10 Top Things To Do In Malta

The Maltese Islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — sit in the heart of the Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. Though small in size, these sun-soaked islands offer an extraordinary blend of history, culture, dramatic coastlines, ancient temples, charming towns, and a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Malta is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of sightseeing, cuisine, coastal beauty, and easy exploration. Whether arriving by land or as part of a Mediterranean cruise itinerary, here are some of the top experiences not to miss.

VALLETTA
The fortified capital city of Valletta is one of Europe’s most compact yet historically rich capitals and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Knights of St. John after the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is filled with grand palaces, baroque churches, hidden courtyards, and honey-colored limestone buildings overlooking two magnificent natural harbors.
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Despite its small size, the city contains hundreds of historical monuments, elegant cafés, museums, and panoramic viewpoints — all easily explored on foot.

ST. JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL AND MUSEUM
The breathtaking St. John's Co-Cathedral is widely considered one of Europe’s great baroque masterpieces. While the exterior appears relatively austere, the interior is astonishingly ornate, with gilded carvings, richly painted ceilings, marble tombstones, and elaborate chapels dedicated to the Knights of St. John.

The cathedral is also home to Caravaggio’s famous masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, one of the artist’s most celebrated works.

UPPER BARRAKKA GARDENS
Perched high above the Grand Harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer some of the finest views in Malta. Originally created as private gardens for the Knights of St. John, today they provide a peaceful retreat from Valletta’s lively streets.

From the terraces, visitors enjoy sweeping vistas across the harbor toward the historic “Three Cities” — Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. Time your visit for the traditional Saluting Battery cannon firing ceremony held below the gardens.

FORT ST ELMO NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM
Standing guard at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, Fort St. Elmo played a critical role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 and again during World War II.

Today, the restored fort houses the National War Museum, where exhibits trace Malta’s strategic importance through centuries of conflict. The museum provides fascinating insight into the island’s resilience and wartime history.

 
GRANDMASTER PALACE
Located in the heart of Valletta, the Grandmaster's Palace once served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John.
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Recently restored and reopened to visitors, the palace showcases magnificent state rooms, ornate ceilings, historic armor collections, and priceless tapestries. It remains one of Valletta’s architectural highlights and an important symbol of Malta’s past.

MEGALITHIC TEMPLES
Malta’s Megalithic Temples are among the oldest free-standing structures on earth and form another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between approximately 3600 BC and 2500 BC, these remarkable stone temples predate both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Particularly impressive are the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo, whose massive limestone blocks continue to puzzle archaeologists today.

HAL SAFLIENI HYPOGEUM
One of Malta’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground prehistoric burial complex carved directly into limestone rock.

Dating back over 5,000 years, the site consists of chambers, corridors, and ceremonial rooms spread across multiple underground levels. Because visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the site, advance reservations are essential.

MOSTA DOME
The impressive Mosta Rotunda is famous both for its enormous unsupported dome and for one of Malta’s most remarkable World War II stories.

During an air raid in 1942, a bomb pierced the church dome while hundreds of worshippers attended mass. Miraculously, the bomb failed to explode, and no one inside was injured. A replica of the bomb can still be seen inside the church today.

MDINA - THE SILENT CITY
The ancient walled city of Mdina was Malta’s capital long before Valletta existed. Often called the “Silent City,” Mdina is a beautifully preserved maze of narrow streets, noble palaces, churches, and medieval architecture.

Cars are heavily restricted within the city walls, creating a peaceful atmosphere perfect for wandering. The elevated bastions also provide wonderful panoramic views across much of the island.

MALTESE CUISINE AND LOCAL FLAVOR
Maltese cuisine reflects centuries of cultural influences from Sicily, North Africa, Spain, France, and Britain. Fresh seafood is abundant, while traditional dishes often feature rabbit, slow-cooked stews, olives, capers, and locally baked bread.

Don’t miss trying:

• Fenek — Malta’s traditional rabbit stew
• Pastizzi — flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas
• Fresh seafood and octopus dishes
• Local honey and olive oil
• Maltese wines, many of which are difficult to find outside the islands due to limited production

Gozo in particular has developed an increasingly respected farm-to-table culinary scene and boutique wine culture.

BEYOND HISTORY

While Malta is best known for its history, the islands also offer beautiful swimming coves, scenic coastal walks, diving opportunities, charming fishing villages, and crystal-clear waters. Popular excursions include boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on Comino, coastal cruising, and exploring Gozo’s quieter countryside and villages.
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Malta also serves as an excellent pre- or post-cruise destination and appears on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries thanks to its strategic location and rich cultural heritage.
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This article was originally written in May 2021 and has been refreshed and updated to reflect current information.

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