50 Best Places to Visit in Malta: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Malta, an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, is a country steeped in over 7,000 years of history. Famous for its sun-drenched climate, dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and a dense concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Malta offers an unforgettable Mediterranean escape.

Why Visit Malta

Malalta packs an astonishing array of historic treasures, vibrant culture, and pristine marine landscapes into a compact, easily navigable island group.

• Rich Architectural Heritage: Ancient megalithic temples, medieval walled cities, and baroque palaces built by the Knights of St. John.
• Stunning Coastal Waters: Home to the world-famous Blue Lagoon, hidden sea caves, and pristine diving reefs.
• Vibrant Cultural Fusion: Experience a unique mix of European, Mediterranean, and North African traditions and flavors.

Quick Facts

50 Best Places to Visit in Malta

1. Valletta City Center & St. John's Co-Cathedral

• Location: Grand Harbour, Main Island of Malta
• Best Time to Visit: April to June, September to November
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage / Baroque Architecture
• About the Place: Malta's historic fortress capital, built by the Knights of St. John, home to grand Baroque palaces and Caravaggio masterpieces inside St. John's Co-Cathedral.
• Travel Instructions: Easily reachable via central bus lines terminating at Valletta City Gate or ferry from Sliema.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Valletta

2. Mdina (The Silent City)

• Location: Northern Region, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Ancient Walled City / Historic Landmark
• About the Place: Malta's noble medieval capital, perched on a hilltop behind massive fortification walls with atmospheric cobblestone alleys and panoramic island views.
• Travel Instructions: Take a direct public bus from Valletta or Sliema to the Mdina Main Gate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mdina

3. The Blue Lagoon

• Location: Comino Island
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Marine Lagoon / Swimming & Snorkeling
• About the Place: A sheltered cove between Comino and Cominotto featuring blindingly bright turquoise waters, ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
• Travel Instructions: Board a regular ferry or excursion boat from Cirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo).
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Blue Lagoon

4. Blue Grotto

• Location: Żurrieq, Southern Coast
• Best Time to Visit: April to October (Morning for sunlight effects)
• Category: Sea Caves / Coastal Landmark
• About the Place: A series of massive sea caves where sunlight illuminates underwater flora in dazzling shades of cobalt blue and phosphorescent green.
• Travel Instructions: Take a bus to Żurrieq and board traditional wooden boat tours at Wied iż-Żurrieq.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Blue Grotto

5. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

• Location: South Eastern Region
• Best Time to Visit: Sunday (Sunday Fish Market)
• Category: Cultural Coastal Village
• About the Place: A traditional fishing harbor famous for bright, multi-colored wooden Luzzu boats painted with protective mythical eyes of Osiris.
• Travel Instructions: Direct public buses connect Valletta straight to Marsaxlokk seafront.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Marsaxlokk

6. Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples

• Location: Qrendi, Southern Coast
• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage / Prehistoric Temples
• About the Place: Megalithic temple complexes overlooking the sea, predating the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge by centuries.
• Travel Instructions: Take bus route 201 from the airport or Rabat directly to the visitor center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra

7. The Cittadella (Victoria, Gozo)

• Location: Victoria (Rabat), Gozo Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Fortress / Panoramic Viewpoint
• About the Place: An ancient fortified citadel standing at Gozo's center, offering museums, baroque cathedrals, and 360-degree views across Gozo island.
• Travel Instructions: Board the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa, then a short bus ride to Victoria center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to The Cittadella

8. The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea & Cospicua)

• Location: Grand Harbour Area
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Maritime Cities
• About the Place: Maritime fortified towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, rich in Knights Hospitaller history, narrow streets, and yacht marinas.
• Travel Instructions: Take a traditional wooden ferry boat across the Grand Harbour from Valletta waterfront.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to The Three Cities

9. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

• Location: Paola, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Book months in advance)
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage / Prehistoric Underground Site
• About the Place: An ancient subterranean necropolis carved into rock around 4000 BC, featuring halls, red-ochre wall paintings, and sacred chambers.
• Travel Instructions: Take a short bus ride from Valletta towards Paola town center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

10. Golden Bay

• Location: Mellieħa, Northwest Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Sandy Beach / Sunset Spot
• About the Place: One of Malta's premier sandy beaches, flanked by sandstone cliffs, clear blue waters, and magnificent Mediterranean sunsets.
• Travel Instructions: Take direct public buses 223 or 225 from Sliema or St. Paul's Bay.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Golden Bay

11. Popeye Village

• Location: Anchor Bay, Mellieħa
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Theme Village / Film Set
• About the Place: The original wooden film set built for Robin Williams' 1980 musical movie Popeye, now an entertainment attraction overlooking Anchor Bay.
• Travel Instructions: Catch bus 101 from Mellieħa Bay directly to Anchor Bay.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Popeye Village

12. Upper Barrakka Gardens

• Location: Valletta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (12:00 PM or 4:00 PM for gun salute)
• Category: Historic Park & Viewpoint
• About the Place: A public colonnaded garden perched high on Valletta's ramparts offering views over the Grand Harbour and daily ceremonial cannon firings.
• Travel Instructions: Walkable from Valletta City Gate or take the Barrakka Lift from the waterfront.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Upper Barrakka Gardens

13. Dingli Cliffs

• Location: Western Coast, Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset
• Category: Natural Coastal Landmark
• About the Place: The highest point in Malta, featuring dramatic sheer drop-off cliffs plunging over 250 meters into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Travel Instructions: Bus 201 runs regularly along the cliff scenic route from Rabat.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Dingli Cliffs

14. Ġgantija Temples

• Location: Xagħra, Gozo Island
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage / Megalithic Site
• About the Place: Massive prehistoric stone structures older than the Pyramids of Giza, built with giant limestone boulders weighing over 50 tons.
• Travel Instructions: Ride bus 307 from Victoria bus terminal on Gozo island.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ġgantija Temples

15. Dwejra Bay & Inland Sea

• Location: San Lawrenz, Western Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Category: Coastal Geology & Diving Spot
• About the Place: Scenic geological area featuring the Blue Hole dive site, Fungus Rock, and a natural lagoon connected to the open sea via a tunnel cave.
• Travel Instructions: Catch bus 311 from Victoria bus station directly to Dwejra.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Dwejra Bay

16. St. Peter's Pool

• Location: Delimara Peninsula, near Marsaxlokk
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Natural Swimming Hole / Cliff Jumping
• About the Place: A natural limestone swimming pool with crystal-clear turquoise waters, immensely popular for sunbathing and cliff jumping.
• Travel Instructions: Walk 25 minutes from Marsaxlokk or hire a local water taxi.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Peter's Pool

17. Ramla Bay (Ramla il-Ħamra)

• Location: Xagħra / Nadur, Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Red Sand Beach
• About the Place: Gozo's largest sandy beach, renowned for its vivid red-gold sand, Roman ruins hidden in dunes, and surrounding green hills.
• Travel Instructions: Bus 302 runs directly from Victoria bus station to Ramla Bay.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ramla Bay

18. St. Paul's Catacombs

• Location: Rabat
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historical Underground Cemetery
• About the Place: An extensive underground network of Roman rock-cut tombs representing the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.
• Travel Instructions: Walkable within 5 minutes from Mdina Main Gate.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Paul's Catacombs

19. Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay)

• Location: Mellieħa, Northern Malta
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Family Sandy Beach
• About the Place: Malta's largest sandy beach, featuring shallow clear waters, sandy shores, and water sports amenities.
• Travel Instructions: Direct buses run north from Valletta and Sliema straight to Għadira bus stop.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mellieħa Bay

20. Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum

• Location: Tip of Valletta Peninsula
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Fortification & Museum
• About the Place: A star fort built in 1552 that withstood the Great Siege of 1565, housing WWII and military heritage exhibits.
• Travel Instructions: Located at the northern tip of Valletta's peninsula.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Fort St. Elmo

21. Rotunda of Mosta (Mosta Dome)

• Location: Mosta, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Basilica / Historic Architecture
• About the Place: Boasts one of the world's largest unsupported domes; famous for a WWII miracle when a bomb pierced the roof without detonating.
• Travel Instructions: Multiple bus lines connect Mosta square with Valletta and Sliema.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mosta Dome

22. Sliema Promenade & Tigné Point

• Location: Sliema, Harbor Region
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Waterfront Promenade & Shopping
• About the Place: A lively seaside promenade featuring rock pools, shopping malls, oceanfront cafes, and iconic views across to Valletta's skyline.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via short ferry ride or frequent buses from Valletta.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sliema Promenade

23. Paceville & St. George's Bay

• Location: St. Julian's
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Nightlife peak)
• Category: Nightlife Hub & Urban Beach
• About the Place: Malta's nightlife capital filled with clubs, rooftop bars, lounge venues, and a sandy urban beach.
• Travel Instructions: Located just a 10-minute walk from Spinola Bay in St. Julian's.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Paceville

24. Marsalforn Salt Pans

• Location: Northern Coast, Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to September (Salt harvesting season)
• Category: Cultural Landscape / Heritage
• About the Place: A 3-kilometer stretch of 350-year-old rock-cut salt pans carved into limestone, where families still harvest sea salt today.
• Travel Instructions: Take bus 310 from Victoria to Marsalforn, then walk 20 minutes west along the coast.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Marsalforn Salt Pans

25. Wied il-Għasri

• Location: Għasri, Northern Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Canyon Sea Inlet / Snorkeling
• About the Place: A narrow sea canyon winding between high cliffs into a secluded pebble beach, popular for quiet swimming and diving.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via walking or quad bike tour west from the Marsalforn salt pans.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Wied il-Għasri

26. Spinola Bay

• Location: St. Julian's
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Scenic Bay / Dining
• About the Place: A traditional bay filled with Luzzu boats, waterfront seafood restaurants, and the famous glowing 'LOVE' sculpture.
• Travel Instructions: Easy walk along the coastal promenade from Sliema or Paceville.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Spinola Bay

27. Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Beach)

• Location: Mellieħa / Mġarr
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Natural Beach & Sunset Spot
• About the Place: A pristine beach tucked below clay slopes, reached via a flight of 200 stairs, famous for fine red sand and coastal hikes.
• Travel Instructions: Located right next to Golden Bay; served by bus 223 and 225.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

28. San Anton Gardens & Palace

• Location: Attard, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Botanical Garden & Royal Residence
• About the Place: An elegant 17th-century botanical garden featuring walkways, fountains, peacocks, and the official residence of the Maltese President.
• Travel Instructions: Bus routes 51, 52, and 53 from Valletta stop right outside the entrance gates.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to San Anton Gardens

29. Casa Rocca Piccola

• Location: Valletta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Palace / Private Heritage
• About the Place: A 16th-century palace still inhabited by a Maltese noble family, offering tours of opulent rooms and WWII underground shelters.
• Travel Instructions: Located along Republic Street in central Valletta.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Casa Rocca Piccola

30. Ta' Pinu Basilica

• Location: Għarb, Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Pilgrimage Basilica / Architecture
• About the Place: A monumental stone sanctuary rising out of Gozo's countryside, famous for miracles, mosaics, and votive offerings.
• Travel Instructions: Catch bus 308 from Victoria bus terminal straight to Ta' Pinu.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ta' Pinu Basilica

31. Coral Lagoon

• Location: L-Aħrax, Mellieħa
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Sea Cave / Kayaking & Diving
• About the Place: A dramatic circular open-roof sea cave carved into rock, accessible via kayak or paddleboard from Little Armier Bay.
• Travel Instructions: Drive or kayak northeast from Armier Bay beach.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Coral Lagoon

32. Fort St. Angelo

• Location: Birgu (Vittoriosa)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Fortress
• About the Place: The crown jewel of the Grand Harbour defenses, serving as the headquarters of the Knights during the Great Siege of 1565.
• Travel Instructions: Walk to the tip of Birgu peninsula across from Valletta.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Fort St. Angelo

33. Tarxien Temples

• Location: Tarxien, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: UNESCO World Heritage / Megalithic Site
• About the Place: Complex of four megalithic temples dating from 3600 BC, famous for stone carvings of animal reliefs and spiral designs.
• Travel Instructions: Located just 400 meters walk from the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tarxien Temples

34. Xlendi Bay

• Location: Xlendi, Southwestern Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Coastal Bay & Dining
• About the Place: A deep fjord-like bay flanked by high cliffs, offering seaside dining, cliff walks, and swimming spots.
• Travel Instructions: Ride bus 306 directly from Victoria bus station on Gozo.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Xlendi Bay

35. Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park

• Location: Northwest Coast, Malta
• Best Time to Visit: October to April (Best hiking weather)
• Category: National Nature Park / Coastal Hikes
• About the Place: Malta's first national natural park, featuring coastal garigue habitats, flora, wildlife, and clifftop walking trails.
• Travel Instructions: Located between Golden Bay and Anchor Bay.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Il-Majjistral Park

36. Għar Dalam Cave & Museum

• Location: Birżebbuġa, Southeastern Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Cave & Prehistoric Museum
• About the Place: The "Cave of Darkness," holding fossilized bones of dwarf elephants, hippos, and deer that roamed Malta during the Ice Age.
• Travel Instructions: Bus routes heading towards Birżebbuġa stop right outside the museum entrance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Għar Dalam Cave

37. Mgarr ix-Xini

• Location: Xewkija, Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Secluded Bay & Diving
• About the Place: A secluded steep-sided bay with crystalline waters, popular for quiet swimming, snorkeling, and seafood.
• Travel Instructions: Reachable via narrow road or coastal hike from Xewkija.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mgarr ix-Xini

38. Lower Barrakka Gardens & Siege Bell Memorial

• Location: Valletta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Park & Memorial Landmark
• About the Place: Peaceful garden at the mouth of the Grand Harbour, overlooking the massive Siege Bell Memorial honoring WWII fallen.
• Travel Instructions: Located 5 minutes walk down St. Christopher street from Upper Barrakka.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lower Barrakka Gardens

39. Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum

• Location: Mdina
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Palace Museum
• About the Place: Mdina's second-oldest building, a medieval palace housing a collection of oriental rugs, armor, rare books, and art.
• Travel Instructions: Located along Villegaignon Street in Mdina center.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Palazzo Falson

40. St. Paul's Island (Selmunett)

• Location: St. Paul's Bay
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Uninhabited Islet & Historic Site
• About the Place: Uninhabited islet where the Apostle St. Paul was famously shipwrecked in 60 AD, marked by a statue.
• Travel Instructions: Accessible via local boat excursion from Bugibba or St. Paul's Bay jetty.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Paul's Island

41. Ta' Qali Crafts Village

• Location: Ta' Qali, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Artisan Village & Shopping
• About the Place: Set on a former WWII airfield, featuring artisan workshops where craftsmen blow glass, forge filigree jewelry, and carve stone.
• Travel Instructions: Take bus 56 from Valletta or 186 from Mosta.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ta' Qali Crafts Village

42. Ghar Lapsi

• Location: Siġġiewi, Southern Coast
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Natural Cove & Snorkeling
• About the Place: A natural rocky cove forming a protected emerald swimming pool beneath steep cliffs, popular with divers and locals.
• Travel Instructions: Served by bus 109 from Rabat and Siġġiewi.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ghar Lapsi

43. Inquisitor's Palace

• Location: Birgu (Vittoriosa)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Palace Museum
• About the Place: One of the few surviving Inquisitor palaces in the world, featuring historic tribunal rooms, courtrooms, and prison cells.
• Travel Instructions: Walkable from Birgu main bus stop or ferry terminal.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Inquisitor's Palace

44. San Blas Bay

• Location: Nadur, Gozo
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Quiet Red Sand Beach
• About the Place: A secluded red-sand beach nestled below steep terraced fields, far quieter than neighboring Ramla Bay.
• Travel Instructions: Ride bus 303 to Nadur, followed by a steep downhill walking descent.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to San Blas Bay

45. Salini Salt Pans & National Park

• Location: Salina, St. Paul's Bay
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Nature Park & Heritage Site
• About the Place: Historic 16th-century salt pans built by the Knights, bordered by a restored wetlands park and timber birdwatching hides.
• Travel Instructions: Located right along the main coastal highway near Bugibba.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Salini Park

46. Palazzo Parisio

• Location: Naxxar, Central Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Baroque Palace & Gardens
• About the Place: Known as "Malta's Miniature Versailles," a opulent 19th-century palace featuring gilded ballrooms and Italianate gardens.
• Travel Instructions: Take bus 16 or 26 directly to Naxxar parish church square.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Palazzo Parisio

47. Fort Rinella & The Armstrong 100-ton Gun

• Location: Kalkara
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (1:00 PM re-enactment)
• Category: Victorian Military Fort
• About the Place: A Victorian coastal battery housing the world's largest muzzle-loading cannon, featuring Victorian military re-enactments.
• Travel Instructions: Bus 3 directly connects Valletta with Kalkara.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Fort Rinella

48. Mistra Bay

• Location: Mellieħa / Xemxija
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Category: Quiet Pebble Beach
• About the Place: A secluded pebble bay featuring traditional boathouses, calm waters, and coastal walking paths up to Selmun Palace.
• Travel Instructions: Located off the main route between Xemxija and Mellieħa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mistra Bay

49. Skorba & Ta' Ħaġrat Temples

• Location: Mġarr, Western Malta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: UNESCO Megalithic Sites
• About the Place: Two megalithic temple sites offering insight into Malta's earliest agricultural village settlements dating to 3800 BC.
• Travel Instructions: Located in Mġarr village; served by buses 44 and 238.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Skorba & Ta' Ħaġrat

50. Grandmaster's Palace & State Rooms

• Location: St. George's Square, Valletta
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Historic Palace & Armoury
• About the Place: The historical seat of power in Malta, featuring grand tapestries, state halls, and the official Palace Armoury collection.
• Travel Instructions: Situated right at St. George's Square in central Valletta.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Grandmaster's Palace

Featured Image

Valletta Grand Harbour Skyline in Malta