When you search for ‘Malta attractions’ you’ll find a surprisingly long list of tips for this relatively small island. This already indicates that you don’t just head to the Mediterranean for the sun. You certainly won’t be bored during your city trip in Malta.
What are the top 5 Malta attractions?
A visit to the island isn’t complete without checking out the most beautiful attractions. Malta has plenty of them:
- Are you passionate about archaeology? Be sure to visit the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.
- If you love cities steeped in history, don’t miss Valletta and Mdina.
- Of course, you also go to a sunny island to swim. The Blue Lagoon is perfect for that!
- Need even more history? Visit the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum.
Megalithic Temples Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
The megalithic temples, built around 3500 BC, are a must-see among the attractions. Malta boasts Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra: the world’s first free-standing stone monuments. They are older than England’s Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. When you see the impressive stone structures, you wonder how they could have been built by humans.
Historic capital Valletta
The old historic capital Valletta is full of highlights that belong in the series of Malta attractions. For example, visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, where the Parliament’s meeting room is located. Or visit the National Museum of Fine Arts, whose collection includes many religious pieces. For shopping or buying a souvenir, head to Republic Street.
You can also take a historical walking tour of all the highlights; purchase your ticket in advance.
Got sore feet from all the walking? Then it’s fun to do the Malta bike tour: the highlights. A guide will lead you past various highlights of Valletta.
Discover Mdina
Sometimes you come across places where it seems time has stood still. Mdina is such a city: the historic buildings like St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral still exude an ancient atmosphere. Once you pass through the old city gate, you’ll encounter all sorts of picturesque houses and alleys. A literal highlight is the terrace of the Fontanella Tea Gardens. Here you can sit for a refreshing drink while enjoying a view over the entire island.
Swimming in Blue Lagoon
Between the two small islands of Comino and Gozo lies a particularly beautiful recreational area called Blue Lagoon. Due to its popularity, it certainly deserves a spot in the top 5 Malta attractions. It owes its name to the characteristic azure blue water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or diving. If you head south from the Blue Lagoon on Comino, you’ll reach the Crystal Lagoon. Here you’ll find the same azure blue water but with higher cliffs. There are also plenty of day trips available in the Lagoon. Fancy a day of sailing? Book your ticket in advance.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
This underground prehistoric burial site was discovered in 1902 when a well was being dug. Nowadays, it can be visited, but only by 80 people per day. Therefore, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online well in advance. During the guided tour, you pass through three different levels. Each level has its own architecture and features, but the remarkable thing is that the entire structure is carved out of stone. This unique site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it one of the most important historical Malta attractions.
Take the bike tour
Want to see the attractions of Malta in a fun way? Take the bike tour!
Our Malta Highlights bike tour starts at the highest point of Valletta. From here, you cycle slowly downhill through the beautiful streets of Valletta with its authentic balconies and colorful doors. The guide will show you some of the most picturesque viewpoints of the harbor and other peninsulas. Then you take the ferry, sail past the impressive yachts and cruise ships, and discover the Three Cities. If you wish, you can stop for a refreshment along the way. After exploring Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea, you return to Valletta by ferry. A short walk to the Barrakka lift brings you back to the starting point.
Enjoy your time in Malta!