Things to do & places to visit in Island of Malta, Malta

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.

Island of Malta #1 destination in Malta 2023. The average rating score is 4.32 based on 170.2k traveler reviews, of 712 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Malta, current date and time: Monday, May 13, 2024, 5:39.

Top things to do (42)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Hornblower Cruises (4.132 reviews)
- Stunning!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Boat Tours

Amazing trip to the blue lagoon. The boat and staff were great with the ships captain showing incredible skill to take the front of the boat right in to caves on route to the lagoon. Recommend taking a snorkel and a float if you want to just bob in the water. See more..
5.0 Rolling Geeks (1.915 reviews)
- Great Fun Using a Rolling Geek Buggy
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

We hadn't planned to use Rolling Geeks, but we (4 adults, 1 child) had planned to visit and walk around the Three Cities in Malta. As usual, the heat was intense and we stumbled across the entrance to the Rolling Geeks premises. The owner explained that usually an electric buggy is hired by a customer and we provide an on-board "iPad" which contains the route to follow and running commentary. The customer then drives off at their own pace following the route. However, this technology wasn't working so the owner drove the lead buggy and two others (one being ours) followed in convey at a sedate 12 mph! The owner gave us a running commentary via walkie-talkies. The trip must have lasted over 2 hours of actual driving time plus comfort breaks. It was great fun and well worth the price of the buggy hire. We saw and learnt a lot. Would not hesitate to recommend Rolling Geeks whose premises are within walking distance from the ferry disembarkation point in Vittoriosa. See more..
5.0 Fort Rinella (1.457 reviews)
- Fantastic historical site, wonderful knowledgeable guides
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums

Fort Rinella in Kalkara,was built in 1878. This fort is not only a unique remnant of Malta's recent British colonial past, but it is also the world's first mechanical fort which enabled its small garrison to fire a monstrous 100-ton gun every six minutes. To be able to do this, the fort was equipped with a novel steam-driven hydraulic set-up that enabled the gun to traverse and depress and its ammunition to be hoisted and loaded mechanically. On visiting this fort in 1889, the great French writer Jules Verne described it as a marvel of the industrial age which would render Malta safe for ever. Some say that this is the place from where he got the idea of writing his famous novel a 'Voyage to the Moon', where a man is stuffed into a large projectile and fired from a large gun onto the moon!Originally, the 100-ton gun was built by Sir William George Armstrong of Newcastle in 1878, to equip a new class of Italian battleships - the Duilio class. This caused a serious stir between Britain and Italy which led to the former to obtain examples of the same gun to secure Malta and Gibraltar against a potential Italian seaborne attack.The Armstrong 100-ton gun has a calibre of 17.72-Inches (45cm). It is 35 feet long and has an overall weight of 156 tons making it the world's largest muzzle-loading cannon ever built. It used a quarter of a ton of gun powder to propel its monster shells up to a maximum range of eight miles. At that range it could pierce anything up to 21-inches of ship armour! The gun at Fort Rinella and another at Napier of Magdala Battery in Gibraltar are the sole surving examples today. The fort has recently undergone extensive restoration and improvement. A new 20-minute audio-visual outlining the history of the fort and its gun has also been added and is included in all guided tours.RE-Live History at Fort Rinella - Every afternoon from Monday to Saturday!Throughout the year, from Monday to Saturday at 14.00Hrs sharp, Fort Rinella is brought back to lif... See more..
5.0 Flyboard Malta (1.098 reviews)
- Absolutely Amazing
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Waterskiing & Jetskiing • Water Sports

This was amazing, Simon was great (and patient), and the lady taking the booking was also so nice. Great value for money and so glad I did it, would definitely recommend to others, they even gave me 5 minutes extra for free. Please try this, great new sport! See more..
5.0 Can You Escape? Malta (900 reviews)
- Super fun and very well organised ! Highly recommended !
Monday: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers

Can You Escape? – Malta ® is an exciting, fun and entertaining mental game, targeted particularly for bright and sharp minds. Real-life room escape games are a type of physical adventure game in which a team of people are locked inside a themed room with other participants and have to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within 60 minutes. See more..
4.5 Mdina Old City (13.4k reviews)
- Must see
Historic Walking Areas

A must see, central to Malta the history and architecture are stunning and oozes out, we decided to grab a horse and carriage to tour around the old city, there were a few carriages where the bus drops you off. We got Joey the driver and Daisy the horse the carriage was ornate and it all looked good. So we trotted off 35 euros for about 45 mins and plenty of photo stops, Mdina is high and you can see for miles around, Joey was a good guide and gave us an informative commentary. There was no concern from us for Daisy she looked fit and enjoyed her job , certainly in charge of Joey, we left them the did the tour on foot looking even closer at the historic places. Plenty of opportunities for souvenirs and a café stop, also go for a walk around Rabat just outside the city. Bus stops to all routes just outside in Rabat. See more..
4.5 St. John's Co-Cathedral (12.2k reviews) from $18.04
- A must do in Malta
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture. It was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St John. This church is till this very day an important shrine and a sacred place of worship. It is also a venue for cultural events. The construction was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière to serve as the conventual church of the Knights of Malta and designed by the Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar. The church was dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order. The oratory holds the biggest and only signed masterpiece by Caravaggio. St John’s church is administered by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation responsible for the religious cultural heritage of the monument. See more..
4.5 Upper Barrakka Gardens (8.454 reviews)
- Small garden, fine view, watch the time-keeping cannon fire at 12 and 4 o' clock
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Gardens

By English standards this is a small park, planted up flower beds and a few trees overlooking the harbour, but it's pleasant enough. The main reason for our visit was to see the firing of the four o clock cannon. This is re-enacted by the historical society with all the ceremony of yester year as a fundraising spectacle. It's very popular so arrive early and take your place on the terrace overlooking the Saluting battery or pay 3 euros and go down to the battery itself. If you watch from the top be sure to put something in the collecting tin on the way out! See more..
4.5 Lascaris War Rooms (4.381 reviews)
- Walking in the footsteps of Eisenhower.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Military Museums • Historic Sites • Battlefields

The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977. See more..
4.5 Valletta Ferry Services (3.778 reviews)
- Frequent efficient and good value service
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

Great ferry service from Valletta to Sliema or the Three Cities and back for a super cheap price. Runs every 30mins during the day and also has a less often, but useful, night service. Takes about 15 mins and during that time you get a great vista of Valletta and the Three Cities. Worth the trip even if you just want to take some scenic photos of the Grand Harbour or the view back from Sliema of St Paul’s. See more..
4.5 Valletta Waterfront (3.173 reviews)
- Charming cruise port feel
Piers & Boardwalks

We weren’t actually cruising, but 3 ships were in port when we visited. The ancient walled city towered above, and there were a few restaurants right on the waterfront across from the ships. Tip: pay the 1 euro to take the lift/elevator up to the historic district. Views of the 3 Cities at the top are spectacular, and it saves a lot of time. See more..
4.5 Fort St Elmo - National War Museum (3.008 reviews)
- A superb museum explain the history of Malta
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Military Bases & Facilities

Visitors at Fort St Elmo can experience the impressive grounds of the fort, including the splendid architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. Among the most notable artefacts inside the museum one finds the military armour of the Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross. See more..
4.5 Saluting Battery (2.852 reviews)
- What a blast!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • Battlefields • History Museums

The Saluting Battery is one of Malta's most vibrant visitor attractions where history is brought to life daily! Located high along Valletta's eastern historic ramparts it enjoys unrivalled spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and its surrounding fortified towns. It is also perhaps the oldest saluting battery still in operation anywhere in the world. Here one can see a fully restored gun powder magazine, an artillery side-arm store, a handsome collection of original muzzle-loading artillery , ammunition and equipment and get a close-look at the saluting guns. The battery is equipped with audio-guides but guided torus in English are also available three times a day at 11.00, 12.30 And 15.00Hrs. See more..
4.5 Hagar Qim Temples (2.541 reviews)
- The best experience I have had of a temple site
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The temple of Ħaġar Qim stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet of Fifla, not more than 2km south-west of the village of Qrendi. At the bottom of the hill, only 500m away, one finds the remarkable temples of Mnajdra. Both sites are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. See more..
4.5 Spinola Bay (2.311 reviews)
- Beautiful
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water • Neighborhoods

Such a beautiful bay, but it can get very busy. In the day there is the hustle and bustle of travellers and people selling tours. In the evening it’s busy with people dining and drinking. In the darkness the bay is lit up by dainty lights and it’s just beautiful. There are so many places to stop and eat, from fancy restaurants to fast food. I would recommend booking a restaurant as it gets busy. Talk a walk all round the bay and see the beautiful church at the end. A lovely walk. See more..
4.5 Mellieha Air Raid Shelter (2.011 reviews)
- Our absolute favourite !
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites

It's funny how something so basic and simple can take you by surprise ! We were expecting a 'dusty tunnel', to have a quick peek and kill some time .... quite the reverse ... it was wonderful ! The hand-hewn tunnels went on and on and the story felt so real - you could just image how fretful and scary it must have been down there. I just adore museums that have no airs and graces, just have simple and relevant artifacts in their original settings and are unique and this is one of them them. No tearoom, gift shop or guide books here .... just an authentic experience and a friendly, informative person to take your €2.50. Such good value ! See more..
4.5 Mellieha Parish Church (1.913 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Churches & Cathedrals

This is a monster of a church built on the top of the hill overlooking the bay. The place is huge and very photogenic, the inside is as spectacular as the outside and not to be missed. The famous grotto is also opposite the church and highly recommended, and has its own review pages. I am not very religious but one cannot fail to be moved by the interior decorations, its so ornate. See more..
4.5 Malta Classic Car Collection Museum (1.834 reviews) from $10.71
- An amazing hidden gem!!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Classic Car Collection was the brainchild of obsessive petrol-head Mr. Carol Galea, an avid and self-confessed car enthusiast. He first began customizing and building his own cars for local hill climbing races but his hobby evolved into a full-blown passion for classic cars. This is his personal tribute to the automobile industry – or as he puts it – it’s a ‘living and growing collection that spans more than 50 years of motor manufacturing’ The museum has approximately 60 Vehicles on display ranging from a Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, Fiats, MGs, Mercedes, Chevrolette, Ferrari, Bentley etc. They have all been carefully restored and lovingly preserved. There is also a Cinemas and a Motoring Library on site that one can explore. See more..
4.5 Mosta Rotunda (1.788 reviews)
- Beautiful church
Monday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

For a long time it has been renowned as being the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Outside diameter 56.2 metres. Inside diameter 39.6 metres. Internal height 54.7metres. This gigantic rotunda church is decorated with many paintings by Giuseppe Calì and other able artists. While on a visit to the Mosta Dome one should not miss going into the sacristies, to view and admire the various objects of prestige, including paintings and a large-scale model of the church. Not to be missed is a replica of the bomb which, in 1942, pierced the dome and landed on the church floor. The bomb did not explode. No one died and the church was not destroyed. See more..
4.5 Casa Rocca Piccola (1.588 reviews) from $11.24
- Must see location if you are passionate about art and history in Malta
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Art Museums • History Museums

If you fancy seeing something a little bit different when visiting Valletta go to Casa Rocca Piccola. Often described as a ‘living museum’ it is the only privately owned palace open to the public in the city. Built over 400 years ago for a Knight of Malta, Don Pietro La Rocca it is now the ancestral home of a Maltese Noble family. On your tour the guides will point out interesting things to see such as an 18th Century golden Sedan Chair. There are literally hundreds of magnificent objects to see including modern paintings interspersed with the ancestral portraits of the Marquises de Piro and the Barons of Budach. You will also see a network of tunnels cut out from the rock under Casa Rocca Piccola which were used as Bomb Shelters in World War 2. Over 100 people sheltered here from the Nazi bombs that poured on Valletta. To finish your tour in the cellars of the house there is a delightful Sicilian restaurant called La Giara. See more..
4.5 St. Peter’s Pool (1.530 reviews)
- Very nice, but go by Joe’s boat from Marsaxlokk
Bodies of Water • Beaches

This natural pool at the tip of Delimara Point is a unique swimming spot, perfect for a day of adventure and relaxation. There’s a large flat slab where you can sunbathe, or you can jump off the cliffs to swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters below. Just watch out for jellyfish. If you want to explore beyond the pool, wear good shoes and stroll along the rocky shore to find other stunning inlets like Peter’s Little Brother. You can also see historic landmarks in the area like Fort Delimara and the Il-Kalanka Lighthouse. Otherwise, visit St. Peter's Pool and other Malta highlights, including the Blue Grotto, on a full-day tour. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul (1.520 reviews)
- Impressive main building inside the walled Mdina City
Monday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Churches & Cathedrals

This is the principle building inside the Mdina walled city. As you walk down the main street, you encounter a square on the right, with the Cathedral facing you. The entrance fee is now 10 Euros, for the cathedral itself and the accompanying museum. As we had allowed ourselves only 1 hour 20 minutes for Mdina, with our driver waiting outside, we did not feel we would have time to view the interior. Nevertheless, its exterior is an important part of your experience in this fine white-stone city. See more..
4.5 Lower Barrakka Gardens (1.445 reviews)
- A really lovely spot, whatever time of day (or night)
Gardens

A very tranquil and beautiful little garden, I enjoyed a couple of visits. There is a cafe so that you can get refreshments and the views are excellent. As well as a lovely day time visit, I went there on my last evening and it was very peaceful - and they were rehearsing for the Pageant of the Seas so I got some free entertainment thrown in. I will try the restaurant next time I come. See more..
4.5 St Agatha's Tower - The Red Tower (1.420 reviews)
- October 2020 opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Tower will be closed on Wednesday 15th between 13.00hrs to 16hrs. St. Agatha's (Red Tower) Has been recently refurbished and open to the public. As for other days we do our best to have it open daily 7 Days a week between 10am and 17.00hrs (Summer hours). and till 16.00 Winter hours. Entrance fee is €2.50 for Adults and children 12 and under are free. (Credit card or cash) you would like to make sure its open on a particular day please send an email or an sms (or watsup) on provided details to be able to confirm our volunteers roster. Thank you. See more..
4.5 Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (1.330 reviews)
- Exceeded expectations
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site, a complex made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC, and the complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC. The Hypogeum was first opened to the public in 1908. Due to its uniqueness, the site became very popular with visitors. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact on the delicate microclimate of the site. For this reason, a conservation project was conducted that also included the closure of the site for 10 years between 1990 and 2000. As a result of these studies, a new visiting system was established. Nowadays, only 10 visitors an hour are now allowed inside the Hypogeum for a maximum of 8 tours a day. This system is also complemented by an environmental control system which keeps temperature and humidity at required levels. Tickets for the Hypogeum should be purchased well in advance. See more..
4.5 Barrakka Lift (1.330 reviews)
- Superb idea, great value for money
Monday: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

The Barrakka Panoramic Lifts are located inside the ditch of the fortifications of Valletta, and it links Lascaris Wharf to St. Peter and Paul Bastion and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. It allows access from the Grand Harbour to the Valletta city. It was first constructed in 2012, on the site of a previous lift (1905 - 1973). In 1905, the lift was constructed out of steel, and it was 60 m high. The lift had two cabins that could hold 12 passengers and tickets cost ½d for military personnel and 1d for other clients. Malta's independence in 1964, took a toll on the lifts as a significant amount of the lift's clients were British military personnel and employees. There were significant losses, stopped operation in 1973 and lifts were demolished in 1983. Plans to construct similar steel structure lifts initiate in 2004, were designed by the local firm Architecture Project and inaugurated in 2012. The lifts facilitate access to the historic centre of Valletta to/from the Grand Harbour. See more..
4.5 Gozo Ferry Port (1.294 reviews)
- Very efficient
Marinas • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Very efficient service and helpful staff. You only pay on the return trip from Gozo and it is under 5 euro return so great value. Also worth noting you Malta bus ticket is valid on Gozo. For 1 euro 50 each we travelled from Selima and was able to catch 2 buses on Gozo within the 2 hour validity period See more..
4.5 Malta at War Museum (987 reviews)
- The War tunnels in Malta
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Military Museums

Sitting in the tranquil courtyard outside the Malta at War museum it is hard to believe how important the shelters underneath me were to the local Maltese population . Dug in an amazing 2 months ,500 people sheltered in total darkness with no food and only the water they brought with them together with a pillow and a bucket. Air raid wardens monitored the number allowed in and took receipt of money from those who could afford to rent one of the wealthier people's private rooms. We followed Umbert the guide who explained so well the procedure and protocol of the tunnels . These included medical rooms, operating rooms and even a maternity room all working in near blackout darkness for up to 11 hours continuously from entry. The rooms are fitted out in the way they would have looked. The museum exhibits were a good mixture of social and military life. This is a non profit museum and is reliant on visitors. The museum has a senior discount price and is well worth a visit . See more..
4.5 Three Cities (899 reviews)
- Very pretty!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stayed in Cospicua / Bormla at the top of the hill and spent a lot of time wandering slowly around. It’s very pretty and friendly although beware of the hills! Taking the ferry across to Valletta is simple and includes a ticket for the Barrakka lift although we also paid a boatman to take us across in one of the little outboard traditional wooden boats which was wonderful! There are several good restaurants here and the convenience shop is very helpful. A walk around the ramparts of each city is highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Portomaso Marina (815 reviews)
- How the other half………….
Marinas

We enjoyed our walk around the Portomaso marina. There are some beautiful yachts moored there. One evening we ate at the Blue Elephant Thai restaurant overlooking the marina which was wonderful. Recommended. See more..