Top 18 Activities to Experience in Malta and Gozo

Brett is set to release the new edition of the Malta guidebook in February 2025. Here are his top picks for unforgettable experiences in Malta.

Despite its small size of just 316 sq km (122 sq mi), Malta is the tenth-smallest country in the world but boasts a rich variety of sights and activities. Whether you seek summer sunshine or winter warmth, you can explore centuries of history and enjoy breathtaking Mediterranean views.

Traveling around is straightforward via bus, rental car, or ferry, so consider these suggestions that blend famous landmarks with hidden gems to fully enjoy this compact island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Feel the thunder of Valletta's iconic cannons

As you stroll through Valletta, be prepared for a sudden loud bang at noon and 4pm. Head to the Saluting Battery to witness the spectacle of Valletta's ceremonial cannon firing, traditionally honoring visiting naval ships, while enjoying stunning views of Grand Harbour, Fort St Angelo, and the Three Cities.

Discover Malta's Three Cities aboard an electric buggy

Using an eco-friendly electric buggy from Rolling Geeks, embark on a self-guided adventure through the charming piazzas, streets, and quiet corners of the historic Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. The buggies come equipped with GPS directions, ensuring you won’t get lost while exploring museums, churches, and gardens.

Experience the challenge of contemporary art in Valletta

Following Valletta's designation as a European Capital of Culture in 2018, many of the city's heritage buildings now feature captivating contemporary art. Begin your exploration with the intriguing installations and sculptures at Valletta Contemporary. Opening in October 2024, Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) will offer nearly 7,000 sq m (75,347 sq ft) of gallery and exhibition space within a restored fort in the historic Floriana area. For an additional dose of art across various mediums, including painting, film, dance, and performances, check the lineup at Spazju Kreattiv, located in Valletta’s historic St James Cavalier.

Discover the history of 'Fortress Malta' at the Lascaris War Rooms.

Located 40m (131ft) beneath Valletta's Upper Barraka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the Allies’ secret command headquarters during WWII, playing a crucial role in the island's defense throughout the 18-month Siege of Malta from 1940 to 1942. Engaging guided tours take you through restored map rooms and communications centers as they were during the conflict. To deepen your understanding of Malta’s WWII history, explore the nearby War HQ Tunnels, a historic underground maze where anti-aircraft defenses and the Royal Air Force's strategies were meticulously coordinated.

Traverse the clifftop trails of southern Gozo

To experience Gozo's stunning Mediterranean landscapes, embark on the Xlendi Walk, which stretches 12km (7.5 miles) from Mġarr Harbour to the rocky inlets near Xlendi. Along the way, you'll encounter the remarkably narrow cove of Mġarr ix-Xini, coastal watchtowers built by the Knights of St John in the 17th century, and a steep stairway leading to the compact Carolina Cave. Buses connect Xlendi with both Mġarr and Victoria, the historic capital of Gozo. Gozo is gaining popularity as a hiking destination; the Visit Gozo website offers details on nine additional exciting trails that crisscross this quieter island.

Admire classic cars in St Paul's Bay

When renting a car, opting for a compact Japanese or Korean model is wise for navigating Malta's winding and often narrow roads. However, you’ll find yourself envious of the impressive collection of automotive masterpieces at the Malta Classic Car Collection located in Qawra, St Paul's Bay. Keep an eye out for the striking blue vintage Bugatti parked out front—your sign that you're at the right spot. On sunny Sundays, proud owners showcase their meticulously restored classic cars, including British Fords and Vauxhalls from the 1960s and 1970s, taking leisurely drives around the island; a great spot to see these beauties is along the beachfront at Mellieħa Bay in northern Malta.

Unwind in the greenery of Mdina's il-Foss

Originally part of the walled city's defense system, Mdina's historic Ditch Gardens (or il-Foss) has been revitalized into a delightful spot for picnics and leisurely walks. The former overgrowth of ivy has given way to olive trees and a citrus grove, and the area hosts occasional festivals and concerts.

Kick off the weekend with outdoor jazz

For a vibrant evening, head to Valletta's Bridge Bar on a Friday night, when music enthusiasts gather on the city’s golden steps to enjoy live jazz. Cozy cushions provide a perfect setting for spontaneous concerts, with laid-back tunes starting around 8:30pm and continuing until midnight; it's wise to reserve an outdoor spot in advance. Another great venue for live jazz is the well-established Offbeat Music Bar.

Kayak along the stunning coastline of Gozo

With its secret sea caves and uniquely shaped coastal rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, Gozo is a fantastic spot for sea kayaking. Gozo Adventures offers half-day and full-day kayaking excursions starting from Hondoq Bay on the southern coast, crossing the Gozo Channel to Comino. Another prime kayaking location is the tranquil Inland Sea.

Explore the untouched trails of compact Comino

Steer clear of the crowds at Comino’s famous Blue Lagoon by hiking the trails that wind through the island's rugged landscape. Among the historic sites, you’ll find the stunning Church of Our Lady’s Return from Egypt, constructed by the Knights of St John in 1618. Nearby, Santa Marija Bay offers a much quieter swimming alternative to the bustling Blue Lagoon. The sea caves on southeast Comino are best admired from the island’s elevated cliff-top paths.

Discover exceptional dining experiences in unexpected locations

Food enthusiasts can savor authentic Maltese cuisine at charming bistros popping up in towns and villages beyond Valletta and St Julian’s. In Dingli village, highlights include Diar il-Bniet, where fresh, homegrown ingredients are used to create traditional dishes, while the rooftop terrace of Yana’s in Rabat features cocktails and craft beer paired with a creative take on Maltese classics (don’t miss the rabbit cannelloni).

Experience the wonders of the incredible Blue Hole

Though the famous Azure Window sea arch in Gozo collapsed into the sea during a storm in March 2017, the dramatic coastline of Dwejra Bay remains breathtaking. Boat trips exploring the nearby Inland Sea also provide views of the underwater arch beneath the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Divers can explore the nearby Blue Hole, a 25m (82ft) deep underwater limestone chimney, with local dive operators like Dwejra Divers.

Step back 500,000 years in time at Għar Dalam Cave

Known as 'Cave of Darkness,' Għar Dalam is a 145m-long (475ft) cavern carved from Lower Coralline Limestone, the oldest rock formation in the Maltese islands. The cave has yielded ancient fossils, including bones and teeth from dwarf elephants, hippopotamuses, and prehistoric micro-mammals, offering a fascinating glimpse into Malta's distant history.

Discover living history at Gozo's salt pans

Explore the tranquil coastal roads and unpaved trails along Gozo's northern shoreline to arrive at the often-blustery site of the Marsalforn salt pans. Carved into the coastal limestone by hand, these salt pans date back to Roman times and continue to be used for salt harvesting from May through September. Rent a mountain bike from On 2 Wheels in nearby Marsalforn to cover the 2km (1.25-mile) journey westward to the salt pans.

Engage with the community at the Malta National Aquarium

The national aquarium features five distinct aquatic zones, each showcasing a different aspect of Malta's surrounding waters. Special exhibitions highlight Valletta's Grand Harbour and Gozo's coastline, displaying over 250 marine species in 50 tanks. A notable attraction is a 12m (40ft) walk-through underwater tunnel that is sure to delight children.

Uncover a WWII miracle at the Mosta Dome

To explore Malta's recent history, take a self-guided audio tour of the Parish Church of Santa Maria, also known as the Rotunda or the Mosta Dome. You'll discover the fascinating tale of one of the world’s largest unsupported domes and its miraculous escape during WWII when a German bomb fell through the roof during a service but fortunately did not detonate. Next to the church, the recently reopened WWII bomb shelters illustrate the wartime struggles faced by local parishioners.

Ascend for the finest views of Gozo

Gozo's rugged and jagged coastline ranks among Europe's premier rock climbing destinations. Many of the island's over 300 bolted sport climbing routes can be found along the southern coast, particularly in the Munxar-Xlendi Valley and the breathtaking Mġarr ix-Xini. It's an ideal spot for beginners, especially with courses offered by Gozo Adventures; they also provide opportunities for abseiling, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Explore Gozo on a Segway or electric bike

Join Gozo Segway Tours – whether on a Segway or an e-bike – to discover the peaceful backroads of Malta's smaller, less populated neighbor. A highlight of the trip is the scenic route from the Marsalforn salt pans to the rocky, narrow coastal bay of Wied l-Ghasri, continuing on to the magnificent Basilica of Ta' Pinu located near the village of Għarb.