Malta is a fantastic destination with its ancient sites, stunning blue ocean, and beautiful beaches. This Mediterranean gem is reminiscent of Greece or Cyprus but is more budget-friendly. With its rich offerings, Malta is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. So, what are the must-visit places in Malta? Here’s a list to help you plan your trip!
**12 Best Places to Visit in Malta**
**Valletta**
Step into Valletta and travel back in time. This ancient city, the capital of Malta, is steeped in history dating back to the 15th century with the Knights of Malta. You’ll be enchanted by its intricate palaces, sand-colored fortress walls, and elegant churches. The harbors offer a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. Valletta is a small yet captivating city. Don’t miss St. John’s Co-Cathedral with its opulent facade and the Grandmaster’s Palace, once home to the Maltese knights. Valletta also has a vibrant nightlife with seafront clubs and city-center pubs.
**Gozo**
Gozo is Malta’s most idyllic island, known for its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. It features a medieval city, archaeological sites, and beach resorts. The island is home to spectacular cliffs, natural pools, and a brilliant blue sea. Gozo is perfect for a tranquil vacation with its laidback villages, lovely farms, and humble local shops. The beaches are rarely crowded, offering a peaceful time under the sun.
**Dwejra, Gozo**
Dwejra is a small bay on Gozo, surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs. It looks like a crystal-clear natural pool in the Mediterranean Sea. Dwejra is a paradise for divers and snorkelers with its diverse marine wildlife and coral reefs. You can explore the beautiful rock structures, climb the limestone cliffs, or dive into the deep waters to enjoy the underwater landscape.
**Mdina**
Mdina is an ancient city filled with historical buildings, Baroque structures, and sand-colored alleys. It’s Malta’s center of nobility and culture. Stroll through Mdina’s old quarters, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and explore The Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum. The Bastion Square viewpoint offers a bird’s-eye view of the city.
**Rabat**
Next to Mdina, Rabat is rich in history and culture with medieval houses, ancient fortresses, and historical buildings. It’s less touristy and more developed than Mdina. Visit the Basilica of St. Paul, the Wignacourt Museum, and St. Dominic’s Convent, a filming site for Game of Thrones.
**Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay**
These beaches on Malta’s east coast are must-visits. Ghajn Tuffieha Beach has golden sand, sloping hillsides, and limestone cliffs. It’s not secluded, with public restrooms, a snack bar, and sunbeds available. Nearby Gnejna Bay is surrounded by sandy slopes and verdant hills, with calm waters perfect for snorkeling and canoeing.
**Mellieha**
Mellieha is a dreamy seaside village on Malta’s east coast. It offers stunning views of white coastlines, a blue ocean, and limestone cliffs. Visit the 19th-century Baroque Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory and the Popeye Village, inspired by the 1929 comic ‘Popeye the Sailorman’.
**Comino**
Comino is a small island between Gozo and Malta, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rock cliffs. The island is car-free, so you can explore it on foot. Visit the Blue Lagoon, explore sea caves, and relax on Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
**Birgu**
Birgu is a centuries-old city with a rich history. It was once a bustling port city and trade center. Visit Fort St. Angelo, the Malta Maritime Museum, and stroll through Birgu’s quiet alleys to see its centuries-old gates.
**St. Julians**
St. Julians is known for its vibrant nightlife. The town has a mix of old buildings and modern structures, with bars, casinos, and white-sand beaches. During the day, Spinola Bay and promenades are lively with restaurants, ferries, and shops. At night, Paceville comes alive with nightclubs, bars, and casinos.
Enjoy your trip to Malta and make the most of these incredible destinations!