Malta may be the world’s 10th smallest nation, with an area of just 316 square kilometers (122 square miles), yet it manages to cram in a wide range of attractions and activities.
Following the advice in this article will allow you to get the most out of your visit to this secluded island country in the center of the Mediterranean. They contain both well-known attractions and lesser-known ones.
Renting an electric buggy is a fun way to see all three of Malta’s cities.
During this self-guided tour of the ancient Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, you will be traveling in an eco-friendly electric buggies provided by Rolling Geeks. You will be able to explore the piazzas, avenues, and tranquil backstreets of these cities. On a leisurely excursion that includes visits to museums, cathedrals, and gardens, it is not possible to get disoriented since the GPS systems in the buggies provide pre-programmed routes.
The sound of Valletta’s famed guns will transport you to another time and place.
When you are out and about in Valletta, you will most likely hear a loud boom between noon and four in the afternoon. To find out what all the commotion is about, you should make your way to the Saluting Battery. Here, you can take in the splendor of Valletta’s ceremonial cannons, which were traditionally used to fire salutes to visiting naval vessels, as well as fantastic views across Grand Harbour to Fort St. Angelo and the Three Cities. In the past, these cannons were traditionally used to fire salutes to visiting naval vessels.
In Valletta, you might be challenged by modern art.
Several of the city’s historic palaces have been transformed into galleries for modern art as a result of Valletta’s yearlong tenure as the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Valletta Contemporary and Blitz are two galleries that are well worth checking out if you’re looking for thought-provoking sculptures and installations. It is anticipated that the Malta International Contemporary Art Space (MICAS) would open its doors in the year 2023. In a fort that has been refurbished and is located in the ancient area of Floriana, it will house around 7000 square meters (75347 square feet) of galleries and exhibition space.
At Esplora, you may investigate kid-friendly scientific exhibits.
Visit Esplora, one of the top interactive science centers in Europe, which debuted in 2016 and is sure to provide for both your educational and recreational needs throughout your time there. There are almost two hundred interactive displays that examine topics such as cosmology, plate tectonics, and the natural history of Malta. There are wonderful views of Valletta and the Three Cities’ Fort St. Angelo from the playground, the well-kept gardens, and the big rooftop terrace.
Relax in Mdina’s il-Foss
The ancient il-Foss (ditch gardens) in Mdina were originally constructed as a component of the walled city’s defensive bastion; but, in the 21st century, they underwent a renovation that changed them into a very nice area for a picnic and a leisurely walk. The overgrown tangles of ivy have been replaced by olive trees and a citrus grove, and the space is sometimes utilized for festivals and concerts, as well as other activities.
Visit the Gar Dalam Cave and Museum to take a trip back in time by 500,000 years.
The Lower Coralline Limestone on which Gar Dalam is built is the oldest exposed rock in the Maltese islands. The cavern is 145 meters (about 475 feet) in length.
There were fossils in the cave that were as much as 500,000 years old when they were discovered. They are the bones and teeth of tiny prehistoric animals such as hippopotamuses, miniature elephants, and other small mammals.
The Lascaris War Rooms are the place to go to educate yourself about “Fortress Malta.”
Hidden forty meters (131 feet) underneath Valletta’s Upper Baraka Gardens, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the top-secret command HQ for the Allies during World War II. These rooms were an essential component of the island’s defense during the 18-month Siege of Malta, which lasted from 1940 through 1942. Map rooms and communications centers have been rebuilt to as they appeared during the war, and fascinating guided tours examine these areas.
Walk around the clifftop paths in the southern part of Gozo.
Participate in the Xlendi Walk, which is a winding path that extends for 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Marr Harbour to the rocky bays that surround Xlendi. Along the journey, there is a preposterously tight cove at Marr ix-Xini, coastal watchtowers that were constructed by the Knights of St. John in the 17th century, and a precariously steep staircase that leads to the condensed Carolina Cave. Buses connect both Marr and Xlendi to Victoria, Gozo’s ancient capital, which is accessible by both.
Paddle your kayak along the shore of Gozo.
Gozo is a fantastic place to go sea kayaking because to its idiosyncratic coastline formations, which have been worn by the sea and wind, and its secret sea caves. Gozo Adventures offers half-day and full-day kayaking adventures that begin in Hondoq Bay on the south side of the island and continue on to Comino after paddling across the Gozo Channel. The protected waters of Gozo’s Inland Sea are another popular kayaking location.
Learn how to make the most of Maltese ingredients at a culinary school.
The Mediterranean Culinary Academy offers a variety of cooking classes that center on the influence that Malta’s location in the Mediterranean Sea has had on the island nation’s rich culinary heritage. These classes include the making of ravjul, which is a type of Maltese ravioli, and the pairing of Maltese wines with artisanal products such as cheese, honey, and preserves. Ingredients sourced from the surrounding area and sustainably farmed are used often.
Admire old vehicles.
Even though a compact vehicle from Japan or Korea is probably the best choice for navigating the winding and frequently congested roads of Malta, you won’t be able to help but be green with envy when you visit the Malta Classic Car Collection and see the incredible collection of vintage automobiles that are on display there. Look for the blue classic Bugatti sports vehicle in the parking lot in front of the building to know you’ve arrived at the correct location.
Plunge into the unbelievable Blue Hole.
Even though the famous Azure Window sea arch on Gozo was destroyed by a severe storm in March 2017, the Dwejra Bay shoreline and its surroundings are still very breathtaking. Boat cruises exploring the neighboring Inland Sea provide views of the arch from the water’s surface in gin-clear Mediterranean seas, and diving in the nearby Blue Hole, a 25m (82ft) deep underwater limestone chimney, is also an option.
Visit Gozo’s historic salt pans for a taste of history brought to life.
To reach the Marsalforn salt pans, which are located on Gozo’s northern shore, travelers will need to navigate the island’s secluded coastline roads and unpaved pathways. The salt pans, which were manually carved into the limestone of the coastal cliffs, date back to Roman times and are still in use today, harvesting salt between May and September. Rent a mountain bike in the neighboring town of Marsalforn, then pedal in a westerly direction to reach the salt pans, which are around 1.25 miles away.
Visit the National Aquarium of Malta to chat with some of the inhabitants.
The national aquarium of Malta is comprised of a number of distinct aquatic zones, each of which depicts a different facet of the seas that surround the island. The Grand Harbour of Valletta and the shore of Gozo are the focal points of specialized displays, and more than 250 different species are on show over 50 tanks. A walk-through underwater tunnel that is 12 meters (40 feet) in length is a highlight.
To get the greatest views of Gozo, climb to the highest points.
One of the greatest spots in Europe for rock climbing may be found along the jagged and rocky shoreline of Gozo. The southern shore of the island is home to the majority of the island’s more than 300 sport climbing routes, particularly in and around the Munxar-Xlendi Valley and further to the east at the breathtaking Marr ix-Xini. It is a fantastic site to learn how to climb, particularly with Gozo Adventures, which can also organise tours that include bouldering and abseiling.
In order to make a difference, you should join with BirdLife Malta.
Visit the website of BirdLife Malta to learn about the ways in which you can participate in the organization’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the need of preserving native as well as migratory bird species. Events might include eco-walks through northern Malta’s Park tal-Majjistral or after-dark experiences learning about the effect of light pollution on Gozo’s nesting seabirds. Both of these locations are in Malta.