Skip to Content

Top 10 Things to do in Malta

Malta – A Tiny Group of Islands Packed with Great Activities

When the Order of the Knights of St. John were defeated at Rhodes by the Turks, Suleyman the Magnificient allowed them to withdraw. They fled across the Mediteranean in their wooden ships, wandering for seven years until coming to rest on Malta. Here they constructed a new fortress city to house their order.

Malta Top 10

One of the smaller countries we’ve been to, Malta, is made up of three main islands.  Valletta, the capital city, is on the main island called Malta.  Here you can find so much to do in such a small space.  We love it so much we’ve been there a couple of times, and here are our top ten things to do.

No. 1 – Valletta

The city of Valleta is an amazing example of a city built as a fortification. It was designed to withstand siege and attack from from land and sea. It stands today as a testament to the military might and engineering genius that built and defended it. You can wander the quiet back streets looking for the shields emblazoned on the houses of the various tongues (knight groups from the same country or speaking the same language), or walk the walls and battlements and imagine the onslaught of the attacking armies during the great siege of 1565.

Malta Top 10

Since the islands were founded by the Knights of St. John, it has been invaded, laid siege to, and drooled over by many countries.  Why?   Location, location, location.  It is in a strategic waterway, in the middle of two huge continents which makes it desirable both militarily and economically.

Malta Top 10

No. 2 – Saluting Battery

At noon each day, at the saluting battery, the cannons are fired with full military pomp.  It is one of the most popular activities in Malta, and one that has a long history.  The cannons are fired for many other occasions, but at noon the purpose has been for the ships off shore to set their clocks.  The view over the Grand Harbor is one of the best in all of the city as well.

Malta Top 10

No. 3 – Military Parade

If you are lucky enough, or plan wisely, you’ll be on Malta for a military parade or tattoo. The Maltese are very proud of their nation and the place they’ve held in history and this really shows during one of these spectacles. The music echoes through the stone cobbled streets of Valletta keeping time for the marching troops.

Malta Top 10

No. 4 – Religious Sites

Occupied and run by the Knights of Malta, the country has a rich Catholic history which continues to this day.  Even before then, though, when the apostle Paul was being taken to trial, his boat shipwrecked and he spent a winter in Malta.  There are many sites on the island, especially around Rabat, to visit.

Valletta’s cathedral, the co-Cathedral of St. John pictured above, is another highlight.  Commissioned in 1572 by the Knights Hospitaller, the church has weathered invasion after invasion, and thus had to become a co-cathedral when Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the city in 1798.  Don’t miss the fresco-covered nave.

Malta Top 10

No. 5 – The National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Malta hosts artifacts that date back to 5200 BC.  Before heading out to the various temples that dot the islands, a trip to the museum puts all the human history in perspective.

Malta Top 10

No. 6 – The Megalithic Temples of Malta

The temples of Malta still remain a mystery. Who were these ancient builders? What was the purpose for these temples? How do you get tickets for the subterranean site, Hypogeum? Visit these sites and make up your own stories or follow along with a guide and listen to the current theory du jour. Regardless, you’ll be amazed at the size of the rocks that were used to build these temples, as well as the fact that they have stood for thousands of years.

Malta Top 10

No. 7 – Marsaxlokk

The coastal town of Marsaxlokk is the fishing village you really want to visit. A walk along the harbor to watch fishermen puttering on and around their colorful boats, unloading the day’s catch, or heading out to challenge the sea for its bounty is an almost magical experience taking you back to a time when the painted eye would protect you. Be sure and stop for a delicious seafood lunch at one of the harbor hot spots.

Malta Top 10

No. 8 – The Weird Statue and Taking the Bus

Taking the bus around Malta is easy and cheap.  The buses run long into the night, and the main terminal is close to the Valletta city center.  You will know that you are there, because of the very strange fountain that adorns the middle of the roundabout.  Taking a bus allows you to see all the other wonderful sites around the islands, so hop on one and see where it takes you.

Malta Top 10

No. 9 – The Natural Beauty of the Islands

Surrounded by water, how could Malta be anything other than stunning?  With views such as the one above at the Blue Grotto, or a little further afield the Inland Sea or the Azure Window exploring the island by car, bicycle or bus is a must.  Of course, boating and swimming as well as sunbathing lures visitors from all over.

Malta Top 10

No. 10 – Cheese Pies

 We discovered the perfect Maltese cheese pies on our very first trip to the islands, and now we can’t go a day without trying a different type.  Filled with a local ricotta as well as a host of other fresh ingredients from peas to tuna, you can’t go wrong stopping by a stand such as this one and loading up.  The pies are by far the cheapest and most delicious food on the islands.

Practical Information:

 Malta, close to the bottom of Sicily, is a rather easy flight from anywhere in Europe. There are a number of inexpensive airlines that now service the islands and you will find many people flocking to the beaches as late as October and as early as March.  With a year-round Mediterranean climate, it’s a great getaway.

There are many all-inclusive resorts on the islands that will take you in, pamper you, transport you to some fabulous beaches, and feed you.  However, we recommend the smaller, family-owned hotels that dot the islands.  Our favorite was the Port View Guesthouse in Marsaxlokk.

Don’t just hang out on the beaches, go find the amazing history while wandering the streets of Valletta or busing to any of the nearby sites.  Nothing is more than an hour away, and ferries to Gozo are plentiful and free.

Have you been to Malta?  What were your impressions?  What would you include in your top ten?

Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.

 

 

Escape Hunter

Friday 6th of February 2015

Been there too, it was so weird, but intriguing to walk around and discover... Almost everything was made of rock...

Corinne Vail

Saturday 7th of February 2015

Hunter, I love the yellowish rock that is everywhere!

Kristin Henning

Saturday 31st of January 2015

Wait, I'm confused. Are you going back next week? And why is Tom saying "one of these days?" We'll arrive there Feb 9. I'll definitely use your worthy guide to special places on Malta!

Corinne Vail

Saturday 31st of January 2015

Kristin, Too funny! You must have just booked it, and we were writing about a week ago. I think you're going to love it. Are you making it for carnival? Have you booked the Portview? I'll send an email with more info.

Adelina // Pack Me To

Friday 30th of January 2015

Malta looks like a great little island to visit full of history and sites. Most people don't even know where it is, but it would be really fascinating to visit. One day hopefully!

Corinne Vail

Saturday 31st of January 2015

Adelina, I'm sure you would love it...so go!

Renuka

Friday 30th of January 2015

Wow! Malta sounds so much fun! Love the bakery!

Corinne Vail

Saturday 31st of January 2015

Renuka, It's a pretty special place!

Jess

Thursday 29th of January 2015

The temple sites are the only thing I really know about Malta - as awesome as those are, it's great to see how much more there is! I would totally travel just for the cheese pies.

Corinne Vail

Thursday 29th of January 2015

Jess, Yes you would! The pies are amazing! I love Malta!