Small but remarkably diverse, with a long and troubled history, the Maltese archipelago is a treasure trove of prehistoric temples, fossil-rich cliffs, hidden coves and fabulous dive sites. Here are 10 things to see in Malta 's most popular destinations to enjoy the best of the islands.
The picturesque walled capital Valletta, Malta ©kavalenkava/Shutterstock
1. Valletta, Malta: wonder of wonders
Malta's capital is an extraordinary city: surrounded by walls, it occupies a space of only 600 m by 1000 m, in which all streets lead to the sea. Valletta is a harmonious cluster of 16th and 17th century houses with typical Maltese balconies. One of Malta's best-loved sights is it. So much so that it has boomed in recent years, thanks to a vibrant gastronomic scene, architectural renovations and enhancements, and a lively nightlife. With new art galleries, museums and exhibition spaces, it is now an important cultural hub. You will feel its character as soon as you walk through the imposing City Gate and see the ultra-modern Parliament Building and Opera House, all designed by Renzo Piano.
2. Discover Malta at Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
In Malta, tourism rhymes with history. And visiting these ancient underground burial chambers is a unique and evocative experience. The sacred spaces, carved out of the rock and perfectly preserved, date back some 5000 years and ochre decorations can still be seen on the ceilings of some rooms.
Hypogeum of Malta, where it is located
This hypogeum is located in Paola, a village on the island of Malta. It is a window on an ancient and mysterious world, which fascinates and baffles at the same time. A visit to the site, which should be booked several months in advance, allows one to take a journey back in time. An unmissable stop on an itinerary to discover Malta.
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Malta and Gozo
3. Gozo, what to see: Il-Kastell
Also known as Il-Kastell, the restored Victoria Fortress is one of Gozo's most striking sights. These 15th-century fortifications were intended to protect the island's inhabitants from incursions by the Turks, during a dark period in Gozo's history well illustrated at the new visitor centre. The ancient streets of Il-Kastell lead to the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption and museums dedicated to the island's archaeology, folklore and natural history - definitely among the places to visit in Malta. After a lunch of Gozitan specialities, take a walk along the city walls from where you can admire extraordinary views of the entire island.
The narrow streets of Mdina ©trabantos/Shutterstock
4. Discover Malta's capital city at St John's Co-Cathedral
The austere façade of Valletta Cathedral belies the Baroque opulence of its interior. The floor is covered with polychrome marble tombstones, with delicate symbolic figures inlaid in the stone. The chapels, dedicated to the nationalities of the Knights of the Order of St. John, are one more sumptuous than the next. The highlight is Caravaggio's Beheading of St John the Baptist displayed in the Oratory, one of the largest works by the artist. The excellent new cathedral museum, with a section dedicated to Caravaggio, is scheduled to open in 2020.
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5. Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta and Rabat
Little Mdina, Malta's former capital, is a fortified town perched on a hilltop, full of beautiful honey-coloured buildings. A treasure trove of museums, ancient artefacts and churches (including Malta's second cathedral), it exudes a mysterious charm at night, when everything is closed and the streets are deserted and dimly lit. If you visit when almost everyone has left, you will understand why it is nicknamed the 'silent city'. Mdina lies next to Rabat, another delightful town with some fascinating sites and an emerging food scene that is among the best in Malta.
The famous Blue Lagoon ©Emma Shaw/Lonely Planet
6. Holidays in Malta, where better to go than to the Blue Lagoon?
On a holiday to Malta, one cannot do without a tour of its beaches. And the beautiful island of Comino, in this sense, has a very rich history. Mentioned by Ptolemy 1800 years ago, it has been a refuge for hermits, a quarantine zone for cholera patients and a prison camp. Its most precious jewel is the magical Blue Lagoon, a placid sea lagoon so deep blue it looks like a retouched photograph. It draws large crowds of swimmers in the summer months, but not even overcrowding can overshadow the beauty of the place. Try to go there in the afternoon anyway, after most people have left.
7. Malta, where to go to discover its secret coves
Although Malta boasts some lovely sandy beaches, often the best spots for swimming are the coves and bays that dot the rocky coastline. Highlights include the magnificent St Peter's Pool, fabulous for diving off the rocks, the secluded natural pool at Għar Lapsi, and the narrow inlet between Gozo's cliffs, known as Wied il-Għasri, accessible by steps carved into the rock and where the Maltese sea shines its own light. For those who want to combine the pleasures of a good swim with those of good food, there is no better place than the Rew Rew restaurant, overlooking the sea; it is in Mġarr ix-Xini on the island of Gozo.
8. Head to Malta to wander the narrow streets of Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa is the most charming of the Three Cities, thanks to its spectacular views and perfectly preserved ancient streets. Still called Birgu (its name before the Great Siege of 1565) by its inhabitants, Vittoriosa was the first seat of the Knights of Malta, whose headquarters, Fort St Angelo, has been expertly restored and is open to the public. To get an idea of Vittoriosa's strong sense of community, visit in October, the high point of the annual BirguFest, when the streets are lit only by candles.
The prehistoric site of Mnajdra, Malta ©Serg Zastavkin/Shutterstock
9. What to do in Malta: discovering Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
One of the most beautiful areas of Malta is this one, with its majestic prehistoric sites that are among the most atmospheric in the archipelago, thanks to their spectacular location. They stand atop a cliff that turns into a carpet of wildflowers in spring. From the site one has a magnificent view of the sea stretching as far as the distant islet of Filfla; nature trails wind through the surrounding countryside and an interesting visitor centre explains what is known about the mysterious temple builders. Although today Malta stands out for its fascinating architecture of more recent times, these ancient structures are among the most beautiful in the country.
10. Go diving in Malta
With attractions such as aircraft wrecks dating back to World War II, some interesting shipwrecks, the remains of Gozo's famous Azure Window and caves teeming with marine life, Malta and Gozo are probably the best diving destination in Europe. Many sites are accessible from shore and there are dive sites for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers; numerous dive operators (recommended for even the most experienced divers) will be ready to help you.
