Malta: What to See in 7–10 Days? Best Places & Travel Hacks

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Malta has a packed itinerary, but even in 8–10 days, you can see all the major highlights. I hope this guide helps you create the perfect travel plan! 🚀

Malta is vastly different from other Mediterranean islands of similar size. One of the smallest countries in the world, it amazes visitors with the sheer number of attractions per square meter.

I’ll share what to do and see in Malta over 7–10 days, including top landmarks, activities, and fun experiences. This guide is super useful not only for first-time visitors but also for myself, as I’m planning a trip to Malta in a few years.

Malta consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Here, you’ll find ancient cities, turquoise lagoons, stunning cliffs, world-class landmarks, sandy and rocky beaches, as well as amazing snorkeling and diving spots.

💡 Tip! If you’re short on time or on a budget, use the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour. It’s a quick way to explore major attractions, beaches, and historical sites. You can also use it to discover Gozo.

Now, let’s get to the good part—what you absolutely must see!

We stayed in Sliema—a town right next to Valletta, just a few minutes away from the capital by ferry. That’s where we’ll start our journey.

Exploring the Streets of Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s tiny capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ancient architecture and impressive fortifications.

This city is perfect for wandering through narrow streets, moving from one landmark to another. Valletta has retained its historic appearance since the time of the Knights of the Order of St. John, who built it after the Great Siege of 1565. The Ottoman Turks lost the battle, and Valletta has remained nearly unchanged ever since.

🔹 What to See in Valletta:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral – Valletta’s main landmark, a lavish Baroque cathedral with stunning frescoes. The best view of it is from the sea when arriving by ferry. Entrance fee: €15.
Upper Barrakka Gardens & Saluting Battery – A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Every morning, an artillery show takes place here.
Barrakka Lift – A quick way to get from the waterfront to the gardens. Cost: €1. Be prepared for long queues.
Fort St. Angelo – A massive fortress located in Birgu, one of the Three Cities.
Fort St. Elmo – A fortress at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula.
Museums: The National Museum of Archaeology, MUŻA (National Art Museum), War Museum, and the underground Lascaris War Rooms.
Grand Master’s Palace – The former residence of the Knights of St. John.
Casa Rocca Piccola – A 16th-century noble palace still inhabited by the same family.

Day Trip to Comino Island

If you’re in Malta, set aside one day for Comino—a tiny island of just 3.5 km². Unlike the main island, Comino is all about nature, wild bays, and sea caves.

🔹 What to See:
Blue Lagoon – The most famous spot, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water.
Crystal Lagoon – A lesser-known but equally stunning bay.
Santa Maria Cave – A top snorkeling location.

💡 How to Get There?
There are two options:
🚤 Rent a private boat with a captain – A pricier but unforgettable experience.
⛴️ Join a group tour – A cheaper option (€30–40 per person) for a 7-hour trip departing from Valletta or Sliema.

💡 Best Time to Visit?
May to November – when the water is warm enough for swimming and snorkeling.

The Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea & Cospicua

The Three CitiesBirgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua – are located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta and look like one large historical complex.

🔹 What You Need to Know:
✅ Birgu is Malta’s oldest city, founded in medieval times.
✅ Best way to get there – Take a ferry from Valletta or ride a traditional Maltese boat (dgħajsa). This is not only a fast way to reach the Three Cities but also an opportunity to enjoy a stunning view of Valletta from the water.

Fort St. Angelo

When looking at Valletta’s Grand Harbour, the first thing that catches your eye is the massive Fort St. Angelo.

This fortress is located in Birgu (one of the Three Cities) and was originally built as a castle in the Middle Ages. It played a crucial role in defending Malta and offers one of the best panoramic views of Valletta.

Day Trip to Gozo

Maltese people jokingly call Gozo their “countryside” and often look down on the locals, considering them rural villagers.

But Gozo is all about nature, tranquility, authentic villages, untouched coastlines, and incredible diving spots. The island is three times smaller than Malta, making it perfect for a one-day trip.

🔹 How to Get There?

👉 On your own:
• Travel to Ċirkewwa Port on Malta.
• Take the Gozo Channel ferry (runs every 45 minutes).
Cost: €4.65 per pedestrian, €15.70 per car.
Travel time: ~25 minutes.

👉 On a tour (for example, a quad bike tour with a speedboat transfer).

🔹 What to See in Gozo:
Ramla Beach – The largest sandy beach on the island.
Dwejra Bay – A picturesque coastal area.
Calypso’s Cave – According to legend, this is where the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus.
Marsalforn & Salt Pans – A traditional salt extraction site.
Return to Malta via speedboat through the Blue Lagoon & sea caves.

💡 If you have 8–10 days in Malta, definitely add Gozo to your itinerary!

Megalithic Temples of Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra

In addition to medieval landmarks, Malta is home to megalithic temples that are even older than the Egyptian pyramids.

🔹 What to See?
These include Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra – two temple complexes located on the southern coast of Malta, built around 3600 BC.

To some, they might look like just a pile of giant stone blocks, but for history lovers, this is a unique archaeological site.

💡 Recommended only for those interested in ancient history.

Kayaking in Ġnejna Bay

Not everyone enjoys active adventures, but we love them!

🔹 Where to Kayak?
• Ġnejna Bay – located on the northwest coast of Malta.
• Right next to the historic Ta’ Lippija Tower.
• You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski directly at the beach.

Sunset at Dingli Cliffs

🔹 Dingli Cliffs are Malta’s highest cliffs, located on the southwest coast of the island.

📍 From here, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, especially at sunset. There are several viewpoints along the cliffs—just pick your favorite spot!

Diving in Malta: Top Spots

🔹 If you love diving, here are two must-visit spots:
Blue Hole (Gozo) – one of Malta’s most famous dive sites.
P31 Wreck (Comino) – a sunken patrol boat, great for beginner divers.

💡 Both are located at shallow depths, making them suitable even for new divers.

🔹 Other Top Diving Spots:
✅ El Faroud tanker wreck (Malta)
✅ MV Karwela wreck (Gozo)
✅ Double Arch Cave (Gozo)
✅ Santa Maria Caves (Comino)
✅ Inland Sea Tunnel (Gozo)
✅ Blenheim Bomber wreck (Malta) – a WWII aircraft lying at the bottom of the sea.

Blue Grotto (Taħt il-Ħnejja)

🔹 The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most stunning sea caves, featuring a massive limestone arch and crystal-clear blue water.

📍 How to See It?
For Free – from the viewpoint in the fishing village of Wied iż-Żurrieq.
By Boat – take a traditional Maltese boat tour (departing from the same harbor). During the trip, you’ll explore six different sea caves.

💡 How to Get There?
By car or with an organized tour from Mellieħa, St. Julian’s, Sliema, or Valletta.

Popeye Village

🔹 Popeye Village is the leftover movie set from the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams.

I have no idea what this movie is about, never watched it, and don’t plan to. But this might be a fun place for kids.

📍 Info:
• Opening hours: 10:00 AM until evening.
• Entry fee: €16.50 for adults, €12.50 for children.

💡 Alternative: There’s a free viewpoint called Anchor Lookout nearby, offering stunning panoramic views of the village and the sea.

Crystal Lagoon

It’s less famous than the Blue Lagoon but just as stunning.

📍 Where is it?
• South of the Blue Lagoon, on Comino Island.
• A perfect spot for cliff jumping, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves.

The main highlight of this place is a natural 30-meter tunnel carved into the rock. The water glows in neon blue, especially in bright sunlight.

Cafe del Mar: A Bar with an Infinity Pool

I won’t list every bar in Malta, but this one is special.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ Not just for the bar, but for its stunning infinity pool on the cliffs.
✅ The perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset.
✅ Located near the National Aquarium in St. Paul’s Bay.

💡 Best time to visit? Come in the evening to enjoy the vibe without the crowds.

Horseback Riding at Golden Bay

This isn’t the most obvious activity in Malta, but it’s absolutely magical.

🔹 What You Need to Know:
✅ Best time to ride? Before sunset – the views are unreal.
✅ Book a tour with Golden Bay Horse Riding.
✅ Golden Bay is on the northwest coast, near Mellieħa Bay.
✅ The Radisson Blu Resort is nearby, and the bay itself is a beautiful sandy beach.

Hiking Trails in Malta

🔹 Where to Hike?
✅ Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park – a protected nature park between Golden Bay and Il-Prajjet Bay.
✅ Għajn Tuffieħa Beach Trail – a scenic coastal route.
✅ Malta’s Southern Coast – sea caves, cliffs, and almost no tourists.
✅ Għar Lapsi Area – free parking and a bus stop nearby.

💡 Best time to hike? Sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and fewer people.

Għar Dalam Cave

📍 Where is it?
• Located on Malta’s western coast, near Marsaxlokk, Pretty Bay, and Delimara Point.

🔹 Why is it interesting?
✅ Malta’s oldest historical site.
✅ Fossils of extinct dwarf elephants, hippos, bears, wolves, and even giant swans were found here.
✅ Traces of prehistoric human settlements dating back 7,400 years.
✅ A museum next to the cave displays all the discoveries.

💡 A must-visit for history and archaeology lovers!

Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ Famous for its traditional brightly colored luzzu fishing boats.
✅ Sunday fish market – the freshest seafood on the island.
✅ Authentic waterfront cafés and restaurants.
✅ Besides seafood, you’ll find souvenirs and handmade local crafts at the market.

💡 Fun Fact: In the past, you could buy fresh fish and have it cooked on the spot. Now, they only sell it, but the atmosphere is still amazing.

Delimara Point & Il-Kalanka Lighthouse

📍 Where is it?
• Southeast coast of Malta, near Marsaxlokk.

🔹 What to See?
✅ Il-Kalanka Lighthouse – an amazing viewpoint overlooking the sea and cliffs.
✅ Il-Kalanka Beach – a hidden, tourist-free spot with crystal-clear water and a peaceful atmosphere.

💡 Best time to visit? Sunset – the views are unreal! 🌅

St. Peter’s Pool

🔹 What is it?
A natural swimming pool carved into the rocks, located slightly above Il-Kalanka Beach.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ A metal ladder for easy access to the water.
✅ A flat rock platform for cliff jumping.
✅ Perfect for swimming in crystal-clear water.

Munxar Cliffs

🔹 Where are they?
North of Delimara Point.

🔹 Why Are They Special?
✅ Massive limestone cliffs with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
✅ Hiking and cycling trails along the coastline.
✅ Many sea caves at the base of the cliffs.

💡 Rent a bike or join a cycling tour!

Coral Lagoon

This was once a huge sea cave, but after the collapse of its roof, it became a stunning natural lagoon – one of Malta’s hidden gems.

🔹 How to Get There?
🚤 Only by sea – via boat or kayak.
🚣‍♂️ Kayak rental available at Armier Bay Beach.
💡 Best time to visit? Midday, when the sea glows bright turquoise.

🚢 Boat tour option: Take a trip from Marsaxlokk, stopping at Coral Lagoon, Blue Hole, and St. Paul’s Islands.

Spend a Day at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception

📍 Where is it?
At Mellieħa Bay’s Cape, near Coral Lagoon.

🔹 Why Go?
✅ A unique sunset spot without crowds.
✅ Peaceful, quiet, and panoramic sea views.

Hiking Around Miġra l-Ferħa

Malta’s western coast is less developed than the eastern and southern parts.

🔹 What’s Interesting Here?
✅ Mtahleb Village – a tiny rural area with almost no people, just a few farms and a lone church by the sea.
✅ Perfect for peaceful sunset hikes.
✅ Coastal trails with dramatic, wild landscapes.
✅ Miġra l-Ferħa – a breathtaking hiking area.

💡 Almost no tourists here—even locals rarely visit!

Wied il-Mielaħ Window (Gozo Island)

Most people have heard of Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017. But Gozo has another stunning natural archWied il-Mielaħ Window.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ The water beneath the arch is insanely turquoise – it looks incredible in photos.
✅ It’s hidden among cliffs, requiring a short climb down stone steps.
✅ A relatively unknown spot, so no crowds!

💡 How to Get There?
🚗 Best by car.
🛵 Some quad bike tours stop here as well.

Boat Trip Around Malta

Malta is one of the best destinations for sea adventures.

🔹 What Can You See from the Water?
✅ Pristine coastline, hidden bays, gorges, and lagoons.
✅ Landmarks from a new perspective – forts, sea caves, and natural arches.
✅ Group and private tours available on yachts, catamarans, or speedboats.

💡 You can rent a yacht or a boat with a skipper in any Maltese port.

Rock Climbing on Gozo

If you love more than just hiking along cliffs and actually want to climb them, then Gozo is your paradise.

🔹 Why is it a top climbing destination?
✅ Gozo is one of the best rock climbing spots in Europe.
✅ Routes for both beginners and experienced climbers.
✅ Breathtaking sea and cliffside views.

💡 If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, grab your gear and conquer the Maltese heights! 🧗‍♂️

Kayaking from Gozo to Comino

If you’re staying in Gozo, forget about traditional boat tours – rent a kayak and explore Comino on your own!

🔹 What You Need to Know?
✅ If you’re a beginner, take a guided kayaking tour.
✅ The route takes you through the Blue Lagoon and Comino’s sea caves.
✅ One of the best operators: Gozo Adventures.

💡 This way of traveling gives you more freedom and a truly unique experience!

Ġgantija Temples – The Megalithic Era

📍 Where is it?
• Located on Gozo and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🔹 What Remains Today?
✅ Giant limestone blocks that are over 5,600 years old (built around 3,600 BC).
✅ A museum with ancient artifacts, recently renovated.

💡 These temples are the world’s oldest megalithic structures—older than the Egyptian pyramids!

Gozo’s Capital – Rabat (Victoria)

📍 What is this city?
🔹 Rabat (Victoria) is the main city of Gozo, home to about 7,000 residents.

🔹 What to See?
✅ The Citadel & Armory – an ancient fortress in the heart of the island.
✅ Independence Square – the central town square.
✅ St. George’s Basilica – the city’s main church.
✅ Republic Street – the main pedestrian street.
✅ The Old Prison – with historical graffiti carved into its walls.
✅ Folklore Museum – a great place to learn about Gozo’s traditions.

💡 Rabat is the cultural heart of Gozo, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs & Sanap Cliffs – Best Sunset Spots

📍 Where are they?
• On Gozo’s southern coast, just 5 minutes apart by car.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ Unbeatable sunset viewpoints.
✅ Dramatic 120-meter-high cliffs.
✅ Scenic coastal hiking trails.

💡 If you love chasing epic sunsets, these are must-visit spots!

Top 6 Beaches on Gozo

Gozo has better sandy beaches than the main island of Malta.

🔹 Which Beaches to Visit?
✅ Wied il-Għasri – a scenic bay and natural gorge in the north.
✅ Ramla Bay – famous for its red sand.
✅ Hondoq ir-Rummien – a cozy sandy beach.
✅ “Secret” Beach of Mġarr ix-Xini – a hidden gem.
✅ Xlendi Bay – a popular beach with crystal-clear water.
✅ Inland Sea (Qawra) – a lagoon separated from the sea by a natural rock tunnel.

💡 To visit all these beaches, rent a car or a quad bike.

Calypso’s Cave – Homer’s Legend

📍 Where is it?
• Near Ramla Bay on Gozo.

🔹 What’s the Myth?
✅ This is the cave where, according to legend, the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus for seven years after his shipwreck.

💡 Due to a collapse, the cave is closed, but there’s a viewpoint overlooking Ramla Beach.

Maltese Street Food – Pastizzi

🍽️ What is it?
🔹 Pastizzi are traditional flaky pastries filled with ricotta cheese or curried peas.

💡 They cost around €1 and are sold in every Maltese village. A must-try!

Blue Hole – Gozo’s Diving Mecca

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Dwejra Bay, Gozo Island.

🔹 Why is this a top diving site?
✅ A natural cylindrical sinkhole in the rock, 15 meters deep.
✅ Crystal-clear water with incredible visibility.
✅ Sea caves located right next to the diving spot.

💡 Even if you don’t dive, the Blue Hole is still worth seeing!

Fungus Rock in Dwejra Bay

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Near the circular lagoon in Dwejra Bay, Gozo.

🔹 What is it?
✅ A tiny rock island rising above the water.
✅ A great spot for photos and a quick stop during your Gozo trip.

💡 If you’re already in Dwejra, make sure to check it out!

Romantic Picnic on Gozo

We love picnics in nature, and Gozo is the perfect place for one.

🔹 Why have a picnic on Gozo?
✅ Plenty of scenic and secluded locations.
✅ Picnics are allowed in public areas.
✅ Just remember – don’t leave trash behind!

💡 Pack some traditional pastizzi, local cheese, and wine – the perfect picnic set!

Azure Window (What’s Left of It)

In 2017, Malta’s famous Azure Window collapsed.

🔹 What’s there now?
✅ A popular dive site, where divers explore the underwater remains of the arch.
✅ Can be combined with a dive at the Blue Hole.

💡 Even if you don’t dive, the views here are still spectacular!

Salt Pans on Gozo

📍 Where are they?
🔹 Northern coast (Xwejni Salt Pans).
🔹 Western coast (Xlendi Salt Pans).

🔹 What’s interesting?
✅ These are natural reservoirs where seawater evaporates, leaving behind salt.
✅ In ancient times, salt was considered valuable currency.
✅ You can see traditional salt-harvesting techniques still in use today.

💡 Great spot for some unique, atmospheric photos!

Tal-Mixta Cave (Gozo)

📍 Where is it?
🔹 On a hillside above Ramla Bay.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ An open cave with a tunnel-like entrance.
✅ Offers a breathtaking view of Ramla Beach.
✅ One of the best sunset viewpoints on Gozo.

💡 If you visit Ramla Bay, don’t miss this cave!

Santa Maria Cave (Comino)

📍 Where is it?
🔹 On Comino Island.

🔹 Why is it famous?
✅ Crystal-clear blue water.
✅ Accessible only by boat – usually included in Comino tours.

💡 During a boat trip, you’ll also see other sea caves!

Elephant Rock (Comino)

📍 Where is it?
🔹 On the eastern side of Comino.

🔹 Why the name?
✅ The natural rock arch resembles an elephant’s head.
✅ Usually included in boat tours around Comino.

💡 A great photo stop!

Mdina – Malta’s Ancient Capital

📍 Where is it?
🔹 In central Malta.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ A medieval walled city.
✅ Knights of the Order of St. John still appear in historical reenactments.
✅ Baroque architecture and narrow, labyrinth-like streets.
✅ Fewer tourists compared to Valletta.

💡 You can reach Mdina by public transport or by car.

Rabat – The Suburb of Mdina

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Right outside Mdina’s main gate.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ In Arabic, “Rabat” means “suburb”.
✅ There are two Rabats in Malta – this one is next to Mdina.

💡 If you visit Mdina, stop by Rabat as well!

Jet Skiing & Paragliding in Malta

📍 Where?
🔹 Armier Bay (North Malta).
🔹 Mellieħa Bay & Marsaskala.
🔹 Paragliding in St. George’s Bay.

🔹 What Can You Do?
✅ Rent a jet ski and speed along the coast.
✅ Go paragliding over the sea for breathtaking aerial views.

💡 Jet skis and paragliding tours are organized by Jet Ski Experience (South Malta).

St. Paul’s Island (Selmunett)

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Near Malta’s northeastern coast.

🔹 What’s There?
✅ Few tourists, clear waters, and a rugged landscape.
✅ A statue of St. Paul, dating back to 1649.
✅ Ruins of an old watchtower.

💡 Accessible only by boat or kayak.

Tarxien Temples & Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

📍 Where are they?
🔹 Near Valletta.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ Tarxien Temples – prehistoric stone-carved reliefs of animals.
✅ Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – an underground necropolis with over 7,000 burials, dating back to 3150 BC.

💡 The Hypogeum is one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites!

Try Maltese Wines at Markus Divinus Zafrana

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Near the Dingli Cliffs, Malta.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ One of the best wineries for tasting local Maltese wines.
✅ Set in a picturesque landscape.
✅ A perfect spot for wine lovers.

💡 If you appreciate quality wines as much as we do, this is a must-visit! 🍷

Ninu’s Cave & Xerri’s Grotto (Gozo)

📍 Where are they?
🔹 On Gozo, located within private homes.

🔹 What’s Unique?
✅ Discovered accidentally by locals while digging wells.
✅ Accessed via a spiral staircase.
✅ Features stalactites, stalagmites, and underground formations.
✅ Xerri’s Grotto is the deepest, descending about 10 meters.

💡 You can visit them on your own or with a local guide.

Sunset Spot – St. Agatha’s Red Tower (It-Torri L-Aħmar)

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Above Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), on a nearby hill.

🔹 Why Climb Up?
✅ A former watchtower with views over Gozo and Comino.
✅ Spectacular sunsets.
✅ A peaceful spot with few tourists.

💡 A great location for evening photography! 📸

Join a Traditional Maltese Festival

📍 Where?
🔹 All over Malta, in various villages throughout the year.

🔹 What’s it About?
✅ Festivals from the time of the Knights, still celebrated today.
✅ Colorful parades, fireworks, music, and street food.
✅ Example: Feast of Our Lady of the Lily in Mqabba.

💡 Before your trip, check online for festivals happening during your visit!

Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Malta

📍 Where was Season 1 filmed?
✅ Rabat (Malta) – Red Keep’s gardens.
✅ Mdina Gate – Entrance to King’s Landing.
✅ Fort St. Angelo – The Red Keep’s dungeons.
✅ Mtahleb Cliffs – Daenerys’ dragon scene.
✅ Azure Window (before it collapsed) – Dothraki wedding scene.

💡 Malta was a key filming location for some iconic scenes!

Rotunda of Mosta – Impressive Architecture

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Central Malta, southwest of Valletta.

🔹 Why is it unique?
✅ The third-largest dome in Europe (37 meters in diameter).
✅ The world’s largest unsupported dome.
✅ Breathtaking both inside and out.

💡 A must-visit for architecture lovers!

Sliema & St. Julian’s – Malta’s Resort Zone

📍 Why are these towns popular?
✅ Best location for exploring Malta.
✅ Shops, restaurants, promenades, and nightlife.
✅ Ideal for those who love an active vacation.

💡 If you want a mix of beach relaxation and vibrant nightlife, stay here!

Mellieħa – A Cozy Resort with a Beautiful Beach

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Northern Malta, facing Gozo.

🔹 Why Visit?
✅ A long sandy beach – perfect for families and couples.
✅ Shallow waters, ideal for children.
✅ Foresta 2000 Nature Reserve nearby.
✅ Classic promenade with cafés and restaurants.
✅ Easy access to Armier Bay and Ramla tal-Bir beaches.

💡 If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the perfect spot!

The Great Wall of Malta (Victoria Lines)

📍 What is it?
✅ A 12-kilometer-long defensive wall from the British Empire era.
✅ Stretches from Madliena to Rabat.
✅ A fantastic hiking trail with historical significance.

🔹 What Can You See Along the Route?
✅ Fort Mosta.
✅ Targa Battery.
✅ Dwejra Fortifications.
✅ Fort Binġemma.

💡 Best for hiking during the cooler months!

Traditional Maltese Cuisine

Malta has 31 Michelin-starred restaurants, which proves how seriously the island takes food.

However, you don’t need to visit Michelin restaurants to enjoy authentic Maltese cuisine. Many fantastic places offer traditional food at reasonable prices (€30-40 for dinner).

🔹 Some of the best restaurants in Malta & Gozo:

🍽️ Top Places to Eat:
✅ Don Berto – Birgu.
✅ Coast @ Cassarini Restaurant – Near the Blue Grotto, Wied iż-Żurrieq.
✅ The Fat Rabbit – Gozo, huge portions!
✅ Ta’ Rikardu – Gozo, a fortress restaurant, perfect for a light lunch.
✅ Cafe del Mar – St. Paul’s Bay, beach club with an infinity pool.
✅ Diar il-Bniet – Dingli, Malta. Authentic Maltese food, fantastic atmosphere (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)
✅ Nenu The Artisan Baker – Valletta, traditional Maltese baked goods.
✅ Il Pirata – Mellieħa Bay, cozy restaurant with great service (Recommended!)
✅ Fontanella Tea Garden – Mdina, amazing desserts & stunning views.
✅ No 43 – Valletta, budget-friendly café with great reviews.

💡 If you want to try authentic Maltese dishes, go for pastizzi, Maltese stews, and rabbit (Fenkata).

Valletta’s Best Museums

Valletta is a city of museums. If you love history and art, check out these:

🏛️ Top Museums & Galleries:
✅ National Museum of Archaeology.
✅ MUŻA – National Art Museum.
✅ The Armoury.
✅ National War Museum (Fort St. Elmo).
✅ Lascaris War Rooms.
✅ Malta Maritime Museum.

💡 Planning to visit multiple museums? Get the Heritage Malta Multi-Pass (€25).

Għar Ħasan Sea Cave

📍 Where is it?
🔹 Southern Malta, near the Freeport.

🔹 Why is it unique?
✅ Not in tourist guides – even locals barely know about it.
✅ Entrance through a hole in a fence near the parking area.
✅ Epic sea views from the cave entrance.
✅ Some tunnels are still accessible, but the best parts are now closed.

💡 Accessible only by car!

Tal-Inwadar National Park

📍 Where is it?
🔹 On Malta’s east coast, near Marsaskala.

🔹 What’s Interesting?
✅ Quiet coastal area with almost no tourists.
✅ Beautiful hiking trails.
✅ Recognized as a national park in 2016.

💡 If you want to explore Malta’s natural side, this is the perfect spot! 🌿

Where to Stay in Malta

Malta offers accommodation for every budget, from 5-star hotels to budget apartments and hostels.

📍 Choosing the right area is key!

🔹 Top 9 Areas to Stay in Malta:
✅ Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay) – Best for beach vacations.
✅ Sliema – Convenient for exploring Malta, great infrastructure.
✅ Valletta – History, culture, ideal for museum & architecture lovers.
✅ St. Julian’s – Nightlife, entertainment, bars & clubs.
✅ St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba & Qawra – Family-friendly resorts with pools.
✅ The Three Cities – Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua – Historic atmosphere.
✅ Marsaxlokk & Marsaskala – Authentic fishing villages with fresh seafood.
✅ Mdina – Stay inside a medieval fortress for a unique experience.
✅ Gozo – Ideal for nature lovers & a relaxed getaway.

💡 If it’s your first time in Malta, stick to the first four options!

Quick Travel Tips for Malta

✅ Malta’s airport is near Luqa, in central Malta.
• Getting to your hotel:
🚍 Bus – cheapest option.
🚖 Taxi – €10-15.
🚗 Rental car – most convenient way to explore Malta.

Rent a Car!
🚗 Public transport exists, but buses are slow.
🚗 A car lets you explore all corners of the island freely.
🚗 We book via LocalRent – reliable service with good prices.

Money
💶 Currency – Euro (€).
💳 ATMs are everywhere, and cards are widely accepted.

Language
🗣 Maltese & English are the official languages.
🗣 Many locals also understand Italian.

Travel Insurance
🛡️ We always book online via Hotline Finance.

Public Transport
🚍 Bus tickets are valid for 1 hour, allowing transfers.
🚍 Buses run every 15–60 minutes but can be delayed.
🚍 Some routes require transfers, which takes time.

Ferries Between Islands
⛴️ Ferries connect Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
⛴️ Tickets are sold directly at the port – very easy process.

How Much Time Do You Need for Malta?

🗓️ 7–10 days is ideal to combine beaches and sightseeing.
🗓️ If you have 10–14 days, set aside 2–3 days for Gozo.
🗓️ Comino is best visited as a one-day boat trip.

Final Thoughts

Malta is a small but incredibly diverse country. In just 7–10 days, you can:
✅ Wander through Valletta’s historic streets
✅ Swim in the Blue Lagoon on Comino
✅ Explore the Three Cities & Fort St. Angelo
✅ Take a day trip to Gozo
✅ Visit prehistoric megalithic temples
✅ Go kayaking in Ġnejna Bay
✅ Watch the sunset from Dingli Cliffs
✅ Dive into Malta’s underwater world
✅ Explore sea caves at the Blue Grotto

If you have limited time, focus on Valletta, Comino, Gozo, and the Three Cities. But if you can stay longer, add more outdoor adventures, diving spots, and historical sites to your list!

💡 Malta is best visited from May to October when the weather is warm, and the sea is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

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