Malta has long been a draw for tourist from the UK, and it's easy to see why. There are stunning beaches, with ample sunbathing opportunities, tiny cobbled streets, lively restaurants, and stunning architecture, all set on the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Take a stroll through Valletta
An afternoon of wandering couldn't be better spent than in Valletta, the fortified capital of Malta. With cobbled streets bypassing lively cafes, and cute little shops, you'd be forgiven for whiling away more than one afternoon here. The UNESCO World Heritage site is also packed with snippets from history, including fantastic architecture and baroque cathedrals.
2. Visit the Azure Window
An arch perched right over the Mediterranean Sea, the Azure Window is the stuff holiday snaps are made of (and it's thought to be one of the islands most most photographed views). Despite its popularity with tourists, it's still worth a peek, and it's also possible to swim and dive there too, for those who are keen to get closer to the action.
3. Go back in time to Mdina
Known as the Silent City, due to its low-key atmosphere, a trip to Mdina is like taking a step back in time. The ancient walled city has a mix of baroque and medieval architecture, as well as palaces and churches, so a stroll through the city is like a free history tour.
4. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral
The impressive St John's Co-Cathedral was built between 1573 and 1577. Admirers of art will appreciate the baroque sculptures and architecture, with the jewel in the crown being works of art by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Seeing the beautiful works set in their natural environment rather than a sterile gallery is a fantastic experience.
5. Take an island break to Gozo
Malta's sister island Gozo is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourists in Malta. The island boasts rural landscapes, which are perfect for hiking in and admiring. A day trip to the island is a fascinating and tranquil way to spend a day.
6. See the Ggantija Temples
One of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands, the Ġgantija Temples are some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples are even older than the Egyptian pyramids, and are a big hit with history buffs. The temples show what life was like for people who lived on the island 3,600 years ago.
7. Comino and The Blue Lagoon
A haven for water sports enthusiasts and hikers, the small island of Comino is just 3.5km and almost uninhabited. There is a hotel on the island for people who wish to stay, otherwise day trippers can visit the popular Blue Lagoon, where visitors come to bathe in the sparkling waters. Bike or foot is only only way around the car-free island, making for a very relaxing stay.
8. Take a boat trip around the Grand Harbour
One of the best ways to see Malta is by boat around the Grand Harbour. The coastline is stunning, and the views over capital Valletta alone are worth the trip. One of the best times to take a boat trip is by sunset, when the historical landmarks of the city are set against a glowing orange backdrop.
9. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Visiting ancient underground burial chambers may sound like a rather spooky experience, and it's certainly not without mystery. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features 5,000-year-old burial chambers hollowed out from rocks, and shine a light onto a long-dead civilisation. On the ceilings of some parts of the chambers, visitors can still see decorative painted patterns. Fascinating stuff.
10. Wander around the Upper Barrakka Gardens
For fabulous views over the Grand Harbour without the city noise, visitors should head up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which are filled with trees and flowers. It's a must for anyone looking for an afternoon of relaxation, and there's plenty to see here too – including a statue dedicated to Winston Churchill.
Malta has long been a draw for tourist from the UK, and it's easy to see why. There are stunning beaches, with ample sunbathing opportunities, tiny cobbled streets, lively restaurants, and stunning architecture, all set on the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea.
1. Take a stroll through Valletta
An afternoon of wandering couldn't be better spent than in Valletta, the fortified capital of Malta. With cobbled streets bypassing lively cafes, and cute little shops, you'd be forgiven for whiling away more than one afternoon here. The UNESCO World Heritage site is also packed with snippets from history, including fantastic architecture and baroque cathedrals.
2. Visit the Azure Window
An arch perched right over the Mediterranean Sea, the Azure Window is the stuff holiday snaps are made of (and it's thought to be one of the islands most most photographed views). Despite its popularity with tourists, it's still worth a peek, and it's also possible to swim and dive there too, for those who are keen to get closer to the action.
3. Go back in time to Mdina
Known as the Silent City, due to its low-key atmosphere, a trip to Mdina is like taking a step back in time. The ancient walled city has a mix of baroque and medieval architecture, as well as palaces and churches, so a stroll through the city is like a free history tour.
4. Visit St John's Co-Cathedral
The impressive St John's Co-Cathedral was built between 1573 and 1577. Admirers of art will appreciate the baroque sculptures and architecture, with the jewel in the crown being works of art by Caravaggio and Mattia Preti. Seeing the beautiful works set in their natural environment rather than a sterile gallery is a fantastic experience.
5. Take an island break to Gozo
Malta's sister island Gozo is a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the tourists in Malta. The island boasts rural landscapes, which are perfect for hiking in and admiring. A day trip to the island is a fascinating and tranquil way to spend a day.
6. See the Ggantija Temples
One of the most important archaeological sites in the Maltese Islands, the Ġgantija Temples are some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples are even older than the Egyptian pyramids, and are a big hit with history buffs. The temples show what life was like for people who lived on the island 3,600 years ago.
7. Comino and The Blue Lagoon
A haven for water sports enthusiasts and hikers, the small island of Comino is just 3.5km and almost uninhabited. There is a hotel on the island for people who wish to stay, otherwise day trippers can visit the popular Blue Lagoon, where visitors come to bathe in the sparkling waters. Bike or foot is only only way around the car-free island, making for a very relaxing stay.
8. Take a boat trip around the Grand Harbour
One of the best ways to see Malta is by boat around the Grand Harbour. The coastline is stunning, and the views over capital Valletta alone are worth the trip. One of the best times to take a boat trip is by sunset, when the historical landmarks of the city are set against a glowing orange backdrop.
9. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Visiting ancient underground burial chambers may sound like a rather spooky experience, and it's certainly not without mystery. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features 5,000-year-old burial chambers hollowed out from rocks, and shine a light onto a long-dead civilisation. On the ceilings of some parts of the chambers, visitors can still see decorative painted patterns. Fascinating stuff.
10. Wander around the Upper Barrakka Gardens
For fabulous views over the Grand Harbour without the city noise, visitors should head up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which are filled with trees and flowers. It's a must for anyone looking for an afternoon of relaxation, and there's plenty to see here too – including a statue dedicated to Winston Churchill.
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