Edited 22 March 2023 in Travel wanderlust

13 places to visit when you travel to the beautiful island country of Malta

Nestled in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a beautiful country with bright blue, clear waters, sandy beaches, medieval architecture, and stunning temples. The cobbled streets of the towns and villages are extremely charming, and the spectacular isle is home to some of the oldest buildings in the world.

Malta has three main islands - Malta proper, Comino, and Gozo - and each of the islands have crystal blue waters and clear skies. Spanning over 300 km, Malta is small but the landscapes are picturesque and vibrant. You will never get tired of exploring the natural caverns, cliffs, and rock formations. Such natural features may be found not only on the island but also underwater, where snorkelers and divers can have one-of-a-kind diving experiences. The gorgeous sunshine, azure waters, clear skies, and a plethora of activities are a few reasons to visit the untouched places of Malta.

This blog will introduce you to 13 of Malta's most beautiful natural areas. So, read on...

1. Gozo Island

Gozo Island is the most scenic of the Maltese islands. With its gorgeous pastoral landscapes, peaceful villages and beautiful beaches, this island is grand for a relaxing vacation while still enjoying cultural activities. If you want to behold the amazing sights in Malta, then this is the place to be. Gozo is less defined than Malta, although it features a powerfully fortified Mediaeval town - Victoria, a famous seaside town - Marsalforn and the Maltese Islands' most important archaeological monument - Ggantija Temples, which goes back to around 3500 BC.

2. Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto is located in the southwest corner of Malta. There are numerous caverns in the region, the greatest of which is Blue Grotto. This is accessible by boat from the nearby settlement of Wied Iz-Zurrieq. This location has beautiful landscapes and a plethora of underwater life. Filfla, a small island that is home to numerous unusual species, is located opposite Blue Grotto. Filfla was once utilised for target practice, but it is now forbidden to visit the island.

3. Dingli Cliffs

It is one of Malta's loveliest and most romantic sites to view magnificent sunsets. The highest point of the cliffs is estimated to be 250 m above sea level. The Dingli cliffs run well beyond the little town of Dingli, down to Fawwara and Ghar Lapsi. You may go for a hike on the cliffs, ride on a motorcycle or rest on one of the benches along the shore with panoramic sea views.

4. Inland Sea

The Inland Sea can be found at Dwejra, home to various beautiful natural sites. One would not expect to see a little bay surrounded by boathouses from the outside of the cave. This location is popular with divers and snorkelers. And when the water is calm, tourists in small fishing boats can travel through the 100-m cave. A must-see on any trip to Malta!

5. Calypso's Cave

Calypso's Cave can be found in Gozo, near Xaghra village. According to legend, the cave was where the goddess Calypso imprisoned her love, Odysseus, for seven years. There is not much to do after you have arrived in the cave, but it does provide stunning views of Ramla Bay.

6. Mdina

Malta's former capital, Mdina is also known as the Silent City and is a delight to visit. Behind its fortified walls is a city that stretches back over 4,000 years. Mdina was known as the Aristocratic City throughout the Middle Ages because it was home to numerous noble families. Many of the fortified city's current occupants (approximately 300) are descendants of these families, passing the homes down from generation to generation. Due to vehicle limitations, you will have to explore on foot. Wind through the small, sodium-lit streets and discover a place where time appears to have stopped.

7. Valletta

Like other big cities, Valletta gets busier during the Christmas season. Aside from the fantastic shopping, merely visiting the town during the holiday season is a great feeling. Valletta's celebrations begin in mid-December and include spectacular lights, street performers, choirs, bands, entertainment and children's activities. The holiday lights grow even more stunning as the winter evenings draw closer and a great attraction is the yearly Christmas tree fashioned entirely of Mdina glass baubles.

8. Ghadira Bay

Malta's largest and most popular sandy beach, Ghadira Bay is located north of the island, near Mellieha. With clear waters that remain relatively shallow for over a mile, it is ideal for a paddle or a swim and for youngsters to experience the Mediterranean. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent and refreshment booths are located around the area. Sit back and relax for the entire day, taking in the beautiful Maltese weather, clear waters and gentle lapping waves.

9. Mnajdra Temples

A part of the Hagar Qim UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mnajdra Temples are 500 m apart from Agar Qim Temples. This archaeological monument is located on a lonely and rugged section of Malta's southern shore, flanked by the sea. The entranceway to the solstices and equinoxes perceived in the South Temple is the most intriguing element of Mnajdra Temples. The entryway and ornamented hunks commemorate the equinoxes, the rising sun on the first day of spring and fall, and the solstices on the first day of winters and summers.

10. Fort St. Elmo

Fort St. Elmo is one of the must-visit places in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. Fort St. Elmo is a star-shaped fort and boasts of two chapels dedicated to St. Anne. Built in the 16th century, the citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a museum inside. The museum showcases armouries, ancient cannons, enormous collections of weapons, and more.

11. The Blue Lagoon

Located in Comino, the Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular places in Malta. Comino is a tiny island located between Gozo and Malta, and has sparkling turquoise waters and jagged cliffs. The Blue Lagoon offers a perfect location for swimming, snorkelling, and taking amazing photos.

12. Cominotto

Cominotto offers stunning views from the top of the cliffs and it is even possible to swim around the smaller caves near the beach. Cominotto is a smaller and emptier version of the Blue Lagoon. It is relatively uninhabited and gives you more privacy. But, be a little careful of the jellyfish, they can sting badly.

13. St John’s Co-Cathedral

The famous painter, Carvaggio’s greatest work lies in this cathedral in Valletta. The canvas is called the ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist,’ and is on display in the Oratory in the cathedral. ‘Saint Jerome Writing’ is another popular painting by Carvaggio that is housed in this cathedral.

Travel tips

It is said that preparation is essential. So, if you are searching for some helpful travel tips and guidance for your trip to Malta, then read below:

Although it was once advised not to drink tap water, it is now safe to do so and is often a question of preference more than health. Nonetheless, most Maltese buy bottled water or have reverse osmosis devices installed in their homes to filter tap water. Some hotels will have their own reservoirs and warn against drinking tap water. So, watch out for that and ask if you are unsure.
In the summer, take care of your skin and drink enough water. Summers in Malta are hot and dry, making it easy to become sunburned and dehydrated.
If you opt to visit one of Malta's gorgeous churches, then dress appropriately as a token of respect. Men can wear shorts and T-shirts, while ladies must wear a short-sleeved top.
Traditional Maltese cuisine is rustic and seasonal. Lampuki pie, rabbit stew, bragioli, kapunata and widow's soup are some of the most popular dishes.
Malta offers some of the best souvenirs to take home, including cool Maltese drinks, traditional crafts, Mdina glass, attractive filigree and delectable Gozo cheese.
A vacation to Malta for 4-5 days is sufficient to experience the place entirely. You can tour the country's must-see sites or participate in a variety of activities.
If you intend to drive in Malta, familiarise yourself with the regulations to avoid fines. Apart from speed cameras, the most prevalent fines are unlawful parking, entering a one-way street, using a cell phone while driving and running a red light.
Malta's nightlife is as vibrant and exciting as any other major metropolis. Paceville, a neighbourhood in St Julian's, is an excellent place to wander and enjoy the nightlife.

How to reach?

By air: The official international airport is Malta International Airport. The airport is located 8 km from the heart of Valletta and can be reached in 30-40 minutes, depending on the means of transportation. IndiGo flights connect you from India to Malta and numerous other European cities from Istanbul with their codeshare flights.
By bus: In Malta, buses are an effective and inexpensive method of transportation. Coaches are usually busy at peak hours, so properly organising your trip is a better option. Do not forget to hail a bus because it does not stop at all bus stops.
By taxi: Because Malta is a left-hand-drive country, driving a hired automobile is only recommended if you drive on the left. Otherwise, take a cab and use the navigator, as the roads in Maltese have street names.
Getting around: In Malta, taxis and buses are the most frequent modes of transportation. You may, however, explore this gorgeous island by getting on a bike or a scooter and heading over to destinations like Gozo and the Maltese countryside.

Best time to visit

Malta is a beautiful coastal country, which means temperatures rarely reach extremes. If you want to appreciate everything Malta has to offer without encountering visitors at every turn, visit the country in the spring season and early summers - April, May or June.
Summers form the busiest tourist season and if you do not mind crowd, then it is a terrific time to visit the country. Summers are never scorching, though they may be relatively warm.
The shoulder season lasts from September through November, making this an excellent period for visitors searching for a relaxing vacation. The beaches and local attractions are devoid of visitors, allowing you to enjoy the country's natural beauty without interruption.
The winter season is low, yet it does not deter visitors from exploring this country. Because this is an island nation with mostly tropical weather, winters do not last long. The only thing to be concerned about during this season is rain. Visiting Malta around this time of the year is only feasible if you do not intend to spend a lot of time outside.

Conclusion

Malta is a natural wonderland and there are so many things to see that you would not be able to witness them all during your vacation. Add the sites to visit in Malta mentioned above to your list of must-see places and get ready for an unforgettable holiday.