Malta is an island packed with beautiful enclaves and a thousand surprises waiting to be discovered. Beaches, nature, water sports, architecture and much more: Malta is the perfect combination for a spring or summer getaway.
This small island with more than 7,000 years of history to its name is home to fascinating architecture and a rich and diverse cultural legacy. In Malta you'll find many different places to explore, from prehistoric temples to some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean, to fortified cities and picturesque fishing villages.
If you're planning a spring or summer getaway, Malta is definitely the place. Its golden beaches with crystal-clear waters and the sheer range of outdoor activities (snorkelling, diving, hiking, etc., etc.) will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Join us on a tour of the most stunning parts of Malta!
1. Enjoy the sun and sea
There's nothing better in Malta than relaxing on its golden beaches, many of them surrounded by rock formations. The choice is endless but these are some of the nicest: Golden Bay, a long stretch of golden-coloured sand; Paradise Bay, a charming little beach ideal for snorkelling in the transparent waters; Ghadira Bay, with its sun loungers and sun shades and a great choice of beach bars; and Mellieħa, always busy and lively, ideal to go with a group. But there are plennnnty more!
2. Admire Valletta from Sliema
Valletta, Malta's capital, is a fortified city with a hidden history that will send shivers down your spine. It's famous for its Baroque architecture and narrow streets packed with interesting sights. But if you prefer a more underground type of plan, head to Sliema Promenade for a panoramic view of Valletta by the sea. It will be one of the highlights of your trip, a truly unforgettable moment.
As well as its stunning views, Sliema is packed with restaurants and shops. In this city you'll find everything from top luxury brands on Tower Road to quirky little shops on Bisazza Road selling local handicrafts that you'll want to take home.
3. Discover the three cities
Opposite Valletta, in an area known as Cottonera, you'll find Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua. The three cities are surrounded by a line of fortifications and separated from Valletta by an inlet. The sight is truly spectacular! The streets are pure history: taking a stroll through them will transport you back in time to the Malta of the past.
Vittoriosa is the liveliest of the three, with restaurants and pubs always filled to the rafters. Don't forget to visit Fort Sant Angelo. The main attraction of the city, it's thought to be a Roman fortification (although no one knows for sure).
4. Try pastizzi
Maltese cuisine is extremely varied. The Mediterranean, British and Arab influences that have shaped the country through the centuries have left their mark on the food.
Among the typical products you'll find a real jewel - Ġbejna- a native cheese of the archipelago. Rabbit stew, aljotta soup and lampuki, a typical local rockfish, are some of the island's most famous dishes. But the true delicacy is pastizzi, flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They're finger-licking delicious!
5. Explore Malta's sunken ships
One essential activity on this island is diving in the crystal-clear waters and discovering all the fish that live there. Not to mention the wrecks: there are some for experienced divers and some for those taking their first steps under the sea. We love the P29, Rozi and UM El Faroud, but there are plenty more.
If snorkelling is your passion, we recommend you head to Għar Lapsi, a small rocky bay on the south-west coast of Malta where you can don your goggles and tube and spend the day gazing at all kinds of little fish.
6. Immerse yourself in the country's 7,000 years of history
In view of its strategic geographical location between Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, Malta has sparked the interest of many civilisations through the ages. History is wherever you look!
The island is home to some of the world's oldest treasures, dating back to 3600 BCE. Today, some of these prehistoric constructions, like Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, are UNESCO world heritage archaeological sites.
Want to find out more? Visit the National Museum of Archaeology. Fun fact: the museum is housed in an "auberge", a building that used to accommodate Knights of the Order of Saint John who didn't have their own home in Malta.
7. Enjoy the Malta International Wine Festival
The Argotti Gardens are the venue for the Malta International Wine Festival, featuring more than 300 wines from all over the world, live music, master classes by the finest sommeliers and pairings to suit every taste. Don't miss the chance to live this experience from 21 to 25 June 2023. Cheers!
8. Explore Saint Paul's Catacombs, Rabat
Saint Paul's Catacombs in Rabat are a maze of underground tunnels dating from the fourth century. They are thought to have been used as Christian cemeteries and, in some cases, as a place of worship. Scared? Claustrophobic? Go on, when you finish there are plenty of idyllic beaches where you can recover!
9. Visit Saint Mary's Tower in Comino
You can't go to Malta and not visit Comino, the most charming island in the archipelago. It's completely uninhabited, so the unspoiled beaches are a genuine haven of peace where you can disconnect from everything. The white sand and turquoise waters will transport you instantly to a Caribbean paradise. But for a real feast for the eyes, climb to the top of Saint Mary's Tower, a fortress from which you can gaze down at the stunning scenery below.
10. Walk along the Dingli Cliffs
These spectacular cliffs fringe the west coast of Malta and offer majestic panoramic views of the Mediterranean that will literally take your breath away.
The Dingli Cliffs stand over 250 metres above sea level, so if you like hiking remember to pack your walking boots. One of the most fascinating trails leads to the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters.
What do you think? Time to pack your bags and fly to Malta?
