5 Amazing Places To Visit in Malta

Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, the Maltese Islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) have a fascinating heritage. Being close to Tunisia, there is a distinct North African influence. The Maltese language is derived from Arabic mixed with Italian. The country is also fiercely proud of the legendary Knights of Malta, who fought off the Turks and launched the Crusades. Under the scorching sunshine, Malta’s palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, colourful old fishing villages, and natural attractions. The capital of Valletta is an ideal base to explore the Island of Malta. Tourists will appreciate Valletta’s array of hotels, restaurants, historical sites, and cultural events. Across the harbour, Sliema has less culture but more entertainment options and caters to students on school breaks. The Island of Gozo is the best choice for relaxing beach vacations. Malta’s weather is perfect in spring and autumn. During the hot summer months, villages come to life with religious festivals and outdoor concerts. Plan your visit to these enchanting islands with our list of the top tourist attractions in Malta.

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Valletta
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A strategically important seaport, Valletta is the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta. The entire city is testimony to the grandeur of the Knights of Malta, the European nobleman who were granted the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530. The knights created a capital worthy of their aristocratic stature, on a par with other great European capitals. Valletta’s regular grid plan and orderly public squares reveal the knights’ logical 16th-century urban planning.

Tourists can easily navigate this small city that is bounded by two harbours: the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. The heart of the city is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by the different Orders of the Knights, hailing from various countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. Visitors are surprised by the lavish interior with its opulent gilded decor.

Island of Gozo

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Gozo Island is the most idyllic destination of the Maltese Islands. With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this little island is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation for several days or even a weeklong stay. Although Gozo is less developed than Malta, the island has plenty of cultural attractions: a fortified medieval city, Victoria; a bustling seaside resort, Marsalforn; and the most important archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, Ggantija Temples, dating back to around 3500 BC. Visitors enjoy the island’s bucolic landscape, a delightful retreat from the modern world. A patchwork of small farms covers gently rolling hills and valleys. Hillsides lead down to protected beaches and quaint old fishing ports. A favourite beach is at Ramla Bay with a wide, sandy shore and gentle waters that are safe for swimming. There are also traditional villages perched on hilltops and surrounded by valleys.

Town of Mdina

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Mdina offers an escape to a fairy-tale city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting medieval hilltop town is steeped in history. Tourists must pass through the dramatic Main Gate to enter the city, giving the impression of walking back in time. Within the city’s immense, ancient ramparts is a delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful, old sandstone buildings. The most important monument in Mdina is the Cathedral of Saint Paul, a glorious Baroque building designed by the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa. The lavishly decorated sanctuary features a magnificent dome, marble columns, gilded details, and gorgeous ceiling paintings. The cathedral possesses a precious 12th-century icon of the Madonna and renowned works of art by celebrated Maltese painter Mattia Preti.

To get a sense of Medina’s former glory, tourists should visit the historic palaces. The Palazzo Vilhena (Saint Publius Square) is a stately 18th-century Magisterial Palace that now houses Malta’s superb Natural History Museum with geological exhibits such as fossils, birds’ eggs, and bird nests.

The Blue Grotto

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The Blue Grotto is approached by a winding road on a cliff high above the Mediterranean Sea. The spectacular coastal scenery provides an exciting introduction to the nature site. The breath-taking seaside scenery and limestone caves here are a picture of pure serenity. The water shines a brilliant blue in the sun. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was home to the sirens (sea nymphs), who captivated sailors with their charms. Tourists can take a guided boat tour in one of the brightly painted Maltese fishing boats called luzzus. Boats leave frequently year-round, when the sea is calm. The 20-minute joyride speeds through the sea past six caves, including the Blue Grotto, a 30-meter-high cave with a deep pool of water. The best time to visit is early in the day, ideally before 2pm, when the sunlight best illuminates the water. The village of Wied iz-Zurrieq (just one kilometer away from the Blue Grotto) has many souvenir stores, ice-cream shops, and cafés, as well as cliffside restaurants with marvelous views. Tourists will enjoy a meal at one of the restaurant terraces overlooking the serene blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Grotto is also a popular scuba diving destination because of its bountiful marine life.

Siggiewi

This traditional Maltese village is in southwestern Malta between Rabat and Marsaxlokk in the fertile Girgenti Valley, which begins near the Dingli Cliffs. At the center of the village, the Church of Saint Nicholas impresses visitors with its Baroque facade created by Lorenzo Gafa in 1693. The church is usually closed except during the annual festival. The Siggiewi Festa (Feast Days), honouring Saint Nicholas, is held at the end of June from Thursday through Sunday. During these several days of celebration, the church is illuminated with multi-coloured lights, and there are fireworks and parades. Every night, the church takes its relics on a procession through the village led by a brass band. Another highlight is the food; the festival includes kiosks selling authentic Maltese treats, such as pastry stuffed with dates, and nougat made with almonds or peanuts.

From May through October, Siggiewi hosts the Maltese Folklore Nights at the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens. This lively event pays tribute to the culture and lifestyle of Malta with folklore dance performances, traditional music, and delicious Maltese cuisine. The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens is also a popular venue for outdoor weddings.

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