A trip to Malta will make you go back in time and immerse yourself in the forgotten beauty of this country in just a few days. The medieval aura with its stone districts and castles, temples, picturesque islands, and fine food are just a few of the things you must experience in Malta. If you are looking for a short getaway in Europe with important attractions but also natural landscapes, then this article is of interest to you!
1. Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and was built during its occupation by the Order of the Knights of Jerusalem. In 1980, the city was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site, and due to its small size, you can easily cover the whole city on foot. Valletta resembles a city-museum with dozens of monuments and picturesque alleys with historical buildings such as the Manoel Theatre, the City Gates, etc. Apart from browsing the historic streets, colorful traditional balconies, and impressive architecture, there are a few more places worth visiting. Worth visiting is the Cathedral of Saint John, built between 1573 and 1577 and home to famous paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Stroll down Strait Street, Valletta’s most famous street, which is the center of nightlife. It is worth walking around the city to see up close the traditional architecture of the houses with their characteristic balconies, to find yourself inside medieval fortresses, and to enjoy your shopping at the open-air market!
2. Marsaxlokk
You may struggle to pronounce it, but Marsaxlokk is worth your time. It is a coastal city in the south-east of Malta, a former Phoenician colony, as its name (Marsa meaning harbor in Arabic and Xlokk meaning south-east wind in the Maltese dialect) testifies. It is worth taking a walk by the harbor to see the colorful traditional fishing boats luzzu, with their double walls and painted eyes on the bow. A local, colorful, traditional ‘fishing village’. You will admire over 100 Maltese fishing boats adorning the bay and a huge variety of products filling the market stalls. It used to be a typical fish market every Sunday, and now it is one of the biggest markets that is flooded with thousands of travelers! In addition to seafood, you will also find local products such as honey, jams, and wines. After you’ve finished your sightseeing and shopping, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at one of the restaurants overlooking the bay. Even if you find yourself on holiday in Malta during the winter months, you should definitely visit it. The marina of Marsaxlokk is the second natural marina in Malta, and it rarely raises waves, even in winter, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful scenery and, of course, the fresh local fish!
3. Mdina
It is impossible to go as far as Malta and not get to know Mdina. It is the old capital of Malta, and it will give you a medieval aura and amazing landscapes for your photos. You will also find it as Città Vecchia, where you will meet baroque buildings, medieval castles, and picturesque alleys with hospitable residents. A trip to Malta can take you back in time when you visit Mdina, an exceptionally grand and well-preserved city. It is also known as the ‘silent city’, and you will immediately understand why. It is a quiet place, as no cars are allowed in, with the authorities being very strict about noise regulations. Discover the endless maze of beautiful alleyways, famous streets from countless Game of Thrones scenes, colorful doors with traditional handles, and local restaurants that have kept their charm.
4. The Blue Grotto
If you want a romantic touch on your trip to Malta, then a stop at the Blue Grotto is a must. There, you will enjoy one of the best sunsets in the area to the sound of the waves breaking on the imposing rocks.
5. Popeye’s Village
Relive your childhood in the real setting of your beloved Popeye. The village of Sweethaven in Malta, or, as it is now known, Popeye’s Village, will bring the pages of your favorite comic book to life and make you feel closer to Popeye and Olive in its colorful landscape. It is a small theme park, not only for children but also for adults. There you will be able to enjoy boat rides, trampolines, play golf, swim, enjoy the sun on the sunbeds, and also dine in very tasty restaurants. It is definitely an attraction not to be missed while on holiday in Malta.
6. The Rocca Piccola House
It is worth visiting the famous Casa Rocca Piccola in Malta and getting to know the architecture and lifestyle of the time. Inside, you will find objects—antiques, historical documents—but also information about that time.
7. The Blue Lagoon
Live a little like a castaway in Malta’s Blue Lagoon. The islet of Comino offers you a pristine natural landscape with clear blue waters to enjoy your dives undisturbed. There, you will, of course, not find cars, and you will be able to follow the relatively passable paths to better explore the area. Famous for its clear blue waters, it is perhaps one of the most photographed spots on a trip to Malta. There are many day cruises that depart from various parts of Malta and visit first the island of Gozo and then Comino, with time available for diving and relaxing in the Blue Laggon. If you find yourself in Malta during the summer, you should not miss it.
8. The island of Calypso
Odysseus stayed here for years, according to Homer. The island of Gozo, or, as it is known, the island of Calypso, will captivate you with its natural beauty. You can visit the famous cave where Calypso lived with Odysseus and also swim on beautiful beaches. If your schedule allows, spend at least one night on this beautiful island, as there are so many beautiful places to see, fantastic restaurants to dine at, quaint streets and houses, and friendly local residents.
9. Hagar Qim Temple
Don’t leave Malta without visiting the historic Hagar Qim Temple. It is the best preserved temple in Malta, exclusively built of limestone. This temple dates back to 3,200 BC and is believed to have been built by Greek tribes as a stronghold in the Mediterranean.
10. The Barrakka Gardens
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island and offer a stunning view of the Valletta Harbour. The gardens were created in 1661 by the Knights of St. John and were only open to members of the order. Today, the gardens are open to the public. In the gardens, there are many attractions, including statues, flowers, paved paths and steps, and two observatories that offer a stunning view of the harbor and Valletta. The Lower Barrakka Gardens are in a different location from the Upper Barrakka. They are located in the Castille Square area and are accessible by a lift that connects the gardens to Lascaris beach. As the gardens are an ideal place to relax, you should definitely visit them on your holiday in Malta, and maybe more than once.