Nestled in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is a small state located south of Sicily. It’s a very beautiful country to discover, with lovely places scattered throughout the archipelago. Malta is not very well known, yet it has some very charming picturesque villages and pleasant natural sites for strolling.
A weekend is not enough to explore the best places in Malta; it is advisable to stay at least five days to get a good overview and to visit the islands of Gozo and Comino. Here is a list of essential things to visit during a first stay, which you can complete by checking the site https://maltetourisme.fr.
Visit Valletta
The capital of Malta, Valletta has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is pleasant, with cobblestone streets lined with beautiful historical buildings that bear witness to the artistic movements that have succeeded one another here throughout history. Valletta can be discovered through the Norman palace, St. John’s co-cathedral, the picturesque Upper Barracca gardens, and much more.
Spend a Day at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located on the small islet of Comino in the Maltese archipelago. It is a true paradise, with turquoise blue water, and the sea is not very deep in this area. You might feel as if you are at the other end of the world in a fabulous Caribbean landscape. It’s an idyllic place to swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and enjoy the gentle rays of the sun. There are many people during the summer season, so don’t forget to arrive around nine in the morning to reserve your spot.
Stroll in Mdina
Mdina is a lovely city, a beautiful surprise when visiting Malta. Nicknamed the city of silence due to the prohibition of motor vehicle circulation, Mdina impresses with its beauty. There are charming cobblestone streets, lovely cafes, and fortified stone buildings that provide shade during the hottest hours of the day. One of the attractions is to ride a horse-drawn carriage in the city. You must also definitely discover the national history museum and the underground dungeons.
Visit the Fishing Village of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is one of the most beautiful villages in Malta. It is a very picturesque fishing village, with numerous fishing boats in different colors. It is the perfect place to enjoy fresh fish and seafood. The famous fish market takes place on Sundays, attracting many locals and tourists. During the week, it is a regular market. Be sure to stroll around the town and along the waterfront to discover beautiful views of the area.
Go to St Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool is a wonderful place to swim during the summer months. It is a completely natural location, situated in a rock along the coast, preserved from currents and winds. There is not much depth, making it a beautiful natural pool to cool off in.
Party in St Julian’s
St Julian’s is the town in Malta where you should go to party. It is here that the nightlife of the archipelago takes place, with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs to dance the night away. There is truly everything you need to have fun with friends, have drinks, and find different atmospheres throughout your holiday.
Spend a Day on the Island of Gozo
The island of Gozo is the second largest island in Malta. According to some, it is also the most beautiful because it is wilder with breathtaking natural sites. The island is full of beautiful cliffs, lovely walks, and numerous opportunities for swimming. It is possible to drive around to reach various visiting spots. One of the most beautiful attractions is the ancient citadel in Victoria. Don’t miss the remains of the Azure Window, which is a former natural arch that disappeared during a storm in 2017. After visiting many equally magnificent churches, make sure to stroll around the salt pans of Marsalforn, which stretch along the coast for 3 kilometers. Fortunately, they can be accessed by car.
Visit St. Paul’s Church in Rabat
Rabat is located just outside the city of Mdina. It is home to beautiful buildings, including St. Paul’s Church, which is very impressive from the outside. Around it, there are cafes and restaurants to have lunch or enjoy a drink in the sun with a magnificent view of the religious building. A little further away is the last Roman temple in the archipelago, as well as a small museum to learn more about its history.
Explore the Three Cities
Directly opposite the capital of Malta, Valletta, are the three cities. These are three towns that resemble each other as they are fortified in the same way and occupy a strategic position during the wars that have taken place throughout its history. One of the best things to do is to take a boat from the port of Valletta to discover them in a day.
Go to Popeye Village
Popeye Village is the place where the Disney movie was filmed. It is located in the beautiful Anchor Bay, and it doesn’t matter if you have seen the movie; it is an iconic attraction to visit in Malta. You can play mini-golf, watch the actors, admire the view, eat popcorn, in short, engage in activities in a playful universe that is a lovely break amidst the visits of your trip.
Hiking in Malta
There are many secret spots in Malta that allow for hiking. In the north, the walk starting from the Selmun Palace near Mellieha descends into several coves before following the coastal front.
In the south of Malta, you can start from St. Peter’s Pool and walk along the coast to St. Thomas Bay for magnificent views of the cliffs.