You can choose from the capital, walled historic cities, Neolithic temples, a fishing village, and island beaches, most of which are reachable by bus or ferry. The ten places to visit in Malta below cover the main island and the smaller islands.
1. Valletta
Valletta is the capital and the usual base for a Malta trip, known for its baroque architecture and grid of historic streets. Many sights are within walking distance, making it a good starting point for day trips.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Baroque capital and historic streets |
| Location | North-eastern Malta |
| Suitable travel period | Spring and autumn for milder weather |
| Entry | Streets are free to walk; individual sites are ticketed |
| Things to do | Walk the streets and visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral |
| Tip | A central base makes bus and ferry day trips easier |
2. Mdina
Mdina is the walled medieval city, known as the Silent City for its quiet, largely car-free streets. It gives a sense of Malta’s medieval past within a compact area.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Walled medieval city, the Silent City |
| Location | Central Malta |
| Suitable travel period | Early or late in the day for quieter streets |
| Entry | Free to walk; individual sites are ticketed |
| Things to do | Walk the walls, lanes and viewpoints |
| Tip | Reachable by bus from Valletta |
3. Blue Lagoon, Comino
The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is a sheltered bay with clear water, popular for swimming and snorkelling. It is reached by ferry, so it works as a day trip.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Sheltered bay for swimming and snorkelling |
| Location | Comino Island |
| Suitable travel period | Warmer months for swimming; earlier for fewer crowds |
| Entry | No entry fee; ferry fare applies |
| Things to do | Swim and snorkel in the sheltered water |
| Tip | It gets busy at midday in peak season |
4. Ġgantija Temples
The Ġgantija Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Malta’s major Neolithic monuments. The site is visited on an organised or self-guided basis.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | UNESCO-listed Neolithic temples |
| Location | On the Maltese islands |
| Suitable travel period | Cooler parts of the day in summer |
| Entry | Ticketed; verify current rates |
| Things to do | View the temple complex and interpretation area |
| Tip | Combine it with other island sights on the same trip |
5. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of the city’s principal baroque interiors. It is a ticketed sight within easy reach of the rest of the capital.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Baroque cathedral interior |
| Location | Valletta |
| Suitable travel period | Daytime opening hours; check current times |
| Entry | Ticketed; verify current rates |
| Things to do | View the interior and its artworks |
| Tip | Combine it with a Valletta walking route |
6. Azure Window ruins
The Azure Window ruins mark where a natural rock arch once stood on the coast. The arch has collapsed, so the site is visited for the coastal setting rather than the formation itself.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Coastal site of the former rock arch |
| Location | Coast of the Maltese islands |
| Suitable travel period | Clear days for coastal views |
| Entry | No entry fee |
| Things to do | View the coastline where the arch once stood |
| Tip | The arch has collapsed; manage expectations before visiting |
7. Birgu
Birgu is a fortified city with harbour walls, narrow lanes and waterfront views. It sits across the harbour from Valletta and suits a slower half-day visit.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Fortified harbour city |
| Location | Grand Harbour, opposite Valletta |
| Suitable travel period | Late afternoon for the waterfront |
| Entry | Free to walk; individual sites are ticketed |
| Things to do | Walk the fortifications and the waterfront |
| Tip | A harbour ferry links it with Valletta |
8. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a fishing village known for its brightly painted boats and its Sunday fish market. It gives a look at everyday Maltese life away from the main sights.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Fishing village and Sunday fish market |
| Location | South-eastern Malta |
| Suitable travel period | Sunday morning for the fish market |
| Entry | Free; market and dining costs apply |
| Things to do | Walk the harbour and eat fresh seafood |
| Tip | The fish market is busiest on Sunday |
9. Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni
The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni is an underground heritage site. Access is limited, so booking arrangements should be checked well in advance.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Underground heritage site |
| Location | Southern Malta |
| Suitable travel period | By booked entry slot only |
| Entry | Ticketed with limited access; verify current booking |
| Things to do | Take a guided visit of the underground complex |
| Tip | Book well ahead, as daily visitor numbers are limited |
10. Dingli Cliffs
Dingli Cliffs are among the highest points on Malta’s coast, with walking trails and open sea views. They are a free outdoor option away from the towns.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Coastal cliffs and walking trails |
| Location | Western Malta |
| Suitable travel period | Clear days for the sea views |
| Entry | Free |
| Things to do | Walk the clifftop trails |
| Tip | Carry water and sun protection on the exposed paths |
