Europe
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Malta
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Valletta
Whether it’s driving among dramatic landscapes, taking photos of ancient buildings, or snorkeling on the fringes of paradise beaches, there’s a surprise around every corner.
5 min read
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15 July, 2022
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Nora Hutton
Written by
Nora Hutton
For a small archipelago, Malta has so much to offer. Whether it’s driving among dramatic landscapes, taking photos of ancient buildings, or snorkeling on the fringes of paradise beaches, there’s a surprise around every corner. Head to the capital of Valletta for the perfect city weekend trip or spend a summer vacation traveling by boat between the islands, seeing spectacular nature and marine life.
Malta Things to do
The landscapes of Malta are wild and rugged, so it’s no surprise it’s been used as the setting for famous movies like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Troy. It’s also a melting pot of culture (between Italy and Tunisia and a former British Colony). You can see the influences of this in the food and the architecture; you can even find the red English telephone boxes on the streets of Valletta! Here are the best places to visit in Malta.
Valletta
Valletta is one of the most important historical cities in the world and the first-ever planned city in Europe. The exceptional history means the entire city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Although it’s one of the smallest capital cities in Europe, it still has the wow factor, and it’s great for a weekend city trip.
Birgu
Birgu is the oldest of the three cities just across the water from Valletta (also known as Vittoriosa). It was also the capital city at one point before it was moved across to Valletta. One of the best things to do in Malta is to jump on the local boat, cruising around the city’s edges before arriving in Birgu. The traditional Maltese boats are painted in bright primary colors and look very similar to those in Venice.
Once you’re in Birgu, enjoy the charming village atmosphere, wander the tiny narrow cobbled streets, find cute wine bars, or enjoy a candlelit dinner on the waterfront.
Blossoming spring lower barrakka gardens and monument dedicated to Alexander ball in the old town Valletta
Aerial view of the Spinola bay, St. Julians and sliema town on Malta
Malta is my home and Malta is my love, And I've got the birds at the coast to great you all; But like the muse of your love, You will always meet me at the coast as your tourist guide.
- Edward Kofi Louis
Visit Malta’s beaches
Malta has great beaches for sunbathing, cooling down, and spending the afternoon. The island’s beaches are mostly rocks (some with small pools) and a handful of sand beaches. The most popular beaches are Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay.