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10 Best Things to do in Malta

Malta is an enchanting island that is still somewhat off the beaten path. Combining historical elements of medieval architecture with geographical wonders of underwater caves, Malta has it all. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, floating between Sicily and Turkey, Malta is a must-go tourist destination that has old-school churches, ancient buildings, local markets, and cultural museums.

When you visit Malta, orient yourself with the geography first. The three islands that comprise Malta as a whole is Malta proper, Gozo, and Comino. You can choose to visit one or you can visit all three – but we are sure that no matter your choice, you will be surrounded by crystal clear blue waters, great weather, cultural attractions, hiking trails, and fresh food. 

Let’s check out some of the top things to do in Malta during your next European vacation.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village – By Wusel007 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22526323

Popeye Village is a film set village located in Anchor Bay near Mellieha, Malta. This original film set – used for Popeye with Robin Williams – has since been converted into a fun park, where visitors can explore the tiny city, watch an audio-visual show on the history, or take a boat ride around Anchor Bay to see the intricate set from the water’s point of view. 

Mdina

Malta Mdina – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35802828

Mdina is the capital of Malta – even though some capital cities lack charm, this is not the case here. Mdina is encircled by fortifying walls, littered with museums, and dotted with beautiful cafes that can easily make this a full-day excursion. Want to know what’s even better? Mdina sits on a hill right in the middle of the island, providing you with an expansive view of the surrounding area. 

Upper Barrakka Gardens 

Upper barrakka gardens – By C T Johansson – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37271875

The Upper Barrakka Gardens provides some of the most beautiful views across the entire country of Malta. Located close to Valletta, the outdoor gardens here provide unbeatable views across the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. 

HMS Maori

HMS Maori – By Royal Navy official photographer – http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//19/media-19582/large.jpgThis is photograph FL 15085 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8511734

As you may know by now, Malta is known for its sunny skies, blue waters, and year-round temperate climate. For outdoor lovers who enjoy being in the water, it is paradise. The HMS Maori is an underwater military wreck from World War II that is possible to see via scuba diving. After you have swum by the artificial reefs, you can see the destroyer ship resting on the floor of the sea. 

Curious about how to dive near HMS Maori? HEad to Divebooker.com to get tickets for as low as $40! Easily accessible from the shore, beginner divers can join a group and see the tribal class destroyer that was sadly sunk in 1945. 

Tip: You will have to get certified at one of the diving schools around the country to begin scuba diving! 

Fort St. Elmo

Valletta Malta – By Dion Hinchcliffe – https://www.flickr.com/photos/14966804@N03/39570984425, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66777466

The Knights of St. John were the predominant military group during the 16h century. If you are a history buff, you will love reading about Malta’s history with the Turkish Ottoman Empire and the Siege of Malta – a catastrophic barrel where over 1,500 knights were killed. Visit Fort St. Elmo in Valletta to see the soldier’s vantage point and learn more about the history of the fort.

If you are interested in visiting Fort St. Elmo National War Museum, head to the edge of the Valletta peninsula on Quarry Wharf to check out the heritage site. Originally built as a war machine, the fort now holds a National War Museum that features multiple artifacts from centuries past. 

Cave Diving

Cave Diver – By Picture by Ryan Cantey – Ryan Cantey, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4352878

Are you claustrophobic? This might not be the activity for you. Cave and reef diving is a very popular outdoor water sport in the country of Malta. If you enjoy seeing aquatic life up close and personal, head to Comino just off of the coast of Malta. You can either do it by yourself, after being certified, or join a tour group to venture to the underwater caves near the uninhabited island. 

Mosta Dome

Rotunda of Mosta – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37082590

Once you head back to the city, check out the Mosta Dome. this neoclassical historical structure is even bigger than St. Paul’s Cathedral in the United Kingdom! You can ogle at the marble floors, the expansive dome, and the incredible pipe organ. Also known as the Rotunda of Mosta, the Mosta Dome is the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. This Roman Catholic church was built in 1833 and features extraordinary architecture in the center of Mosta, Malta. 

The design of the church was built to be reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome and is Malta’s largest church. Although the church has a rocky past – almost being destroyed during the Second World War – it has stayed strong throughout the decades. 

Comino

Comino – By Sudika – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20447541

Although you may already be here because of cave diving, Comino is one of the best islands to visit if you are heading to Malta on holiday. Located between the islands of Malta and Gozo, this tiny 1.4-square mile island is luscious, green, and beautiful. The least densely populated island in the country, Comino has only TWO permanent residents! Hopefully, they are friendly neighbors. 

When here, we recommend checking out St. Mary’s Tower, Comino chapel, Saint Mary’s Battery, and the Comino chapel. 

Gozo

Gozo – By European Space Agency – http://www.esa.int/spaceinimages/Images/2017/06/Malta_from_space_via_laser, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113953582

The last place that is a must-visit for tourists who head to Malta is Gozo, the second-largest island in the entire archipelago. With a population of just over 31,000 people, this historically-laden island has many cultural attractions that make it a very popular tourist destination.