15 Best Things to Do in Malta

If you are wondering whether it is safe to travel to Malta, then know that it is one of the countries that has not been hit by the Coronavirus epidemic. No cases of COVID-19 are detected in Malta till this date. The authorities in Malta are taking all the steps to not let COVID-19 spread in the country and it is recommended to take precautionary measures while visiting Malta. Also, we suggest that you check flight operations to and from Malta as they might be affected amidst the virus outbreak.

Note: The Coronavirus statistics mentioned in this article are based on the updated reports available on March 3, 2020. These figures will be updated depending on how the outbreak unfolds.

From crystal clear deep blue sea to fossil rich rugged cliffs, Malta is blessed with contrasting landscapes. Visit any of the attractions in Malta and it won’t be a surprise if they turn into the best spots for scuba-diving. Snorkelling at the Blue Grotto and diving in the Blue lagoon of Comino are the fun things to do in Malta. Besides, there are many other places in Malta like Fort Saint Elmo and the Megalithic Temples that make you walk through its history. Saint John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Manoel Theatre make for the best places to see in Malta.

If all this hasn’t already convinced you to visit this beautiful archipelago, then take a look at the best things to do in Malta, and you will be ready to visit it with packed bags!

1. Visit the tiniest Malta island called Comino

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Sunbathers and sea lovers, Comino is your ideal retreat, for this is the prettiest island in Malta! Spread over a minimal area of 3.5 square kilometers, Comino enjoys the title of being the tiniest island between Gozo and Malta. Being a bird sanctuary and a nature reserve, it attracts many tourists throughout the year. Beside the famous blue lagoon, other places to visit on the island include the Saint Mary’s Tower and the Comino chapel.

2. Be in awe of Saint John's Co-Cathedral

Constructed in between 1572 and 1577, Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is located in the Valletta city of Malta. While the exterior of this church showcases Mannerist style, it’s interior exemplifies finest Baroque architecture. The Roman Catholic co-cathedral has nine rich chapels and a few of its prime features are the nave, the tombstones where important knights were buried, and the adjoining museums which exhibits notable artworks.

3. Visit the olden times at Megalithic Temples of Malta

The Megalithic Temples of Malta include many prehistoric temples that were approximately built between 3600 BC and 700 BC. Many of these are UNESCO World Heritage site including Ġgantija, Ta' Ħaġrat, Skorba, Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien. If you love ancient ruins, these temples are worth visiting in Malta. Every site has unique characteristics and will give you an insight into the culture and art during olden times.

4. Admire the swooping views at Grand Harbour

Being used since the prehistoric times, the Grand Harbor or the Port of Valletta, is a place where you can have a historical affair with time. Over the years, the Grand Harbor has undergone significant renovations with docks, wharves, and fortification. Besides being a place dipped in rich history, the extensive views offered from the harbor are simply breathtaking.

5. Admire nature at Blue Grotto

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The Blue Grotto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malta. This is a natural phenomenon wherein the sunrays strike the seawater and its deep blue colors are reflected on the walls of the caves. Since the water is crystal clear, you can vividly see the bright underwater colors that make for a spectacular sight to behold. Besides taking a boat tour of the Blue Grotto, visitors also enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, and rock climbing here.

6. Go scuba-diving at Ċirkewwa

Ċirkewwa can be dubbed to be a paradise for every other diver in the world. This is one of the best sites in Malta to enjoy scuba diving. The harbor has many underwater cliff, tunnels, caves, and an arch down to the seabed at 27 meters. You may even dive to explore the wrecks of tugboats MV Rozi and the P29 patrol boat.

7. Wander through the Upper Barrakka Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Malta. Although first created way back in 1661, it was opened to the public only in the 1800s. The green park has many monuments and memorials that were erected to honor eminent personalities like Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Thomas Maitland, and Gerald Strickland. Tourists primarily visit Upper Barrakka Gardens to enjoy the panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities.

8. Reconnect with historical times at Fort Saint Elmo

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If you are wondering what to visit in Malta to soak in its rich history, then there is no better place than Fort Saint Elmo. Located on the shores of the Sciberras Peninsula, this star fort was built in between 1552-1570s. The fort is constructed using limestone and served its purpose from 1552-1972. Fort Saint Elmo played a major role in the Great Siege of Malta, as well as World War II.

9. Smell royalty at Casa Rocca Piccola

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Dating back to the 16th century, Casa Rocca Piccola ia a palace, located in Valletta. The palace was built in 1580 and its prime feature are the long enfilades of interconnecting rooms on the first floor. There are about 50 rooms in the palace that also include two dining rooms, two libraries, a chapel, and many drawing rooms. Upon touring the palace, you will be able to see vast collection of antique furniture, paintings, and silver from Malta and Europe.

10. Soak in antiquity at the National Museum of Archaeology, Malta

If you are someone who loves everything that spells ‘antique’, then the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta is one of the best Malta attractions for you. The museum was established in 1958 and is home to a large number of artefacts. These range from the prehistoric times of 5200 BC to the Tarxien times of 2500 BC. There are Temple Period Rooms and Early Neolithic Period Room that give you a glimpse of the respective eras.

11. Travel back in time at Fort St. Angelo

Perched at the center of the Great Harbor, Fort St. Angelo is a bastioned fort in Birgu, Malta. It was constructed between the 13th century and 1691, using limestone material. The fort has witnessed many battles such as the Battle of Malta, the Attacks of 1551, and the Great Siege of Malta. Besides the rich history, Fort St. Angelo is also admirable for its stunning architecture.

12. Attend a show at the Manoel Theatre

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Boasting to be one of the oldest theater in Europe, the Manoel Theater is a must visit for all those who love theatrical art. Operating since 1732, this theater has been a host to many international operas and dance performances. With a seating capacity of just 632, the Manoel Theater’s prime features are the gilt decorations and the pale blue-gold ceiling.

13. Walk along the beach of Ramla Bay

Who wouldn’t want to visit a place which has the perfect mix of ancient ruins and sandy beaches. The Red Sandy beach of Ramla Bay is particularly a favorite amongst the locals who flock to this place on weekends and holidays. The beach is far and wide to enjoy some sunbathing time. Besides the beach is also a hidden treasure of Roman remains that lie beneath the sand. The calypso Cave is another attraction in Ramla Bay.

14. Tour the Malta National Aquarium

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Malta National Aquarium, located in St Paul’s Bay, is one of the best places to visit with kids in Malta. This aquarium has a total of five zones, namely Malta’s western shoreline & Submarine, Valletta Harbour, Tropical Oceans, Gozo and Comino, and Roman Times. Each zone displays the best and a wide variety of marine life. They also have a special section which displays the amphibians and the reptiles found in the region.

15. Be fascinated at the Inland Sea

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There can be no better place in Malta than the Inland Sea to enjoy a good dive. This lagoon of seawater features a narrow natural arch which connects it to the Mediterranean Sea. The arch is a fascinating geological formation sculpted due to erosion of limestone. Besides diving, tourists love to take a boat tour which takes them through the arch to the other side.

The lovely archipelago of Malta offer a variety of things to its visitors. While the lazy bums can have a laid back vacation here, the history bums can step back in ancient times through its forts and ruins. Malta awaits for you to step on its land and explore your unexplored side.