MALTA: THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

Malta was definitely my travel find of the year. Although not at all tourist free, this tiny island is still not a super popular destination and hence why you should go like – right now. I love how it’s an island and a beach destination but also has beautiful and interesting historic places to visit. Hence, Malta basically meets the needs of the beach lovers, culture seekers and those like me that need a little bit of both. I just get bored being all day at the beach! Anyways, it’s truly awesome. For your convenience I’ve created the below bucket list which covers everything you can possibly do in Malta.

VISITING MALTA: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / There are two forms of transportation in Malta, rental car or public bus. Public buses are incredible, regular and take you to any part of the island. However, a rental car is almost always the best option, and especially if you go for a few days only. Malta is small and easy to drive through and, although the buses are good, you’ll takes a lot less and see a lot more if you get around by car. Book using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires. If you are not renting a car, should you require an airport transfer, I always use WelcomePickups.

Tours / There are countless tours across Malta but these are the most popular ones:
Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour
Full-Day Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride
Prehistoric Temples of Malta Tour
Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch
Malta: Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Qrendi Guided Tour

Stay / There are an abundance of hotels in Malta, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

The Phoenicia Malta $$$ / Valletta
AX The Palace $$$ / Sliema
Intercontinental Malta $$$ / St Julian’s Bay
Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel $$ / Valletta
Palazzo Violetta $$ / Sliema

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Istanbul, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Malta.

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN MALTA

Visit the magical city of Mdina

Mdina also known as Città Vecchia was the capital of Malta until the end of the medieval period. The city is still confined by its walls and maintains its medieval charm. It has under 300 inhabitants today! Mdina was the highlight of my Malta trip. The tall walls of its buildings and its narrow streets make the experience one of a kind. My advice is to go around 2PM when most people are on the beach. You’ll have the city to yourself!

If you wish to see the city with more historical context, you can book this 2hr walking tour. If you wish to make it full day trip, then check this one.

Snap the colorful boats of Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village located in south east Malta. It’s bay is picture perfect due to the abundance of similarly colored boats anchored in it. The bay, shoreline and city are also worth a stroll. Marsaxlokk as you can imagine, is also a great place to eat fresh fish!

Take a plunge at St Peter’s Pool

St Peter’s Pool is an almost perfectly round natural swimming pool located near Marsaxlokk. It is surrounded by a stone wall which makes it perfect for some cheeky diving. A great place in Malta to spend time just floating about! You can walk or take a boat from the harbor of Marsaxlokk. This tour takes you there and to Marsaxlokk.

Swim in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon

An absolute must in Malta: this lagoon and its crystalline, azure and luscious waters just stunned me. I would have stayed admiring the bright turquoise waters forever. Make sure you dedicate at least half a day to the Blue Lagoon. You can get there by ferry or easier one of the several boat day tours available. Here’s the top reviewed one.

Spend a day in Gozo island

Even if one of its main attractions – the Azure Window – collapsed in 2017 there is still plenty to do in Gozo. You can easily spend a couple of days there. Some people spend their entire holiday in Gozo, instead of doing it just as a day trip from Malta’s mainland. As for attractions, the main city in Gozo called Victoria (previously known as Rabat) would be the starting point. The city is worth exploring, as well as the Citadel located on top of a hill which like Mdina is almost untouched. The views from there are great as well.

On top of that, you’ll find the Ggantija temple, as well as the Blue Hole which is a natural rock formation that the best place in Malta for scuba diving. And there is more. To be honest Gozo deserves a post of its own! 

Check out this full day tour of Gozo; which includes a jeep ride and lunch!

Wander the streets of Valletta

The colorful balconies, the quirky store signs, the narrow cobbled streets that go up and down or in a staircase. All cities in Malta are gorgeous, but Valletta’s streets are something special. In order to properly explore it, check out this walking tour with amazing reviews.

Take an island cruise tour

One of the most popular ways of spending a day in Malta is in a island hopping cruise tour. You would typically visit the Blue Lagoon or Gozo and other smaller islands. I found this option which has great reviews. Also, while on the boat, another company will offer you a speedboat tour. It’s not worth it.

Eat lots of pastizzi

The most popular Maltese food, by far. The pastizz (singular) is a savoury pastry typically filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Wish I was eating one right now. The pea pastizz is a great veggie option but it’s not always vegan, you can ask though. Crystal Palace is the only place I know do vegan pastizzi for sure.

Visit the Three Cities or Cottonera

Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua are the three fortified cities of Malta. The three stand one besides the other on the Grand Harbor, opposite to Valletta. Do you love history, strolling through cities that ooze character, have been around since the middle ages and are far less populated with tourists? Then visiting the Three Cities is your perfect day trip. Take your camera! Visit them on your own or take a tour which includes wine tasting.

Enjoy the views from the Lower & Upper Barraka Gardens

These two gardens are a Malta must. They are beautiful, offer the best views of the Grand Harbour and a chance to wind down from the city. Make sure you make time for them when you visit Valletta.

Swim and sunbathe at Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

These adjacent beaches are a must visit if you are planning to enjoy the sand and the sea in Malta. I personally liked Għajn Tuffieħa more. You can hike there from Golden Bay through a rocky mount which connects them and take pictures from up the hill. It will be a small “adventure” and on top of that you’ll take great photos!

Visit the temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim

These megalithic temple complexes in Malta date back to 3600 BC, they are not only super interesting but are also located at a striking high coast location surrounded by cliffs. They are also 500m from each other so it’s really easy to visit them together. You can reach them on your own, or take this tour.

Explore Popeye’s Village

The film set of the 1980 musical production “Popeye” is today one of Malta’s major tourist attractions. The film set was constructed in Anchor Bay during the last 7 months of 1979. Meet Popeye and his friends in the village, or take some cool pictures from afar. Buy your ticket here.

Step inside St John’s co-cathedral

Located in Valletta, St John’s Co-Cathedral was built by the Knights of St John in the late 16th century. Today, it’s a must visit attraction in Malta because of it’s beauty and history. Learn more about it here.

Discover the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site in Malta. It is a complex subterranean structure made up of interconnecting rock chambers set on three levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC. The complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC. It’s a unique site described on the World Heritage List as “a site that bears a unique testimony to a cultural tradition which has disappeared”.

Take a night stroll on St Julian’s Bay shoreline

Nothing more romantic that having dinner at St Julian’s Bay, then going on a stroll holding hands in a quest for ice cream!

Drink Cisk beer

Malta’s locally brewed beer, there are several types to choose from according to your taste.

Eat a traditional Maltese meal

Maltese food combines Italian, British & French cuisine with middle eastern flavors. Traditional dishes include fenkata or rabbit stew, as well as ġbejna, the maltese cheese. If you want to get it right, then book this food tour in Valletta – it’s so good!

Visit one of the largest domes in the world

The Mosta Dome is a church with a huge and beautiful dome. What’s also interesting about it, is that survived a bombing in WWII. An aerial bomb fell through the Dome during mass and failed to explode. A miracle – Maltese people say. And if you have time you could take a tour of the city of Mosta (including the dome) too!

Sail through Malta’s Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto are actually seven caves on the southern side of the island. Like in the Grotta Azzura from Capri, on a sunny day the blue sky reflects off the white sandy seabed under the caves, resulting in vibrant azure and cobalt coloured waters. Some tours like this one takes you to it.

WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA

Really studied this, and the answer is: it depends on how you intend to get around. There are two forms of transportation in Malta, rental car or public bus. Public buses are incredible, regular and take you to any part of the island. It is the form of transport that I used and loved it. However, a rental car is almost always the best option, and especially if you go for a few days only. Malta is small and easy to drive through and, although the buses are good, you’ll takes a lot less and see a lot more if you get around by car. If you drive then book using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive, stay in Valletta. In high season, the buses get full fast. Staying in Sliema, many buses have not stopped because of being over capacity and I lost up to an hour waiting to get on. Buses start and end in Valletta, so you can probably get on a bus really fast and even sit down by going to the bus terminal. Also on the way back, most buses go to Valletta, so you probably won’t wait long even if the buses are busy. I’ve pre-filtered the best hotels in Valletta here.

If you go by car, you can stay anywhere, since distances are short. Some examples are Sliema, St Julian’s Bay, St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha Bay.

Here’s my Malta top hotel picks:

Luxury:

• The Phoenicia Malta: 5-star hotel with a breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant, infinity pool, and Mediterranean tiled floors.
• AX The Palace: a 5-star luxury hotel in Sliema offering both a city lifestyle as well as panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Intercontinental Malta: spacious rooms with stunning sea views, multiple pools, and direct access to private beaches.

Mid Range:

• Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel: perfect location just 5 minutes walk from St John Cathedral, beautiful decor and a handy on-site bar to wait until check-in
• Palazzo Violeta: gorgeous year-round swimming pools, and modern fully-equipped studios.

Budget:

• Strand Suites by NEU Collective: Just 100 metres from the sea, Strand Suites by NEU Collective is located in Il-Gżira. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

BEST TOURS IN MALTA

MALTA FAQs

What is the best time to visit Malta? The best time to visit Malta is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the islands without the peak summer crowds. Summer (July to August) is also great if you’re looking to enjoy Malta’s beaches, but it can be quite hot and busy. Winter is quieter and mild, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

How many days should I spend in Malta? I’d recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Malta to experience its highlights, including Valletta, Mdina, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo. If you want a slower pace or more beach time, a week would be ideal to soak in everything the islands have to offer.

Do I need a car to get around Malta? It depends on your travel style! Malta has an extensive and affordable public bus system that covers most major attractions, so you don’t necessarily need a car. However, if you prefer flexibility and want to explore less accessible spots, like remote beaches or Gozo, renting a car might be a good idea. Just keep in mind that driving is on the left-hand side. Book your rental car here.

What currency is used in Malta? Malta uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or when visiting rural areas and markets.

Is Malta expensive to visit? Malta is relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. Accommodation, food, and transport can fit a range of budgets, from backpacker-friendly options to luxury stays. Eating out and using public transport are generally wallet-friendly.

What language do people speak in Malta? Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. English is widely spoken, so you’ll have no problem communicating. Many locals also speak Italian due to Malta’s close historical ties with Italy.

Can I visit Gozo as a day trip from Malta? Yes! Gozo is easily accessible by ferry, and a day trip is enough to visit its main sights like the Citadel, Ramla Bay, and the Azure Window’s former site at Dwejra Bay. However, if you have more time, consider staying overnight to fully enjoy its laid-back vibe. Check out this full day tour of Gozo.

Is Malta safe for tourists? Malta is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Like anywhere, it’s good to exercise basic precautions, such as keeping your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas or on buses.

What should I pack for Malta? Pack light, breathable clothing for Malta’s warm climate, especially in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historical sites like Mdina or Valletta. Don’t forget swimwear for the beaches, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. In winter, pack a light jacket for cooler evenings.

What food should I try in Malta? You have to try Maltese specialties like pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas), ftira (a traditional Maltese sandwich), rabbit stew (fenek), and lampuki pie (fish pie). Finish your meal with a sweet kanoli or imqaret (date-filled pastries). Malta’s wine and craft beers are also worth a taste!

Are the beaches in Malta sandy or rocky? Malta has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. Popular sandy beaches include Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, and Paradise Bay. For rocky shores and crystal-clear waters, head to St. Peter’s Pool or the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

How do I get to Malta? Malta is well-connected by air, with Malta International Airport (MLA) serving as the main hub. Many European cities offer direct flights. Ferries also operate from Sicily, making it a convenient option if you’re already in Italy.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting? Absolutely! The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of Malta’s top attractions, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. It can get crowded during peak season, so try to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times. Here’s a tour you can take.

Do I need travel insurance for Malta? Yes, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance for any trip abroad, including Malta. It can cover unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings.

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