10 Best things to do in Malta

10 Best things to do in Malta-Cruise the grand harbour, eat your way around Valletta — and everything in between. Our Malta expert has all the essential experiences

Culture, history, archaeology, boat tours, sun, sea and fabulous food — Malta has it all. From the oldest stone architecture in the world to the baroque wonders of the Knights of St John,-10 Best things

labyrinthine Roman catacombs to secrets of the Second World War, Malta is home to the greatest density of historical sights of any country.

It has some of the best diving in Europe, too, as well as swimming, snorkelling and water sports in clear, warm waters.

On land, the sculpted limestone coast offers scenic settings for walkers and view-seekers, and there’s a gourmet feast for foodies.

The question isn’t “what will you do in a place as small as Malta?” but rather “how will you fit in?”

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1. Wander Valletta-10 Best things to do in Malta

Malta’s charming Unesco world heritage capital city is both a 16th-century citadel and a vibrant 21st-century town.

Built by the Knights of St John after they nearly lost Malta to the Ottoman Turks in 1565, this grid of glowing stone alleys is less than one square kilometre, the perfect size to wander.

Start at the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour before taking in the Grandmaster Palace,

fountain-cooled central square, streets of steps, Knights auberges, striking modern parliament, and much more. If you prefer to have information provided as you go, there are plenty of guided tours.

2. Marvel at St John’s Co-Cathedral-10 Best things to do in Malta

The outside of St John’s is almost dour in its military-style plainness,

but inside is one of Europe’s most dazzling displays of baroque excess — a symphony of gold, paint and coloured marble.

This is the church of the Knights of St John (who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798); the Order’s Grand Masters are buried in its crypt

, and the oratory is home to two spectacular paintings by Caravaggio (including his largest and only signed work). There’s an excellent audio guide, or book a Valletta tour that includes a guided visit.

3. The life aquatic

From the marine life of Malta’s Mediterranean coastline to tropical exotics, an imagined Roman shipwreck to amphibians and reptiles, the Malta National Aquarium is a great family-friendly attraction. Grim-faced groupers and newly hatched sharks, piranhas and tiny tree frogs should keep kids amused and amazed. Set on a blue flag coastline in the tourist area of Bugibba, it’s easily combined with a real sea swim,

but you can also dive deep into the sea without even getting your feet wet.

4. Tour Malta’s Game of Thrones locations

From Kings Landing to the Red Keep and the streets of Flea Bottom, this tour will take you on a day-long journey around Malta’s Game of Thrones locations.

Led by local actors who took part in the filming, you won’t just get to see the places but also hear on-set stories, as well as discovering a few of Malta’s other film sights including Popeye Village (set of 1980 film Popeye).

You’ll visit quite a bit of Malta too, from Valletta to Mdina and the Majjistral National Park.

5. Cruise the famous Grand Harbour-MALTA

With sparkling blue waters flanked by honey-cream limestone, the expansive Grand Harbour is at the heart of Malta’s history. Site of the Great Siege of 1565 as well as the Second World War encirclement of 1942, the harbour lies between Valletta and the Three Cities

with iconic castles both sides of the water. Cruising these protected waters provides a different perspective from land-based exploration, taking you in and out of hidden creeks and watery corners. Hop into a tiny striped dghajsa (traditional water taxi) at Custom House, beneath Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens, or book on a larger organised boat tour with full commentary.

6. Wallow in the Blue Lagoon

Malta’s favourite day trips are to the Blue Lagoon. A protected stretch of luminous blue water flanked by caves on the tiny island of Comino, this is the nation’s top spot to swim and snorkel on a hot summer’s day. It gets crowded and there is little space and no shade on land, so a boat that stays with you all day, offering a deck to laze on and liquid refreshment, is definitely a plus. Unless of course you choose to stay the night at the only accommodation on the island, the Comino Hotel.

7. Tunnel into the secrets of the Second World War

Deep beneath Valletta hides the secret Second World War HQ of the Allies in the Mediterranean. From the Lascaris War Rooms, Eisenhower oversaw the invasion of Sicily; radar readings were analysed, signals intercepted and RAF fighters controlled.

After the war the site remained secret as Soviet submarines were tracked; the tunnel control centre was only closed in 1977. Today, map rooms and original communications equipment are evocatively displayed alongside tunnels lined with bunks. Malta had a tough and strategically important war, and there are plenty of Second World War sites to explore, several of them preserved by the same foundation as the Lascaris War Rooms.

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8. Make a Maltese meal of it

Over the past decade Malta has reinvented itself as a seriously foodie destination. Awarded its first Michelin stars in 2020, it now has five starred restaurants, all serving modern Mediterranean cuisine. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well here. For a meal like Maltese mama used to make, head to award-winning Gululu in St Julian’s (or its stall in Valletta’s Is-Suq tal-Belt food hall) or settle in for a delicious and filling Maltese Meze at Legligin.

9. Boat tour of Gozo and Comino

Circumnavigate Gozo and Comino exploring their picturesque coasts, stopping to swim, sunbathe and snorkel (equipment provided) — a great trip for all the family. Starting at Bugibba the boat cruises over to the Blue Lagoon for its first stop. The afternoon includes anchoring at Comino’s much less crowded Crystal Lagoon, and a couple of Gozo’s most scenic swimming spots as well as steaming past towering cliffs and historic towers.

10. Kick back at the beach

Sightseeing is great, but when you’re surrounded by glittering azure waters, warm enough for swimming from June to early November, and the sun shines 300 days of the year, it’s hard to resist. From the broad yellow sands of Golden Bay to the rocky shoreline of Sliema, Malta’s longest sandy beach at Mellieha to hidden coves like Peter’s Bay — not to mention the great beaches of Gozo — there’s no shortage of choice. Need help deciding? Check Malta’s Which Beach app for where has the best conditions each day.

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