A complete guide to Malta, covering the ancient capital Valletta, prehistoric megalithic temples, the stunning Blue Lagoon, medieval Mdina, and the island's rich history spanning 7,000 years. Includes practical tips for beaches, diving, local cuisine, and getting between the islands.
One of the most ornate Baroque church interiors in the world, with every surface covered in gilded carvings, paintings, and marble tombstones. Houses two Caravaggio masterpieces, including The Beheading of St. John. Admission EUR 15. Allow at least an hour. The plain exterior gives no hint of the jaw-dropping interior.
See the Caravaggio paintings in the Oratory
Look at the marble floor tombstones of the Knights
Explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Terraced gardens on the highest point of Valletta's fortifications, offering sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities across the water. Free entry. A cannon salute fires daily at noon and 4 PM. The gardens were originally the private grounds of the Italian Knights. One of the best free viewpoints on the island.
Watch the noon cannon salute
Take in the Grand Harbour views
Tour the Grandmaster's Palace and Armoury
The official residence of the Knights of Malta and now partly the office of the President. The State Rooms feature tapestries, frescoes, and armour. The Palace Armoury houses one of the largest collections of medieval weapons in the world, with over 5,000 pieces. Admission EUR 10 each for the State Rooms and Armoury.
Walk Republic Street and Merchant Street
Valletta's two main parallel streets run the length of the city. Republic Street is the pedestrianized main shopping street with cafes and the main sights. Merchant Street is quieter with the open-air morning market (Monday to Saturday) and traditional shops. The entire city is only about 1 km long, making it very walkable.
Visit the Malta Experience or Lascaris War Rooms
The Malta Experience is a 45-minute film covering 7,000 years of Maltese history, good as an introduction to the island. The Lascaris War Rooms (EUR 12) are underground tunnels where Allied forces coordinated Mediterranean operations in WWII. Both are near the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Ancient Sites and History
Visit the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
An underground prehistoric burial site carved from rock around 4000 BC, the only known prehistoric underground temple in the world. UNESCO World Heritage listed. Only 80 visitors per day are allowed, so book weeks or months in advance at Heritage Malta's website. Admission EUR 35. The experience is extraordinary and unreplicable anywhere else.
Explore the Megalithic Temples (Hagar Qim and Mnajdra)
These temples on the southern coast are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, dating to 3600-3200 BC. The two temple complexes sit on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea. A protective canopy covers Hagar Qim. Admission EUR 10 for both. The visitor center provides excellent context. Bus 74 from Valletta.
Visit Hagar Qim temple
Walk down to Mnajdra temple overlooking the sea
Explore Mdina (the Silent City)
Malta's ancient fortified capital, a walled city with a population of about 300 people. Narrow streets, Baroque palaces, and Norman architecture create a timeless atmosphere. Virtually no cars are allowed inside the walls. Visit early morning or late afternoon when the tour groups have left. The bastions offer views across the entire island. Free to enter.
Walk the ramparts for island-wide views
Visit St. Paul's Cathedral
Visit the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)
Three fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, predating it as the Knights' first base. Birgu (Vittoriosa) is the most interesting, with the Maritime Museum, Inquisitor's Palace, and Fort St. Angelo. Take the ferry from Valletta (EUR 2.80 round trip) for the best approach. Much less touristy than Valletta.
Gozo Island
Take the ferry to Gozo
Gozo, Malta's smaller sister island, is reachable by a 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa (EUR 4.65 round trip, pay on return). The island is greener, quieter, and more rural than Malta. Rent a car or scooter at the ferry terminal to explore independently. A full day is enough for the highlights.
Explore the Citadel in Victoria (Rabat)
Gozo's fortified hilltop capital, visible from across the island. The Citadel walls offer 360-degree views of Gozo and Malta on clear days. Inside are a cathedral, museum, and atmospheric narrow streets. Many buildings are being restored. Free to walk the walls; cathedral and museums charge small fees.
Visit the Ggantija Temples
Among the oldest freestanding structures in the world, predating the pyramids by over 1,000 years (3600 BC). The massive limestone blocks form two temples on a ridge overlooking the sea. The interpretation center provides excellent context. Admission EUR 9. Less crowded than the Malta temples.
Swim at Ramla Bay
Gozo's best beach, with distinctive red-orange sand, clear water, and a cave (Calypso's Cave from Homer's Odyssey) in the cliffs above. The beach has basic facilities and a small cafe. Much less developed than Maltese beaches. Visit on weekdays if possible as it gets busy on weekends in summer.
Beaches, Diving, and Blue Lagoon
Visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino island
A tiny island between Malta and Gozo with a shallow lagoon of impossibly turquoise water. Boats run from Cirkewwa, Sliema, and other ports (EUR 10-25 round trip). The lagoon gets extremely crowded from 10 AM to 4 PM in summer. Go early, stay late, or visit in May/October for a more peaceful experience. Bring snorkeling gear.
Go diving or snorkeling
Malta has some of the best diving in the Mediterranean, with warm water (20-26°C in summer), excellent visibility (30m+), and fascinating wreck and cave dives. Popular sites include the Blue Hole in Gozo, the Um El Faroud wreck, and the Madonna statue at Cirkewwa. A single dive with equipment costs EUR 40-55. Many dive schools operate in Sliema, St. Julian's, and Gozo.
Swim at St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock swimming pool on the southeast coast with crystal-clear deep water and flat rocks for sunbathing. Popular with locals and adventurous swimmers who jump from the surrounding rocks. No facilities or shade, so bring everything you need. Free access. The drive from Valletta takes about 30 minutes.
Explore the Dingli Cliffs
Malta's highest point (253 meters), with dramatic cliff views over the Mediterranean. A walking path runs along the cliff edge. The nearby Dingli village has a few restaurants with cliff-top terrace views. Best visited at sunset. Free access. About 20 minutes by car from Valletta.
Food and Local Culture
Try pastizzi (Malta's national snack)
Flaky diamond-shaped pastries filled with either ricotta or mushy peas, sold at pastizzerias everywhere for EUR 0.50-1.00 each. Crystal Palace in Rabat and Is-Serkin in Valletta are legendary. Eaten as a breakfast snack or any time of day. The ricotta version is the most popular. Best served fresh and hot.
Eat fresh fish at Marsaxlokk fishing village
This picturesque harbor village on the southeast coast is famous for its colorful luzzu fishing boats with painted eyes. The Sunday fish market draws crowds for fresh catch including lampuki (mahi-mahi), octopus, and swordfish. Waterfront restaurants serve grilled fish for EUR 15-25. Visit on Sunday morning for the full market experience.
Try ftira (Gozitan flatbread) and rabbit stew
Ftira is a sourdough flatbread topped with tomatoes, capers, olives, and tuna, unique to Gozo. Rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek) is Malta's unofficial national dish, slow-cooked with wine and garlic. Both are found throughout the islands. De Mondion in Mdina and Ta' Mena in Gozo serve excellent traditional Maltese cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in Malta?
Four to five days covers the main island highlights, a day trip to Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon. Three days works for just Malta's highlights (Valletta, Mdina, one beach day). A week allows for diving, the Three Cities, and a more relaxed pace. Malta is small (316 sq km) but has a surprising amount to see.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
May through June and September through October offer warm weather (22-28°C), swimmable seas, and fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are very hot (35°C+) and crowded at beaches. Spring brings wildflowers and is ideal for temple visits and hiking. Winter (December-February) is mild (12-16°C) and good for sightseeing without crowds.
How do I get around Malta?
Public buses connect most destinations on Malta and cost EUR 1.50 per ride (EUR 2 in winter, EUR 3 in summer for the Explore card). Service can be slow and irregular. Renting a car (EUR 20-35 per day) gives the most flexibility. Driving is on the left (British heritage). The Gozo ferry and inter-island boat services are efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing apps also operate.
Do I need to book the Hypogeum in advance?
Yes, absolutely. The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum limits visitors to 80 per day to protect the 6,000-year-old site. Tickets sell out weeks to months in advance, especially in summer. Book through the Heritage Malta website as soon as you confirm your trip dates. A small number of last-minute tickets are sometimes released, but do not count on availability.