Things to Do in Malta

MALTA, MEDITERRANEAN

Malta, a Mediterranean jewel, is a compact archipelago steeped in millennia of history. Its strategic location has shaped a vibrant culture blending Phoenician, Roman, and Arab influences. Despite its modest size, Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including megalithic temples older than the pyramids. The islands offer an extraordinary tapestry of experiences, from fortified cities to hidden coves, where every corner reveals a chapter of human civilisation. It is a destination where ancient whispers resonate through timeless landscapes, creating an unparalleled journey through time — all reachable in three hours from London with KM Malta Airlines.

Valletta — The Capital

Valletta, Malta's fortified capital, is a baroque masterpiece overlooking the stunning Grand Harbour. St John's Co-Cathedral dazzles with its gilded interior and two Caravaggio masterpieces — the only canvas Caravaggio ever signed hangs here. The Grandmaster's Palace, once the seat of Knights' power, now houses opulent state rooms and 5,000 pieces of armour. The harbour's dramatic vistas are best savoured from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, while nearby Strait Street buzzes with chic bars and galleries, echoing its bohemian past. This city effortlessly marries grandeur with intimate charm, offering a sensory feast at every turn.

Ancient Temples

Malta's ancient temples, predating Stonehenge and Egypt's pyramids by over a thousand years, are a testament to a sophisticated prehistoric civilisation. Ħaġar Qim, perched on rugged clifftops overlooking the sea, and the colossal Ġgantija on Gozo showcase remarkable megalithic architecture built without metal tools. The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, a subterranean necropolis carved entirely from rock, offers an eerie journey into Neolithic ritual and requires advance booking. These UNESCO-listed sites, dating back to 3600 BC, reveal advanced engineering and spiritual depth, inviting visitors to ponder the mysteries of Malta's enigmatic prehistoric past.

Beaches & Water

Malta's coastline is a playground for aquatic adventures and sun-seekers alike. The Blue Lagoon on Comino, with its turquoise water over white sand, is a must-visit for swimming and snorkelling — arrive before 10am in summer to experience it at its finest. Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay offer sandy shores and family-friendly conditions. Diving at Dwejra on Gozo reveals underwater caves and vibrant marine life, with visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres. The Mediterranean's clarity and warmth make Malta a year-round haven for water enthusiasts, blending relaxation with exploration at every turn.

Gozo & Comino

Gozo and Comino, accessible by a 25-minute ferry from Ċirkewwa, offer a tranquil escape from Malta's busier areas. Gozo's rolling hills and traditional stone farmhouses evoke a timeless rural charm entirely absent from the main island. The Citadel at Victoria commands panoramic views across the entire island and shelters a baroque cathedral, museums, and atmospheric medieval streets. Ramla Bay's distinctive red-gold sand beach, associated with Homer's Odyssey and the nymph Calypso, ranks among the Mediterranean's most compelling. A day trip to Gozo reveals Malta's rustic soul — where slow living and natural beauty intertwine.

Food, Nightlife & Festivals

Malta's evenings pulse with energy and flavour across the archipelago. Paceville in St Julian's is the nightlife hub, with clubs and bars that run until dawn throughout the summer season. For culinary discovery, the Marsaxlokk Sunday market brims with fresh seafood and local produce against a backdrop of painted luzzus in the harbour. Village festas, celebrated weekly from spring through autumn, explode with fireworks, brass bands, and street parties. Carnival in February brings vibrant parades and elaborate costumes to Valletta. From rabbit stew at Rabino to innovative Mediterranean cuisine at Valletta's finest restaurants, Malta's food scene rewards the adventurous.