The small Mediterranean island of Malta is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. It serves as a reminder to all travelers, from time immemorial, with its ancient temples, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of adventures, histories, and beaches. The following guide will take you through the eight top attractions that you have to see in this historical capital city, as well as quiet islands and some unusual secrets.
Explore Malta's Most Unforgettable Sights
Prepare to add some incredible locations to your travel list. Listed below are the best places that one should not overlook when visiting Malta.
Valletta: The Fortress City
Valletta is not only the capital of Malta, but also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, was constructed by the Knights of St. John in the sixteenth century with immense bastion walls surrounding it.
Begin with the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a spectacular spot offering a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour. From this vantage point, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, you can start exploring the grid-like streets of the city and uncover beautiful balconies, elegant shops, and cafes.
Not to be missed is St. John's Co-Cathedral, which is a beautiful church. Although. The exterior may look modest, but the interior is very opulent, featuring elaborate marble flooring and two portraits by the renowned artist Caravaggio. Taking a stroll along Republic Street and Merchant Street will plunge you into the ethnic environment of St.-Parras.
Mdina: The Silent City
Go back into the present when you visit the old walled capital of Malta, called Mdina. This fortified city, situated on a hilltop, offers a serene escape from the modern world. It has streetcar-free, winding streets, which also earned it the name of the Silent City.
Exploring Mdina is akin to walking through a movie set, and the city has been used as a filming location by others, such as the popular TV series Game of Thrones. The city is the loveliest blend of medieval and Baroque architecture. The main attractions comprise the St. Paul Cathedral and the magnificent Vilhena Palace. You want to experience an evening of magic? Go in the evening when the gas lights are on, and the walls of the stone building will shine, creating a very romantic and mysterious effect. You must not miss a slice of their delicious chocolate cake in one of these cafes on the city walls with a spectacular view of the island.
The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua
On the opposite side of the Grand Harbour of Valletta stand the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. It was in these fortified cities that the Knights of St. John first established themselves, providing a more realistic view of local Maltese life.
- Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the oldest and is filled with historic sites, including the Inquisitor's Palace and Fort St. Angelo.
- Senglea (L-Isla) is known for the Gardjola Gardens, where a watchtower provides incredible views of the harbor.
- Cospicua (Bormla), the largest of the three, links the other two cities with its impressive fortifications.
The Three Cities are easily reachable by foot or a classic dghajsa (water taxi), crossing the harbor for an unforgettable trip.
Gozo: The Island of Calypso
The smaller sister islet of Gozo is located on a short ferry ride outside of Malta. The distinctive feature that Gozo can boast of is its rich landscape and mountains, as well as a more relaxed rhythm. In the Iliad, we read that this island was that of Calypso.
The Capital of the Island is Victoria (Rabat), where the city of the past, Cittadella, overlooks 360 degrees of the entire Island. Others include Stonehenge, which is even older at 5,000 years, and the 5,000-year-old Ggantija Temples, as well as the clear sighting of the Ramla Bay with its own peculiar EP of reddish-gold sand. Another site making Gozo famous in other countries was the Azure Window, until its collapse in 2017. The coastline at Dwejra Bay is another beautiful location to consider for diving into the sea, and, of course, many people enjoy watching the sunset.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Between Malta and Gozo lies the small island of Comino, which is car-free. This mostly deserted island is the home to one of the most famous places of attraction in Malta, the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is a well-protected inlet with impossibly clear, turquoise water, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. It is a tourist destination that can become crowded, especially during the peak summer months. For a calmer experience, consider visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). Cino is a recreational day tour with boat tours operating constantly when based in Malta and Gozo.
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a grouping of seven sea caves that, due to their spectacular nature, are a must-visit on the southern coast of Malta. They are best approached by a short boat trip, starting at the adjacent Wied iż-Żurrieq harbor.
The primary focus is on the sunshine coming through the limestone caves and sandy seabed, which provides an entrancing exploration of phosphorescent blue colors in the water. This is best seen during the morning, when the sunlight hits the water at a perfect angle. It is also the point with a view of the cliffs just behind, making it a better place to take a fantastic photo of the main arch.
Popeye Village
To do something totally different, visit Popeye Village at Anchor Bay. This small town was initially intended to serve as the movie set for the 1980 film Popeye, in which Robin Williams played one of the main characters. It later transformed into a family park after the shooting was over.
Beautiful, rustic buildings in various colors contrast with the green waters of the bay, creating a visually appealing scene. At the village, one can see the district, meet the film characters, attend performances, and even take a boat ride around a fun attraction. A ski for young kids that offers an awesome day out for both kids and adults.
Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
The fishing village of Marsaxlokk, located on the southeastern coast, is a great place to experience a slice of traditional Maltese life. The wharf is also characterized by colourful, mottled Luzzu boats, which are regular fishing ships that have been painted in primary colours and decorated at the front with the Eye of Osiris to ward off evil.
Visiting on a Sunday is advisable, as it coincides with the weekly fish market and local fishermen offer their fresh catches of the day. There is a row of excellent seafood restaurants along the waterfront, which is the ideal location for a nice meal, as the boats rock in the harbor.
Conclusion
Malta is a beautiful island that wins the hearts of everyone who visits it. It boasts an extensive history, a breathtaking shoreline, and can be a remarkable and diverse experience, all under one small, beautiful place. These eight places of intense beauty, starting with the magnificent strongholds of Valletta and its stunning sea, then extending into the tranquility of the Blue Lagoon, would be the best wish and curse of an unforgettable adventure in Malta.
