Malta, situated between Sicily and the North African coast in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, boasts 7000 years of history and 300 days of sunshine per year. The Maltese archipelago consists of eight islands, three of which—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—are the primary ones to explore during a trip to Malta.
Most tourists visiting Malta stay on the island of Malta, particularly in its 5000-year-old capital, Valletta. Valletta, a city rich in history and multicultural vibrancy, is a popular destination for European vacationers from May to October, especially in July and August. It remains an excellent year-round option for those seeking to escape the tourist crowds in Southern Europe. The island enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate, perfect for a delightful vacation close to home. A flight from Paris to Valletta takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Visiting Malta for the First Time: What to See and Do?
The red tourist buses, common in many cities around the world, are also present in Malta. These buses can be a great way to get an initial overview of Valletta, before exploring it on foot at your own pace.
Here are some of the visits we enjoyed in Valletta and its surroundings.
Visiting Valletta, the Historical Capital of Malta
The charming and multicultural capital of Malta, Valletta, is the smallest capital in Europe. We recommend staying here for at least three days to fully immerse yourself in its Mediterranean atmosphere, wandering through its honey-colored limestone streets and imposing fortifications.
What tourists commonly refer to as Valletta is actually a collection of several cities, but you never realize when you’re moving from one to another; it feels like transitioning from one neighborhood to the next. As you can imagine, the list of places to visit is almost endless in such a historic European capital. Here, we highlight just a few of our favorites.
Two gardens are must-sees when visiting Malta for the first time: the Barrakka Gardens. The Upper Barrakka Gardens, located in the upper town, and the Lower Barrakka Gardens, located in the lower town, both offer free panoramic 180-degree views of the Three Cities: Città Vittoriosa, Città Cospicua, and Città Senglea.
Another unmissable visit when coming to Malta for the first time is St. Paul Street with its facades featuring a high concentration of balconies, each more impressive than the last, creating a dizzying effect.
Valletta is home to many museums, such as the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nazionale delle Belle Arti), which we recommend at least passing through during your visit.
Visiting Valletta without experiencing its lifestyle and institutions would be a mistake. Don’t hesitate to stop by 244 Republic Street for a terrace tasting break at Caffè Cordina after a brief visit inside the establishment, which is a museum in its own right.
Lastly—and this is not an exhaustive list—Valletta can also be explored by water. For just a few euros, you can board a traditional Maltese boat to admire Valletta and the Three Cities from the sea. You will likely see some large cruise ships, as well as the incredibly rich architecture of the facades of Malta’s buildings and churches.
Visiting Malta for the First Time: Exploring the Three Cities
Entering the cities of Malta is like taking a step back in time. Situated opposite Valletta, the three fortified cities of Vittoriosa (Birgu), Cospicua (Bormla), and Senglea (Isla) form Malta’s ancient defensive trio. It was in Vittoriosa that the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem arrived. The best way to visit these cities, which were once unsafe but have now been rehabilitated, is to get lost in their narrow streets.
To get there from the historic center of Valletta, you have several options. You can either take a traditional small boat (4 €/person), as mentioned earlier, or take the ferry (1.50 €/person). The departure points for both are very close to each other on Xatt Laskar in the Lower Barrakka Gardens area.
Exploring the Three Cities allows you to experience the rich historical tapestry of Malta. Each city has its unique charm and stories, offering a glimpse into the island’s storied past. Wander through the ancient streets, enjoy the stunning views, and soak in the history that permeates these remarkable places.
Malta offers a plethora of experiences for first-time visitors, from its historic capital Valletta to the timeless Three Cities. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to relax by the Mediterranean, Malta has something to offer everyone.
Exploring Mdina for the First Time
Mdina is a small, pedestrianized, fortified city that has stood the test of time. It was the residence of Maltese nobility from the 12th century until the arrival of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. It is a delight to get lost in its narrow streets lined with ochre buildings featuring medieval and baroque architecture, away from the noise of modern life.
Don’t miss a walk along the ramparts, offering panoramic views over the east and north of Malta. The Saint Paul’s Cathedral is also worth a visit. Exploring Mdina is a must when visiting Malta for the first time.
Visiting Marsaxlokk: Malta’s Authentic Fishing Village
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village that should not be missed when visiting Malta for the first time. Located in the southeast of the island, Marsaxlokk’s port is the most important fishing port on the island, home to what are known as luzzi. These are the typical, colorful Maltese boats that travelers love to photograph. Two eyes are painted on the front of each boat to protect them from curses that might be cast on the fishermen.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday, you can wander through the local fish market.
Marsaxlokk was one of the most recommended spots by our Instagram followers. If you haven’t joined us on Instagram yet, now is a great time. There, you can find photos from our travels around the world, including stories from our trip to Malta, which we’ve highlighted.
Sunbathing at St. Peter’s Pool
St. Peter’s Pool, as it is called here in Malta, is located in the south of the island, not far from Marsaxlokk Bay. You can even get there by traditional boat, and with a bit of negotiation, the fisherman might drop you off at a less crowded spot. You can also drive there from Valletta in just 20 minutes. It’s a beautiful natural site where you can breathe fresh air after more cultural visits.
If, like us, you don’t like crowds, head to the right upon arrival. After a 5-10 minute walk along a small path, you’ll reach a similar natural site where you’re more likely to find yourself alone. It’s much more pleasant!
There’s no white sand here, but impressive rocky formations. The first thing to do upon arrival is to find a shaded spot to lay your towel before diving into the particularly deep, crystal-clear waters, as it can get very hot, especially during midday in July and August. Be careful of any falling rocks.
Visiting Malta’s Blue Grotto: Wied iż-Żurrieq
The Blue Grotto of Malta, known as Wied iż-Żurrieq, is a natural wonder.
To get there, head to the small port of the same name in the southwest of Malta and embark on a 20-minute boat tour for 8 euros per person. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy Malta from the sea and admire the natural beauty of seven caves and the turquoise waters of these preserved sites.
We took this sea excursion in the morning, just before our flight back to Paris in the afternoon. It was an ideal way to keep beautiful images in our minds before returning to the grey skies of Paris. A seafood lunch at Coast Cassarini in the small village of Wied iż-Żurrieq was a must before returning to civilization.
Embrace the Charm of Malta
With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Malta is a destination that captivates the heart of every traveler. Whether you’re strolling through the ancient streets of Mdina, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Valletta, or basking in the serene beauty of the Blue Lagoon on Comino, each moment in Malta offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Maltese archipelago, nestled between Sicily and the North African coast in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored. Boasting 7000 years of history and 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s a destination that promises both adventure and relaxation. The three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—each have their own distinct charm and character, making them must-visit spots during your journey.
