Eight Reasons to Visit Malta

Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea 80 km (50 miles) south of Sicily. Hot summers, mild winters and a history of habitation dating back to around 5900 BC, make Malta not just a great place to visit but a varied and interesting one!

I spent 7 days exploring Malta as part of a group tour and these islands really impressed me with everything they have to offer. Whether you want to explore narrow streets, scout out filming venues, bake under the sun, hike or go swimming, you’ll have the chance to do that and more in this Mediterranean paradise!

In this post I’m sharing 8 reasons why Malta is worth visiting. I’ll give you suggestions for additional activities to include in your itinerary and provide a general travel guide and tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Malta.

The Maltese Islands

I mentioned at the outset that Malta is an archipelago. The Republic of Malta consists of three islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino. Malta is the largest of these and home to the majority of the population. Valletta, on the island of Malta, is the Capital City.

For the purposes of this post, my references to Malta will be to the archipelago unless I say otherwise.

Getting to Malta

You can get to Valetta on Malta by ferry from Catania on Sicily or from Salerno on mainland Italy. Many cruise ships also dock at Valletta giving their passengers an opportunity to spend a day in Malta’s Capital City. Most visitors to Malta however will arrive by air.

Malta International Airport (MIA) is the official airport for the Maltese Islands and is located southwest of Valletta on the island of Malta. The flight time from London is around 3 hours and 15 minutes. You can also arrive into Malta directly from many other European cities.

Check out the flight options available to you and book here:

Getting To/From the Airport

If you are arriving in Malta by air, then there are a few ways you can get to your accommodation in Valletta (or elsewhere):

1. Taxi

Taxis to destinations throughout Malta are available 24 hours a day. Pre-paid tickets can be purchased at fixed prices from the booth in the arrivals hall. Check the official Malta Airport website for up to date information and pricing.

2. Shuttle

A shared shuttle service (try saying that quickly!) operates from the airport to some of Malta’s most popular destinations. Check the official Malta Transfer website for destinations and prices.

3. Pre-Booked Transfer

Pre-booking a transfer is the best option if you want the certainty of having someone waiting for you on arrival. It will also avoid you having to wait for a taxi or bus, however it will likely cost more.

4. Bus

There are 4 bus routes available for getting to/from the airport. Check the official Malta Airport website for details of the routes, bus stops and current booking information.

5. Rental Car

If you are interested in exploring Malta by car, then check out the available car rental options but do be aware that on Malta and Gozo, driving is on the left. There are no cars on Comino.

Travelling Between the Maltese Islands

It is possible to travel between the 3 Maltese Islands via ferry.

In Valetta, you can use Valletta Ferry Services to travel between Valetta and Sliema and between Valetta and the Three Cities.

From Cirkewwa in Malta you can catch a ferry to Mgarr in Gozo – the official Gozo Channel Company website provides up to date schedule and pricing information. For those wanting to visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino from Gozo, there are various ferry options operating from Mgarr.

You can also review ticket and route information for buses across both Malta and Gozo on the official public transport website.

Where to Stay on Malta

As with other European destinations, Malta has a variety of accommodation options available to visitors, from hostels to hotels, holiday parks to campgrounds. On the main island of Malta there are various neigbourhoods popular with visitors, including Sliema where I stayed in this hotel.

Check out the options available for your dates and book here:

Currency         

Malta is part of the European Union and as such, it has adopted and uses the Euro (€).

Eight Reasons to Visit Malta

Is Malta worth visiting is a frequently asked question and in my view, the answer is a resounding yes! To convince you of this, here are my eight reasons why you too should visit Malta:

1. The Historic Valletta and the Three Cities

Most people have heard of Valletta but across the Grand Harbour from Malta’s capital are Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, three medieval, fortified cities. When the Knights of the Order of Saint John arrived in Malta in 1530 they made Vittoriosa their capital.

The Three Cities played a major role in keeping out the invading Ottoman Empire during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. Valletta was built 6 years after the Great Siege and became the capital.

Beautiful architecture coupled with winding streets make the Three Cities a great place to immerse yourself in Malta’s past.

In Valletta, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer stunning views over the Grand Harbour – there’s also a lift down to (or up from!) the Harbour. Be sure to visit at 12 pm or 4pm when you can witness the firing of the cannons in the Saluting Battery below. Today, it’s a ceremonial event but originally it was to protect the city from the Ottoman Empire.

St John Co-Cathedral, dating from the 1570s, is a must see. Dedicated to St John the Baptist, the Cathedral’s ornate interior, collection of tombstones and the priceless works by Caravaggio are a real feast for the eyes.

I’m a great fan of walking tours, not just for the historical insight they offer but the guides are usually only too happy to help with recommendations for sights to see and places to dine. They’re a great opportunity to meet other travellers too. If you’re interested in booking a walking tour, then check out these options in Valletta:

2. The Fishing Village of Marsaxlokk

The little fishing village of Marsaxlokk is located in the south east of the island of Malta and is well known for its market, its fishermen and its traditional Maltese colourful fishing boats, known as luzza.

The bright colours of the luzza are punctuated with a pair of eyes at the bow, said to protect the fishermen while at sea.

The village has a wonderfully relaxed feel to it so grab a coffee, go for a wander and take it all in!

3. Astonishing Megalithic Archeology

Yes, you read that correctly! The Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temple complexes are some of the megalithic temples of Malta and are located on the southern coast of the island of Malta.

The Hagar Qim Temple complex dates from 3600 – 3200 BC. It is believed that the temples had been used, in part, for animal sacrifices and fertility rituals. In addition, there are also solar alignments. A tent is in place over the complex to offer protection from the elements.

Some 500m from the Hagar Qim Temples are the Mnajdra Temples which date from 4000 BC to 3001 BC.

Both the Hagar Qim Temples and the Mnajdra Temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

I had no idea that Malta has megalithic temples so this was unexpected and really interesting…also very hot under the Maltese sun!

4. The Stunning City of Mdina

The walled city of Mdina is located in the north of the island of Malta and was, until the medieval period, Malta’s capital. When the capital was moved to Vittoriosa, Mdina became more like a ghost town and the name the Silent City was coined. With its Phoenician, Roman, Arab, French and British influences, Mdina has a rich history and is a fascinating place to visit.

Mdina is also one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. I have to confess that as I have never watched a single GoT episode (!) I am in no way an expert, however I understand that Malta’s famous Azure Window that once stood on Gozo Island was a backdrop to a wedding in season one. Since then, Malta has become a popular destination for GoT fans. If you’re a fan, then do check the official Visit Malta website for details of the locations you can visit.

5. Historic Victoria

Victoria (or Rabat as it is also known) is located on the island of Gozo and at its heart is the Cittadella (also known as the Citadel). First fortified in the Bronze Age, the present fortifications date from the 1500s. The Cittadella was sacked by the French under Napoleon in 1798 but remained a military installation until it was decommissioned by the British in 1868.

In addition, the Cittadella is home to the Cathedral of Assumption built between 1697 and 1711, law courts with the core of the building dating to 1687, old prison and museums.

As with Mdina, it’s a perfect place to just wander the old streets.

6. Beautiful Coastline and Beaches

As a small island nation, Malta has an abundance of beautiful beaches, clear waters and dramatic coastline.

Whilst the well-known Sliema seafront is rocky, the islands of Gozo and nearby Comino are home to sandy beaches and turquoise water – Ramala Beach, the Blue Lagoon and the much quieter Santa Maria Bay to name a few.

Keep in mind that there are now restrictions in place for visiting the Blue Lagoon and you must pre-book if you want to visit the island of Comino. Check the requirements on the official Visit Malta website.

If dramatic coastline is more your thing, then a hike along the Gozo coastline from Sannat to Xlendi is just the ticket! Alternatively, the Dingli Cliffs on the island of Malta are a popular area to hike. Throw in views of the Blue Grotto (Malta) and a visit to the Xwejni Salt Pans (Gozo) and you have a perfect cocktail of natural Malta to enjoy.

If you decide to base yourself on the island of Malta, then you may want to consider a boat trip to Gozo and/or Comino such as these options:

Be sure you check the tours details as to whether you will need to apply separately to access Comino.

7. Perfect Weather!

Malta has a Mediterranean climate (obviously!) and enjoys around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The hottest month is August with highest day time temperatures averaging 28° to 34° Celsius (82° to 93° Fahrenheit). January is the coldest month when the maximum temperature during the day ranges from 12° to 20° C (54° to 68° F). I visited in July and it was hot!

Malta is very much a year round holiday destination, however for fewer crowds you may want to visit in the spring (March and April) or autumn (October and November) rather than the hotter summer months.

Travel Tip: Make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat and drink plenty of bottled water. Drinking tap water is not recommended in Malta.

8. The Language

Malta has 2 official languages, Maltese and English. The widespread use of English makes travelling around the islands pretty much stress free…catching buses and ferries is so much easier when you can understand what’s going on!

Looking for More Things to Do in Malta?

As I mentioned earlier, I visited Malta as part of a group tour so my schedule was largely set for me. If you are planning your own Malta itinerary however, you may want to consider including some of the following activities:

• day trips between the islands
• kayaking and other water sports
• scuba diving
• snorkeling
• sunset cruises
• food tours to learn about Maltese cuisine
• wine tastings
• para-sailing
• quad bike tours

There is so much to do in Malta! Check out all the available options and much more here:

Final Thoughts

Wow! So that’s historical sites, architecture, culture, natural beauty, prehistoric temples, weather, an amazing array of outdoor activities….we didn’t even get to Maltese coffee, chocolate, seafood, olive oil, wine! I will admit to enjoying these on your behalf though!

Malta is a wonderful Mediterranean destination with something for everyone. In fact, I think it’s one of the most varied places I’ve been, particularly given its size. There’s much to discover and to experience so yes, Malta is definitely worth visiting!

I hope my eight reasons for visiting Malta have convinced you and that my suggested things to do will fit nicely into your Malta itinerary.

If you need any assistance in planning your visit to Malta, do check my Resources page.

Disclaimer – Visitor information was correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.