Top Things To See And Do On Malta And Gozo ~ Including Golden Travel Tips!
Things To See And Do On Malta And Gozo ~ Including Golden Travel Tips!
The island of Malta is a small island filled with BIG surprises!
The Maltese Islands (three in total) are located at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. They are known for their fascinating culture and rich history due to a succession of rulers, including the Romans, Moors, and the Knights of Saint John. Malta is the biggest of the three islands and offers a unique combination of European and Mediterranean cultures. There are lots of things to see and to do in Malta.
This island is a true gem known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for snorkeling or diving, and the superb sunny weather.
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Practical Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors To Malta
The best time to visit Malta is from late April-May through to October.
Get the Malta Pass - Depending on how long you choose to stay in Malta and how many of the museums and attractions you would like to visit, you can choose a 1, 2, or 3- day pass. This pass gives free entry to almost 40 different attractions as well as a free sightseeing bus ride.
Aim to visit Malta outside of school vacations and the high season if you can. When visiting during the off-season, you will find better rates not to mention space to enjoy Malta.
Getting around the island is easy. Public transportation is comfortable and reliable here. Taking the bus in Malta is easy and cheap, with great connections to all cities. A one-way ticket costs 1.5 euros during the off-season and 2 euros during the summer season.
Where should you stay in Malta? There is not just one place on the island considered to be the best to stay, it all depends on what you’re looking for personally. Good spots on Malta to consider staying at are Sliema, St Paul's Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Qawra.
To guarantee you can visit your chosen attraction in Malta when it is convenient for you, and for the best prices, I highly recommend booking your activities in advance. My go-to company is GetYourGuide. I have used them throughout my travels in Europe; they are responsible, reliable, on time, and their guides are very knowledgable and accommodating.
Consider one of these beautiful hotels for a fabulous stay in Malta!
Mercure St. Julian's Malta
The Gomerino Hotel
Golden Tulip Vivaldi Hotel
Dolmen Hotel Malta
Book Your Accommodation Directly Using The Widget Below!
The Best Things To See And Do In Malta
Explore Valletta aka The fortress city, which is the capital of Malta. Following the siege of 1565, the Knights of St. John which is a Roman Catholic order set out to build Valletta. It was called the 'City built by Gentlemen for Gentlemen'. Pope Pius IV's vision was to build the city both as a fortress defending Christendom and as a cultural masterpiece. Valletta has been designated a World Heritage City and when you visit you’ll see why! It’s known for its many museums, palaces, and grand churches.
Valletta, Malta
Top 5 Spots To Explore In Valletta
Visit The Malta Experience - This 20-minute footage in 3D takes you on a fast-paced journey, bringing some of Malta’s finest history to life. After the movie, cross over to visit La Sacra Infermeria, which is the Knights Hospital, it was the most revolutionary in Europe. A number of groundbreaking treatments were first done here, such as the use of honey to treat wounds,
Enjoy the stunning promenade of Valletta’s Waterfront.
Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral - The interior shows what the definition of wealth is. The ceiling paintings were donated by grandmasters.
Visit the 16th-century Grand Master's Palace, once the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St John.
Take the two-hour Grand Harbour cruise. You can take in the sights and cross over to neighboring Sliema.
Spend a day in Sliema - This is an easy-breezy type city. It has a big commercial district and is very popular for its leading designer shopping outlets and restaurants. Walk down the seaside promenade, perfect for dinner with a side of sunset.
Take the bus to Mosta, home to the biggest cathedral in Europe! This church is 150 years old and was visited by the Pope. From there it's a short ride to Mdina, the former capital of Malta.
Mosta Cathedral in Malta
Visit Mdina -This is a lovely little town and it was one of my favorite day trips while in Malta. The true magic of it is the fact that you enter a world where it feels as if time stood still. This picturesque medieval town holds within its walls courtyards, hidden chapels, magnificent palaces, and beautiful architecture, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Start by visiting Mdina’s Cittadella, ancient ramparts, and bastions. Walk through the labyrinthine streets showcasing characteristics of Islam. From there continue to the Cathedral of Saint Paul in baroque style, it’s stunning!
Cathedral of Saint Paul in M’dina, Malta
The second oldest building in Mdina is Palazzo Falson. It now serves as the Museum of Fine Art and Antiquities. It was the residence of Maltese nobles and displays the original decor of oriental rugs, antique furniture, and fine paintings. Take in the views from the Bastion Square and stop for drinks and bites at Fontanella; A lovely little tea garden & terras from where you can enjoy the views surrounding this old city.
Visit the magnificent Blue Grotto - This is a complex of seven caves easily accessible by local boats. The magic happens when the blue sky reflects off the white sandy sea bed under the caves. You will see many shades of spectacular blue waters, while the cave walls mirror the orange, purple and green colors of the underwater flora. Being at the blue caves at just the right time is spectacular!
Entrance to the Blue Grotto, Malta
Visit the local Salt Baths in Mellieha to check out how salt is made, the traditional old way that is.
Take the ferry to Gozo - Gozo is a small and green island, more secluded, and just a short ferry ride away from Malta. The views on the island are tranquil and oh so very pretty. Gozo has been inhabited for thousands of years, therefore you can see and experience history and culture going back to the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and British.
You can find ruins, hiking paths, charming villages, beaches, and scuba-diving sites to enjoy on Gozo.
Victoria is the capital of Gozo; the Highlights of Victoria -
Stop by the Ta Pinu Church where miracles are believed to have taken place.
Visit the Citadella Fort.
Don’t miss Ġgantija, a megalithic temple complex.
Take a boat ride to see the ‘Blue Window’- A natural arch in Dwejra Bay, and the Blue Lagoon.
Stop by San Blas Bay for some sun & fun.
The Blue Window in Gozo
Rent a boat and explore Malta from the water, it’s a different look and vibe you don’t want to miss!
Take the ferry and spend a day in Italy - You can cross over to Sicily and Sardinia. A one-way ticket will cost you 74 euros for an adult, and 54 euros for a child.
Have any questions about Malta? Don’t hesitate to reach out and email me at fromadifferentangle@gmail.com