritage, providing valuable context for many historical sites throughout the island. This small museum is an excellent starting point for exploring Valletta and can be comfortably visited in about an hour.

3. Upper Barrakka Gardens

• Location: Valletta

As one of the most picturesque locations in Valletta, the Upper Barrakka Gardens provides stunning vistas of the Grand Harbour, the fortified cities of Senglea and Birgu across the water, and the shipyards below. Each day at noon, members of the Malta Heritage Society don British military uniforms and fire a ceremonial gun salute. Visitors can enjoy beautiful fountains and ample manicured lawns perfect for picnics. An elevator connects the gardens to the Valletta waterfront, and taking it at dusk offers a spectacular view of the sun setting over the city’s rooftops and the Mediterranean Sea.

History enthusiasts should not miss the Lascaris War Rooms, a network of tunnels and chambers located 150 feet beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This secret headquarters was vital for Allied operations during World War II, where commanders oversaw significant campaigns in the Mediterranean, including the 1943 invasion of Sicily. After the war, the War Rooms continued to be used by the Mediterranean fleet of the Royal Navy.

4. Step back in time in the medieval town of Mdina

• Location: Mdina

Allocate at least an afternoon to explore the charming streets of Mdina, often referred to as the Silent City. Founded in the 8th century A.D., it was once the capital of Malta during medieval times. Today, fewer than 100 residents call Mdina home, yet the city remains a favored destination for tourists. After your exploration, consider stopping by Coogi’s Restaurant & Tea Garden for lunch or a refreshing drink, all while enjoying views of the lush farms beyond the city walls.

Game of Thrones enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that Mdina served as one of the numerous filming locations for the series.

5. Explore St. Paul’s Catacombs

• Location: Rabat

Situated on the outskirts of Mdina in Rabat, St. Paul’s Catacombs pay tribute to the apostle Paul. Around 60 A.D., Paul and 274 others were shipwrecked near Malta while en route to Rome. According to legend, the survivors found refuge in a grotto, where a church and monument were eventually established in honor of the apostle. These Catacombs, representing the earliest signs of Christianity in Malta, form a complex network of underground burial sites. Spanning over 21,000 square feet, the catacombs feature numerous hypogea (chambers) that were once used for interments.

6. Discover the Cittadella

• Location: Victoria, Gozo

The Cittadella site on Gozo is believed to have been inhabited since Neolithic times and certainly during the Bronze Age. The Romans established a settlement in this area. The Cittadella is a fortified citadel that overlooks the present-day capital of Victoria.

Walking through this impressive limestone structure is essential when visiting Gozo. As you explore the grounds, take note of the sacred shrines beneath the Norman-style arches and the doors decorated with a coat of arms. From the ramparts, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Gozo’s hills, valleys, and villages, with the Mediterranean Sea visible in the distance. There are also several churches and museums on-site to explore, including the cave-like Gunpowder Magazine, which housed gunpowder during the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Other historic landmarks in Gozo that are worth visiting include the ornate St. George’s Basilica, which crowns the hill at the center of Victoria, and the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, nestled within the walls of the Cittadella.

7. The Ggantija Temples, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Location: Gozo

The Ggantija Temples, named after the Maltese term for “giant,” are the oldest and most remarkable of the megalithic temples found in the Maltese islands. Constructed during the Neolithic era from coralline limestone, these ruins are over 5,500 years old, predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. This UNESCO World Heritage site has recently been restored, offering visitor-friendly pathways and a new center showcasing prehistoric artifacts from all over Gozo.

To immerse yourself in Malta’s contemporary culture, cuisine, and nightlife

8. Browse for gifts and snacks along and around Merchants Street

• Location: Valletta

At the bustling Merchants Street Market, open every morning of the week, you can find stalls selling traditional Maltese crafts alongside affordable clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs. Just off Merchants Street is the Is-Suq Tal-Belt Valletta Food Market, an indoor venue filled with food stalls perfect for sampling Maltese cuisine. Don’t forget to stop by Lot 61 Coffee Roasters across the street from the food market for a cup of some of the finest coffee in the city.

9. Enjoy live music at Bridge Bar or Cafe Society

• Location: Valletta

While Valletta is bustling with tourists during the day, the capital city transforms at night. Especially on warm evenings, the nightlife flows out from bars and restaurants onto the streets. Join the locals on the city steps for drinks and live music at popular spots like Bridge Bar or Cafe Society.

10. Participate in a festival

• Location: Nationwide

Timing your visit to Malta to coincide with a festival is easy, thanks to a varied calendar of events. For a traditional cultural experience, plan your trip for “festa season”—an extended series of weekends from late May to September, when towns and villages across Malta honor their patron saints with colorful papier-mâché statues, delicious Maltese treats, and vibrant fireworks displays.

Some notable festivals to consider planning your trip around include Birgu Fest and Notte Bianca, both of which occur in October. During Birgu Fest, the historic city of Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, turns off all lights, illuminating its ancient walls and cobblestone streets with candles. In contrast, Notte Bianca is a lively night festival in Valletta that focuses more on music and celebration rather than the romantic ambiance of candlelight. If you visit in February, don a costume and head to Nadur, Gozo, for its lively Carnival festivities.

For experiencing Malta’s breathtaking natural landscapes

11. Embark on a boat tour to the Blue Grotto or Blue Lagoon

• Location: Qrendi (Malta) or Comino

A visit to Malta isn’t complete without a Mediterranean adventure, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is through a boat tour. If you’re pressed for time, you can take a taxi or drive to the coastal town of Qrendi, where you can join a brief 30-minute boat ride to the Blue Grotto, a stunning seaside cave.

For those with a full day to explore, consider booking a longer boat tour to the Blue Lagoon, found on the uninhabited island of Comino, the smallest in the archipelago. There are options for both full-day and half-day excursions to the Blue Lagoon and Comino, departing from Valletta or Gozo.

12. Stroll along the Xwejni Salt Pans on Gozo

• Where: Qbajjar Bay, Gozo

On Gozo's northern coast, visitors can explore one of the island’s significant traditions: sea salt production. Just beyond Qbajjar Bay lies a nearly two-mile stretch of salt pans that have been in use for 350 years, continuing to provide a vital income source for the local Gozitan community. During the summer months, residents collect salt crystals and store them in nearby caves for later use. Many local businesses sell this salt in decorative jars, which can be found in various souvenir shops around the island.

13. Enjoy a scenic drive on Gozo

• Where: Gozo

Gozo is primarily an agricultural island, so you won't encounter any large cities here. Instead, immerse yourself in the great outdoors, particularly along the breathtaking seaside cliffs and rock formations scattered throughout the island. The most iconic site is the Azure Window, a rock arch that collapsed in 2017. Nevertheless, visitors still flock to witness its remains. Equally magnificent, yet less famous, are Wied il-Għasri, a stunning sea canyon perfect for hiking and swimming, and Wied Il-Mielaħ, a (still-standing) natural rock arch overlooking the sea, both located on Gozo's northern coast.

14. Take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea

• Where: Various

While Malta and its smaller islands may not be known for expansive white sandy beaches, there are still fantastic spots for swimming and beach days. Grab a blanket or towel and relax on the rocky shores of Paradise Bay, Wied Iż-Żurrieq, or St. Peter’s Pool. If you're visiting Gozo, make sure to check out Xlendi.

After a day at St. Peter’s Pool, treat yourself to a seafood dinner in Marsaxlokk at the casual spot Skuna or the more upscale Tartarun. Don’t miss the Sunday fish market, although it’s often considered overrated unless you’re looking to buy fish for cooking later.

15. Challenge yourself with coastal rock climbing

• Where: Gozo

While Malta's coastal cliffs might not be ideal for sunbathing, they are perfect for rock climbing. If you're keen to give this thrilling sport a go, consider booking a tour with Gozo Adventures on Gozo or MC Adventure in Malta. Both companies have friendly, experienced guides who cater to all skill levels—from complete beginners to seasoned climbers.