Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Malta

Malta possesses an almost mythical charm, characterized by its enigmatic underwater caves, magnificent temples, and medieval architecture. The winding streets lead visitors through towns and villages, passing churches, markets, and museums, where some of the oldest structures in the world reside on this beautiful island. Malta is an archipelago situated in the Mediterranean Sea, relatively close to neighboring Sicily and the African continent.

Encompassing three primary islands—Malta proper, Gozo, and Comino—visitors can anticipate azure seas and clear blue skies, regardless of which island they choose to explore. Whether seeking cultural experiences, adventurous outings, or relaxation in local cafes, there are ample options, including museums, fishing excursions, and diving experiences. Additionally, many eateries serve fresh seafood sourced directly from the ocean.

1. Visit the old capital of Mdina

Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, is perched on a scenic hill in the island’s center.

Renowned for its impressive fortifications, this city is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Here, visitors can engage in various activities, from strolling along picturesque streets to exploring numerous museums.

The town also features charming cafes and restaurants that provide an ideal setting for leisurely afternoons.

2. Take in the views from Upper Barrakka Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens, located near Valletta, offers some of the most stunning vistas across Malta.

From this vantage point, visitors can gaze out over the renowned ‘Three Cities’ and view the expansive Grand Harbor.

After absorbing the scenery and wandering through the gardens, guests can proceed down into the heart of Valletta.

3. Dive beneath the seas at the HMS Maori

Malta’s warm climate and crystal-clear waters create an ideal environment for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The island boasts a variety of artificial reefs and military wrecks from World War II.

Among the most notable is the HMS Maori, a destroyer sunk by the Germans, currently resting at a depth of 14 meters.

This site is suitable for beginners due to its accessibility and shallow depth, with numerous diving schools available for certification.

4. Delve into the Lascaris War Rooms

For those intrigued by military history, a visit to the Lascaris War Rooms, located 45 meters underground, is highly recommended.

These tunnels beneath the Upper Barracca Gardens served as vital command centers during World War II.

The rooms once hosted strategic planning sessions to ensure Malta’s defense.

5. Tour Casa Rocca Piccola

Constructed in the 1680s, Casa Rocca Piccola is a beautiful residence that once belonged to the Maltese aristocracy.

Today, it functions as a museum showcasing exquisite architectural features and a vast historical collection.

This collection includes costumes from the 18th and 19th centuries, artwork, antiques, and silver pieces.

Additionally, photographs and documents related to the families that occupied the mansion provide a close look at aristocratic life in Malta.

6. Explore Fort St. Elmo

The history of Malta is interwoven with the tales of the Knights of St. John, a military order active during the days of the Ottoman Empire.

Fort St. Elmo, constructed in a star shape, overlooks Valletta’s harbor for protective purposes.

This fort was a focal point during the Siege of Malta in 1565, a tumultuous period marked by significant loss of life among the knights.

Guided tours provide insights into the fort’s compelling history and architectural significance.

7. Go cave diving in Comino

Comino is the premier destination in Malta for reef and cave diving.

This uninhabited island lies between the mainland of Malta and Gozo, featuring a series of underwater caves that exhibit a mesmerizing dark blue luminescence.

Comino is also an ideal location for observing diverse marine life, including octopuses and barracudas.

8. Marvel at Mosta Dome

Malta is known for its extravagant architecture, exemplified by the Mosta Dome.

Dedicated to St. Mary, this church is designed in a neo-classical style.

The dome, which reaches 121 feet in height, surpasses even that of the renowned St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The church’s interior features rich gilded decorations, and the floors are laid with marble, modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, complete with an impressive pipe organ boasting 2,000 pipes.

9. Go on a day trip to Gozo

The island of Gozo, often regarded as Malta’s ‘sister,’ is just a 20-minute ferry ride away.

Visitors make the trip for its cultural experiences, rugged coastlines, and tranquil sandy beaches.

Do not miss the Citadella in Victoria, a fortified city exemplifying Byzantine and Roman architecture, considered an architectural marvel.

10. Go horse riding at Golden Bay

Golden Bay features a soft sandy beach backed by towering cliffs in northern Malta.

One of the most scenic ways to appreciate this area is through horseback riding, with various options available, including full-day trips.

Alternatively, evening horseback rides provide a picturesque experience as the sun sets below the horizon.

11. Admire St John’s Co-Cathedral

With its Baroque façade, St. John’s Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Europe.

Constructed by the Knights of St. John, the church was completed in 1577. Its notable features include a marble tombstone floor embellished with 400 monuments honoring the knights.

Decorative elements on the tombs include angels, skulls, and coats of arms specific to each knight, while exquisite frescoes depict key biblical narratives.

12. Dance the night away at the Isle of MTV

For those seeking a vibrant nightlife experience in Malta, attending the Isle of MTV music festival in July is essential.

This event frequently features international music stars, with past performers including the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and Akon.

The festival, held outdoors, attracts approximately 50,000 attendees, promising an unforgettable atmosphere.

13. Visit Palazzo Parisio and Gardens

Constructed in 1733, Palazzo Parisio and Gardens remains under the ownership of Maltese families.

Some portions of the building and grounds are open to the public, showcasing stunning gardens designed in the Italianate style, complete with bubbling fountains and immaculate box hedges.

In the summer months, visitors can enjoy the beautiful orangery laden with ripe fruit.

14. Explore the Ggantija Temples

The Ggantija Temples, meaning ‘gigantic,’ are located on the picturesque island of Gozo.

Remarkably, these structures predate the Pyramids of Egypt, comprising two temples encircled by an outer fortification wall.

The immense size of the temples captivates visitors, prompting wonder about their construction, especially given they were built before the invention of the wheel.

Historically, these temples served as sites for sacrifices and offerings.

15. Explore the Great Siege of Malta and the Knights of St. John

The Great Siege of Malta & the Knights of St. John presents an interactive exhibition utilizing sound and light effects to narrate the events of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. This pivotal confrontation involved the Knights of St. John defending against the Turks.

This engaging experience transports visitors to the 12th century, highlighting the knights’ formation and their assistance to pilgrims heading to the Holy Land.

Dioramas further enhance the storytelling, allowing guests to experience the siege through the perspective of Francesco Balbi, a Spanish poet who witnessed the conflict.

16. Visit Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village located in southern Malta.

It is well-known for its bustling daily market and picturesque harbor lined with colorful bobbing fishing boats.

These traditional boats, known as luzzus, feature varying hues and designs, with their prows painted with glaring eyes believed to ward off evil spirits.

As expected from a fishing village, an abundance of seafood is available, making it a prime destination for lunch or dinner.

17. National Museum of Archeology

Malta’s rich archaeological history is showcased at the National Museum of Archeology.

Visitors will encounter displays featuring historical artifacts from across the country, including Bronze Age weaponry and an ancient Phoenician sarcophagus.

The museum exhibits a variety of statues, altar stones, and jewelry, with the building itself, the Auberge de Province, also serving as a notable historical site once belonging to the Knights of St. John.

Be sure to admire the stunning ceiling of the Grand Salon, which features intricate carvings.

18. Explore Valletta Harbor

Valletta Waterfront, also known as Pinto Wharf, has been meticulously preserved over the years.

In ancient times, this area comprised diverse maritime treasures, including warehouses, but it has since transformed into a vibrant tourist complex.

Currently, visitors can enjoy restaurants, cafes, and shopping outlets, and take pleasant promenades while soaking in the stunning harbor views.

For nighttime entertainment, many nightclubs can also be found in this lively area.

19. Visit Auberge de Castille

Auberge de Castille, dating back to the 16th century, offers a stunning view over Valletta.

Once the residence of the Knights of St. John, it now serves as the office of the Prime Minister of Malta and merits a visit for its picturesque façade.

When illuminated at night, the building presents a breathtaking sight in the city.

20. Visit Ta’Quali Craft Village

Situated on a former WWII airfield, Ta’Quali is the ideal destination for traditional Maltese handicrafts.

The village offers various locally-made items, including hand-blown glass, leather, linen, and ceramics.

Visitors can observe the artisans at work, discovering the craftsmanship behind each unique piece.

21. Enjoy the Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples are renowned as the largest temple complex in Malta and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Located south of Valletta, this complex comprises four temples dating between 3,300-2,400 BC, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and adorned with intricate carvings depicting various animals.

22. Explore Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum

Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum is recognized as the oldest prehistoric site in Malta, albeit one of the least visited.

This expansive underground tunnel contains fossils of various extinct species, many dating back to the Ice Age, including giant mice, hippos, deer, and dwarf elephants.

Additional artifacts discovered here include ancient cooking vessels, indicating it may have been the first settlement in Malta.

Signs of human presence in this cave date back 7,400 years, with people inhabiting it until 1911.

23. Check out the Three Cities

Across the Grand Harbor from Valletta lie the ‘Three Cities’: Senglea, Cospicua, and Vittoriosa.

These cities historically provided a formidable defensive wall, enclosed by fortifications constructed starting in the 16th century.

Senglea and Cospicua feature beautiful waterfront promenades and marinas, yet Vittoriosa is the most awe-inspiring of the trio.

Highlights include the Church of St. Lawrence, Malta at War Museum, and Fort St. Angelo, which played a vital role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

24. Take in a show at Manoel Theatre and Museum

Since its opening in 1732, the Manoel Theatre has been functional under the auspices of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John.

The theater’s interior, particularly the main auditorium adorned in blue and gold gilt, captivates many visitors.

With only 623 seats, it offers an intimate atmosphere, complemented by a white marble staircase and a charming courtyard bar.

The theater hosts a diverse array of performances, including concerts, operas, ballets, and even folk or rock shows. Be sure to check local listings for the schedule during your visit.

25. Wander around San Anton Gardens

While Malta lacks numerous public parks, one notable green space is San Anton Gardens.

This site also serves as the residence of the President of Malta but has been accessible to the public since 1882, inviting visitors to explore its scenic landscapes.

Guests can enjoy beautifully arranged gardens, fragrant citrus orchards, fountains, and sculptures.

Several trees within the grounds are over 300 years old, providing ample shade for a peaceful exploration of this lovely sanctuary.

Additionally, an aviary and petting zoo add to the attraction for younger guests.