Last Updated: December 20, 2023
Malta is a small Mediterranean island country located between Italy, Tunisia, and Libya. It consists of 3 islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino which is the smallest one. Malta is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which comes as no surprise considering the thousand of centuries of fascinating history.
Malta is mainly famous for its great weather almost all year round, its unique sights and the beautiful beaches. Continue reading my perfect Malta travel guide to find out insider tips, what to see and what to eat in Malta.
A TOUR AROUND VALLETTA
Valletta may be the smallest capital in the European Union but don’t let its size mislead you. The grand fortification of the port and the unique architecture of the buildings, palaces and churches will captivate you! The entire city of Valletta has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander around the narrow paved streets of Valletta starting from the grand City Gate. Amongst the baroque architecture with the beautiful building facades, be sure to not miss the Barrakka Gardens and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
BIRGU – ONE OF THE OLDEST CITIES IN MALTA
Birgu is one of the oldest cities in Malta and it is part of The Three Cities. The town is best explored on foot. Allow a few hours to stroll around its tiny alleyways and to explore the top attractions that the city has to offer. You will fall in love with the remarkable medieval architecture of the buildings. If you have enough time, it is worth also exploring the neighbouring towns of Isla and Bormla. The Maltese sun will have you craving a cold drink. Head over to one of the restaurants located at Birgu waterfront and enjoy a glass of cold Cisk – Malta’s local beer – whilst you soak up the Mediterranean sun.
TOP 3 ATTRACTIONS TO NOT MISS IN BIRGU!
- Fort St Agnelo – It is said that whoever gained control of Fort St Angelo ever since its existence, could effectively rule the Maltese Islands. That is primarily due to the strategic location of the fort. Located at the end of the Birgu peninsula, the fort overlooks the Grand Harbour and the surrounding fortified towns.
- St Lawrence’s Church – This impressive church was once the Conventual Church of the Order of St John. It is particularly popular for the feast, with celebrations starting on the 10th of July and continuing until the 15th of August.
- Malta at War Museum – Located at the original historic entrance of Birgu, Malta at War Museum offers an insightful exhibition about the Second World War in Malta.
MDINA – THE SILENT CITY
Mdina is one of Malta’s main tourist attractions for a reason. The magnificent city of Medina stands proudly on top of a hill visible from afar as you approach Rabat. Once you enter its walls, the modern age will seem far away. In this magical place, each turn you take in the twisted cobbled streets will be more exciting than the last one. As you explore the hidden courtyards, the cathedrals and the noble houses, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a fairy tale. If you’re looking for a place to eat in Mdina, head over to Fontanella Tea Garden and try the delicious cakes; one of the most famous cafes in Malta.
3 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MDINA!
- Cars are not allowed in Mdina, except for those who live here; which makes it perfect to explore sans the noise of the bustling streets.
- The ancient city of Mdina has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films and TV series such as Game of Thrones and The Count of Monte Cristo.
- Despite it being a historical landmark, Mdina is NOT YET a World Heritage Site but it is on a “waiting list” to officially become one.
Mdina is adjacent to Rabat, a rural town where you can find plenty of wine bars, alfresco cafes and restaurants. Rabat is an excellent place to explore on foot. Be sure to visit the St Paul’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs, as well as the Domus Romana (Roman Villa).
POPEYE VILLAGE – THE ULTIMATE KID FRIENDLY PLACE IN MALTA
Popeye’s village is a colorful village built for the purposes of the movie Popeye and now it serves as a theme park. It is mainly a family-oriented attraction but it’s a great location for Instagram worthy pictures. There is an entrance fee to enter which usually includes perks such as a free postcard and a refreshment.
THE RED TOWER
St. Agatha’s Tower, otherwise known as the Red Tower, is a beautiful 17th-century watchtower in Mellieha. The Red Tower is a beautiful sight to explore that I believe doesn’t get the attention it deserves, so I couldn’t help but include it in this Malta travel guide. It is a fantastic place to go trekking and take in the spectacular panoramic views of Malta’s countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. The best time to visit is during sunset.
MELLIEHA BAY – THE LARGEST SANDY BEACH IN MALTA
You can combine a visit to St. Agatha’s Tower with Mellieha Bay or else known as Ghadira Bay which is the largest sandy beach in Malta. It is a fantastic place to go swimming due to its shallow waters and the fact that is easily accessible. Mellieha Bay gets very crowded during the summer months, be sure to get there early and reserve a spot. You will find designated areas on the beach organized with umbrellas and sunbeds which you can use for an extra fee.
TIP: Mellieha Bay is one of Malta’s most popular beaches and it gets extremely crowded, especially on Sundays. It is best that you visit any other day if you want to enjoy a more relaxing vibe.
Speaking of beaches in Malta, this travel guide would be incomplete if I wouldn’t also include these two amazing beaches; Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. Both beaches have golden sand and clear waters. They are located next to each other, surrounded by natural beauty creating an idyllic scenery. There are options of snack bars nearby where you can enjoy a nice lunch or a refreshment.
NOTE: To access Għajn Tuffieħa you’ll need to take a tall flight of steps; keep that in mind on your way back and save some of your energy cause you’ll need it!
SLIEMA – THE SOCIAL HUB OF MALTA
Sliema promenade stretches from one side all the way to St, Julian’s and Paceville and on the other side to Gzira and Msida. You can actually walk all the way to Valletta from here or catch the ferry which departs from the centre of Sliema (opposite the Zara store). The Sliema promenade is a lively place to be and a favorite spot for the locals for running and walking. You will find plenty of cafes and restaurants across it that can offer good options for food; drinks or simply if you’re looking for some shade to escape the scorching Maltese sun. Most of the cabanas have a happy hour; a perfect excuse to take a long break for lunch and Margaritas while gazing at the Mediterranean Sea.
As you walk towards Tigne Point shopping mall, you will come to the realisation that some of the most beautiful views of Valletta, are actually from Sliema.
MARSAXLOKK – THE MOST PICTURESQUE VILLAGE IN MALTA
Marsaxlokk is a beautiful fisherman’s village in the South East and it is the largest fishing village in Malta. It is a great place to enjoy a lazy day by the harbour taking in the picturesque scenery. When you’re ready for lunch you’ll be spoiled for choice as in Marsaxlokk you can find some of the best fish restaurants on the island. Be sure to visit on a Sunday for a chance to see the open-air fish market but be also prepared for the crowds.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS TO EAT IN MARSAXLOKK
- Tartarun Fish Restaurant – For excellent fresh fish and local dishes with a twist.
- T’Annamari – A cozy restaurant with great food. The dishes here are primarily of Sicilian origins and the fish and seafood are wonderful!
- La Nostra Padrona – If you’re looking for friendly staff and fresh at a decent price, then this is one of the best restaurants in Marsaxlokk.
ST. PETER’S POOL – ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE BEACHES IN MALTA
St. Peter’s Pool is a striking natural swimming pool located in a remote area between Marsaxlokk and Delimara. The crystal clear waters and the limestone rocks are so idyllic that you will want to spend the entire day there. Besides its unique beauty, St Peter’s Pool is also an extremely popular spot for cliff jumping. Due to its isolated location, be sure to plan ahead and bring snacks and water with you.
PACEVILLE
If you have come to Malta for its party scene, then Paceville is definitely the place to be. Paceville has many excellent restaurants and 5* resort and boutique hotels. Here is also where most of the island’s clubs and bars are located. Meaning that it attracts a lot of youngsters who flock to this area to have a good time, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. If I’m being honest, this is my least favourite area in Malta as it gets a bit too hectic and loud for my liking.
WHAT TO EAT IN MALTA
Malta’s history has influenced not only the country’s culture but also its cuisine. You will find that Maltese dishes are a beautiful mix of Arabic, British, French and Mediterranean cuisine. Below you will find some Maltese dishes that you simply MUST try.
- Lampuki fish. If you’re visiting some time between August and November, be sure to try this delicious fish. Try it with simple roasted vegetables and lots of freshly squeezed lemon. The restaurants at Marsaxlokk village are very popular for serving fresh fish. Pick a table by the sea and enjoy it with a glass of white Maltese wine. If you like pies, then don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the famous lampuki pie.
- Pastizzi. This is the locals’ favourite street food. Pastizzi is a small pie usually with ricotta filling or mushy peas. Maltese take great pride in their pastizzi and once you try them, you’ll understand why. The best place to try pastizzi in Malta is at Is-Serkin Crystal Palace Bar, in Rabat.
- Rabbit stew. Rabbit is quite popular in Malta and you will find it cooked in different ways. It is a hearty, delicious Maltese dish better suited for the winter months in my opinion.
- Ftira. This the second favourite street food in Malta and it is essentially a sandwich made with Maltese bread. The most common variation is with a mix of tuna, tomatoes, onions and capers. It is a humble food but trust me, you must try it!
READ ALSO: 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MALTA
WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA
The best places to stay in Malta are St. Julian’s and Valletta. Thankfully, due to Malta’s size, you can choose either one of them and still be close to the main attractions. St. Julian’s is another great option as here is where you will find some of the island’s best hotels such as Westin and Hilton. St. Julian’s is next to Paceville where you can also find many great hotels and bustling nightlife.
Valletta is preferred mainly by the locals when it comes to nightlife. If you choose to stay here then your options for wining and dining will be plentiful. One of the things that I love about Valletta is the bars located in the city’s small alleys. My absolute favourite is Bridge Bar, located on the steps of St Ursula Street. Be sure to visit Bridge Bar on a Friday for a chance to listen to live Jazz music. The place gets very crowded, but hey, there’s plenty of stairs for everyone!
Sliema is also a very good place to stay during your visit to Malta. in Sliema, besides the bars and restaurants, you’ll also find plenty of stores in case you wish to shop. Here is also located Malta’s largest shopping mall, The Point or otherwise known as Tigne. There is a very frequent ferry connecting Valletta to Sliema which makes it very convenient and hustle free to explore the two cities.
Malta is a fantastic destination to travel to all year round due to its great climate. There are so many things that Malta can offer, that it would be impossible to include everything in just one travel guide. Have you ever been to Malta or are you planning on visiting any time soon?
If you found my Malta travel guide helpful let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
