Malta
Welcome to my Malta travel guide!
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting the island.
As a local, I share my top suggestions for things to do, places to stay, food to try, and more.
So, let’s dive right in!
Things to know about Malta
- It's a bilingual country. Most people speak English.
- Summers are really hot! The best time to visit Malta is between September and May.
- Malta is actually an archipelago, the other two islands being Gozo and Comino.
- Malta is predominantly Catholic and there are many religious celebrations throughout the year.
- It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, so expect a lot of noise and traffic.
- It has a rich history, dating back to around 5200 BC.
Places to visit in Malta
Valletta
Malta’s capital city was founded in 1566 and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top attractions in Valletta include:
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- The Museum of Archaeology
- The Grandmaster’s Palace
- Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum
- The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
Read more:
Mdina
Known as ‘The Silence City’, Mdina is an ancient citadel with winding streets and stunning views of the island.
Top attractions in Mdina include:
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Casa Gourgion
- Palazzo Falson
- The National Museum of Natural History
- The Roman Villa and St. Paul’s Catacombs (located in neighbouring Rabat)
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Birgu
Located on the Grand Harbour, Birgu is a fortified city that played a key role in the Great Siege of Malta (1565).
It used to be the capital city of Malta before Valletta was built, and during the Second World War, it was one of the most heavily bombarded places on the island.
Top attractions in Birgu include:
- Fort St. Angelo
- The Inquisitor’s Palace
- The Malta Maritime Museum
- The Sicolo Norman House
- The Malta at War Museum
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Julina Boutique Living: a boutique hotel in the heart of Mosta with lush, Baroque-style decor, and a sun terrace.
Palazzo Bettina: a boutique hotel in Birgu, housed in a beautifully renovated 17-century palace.
Soleil B&B: an adults-only B&B in Gozo, housed in a traditional building with a swimming pool.
Adelphi Boutique Hotel: a beautiful hotel located on a quaint street in Rabat, with a restaurant that serves traditional Maltese food.
Provicario: this B&B is housed in an old building in Victoria (Gozo), and offers stunning view of the citadel.
Casa Ricca: a family-run guesthouse in a restored palazzino in St. Paul’s Bay, with beautifully decorated rooms and a nice garden.
Things to do in Malta
- Spend a day in Valletta
- Visit Mdina at night
- Visit Ghar Dalam and Birzebbuga
- Enjoy a traditional meal in Mgarr
- Go for a swim at Golden Bay
- Visit the Hypogeum
- Tour the prehistoric temples
- Explore St. Paul's Catacombs
- Take a day trip to Gozo
- Go hiking in Dingli
- Explore the old city of Birgu
- Take a boat trip to Blue Grotto
Read more:
What to eat in Malta
Pastizzi
a savoury pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas
Rabbit
typically cooked in red wine and garlic, and served with potatoes
Seafood
calamari, octopus, lampuki, tuna, and other local fish
What to pack for Malta
- Pest repeller for mosquitos
- Good walking shoes for Malta's uneven pavements
- Stainless steel water bottle to stay hydrated
- Microfibre sand-free beach towels
- Polarised sunglasses for the unrelening sun
- SPF sunscreen
More Malta travel guides
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