What to visit in Malta besides the beaches? Let’s have a look in this guide at the main points of interest to visit in Malta, both in terms of nature and history, because even though it’s often overlooked, the island of Malta is full of history.
We will see 15 places to visit in Malta, by day or night, both in the small and beautiful capital, La Valletta, and in the rest of the islands!
As always, let’s start with a map of the points of interest to visit in Malta that, if you like, you can take with you by opening it directly from your smartphone.
The red pins on the map indicate the points of interest to visit in Malta that we’ll talk about shortly, while the blue pins indicate the best neighborhoods to stay in Malta, which I discuss in more detail in this other article.
What to visit in Malta – around the islands
The Blue Lagoon and the island of Comino
It’s true, we were talking about places of interest to see beyond the beaches. But when someone asks me what to visit in Malta, the Blue Lagoon is the first thing that comes to mind. Even at the cost of skipping all the other beaches of Malta, a day of your trip should be dedicated to the Blue Lagoon excursion.
Besides the beach that overlooks this crystal-clear sea, you can also enjoy a walk through the little streets of the uninhabited island of Comino, to breathe true tranquility. I tell you more about the Blue Lagoon here.
Marsaxlokk village
This fishing village located in the south of the island of Malta is one of the things to visit in half a day. What made it famous is the fact that the fishermen’s boats are all painted in bright colors.
Among Malta’s major towns, Marsaxlokk is also the one least affected by mass tourism, so it could also be a good choice if you want to try staying in typical local buildings— in the guide on where to stay in Malta I give you some examples.
After visiting Marsaxlokk if you have the chance a visit to St. Peter’s Pool a few kilometers away is highly recommended: a beach that is more like a rocky pool, smoothed by the elements, perfect for those who want to dive into crystal-clear water!
A drink at TwentyTwo
Why did I include a disco bar in a list of things to visit in Malta?
Because the TwentyTwo is an elegant disco bar open from after dinner until late at night, located on the top floor of the tallest skyscraper in Malta (or perhaps the only one?) located in the St. Julian neighborhood.
So from the TwentyTwo, besides having a fun night, you can get a 360-degree view of Malta, since there are no taller buildings around.
You might also be interested in: Nightlife in Malta and Paceville
Unless there are special events, entry to TwentyTwo is free. To get there, you need to enter at the base of the skyscraper and take the elevator to the top floor. Don’t be afraid of getting lost— there’s always someone at ground floor to show you direction.
Some activities you may like, before going on with the article:
M’dina
For history lovers, Medina (or M’dina) is a place to visit in Malta.
The ancient capital of Malta, located in the central part of the island, still looks monumental between Arab walls and beautiful palaces (some of which have been turned into luxury hotels like the Xara Palace Relais) and a rather relaxed atmosphere, given the small population remaining.
If you don’t have a rental vehicle or prefer to visit with a tour, check out this to visit M’dina at sunset.
Popeye Village
Okay, I mention the Popeye Village just for completeness, even though I must say it didn’t interest me enough to visit. It’s a village on the western coast of the island, with houses painted in various colours, and was the filming location for the 1990 movie “Popeye”, becoming as a tourist attraction since then.
Here you can book tickets also with free cancellation.
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Among the things to visit in Malta, the oldest monument on the island. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a structure carved into the rock over 10 meters deep, apparently older even than the Egyptian pyramids, initially used as a sanctuary and later as a necropolis.
The Ġgantija Temples in Gozo
The island of Gozo, in the Maltese archipelago, has a lot to offer in terms of history. Here lie the remains of two immense temples over 5 millennia old, the Ġgantija Temples.
Since this visit is in Gozo (the second island of the Maltese archipelago), if you don’t feel like figuring out buses, ferries, or other transport, consider this guided tour which takes you to visit Gozo and the temples with transport from Malta included.
Of course, some beaches!
It’s not Caribbean, but a few beach days during a trip to Malta are definitely good! Choose the ones you like best in the guide to the best beaches in Malta.
What to visit in La Valletta
Barrakka Gardens
The Barrakka Gardens are the gardens of the capital La Valletta, which are divided into 2 “levels”, giving rise to the Lower Barrakka Gardens and Upper Barrakka Gardens that offer a bit of relaxation away from the traffic of the nearby districts.
At the Barrakka Gardens, you will find statues, art installations, and well-maintained arches.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Upper Barrakka Gardens is that, in addition to offering a view over the facing bay, if you visit the park at 12 or 4 PM you can witness the cannons of the “Saluting Battery” firing. You can also take a paid guided tour of the Saluting Battery.
Fort Saint Elmo
Another one of the things to visit in La Valletta is without a doubt Fort Saint Elmo. Located at the tip of the peninsula on which Malta’s capital stands, it’s worth a visit for its excellent state of preservation, for the views it offers over the sea, and for a possible visit to the National War Museum.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One of the largest cathedrals in the world, a must-see for enthusiasts of the genre. An extremely decorated cathedral inside, with a floor built over 400 tombs of Knights of the Order. It is surrounded by 9 chapels.
Located along Valletta’s main boulevard, Republic Street — hard to miss. Entrance is ticketed.
Church of Lady of Mount Carmel
Among the things to visit in La Valletta, you cannot miss, more simply, the “big dome” nearly 500 years old that you can see when looking at La Valletta from any direction.
Lascaris War Rooms
These are a series of underground tunnels and rooms open to visitors for a fee, built under the Upper Barrakka Gardens. They are located about 45 meters deep and housed the British Army’s headquarters during World War II.
The walls
Well, since La Valletta is a fortress city, you won’t have trouble finding them: they are practically everywhere along the sea! 🙂
The streets of La Valletta
I don’t want to limit myself to recommending Republic Street, which is the main street of the center and commercial activities. I would rather invite you to walk almost randomly through the streets that inspire you most once you’re in the midst of them.
None lack their own beauty and in fact, this is exactly how I think this city should be discovered, off the prepackaged paths: get lost in the streets of Malta’s capital and discover new things to visit!
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