5 Days of Adventure, History, and Culture in Malta

First of all, Malta is a country comprised of 3 separate islands: the main island of Malta, the little rugged island of Comino, and then the island of Gozo. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting this awesome country!

Valletta

Malta’s capital city of Valletta is a fortified city on the island of Malta, and is located on a peninsula between two beautiful Mediterranean harbors. Dating back to the 1500s, the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was named the European Capital of Culture in 2018. As soon as you pass through the walls that surround the city, the streets start bursting with restaurants, shops, and amazing tan architecture. Plus, since the city is on a peninsula, you are never too far from the sea. Valletta is a pretty good place to stay, as you can easily access public transportation from the entrance to the city.

View of the harbor from Valletta

Check out the fountain in the square right outside of the city.

Visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and watch them fire the cannon.

Dive in Cerkewwa

Ċirkewwa is a harbor on the northernmost point of Malta, and serves as a popular, and beautiful dive site for beginners and advanced divers alike. Beneath the crystal clear Mediterranean water, you'll find reefs, rock arches, submerged artifacts, and even Rozi Wreck, a sunken tugboat. 

Explore Mdina

The city of Mdina is thousands of years old, and served as the country's medieval capital. Like Valletta, the city is also fortified. However, Mdina is much quieter, and stepping through the gates is like stepping back in time. There are very few cars allowed in the city, so the streets are filled with pedestrians, charming shops, and horse drawn carriages. 

Take a ferry to the city of Birgu and see Fort St. Angelo

Located just across the harbor from Valletta, Birgu is another fortified city with a big fort called Fort St. Angelo. You can walk around the fort, and learn about the history of the city. To get there, you can either take a quick ferry from Valletta, or you can hop into one of the tiny little boats operated by locals who take people across the harbor for a few euros. 

Swim in Malta's Blue Lagoon

Located on the small, rugged island of Comino, Blue Lagoon is definitely worth a day trip during your visit to Malta. The lagoon itself is an expanse of clear, strikingly blue water surrounded by rocky cliffs. You can swim or snorkel through the calm waters of the lagoon, and climb on the cliffs. You can also walk around to a few other nearby bays for a change of scenery.

Visit Malta's Blue Grotto

This giant sea arch is impressive, and the water below is strikingly blue. The Blue Grotto is located in the southeast coast of the main island of Malta, a short distance off the fishing town of Wied iż-Żurrieq. Stop at the lookout before the village, and then continue to the village where you can take a boat under the arch. 

Wander Through a Neolithic Temple

Malta is full of history, and there are lots of prehistoric temples. We chose Ħaġar Qim, but there are lots of cool ones throughout the islands. Spend some time wandering through the ancient stones. 

Malta is an awesome country, with so much to see. If you have time, you should also take a trip to the island of Gozo!