Top 10 Places to Visit in Malta

When we say that Malta is bursting with culture, food and nature, we are not exaggerating.

After all, even though the 27km-long island is the tenth smallest country in the world, it is the fifth most densely populated. Which means that whether you are a solo traveller, a retired explorer or a large family on holiday, you don’t have to travel far in the Maltese archipelago to find something exciting for you.

Famed for their sunny climate, the islands are full of natural beauty and fascinating history. You can admire the former in the crystal-clear waters of popular swimming spots like St. Peter’s Pool or panoramic seascape views from coastal hiking trails near the Dingli Cliffs, and the latter in megalithic temples, medieval Arab fortresses and ornate Baroque cathedrals. And of course, Malta has more beaches than you could hope to enjoy in a single trip.

There’s so much to see and do here, no matter what season you visit. Here are 10 places to start.

1. Dingli Cliffs

Ideal for coastal hiking

Malta’s coastline is dotted with scenic loops and hiking trails that are best undertaken in spring, before the scorching heat of summer sets in. The Dingli and Fawwara Cliffs Trail is one of the best. Dingli offers serene, verdant terrain, rich with rare flora and fauna, and stunning views of Filfla Island (pockmarked from its use for military shooting exercises generations ago) in the sea, just off shore.

Planning advice: Use the free AllTrails hiking app to follow trails and avoid venturing onto private property.

2. Saint-Pierre swimming pool

Ideal for swimming

Boasting some of the clearest waters in Malta for swimming, this rocky beach is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Its azure waters make it a dream spot for diving and, of course, snapping and posting those enviable holiday snaps. It’s a bit of a walk to get there if you’re using public transport: take the 81 bus from Valletta or Floriana and get off at the Abdosir bus stop, then continue on foot for 30 minutes. If you can, renting a moped will make life easier, as you can park a car within a 10-minute walk. Don’t forget to bring your own snacks and water, as you won’t always find food vendors on site. The lapping waves and stunning views of the horizon are well worth all the planning.

Local Council: Keep your eyes peeled for Carmelo and his cliff-diving dog Tina, both local celebrities.

3. Valletta

Ideal for art spaces and bars

The peninsula’s capital is now Malta’s most popular tourist destination. The city has undergone major development in the last decade, after lying dormant for generations. This slow continuity makes the place an architectural time capsule, full of colourful balconies, baroque limestone chapels and lush bastion gardens. New energy, meanwhile, pulses throughout, making Valletta the undisputed centre of the island’s arts and nightlife scene. You can hear the musicians playing at Babel Bistro from the streets around; as you approach the venue, you’ll see the late-night crowd spilling out onto the pavement. For a cocktail with a view, join the good-time crowd on the wide cobblestone steps of Cafe Society, which offers live music on Tuesdays.

Local Council: Music lovers may want to plan their visit around one of Valletta’s festivals, such as Isle of MTV, which takes place just outside the capital’s walls. Tickets are free.

4. Hagar Qim

Ideal for prehistoric architecture

Nothing quite prepares you for the wow factor of the enormous limestone slabs that make up Ħagar Qim. Dating from 3700-3200 BC, it is one of the oldest temple complexes in the world. The colossal doors, windows, apses and niches remain in impressive condition, especially considering the astonishing fact that they are older than the pyramids or Stonehenge. The temple gives some clues to the lives and beliefs of Malta’s earliest inhabitants: rays of light shine through a tiny hole in the wall to flood the first chamber during the summer and winter equinoxes, suggesting the ancient culture’s reverence for the sun.

5. The Three Cities

Ideal for avoiding the crowds

Across the Grand Harbour and facing Valletta are the majestic Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Conspicua) and L-Isla (Senglea). Almost mirroring Valletta in their design, with colossal bastion-like fortifications, the Three Cities are often overlooked by visitors. Don’t make that mistake: they’re home to incredible architecture and excellent food, but with fewer crowds to contend with than in the capital. Be sure to book ahead for a meal at Petit Bastion in Senglea and visit the recently reopened Maritime Museum for a brilliant insight into Maltese history told through its nautical tales.

6. Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni

Ideal for going back in time

The most immersive historical experience on the islands (perhaps in all of Europe, if you ask this admittedly biased writer) is to enter the 5,000-year-old Hypogeum. The entrance is almost hidden – an unassuming front door on an average street in Paola – and you’d be forgiven for walking past it and totally missing the wonder that lies beneath. Huge limestone slab steps lead you into this subterranean Neolithic temple and through narrow passages (not for the claustrophobic). Its centerpiece is a necropolis that archaeologists believe housed the remains of around 7,000 people and also served as a place of worship.

Planning advice: Book your tickets well in advance, as entry is limited in order to preserve the site.

7. Mount Lapsi

Ideal for snorkeling

The rugged coves of this picturesque bay in southern Malta have made it a favourite with PADI divers and snorkellers for decades, with some of the island’s finest reef life beneath its turquoise waters. It’s also a draw for swimmers, as the large natural pools are sheltered from the open sea, allowing you to do some good laps. Just keep in mind that there’s little space on the shore and the rocks aren’t a very comfortable place to sunbathe. No matter: you’ll want to stay in the water here.

8. Mdina

Ideal for a medieval atmosphere

Arguably one of the most beautiful areas of Malta, Mdina has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and owes its current name to the Aghlabid conquerors who came from Algeria in the early Middle Ages. The hilltop town retains its unique atmosphere and is still known as the “Silent City” as monasteries and convents have operated here for many generations. The narrow alleys and cobbled streets are no longer as quiet as they once were, being a favourite spot for tour groups visiting a filming location for the first season of Game of Thrones. Yet the churches, mansions and cathedral are still magical, as is the Fontanella Tea Garden, a café on the north wall that serves the richest chocolate cake on the island.

Local Council: Late afternoon visit: tourist groups generally disperse around 4 p.m.

9. Marsaxlokk

Ideal for seafood

Marsaxlokk, a popular spot for local foodies in southern Malta, is home to excellent seafood restaurants along its waterfront, such as the family-run but stylish Tartarun, famous for its octopus dishes. To work up an appetite, you can wander around the town’s market and churches, past brightly coloured cottages and the iconic luzu boats in the pretty harbour. Spend a day hiring a boat to take you to nearby beaches like St Peter’s Pool.

10: Għajn Tuffieħa

Ideal for sandy beaches

Just off Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (sometimes called Riviera Beach) is less developed than its neighbour and much more natural, with 250m of rolling red sand overlooked by green cliffs – and not much else. Yet it’s not completely rustic: there are parasols for rent and a food truck nearby. Pack a homemade picnic with you to stay for the stunning sunset.