10 best places to visit in Malta

Malta is a beautiful country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its stunning historical sites, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals.

If you are planning to have the best Europe tour package in Malta, here are the 10 best places to visit.

Mdina

Mdina is a fortified city in Malta that was founded in the 11th century. It served as the country's capital until the 16th century, and it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, its maze-like streets, and its spectacular views.

What to see

There are many reasons to visit Mdina, but some of the most popular attractions include the Mdina Cathedral, the Palazzo Vilhena, and the Bastion Gardens. The Mdina Cathedral is a beautiful Baroque church that was built in the 12th century, and it is one of the most important historical landmarks in Malta. 

The Palazzo Vilhena is a grandiose palace that was built in the 18th century, and it now houses a museum. The Bastion Gardens are located on top of the city walls, and they offer stunning views of Malta's countryside.

The Citadel

The Citadel is a fortress located on the highest point of Malta. It was built in the 16th century to defend the city of Valletta from attack. The Citadel was also used as a prison during the 18th and 19th centuries.

What to see

The Citadel offers stunning views of Valletta, the harbor, and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the ramparts, tunnels, and dungeons of the fortress.

The Three Cities

The Three Cities are a group of three fortified cities on the south side of the Grand Harbour in Malta. They were built between the 16th and 18th centuries, and they have been inhabited since the Middle Ages. The Three Cities are Cospicua, Birgu and Senglea.

What to see

There is much to see in the Three Cities, including the Fortifications of Birgu, which were built in the 16th century; the Fortifications of Cospicua, which were built in the 17th century; and the Fortifications of Senglea, which were built in the 18th century.

Valletta

Valletta is a city located in the central-eastern part of Malta. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century when it was founded by the Order of St. John. The city was named after its founder, Jean de la Vallette. 

Valletta served as a base for the Order's naval operations, and as a result, the city was heavily fortified. After the Order was expelled from Malta by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, Valletta fell into decline. 

However, the city was revived in the 19th century and became an important center of commerce and trade. Today, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malta.

What to see

There are many things to see and do in Valletta. Some of the most popular attractions include:

The Grandmaster's Palace: This palace was built in the 16th century and served as the residence of the Grand Master. Today, it houses the Maltese parliament and is open to visitors year-round.

St. John's Co-Cathedral: This cathedral was built in 1577 and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Malta. It is also home to Caravaggio's painting "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."

Fort Riggs: Fort Riggs is one of several fortifications built to protect Valletta from invasion. Today, it serves as a museum and is open to visitors year-round.

The National Museum of Fine Arts: This museum is housed in a former palace and features a collection of Maltese and foreign art, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions.

The Manoel Theatre: This theatre was built in 1731 and is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. It hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including opera, ballet, and drama.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village located in the southeast of Malta. The name Marsaxlokk comes from the Maltese word for 'east', which is 'xlokk'. The village is known for its Sunday market, where you can find fresh fish and seafood.

What to see

The Sunday Market is the main attraction in Marsaxlokk. The market sells fresh fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. You can also find souvenirs and Maltese crafts at the market.

Gozo

The island of Gozo is one of the three inhabited islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Malta. The island has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. Gozo was an important maritime center during the Phoenician and Roman periods. In more recent history, the island was ruled from 1530 to 1798. Since then, it has been part of Malta as a British colony and then an independent country.

What to see

There are many things to see and do on the island of Gozo. Some of the most popular attractions include the Citadel; the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Azure Window, a natural rock formation that has become an iconic symbol of Malta. Other popular activities on Gozo include hiking, diving, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters off its coast.

Birgu

Birgu is one of the oldest towns in Malta, with a history dating back to medieval times. The town was originally known as Il-Borgo, and it served as the capital of Malta from 1530 to 1798. In the 16th century, Birgu was an important base for the Knights of St. John, and it was here that they built their grandiose palace, which is now known as the Inquisitor's Palace.

What to see

There are many historical sites and monuments in Birgu worth seeing, such as the Inquisitor's Palace, St. Lawrence Church, Fort St. Angelo, and Vittoriosa Waterfront. Birgu is also home to several museums, including the National Maritime Museum and the Malta at War Museum.

Mdina Gate

Mdina Gate is a city gate in Mdina, Malta. It was built in the 15th century and is the only remaining gateway of the original eight gates of Mdina. The gate is also known as Porta Santa Anna, after a chapel dedicated to Saint Anne which was located above the gate until it was demolished in 1854.

What to see

The Mdina Gate is an impressive sight and well worth a visit. The gate itself is decorated with ornate stonework and sculptures, and there is a beautiful view of the city from the top of the stairs leading up to the gate. There are also a number of interesting shops and cafes located nearby, making it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.

The Red Tower

The Red Tower is a 16th-century fortification located in the town of St. Julian's, on the east coast of Malta. It was built as part of their coastal defenses, and it served as a lighthouse and a military prison. The tower gets its name from the red ochre paint that was used to coat its exterior walls.

What to see

The Red Tower is one of the most well-preserved examples of Maltese military architecture, and it offers stunning views of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta. Visitors can also learn about the tower's history at the small museum that is located inside.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a natural sea cave on the coast of Malta. It is said to have been created by the same geological processes that formed the nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. The cave was first described in detail by a Maltese naturalist, Alfredrumma, in his 1867 book "The Natural History of Malta".

What to see

The Blue Grotto is best known for its vivid blue waters, which are illuminated by sunlight that filters through an underwater opening. Visitors can take boat tours of the cave, and there are also opportunities for swimming and diving.

Malta is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do. If you're looking for the best places to visit, be sure to check out those destinations. Each one has its own unique history and attractions that are definitely worth seeing.