20 Places You Must See in Malta
Lugares emblemáticos
Malta is a feast for the senses, which is why I decided to write this comprehensive guide to the top 20 places you must see in Malta. Visitors may have difficulty choosing from all that the island offers: world heritage sites, charming architecture, first-class hotels, fine dining, diving, boating, shopping and seasonal festivals and concerts.
The island’s climate lends itself to the number of outdoor activities available. Winters are rainy, but mild. Summer weather ranges from warm to hot, with little to no rain.
No trip to Malta is complete without a visit to Valletta, the nation’s capital city and cultural center. Thanks in part to its Baroque character, Valletta stands out as one of the most authentic capital cities of Europe. In Valletta, you will feel as though time stood still because of the remarkably preserved infrastructure. Valletta has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
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Valletta
No trip to Malta is complete without a visit to Valletta, the nation’s capital city and cultural center. Thanks in part to its Baroque character, Valletta stands out as one of the most authentic capital cities of Europe. In Valletta, you will feel as though time stood still because of the remarkably preserved infrastructure. Valletta has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) is situated opposite Valletta along the Grand Harbor. It is where the Knights of St. John first established themselves after arriving in Malta. The Birgu waterfront is lively as it is scenic, and has a host of restaurants and cafés.
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Birgu
Birgu (Vittoriosa) is situated opposite Valletta along the Grand Harbor. It is where the Knights of St. John first established themselves after arriving in Malta. The Birgu waterfront is lively as it is scenic, and has a host of restaurants and cafés.
Located about six miles (9.5 km) south of Valletta is the small town of Qrendi. The two megalithic complexes of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are situated close to the coast about 500 meters apart. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are fascinating World Heritage Sites that date back to the Ggantija Phase (3600-3200 BC). The society responsible for the construction of both temple sites is often referred to as the ‘temple builders.’ Little is known about these people, other than they most likely came from modern-day Sicily and lived peacefully as hunter-gatherers.
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Hagar Qim
Triq Hagar QimLocated about six miles (9.5 km) south of Valletta is the small town of Qrendi. The two megalithic complexes of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are situated close to the coast about 500 meters apart. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are fascinating World Heritage Sites that date back to the Ggantija Phase (3600-3200 BC). The society responsible for the construction of both temple sites is often referred to as the ‘temple builders.’ Little is known about these people, other than they most likely came from modern-day Sicily and lived peacefully as hunter-gatherers.
Would you go to Rome and skip the Coliseum? Or to London and leave out Big Ben? I think not. The Hypogeum was unquestionably one of the highlights of my Maltese journey and is an attraction that you cannot afford to miss. An exquisite example of architecture in the negative, the Hypogeum is a subterranean complex of halls and chambers carved out of coralline limestone. The oldest section of the Hypogeum dates back to 3600 BC. It was discovered by accident in 1902, by a stonemason repairing the floor of a house. Unbeknownst to him at the time was that he was standing over a prehistorical cavity that would eventually be deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
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Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Would you go to Rome and skip the Coliseum? Or to London and leave out Big Ben? I think not. The Hypogeum was unquestionably one of the highlights of my Maltese journey and is an attraction that you cannot afford to miss. An exquisite example of architecture in the negative, the Hypogeum is a subterranean complex of halls and chambers carved out of coralline limestone. The oldest section of the Hypogeum dates back to 3600 BC. It was discovered by accident in 1902, by a stonemason repairing the floor of a house. Unbeknownst to him at the time was that he was standing over a prehistorical cavity that would eventually be deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
This Roman Catholic Church is also referred to as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome. It was designed by Maltese architect Giorgo Grognet de Vassé during the 1830’s, and built upon the site of a previous church. The church’s striking dome is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe, and the ninth largest in the world. Gronget de Vassé’s inspiration for the church stemmed from the Pantheon in Rome, specifically the style of the main portico, Ionic columns, and the massive, central dome.
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Mosta Rotunda
This Roman Catholic Church is also referred to as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome. It was designed by Maltese architect Giorgo Grognet de Vassé during the 1830’s, and built upon the site of a previous church. The church’s striking dome is the third largest unsupported dome in Europe, and the ninth largest in the world. Gronget de Vassé’s inspiration for the church stemmed from the Pantheon in Rome, specifically the style of the main portico, Ionic columns, and the massive, central dome.
The Silent City, as Mdina is often called, is an ancient walled city located 7 miles (12.5 km) west of Valletta in central Malta. The history of the fortified city is much grander than its petite size. Rabat is the modern city that surrounds Mdina and often is referred to as the suburbs of Mdina. Rabat is also much larger with an estimated population of 13,000 while Mdina has only about 300 permanent residents at any given time.
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Mdina
The Silent City, as Mdina is often called, is an ancient walled city located 7 miles (12.5 km) west of Valletta in central Malta. The history of the fortified city is much grander than its petite size. Rabat is the modern city that surrounds Mdina and often is referred to as the suburbs of Mdina. Rabat is also much larger with an estimated population of 13,000 while Mdina has only about 300 permanent residents at any given time.
The Catacombs of St. Paul comprise an underground Roman necropolis dating back to the 4th century AD. Romans deemed it unclean to bury the deceased within city limits, so this catacomb complex was most likely used as the final resting place for the dead from surrounding cities like Mdina. Descending into the tombs may send a chill up your spine as your eyes dart toward the loculi (wall recesses). Some are small, others large to accommodate the corpses of children and adults. Numerous family crypts have also been discovered. There is room for about 1,000 bodies in total.
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Sankt Pauls katakomber
Hal-BajjadaThe Catacombs of St. Paul comprise an underground Roman necropolis dating back to the 4th century AD. Romans deemed it unclean to bury the deceased within city limits, so this catacomb complex was most likely used as the final resting place for the dead from surrounding cities like Mdina. Descending into the tombs may send a chill up your spine as your eyes dart toward the loculi (wall recesses). Some are small, others large to accommodate the corpses of children and adults. Numerous family crypts have also been discovered. There is room for about 1,000 bodies in total.
By the second century BC, the Roman Empire and Carthage were wrestling for dominance in the Mediterranean. After centuries of power struggles, the two super powers engaged in three major battles, known as the Punic Wars. In 146 BC the Romans defeated their opponents, completely destroyed the city of Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia) and took control of Malta.
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Domvs Romana
GheriexemBy the second century BC, the Roman Empire and Carthage were wrestling for dominance in the Mediterranean. After centuries of power struggles, the two super powers engaged in three major battles, known as the Punic Wars. In 146 BC the Romans defeated their opponents, completely destroyed the city of Carthage (in modern-day Tunisia) and took control of Malta.
Dingli is a small village located at the southwest edge of the island only a couple of miles from Rabat. The area of Dingli is one of the highest in Malta at around 825 feet (250 m). The cliffs of Dingli give splendid views of the open ocean and of the Maltese islet of Filfla.
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Dingli Cliffs panoramic view
Dingli is a small village located at the southwest edge of the island only a couple of miles from Rabat. The area of Dingli is one of the highest in Malta at around 825 feet (250 m). The cliffs of Dingli give splendid views of the open ocean and of the Maltese islet of Filfla.
T’a Qali is a small village located six miles (11 km) west of Valletta in central Malta. The main attraction of T’a Qali is its artisanal section where local crafts take center stage. Maltese artisans showcase and sell their master works to locals and tourists alike. Ceramics, painting, lace making and glass blowing workshops invite visitors to experience Malta’s centuries-old traditions.
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Ta Qali Crafts Village
T’a Qali is a small village located six miles (11 km) west of Valletta in central Malta. The main attraction of T’a Qali is its artisanal section where local crafts take center stage. Maltese artisans showcase and sell their master works to locals and tourists alike. Ceramics, painting, lace making and glass blowing workshops invite visitors to experience Malta’s centuries-old traditions.
Director Paul Said founded Valletta Glass in 1979. What started as a small-scale operation has since blossomed into a full-fledged workshop and store. The master glass blowers at Valletta Glass put on quite a show for every visitor, but for them, it’s just another day at the office. Visitors watch on as the glass blowing process is demonstrated. First, colored sands are carefully selected and mixed. Then, the mixture is melted in an oven with a temperature exceeding 1000° F.
Valletta Glass
Director Paul Said founded Valletta Glass in 1979. What started as a small-scale operation has since blossomed into a full-fledged workshop and store. The master glass blowers at Valletta Glass put on quite a show for every visitor, but for them, it’s just another day at the office. Visitors watch on as the glass blowing process is demonstrated. First, colored sands are carefully selected and mixed. Then, the mixture is melted in an oven with a temperature exceeding 1000° F.
The Meridiana Wine Estate has taken center stage in the world of Maltese winemaking traditions, and has led the pack in terms of quality. The energetic and passionate Mark Miceli-Farrugia began Meridiana Winery in 1987 with the intention of using local grapes to create wines everyone could enjoy, regardless of sophistication of palette.
Meridiana Wine Estate
The Meridiana Wine Estate has taken center stage in the world of Maltese winemaking traditions, and has led the pack in terms of quality. The energetic and passionate Mark Miceli-Farrugia began Meridiana Winery in 1987 with the intention of using local grapes to create wines everyone could enjoy, regardless of sophistication of palette.
Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sah-shlock) is a fishing village located on the southeastern coast of Malta about 6 miles (10.8 km) from Valletta. Marsaxlokk harbor is second only to the Grand Harbor in size. This peaceful inlet was once the landing point of the Ottoman Turks during the Great Siege of 1565. The Knights of St. John successfully defeated them and retained control over Malta until 1798. This was the year that Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the island and expelled the Knights of St. John for good.
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Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sah-shlock) is a fishing village located on the southeastern coast of Malta about 6 miles (10.8 km) from Valletta. Marsaxlokk harbor is second only to the Grand Harbor in size. This peaceful inlet was once the landing point of the Ottoman Turks during the Great Siege of 1565. The Knights of St. John successfully defeated them and retained control over Malta until 1798. This was the year that Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the island and expelled the Knights of St. John for good.
Like the shrine in Fátima, Portugal, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha is a Marian shrine recognized by the Catholic Church. Places like these are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, miracles attributed to her and her apparitions. Marian shrines can be found throughout the world in places like Poland, Turkey and France. The most famous Marian shrine is probably the Basilica of Guadeloupe in Mexico City.
Żabbar Parish Church
Is - SantwarjuLike the shrine in Fátima, Portugal, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha is a Marian shrine recognized by the Catholic Church. Places like these are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, miracles attributed to her and her apparitions. Marian shrines can be found throughout the world in places like Poland, Turkey and France. The most famous Marian shrine is probably the Basilica of Guadeloupe in Mexico City.
Malta’s geographic location in the Mediterranean is a strategic one that was highly sought-after by Italian and German forces during WWII. At the time, it was one of Britain’s most valuable naval bases. Beginning in June 1940, air attacks were carried out over Malta. Italian bomber jets dropped over a thousand tons of explosives over densely populated Malta. In the midst of constant air strikes and submarine attacks, and with few planes and weapons of its own, Malta somehow managed to resist capture. For this it was awarded the George Cross medal for unyielding bravery. The award was given by King George VI and is a proud achievement for the island nation because it honors bravery in the face of unspeakable acts of war.
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WWII Shelters
Triq il-Kappillan MagriMalta’s geographic location in the Mediterranean is a strategic one that was highly sought-after by Italian and German forces during WWII. At the time, it was one of Britain’s most valuable naval bases. Beginning in June 1940, air attacks were carried out over Malta. Italian bomber jets dropped over a thousand tons of explosives over densely populated Malta. In the midst of constant air strikes and submarine attacks, and with few planes and weapons of its own, Malta somehow managed to resist capture. For this it was awarded the George Cross medal for unyielding bravery. The award was given by King George VI and is a proud achievement for the island nation because it honors bravery in the face of unspeakable acts of war.
On the coast of southwestern Malta, near the towns of Qrendi and Zurrieg, is the heralded natural wonder, the Blue Grotto. It is not just one, but a entire labyrinth of several sea caverns that provoke awe and wonder in all who see them. The caves were formed from gradual seawater erosion of the natural rock. The Blue Grotto is the largest in the cave complex and is one of the most iconic images of Malta.
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Den Blå Grotte
On the coast of southwestern Malta, near the towns of Qrendi and Zurrieg, is the heralded natural wonder, the Blue Grotto. It is not just one, but a entire labyrinth of several sea caverns that provoke awe and wonder in all who see them. The caves were formed from gradual seawater erosion of the natural rock. The Blue Grotto is the largest in the cave complex and is one of the most iconic images of Malta.
Forget about your tender feelings toward Thumper and Bugs Bunny. Maltese rabbit is some of the best in the world and an absolute MUST for any first-time visitor and self-proclaimed foodie. Rabbit is a staple in the Maltese diet and when it’s served, there’s no refusing. There are many ways to prepare rabbit, and you won’t be disappointed when you come to Charlie’s Inn because they prepare rabbit every way imaginable. This family-owned establishment seems to effortlessly create some of the best homemade dishes I have had in all my travels.
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Charlie's Inn
Triq Is-SalinaForget about your tender feelings toward Thumper and Bugs Bunny. Maltese rabbit is some of the best in the world and an absolute MUST for any first-time visitor and self-proclaimed foodie. Rabbit is a staple in the Maltese diet and when it’s served, there’s no refusing. There are many ways to prepare rabbit, and you won’t be disappointed when you come to Charlie’s Inn because they prepare rabbit every way imaginable. This family-owned establishment seems to effortlessly create some of the best homemade dishes I have had in all my travels.
Just about 9km from Valletta, the capital of Malta, will take you to St. Julian’s and Paceville – the place where life happens after 10 pm. Possibly the busiest place on the whole island and as well where most tourist flocks their way in for some fun.
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Paceville
Just about 9km from Valletta, the capital of Malta, will take you to St. Julian’s and Paceville – the place where life happens after 10 pm. Possibly the busiest place on the whole island and as well where most tourist flocks their way in for some fun.
Gastronomía
Rebekah’s is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Malta. Managing Director, Manuel Attard, and his brilliant staff present guests with a truly unforgettable dining experience. What sets Rebekah’s apart from other Maltese eateries is superb food quality, rich flavors and an intimate setting.
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Rebekah's Restaurant
Rebekah’s is hands-down my favorite restaurant in Malta. Managing Director, Manuel Attard, and his brilliant staff present guests with a truly unforgettable dining experience. What sets Rebekah’s apart from other Maltese eateries is superb food quality, rich flavors and an intimate setting.