Malta Ultimate Bucket List & Travel Guide 2026: 23 Best Things to Do

Last Updated on July 30, 2026

Malta was my travel find of the year. I went in not expecting much and came out obsessed. I love how it’s an island and a beach destination but also has beautiful and interesting historic places to visit, because I’ll be honest, I just get bored being all day at the beach! Malta gives you both: turquoise water one afternoon, a 4,000 year old temple the next, and a medieval walled city for golden hour in between.

This is my full Malta bucket list for 2026: the things I actually did, the ones I’d skip, and everything practical you need to plan the trip yourself.

Visiting Malta: The Essentials

✈️ Getting There / Malta International Airport (MLA) is the island’s only airport, with direct flights from most UK and European cities. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups: landing already sorted beats queuing for a taxi after a flight. Search flights on Skyscanner.

🚗 Getting Around / A rental car is almost always the best option, especially if you’re only there for a few days: Malta is tiny, roads are manageable, and it saves you waiting around for buses to reach spots like Dingli Cliffs or the quieter beaches. Compare rental cars on DiscoverCars. That said, the public buses are incredible, regular, and take you to any part of the island if you’d rather not drive. One honest flag though: staying in Sliema, I had buses not stop for me more than once because they were already over capacity, and lost the best part of an hour waiting for one that would.

🎟️ Tours / Malta rewards a guided day out, especially for the temples and Gozo. The best ones to book in advance:
Prehistoric Temples of Malta Tour
Full-Day Gozo Jeep Safari with Lunch
Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise
Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch
Wine Lover’s Tour of Malta

🏨 Stay / Valletta puts you closest to the main sights; Sliema and St Julian’s are better for the seafront and nightlife:
Strand Suites by NEU Collective $
Palazzo Violetta $$
The Phoenicia Malta $$$
Search and compare all Malta hotels →

📱 Connect / Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSIM. I use SimLocal and get a 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU.

🛡️ Get Insured / Things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for over 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

23 Wonderful Things to Do in Malta

1. Visit the magical city of Mdina

Mdina, or Città Vecchia, is a medieval walled city with under 300 permanent residents, tall stone buildings and narrow streets that feel completely untouched by time. Honestly, Mdina was the highlight of my Malta trip. Go around 2pm when most people are on the beach. You’ll have the city to yourself.

If you wish to see the city with more historical context, you can book this 2hr walking tour. If you wish to make it full day trip, then check this one.

2. Snap the colorful boats of Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village located in south east Malta. It’s bay is picture perfect due to the abundance of similarly colored boats anchored in it. The bay, shoreline and city are also worth a stroll. Marsaxlokk as you can imagine, is also a great place to eat fresh fish!

3. Take a plunge at St Peter’s Pool

St Peter’s Pool is an almost perfectly round natural swimming pool located near Marsaxlokk. It is surrounded by a stone wall which makes it perfect for some cheeky diving. A great place in Malta to spend time just floating about! You can walk or take a boat from the harbor of Marsaxlokk. This tour takes you there and to Marsaxlokk.

4. Swim in the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon

An absolute must in Malta: this lagoon and its crystalline, azure and luscious waters just stunned me. I would have stayed admiring the bright turquoise waters forever. Make sure you dedicate at least half a day to the Blue Lagoon. You can get there by ferry or easier one of the several boat day tours available. Here’s the top reviewed one.

5. Spend a day in Gozo island

Even if one of its main attractions – the Azure Window – collapsed in 2017 there is still plenty to do in Gozo. You can easily spend a couple of days there. Some people spend their entire holiday in Gozo, instead of doing it just as a day trip from Malta’s mainland. As for attractions, the main city in Gozo called Victoria (previously known as Rabat) would be the starting point. The city is worth exploring, as well as the Citadel located on top of a hill which like Mdina is almost untouched. The views from there are great as well.

On top of that, you’ll find the Ggantija temple, as well as the Blue Hole which is a natural rock formation that the best place in Malta for scuba diving. And there is more. To be honest Gozo deserves a post of its own! 

Check out this full day tour of Gozo; which includes a jeep ride and lunch!

6. Wander the streets of Valletta

The colorful balconies, the quirky store signs, the narrow cobbled streets that go up and down or in a staircase. All cities in Malta are gorgeous, but Valletta’s streets are something special. In order to properly explore it, check out this walking tour with amazing reviews.

7. Take an island cruise tour

One of the most popular ways of spending a day in Malta is in a island hopping cruise tour. You would typically visit the Blue Lagoon or Gozo and other smaller islands. I found this option which has great reviews. Also, while on the boat, another company will offer you a speedboat tour. It’s not worth it.

8. Eat lots of pastizzi

The most popular Maltese food, by far. The pastizz (singular) is a savoury pastry typically filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Wish I was eating one right now. The pea pastizz is a great veggie option but it’s not always vegan, you can ask though. Crystal Palace is the only place I know do vegan pastizzi for sure.

9. Visit the Three Cities or Cottonera

Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua are the three fortified cities of Malta. The three stand one besides the other on the Grand Harbor, opposite to Valletta. Do you love history, strolling through cities that ooze character, have been around since the middle ages and are far less populated with tourists? Then visiting the Three Cities is your perfect day trip. Take your camera! Visit them on your own or take a tour which includes wine tasting.

10. Enjoy the views from the Lower & Upper Barraka Gardens

The Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens offer some of the best harbour views on the island, and free to visit. Try to time it with the noon cannon fire at the Saluting Battery below. You don’t need to book anything for the gardens themselves, but they’re one of the stops on the Valletta walking tour I mentioned above, handy if you’d rather have someone explain what you’re looking at than guess.

11. Swim and sunbathe at Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

These adjacent beaches are a must visit if you are planning to enjoy the sand and the sea in Malta. I personally liked Għajn Tuffieħa more. You can hike there from Golden Bay through a rocky mount which connects them and take pictures from up the hill. It will be a small “adventure” and on top of that you’ll take great photos!

12. Visit the temples of Mnajdra and Hagar Qim

These megalithic temple complexes in Malta date back to 3600 BC, they are not only super interesting but are also located at a striking high coast location surrounded by cliffs. They are also 500m from each other so it’s really easy to visit them together. You can reach them on your own, or take this tour.

13. Explore Popeye’s Village

The film set of the 1980 musical production “Popeye” is today one of Malta’s major tourist attractions. The film set was constructed in Anchor Bay during the last 7 months of 1979. Meet Popeye and his friends in the village, or take some cool pictures from afar. Buy your ticket here.

14. Step inside St John’s co-cathedral

St John’s Co-Cathedral has a baroque interior that genuinely stops you in your tracks, home to Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”. Don’t rush this one. The ceiling and the side chapels have details a guide will point out that you’d otherwise just walk straight past, so this is one I’d actually book with a bit of context rather than turning up with a ticket alone. I’d go for a guided Valletta walking tour with entry to the Co-Cathedral included, it covers the rest of the old city too, so you’re not just doing one stop and moving on.

15. Discover the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site with interconnecting rock chambers across three levels, used from roughly 4000 to 2500 BC. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed in per day, so book well in advance directly through Heritage Malta’s official booking site rather than leaving it to chance.

16. Take a night stroll on St Julian’s Bay shoreline

St Julian’s is Malta’s nightlife hub, especially the Paceville strip if you want bars and clubs, but the shoreline walk at night is lovely even if you’re not planning a big night out.

17. Drink Cisk beer

Malta’s locally brewed beer, there are several types to choose from according to your taste.

18. Eat a traditional Maltese meal

Maltese food combines Italian, British & French cuisine with middle eastern flavors. Traditional dishes include fenkata or rabbit stew, as well as ġbejna, the maltese cheese. If you want to get it right, then book this food tour in Valletta – it’s so good!

19. Visit one of the largest domes in the world

The Mosta Dome is a church with a huge and beautiful dome. What’s also interesting about it, is that survived a bombing in WWII. An aerial bomb fell through the Dome during mass and failed to explode. A miracle – Maltese people say. And if you have time you could take a tour of the city of Mosta (including the dome) too!

20. Sail through Malta’s Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto are actually seven caves on the southern side of the island. Like in the Grotta Azzura from Capri, on a sunny day the blue sky reflects off the white sandy seabed under the caves, resulting in vibrant azure and cobalt coloured waters. Some tours like this one takes you to it.

21. Hike Dingli Cliffs and taste local wine

This is new to my list this year. Dingli Cliffs are the highest point in Malta and give you the best sunset views on the island, hands down. Pair it with a stop at Meridiana Wine Estate for a proper Maltese wine tasting, I did this as a rushed half-day add-on and genuinely wished I’d built in more time for it. The Wine Lover’s Tour of Malta covers Dingli Cliffs, a stop in Mdina, and the wine tasting all in one trip, so you’re not trying to string it together yourself.

22. Explore a WWII bunker

Malta was under siege during WWII and there are preserved bunkers around the island you can walk through, a sobering but fascinating add-on if you’re into history.

23. Go snorkelling around the smaller islands

Between Comino, the Blue Grotto and Gozo’s coastline, Malta has some of the clearest snorkelling water in the Mediterranean. Bring your own gear if you have it, hire it locally if not, or skip the hassle altogether with a guided snorkelling tour where they sort the equipment and already know the best spots.

Malta’s Best Day Trips

If you’d rather not self-drive everywhere, these are the day tours I’d actually book. They cover the spots that are hardest to reach without a car or a guide, and most include lunch, which makes life easier.

• Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch: covers Mdina, St Cataldus Catacombs, Dingli Cliffs, Mosta Church, San Anton Gardens and Ta’ Qali Craft Village in one 8 hour day, with a 3 course Maltese lunch and wine included. Book here
• Wine Lover’s Tour of Malta: a small group day out that combines a scenic drive to Dingli Cliffs, a stop in Mdina, and finishes with a proper wine tasting at Meridiana Wine Estate. This is new to my list this year and I wish I’d known about it before my trip. Book here
• Full-Day Gozo Jeep Safari with Lunch and Boat Transfers: my pick if Gozo is a day trip for you rather than an overnight. Book here

Where To Stay in Malta

Really studied this, and the answer is: it depends on how you intend to get around. There are two forms of transportation in Malta, rental car or public bus. Public buses are incredible, regular and take you to any part of the island. It is the form of transport that I used and loved it. However, a rental car is almost always the best option, and especially if you go for a few days only. Malta is small and easy to drive through and, although the buses are good, you’ll takes a lot less and see a lot more if you get around by car. If you drive then book using DiscoverCars, the website I recommend for all international car hires.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive, stay in Valletta. In high season, the buses get full fast. Staying in Sliema, many buses have not stopped because of being over capacity and I lost up to an hour waiting to get on. Buses start and end in Valletta, so you can probably get on a bus really fast and even sit down by going to the bus terminal. Also on the way back, most buses go to Valletta, so you probably won’t wait long even if the buses are busy. I’ve pre-filtered the best hotels in Valletta here.

If you go by car, you can stay anywhere, since distances are short. Some examples are Sliema, St Julian’s Bay, St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha Bay.

Here’s my Malta top hotel picks:

Luxury:

• The Phoenicia Malta: 5-star hotel with a breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant, infinity pool, and Mediterranean tiled floors.
• AX The Palace: a 5-star luxury hotel in Sliema offering both a city lifestyle as well as panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
• Intercontinental Malta: spacious rooms with stunning sea views, multiple pools, and direct access to private beaches.

Mid Range:

• Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel: perfect location just 5 minutes walk from St John Cathedral, beautiful decor and a handy on-site bar to wait until check-in
• Palazzo Violeta: gorgeous year-round swimming pools, and modern fully-equipped studios.

Budget:

• Strand Suites by NEU Collective: Just 100 metres from the sea, Strand Suites by NEU Collective is located in Il-Gżira. It offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony.

Where to Eat in Malta

You have to try pastizzi (flaky pastries, usually filled with ricotta or mushy peas), ftira (a traditional Maltese sandwich on flatbread), fenkata (rabbit stew, Malta’s national dish), lampuki pie (fish pie, if you’re visiting in the autumn when lampuki is in season), ġbejna (local sheep’s cheese), and imqaret (date filled pastries) for dessert. Wash it down with a cold Cisk.

For fresh fish, head to Marsaxlokk on a Sunday and eat straight off the boats in the harbour. If you’d rather have someone else do the legwork of finding the good spots, this Maltese Food and Drink Guided Walking Tour in Valletta covers most of the above in one afternoon.

A few more consistently come up as Malta favourites: Sotto in Valletta for Roman-style pinsa pizza in a stone cellar, some of the best pizza on the island. Fontanella Tea Garden, just outside Mdina’s walls, is the spot for cake and views if you’re already there for the 2pm Mdina visit I mentioned above. In Birgu, Don Berto does fresh seafood right on the waterfront if you’re already in the Three Cities. And in St Julian’s, Gululu serves proper Maltese dishes by the water rather than the tourist-trap options nearby.

How Long to Stay in Malta

At least 4 to 5 days to hit the highlights above. A full week is ideal if you want to add Gozo as more than a rushed day trip and actually relax on a beach or two without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

Best Time to Visit Malta

Spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) are the sweet spot: warm enough to swim, without the peak summer crowds or prices. Summer (July and August) is when the Blue Lagoon and beaches get genuinely overwhelmed, so if you’re set on visiting then, get to the water spots early. Winter is mild and quiet, good for the history and food side of a trip, less good if swimming is the priority.

Getting to and Around Malta

Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), the only airport on the island, or take the ferry from Sicily if you’re already in Italy, I’d book that through Ferryhopper, it lets you compare routes and operators in one place. I always check Skyscanner first for flights, it’s the easiest way to compare prices across airlines in one go. Once you land, book a private airport transfer so you’re not sorting logistics after a flight, and compare rental car prices if you’re planning to explore beyond Valletta and Sliema, which I’d genuinely recommend.

What is the best time to visit Malta?
The best time to visit Malta is during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring without the peak summer crowds. Winter is quieter and mild, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

How many days should I spend in Malta?
I’d recommend spending at least 4 to 5 days in Malta to experience its highlights, including Valletta, Mdina, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo.

Do I need a car to get around Malta?
It depends on your travel style. Malta has an extensive and affordable public bus system that covers most major attractions, so you don’t necessarily need a car. If you prefer flexibility, especially for the beaches and Gozo, renting a car is a good idea.

What currency is used in Malta?
Malta uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash, especially for small purchases or when visiting rural areas and markets.

Is Malta expensive to visit?
Malta is relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. Accommodation, food, and transport can fit a range of budgets.

What language do people speak in Malta?
Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. English is widely spoken, so you’ll have no problem communicating.

Can I visit Gozo as a day trip from Malta?
Yes. Gozo is easily accessible by ferry, and a day trip is enough to see the main sights like the Citadel and Ramla Bay, though an overnight stay lets you see more.

Is Malta safe for tourists?
Malta is very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. Like anywhere, it’s good to exercise basic precautions.

What should I pack for Malta?
Light, breathable clothing for Malta’s warm climate, especially in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the historical sites. Don’t forget swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

What food should I try in Malta?
Pastizzi, ftira, fenkata (rabbit stew), lampuki pie, ġbejna cheese, kanoli, and imqaret. See my Where to Eat section above for specific places.

Are the beaches in Malta sandy or rocky?
A mix. Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, and Paradise Bay are sandy, while St Peter’s Pool and the Blue Lagoon are rockier.

How do I get to Malta?
Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), I always check Skyscanner first for flights, or take the ferry from Sicily.

Is the Blue Lagoon worth visiting?
Absolutely. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the crowds. If you’d rather not sort your own boat, this Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves cruise gets you there and back easily.

Do I need travel insurance for Malta?
Yes, it’s always worth it for medical emergencies and trip protection. I use World Nomads.

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