Malta, the small Mediterranean island located between Italy and the coast of North Africa, has long been a favourite among young people who want to learn English and party in the evenings. In addition to a warm climate all year round and beautiful beaches, Malta is also a paradise for those working in the online gaming industry. There are several casinos here, and Malta is the perfect destination for those who want to try something new while gaining experience in the gaming industry. There are many advantages to living and working in Malta, and most large companies here offer attractive relocation packages that include both a permanent job and an apartment, plus many other benefits.
Malta also has an exciting history, having been under both Arab and British rule. There are many interesting places to visit to get to know the country and its culture better, and despite its small size, Malta has been awarded several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For those who enjoy films, many scenes in Game of Thrones were filmed on the island, and there is even a guided tour dedicated to all the locations that have served as the backdrop for the world-famous TV series. Don’t miss the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the island’s most attractive sights, along with the charming island of Gozo.
Malta has a lot to offer and there is something for everyone. In our guide, we have listed the best places and experiences that you should not miss during your stay here. So put on your sun hat and come along!
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Visit the capital city of Valletta
A visit to Malta’s capital city is a must during your stay here. Valletta is the smallest capital city in the EU and was founded in the 16th century by a religious order known as the Order of Malta. The city, which is a Baroque city, has more than 300 historic buildings to visit, so if you want to see everything, we recommend that you come back to Valletta several times. We promise, there is always something new to discover! Charming narrow streets and colourful buildings mix with churches and cosy restaurants where you can try Maltese specialities.
Don’t miss this in Valletta:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One of Valletta’s main attractions. The cathedral was built in the 16th century on behalf of the Order of Malta. Inside the cathedral is Caravaggio’s famous painting depicting the beheading of John the Baptist.
Fort St. Elmo
The fortress was built to protect the city from invasions and offers a perfect view of the harbour. Malta’s War Museum is also located here, and what many people don’t know is that Valletta was one of the hardest-hit cities during World War II, with large parts of the city destroyed. Fortunately, most of it has been rebuilt, and today there are hardly any traces of the great destruction.
You can also swim in the beautiful blue sea from the cliffs thanks to the bathing steps that have been installed.
Grand Master’s Palace
This palace was also built by the Order of Malta in the 16th century. The Maltese Parliament was based here until 2015, and parts of the palace have been turned into a museum that is open to visitors.
The Manoel Theatre
Even if you are not a big fan of theatre performances, we think you should take the opportunity to visit The Manoel Theatre. The theatre building is the third oldest in Europe and was built in 1731. You can take a guided tour that takes about 30 minutes and costs only €5. You will be impressed by the beautiful hall and concert hall.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
If you are looking for a perfect view of the capital Valletta, head to the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. From the terrace, you also have a fantastic view of the harbour and the sea. Want to take a break? Take the opportunity to buy an ice cream or a cold drink while enjoying the view from up here.
Channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore prehistoric temples in Malta
If you like temples and mysticism, we can tell you that you are on the right island. Malta has several megalithic temples from both the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. The temples are clear evidence that people have lived on the island since the Neolithic period. Objects such as vases and bones have also been found, and these finds can be seen at the Valletta Archaeological Museum. The temples are located in different places on the island and were built during different periods, but what they all have in common is their architecture and the fact that they are located on a so-called oval forecourt. The façade itself consists of a row of large stones with an entrance in the middle of the temple.
There are many interesting temples to visit in Malta, and if you have time, we recommend visiting them all, but if not, you can visit the three most important ones:
Ggantija
The name ‘Ggantija’ means ‘tower of the giant’ and the temple is located on the island of Gozo. Researchers believe that the stones form a temple that was built to celebrate various rituals to increase fertility. The Ggantija temples are considered to be some of the oldest structures in the world, even older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza.
Tarxien Temples
The temples consist of three separate but connected structures. It is believed that the temples, and the site where they are located, were used for animal sacrifices. Traces have also been found indicating that the site was used as a cemetery and that various cremations were performed here.
Hagar Qim
Another impressive prehistoric temple complex. Hagar Qim is located only 10 kilometres from the capital Valletta and was probably built in the Neolithic period. The area consists of four main temples, the southern temple being the best preserved and built of limestone blocks. Here you will also find a large monolith measuring approximately 5 metres and weighing 20 tonnes.
Many films and television series have been filmed in Malta.
This beautiful Mediterranean island has been the backdrop for some of the world’s most famous films and TV series. The Popeye film starring Robin Williams was filmed in Malta, after which a small village was built in honour of the film, now called Popeye Village, which has been transformed into an amusement park.
Even the blockbuster film Gladiator was partly filmed in Malta, more specifically at Fort Ricasoli, the fort built by the Order of Malta. The film Troy also has some scenes from Fort Ricasoli and some from the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
Fort Ricasoli is the most popular location for films, as parts of Assassin’s Creed were also filmed here. Even the film Captain Phillips, starring global superstar Tom Hanks, was filmed in Malta, namely around Grand Harbour in Senglea and the harbours around Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, we can delight you with the news that there is an entire tour dedicated to all the locations in Malta where various episodes have been filmed. The tour takes you to Gozo, Mdina, St Dominic’s Priory and San Anton Gardens, to name a few of the most famous locations.
Mdina and Rabat
For less than £2, you can take the bus from Valletta and visit these historic towns located in the centre of the island.
Mdina is the old capital and was founded by the Phoenicians around 3,000 years ago. However, it was the Arabs who gave the town its name, Mdina, and built high walls around it to protect it from attack. With its 300 inhabitants, Mdina is often referred to as ‘the silent city’ and was the capital of Malta until 1530. Some places you should not miss in Mdina are Mdina Gate, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Mdina Dungeons.
Rabat and Mdina were once one and the same city, but the Arabs chose to divide the two small cities as they thought it was more strategic and provided better protection against intruders. Rabat is a short walk from Mdina, and here you should not miss St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s Catacombs, Domus Romana and the Wignacourt Museum.
Blue Lagoon, Blue Grotto and St. Peter’s Pool
Malta is perhaps best known for its fantastic beaches and the clear blue sea that surrounds the island. A pleasant climate all year round means you can swim at any time of year, and in early spring and late autumn there are fewer tourists on the island, giving you the opportunity to visit all these beautiful beaches in peace and quiet.
The most famous is the Blue Lagoon, and it is worth mentioning that the beach has lost some of its originality as it is flocked by tourists pretty much all year round, but it is still worth a visit when you live and work in Malta. The Blue Lagoon is located on the small island of Comino, which you can reach by boat from the harbour in Cirkewwa. Alternatively, there are organised excursions from Valletta, Sliema and Bugibba. A good tip is to go early in the morning or after 4 p.m. to avoid the crowds and really enjoy the beach.
Just 10 kilometres from Valletta is the small town of Il-Qrendi, where the Blue Grotto is also located. This beautiful cave is surrounded by cliffs and turquoise water. You can reach the cave by bus or boat from the harbour in Wied iz-Zurrieq.
Near Marsaxlokk, you will find the natural pool St. Peter’s Pool. Here you can swim and snorkel, and the water shifts from clear blue to turquoise. The pool is surrounded by limestone where you can lie and sunbathe.
Three Cities of Malta
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua are the three small villages that protected Grand Harbour in Valletta from attack. These three small towns were of enormous importance to the country and were strategically located.
Vittoriosa is the oldest of the three, and it was here that the Order of Malta first settled when they arrived in Malta in the 16th century. The town was originally called Birgu but was renamed ‘Vittoriosa’ after the successful siege (vittorioso means victorious) of the island in 1565. There are many important museums and churches to visit here.
Cospicua is the largest of the three small towns and has been severely damaged several times throughout Malta’s history. There are also two important fortifications that protected the town and a church called The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The church miraculously survived the heavy bombing of Malta during the Second World War. It houses a famous painting depicting the Madonna and Child by the Italian artist Polidoro Veneziano.
Senglea is the smaller town, where you can visit the church called Our Lady of Victories Parish Church.
Go wine tasting
Malta is probably not the first country that comes to mind when it comes to wine tasting, given its large-scale producer neighbour Italy, but Maltese grapes ripen faster in the warm and humid climate, so there are many different wines to choose from. You will also find international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
There are various wineries you can visit, and we recommend taking a guided tour that takes you to the most important ones. A glass of Maltese wine accompanied by a delicious meal doesn’t sound too bad, does it?
Visit the ‘peaceful’ town of Sliema
The town of Sliema is one of Malta’s top tourist destinations with its many restaurants and shops. It is also where most English language schools and offices are located, so if you live and work in Malta, there is a good chance that you will settle near Sliema, but since Sliema has so much to offer, it’s not a bad idea to live in this area!
The town is named after a church that stood in the harbour and welcomed all the fishermen who returned from their adventures at sea. When they arrived at the harbour, they began to pray and say the Ave Maria prayer, and the first three words of the prayer in Maltese are: ‘Sliem Għalik Marija’. The word ‘Sliem’ means peace and tranquillity in Maltese.
What was once a quiet fishing village is now Malta’s leading tourist resort with around 15,000 inhabitants and a large number of important companies located here.
There is plenty to do in Sliema, and you can start by exploring the city on a 2-kilometre-long beach promenade that offers beautiful views of the sea and the magnificent church in Balluta Bay.
Take a dip in the sea from the cliffs at Roman Baths
Unfortunately, there are no sandy beaches in Sliema, but this doesn’t have to stop you from taking a refreshing dip in the summer. If you head to Roman Baths, or Fond Ghadir as they are also known, you can climb down the steps on the cliffs and swim in the beautiful sea.
Sit down and take a selfie among the Clews Statues
On Bisazza Street, you can sit down with these three statues sitting around a table and… eating breakfast! A charming spot in Sliema that has unfortunately suffered a lot of vandalism in recent years. One of the statues has even lost an arm!
Tigne Point
If you feel like shopping, head to Tigne Point, which was originally old British military barracks. Here you will find the best shops and from the modern bridge you have a fantastic view of Valletta. Don’t miss the sunset from here, it’s magical!
Party in Paceville
The Paceville party area, located in St. Julian’s, is the liveliest neighbourhood on the island with the best pubs and discos. If you want to party and have fun, Paceville is the place to be. Here you will also find one of the island’s most famous casinos, located in the old aristocratic villa Villa Dragonara. There are also many shops and restaurants, such as the well-known Hard Rock Café.
Watch the sunset
The sunsets in Malta are captivating and incredibly beautiful. There are many places where you can watch the sunset, preferably with a drink or cold beer in your hand.
Top of the World Gharghur
If you find yourself in the small village of Gharghur, head up to the viewpoint called Top of the World. It’s not as difficult to get up here as it sounds, and if you get tired, there are plenty of benches along the way to sit down and rest your feet. Come here in the late afternoon for the sunset over the sea.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
Take the bus out to this beautiful beach and dive into the beautiful clear water here. Then stay to watch the sunset. There is also a kiosk here where you can buy a cold beer and other snacks for a great end to the day.
Dingli Cliffs
The cliffs are located outside the picturesque town of Dingli and are 250 metres above sea level. From here, you have a fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the small uninhabited island of Filfla. The sun setting over the blue sea from the cliffs is enchanting.
