Whether it’s enjoying your days on paradise beaches, taking photos of ancient buildings, or walking around the capital, this island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, right next to Sicily, will be your next favourite summer destination. Spend 4 to 5 days exploring this underrated country and use the guide bellow to help you discover the best things to do.
1. Relax on the best beaches
First things first, Malta has some great sandy beaches, and it would be a pity to visit the island without spending some days by the sea. From long stretches of golden sand to smaller, more secluded coves, there are plenty of beautiful spots to choose from. Here are four beaches that we think are definitely worth visiting.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is one of the most famous and popular sandy beaches in Malta, known for its wide stretch of golden sand, crystal-clear water, and surrounding rocky cliffs. The shallow water makes it a great spot for swimming and relaxing, while a few nearby cafés and facilities make it easy to spend several hours here. Because of its popularity, especially during the summer months, it can get very crowded, so arriving early is highly recommended.
Riviera Beach
Riviera Beach is a smaller and more peaceful beach surrounded by natural hills and unspoiled scenery. Reached via a long staircase, it’s well worth the effort thanks to its soft golden sand and calmer atmosphere compared to some of Malta’s busier beaches. The only place to eat nearby is Singita Miracle Beach, a relaxed beachfront restaurant serving simple but delicious food and drinks, making it an excellent place to spend the afternoon.
Għadira Bay / Mellieħa Bay
Located in the northern part of the island, Għadira Bay, also known as Mellieħa Bay, is the largest sandy beach in Malta and one of the island’s best places to spend a relaxing beach day. Its shallow, calm waters make it ideal for swimming, and there is plenty of space to spread out even during the busier months. The beach is lined with cafés, restaurants, and water sports rentals, giving it a lively atmosphere. We actually came back twice during our trip, which says a lot about how much we enjoyed it.
Paradise Bay Beach
In our opinion, Paradise Bay is the best beach in Malta. With its crystal-clear turquoise water, soft sand, and beautiful setting between rocky cliffs, it’s exactly what we picture when thinking of a perfect Mediterranean beach. There’s also a small beach bar for drinks and snacks, making it easy to spend the whole day here. The only downside is that it’s relatively small, so if you want a good spot on the beach, make sure to arrive early in the morning.
2. St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is a beautiful natural swimming spot formed by white limestone rocks that create a sheltered, open-water “pool” with crystal-clear deep blue water. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping, but keep in mind the water is deep everywhere with no shallow areas to stand. For the best experience and better photos, it’s worth visiting before noon when the light is softer and the place is less crowded.
3. Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint
One of the main attractions in Malta is the Blue Wall and Grotto Cave view, which attracts thousands of visitors annually thanks to its dramatic cliffs and striking sea colors. We went just to the viewpoint, where you get a wide panoramic look over the coastline and the caves carved into the rock, but if you have the time you can go on a boat trip through the caves to see them up close from the water.
4. Blue Lagoon & Comino Island boat trip
The Blue Lagoon is a stunning stretch of crystal-clear turquoise water located on the island of Comino, halfway between Malta and Gozo. There are a number of gorgeous bays around the island of Comino, however The Blue Lagoon is the most famous and most popular to visit. It was the highlight of our trip, so we strongly recommend you to do it. We linked bellow the same cruise we went on, because once you arrive they have the best spot in the bay and they offer an extra optional trip to the Santa Maria caves where the movie “The count of Monte Cristo” was partially filmed.
5. Gozo Island
The second biggest island is Gozo, which is the farthest north and offers a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to the main island of Malta. Not as busy as the main island, but you can find incredible beaches (much less crowded), much more caves, and quiet towns that feel far more authentic and peaceful, making it a great escape from the busier tourist areas.
It takes 25 minutes to get to Gozo if you go to the northern tip of Malta, or you can choose to go with the cruise above.
6. Popeye Village
This place was created specifically for the movie “Popeye” in 1980, and it has since been transformed into a colorful theme park and tourist attraction. Although you have to pay a fee to enter the village itself, the viewpoint is free and offers stunning views over the bay, where you can take amazing pictures of the iconic film set and the surrounding coastline.
7. Valletta
As you wander through the capital of Malta, you’ll be surrounded by narrow streets lined with colorful balconies, grand stone buildings, and hidden corners that make every turn feel like a step back in time. If you’ve visited southern Italy, you’ll notice a familiar Mediterranean charm, but Valletta has a character all of its own. It’s easy to see why this beautiful city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most charming capitals in Europe.
Wear comfy shoes because the streets are hillside, but hey, that means there is always a beautiful view.
Some sights to see while in Valletta:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the inside is quite spectacular once you step in and see the contrast. The entrance fee is €15, but you’ll be surrounded by richly decorated interiors with gold gilding, detailed marble artwork, and intricate Baroque design that makes it one of the most impressive sites in Valletta.
Upper Barrakka Gardens & Lower Barrakka Gardens
Both of these parks have something special and are well worth a visit on your next trip to Malta, especially if you want a break from walking through Valletta’s busy streets. The Upper Barrakka Gardens have a spectacular view of the Grand Harbour and “The Three Cities” (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua), since they are situated high up on the city’s fortifications, making it one of the best panoramic spots in the capital.
Birgu
It used to be known as Vittoriosa and it was the capital of Malta a long time ago. It’s the oldest of the three cities mentioned above and you can jump on a gondola-style water taxi and admire the views on your way there. It shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes, and once you arrive you will see a charming town with cozy looking restaurants.
Take the water taxi from Malta to Birgu for €2 per person, or enjoy the scenic route of “The Three Cities” for €8 per person.
8. Mdina
Did you know this ancient city was used as a movie set on Game of Thrones? That alone should say how charming and special it is, making it perfect to walk around and admire the architecture at a slower pace. Also known as “the Silent City”, there are very few cars allowed inside, giving visitors the unique experience of exploring its narrow, quiet streets and seeing such a beautifully preserved medieval place almost untouched by time.
You can jump on a typical horse carriage at the Mdina gate for a tour of the town.
9. Rabat
Despite its small size, Rabat is definitely worth a visit, especially when combined with nearby Mdina. Located just a short distance from the old capital, Rabat is home to charming narrow streets, quiet neighbourhoods, and impressive archaeological remains that reflect the town’s deep historical and cultural significance, giving you a real sense of Malta’s layered past and traditions.
10. Saint Julian’s
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