25 Best Things to Do in Malta (Complete Travel Guide)
If you’re looking for a unique place to visit in Europe, then Malta is the country for you!
Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea made up of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is the main island, and Gozo and Comino are Malta’s two smaller islands, which you can also visit.
It is located below Sicily and to the right of Tunisia. At just 122 sq mi (316 sq km), Malta is 81 times smaller than Sicily!
This is a complete guide to Malta with everything you need to know before your trip, including the history of Malta, where to stay, things to do, and where to eat.
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Know Before You Go
Maltese History, Culture, and Language
The first people: Malta has a long and rich history starting as early as 5900 BC when the first humans inhabited the island. Archaeologists believe the first people who arrived in Malta came from Sicily.
Colonizers, conquerors, and invaders: Between the arrival of the first people and today, there were many groups of people who conquered, invaded, and ruled the island. These groups included the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Crown of Aragon, French, and most recently, the British.
All of these groups contributed to Malta’s unique culture and history. The invasion of the Arabs started the development of the Maltese language, which sounds similar to Arabic.
Malta was a Crown Colony of the United Kingdom until 1964, then part of the Commonwealth up until it was declared a republic in 1974. Malta did not become part of the European Union until 2004. It’s a relatively new European country!
WWII History: During World War II, Malta was heavily bombed by Italy and Germany. There is still evidence of these bombings throughout the country’s museums, architecture, and historical sites.
Roads and drivers: You drive on the left side of the road in Malta — a remnant of British rule.
The drivers here are some of the scariest, most dangerous, and angry drivers I have ever experienced. While I usually love renting a car wherever I go, I’m really glad I didn’t rent one here as I would have been scared to share the road with them.
We used Bolt, a common rideshare app in Europe, to get around and were always thankful when we had a driver who was a transplant from another country because they drove much safer.
Architecture: Malta’s architecture is a mix of the many influences of the many different cultures that have inhabited it throughout history. One of the most recognizable and interesting pieces of architecture in Malta is the gallarija, which translates directly to “gallery.” A gallarija is the name for the colorful Maltese balconies you’ll see in the cities, which are often made of wood and have windows.
Religion: The local people say there is a church for every day of the year in Malta — and it’s almost true! Malta has 359 churches, cathedrals, and chapels throughout the country, most of which are Catholic.
Malta is an incredibly religious country, with 95% of the population belonging to a religion. Make sure you bring a shawl or long sleeve to cover your shoulders/chest if you go inside any churches.
How to Get to Malta
Malta has one airport—in Luqa—that a few dozen airlines operate out of. It’s located south of Malta and the Three Cities, and west of Marsaxlokk. I flew from London to Malta via Air Malta, which was an easy 3-hour flight. Flying is the fastest and the easiest way to get to Malta, though there are no direct flights from the US.
There are also direct ferries to Malta from Sicily, which can take between two to six hours, depending on the ferry service.
Getting Around in Malta
Transportation from city to city was a bit of a hassle in Malta since we didn’t rent a car. For the reasons stated above, I still would not recommend renting a car unless you are familiar with Malta drivers and comfortable with being honked and yelled at on the road.
The best way to get around is via Bolt. It was convenient, and quick, and got us where we wanted to go. Bolt isn’t the cheapest option but is worth it and the least amount of hassle.
Malta also has a bus system, but after talking to locals about it, they didn’t recommend taking the bus because of its unreliable service.
Best Time to Visit Malta
Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate due to its location just below Sicily. The summers are hot, the shoulder seasons are perfect, and winters are cooler with more rainy days.
Fall: The best time to visit Malta is between September and November. The summer crowds have left and the weather is still hot, but not unbearable.
It’s easier to do activities and go out to eat without booking in advance since there are fewer tourists. I still recommend booking your top restaurants and activities ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
We visited in October and had lovely weather (it was about 78-82ºF), there weren’t many crowds at all, and it felt like summer! Although Malta does get 3-7 days per month of rain in fall, we did not have any at all — not even a cloudy day.
Spring: Spring in Malta also has milder weather and fewer tourists than summer. It’s slightly cooler than fall, so this would be a great time to visit if you’re more sensitive to the heat.
There are fewer days of rain per month in spring compared to fall, so spring might be your best chance if you are only here for a few days and don’t want to risk getting rain!
Summer: From June to August, Malta gets hot! It’s also when most tourists visit. If you like the heat, then summer is the perfect time for your trip to Malta. Spend your days swimming in the sea or stay at a hotel with a pool to cool off when the midday sun gets too hot.
Expect more crowds in summer since this is peak tourist season and plan your trip accordingly — book your accommodation, activities, etc. far in advance. I highly recommend booking a hotel or apartment with A/C as it will be miserable otherwise.
Ensure you bring enough water on your adventures and slather on the sunscreen!
Winter: The most rainy season in Malta is winter. It’s not a great time to visit since the weather won’t be nice, but there will be far fewer tourists!
Where to Stay in Malta
Malta is a small country and we didn’t have any drives longer than 45 minutes to get to where we wanted to go. There are a few main areas around the island that would make for a great home base to come back to after days of exploring.
While each town in Malta has its own vibe, overall they’re pretty similar to each other — just different distances from activities and attractions!
Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The streets are reminiscent of Italy, with gelaterias, shops, and tall tan buildings.
We stayed in Valletta during our trip and it was a great spot since we were walking distance from shops and restaurants! It also has harbors on both sides for easy access to other parts of the island via ferries.
Luxury: Iniala Harbour House
Budget: Carmelita Apartment
Mdina
Mdina is located near the center of Malta, southeast of Valletta. It is known as The Silent City and there are tall walls that shield the city from the outside.
It has a couple of luxury hotels within the city walls if you want to book a more upscale stay.
Every local we asked for recommendations from told us to visit Mdina — it’s one of the must-see areas in Malta. The walled city is beautiful with lovely areas around each corner. It was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones!
Luxury: Palazzo Bifora (within the city gates)
Budget: Casa Azzopardi (just outside of Mdina in Rabat)
Marsaxlokk
The quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk is a nice area if you want to stay in a more local, seaside area. Marsaxlokk is right on the water and has a harbor filled with colorful luzzo boats.
There are tons of restaurants right along the water, as well as a daily tourist market with fun trinkets and souvenirs. Though it is most well known for the famous Sunday fish market!
Marsaxlokk is located on the southeast side of Malta and is a bit further away from the other attractions and activities on the island. You need to go to Valletta to catch any ferries and need to drive/get a rideshare to reach other areas of the island, like Mdina.
Luxury: South Wind Guesthouse
Budget: Port View Guest House
Mellieha
The northwestern tip of Malta is Mellieha. The main area of the town has tons of hotels and restaurants, plus it’s close to the ferry terminal to reach Gozo, Comino, and other destinations around the island that the ferry services.
Mellieha is also where Popeye Village and St. Agatha’s Tower are located, which are both cool things to see!
Since this is the far end of Malta, it’s quite a distance from the rest of the island. While you can ferry to Valletta from here, you will need a rental car or rideshare to get around.
Luxury: Lure Hotel & Spa (adults only)
Budget: Solana Hotel Spa
How Long to Stay in Malta
Although Malta is small, it is filled with impressive architecture, stunning viewpoints, endless history and cultural education, and many activities.
I would recommend at least a 5-day trip to Malta if you want to do it all. I spent 4 nights here and even then did not get to do it all, and the days were very full.
A 7- or 10-day trip would be perfect if you want to see and do everything but also want some downtime to relax, meander through the different cities, or just have a rest day or two.
If you only have a few days to spend in Malta, I’ve added my recommended 3-day itinerary at the bottom of this post!
Use the search widget below to find your Malta accommodation:
Things to Do in Malta
Malta has hundreds of things to do, despite being just a few tiny islands in the Mediterranean. If you enjoy history, architecture, churches, art, and unique cultures, Malta is the perfect destination for you.
We packed our itinerary full of activities and attractions throughout the few days we were here. It absolutely is possible to include all these things in your itinerary, even if you only have 3-5 days on the island. You just need to be savvy with your planning and time management!
Walk Around Valletta City Center
I absolutely loved walking around the pedestrian-only city center in Valletta! There are people out and about enjoying themselves as they shop at the local stores, get gelato at a local gelateria, and eat at the tables lining the narrow streets.
Valletta has many hills and you can get a pretty good workout just walking from the outskirts to the city center. The city center itself is mostly flat and has an art museum, a Roman Catholic church, and lots of shops and restaurants.
At night, the streets are bustling with people out to dinner, getting drinks, and enjoying the night. The streets are all lit up and have an overall lively atmosphere that will give you the magical “I can’t believe I’m really here right now!” moment.
If you walk through the front gates, you will be greeted by the giant fountain that sits in front of them. We sat at the fountain one night after dinner and fireworks started to go off nearby — it was incredible!
Book a Valletta City Walking Tour to explore the city with an expert local guide!
Relax at The Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
The Lower Barrakka Gardens is a lovely park area with benches, a fountain, the Monument to Sir Alexander Ball, and views of the Siege Bell War Memorial across the street.
The Monument to Sir Alexander Ball is a gorgeous Neoclassical structure at the center of the garden flanked by palm trees.
The Siege Bell War Memorial is a grand bell tower with a rounded dome upheld by columns, set against the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. You can get great views of it at the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and can even walk through it!
Fun fact: This bell tower was also featured in Season 28 of The Bachelor while they were filming in Malta.
Just outside the entrance to the gardens is a small snack bar and restaurant if you want to get a bite to eat.
Take in the Views at The Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
Not too far from the Lower Barrakka Gardens is The Upper Barrakka Gardens, an equally beautiful park area with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
The long perimeter boasts grand arches that perfectly frame the sea. From here you can see the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour and have a great view of Fort St. Angelo.
Every day at 12pm and 4pm, a ceremonial gun salute is performed at the Saluting Battery (a line of cannons along the lower part of these gardens). You can get tickets to go down to the cannons, or just view them from above at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
There is a snack bar within the gardens here where you can grab some food and drinks and sit at one of the tables. It’s a great spot to take a breath, refuel, and plan your next activity.
From here you can take an elevator down (it’s very high up!) for a couple of Euros to easily reach the other side of Valletta. We took this elevator and headed to the seaside for a boat ride to the Three Cities across the way.
Admire Paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta
Valletta has a clean and modern Museum of Fine Arts in the heart of the city. It’s a somewhat small museum with mostly Maltese paintings — you may even recognize some of the buildings in the paintings!
It has multiple floors and I was one of the only people there. It was nice to have a quiet place to walk around and admire art after walking through the busy streets.
The museum costs €10 per person to visit and you can expect to spend 1-2 hours here, depending on how long you look at art.
Get a Latte With a View at Coffee Circus, Valletta
Coffee Circus gets two mentions in this post (once here, and once in the section below about where to eat) because it was one of my favorite bits of the trip!
The chai latte here is delicious, it has a unique interior, and the views from the street seating are incredible.
Take Photos at the Famous Red Telephone Box, Valletta
Since Malta was under British rule for a long period, there are pops of British culture throughout the country. One of those pops that stands out the most is the red phone booths which are such an iconic British symbol.
There is one phone booth that rules them all though: the one in Valletta that matches with the red shutters and Maltese balcony on the building behind it.
This is undoubtedly a popular photo spot and everyone who came across it stopped to snap a photo while I was there. It makes for a great photo!
Ride a Traditional Maltese Boat from Valletta to Three Cities
The Three Cities is an area of Malta across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. It is an area named for the finger-shaped pieces of land that are each a separate city: Vittoriosa (also known as Il-Birgu), Senglea (also known as L-Isla), and Cospicua (also known as Bormla).
Take the elevator down from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and walk straight out to the Grand Harbour. From here you can pay a few Euros (in cash) to ride a traditional Maltese boat—equipped with a modern engine—across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.
Each boat holds 6-7 people and the ride is only about 5 minutes. It will drop you off at the water taxi station in Vittoriosa, where you can then walk around or order a Bolt.
Explore 15th Century History at Gardjola Gardens, Senglea
After you take a traditional Maltese boat across the harbor from Valletta to the Three Cities, you can either walk or take a Bolt to Senglea (one of the three cities).
Gardjola Gardens is a small area at the tip of Senglea that has an incredible tower built in the 15th century. I first spotted it in the Air Malta magazine on the flight over and made it a must-visit on my “to see in Malta” list!
From here you can see Valletta across the harbor and a great view of the harbor entrance that leads out to sea. It’s a beautiful spot with benches to sit and relax. The tower has windows you can look out of and a few people can fit in at a time, though it’s best to go one at a time if people are taking photos.
Watch the Sunset from the Sliema Seaside
Sliema is across the way from Valletta on the other side — the opposite side from the Three Cities. You can easily take a 5-minute ferry ride from Valletta to get here.
Sliema is the most densely populated city in Malta, and it shows in the amount of shops, restaurants, and people. There are nice restaurants in this area if you’re looking for a fancy dinner with sea views!
Walk to the point of Sliema, Tigné Point, and go down the stairs to the stone at sea level. From here you will get a stunning cityscape view of Valletta. Stay for sunset to watch Valletta glow as golden hour fades to blue hour.
Act Like Royalty at Palazzo Parisio & Gardens, Naxxar
Palazzo Parisio and Gardens was once a private residence but is now open to the public for tours and weddings.
Walking through the palace, you can imagine what it would have felt like to live in the adorned rooms with sky-high ceilings and gold trimmings. Every room is highly detailed and distinct from one another.
You can even walk out onto a balcony on the second floor and look out over the gardens. Speaking of which, the gardens here are lovely and you can stroll through them during your visit. There are walls of flowers, a swing in a tree, and tons of trees and other plants.
Go to the Top of the Rotunda of Mosta
Mosta is best known for the domed Roman Catholic church in its city center. The neoclassical-style church is open to the public for self-guided tours where you can view the inside, climb the stairs to the top, and even explore the underground shelter beneath it.
During World War II, Malta was hit with bombs by Germany. One of these bombs came through the dome into the church, but it did not go off, which the Maltese people believed to be a miracle.
Due to the bombings, underground tunnels and a shelter were built under the church for people to escape to.
These tunnels are where you start your tour of the Rotunda of Mosta and you can get a glimpse into what it was like to stay down here. It is claustrophobic but well-lit — I would not recommend doing this part of the tour if you are very claustrophobic.
Once back in the church, climb the steep and winding stairs to the top of the dome where you will get fresh air on the roof. You can then step inside for a closer view of the dome’s interior from the perimeter. It’s intricately decorated with white, blue, and gold.
Walk down the stairs on the other side to go back to the main level to view the dome from below, as well as the rest of the church.
Take the Ferry to Gozo Island
Three islands make up the country of Malta: Malta (the main and largest island), Gozo, and Comino. Gozo is a more rural island, which can be reached via ferry from Malta.
While you can take the ferry from Valletta to Gozo, we opted to drive to the ferry terminal at the northern point of the island: Cirkewwa.
The ferry is only about 15 minutes to Gozo from Cirkewwa, making it an easy trip. Plan to spend a full day on Gozo, if not a night or two. There is so much to see around the island!
You can either rent a car and drive yourself, book a 6-hour private jeep tour, an 8-hour private jeep tour, or a 10-hour private tour, or use Bolt to get rideshares around the island (this is what we did).
Swim in the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island
The most popular tourist attraction in Malta, by far, is the Blue Lagoon on Malta’s smallest island. The Blue Lagoon is an area off the coast of Comino named for the vibrant blue waters there.
There are many boat tours and ferries that will take you to the Blue Lagoon, either from Malta or Gozo. You can even book a private boat tour if you don’t want to go with strangers.
It can get incredibly crowded here depending on the time of year you visit, with summers being the most crowded.
We did not visit the Blue Lagoon due to time constraints but could see glimpses of the aqua waters from the ferry to Gozo.
Check Out Popeye Village From Above, Mellieha
The Popeye movie set they filmed at was constructed in Mellieha, Malta, and still stands today. After filming was wrapped, they kept the set and turned it into an attraction you can now visit!
Although you can pay to visit, the best viewpoint is from the cliffs across from it.
This viewpoint gives you a higher vantage point so you can see the whole village! When you first get to the viewpoint at the parking lot, you’ll see a fence that blocks you from the cliffs — do not go around this fence as it is dangerous and there for a reason!
Instead, walk further down the pathway, cross the road that leads to the sunken pier, and go up the dirt path to the “Popeye Cliffs” for the best view and photo spot.
Visit Saint Agatha's Tower (The Red Tower), Mellieha
Saint Agatha’s Tower, also known as The Red Tower, is a watchtower from the 17th century. As you can probably infer from its name, it’s a large, red tower that is square with four corner towers.
The corner towers each have openings that were once for cannons to shoot through and they stored ammunition in the main tower.
Restoration work was done on the tower from 1999-2001 to repair damaged areas.
If you go during opening hours, you can actually tour the inside and go on the roof for views of Gozo and Comino! We arrived after closing so just walked around the outside and up the front steps.
It’s a beautiful tower that really stands out with its deep red color set atop a hill.
Pretend You’re Lady Stark at the Mdina Gates
The front gates to Mdina, the Silent City, may be familiar to you if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. They were used in GoT as the front gates to King’s Landing!
The front entrance gates are large with a stone bridge you walk across to enter the city. Mdina itself is a walled city with narrow, maze-like streets and a large cathedral in the center.
Men with horse-drawn carriages stand around waiting for tourists who want to take a ride through the city. Please don’t do this — the horses are treated extremely poorly and it’s not a great way to see the city. Walking is best!
This is a popular spot and you may need to be patient to get photos without tons of people in the background!
See Skeletons at the National Museum of Natural History, Mdina
I love visiting natural history museums, especially in other countries. Mdina has its own little natural history museum with a lovely collection of skeletons (both human and animal) if you’re into that kind of thing — I am!
There are multiple levels to the museum, which also has taxidermy animals, education about the islands/environment, insects, gemstones, and information about sea life.
The courtyard is beautiful and a great spot to snap a photo. On your way out, make sure you throw a coin into the well and make a wish!
Admire the Gardens at St. Dominic Priory, Rabat
The Church of St. Dominic is also known as St. Dominic Priory or Church of St. Dominic and The Blessed Virgin. It’s a small church with an open courtyard made famous by Game of Thrones since it was used as a filming location for The Red Keep.
You can walk around the perimeter of the courtyard, but cannot go into it. While you’re here, make sure you check out the inside of the church — it’s small but incredibly ornate!
Tip: Book a walking tour of Mdina and Rabat to explore both cities with a local guide!
Enjoy a Walk Through San Anton Gardens, Attard
San Anton Gardens is part of San Anton Palace, the home of the President of Malta. The gardens are free to visit and a perfect place to go for a walk or sit on one of the many benches.
There are fountains with turtles, manicured gardens, local cats bathing in the sunshine (highlight of my visit!), peacocks, and even a Japanese pagoda statue.
While the palace itself is closed to the public, the gardens are open to explore and enjoy.
Appreciate Colorful Boats at Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Marsaxlokk (pronounced mar-sash-lock) is a fishing village known for its incredible markets and colorful fishing boats, called luzzi, in the harbor.
Take a walk along the harbor to fully enjoy the brightly colored boats parked here. There is a small dock you can walk out onto as well for an even better view of the boats and surrounding buildings.
If you go on a weekday or Saturday, make time to check out all the booths at the market. They mostly have touristy trinkets and other souvenirs that make for good gifts to take back home for friends or family.
On Sundays, Marsaxlokk hosts the famous Marsaxlokk Market where they sell mostly fish — it’s popular with the locals!
Jump into the Sea at St. Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk
Another must-see spot in Marsaxlokk is an area called St. Peter’s Pool. This is a cliff area where people often spend hours laying out on the cliffs, jumping into the “pool,” and enjoying the sea.
The pool is a semi-circle-shaped part of the cliff that is more closed off from the open sea. People love to jump from this rounded cliff edge into the pool — I even saw a young girl jump! She’s much braver than I am.
If you aren’t up for cliff jumping, you can sunbathe on the flat stone at the top or walk on the narrow path above and to the right to explore the eroded stone. We followed the path to the right and had beautiful sea views in addition to seeing the unique patterns on the stone that were formed by erosion.
Go on a Boat Tour of the Blue Grotto, Il-Qrendi
In the south of Malta is a series of seven caves known as the Blue Grotto, not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
The Blue Grotto caves are only accessible via an official boat tour, which is 10 per person and must be paid in cash only. The tour will take you on a small boat that holds about six people where you will get to go inside the caves to see the stunning blue water.
If you’re lucky like we were, you may even spot some jellyfish that are often seen around Malta!
The line can get long and boat tours may be a bit rushed on busy days. Get there at opening time if possible to avoid a long wait!
Get a Bird’s Eye View of Dingli Cliffs, Il-Qrendi
During the Blue Grotto tour, the caves you go into are under the Dingli Cliffs. You can walk to the viewpoint above the Dingli Cliffs for one of the most picturesque views in all of Malta!
The viewpoint is paved with a short wall, so you’ll know you’re at the point when you get there. You will also likely see people crowding this area because it is popular, unsurprisingly.
Experience Early Human History at Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi
This was once believed to be the oldest human-made structure in history. An even older one has since been discovered, but Hagar Qim (pronounced ha-zhar-eem) is still one of the oldest.
It is dated to be from 3600–3200 BC. Hagar Qim is designated as a World Heritage Site and is one of the Megalith Temples of Malta — some of the oldest known religious sites in the world.
The self-guided tour begins inside the museum where you’ll learn about the history and view some ancient artifacts before heading outside to walk through and around the temple itself.
Swim in the Shallows at Ghar Lapsi Divesite, Siggiewi
During one of our Bolt rides from Dingli Cliffs viewpoint to Hagar Qim, our driver recommended we go to Ghar Lapsi for a swim. It was one of the best recommendations we got!
Ghar Lapsi is a small cove you can walk all the way around to swim, snorkel, or even go diving. It’s a lovely local spot further away from tourist attractions.
We did see one large jellyfish while we were here, so keep an eye out. It was one whose stings do not affect humans, but good to be on the lookout for them anyway.
There are also two restaurants here if you want to grab a bite to eat after swimming or diving. The one at the top, Dive In Cafe & Grill, has the best views (and great food)!
Where to Eat in Malta
Maltese cuisine is very meat-heavy and rabbit is one of the main dishes. As a pescatarian (vegetarian who occasionally eats fish), it was sometimes difficult to find something great on the menu.
I wasn’t very impressed by the food here, especially compared to Corfu, which has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten!
Although we went to some nice restaurants, the food was just okay at a few of them. It wasn’t bad, but Malta is not a foodie’s paradise from my experience. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, try out a guided food tour with a local guide to find the best spots!
There were some great restaurants with delicious food, which I’ve included in my list below.
Chophouse, Sliema
Make a reservation at Chophouse in Sliema for a classy, nice dinner on the water. Try to book your reservation at least a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you get a reservation.
It’s right on the edge of Sliema with views of Valletta across the harbor. The food and drinks were incredible too!
This is a fancier place and I recommend dressing up a bit. We were underdressed after a day of exploring and I wished I had brought a nicer dress and shoes to wear.
The Black Pearl, Sliema
As a huge Pirates of the Caribbean fan, I was thrilled when I found The Black Pearl restaurant on Google Maps! This restaurant is on a real-life ship called The Black Pearl that once sailed the seas.
The ship is now on land (you won’t be rocking back and forth during dinner) and still preserved in all its glory. The interior of the ship has seating and a couple of bars to sit at as well. The best seating is outside on the deck though! It has views of the water and Valletta across the harbor.
The food is not amazing, but it is worth it for the novelty of dining on an actual ship called The Black Pearl!
Coffee Circus, Valletta
My favorite little spot for a hot chai each morning was Coffee Circus in Valletta’s city center. I already mentioned it once, but it’s worth a second mention!
Coffee Circus is a chain in Malta, with a few other locations throughout the island. This particular location in Malta is right in the heart of the city with an unassuming entrance.
The moment you walk through the door you begin walking downstairs — the cafe is underground! It has some windows at the top so light still seeps in, but it’s mostly underground, which I found really cool.
The person working there was friendly and even remembered my order the second time I went in! I only got a chai latte each visit, but they also have tostas (toasted sandwiches), cakes, and desserts.
San Paolo Naufrago, Valletta
San Paolo Naufrago is the best pizza place in Malta on one of the liveliest streets in Valletta. The long, stepped street is lined with restaurants on either side and is filled with tables and chairs down the center.
Lights are strung across the street for a lovely ambiance. The energy and lively atmosphere of this street, even until the late hours (people eat late here, like other European countries!), makes it an exciting place to eat dinner.
The pizza was amazing too! We did have to wait about half an hour since we didn’t have reservations, but it was worth the wait.
Lot Sixty One Coffee, Valletta
Another great coffee place in Valletta is Lot Sixty One Coffee. It’s down the street and around the corner from Coffee Circus and also has outdoor seating.
Their chai latte is great, but I prefer the chai latte at Coffee Circus. They also have a selection of baked goods — the muffins are delicious!
TriBE, Naxxar
After a visit to the Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, grab an incredible lunch at TriBE. The interior is fully decorated with trendy plants, neon signs, and fun wallpaper.
They have a large menu with a large selection of dishes from pasta to burgers to open-faced sandwiches. The food here was some of the best I had in Malta!
It’s within walking distance from Palazzo Parisio and Gardens, but they also have a location in Valletta!
Dive In Cafe & Grill, Siggiewi
Head to Dive In Cafe & Grill after swimming/diving at Ghar Lapsi. The restaurant is above the bay and overlooks the gorgeous waters below.
Get a local Maltese beer, Cisk, and enjoy a delicious lunch by the sea. Ask for a table outside for the best views!
Bro’s Kitchen, Attard
Tucked along an unassuming street you’ll find Bro’s Kitchen. It has a range of items on the menu and great food! There are just a couple of tables outside and limited seating inside. You may need to wait for a table to open during busier seasons/days.
It’s in a more local neighborhood in the town of Birkirkara — the second most-populated city in Malta! Grab lunch here before or after visiting the nearby San Anton Gardens, which is less than one mile (1.2 km) away.
How to Spend 3 Days in Malta
Day 1: Start the day with coffee/tea and a bite to eat at Coffee Circus in Valletta. Then head to Mdina to explore the city and get a photo in front of the King’s Landing gates.
Walk or drive to nearby Rabbat to visit St. Dominic’s Priory for a peak at the Red Keep. Visit Palazzo Parisio and Garden in Naxxar before grabbing lunch at TriBE nearby.
Head back to Valletta to explore both the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, then take a ferry to Sliema to watch the sunset over Valletta. Have a fancy dinner at Chophouse to end the night.
Itinerary:
Coffee/tea at Coffee Circus
Mdina in the morning
St. Dominic’s Priory in Rabat
Palazzo Parisio and Garden in Naxxar
Lunch at TriBE in Naxxar
Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens in Valletta
Ferry to Sliema for sunset
Dinner at Chophouse in Sliema
Day 2: Take a boat tour through the Blue Grotto as soon as it opens to avoid the crowds. After, walk up the hill to view Dingli Cliffs from above and watch the other boat tours pop in and out of the caves.
Walk or take a quick drive to visit Hagar Qim, one of the oldest standing structures in the world. Drive or get a rideshare to Ghar Lapsi where you can cool off in the small bay before getting lunch at the Dive In Cafe with views of the bay below.
Once you’re fueled up, head to Marsaxlokk fishing village to visit the colorful boats and explore the market. Drive to nearby St. Peter’s Pool to view it from above, or be adventurous and jump into the pool!
Get dinner in Valletta at a local restaurant, grab dessert at a gelateria, and spend the evening walking around the city center.
Tip: Book a tour that takes you to the Blue Grotto, Hagar Qim, and Marsaxlokk so you don’t have to figure out transportation yourself!
Itinerary:
Blue Grotto boat tour
Dingli Cliffs viewpoint
Hagar Qim
Ghar Lapsi swimming
Lunch at Dive In Cafe
Marsaxlokk fishing village
St. Peter’s Pool
Dinner in Valletta
Walk around Valletta city center
Day 3: Take the first-morning ferry to Gozo from Cirkewwa — near Mellieha in the north. Spend the first half of the day exploring the island before heading back to the main island.
Visit St. Agatha’s Tower to take photos and then head to the Popeye’s Village viewpoint to see the village from above.
Make your way to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta and take the elevator down to the other side of the city. From here, take a traditional Maltese boat to the Three Cities to visit Gardjola Gardens for the golden hour.
Take a boat back to Valletta to get an incredible pizza dinner at San Paolo Nafrugo.
Itinerary:
Ferry to Gozo
Spend half a day exploring the island
St. Agatha’s Tower
Popeye’s Village Viewpoint
Traditional Maltese Boat from Valletta to Three Cities
Gardjola Gardens for sunset
Boat back to Valletta
Dinner at San Paolo Nafrugo in Valletta
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