What to see in Malta: 10 best tourist attractions in Malta

10 best tourist attractions in Malta

For such a small island, Malta is full of fascinating treasures. Breathtaking ancient sites, charming towns and beautiful beaches are just the beginning. Malta has attracted adventurers for centuries, and visitors have many opportunities to create lovely lasting memories. Whether tourists want to enjoy relaxing by the sea, taste Mediterranean dishes or discover a romantic piece of the past, Malta's best tourist attractions certainly offer something for everyone.

10Mellieha Bay

Mellieha Bay (also known as Ghadira Bay) is the longest and most famous sandy beach of the Maltese islands. The cafes sell food and drinks, allowing you to stay put without taking a break from relaxing. A 15-minute walk takes you up the steep hill to the rapidly developing town of Mellieha, perched on top of a mountain. Nearby attractions include Popeye Village, the set of the 1980 film, and the restored 17th-century St Agatha's Tower.

9The Citadel

On the island of Gozo and within the town of Victoria is a splendid example of ancient architecture, the Citadel. It was the inhabitants' main fortification for centuries. It was first fortified around 1500 BC, and development continued by the Phoenicians until, in Roman times, it became an Acropolis complex. The existing structures invite explorers of all ages to walk among bastions, warehouses and galleries. The views from the Citadel are very suggestive. Even better is the view of the Citadel itself when the sun sets.

8Hypogeum

The Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum in the town of Paola is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. The temple consists of halls, chambers and passages carved into the rock. Thought to have originally been a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. The complex is divided into three levels: the upper level (3600-3300 BC), the middle level (3300-3000 BC) and the lower level (3150-2500 BC). The deepest room in the lower level is 10 metres underground. Only a limited number of visitors can enter and there can be a 2-3 week wait to get a ticket.

7Blue Lagoon Bay

Located on the small island of Comino, which lies between the main islands of Malta and Gozo, the Blue Lagoon is a relaxing getaway. The island is so small that no cars are allowed. It is also largely uninhabited and there is only one hotel. Most people arrive each day by speedboat to take a spot on the beach. The sparkling turquoise waters and white sand make the ideal setting for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoying the splendid view.

6Golden Bay

Golden Bay is one of the few sandy beaches on the north-western coast of Malta, and also one of the most popular. Sun loungers and umbrellas are readily available for hire to guarantee a comfortable day on the sand. Several beach clubs and a large hotel are located near the beach. Why is it such a famous beach and does it receive so many tourists? There are several vendors in the area offering equipment for hire for various water sports. One of the most beautiful scenes of the beach is seen at sunset.

5Marsaxlokk

This picturesque fishing village is just a 30-minute bus ride from Valletta. Taking the bus is perhaps the best way to get there, especially since parking in Marsaxlokk is notoriously difficult, particularly near the seafront. The village is very walkable and, with its colourful daily market, strolling is the best way to experience it. The sight of the gleaming luzzu fishing boats painted in the bay and the peaceful atmosphere make this a very pleasant place to have lunch in one of the restaurants on the quay.

4Mdina

Mdina is an ancient walled town inhabited and perhaps first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC. The highest fortifications were added by Malta's Arab rulers and its Norman rulers. After the Knights Hospitaller arrived in the mid-1500s, Mdina's importance as a seat of power steadily faded. What was once the old capital of Malta became the “silent city”, almost a ghost town. Today most of the palaces belonging to the old aristocracy have been restored and tourists bring life to the place, but only 300 inhabitants remain.

3Azure Window

A breathtaking natural limestone arch with a flat top, the Azure Window is one of Gozo's best attractions. It has been featured in films and television programmes and is considered an indispensable part of the Malta experience. The tourist village of Dwejra is nearby to cater for the needs of visitors who dive, swim and sail around the arch where they pour into Dwejra bay. Boat tours are available, offering many opportunities to take splendid photos. The arch is visible from a great distance. Most people walk there, enjoying the extraordinary view as they go and then cooling off in the water.

2St John's Cathedral

Located in the Maltese capital of Valletta, the Co-Cathedral of St John is recognised as an exceptional example of Baroque architecture. The exterior is forbidding and deceptive, as it closely resembles a fort. Once inside, visitors discover ornate decorations and priceless works of art. Perhaps the most important piece is Caravaggio's depiction of the beheading of St John the Baptist. The cathedral was commissioned in 1572 and was to be the conventual church of the Knights of St John, a noble order made up of the sons of some of the leading European families. The knights defended Malta against Turkish raiders, then went on to build Valletta and the cathedral.

1Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

The prehistoric temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are located on the south coast of Malta, perched on top of a cliff and overlooking the islet of Filfla. The temples date back to around 3600-3200 BC. Hagar Qim consists of a series of interconnected oval chambers, with no uniform layout, and differs from the other Maltese temples. Mnajdra, located a 700-metre descent from Hagar Qim, is more elaborate. There are three temples side by side, each with a trefoil plan and a different orientation. An excellent visitor centre offers many interactive displays. It is a perfect way to begin exploring the temples themselves. The views of the sea are also spectacular.