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Things to do

What our islands lack in size, they certainly make up for in terms of what they have to offer to locals and tourists alike.

Swim & Dive

With over 30 beaches dotting the coast of the Maltese Islands, swimming and a spot of sunbathing are a must when you visit. Given the close proximity of some of the beaches, you can visit more than one beach in a day and check out whether you prefer the sandy kind or our unique rocky beaches. You might find yourself heading for an autumn or a winter dip too, as good weather graces the islands practically all year round.

The enthralling underwater world surrounding the Maltese archipelago attracts some 60,000 divers every year. Diving schools have literally mushroomed on the islands, so you need not worry about finding the best diving spots and equipment rental. In 2016 the Maltese Islands placed third in the ‘Best Diving Destination’ category at the prestigious Diver Awards Ceremony, giving you one more reason to plan your next diving trip to Malta!

A day in Gozo

Gozo life is slightly more laid back than that on mainland Malta. The two islands are connected via a regular ferry service.

With most shops, schools, and offices located in Victoria, the capital is the centre of almost all activity. Victoria is overlooked by the fortified old city, IÄ‹-ÄŠittadella, which was recently regenerated. The walls of the old city enclose the law courts, the majestic Gozo Cathedral, and a number of museums, including the Museum of Archeology and the old prison.

Dwejra Bay in Gozo is home to the iconic Azure Window, a wonder of nature and an amazing backdrop for your holiday photos. It’s also home to the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole, two very popular dive sites.

The Ġgantija temples in Xagħra are one of Gozo’s most important archaeological sites and in fact are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The temples are one of the oldest free-standing stone monuments, predating the Pyramids in Egypt. While in Xagħra, you might also be interested in visiting the Ta’ Kola Windmill, which is one of the few surviving mills on the islands and dates back to the Knights’ period.

A boat trip to Comino

With an area of just 3.5 square kilometres, Comino can easily be overlooked. We strongly recommend a visit to this small but charming island which is just a short boat ride away from Malta or Gozo. Although the island is largely uninhabited, in summer it’s one of the busiest hotspots as people flock to Comino to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. The island’s most prominent building is St Mary’s tower, which dates back to 1618 and was built by Grand Master de Wignacourt. The tower doubled as the Chateau d’If in the film The Count of Monte Cristo.

Marvel at Malta’s prehistoric heritage

Whether you’re an archeology buff or simply interested in how our ancestors lived, a day or two should be set aside to visit Malta’s prehistoric settlements and temples. The temples mark a peak in Malta’s prehistoric development and their architecture is quite extraordinary, even for the untrained eye. The islands’ resourceful settlers are believed to have started erecting these temples around 3500 BC, which is before anyone else was building free-standing stone structures! There are some thirty temples on the islands, but below are some of the most popular ones:

  • ĦaÄ¡ar Qim
  • Mnajdra
  • Skorba
  • Ta’ ĦaÄ¡rat
  • Ä gantija (Gozo)

A stroll around Mdina

Even as one approaches Mdina, one is struck by a sense of awe at the old city’s imposing structure. Mdina is enclosed by fortifications and since it’s located on top of a hill, it affords spectacular views of the whole island. Mdina is very often referred to as the Silent City. The city’s snaking, narrow streets lit by warm orange lights are particularly quiet and hauntingly beautiful at night. We definitely recommend an evening stroll around the city, especially if you want to experience some true peace and quiet. If you visit by day, be sure to visit St Paul’s Cathedral, the Mdina Dungeons, and the Natural History Museum.

Vibrant Valletta

Covering less than half a square mile, Valletta is Malta’s capital city, taking the name of its founder Grand Master Jean Parisot de La Valette. The city rises from between two natural harbours, namely Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour. Valletta’s Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka Gardens provide some spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. The Upper Barakka Gardens are linked to the Grand Harbour by the Barakka Lift, which is particularly convenient for cruise ship passengers.

If you are in Valletta you should visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Palace Armoury, St John’s Co-Cathedral – which houses Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St John – the National Museum of Archaeology, and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Valletta’s unique grid-like streets are vibrant with activity during the day, especially since the law courts, many offices, shops, restaurants, and Government departments are found here. In the evening the city winds down but if you’re a theatre aficionado you could be in for a treat as the city’s three main theatres put up some spectacular performances throughout the year.

The best way to go about the city is on foot, but you can also get an electric cab or one of the circular buses serving the city.