Last updated: 05 July 2026
Tiny but mighty, the Maltese archipelago packs honey-coloured cities, 5,600-year-old temples, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean into three small islands you can cross in under an hour. Sitting between Sicily and North Africa, Malta rewards sun-seekers, history lovers, and everyone in between. Whether you want to laze on a beach or lose yourself in a walled medieval city, there is plenty to fill an itinerary.
Here are ten of the best things to do in Malta, with up-to-date prices, opening hours, and practical tips to help you plan.
1. Explore the Malta National Aquarium
Set inside a striking starfish-shaped building on the seafront at Qawra (St Paul’s Bay), the Malta National Aquarium is an easy, family-friendly half-day out. Around 50 themed tanks house more than 250 species, with a highlight walk-through tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead. Interactive displays double as a gentle introduction to Mediterranean marine conservation.
Good to know: Adult tickets are about €16.90, children (4 to 12) €10.90, seniors (60+) €13.90, and under-4s go free. Buy online for a small discount. It is open daily, though hours shift with the season (roughly 10:00 to 18:00, later in summer, with last entry about 30 minutes before closing). Bus routes stop right outside, and there is on-site parking you can validate at reception.
2. Try traditional Maltese food
Maltese cuisine blends Sicilian, North African, and British influences, and it is some of the best value in the Mediterranean. Start with pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, from a street kiosk, then sit down for ftira (Malta’s sourdough sandwich), bragioli (beef olives), or the island’s beloved fenek (rabbit stew). Wash it down with a glass of local Ġellewża or Girgentina wine, which is widely available and pairs well with almost anything on the table.
For an atmospheric meal, head to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk on a Sunday, where waterfront restaurants serve the morning’s catch beside the colourful luzzu boats.
3. Wander the medieval Silent City of Mdina
Malta’s former capital, Mdina, is a fortified hilltop town of just a few hundred residents, earning it the nickname the “Silent City.” Its honey-stone palazzos, narrow shaded lanes, and sweeping views over the island make it feel frozen in time (fans of Game of Thrones may recognise its gates as King’s Landing from season one).
Tip: Visit in the early afternoon, when day-trippers thin out and the streets fall quiet, or come at dusk when the lamplit alleys are at their most magical. Entry to the town is free. Pair it with neighbouring Rabat and the St Paul’s Catacombs to round out the day.
4. Take an island-hopping cruise to the Blue Lagoon
One of the most popular things to do in Malta is a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, where impossibly turquoise shallows are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Most cruises also take in Gozo and the surrounding sea caves.
Tip: The Blue Lagoon gets very busy in peak season, so choose a reputable operator and aim for an early-morning or late-afternoon departure to beat the crowds. Ignore the hard-sell add-ons hawked from passing speedboats and stick with your booked tour.
5. Photograph the Three Cities (Cottonera)
Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta sit the fortified Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla), collectively known as the Cottonera. Older and quieter than the capital, they offer waterfront promenades, Baroque churches, and some of the best harbour views in Malta. Explore on foot, or arrive by traditional dgħajsa water taxi from Valletta for a memorable approach. Bring a camera, because the Senglea gardens (Gardjola) frame a postcard view of the harbour.
6. Discover the capital, Valletta
Compact, walkable, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, Valletta is essential on any list of things to do in Malta. Wander its grid of steep, stepped streets to admire enclosed timber balconies, ornate shopfronts, and the grand St John’s Co-Cathedral, home to a Caravaggio masterpiece. Do not miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the daily saluting-battery cannon fire. A guided walking tour is a great way to unpack the city’s Knights of St John history.
7. Cross to Gozo, Malta’s greener island
The second-largest island in the archipelago, Gozo trades city bustle for rolling countryside, dramatic cliffs, and terracotta-red sand at Ramla Bay. Its capital, Victoria (Rabat), is crowned by the Cittadella, a hilltop citadel with 360-degree views across the island. Gozo is also known for handmade lace, pottery, and filigree, and its rugged coast has starred in films including Game of Thrones, though the iconic Azure Window that featured in the series sadly collapsed into the sea in 2017. The fast ferry from Valletta reaches Gozo in around 45 minutes.
8. Sunbathe at Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa
For classic sand-and-sea time, head to the neighbouring northwest beaches of Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. A short walk over the rocky headland links the two and delivers a superb vantage point for photos. Golden Bay is the more developed of the pair, with easy access and facilities, while Għajn Tuffieħa, reached via a flight of steps, is quieter and more unspoilt. Both deliver glorious Mediterranean sunsets.
9. Step back 5,600 years at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
Perched on the southern cliffs near Qrendi, the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are among the oldest free-standing stone structures on Earth, built between roughly 3600 and 3200 BC, predating both Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza. These UNESCO-listed Neolithic sites sit about 500 metres apart, linked by a scenic coastal footpath, so it is easy to see both in one visit.
Good to know: A single combined ticket covers both temples plus the visitor centre and its 4D film, at around €10 for adults (card payment only). If you are temple-hopping, a Heritage Malta multi-site pass (about €25) covers several major sites. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade. The nearby Blue Grotto sea caves make a natural pairing.
10. Go diving and snorkelling
Malta is one of Europe’s premier scuba-diving destinations, thanks to warm, clear water, dramatic underwater topography, and a wealth of wrecks. Divers can explore caves, reefs, and famous shipwrecks, while snorkellers will find plenty to see in the shallows. With numerous dive schools and guided trips across Malta, Gozo, and Comino, it is a great place to earn your certification or log an experienced dive. Popular sites include the Um El Faroud wreck, the Cirkewwa reefs, and Gozo’s Inland Sea.
Planning your trip: best time to visit and where to stay
Best time to visit Malta: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal, being warm, sunny, and far less crowded than the peak of July and August, when temperatures regularly top 32°C. Winters are mild and quiet, perfect for sightseeing without the heat.
Getting around: Malta’s Tallinja buses reach almost every town and attraction on a single-zone network. A single ticket costs €2 in winter (mid-October to mid-June) and €2.50 in summer, valid for two hours with free transfers. If you are sightseeing daily, a 7-day Explore card (€25 adult, €7 child) or the shareable 12-journey card (€19) usually works out cheaper. Pay by contactless card or exact-change cash, as drivers do not give change.
Where to stay: Sliema and St Julian’s are convenient bases with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Valletta suits history lovers who want to stay in the heart of the action. The north (Bugibba, Qawra, Mellieħa) is handy for beaches and Gozo ferries, and Gozo itself is lovely for a slower, rural escape.
Final thoughts
From Neolithic temples and Baroque cathedrals to hidden coves and island-hopping cruises, Malta delivers an extraordinary amount of variety for such a small destination. History buff or beach lover, you will find far more to do here than a single trip can hold, so start planning and let the Maltese islands surprise you.
Prices and opening hours are accurate at the time of writing and can change seasonally. Always confirm with the official websites before you travel.
FAQs about visiting Malta
Following are some of the Repeatedly asked questions about Malta:
1. Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
It depends on your nationality. Malta is in the EU and the Schengen Area, so EU citizens do not need a visa, and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays. Always check the current entry requirements for your country before you travel.
2. How is public transport in Malta?
Malta has an extensive bus network covering both Malta and Gozo, and it is the cheapest way to get around. Car hire and ride-hailing apps like Bolt and eCabs are also widely available.
3. Does Malta have good beaches?
Yes. From the sandy stretches of Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Mellieħa Bay to the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon on Comino and rocky swimming spots all around the coast.
4. Is Malta family-friendly?
Very. Beaches, the National Aquarium, boat trips, and hands-on historical sites make it easy to keep children entertained, and the islands are safe and easy to navigate.
5. What currency does Malta use?
The Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is wise to carry some cash for small vendors, kiosks, and rural spots.
6. Is tipping expected in Malta?
Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated. In restaurants where a service charge is not already included, rounding up or leaving around 5 to 10% is customary for good service.
7. Can I drink the tap water in Malta?
Tap water is safe to drink, though it is produced largely by desalination and many visitors and locals prefer the taste of bottled water.
8. What should I wear in Malta?
Light, breathable clothing is best in the summer heat, plus sun protection. Pack a light layer for evenings, and bring modest cover-ups (shoulders and knees) for visiting churches and cathedrals.
