If you are looking for an “Euro Summer” full of parties, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, centuries of fascinating history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine, Malta should be at the top of your travel list!
Located between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta is a small archipelago that is surprisingly easy to explore. Its efficient and affordable bus network connects visitors to nearly every corner of the islands, making it possible to travel from historic cities and ancient temples to stunning beaches and seaside villages with ease. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a beach lover, a foodie, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for the perfect summer destination, Malta offers something for every type of traveler.
1. Walk through the streets of Valletta
The capital of this nation, it’s a “must-see” stop! Founded in 1566, this fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Baroque architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and great historical significance. Here you’ll find a vast array of gelato, churches, museums, and breathtaking scenery. You’ll need two days to visit everything at a leisurely pace and appreciate its beauty.
Upper Barrakka Gardens:
These two gardens are the best places to see the sunset and the sea view. Built in 1661, as a private garden for the Knights of St. John, the garden sits high above the Grand Harbour.
One of the biggest attractions is the Saluting Battery, which happens beneath the gardens. The historic artillery platform fires ceremonial cannon salutes daily, continuing a centuries-old tradition that once helped ships to synchronize their maritime clocks. It happens everyday at exactly 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Furthermore, it´s a beautiful place to read a book and eat a gelato while watching the breathtaking view.
St John’s Co-Cathedral:
To an outsider, the Co-Cathedral of St John appears relatively simple and fortress-like, reflecting the military character of the Knights of St John following the Great Siege of 1565. However, upon entering, the beauty of the Baroque interior leaves anyone speechless.
Completed in 1577, this place is filled with gold ornamentation, richly decorated chapels and masterpieces of religious art. Caravaggio‘s famous painting “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” is displayed in this cathedral and it’s one of his biggest works.
Triton Fountain:
Triton Fountain is the first thing you see when you arrive in Valletta. This massive landmark was designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap and completed in 1959. The fountain features three bronze Tritons supporting a huge basin, representing Malta’s deep connection to the sea.
It serves like a meeting point and a photo spot to the visitors, plus being particularly refreshing in the heat, when the wind blows and sends splashes of water flying, making everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
Extra tip: Some bars in Valletta run an afternoon Happy Hour, where you pay eight euros and get two drinks from the Happy Hour menu. Try Aperol , which has an Italian influence – you won’t regret it!
2. Party in St. Julian ‘s (especially Paceville)!
St. Julian’s nightlife is vibrant and never-ending, everywhere you go you can see colorful clothes, loud music and streets full of lights. This is the main spot to have fun in the nightclubs and pubs, even more a lot of them are free until 12 a.m.
The trendiest area it’s Paceville, mainly St George Road, where you’ll find the most liveliest clubs such as Tokyo, Footloose, Club H and much more.
Clubs such as Pacha, Toy Room, Havana and Twenty Two charge an entry fee, which can range from 10 to 30 euros, depending on the club, the time of year and the event.
All establishments close by 4 a.m., but it’s always a good idea to check their closing hours!
Extra tip: If you want to enjoy the night watching sports, the perfect bar it’s The Long Hall Irish Pub.
3. Brazilian vibe in Malta!
For those who are doing an exchange and are dying for something that tastes like home, the Brazilian Restaurant The Spot it’s a perfect stop!
Located in the heart of Gzira, a town in Malta, this place offers the best of Brazilian cuisine, such as coxinha, feijoada, caipirinha, brigadeiro and much more!
Prices range from 20 to 30 euros and it’s well worth it! What’s more, the waiters are Brazilian and the background music ranges from pagode to sertanejo.
Make sure you go hungry, as the portions are generous and absolutely delicious!
4. Have fun at a seaside bar!
Surfside is a beachfront in Sliema that’s known for its great music, people from all over the world and really good drinks!
The bar is open Monday to Sunday, from 8h30 a.m. until midnight or 1 a.m., always check the opening hours online!
It´s an awesome option to network, meet new people, dance and see the sunset. In the summer, the sunset starts at about 8 p.m.!
5. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Malta’s most famous natural attraction and one of the most stunning swimming spots in the Mediterranean. Located on the tiny island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo, this spot is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy seabed, and incredible visibility that makes the sea appear almost unreal.
The place is a paradise for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing by the sea. Its sheltered location ensures calm waters and is ideal for families and couples alike, as well as for those seeking adventure. Snorkellers can explore the underwater rock formations and marine life, whilst those wishing to unwind can simply float in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
This is a great place to spend the day and, although there are countless food and drink stalls on the island, you can choose to buy snacks at the market and take them there. Also, to get there, you need to take a ferry from Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mgarr (Gozo), which costs around 15 euros per person. If you’re looking for a different experience, there are organised boat trips available; prices range from €25 to €35 depending on the port of departure (such as Sliema or Bugibba) and the length of the stopover.
6. Visit Malta’s Timeless Silent City
Known as”The Silent City,” Mdina is one of Malta’s most enchanting destinations and a place where history comes alive. Perched on one of the island’s highest hills, this fortified medieval city was Malta’s capital for centuries before Valletta took over that role in the 16th century.
The most impressive thing is that it is a really silent city, you can only hear the birds singing and the nature sounds around.
The plateau on which Mdina was built has been inhabited since prehistoric times and, in the Bronze Age, served as a place of refuge as it was naturally defensible. The Phoenicians established a colony there, known as Ann – the name they gave to the island – around the 8th century BC.
The Roman Republic conquered Malta in 218 BC, at the start of the Second Punic War. They continued to use Mdina as their administrative centre, but renamed it Melita, the Greek and Latin name for the island, probably derived from the main Punic harbour at Grand Harbour. The Punic-Roman city was about three times the size of present-day Mdina, extending over much of modern Rabat. This place, which looks as though it has stepped out of a fantasy book, is over four mill years old.
These are some reasons why this place is so magical and, so, you CAN’T miss it!
Furthermore, for film and TV series enthusiasts, the ancient city has served as a filming location for famous productions such as Agora (2009), The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and the first series of Game of Thrones (depicting King’s Landing).
Little-known fact: Historically, it was the only entrance through which slaves could enter the walled city, and it was also close to the old neighbourhood of the local Greek community.
Malta may be small on the map, but it has a way of surprising visitors at every turn. One moment you’re walking through centuries-old streets, the next you’re swimming in some of the clearest waters in Europe. Whether you’re chasing history, sunshine, nightlife, or simply a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, Malta is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you’ve left.