Malta’s Best Attractions and Tours

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Malta is the smallest country in in the European Union, however what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. There are few countries packed with such a concentration of heritage and beauty spots, so it’s important to plan your trip before you arrive.

Whether you visit for a weekend or more, this list of Malta’s best attractions listed in order of importance will help you plan your trip. The sites (and sights!) are set out in a route with suggestions to make them doable as long as one makes an early start. For a more leisurely visit, just select fewer sites and see the rest on another visit!

Since we wanted to include all the best attractions in each area, some of the itineraries list more than you can see in one day, that way you have the information you need to pick and choose what interests you most for your personalised visit. Click on links for further information on the more important sides, complete with transport options and maps. Enjoy your time in Malta, and do leave a comment letting us know what you enjoyed and suggestions for improvements.

VALLETTA – Day 1 – Choose about 5 attractions for one day.

1. Sacra Infermeria & Malta Experience – Starting with this audio-visual show will put everything you see after into context, and with it you can get a tour of the Knights’ hospital, the Sacra Infermeria. Built in 1574, it was considered one of the best hospitals in Europe, with one of grandest interiors and longest halls, it could accommodate 914 patients in an emergency. Where is It? Click here for Sacra Infermeria and here for Malta Experience

2. Fort St Elmo, a massive fortification key to the defeat of the Ottomans during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, and important in WWII. Restored, it now hosts the National War Museum where you can see the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH aircraft, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’ and above all the George Cross awarded to the people of Malta and featured on Malta’s flag. Where is It? Click here to find out!

3. Siege Bell War Memorial – Perched on the bastions overlooking the Grand Harbour, the Siege Bell was built to commemorate the award of the George Cross to Malta and to honour over 7,000 servicemen and civilians who gave their lives during World War II. A moving monument and great vantage point over the Grand Harbour. Where is it? Click here to find out!

4. Lower Barrakka smaller than its Upper cousin, the Lower Barakka Gardens are a peaceful little haven to have a quick break and enjoy the views over the Grand Harbour, historic monuments and shade of the trees, as well as with a drink and a snack from the little kiosk. Where is it? Click here to find out!

5. Casa Rocca Piccola – Malta’s only palazzo open to the public that is still lived in. A veritable treasure-trove, in its grand rooms you will see art treasures and fine period furniture from different ages, but it’s more than just a museum, it’s a window onto how families lived in Malta in the past. The tour includes the courtyard garden and underground wartime shelter.

6. Grand Master’s Palace – the residence of the Grand Masters, British Governors and now the President, this is the most impressive palace in Malta, with art on every wall, ceiling and floor. Being the office of the President it’s sometimes closed to the public. The Palace Armoury next door houses the world’s largest display of arms and armour still housed in its original location.

7. Manoel Theatre – The 1731 Manoel Theatre is not only the leading performing arts venue in Malta, it is one of just three surviving Baroque working theatres in Europe. Known simply as ‘The Manoel’ it is an architectural gem of a theatre with its elaborately decorated ceiling and boxes. If you can’t attend a performance, catch a tour, Mon-Fri 10.00-12.00. Where is It? Click here to find out!

8. St John’s Co-Cathedral Unlike its austere exterior, the Knights’ conventual church for over 200 years is a dazzling High Baroque display of art, architecture, architecture and sculpture. 400 marble inlaid tombstones line its floor, and two Caravaggio masterpieces grace its Oratory.Its museum displays a large collection of Flemish tapestries and church vestments.Masses daily at 8.30am, more on Sat & Sun.

9. Upper Barrakka Gardens – one of the most popular spots in the city. After a day touring, unwind enjoying its breathtaking views over Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, admire the historic sculpture, relax over a drink and snack, or catch the Barrakka Lift down to the Harbour.

10. MUŻA – Malta National Community Art Museum – For its size, Malta’s Muza Art Museum offers a remarkable collection of over 20,000 works of European creativity, with masterpieces by world-renowned artists from the 15th to the 20th Century as well as audio-visual experiences, a must-see for anyone who enjoys the arts.

MOSTA/RABAT/MDINA – Day 2 – Doable in one day if you visit Rabat in the afternoon and Mdina in the evening (which however means that Palazzo Falson will be closed). If you have enough time, dedicate one day to Mdina, and another to Mosta/Ta’ Qali/Rabat.

11. Mosta Dome – Said to be the third largest unsupported dome roof in the world, the beautiful proportions of this church are worth seeing. Others are more interested in the fact that a 200kg bomb dropped by the German Luftwaffe in 1942 failed to explode, so the 300 people inside survived, seemingly by a miracle. A bomb of the same type is on display. Where is It? Click Here to find out!

12. Ta’ Qali Crafts Village – the place to watch craftsmen produce silver filigree, pottery and majolica, hand-blown glass, lace, miniature houses and other beautiful items which can be bought there. The area was a much-bombed wartime airfield, and some of the original British Nissen huts still survive. Where is It? Click here to find out!

13. St. Agatha’s Catacombs have unique Siculo-Byzantine and Graeco-Roman style frescoes. Originally a small cave, the crypt was extended during the medieval period and Punic, Jewish and Christian tombs are found there. Some of the over 500 tombs are decorated with reliefs and frescoes and there are two Agape table where dinners in honour of the dead took place.

14. Domus Romana The mosaic pavements and sculptures in the ‘Roman villa’ at Rabat rank among the finest Roman artworks in the western Mediterranean, found in the remains of a richly decorated town house of the Roman period just outside Mdina’s walls. The museum is a microcosm of Roman life with its collection of coins, Roman glassware, jewellery, a baby’s rattle and theatrical masks.

15. Mdina itself– MUST SEE. Commanding views over all of Malta, Mdina was Malta’s capital city until the arrival of the Knights of Malta in 1530, and it is literally like stepping into medieval times. Walk through, admiring the late addition of the Baroque Vilhena Palace, then take a detour into the past, through the Norman architecture of its narrow, winding alleys until you reach the belvedere on Bastion Square. Mdina’s atmosphere is enhanced in the evening so dinner there is the perfect end to your day.

16. Mdina Cathedral’s magnificent dome, painted a traditional deep red dominates the skyline and is the central point of the city, and the cathedral is embellished by fine frescoes and paintings. The Mdina Cathedral Museum boasts woodcuts by Durer, engravings by Rembrandt and the fine 14th-century St Paul Polyptych.

17. Palazzo Falson generally known as the Norman House, is the best-preserved and second-oldest building in Mdina dating to the early 14th century. Recently restored, it holds an eclectic collection including silver, furniture, oriental carpets, a rare collection of books and manuscripts, jewellery, armour and much more.

THE THREE CITIES, MNAJDRA, MARSAXLOKK – Day 3 – Doable in one day as Marsaxlokk can be visited late afternoon.

18. The Three Cities With their narrow stepped streets, the Three Cities are the most authentic part of Malta. Start your day early at Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens, to enjoy the stunning view over the harbour. Walk past St Philip’s Church and the Basilica over to Birgu to visit the Knight’s Oratory at St Lawrence Church, the Maritime Museum and, time permitting, Fort St Angelo.

19. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples – If you only have time to visit one prehistoric site, visit Mnajdra with Ħaġar Qim. These temples said to be about 5,500 years old are not only impressive by their size and sophistication, but their location by a cliff overlooking the island of Filfla gives them a special aura, and you can enjoy a great walk in the area.

20. Marsaxlokk – one of the bigger fishing villages in Malta full of small fishing boats and many of the better fish restaurants on the island, also hosts a daily souvenir market and a fish market on Sundays. This thriving fishing harbour is everyone’s favourite for the sight of colourful traditional luzzu (pronounced ‘lutzu’) fishing boats painted in traditional stripes of colours. Where is It? Click here to find out!

GOZO – Day 4 – doable by car or taxi if just one of the beach options is chosen.

21. Ġgantija Temples one of first free standing structures in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple is one of the main attractions in Gozo. Located on the top of Xaghra hill, it commands a wonderful view on the south to Malta. Where is It? Click here to find out!

22. Cittadella-, Surrounded by fortifications, the Cittadella was built around 1500 BC and was inhabited for centuries. This beauty of its architecture dominates the countryside and offers views over the coastline. Perfect for a walk and to learn about Gozo’s history. Where is It? Click here to find out!

23. Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, this wonderful catholic sanctuary is a not only a place of Maltese pilgrimage but also a showpiece of Gozitan architecture and stone sculpture listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. Don’t miss the votive room where the walls are lined with souvenirs of graces received. Where is It? Click here to found out!

24. Dwejra : Known as the set of the famous TV series ‘Game Of Thrones’, Dwejra window collapsed in stormy weather but those cliffs and the blue water are still a beautiful place to visit and walk. Where is It? Click here to find out!

25. Xlendi : Ix-Xlendi Bay is renowned for swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling and good food. You can find a small sandy beach leading to shallow waters ideal for young and old, while the more adventurous can indulge in swimming and scuba diving in the deeper waters. Where is It? Click here to find out!

26. Ramla l-Ħamra with its reddish sand and unspoilt hills is without a doubt the most beautiful of Malta and Gozo’s beaches which was saved from development by Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar (FAA) some years ago. Enjoy it but be aware of its very dangerous undercurrents beneath the waves. Where is It? Click here to find out!

SOUTH EAST – Day 5 – Doable in one day by choosing between the Xrobb l-Għagin Park OR Peter’s Pool.

27. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum : Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this amazing underground place is steeped in prehistory. Once used as a sanctuary, it was also used as a burial-place and nearly 7000 bodies were discovered there. Book online early as limited intake means it is booked up weeks ahead. Where is It? Click here to find out!

28. Blue Grotto : These beautiful seven caves are located along the southern coast of the island and can be visited them by boat to admire the amazing clear, blue waters and natural beauty of the area. Where is It? Click here to find out!

29. The Southern Villages – Zurrieq, Qrendi, Safi and Mqabba largely overlooked by guidebooks and tourists, these are Malta’s oldest and most authentic villages. Take the time to stroll their narrow streets visit their fine churches and have a leisurely coffee in a village bar, to get a real taste of Malta. Where is It? Click on Zurrieq, Qrendi, Safi and Mqabba to find out!

30. Xrobb 3l-Għagin Park: Situated beyond Marsaxlokk, by the white cliffs of Munxar, this reserve is a haven of flora and fauna like birds, insects or even wild rabbits, vagrant hedgehogs and many other animals… Where is It? Click here to find out!

31. Peter’s Pool: If you’re looking for a beautiful natural place to jump and swim, Peter’s Pool is made for you! This rocky creek has stunning azure blue, deep water. Not easy to reach but worth the effort. Where is It? Click here to find out!

COMINO – Day 6
32. Comino: The smallest of Malta’s islands inhabited by only 2 people, Comino is a well worth a visit for its dazzling blue waters, boat trips to its caves, snorkelling and heritage. The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction but be aware that it can get noisy and hot as there is no shade. Crystal or Santa Maria bays, reached by boat, are quieter. If you love peace and nature, Comino’s nature reserve and coastline offer wonderful walks and stunning scenery in Spring and Autumn.

THE NORTH – Combine Mellieħa with a visit to one of the beaches.

33. Mellieħa Air Raid Shelters: One of the largest war-time shelters in Malta (500 m), it was built to protect Mellieħa’s population during the bombing of World War II. Don’t miss nearby Mellieħa Sanctuary and Għadira beach below. Where is It? Click here to find out!

34. Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Sands Bays: These neighbouring bays are probably the most beautiful of Malta’s beaches, though the 100 or so steps down to Għajn Tuffieħa make it less suitable with young children. Spend the day swimming and relaxing or walking along the hills enjoying nature. Whatever your choice, you will love it! Where is It? Click here for Għajn Tuffieħa and here for Golden Bay

35. Paradise Bay is smaller than the other bays listed here and limited in facilities, but very pretty and worth a visit if you can face the climb back up to your car. Not ideal to visit with young children. Where is It? Click here to find out!

36. Popeye Village : This film set was made for the film Popeye starring Robin Williams. It’s the place to see if you’re a cinema fan or if you have children who would love this quirky place at Anchor Bay. Where is It? Click here to find out!