Malta is a beautiful country made up of three main islands —Malta, Gozo and Comino. You can easily get to Malta by plane or ferry from Sicily making it an excellent destination to add to your itinerary or to travel to for your entire vacation. The best things to do in Malta include spending time on the beaches, and cruising around the islands by boat to see the picturesque lagoons and grottoes. Wander through cities to learn about Malta's amazing history and take in the beauty of Maltese architecture and culture.
Malta is a popular Mediterranean vacation spot year-round, but travel during shoulder seasons — April through May and October through November — to avoid the busiest crowds in summer.
1. Blue Grotto
Location: Żurrieq, about 30 minutes from Valletta by car and 30 to 60 minutes by public transportation.
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For picturesque views of Malta's gorgeous blue waters, head to Blue Grotto. For the best views take one of the small boats that offer tours. On board, you'll get views of the tall cliff face and venture into the caves. The beautiful water and scenery make this a must-see thing to do in Malta.
The boat trips are around 20 minutes long, and tickets can be purchased with cash only.
2. Blue Lagoon at Comino (Malta's smallest island)
Location: Comino is easily accessible by ferry from Ċirkewwa on Malta and from Mġarr on Gozo. Also, many day cruises visit the lagoon.
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Possibly one of the most beautiful spots in Malta is the Blue Lagoon; the calm waters with their blue hue entice swimmers, snorkelers and kayakers to enjoy this spot. It's easy to see on a day tour, and you'll find a few options. If you are short on time, you might opt for a tour to Gozo and Blue Lagoon, but some people find these tours feel rushed because you only have a short time at each stop. Or you can do a tour that visits only Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This option typically will give you 3 to 4 hours and 30 minutes at the Blue Lagoon, where you can swim, enjoy the view from the upper deck of your tour boat and walk the cliffside paths that provide scenic views of the Mediterranean.
3. Gozo's Citadel
Location: Victoria (Rabat)
The Citadel in Gozo, also called the Old Citadel and Cittadella, once functioned as a city where most of the island populace resided. The origins of the Citadel date back to the neolithic period and was used by the Phoenicians and Romans. During the Middle Ages, the Citadel functioned as a castle, and it was utilized by the Knights of St. John, an order of knights that settled in Malta in the 16th century and ruled for over 200 years.
The Citadel sits on a steep hill making it appealing for its abundant history and the ocean and island views. Inside the Citadel, visitors can purchase tickets to the Visitors' Centre, which has interactive displays and a short video about the Citadel's history. Tickets also include admission to the Gozo Archaeology Museum, Nature Museum, Old Prisons and Gran Castello Historic House. Inside the Citadel, you'll also find the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption, built in the early 18th century. The Cathedral Museum has a separate entry from the museums included in the Visitors' Centre entry.
4. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park
Location: Qrendi, about 30 minutes outside Valletta
Suggested activities:
- Let's Explore the Maltese Islands (half-day private group tour)
- Private Tour in Malta Prehistoric Temples & Mdina
Built during the Stone Age, the temples Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are archeological wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are built of megaliths, large stones like the ones used to build Stonehenge in England. In a visit to the site, you can use your phone to access the audio guide that's included with your admission ticket. When you first visit, you'll start in the visitor center that has displays about the temples, providing context and what is known about them. From there, the closest temple is Ħaġar Qim, and it's a short walk to Mnajdra. You can access the temples by car, public transportation or by tour.
5. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Location: Raħal Ġdid (Paola), about 15 to 20 minutes from Valletta
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a prehistoric underground chamber that dates back to 4,000 B.C. The neolithic chamber is divided into three levels — upper, middle and lower. Inside the Hypogeum, archaeologists have discovered pottery, carvings and figurines as well as paintings on the limestone. Some of the items found here are on display in the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Entry to Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is by timed ticket since visitors are limited to help preserve the site. Children under age 6 are not allowed.
6. Popeye Village
Location: Mellieħa
Suggested activity: Popeye Village Admission Ticket
The Popeye Village at Anchor Bay in Mellieħa is one of the most unusual things to do in Malta. It's the film set of the 1980 movie "Popeye" starring Robin Williams. The stilt buildings with colorful wood siding and steeply pitched roofs add to the cartoon-like feel of the setting. Today, the village is part former film set and part attraction that appeals to both kids and adults.
Once there, you can tour the village, enjoy interactions with characters from Popeye, pose for photos and watch short live performances. There are a few eateries, mini golf, an inflatable floating course in the bay and a floating sundeck. Your entry includes access to sunbeds that overlook the bay, but note these are popular and may be difficult to find an open one, especially during the high season of summer. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit when you visit, so you can enjoy the beach activities.
Tickets to Popeye Village can be purchased online or in person. Water-based activities are not available in winter.
7. St. John's Co-Cathedral
Location: Valletta
Suggested activities:
- Valletta Half-Day Guided Tour with Optional Cathedral Tour
- Secrets of St. John's Co-Cathedral - Guided Tour
St. John's Co-Cathedral was built by the Knights of St. John and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The interior of the church is elaborately decorated with paintings on the barrel ceiling featuring religious imagery and gold gilding in the archways. There also are several intricate tapestries from the Baroque period and notably two paintings by the Italian artist Caravaggio.
St. John's Co-Cathedral is open for visits Mondays through Sundays for a fee. Your ticket includes an audio guide. To enter the church, your shoulders should be covered and stiletto shoes or any footwear with narrow heels are not permitted.
8. Sliema Promenade
Location: Sliema
Enjoy the fresh air with a walk on the Sliema Promenade. Go for an early morning jog or a romantic stroll at sunset. The promenade is a little over a mile long and is lined with Sliema's beaches, including sandy Balluta Bay, where people enjoy swimming and sunbathing at this beach with restrooms and nearby refreshments. There are also cafés and restaurants along the promenade, where you can stop for a bite or a cup of coffee — basically, plenty of places to stop to enjoy the views.
9. The Three Cities
Location: across Grand Harbour from Valletta
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The Three Cities is a grouping of cities: Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa. They are located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, and you can get there by bus or ferry. For a more unique mode of transportation, take a traditional Maltese water taxi known as a dgħajsa. The shape of the boat resembles a canoe with a pointed front and back but has a tall wood piece that points up vertically at both ends that adds a decorative element.
Once at the Three Cities you can wander the historic streets and visit museums like the Malta Maritime Museum and the Malta at War Museum at Vittoriosa, also frequently called Birgu. In Senglea, also referred to as Isla, is the Gardjola Garden on the cities' fortification walls. From here, you'll get great views of the harbor and can see the old watchtower. In Conspicua, commonly called Bormla, don't miss the Church of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of the few structures in the nearby area that survived bombings during World War II.
10. Upper Barrakka Gardens
Location: Valletta
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One of the can't-miss things to do in Malta is to head up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta for views of Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The garden dates back to the 17th century by the Knights of St. John, but it wasn't open to the public until the 19th century. Now the Upper Barrakka Gardens are a must-visit site whether you only have a day on a cruise excursion or can spend a few nights in the city.
At noon and 4 most days, you can witness the ceremonial firing of the cannon. Also, there's a lift that connects the Grand Harbour and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Plan Your Malta Trip with AAA
The island nation of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is an idyllic destination, and with AAA, you can plan a trip to Malta whether you are traveling on a cruise, a vacation tour or on your own. Or you work with a AAA Travel Agent who will help you plan your dream vacation, find deals and customize your vacation to meet your needs and interests, a free service for AAA members.
With your AAA membership, you also get exclusive member benefits on select cruises and AAA Vacations® packages. If you plan on driving while abroad, get an International Driving Permit from your local AAA office or by mail. You even get access to expedited passport services with RushMyPassport.