The Most Exciting Things to Do in Malta

The tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta is one of the best destinations you could ever visit. With a rich history, delightful attractions, mouthwatering food and epic scenery, there's an abundance of things to see and do here. Whichever island you’re exploring, whether it’s Malta, Gozo or Comino, expect to be surrounded by azure waters and sunny skies. To help you plan your dream trip, the travel experts at Plum Guide have put together a guide to the best things to do in Malta. Whether you’re after outdoor adventures, cultural activities or simply want to sit back and gorge on local delicacies, you can find it all here.

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The Maltese capital is a historic fort city which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. It was the former headquarters of the Knights of St John during the Crusades, and today you’ll find plenty of ornate architecture which tells the story of Malta’s rich history. Get lost in the meandering alleyways or head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for breathtaking views over the scenic Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua). Wander down to the waterfront for a stroll along the promenade where you’ll find restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as trendy bars and nightclubs during the evening.

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Malta may be small, but you’ll be surprised at just how much diversity there is when it comes to hiking trails. The Girgenti Country Walk is one of the best routes, taking in gorgeous scenery and historic sites. Starting from the southwest of Malta near Buskett, the five hour walk takes you past the prehistoric Clapham Junction cart ruts and the unique cave settlement of Għar il-Kbir, through the villages of Siggiewi and Qrendi where you’ll find churches, chapels and pretty town squares. The walk ends in Il-Maqluba which is a mysterious sinkhole riddled with legends and folklore stories.

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On the south of the island is the quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk which is the best place to catch a glimpse of authentic Maltese life. The pretty harbour is full of colourful fishing boats which are an attraction in their own right. Painted in bold colours, their prows have a pair of glaring eyes which is believed to protect against evil spirits. Many people visit Marsaxlokk for the daily market and the abundance of fresh seafood, so make sure to come in time for lunch or dinner at the buzzing waterfront eateries.

If you’re a fan of archaeology, one of the best things to do in Malta is check out the exhibitions at the National Museum of Archaeology. This is the best place to learn about Malta’s history, and the museum is home to artefacts from prehistory, Phoenician times and a significant numismatic collection. Highlights include Bronze Age weapons, a Phoenician amulet made of solid gold and altars excavated from the Tarxien Temples. The building itself, the Auberge de Provence, is a magnificent building from 1571. It used to be the house to the Knights of the order of St John and is some of the finest Baroque architecture in Malta.

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Perched on a hill in the middle of the island is Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. It’s surrounded by fortified walls with a bridge leading to the gated entrance. Within these walls are a network of picturesque cobbled streets, medieval and Baroque architecture and pretty open squares. Stroll around the streets and admire the historical monuments such as St Paul’s Cathedral and museum, the 18th century Vilhena Palace and the Palazzo Falson. Once you exit the fortified city, you’ll find yourself in Rabat which is also a charming town to visit with its cafes, restaurants and elegant architecture.

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The Maltese islands are home to some of the best dive sites in the Mediterranean. As well as caves and marine wildlife, there are also over 80 ship and aircraft wrecks in the surrounding waters. One of the most famous wrecks is the HMS Maori which was sunk by the Germans in 1942. Other must-visit dive sites include the stunning Blue Grotto and its diverse wildlife, the Bristol Blenheim Bomber wreck, Fortizza Reef and the Santa Maria Caves. There are over 100 dive sites around Malta, so you’ll find a deep sea adventure no matter what your ability is.

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One of the best things to do in Malta is to take a quick 20 minute boat ride to Gozo, Malta’s sister island. It may be a quieter, more rural place but there are still plenty of things to keep you busy. Climb up to Tal Mixta Cave for spectacular views of the dramatic coastline, including the bright orange sands of Ramla Bay, one of the best spots for sunbathing. Don’t miss a visit to Victoria, the island’s main town. Here you’ll find vibrant local markets, charming town squares and fascinating cultural sites such as the Citadella, a fortified town which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age.

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Comino, Malta’s third island is home to the shallow, calm crystal-clear waters of its famous Blue Lagoon. This is a fantastic place for swimming and is definitely worth checking out if you’re visiting during the quieter months. However during peak season, the Blue Lagoon can get very busy with hordes of tourists. We recommend heading to Crystal Lagoon, an equally alluring spot which hardly sees any visitors. This secluded little gem is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and basking in the sun, accessible via a short walking track from Blue Lagoon, or you can also take a boat or kayak from other parts of Comino.

Gourmands who plan their entire holidays around what meals to have will be pleased to know that Maltese people take their food very seriously. Maltese cuisine has many influences from places like Sicily, Italy, England, France and North Africa. One of the classic dishes you’ll find is Ħobż bi-żejt, an open sandwich with olive oil, tomato paste and toppings like tuna, capers, olives and cheese. If you fancy a quick snack, pastizzi are delicious puff pastry pockets filled with ricotta or mushy peas. You’ll find them in small shops called pastizzerias all around the island. Feeling a little thirsty? Wash it all down with a glass of local Maltese wine.

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Culture vultures looking for something to do in the evening should visit the Manoel Theatre, a beautifully ornate building dating back to 1731. With its pale blue trompe-l’oeil ceiling, impressive chandelier and gilt decorations throughout, attending a show here is a magical experience. There are only 623 seats which gives it an intimate feel, and you can catch a wide variety of performances both in English and Maltese, including music concerts, opera shows, ballet recitals, poetry recitals and an annual Christmas pantomime.

Speaking of lavish architecture, the Mosta Dome is another wonderful building to visit. This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to St Mary and is easily the most impressive church in Malta. As remarkable as it is from the outside, the church is even more striking inside. With floors paved with marble, stunning statues, stucco mouldings and gilded elements, it’s bound to take your breath away. If you happen to be visiting on the 15th of August, make sure to attend the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady where you can enjoy a marching band as well as stands selling all sorts of tasty treats and handicrafts.

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Located on Malta’s northwest coastline, Golden Bay is one of the best beaches on the island—and it’s easy to see why. With its wide expanse of golden sands and mesmerising waters, we won’t blame you if you skip all the activities on this list and head for the beach instead. The waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, but if you want some more action you can also try out watersports. Alternatively, enjoy a horseback ride to explore the surroundings scenery or ride on the beach at sunset, the perfect way to end the day.

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