37 Best Things to Do in Malta: History, Beaches, Food and More

Planning a trip to Malta and wondering what to do while you’re there? For such a small country, Malta has an incredible amount to see and do!

Before our trip, I asked just about everyone I knew who had visited Malta for their recommendations. Everyone seemed to have at least one place I simply couldn’t miss.

By the time I’d added my own research, I had quite a list!

Even with a week in Malta, we didn’t manage to do everything. Between the historic cities, prehistoric temples, beautiful coastline and delicious food, there’s more here than you might expect.

We visited in March, which was fantastic for sightseeing but a little chilly for swimming. We explored mostly by public transport and discovered that you don’t necessarily need a car.

Here are 37 of the best things to do in Malta, including places we visited ourselves and others that are still on my list for next time.

For more planning advice, see my Malta travel guide.

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Malta at a Glance

• Best for: History, culture, coastal scenery and food.
• How long to stay: Five to seven days is ideal for a first visit, although there’s plenty to fill longer.
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for sightseeing; summer for swimming.
• Getting around: Buses, ferries and organised tours make it possible to explore without hiring a car.
• Don’t miss: Valletta, Mdina, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Gozo and traditional Maltese food.
• Book ahead: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and a Blue Lagoon landing slot if visiting Comino.

You can read more about the best time to visit Malta and getting around Malta without a car.

Best Historical Things to Do in Malta

One of the biggest surprises for me was Malta’s history. I knew about the Knights of St John and the Second World War, but I hadn’t realised just how far back the story went.

1. Explore Valletta

Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital is an absolute must.

I loved wandering through its narrow streets, admiring the colourful Maltese balconies and discovering beautiful old buildings around every corner.

We joined a free walking tour on our first morning, which was a great introduction to the city. Our guide also gave us some fantastic local tips, including telling us about a festival happening the following day.

You can find a tips-based walking tour through GuruWalk.

Allow at least half a day for Valletta, although you could easily spend much longer exploring its attractions.

2. Discover Mdina, the Silent City

Mdina is a beautiful medieval walled town with narrow streets, impressive buildings and views over the surrounding countryside.

Known as the Silent City, it’s a lovely place to wander without any particular plan.

Visit St Paul’s Cathedral, explore the Mdina Dungeons Museum or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

It’s easy to reach by bus, and I’d recommend allowing time for neighbouring Rabat too.

3. Walk Around the Three Cities

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta are Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua, collectively known as the Three Cities.

These historic towns have beautiful waterfronts, narrow streets and some fantastic views back towards Valletta.

Take the ferry across the harbour or, for something different, try a traditional Maltese dgħajsa boat.

We were also told the waterfront restaurants here were a good place to find seafood, potentially for less than in Valletta.

If you’re interested in history, consider Fort St Angelo or the Malta at War Museum in Birgu.

4. Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral

I almost skipped St John’s Co-Cathedral because I wasn’t convinced I needed to pay to see yet another European church.

How wrong I was!

The interior is extraordinary, with elaborate gold decorations, painted ceilings and marble tombstones covering the floor.

It’s also home to Caravaggio’s The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

This ended up being one of my favourite attractions in Malta, and I’d absolutely recommend paying the entrance fee.

Read my full review: Is St John’s Co-Cathedral Worth Visiting?

5. Tour the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a remarkable underground prehistoric burial complex dating back thousands of years.

Carved into limestone over three levels, it’s one of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

We didn’t manage to visit, but this would be high on my list for next time.

Book well in advance. Visitor numbers are strictly limited, and tickets can sell out. Children under six cannot enter, and closed shoes are required.

6. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology

Located in Valletta’s historic Auberge de Provence, the National Museum of Archaeology is an excellent introduction to Malta’s ancient history.

Its collection includes prehistoric pottery, sculptures and artefacts recovered from Malta’s temples.

One of the highlights is the famous Sleeping Lady figurine, discovered at the Hypogeum.

It’s particularly worth visiting if you’re planning to explore Malta’s prehistoric sites.

7. Explore Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum

Fort St Elmo played an important role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.

Today, it houses the National War Museum, which covers Malta’s military history, including its experiences during the Second World War.

Among the exhibits is the George Cross, awarded to Malta in 1942.

The fort also offers impressive views across the Grand Harbour.

8. Enjoy the Views from Upper Barrakka Gardens

For one of the best views in Malta, head to Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.

The gardens themselves aren’t enormous, but the panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and Three Cities are spectacular.

It’s a lovely place for a break while sightseeing.

Just below the gardens is the Saluting Battery, where historic cannons are fired during scheduled demonstrations, traditionally at noon and 4 pm.

Even if you miss the cannon firing, come for the views.

9. Visit the Manoel Theatre

Opened in 1732, the Manoel Theatre is one of Europe’s oldest working theatres.

Inside, you’ll find an intimate Baroque auditorium with ornate balconies and beautiful decorations.

You can attend a performance or take a tour to admire the interior and learn about its history.

Check the official Manoel Theatre website for visiting arrangements, as tours can be affected by rehearsals and performances.

10. Tour the Grandmaster’s Palace

The Grandmaster’s Palace was originally the headquarters and residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St John.

Today, visitors can explore impressive State Rooms decorated with tapestries, paintings and elaborate ceilings.

The Palace Armoury is another highlight, displaying weapons and armour associated with the knights.

Check the Heritage Malta website for current access, as some rooms may be closed for official functions or restoration.

11. Explore Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples

These prehistoric temples on Malta’s southern coast are more than 5,000 years old, making them older than the Egyptian pyramids.

The two UNESCO-listed complexes are connected by a walking path, with beautiful Mediterranean views along the way.

We didn’t visit these particular temples, but after seeing Ġgantija on Gozo, I can appreciate how impressive Malta’s prehistoric sites are.

Allow around two hours to explore both, and wear comfortable shoes.

Find visiting information on the Heritage Malta website.

12. Visit Mosta Rotunda

Mosta Rotunda is famous for its enormous dome and an extraordinary Second World War story.

On 9 April 1942, a bomb pierced the dome during a church service but failed to explode. Nobody inside was injured.

Visitors can see a replica of the bomb and learn about the event.

The impressive architecture makes this worth considering even if you’ve already visited plenty of churches.

See the official Mosta Rotunda website for visiting information.

13. Explore the Lascaris War Rooms

Hidden beneath Valletta, the Lascaris War Rooms were used as an underground military headquarters during the Second World War.

Operations here included Malta’s air defence and preparations for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

Today, you can explore the historic rooms and learn how military operations were coordinated.

Located below Upper Barrakka Gardens, they’re easy to include in a day exploring Valletta.

See the official Lascaris War Rooms website for tickets and tours.

14. Discover the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo

We visited the Ġgantija Temples during our day trip to Gozo, and it’s fascinating to think how long they’ve been standing.

Dating back to around 3600 BC, these UNESCO-listed temples are older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

They’re built from enormous limestone blocks, some weighing several tonnes. It’s difficult to imagine how people moved them without modern equipment.

The name Ġgantija comes from the Maltese word for giant, reflecting the legend that giants built the temples.

Allow around an hour to explore the site and interpretation centre.

Find more information on the Heritage Malta website.

15. Explore the Tarxien Temples

The Tarxien Temples are another fascinating prehistoric complex, particularly known for their detailed stone carvings.

Look for decorative spirals, animal designs and the remains of an enormous stone statue.

They’re located close to the Hypogeum, making the two attractions easy to combine geographically, provided you’ve arranged your Hypogeum booking.

We didn’t visit Tarxien, but I’d include it on a return trip focused on Malta’s ancient history.

Check Heritage Malta for current visiting details.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Malta

Malta has some beautiful coastal scenery, from dramatic cliffs to turquoise bays and sandy beaches.

March was a little cool for us to swim, but there was still plenty to enjoy.

16. Swim at the Blue Lagoon, Comino

The Blue Lagoon on Comino is famous for its incredibly clear turquoise water.

We didn’t manage to visit, but it’s certainly somewhere I’d consider for a warmer-weather trip.

Most people visit to swim, snorkel or simply enjoy the scenery. Boat excursions depart from both Malta and Gozo.

Important: If you’re going ashore at the Blue Lagoon, you need to reserve a free visitor time slot through the official booking website, even if you’ve booked a boat trip. Check whether your tour operator organises this.

17. Take a Boat Trip to the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves on Malta’s southern coast, known for the brilliant blue colours created by sunlight reflecting through the water.

A small boat trip is the best way to see the caves, particularly on a sunny morning.

There’s also a viewpoint above if you’d prefer to admire the scenery from land.

Boat trips depend on sea conditions, so keep your plans flexible.

18. Relax at Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay came up repeatedly when I asked people about Malta’s best beaches.

Located on the northwest coast, it’s a sandy beach with swimming, water sports and facilities during the warmer months.

It’s also one of Malta’s popular sunset spots, thanks to its west-facing position.

Even if you’re not planning a beach day, it could be worth coming here in the late afternoon just for the scenery.

19. Spend a Day Exploring Gozo

I really think you should visit Gozo while you’re in Malta.

It’s quieter and more rural than the main island, with beautiful coastline, little villages and plenty of history.

We visited Gozo on a day trip, and it was one of the highlights of our week.

There’s plenty to see, including Victoria’s Citadel, the Ġgantija Temples and the Dwejra coastline.

You can explore independently or join an organised tour, with many offering pick-ups from popular areas to stay in Malta, including Sliema, where we stayed at Alavits Hotel.

If you have time, consider staying overnight rather than squeezing everything into one day.

20. See the Blue Hole at Dwejra, Gozo

The Blue Hole is a natural rock pool connected to the open sea through an underwater arch.

It’s a popular scuba diving location, with dramatic underwater formations.

I’m not a diver, but the surrounding Dwejra coastline is worth seeing in its own right.

This is also where the famous Azure Window stood until it collapsed during a storm in 2017.

You can combine a visit with the nearby Inland Sea. Take care around the uneven rocks and exposed coastline.

21. Hike Along the Dingli Cliffs

Rising more than 200 metres above sea level, the Dingli Cliffs offer some of Malta’s most dramatic coastal scenery.

Walking routes provide views over the Mediterranean towards the tiny island of Filfla.

You can also see the small St Mary Magdalene Chapel near the cliffs.

I’d particularly enjoy exploring this area in spring, when the countryside is greener and temperatures are comfortable.

It’s also a popular sunset location.

22. Wander Through Buskett Gardens

Malta isn’t known for its forests, so Buskett Gardens offers something different.

Located near the Dingli Cliffs, it’s one of the island’s few substantial wooded areas, with shady walking paths and picnic spots.

Originally established as hunting grounds for the Knights of St John, it’s now a peaceful place to enjoy some greenery.

Buskett is also associated with the traditional Mnarja festival in late June.

Consider combining it with a visit to the Dingli Cliffs.

23. Swim at St Peter’s Pool

St Peter’s Pool is a natural swimming spot near Marsaxlokk, surrounded by limestone ledges and beautiful clear water.

There’s no sandy beach. Instead, visitors relax on the rocks and enter the sea from the surrounding ledges.

Access involves walking over uneven ground, so wear suitable shoes and bring water.

Although you may see people jumping from the rocks, I’d advise caution. Sea conditions and water depths can vary.

It’s a good addition to a Marsaxlokk visit if you’re travelling by car or have arranged transport.

24. Relax at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

Also known as Riviera Beach, Għajn Tuffieħa is a beautiful sandy bay surrounded by hills and cliffs.

It’s close to Golden Bay but has a more natural setting, making it a lovely option for swimming or watching the sunset.

The catch? You’ll need to walk down roughly 200 steps to reach the beach, and back up again afterwards!

If that doesn’t appeal, the views from above are still worth enjoying.

25. Walk Along the Promenade from St Julian’s to Sliema

Sometimes the simplest activities are the best.

We walked along the waterfront from St Julian’s towards Sliema, passing lovely bays, rocky swimming spots, cafés and restaurants.

It’s an easy way to explore this part of Malta, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the water.

Allow around an hour, depending on your starting point and how often you stop.

I’d recommend late afternoon when the temperature is cooler.

Since we stayed in Sliema, this was a convenient way to explore the area.

Cultural Activities in Malta

Beyond the historic attractions, Malta has some wonderful local traditions worth experiencing.

26. Attend a Traditional Maltese Village Festa

This was one of my favourite unexpected experiences in Malta.

During our first morning’s walking tour in Valletta, our guide mentioned celebrations happening in Rabat the following day.

It was 19 March, St Joseph’s Day, which is a public holiday in Malta.

We decided to go, and I’m so glad we did!

There were colourful decorations, religious processions, music, fireworks and plenty of food.

We particularly enjoyed żeppoli, the traditional pastries eaten for St Joseph’s Day. In fact, we ate so many that we didn’t have room for cake when we visited Mdina afterwards!

Village festas happen throughout the year, particularly during the warmer months.

My tip: Check what’s happening during your visit, but also ask locals. We might have missed this entirely without our walking tour guide.

27. Visit Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

Ta’ Qali Crafts Village is a good place to discover traditional Maltese craftsmanship.

Located on a former Second World War airfield, it’s home to workshops and shops producing glassware, ceramics, pottery and silver filigree jewellery.

Depending on the workshops operating, you may be able to watch artisans at work.

It’s an interesting place to find souvenirs that are a little different from the usual tourist offerings.

Combine it with the nearby Aviation Museum.

28. Explore the Malta Aviation Museum

The Malta Aviation Museum tells the story of the country’s aviation history, particularly during the Second World War.

Its collection includes restored aircraft, engines and memorabilia, with highlights including a Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane.

We didn’t visit, but it would be an excellent choice for aviation enthusiasts or families with older children.

It’s located close to Ta’ Qali Crafts Village.

29. Watch the Malta International Fireworks Festival

Malta loves fireworks, and its annual International Fireworks Festival is a chance to see some spectacular displays.

Usually held in April, the festival features local and international pyrotechnic teams.

The Grand Harbour in Valletta is one of its most impressive settings, although venues vary.

We visited too early for the festival, but the fireworks during the St Joseph’s Day celebrations gave us a taste of Malta’s enthusiasm for them!

Check the current festival programme before planning your visit around it.

Food and Drink Experiences in Malta

Trying local food is always one of my favourite travel activities, and Malta didn’t disappoint.

We tasted everything from flaky pastries to traditional rabbit dishes.

For more ideas, read my guide to traditional Maltese food.

30. Enjoy a Seafood Lunch in Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk was one of my favourite places in Malta.

This fishing village is famous for its colourful traditional boats, known as luzzus, and its Sunday market.

After wandering around the market, we settled in at a waterfront restaurant for a leisurely lunch.

It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon, watching the boats and enjoying the atmosphere.

Seafood is the obvious speciality, with restaurants serving fresh fish, octopus and other Mediterranean dishes.

Even if you’re not planning to eat here, Marsaxlokk is worth visiting for the colourful harbour alone.

31. Try Traditional Maltese Pastizzi

If you only try one Maltese snack, make it pastizzi!

These inexpensive, flaky savoury pastries are traditionally filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

You’ll also find other fillings, depending on the bakery.

We ate pastizzi several times during our trip, and while I liked the traditional varieties, chicken became our favourite.

They’re perfect for a quick snack or cheap lunch.

Just be prepared for pastry crumbs everywhere!

32. Sample Maltese Wine at a Local Winery

Malta has a long winemaking history, including wines made from indigenous grapes such as Ġellewża and Girgentina.

If you enjoy wine, consider visiting a local winery for a tasting.

Two options are Meridiana Wine Estate and Marsovin.

We didn’t manage a winery visit, but I think it would make a nice change from sightseeing.

Check availability and book ahead, as tastings aren’t always offered on a walk-in basis.

33. Eat Cake at Fontanella Tea Garden in Mdina

This is one I still regret missing!

Fontanella Tea Garden is famous for its cakes, particularly chocolate cake, and its beautiful views from the walls of Mdina.

I’d planned to stop here, but we’d spent the morning in Rabat celebrating St Joseph’s Day.

After eating rather too many żeppoli, we simply couldn’t fit in another thing!

Next time, Fontanella is definitely on my list.

34. Try Malta’s Traditional Rabbit Stew

Rabbit is an important part of traditional Maltese cuisine, and stuffat tal-fenek is one of the country’s best-known dishes.

The rabbit is slow-cooked with ingredients such as wine, tomatoes, garlic and herbs, creating a rich stew.

I tried rabbit in Valletta, but you’ll find it served across Malta.

The village of Mġarr, on the main island, is particularly well known for its traditional rabbit restaurants.

It’s worth trying if you enjoy discovering local dishes.

Family-Friendly Activities in Malta

We didn’t have children travelling with us, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying one of Malta’s family attractions!

35. Visit the Malta National Aquarium

The Malta National Aquarium is in Qawra, near Buġibba.

Simon loves aquariums, so this was always going to be on our list.

It’s not enormous, but there’s plenty to see, including Mediterranean marine life, sharks, rays and an underwater viewing tunnel.

We spent about an hour exploring, followed by another hour enjoying lunch at the restaurant with beautiful sea views.

It’s a good choice for families, marine-life enthusiasts or anyone looking for an indoor attraction.

Book Malta National Aquarium tickets here.

36. Explore Popeye Village

Popeye Village was originally built as the film set for the 1980 movie Popeye, starring Robin Williams.

Today, the colourful wooden village at Anchor Bay is a family attraction, with entertainment, film-set displays and seasonal activities.

We didn’t visit, but I can see why families enjoy it.

If you don’t want to pay for entry, there’s also a viewpoint overlooking the village, which makes for a great photo.

Check which activities are operating when you visit.

Book Popeye Village tickets here.

37. Cool Off at Splash & Fun Water Park

If you’re visiting Malta in warmer weather with children, Splash & Fun Water Park could be a welcome change from sightseeing.

Located near Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, it has water slides, a lazy river, wave pool and areas for younger children.

We visited in March, so this wasn’t something we considered, but I can imagine it being popular during a hot Maltese summer.

The park operates seasonally. Check opening dates before planning your visit.

How to Choose the Best Things to Do in Malta

With 37 activities to choose from, there’s no need to try to fit them all into one trip.

For a short visit, I’d prioritise Valletta, Mdina, St John’s Co-Cathedral and some traditional Maltese food.

With five to seven days, add a day trip to Gozo, Marsaxlokk and some coastal attractions or prehistoric temples.

If you have longer, consider staying overnight on Gozo or spending more time exploring Malta’s beaches and smaller villages.

The time of year makes a difference too. We visited in March and focused on walking, history and sightseeing. In summer, you might prefer to spend more time swimming.

My 7-day Malta itinerary shows how we organised our week.

Do You Need a Car to Explore Malta?

We explored Malta without hiring a car and still saw plenty.

Buses connect many of the main attractions, while ferries and organised tours are useful alternatives.

Public transport isn’t always particularly quick, especially when visiting more remote locations, but it’s certainly possible to see a lot without driving.

If you do hire a car, remember that Malta drives on the left, like Australia. Some roads are narrow, and traffic and parking can be frustrating around the busier towns.

Personally, I’d only hire a car if you particularly want to explore the less accessible areas independently.

Read more in my guide to getting around Malta without a car.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Malta

I knew I was going to enjoy Malta, but I hadn’t realised just how much there would be to see.

Some of my favourite experiences were the big attractions, like St John’s Co-Cathedral and our day on Gozo.

Others were the unexpected moments, particularly stumbling across the St Joseph’s Day celebrations in Rabat and eating far too many local pastries.

We managed to see a lot during our week, but there’s still plenty left for a return visit.

Next time, perhaps I’ll make it to Comino, explore more of the prehistoric temples and finally get that slice of chocolate cake at Fontanella!

If you’re planning your own Malta adventure, choose the experiences that interest you most and leave room for a few unexpected discoveries.

For more help, take a look at my Malta travel guide or 7-day Malta itinerary.