Things to see and do in Malta

Attractions in Malta

Beaches

Malta is home to a collection of beautiful and unspoiled sandy beaches including Golden Bay and Mellieħa (both in Mellieħa), Fomm ir-Rih and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (Mġarr), Bugibba Perched Beach and Qawra Point (St Paul's Bay), St George's Bay (St Julians), as well as Marsalforn Bay, Hondoq Ir Rummien and Ramlal-Ħamra Bay (on Gozo Island). Sliema does not have sandy beaches, but it does have Fond Għadir, rock-cut bathing cubicles for visitors to take a dip.

Comino

Comino is a small island between Malta and Gozo. The main attraction is the Blue Lagoon and its shimmering turquoise waters. Other beaches on Comino that attract swimmers, sun worshippers and day-trippers are Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.

Gozo

Gozo charms visitors with its scenic rolling hills, ancient citadel (Cittadella), UNESCO-listed Ġgantija Temple and myth – this place is thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey. Gozo also attracts divers and among the 80 dive sites, popular ones include the Blue Hole, Booming Cave, and Double Arch. Blue flag beaches in Gozo include Marsalforn Bay, Hondoq Ir Rummien and Ramlal-Ħamra Bay.

Mdina

With its imposing walls, cobbled streets and fascinating architecture, the Mdina citadel is one site you cannot afford to miss. Follow in the footsteps of medieval knights and visit the cathedral, dungeons and 13th century Palazzo Falson with its extraordinary collection of art and antiques. From Bastion Square, see breath-taking views of the surrounding area.

Paolo: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

This UNESCO-listed underground cemetery in the town of Paola (5km or 3 miles south of Valletta) is a massive complex of rock-cut chambers and passages from the Neolithic period. Some of the walls are even decorated with prehistoric paintings. Booking is essential as visitor numbers are restricted.

Qrendi: Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is the most famous cave in Malta, with its deep waters displaying magnificent dazzling colours, ranging from turquoise to deep blue. Situated near the village of Qrendi in southwestern Malta, the waters around the limestone caves and archways are said to be at their most impressive in the early morning when the sun's rays glimmer through the opening to the grotto.

Qrendi: Megalithic temples

The UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples of Malta consist of six monuments and two of them (Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim) are in Qrendi. They are thought to be among the oldest surviving buildings in the world, and the layouts of both Mnajdra and Hagar Qim are said to be aligned with the movements of the sun.

Rabat

Rabat is a town near Mdina, worthy diversions in Rabat includes the Roman Villa (Domus Romana), St Paul's Grotto and two catacombs (St Paul and St Agatha's).

Valletta

This UNESCO-listed fortress was built of sandstone by the Knights of St John in 1566. Today it is filled with ornate churches, palaces and museums befitting a city with such an illustrious history. Wander its steep alleys to discover chic cafés and restaurants serving mouth-watering Maltese cuisine. See the Valletta travel guide for more information.

Tourist offices

Malta Tourist Office in the UK

Malta National Tourist Office in USA