top things to do in malta & gozo

Experience the Best Attractions and Activities the Island Has to Offer

Are you ready to explore the top things to do in Malta and Gozo and have an amazing time?

We invite you to dive into our guide and discover the excitement and adventure that awaits you!

Whether you are visiting Malta for a day, a week, or anything in between, our small island's compact nature means you will spend minimal time travelling between locations. This will give you more opportunities to explore and enjoy the island's fantastic sights.

A Variety Of Top Things To Do In Malta And Gozo

top things to do in malta - table of contents

• Top Things To Do In Valletta
• Things To Do In Mdina and Rabat
• Things To Do In Marsaxlokk
  
• Best Tours On The Maltese Islands
• What To Do On The Island Of Gozo
• The Best Beaches In Malta And Gozo
• Churches And The Colourful Festa Celebrations
• Exploring The Best Of Malta's Nightlife
• Top Megalithic Temples In Malta
• Questions About Top Things To Do

Top Things To Do In Valletta - the city built by the knights

St. John Street, Valletta

Valletta was built by the Knight of St. John in 1566 was a fine example of modern city planning. The first European city built on the rocky Sciberras Peninsula. It is famous for being the first European city built on a completely empty site. The capital city is definitely worth a visit, and a day in Valletta is enough to see several sites if you are only here for either a few days or a few hours.

It is handy to carry a Valletta city guide, or if you wish, visit the tourist office just before entering Valletta to get some brochures or even some help. The main attraction of the city are the streets. You must walk through them to find out why. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can stop to get a bite to eat.

what to do in The Grid-Like Roads Of The Capital la Valletta malta

• St. John's Co-Cathedral: A richly ornamented high Baroque architecture Co-Cathedral. A highly recommended location to visit.
• The Grandmaster's Palace and Armoury: The palace state rooms are richly decorated, showing the grandeur of the Knights of St. John buildings, including the armoury where you find an impeccable collection of armour and weapons.
• The National War Museum: St. Elmo, the fortress where the film Midnight Express was filmed in 1978, now houses the In-Guardia Re-enactment and the National War Museum.
• Fortification Centre: Walk along the many fortifications of Valletta and Floriana. Visit the Fortress Builders at the Fortifications Interpretation Centre.
• History Timeline: A visit to The Malta Experience at the Mediterranean Conference Centre Valletta, an audio-visual show will provide you with our history's journey.
• Other Points of Interest: Valletta Churches (You can also check their times here), Casa Rocca Piccola, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Lower Barrakka Gardens, 5D Cinema.

Apart from the above, there are other things to do around the capital city. Check out one of our guide to the best 20 top things to do in Valletta Malta.

top things to do in mdina & rabat - the medieval capital

A Small Square in Mdina Malta

Walk along the narrow streets of Mdina with beautiful large houses and palaces built by late Maltese rich families who used to live here when it was once the capital city of the islands. Visit the silent part of the old fortified city with 4000 years of history. Lamp lit at night, the old capital of Malta is fascinating to visitors for its timeless charm.

A few minutes walk away from Mdina is another charming town called Rabat. A beautiful place famous for its 'pastizzi' (traditional savoury pastry) from a place called 'Serkin'. 'Pastizzi' is one of the most famous Maltese foods on the island.

exploring the streets and culture of mdina

• Spend a Day Here: Mdina is very small, but there are enough things to see and do for the whole day. As a part of your day trip, you can also visit the village of Rabat.
• Mdina Cathedral: The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul is popularly known as St Paul's Cathedral.
• Mdina Dungeons: It portrays events from the dark side of history a long time ago. The only dark attraction is walking on the islands.
• Mdina Experience: A 30-minute audiovisual multi-language showcases the rich and complex history of the old capital.
• Eating in the city: Get a table and dine at one of Mdina or Rabat restaurants. There is a mix of fine dining, upper deck fortifications view and traditional Mediterranean restaurants.
• Karozzin Ride: Take a ride with the traditional karozzin and explore the city from another perspective.
• Domus Romana: Also known as the Roman Villa, discovered in 1881 shows how the Romans used to live during their rule in Malta. You find beautiful Roman mosaic pavements. It is a fine example of a Roman building not to be missed.
  
• St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs: They are the most elaborate catacombs on the islands. All are dug from natural underground limestone covering an area of, 6100 square metres.
• Rabat Parish Church: The Basilica of St. Paul is a Roman Catholic Parish church lying in the centre of this town. The church is open during mass times, mostly in the morning and the afternoon.
• Mdina Glass: Both inside Mdina and at Ta’ Qali crafts village you can see various displays to buy ornamental glass. A tour around the factory will show you how it is done. Various shops around the island sell this glass. 

Being a very old fortified city there are quite a few museums and old architecture to see across the streets. Find more things to do in Mdina.

other villages in malta

Blue Grotto Malta Caves - Photo By Silvija Copak (@silly.silvi)

Location Landmarks Around The Island

• Marsaxlokk Malta: Mingle with locals and fishermen at Marsaxlokk village. The colourful fishing boats, the open daily market. Plenty of restaurants. 
• Blue Grotto Boat Trip Malta: You can take the Blue Grotto Caves with a boat trip leaving Wied iz-Zurrieq. The 20-minute boat trip to the caves is visited by over 100,000 people.
• Diving in Malta and Gozo: At Wied iz-Zurrieq, you find the popular wreck of Um El Faroud which scuttled in September 1998. Many divers like to scuba dive and witness the wreck and the coral reef around it.
  
• Wied iz-Zurrieq: A picturesque valley leading to many opportunities like swimming, diving and also a boat trip to the caves. There are several restaurants around for both lunch and dinner serving traditional Maltese cuisine mixed with Mediterranean cuisine.
• Mellieha Village Malta: A town at the most northern part of the island. Mellieha is known for its spectacular sandy beaches as well as several historic sites such as the Mellieha Parish Church and St Agatha's Tower (the Red Tower).
• Rotunda Mosta Malta: Mosta Dome is one of Malta's most famous churches and also has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. There is so much history about this church, you need to come and visit to get a glimpse.
• Sliema Malta Island: A coastal town known to locals for its shopping, dining and scenic coastal walks. From the promenade that stretches from Sliema to Gzira, offers stunning skyline views of Valletta, making it an ideal location to enjoy Malta's charm.

Discover the Best Tours of Malta

The Blue Lagoon, Island Of Comino - The Archipelago of Malta

Get a taste of the island's rich history, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture with the best tours of Malta. A combination of adventure and relaxation can be found on these tours, from exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to cruises around picturesque harbors and pristine beaches.

suggested guided tours on the Maltese islands

• Hop On Hop Off: Sightseeing in Malta is a good way to see the most important attractions on the islands.
• Sea Adventure Cruise: Enjoy a fantastic day for an endless memory on the Sea Adventure Cruise. Carefully planned to help you benefit from the best Malta can offer.
• Hypogeum: Malta’s Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is one of the world’s best-preserved prehistoric locations. An underground burial site dating back to 4000 B.C. Book early, not to be disappointed.
• Visiting Sicily from Malta: There are several tours that leave from Malta to Sicily. You can also take a flight or the Virtu ferries and tour Sicily on your own.
• Round Malta Tour: Circle around the island on a boat and witness all the beautiful coastline with an additional stop at the Blue Lagoon in Comino.

A selection of things to do in gozo - a mix of quiet and ambience

Mgarr Harbour in Gozo

The island of Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It is like a second home to the Maltese as the majority of us go up for a holiday multiple times a year, and some of us also own an additional property there. The island's beautiful ambience makes you want to stay once you step foot onto the island. The beautiful scenery and quiet surroundings makes it the perfect place to go and settle for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of Malta. Getting to Gozo is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Malta and has a population of 37,000 people.

several gozo island attractions

• Dwejra Bay: Whoever goes to Gozo will surely go to the Dwejra Bay where the Azure Window once stood. It is an enchanting location ideal for walks and memorable photos.
  
• Countryside Walks: With all the greenery in Gozo, a beautiful walk in the countryside is a must, especially during the winter months. Here are some of the best hiking trails in the country.
  
• Ggantija Temples Gozo: UNESCO has designated the Ggantija Temples as a World Heritage Site, a unique prehistoric monument in Gozo, with two structures were built between approximately 3600 and 3200 B.C.
• Marsalforn: Marsalforn Bay Gozo Malta is one of the most popular locations for accommodation, summer residences, beaches and restaurants. In summer, it comes to life with locals, Maltese and tourists.
  
• Tal Mixta Cave: Hidden high up in the fields, Mixta Cave is the place from where you can have a fantastic view of Ramla Bay, the valley and the surrounding sea.
• Citadella: The Citadel with its imposing fortifications visible from almost all of Gozo stands out as a major landmark. It is an ancient-fortified city which has been occupied by man since prehistoric times.
• Ta' Pinu Sanctuary: ‘The Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu’ church is located on the outskirts of the village of Gharb. It is a national shrine which is visited by almost every person who goes to the island of Gozo.

With such a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, there is no shortage of things to do in Gozo.

beaches in malta and gozo - take a dip in the Mediterranean

Golden Bay Beach in Malta

Swim in the crystal clear sea at the best beaches on the islands of Malta and Gozo. The islands offer a mix of rocky and sandy beaches. If you are visiting during the peak summer months, going to the beach should be at the top of your list of what to do on the islands.

During the year, especially winter season, there might be specific days that it would be adequate to go to the beach as the weather will be warm and pleasant. Although, the sea will be cold.

During the year we have 300 days of sunshine, so the island’s weather offers many sunny days. The beaches will be packed, especially between June and mid-September.

take a dip at one of the best beaches

• Mgarr ix-Xini: A few years ago Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt spent several months on the island of Gozo, the setting for "By the Sea," a film directed by Jolie. It was partly filmed at Mgarr ix-Xini Bay.
• Paradise Bay: A day at Paradise Bay opposite the Gozo ferry terminal at the far north of the island. A secluded and romantic beach for a complete rest, cut off from everything.
• Xlendi Bay: Enjoy a good swim at Xlendi Bay Gozo. Have a meal at any time especially in the evening along the promenade restaurants.
  
• St Peter's Pool: St. Peter’s Pool is a very popular rocky bay where foreigners come to Malta purposely to swim. It is located in the south of the island. It is a natural beauty with beautiful clear water.
• Ramla Bay: The bay is popular for its golden-reddish sand. It lies at the end of a fertile valley with the village of Xaghra as the closest village. Enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
• Ghadira: Ghadira Bay better known by foreigners as Mellieha Bay, lying in the north of the island. It is the longest sandy beach on the island, extremely popular for its shallow sea level for the first 20 metres. Ideal for children and many who love to play ball and freebee.
• Golden Bay: Golden Bay is a fantastic sandy beach, lovely with its natural surroundings. It is great to come here for swimming and sunbathing not only in summer but during less heat-intensive months. Enjoy the view from the top of the bay.

malta village feasts - Colourful Festa celebrations

Top Things To Do | The feast of St. Joseph at Rabat Malta

Village feasts have been a part of the Maltese culture for a very long time. During these feasts do not miss church functions, band marches, merry-making, fireworks and decorations. Foreigners call them Malta festa.

Feasts throughout the year, towns and villages celebrate the religious feast of their patron saint. They form part of the Maltese culture and traditional fabric for many centuries. These unique traditions are only found in Malta.

things about the maltese village feasts

• Worship Places: About 97% of its residents are Roman Catholic with 581 worship places. The Mosta dome is the world's third-highest unsupported dome. 
• Village feasts: The traditional Maltese festa is the highlight of the religious feast calendar mostly celebrated during summer for the positive weather conditions where enthusiasts decorate several streets at the core of their village. Check out some feast photos to get a glimpse of what happens.
• Decorated Villages: During a village feast, it is imperative to visit the parish church for its spectacular decorations, covered in red damask, chandeliers and many intricate silver décor. The core of the villages surrounding the parish church are the areas mostly decorated in the village. These unique opportunities are only seen in Malta and Gozo.
• Fireworks: Fireworks are an integral part of the Maltese feast. Summer brings with it numerous feasts where you can plan to see the ground and aerial fireworks, especially during the weekends. Certain villages have very intricate fireworks which need to be seen to be appreciated.
• Listen to band marches: There is no local feast without celebrations and band marches. It is a part of our culture to enjoy ourselves. There is a lot of rivalry, especially if there are two band clubs in the same village. Take the opportunity to share this experience while in Malta.

Plan your nightlife in malta - party the night away

Top Things To Do | Paceville Malta Nightlife

Make the most of your nightlife in Malta by dancing the night away in lively hotspots like Paceville. Each club, bar, and lounge offers a unique atmosphere and music. Maltese nightlife scene offers everything from dancing to cocktails by the sea to live music. Discover one of the top party destinations in the Mediterranean.

exploring the best of malta's nightlife

• Events: Look for events while in Malta. They span all through the year ranging from international singers, operas, plays, cultural festivals, carnival and sports.
• Entertainment: Nightlife in Malta is very entertaining. You can choose from going to the cinemas, casinos, clubbing, a show, international event, village feast and plenty more.
• New Year's Eve in Malta: On the night before the New Year, there are plenty of places to go and celebrate the last few hours before staring a brand-new year. From going to a restaurant to dancing the night away at a grand party. If you fancy celebrating in style, make sure you book ahead. NYE at Valletta is an open-air celebration where many flock to the capital.
• Summer Music Festivals: During the year, Malta hosts some big summer international festivals including Isle of MTV, Earth Garden, Lost and Found and plenty more.
• Boat Parties: Experience the excitement of Malta's summer boat parties, a night to remember. Sail from Sliema marina into the sunset, enjoy drinks from an open bar, snack on delicious treats, and dance to loud music until you return to port.
• Casino: On a tiny island with four casinos at Portomaso and The Dragonara Casino both at St. Julian’s, and the Oracle Casino at Bugibba. Amazing places where you will find great games to enjoy your time. 
• Clubs & Bars: Plenty of places for clubbing and bars to enjoy yourself. From rooftop terraces to the island's quaint oldest wine bar. There is everything for everyone and everything for any mood you are in.
• Open-air clubbing: During summer enjoy the magical outdoor club of Gianpula and Uno Malta. Both located close to Rabat in the countryside. You will not be disappointed with the atmosphere and entertainment offered till the early hours of the morning.

Explore the Top Megalithic Temples In Malta

Tarxien Temples Malta, among the oldest freestanding structures in the world

Admire, as the ancient history comes alive by visiting the top megalithic temples in Malta. The fascinating history goes back thousands of years, with some temples being discovered as the oldest in the world, even older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Some historical sites in Malta are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore The History Of Malta Of Hundreds Of Years Ago

• Hagar Qim and Mnajdra: From Wied iz-Zurrieq take a walk or drive to the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples, just a kilometre away. The Mnajdra Temple is renowned for its solar alignment when the rising sun aligns with the temple's central axis. This occurrence occurs twice every year.
• Tarxien: The Tarxien temples are covered with a protective tent from weather damage. Visitors can comfortably walk around the site on designated walkways, reading the signs explaining the various areas of the temple which is over 5000 years old.
• Ghar Dalam: The Ghar Dalam Cave is a 144-metres-long cave where a large number of animal bone remains were uncovered. This happened when they were stranded on the island a long time ago. At the museum of Ghar Dalam see the bones of elephants, hippos, dears and other animals.
• Skorba and Hagrat: These temples lie a few kilometres from each other at Mgarr. Through various excavations, archaeologists understood part of Malta’s history and they are dated as being among the oldest on the islands. Buy tickets and appreciate the genius of local megalithic construction when tools were so limited.
  

Make lifelong memories at Malta's top attractions and make memories that you will remember for a lifetime. We take great pleasure in sharing these experiences with all of you.

questions about top things to do in Malta

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By Albert and Benjamin Magro