36 Best Things to Do in Malta (Gozo & Comino)

With its honey-hued cities, sapphire-blue waters and centuries of layered history, Malta is a knockout Mediterranean escape. But with three islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) and a heap of things to see, where should you start? Right here, with my ultimate list of the best things to do in Malta.

A traditional horse-drawn carriage parked in a cobblestone square, with a black horse in harness waiting near historic buildings. — Horse and Cart in Mdina

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Ciao! I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who zipped across the Maltese islands in 2024, chasing temples, beaches and the perfect pastizz. Whether you’re here for a quick sun-soaked break or a deeper dive into history, this guide will steer you to the island’s most magical spots.

Explore Valletta’s Grand Streets 🏩

Malta’s tiny capital is a UNESCO treasure chest, crammed with baroque palaces, ornate churches, and jaw-dropping views.

Start at St. John’s Co-Cathedral (don’t miss the Caravaggio!) then wander past grand auberges, sun-drenched piazzas and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for that famous harbour panorama.

View of Valetta Malta — View of Valletta, Malta

Evenings here are dreamy. Grab dinner on Strait Street or a drink by the waterfront as the city glows golden.

A woman in a floral dress and white jacket walking on a path in Valletta with trees and a historic building on the side.

A classic red British phone booth stands in front of an elegant building with columns and a dome, next to a lamppost and a narrow cobblestone street.

Check out this Valletta walking tour if you fancy some local stories along the way.

Step Back in Time at Mdina 🕰️

Nicknamed the Silent City, Mdina is all hushed alleys and amber stone.

An empty narrow stone street between tall, traditional buildings under a clear sky, with a watermark at the bottom.

Once Malta’s capital, it’s now a peaceful, pedestrian-only enclave with an almost spooky stillness.

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, sip coffee in a palace courtyard, and soak up Game of Thrones vibes (yes, they filmed here!).

Want something quirky? Try the Mdina Dungeons for a peek into the island’s darker past. Or just hop in a horse-drawn carriage and clip-clop through the quiet streets like it’s 1750.

There is a good highlights tour of Mdina here.

Take a Boat to Comino’s Blue Lagoon 🚤

Think crystal-clear water, sun-bleached rocks and the bluest of blues. The Blue Lagoon on Comino is a pinch-me paradise that’s perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Boats leave from various harbours across Malta and Gozo.

Aerial view of clear turquoise waters in Comino island with several boats near a rocky coastline under a partly cloudy sky. — Blue Lagoon Comino

It gets busy, so go early or late in the day. There are snack bars, but bring water shoes (the rocks are sharp!) and your best floatie.

You can also explore Comino’s sea caves or hike to Santa Maria Tower if you fancy stretching your legs.

Visit the Megalithic Temples 🗿

Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, and they’re perched on cliffs with dazzling sea views.

A stone altar stands in the center of an ancient, partially enclosed stone structure with large, weathered blocks and a doorway in the background.

White canopy structure covering an archaeological excavation site on a clear day, with a pathway leading up to it, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain.

Built over 5,000 years ago, these ancient temples are older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids.

Ħaġar Qim feels like a time capsule with huge limestone blocks, while nearby Mnajdra is aligned to the solstices.

It’s mind-boggling how sophisticated these prehistoric sites are. Tickets include both sites and the visitor centre, which helps explain what you’re seeing.

Wander Gozo’s Citadel 🏰

Gozo is Malta’s greener, sleepier sister – and Victoria’s Citadel is its crown jewel.

Panoramic view of a historic cityscape featuring stone buildings, domed towers, and a clear blue sky in the background. Gozo citadel in Malta. — Gozo Citadel

This hilltop fortress has epic 360-degree views, museums, a cathedral, and tiny alleyways that are a joy to get lost in.

Pair it with a trip to the Ġgantija Temples nearby, or a swim at red-sand Ramla Bay.

The Gozo ferry from Malta is quick and scenic – and you can even take your rental car across.

Swim at Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay 🏖️

Malta isn’t all rocky coves – it’s got a few proper sandy beaches too!

A scenic beach in malta with clear blue water, people swimming and sunbathing, and three large buildings visible in the background under a bright blue sky. — Golden Bay Beach

Golden Bay is a favourite, with soft sand, lifeguards, and water sports. It’s especially gorgeous at sunset.

Mellieħa Bay (Ħadira) is the biggest and best for families, with shallow water and sunbed rentals. There are restaurants, ice cream kiosks and even inflatable water parks in summer. Sun, sorted.

Pop into the Three Cities 🚢

Just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta lie the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua.

These fortified harbour towns are full of character, with narrow lanes, historic forts, and colourful balconies galore.

A coastal city in Malta with historic buildings on a peninsula is seen across a body of water. A flag with white and red vertical stripes is in the foreground. Boats are visible in the water. — Vittoriosa – One of the three cities

Wander the Vittoriosa waterfront, visit Fort St. Angelo, or chill in Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens with its Insta-famous stone watchtower.

A great place to escape the Valletta crowds – and the views looking back at Valletta are top-notch.

Taste Malta’s Favourite Foods 🍽️

If you leave Malta without trying pastizzi, were you even there? These flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas are cheap, cheerful, and everywhere.

A hand holding a pastry with a backdrop of valletta's cityscape and clear blue sky. — Pastizzi and Valetta in the background

Other Maltese culinary faves? Rabbit stew, ftira bread, lampuki pie, and local cheeses.

To wash it all down, try Kinnie (a love-it-or-hate-it bitter orange soda) or a glass of Maltese wine. For a proper food deep dive, consider joining a Malta food tour.

Snap Sunset at Dingli Cliffs 🌅

On the island’s wild west coast, Dingli Cliffs are the highest point in Malta and the place to catch a killer sunset.

A coastal landscape in Malta showing rugged Dingli cliffs extending into the sea under a partly cloudy sky. — Dingli Cliffs

Bring a picnic and perch near the tiny St. Mary Magdalene Chapel – it’s seriously peaceful.

There’s a walking path along the cliffs if you’re feeling active, or you can just sit and stare at the endless blue.

Visit the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni 🔦

This underground burial site is unlike anything else on the island.

Dating back to around 4000 BC, the Hypogeum is a multi-level subterranean necropolis carved entirely from rock.

Because it’s super fragile, visits are limited and must be booked months in advance. But if you get a ticket, it’s a haunting, goosebump-inducing experience. No photos allowed inside – just memories. You can see photos on the UNESCO site here.

Stroll the Harbour at Marsaxlokk 🌊

This colourful fishing village is one of the most picturesque spots in Malta.

Known for its traditional “luzzu” boats with painted eyes on the prow, Marsaxlokk is a great place for a slow wander and a seafood lunch.

A woman in a green coat and black hat stands on a dock with colorful boats floating on water in the background.

Colorful traditional Maltese fishing boats in a calm harbor with city buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

Visit on a Sunday to catch the lively fish market, or pop by any day for waterfront cafés, sunshine, and that laid-back harbour vibe. The grilled octopus here is a must-try if you’re into seafood.

Map of things to do in Malta.

This Google map shows all of the things to do in Malta as listed in this post.

FAQs About Visiting Malta💡

Planning a trip to Malta? Here are a few quick answers to common questions:

When’s the best time to visit Malta?

April to June and September to October are ideal – warm, sunny, and less crowded than peak summer.

Do I need a car in Malta?

It helps! Public buses are cheap but slow. Renting a car gives you more freedom, especially if visiting Gozo.

Is Malta safe for solo travellers?

Very. Just use standard common sense. Maltese people are super friendly and English is widely spoken.

What should I pack for Malta?

Sunscreen, comfy walking shoes, water shoes for rocky beaches, and a light jacket for breezy evenings.

Can I visit all three islands?

Yes! Ferries and boat tours connect Malta, Gozo and Comino easily. You can visit Comino as a day trip and spend longer in Gozo if you’ve got time.

Does Malta have any five star hotels?

Some of the top five-star hotels in Malta include:

The Phoenicia Malta: Located near Valletta’s city gates, The Phoenicia offers luxury and history, with elegant rooms and beautiful gardens.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa: Set in a peaceful location in Attard, this hotel offers refined rooms, a luxury spa, and top-notch dining.

Hilton Malta: Situated in St. Julian’s, the Hilton offers sea views, luxurious rooms, and exceptional service.

What are the best tours in Malta?

The best tours in Malta according to Viator reviewers (at the time of writing) are:

See also the tours section of my Malta travel guide.

Final Thoughts on Malta ✨

Malta is like a giant open-air museum with a side of sunshine and sea. What I love most about it? The way ancient history blends so effortlessly with beachy island life.

It’s the kind of place where you can visit a 5,000-year-old temple, then sip Aperol Spritz by the harbour an hour later. And this list is just a fraction of the things to do in Malta (it was actually a list of 41 things at one point!)

Quick Links for Malta.

Here are some quick shopping links to help you with your trip to Malta.

Reserve your Malta Hote l early, before they sell out.
Book Malta tours in advance (no payment required up front).
If you need a rental car, book one at Di scover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
Remember to get a Universal Plug Adaptor before your trip.
Consider taking this Lonely Planet Malta Travel Guide with you.
Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.

Pinterest Pins 📌

Pin this Malta guide for later to help you plan your dream island escape!

Collage of Malta highlights featuring historic architecture, coastal cliffs, colorful boats in a harbor, and a sunset over a fort, with text "41 Brilliant Things to Do in Malta" and website "www.hazelstravels.co.uk".

Text reading "41 Brilliant Things to do in Malta, Europe" over an image of a harbor with colorful boats. Website text at the bottom reads www.hazelstravels.co.uk.

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Tags: Comino, Europe, Gozo, Islands, Malta

Things to Do in Malta: Ancient Temples, Island Escapes & Mediterranean Magic 🇲🇹