11 of the best places to visit in Malta for your next Mediterranean break

Times

6 days ago

It's been said before, but we'll happily say it again: size really doesn't matter. Alone in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta may be small (the main island measures just 246 sq km) but it's got everything going for it: three Unesco heritage sites and over 7,000 years of history, seven Michelin-starred restaurants, 300-odd days of sunshine a year and some 190km of pretty coastline from which to enjoy it. Its diverse landscapes and extensive history have been drawing Brits to its aquamarine shores for decades, but thanks to a blooming culinary scene, an ancient walled capital and ever more available flights (easyJet now also fly from Southend) Malta is a destination that works equally well for a long weekend away or a fortnight's escape.
Its versatility is partly due to the fact that Malta actually consists of three islands, so once done with the mainland, holidaymakers can escape to the quieter, verdant hills of Gozo or the barely inhabited swimmer's paradise of Comino — where you may also succumb to the Pantone-defying allure of the photogenic Blue Lagoon. Chances are, whatever you look for in a holiday, Malta has something suitable. Here are some of the best places to visit in the country.
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Built by the Knights of Malta after they nearly lost the island to the Ottomans in the siege of 1565, Malta's Unesco-listed capital is a charmer of honeyed limestone alleys overhung by painted wooden balconies. Encircled by 16th-century fortifications, it sits on a peninsula lapped on both sides by the sea. It's also one of Europe's most walkable cities. Don't miss the panoramic view of the Grand Harbour from the bastion-top Upper Barrakka Gardens, or the dazzling baroque interior and Caravaggio paintings at St John's Co-Cathedral.
A five-star destination in itself, the art deco Phoenicia, favoured by royalty, is Malta's best hotel. It has it all: historic character, perfect location, excellent food, impeccable service, professional spa, pleasant gardens and indoor and outdoor pools.
Newmarket Holidays has an eight-day Valletta, Mdina and the Wonders of Malta tour, including a walking tour of Valletta and a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral.
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There is nothing quite like approaching Malta by cruise ship. Expect azure waters, creamy limestone fortifications and an insight into Maltese history. The Knights of Malta fought off the Ottoman Turks here and the harbour was also central to Malta in the Second World War. These days cruise ships often sail here, mooring just below the bastions of Valletta. For just €1 a glass lift will take you to the Upper Barrakka Gardens and into the picturesque streets of Valletta.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers a 19-night round trip Mediterranean Islands, Harbours and Coastlines cruise from Liverpool, taking in the likes of Malaga and Sicily, before its longest stop at Valletta.
Malta is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in Europe. Its waters are exceptionally clear and there are shore and boat dives to suit all levels of experience. Across Malta and Gozo sunken wrecks await exploration along with stunning underwater landscapes, from cathedral-like caves to sheer drops and blue holes.
A comfortable Gozo island resort with plenty of facilities, the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is close to Dwejra and its great shore dives, as well as certified dive schools at Xlendi and Marsalforn.
Dive centres across Malta and Gozo offer taster sessions for young enthusiasts. This small-group tour is suitable for anyone aged ten and over, for up to four people, making it ideal for families.
High on a plateau at the centre of the island rises Malta's first citadel capital, Mdina. Romans, Arabs and medieval Christians ruled from here before the Knights built Valletta and the place was left behind in history — long since known as the 'silent city'. Its labyrinth of tiny streets hides aristocratic palazzi (some now museums), convents and churches, including Malta's earlier cathedral. Stay behind when the day-trippers leave for the full silence experience.
A converted Mdina palazzo, the Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux is packed with historic character as well as a highly regarded restaurant and terrace with panoramic views.
A tour of Mdina's enchanting architecture is included in an 11-day Malta & Gozo tour by Ramble Worldwide.
Malta is home to some of the oldest stone architecture in the world — thought to pre-date the Parthenon, the Pyramids and even the standing stones at Stonehenge. Its seven Unesco-listed temples were constructed during the fourth and third millennia BC, of stone blocks weighing up to 20 tonnes. See incredible façades, entranceways, rooms and decorated altars as you step back in time. The best are Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, visited together, as well as Ggantija.
Tucked away in the upmarket area of San Anton, opposite the presidential palace, the Corinthia Palace is a peaceful five-star hotel with an outdoor pool shaped to remind those in the know of the nearby temples.
The must-see temples at Ggantija, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are included in this eight-day Malta and Gozo Discovery tour with Explore.
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Malta has a fascinating history, but let's not neglect the pleasures of its sun and sea. Summers are hot and dry, and the sun and sea both stay bathable well into the autumn. Malta's best sandy beaches, such as Golden Bay, are mostly found in the north or on Gozo — and offer everything from windsurfing to banana boats. The clear waters of rocky shorelines are also popular with competent swimmers and snorkellers.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa sits right by the sands of Golden Bay and has plenty of facilities for a family-friendly holiday.
Malta's food and wine scene has had a meteoric rise over the past decade. You can still get an omelette, chips and a can of beer if you insist, but the Mediterranean dishes and wines are the ones to write home about. Since 2020 seven restaurants have been awarded a Michelin star (ION Harbour by Simon Rogan has two) and many more offer mouth-watering meals at more affordable prices. You can try interesting Maltese wines that you won't find anywhere else; production is too small for export. Some of the best comes from the Meridiana Wine Estate, in the middle of the island. The 47-acre estate, which uses only Malta-grown grapes in its ten wines, hosts regular tours and tastings.
The vines of Meridiana are visible from Victoria and Mdina. Stay in the heart of Victoria, close to the Roman catacombs, at the good-value Heritage Boutique Accommodation.
This day-long Wine Lover's Tour includes breathtaking vistas from the Dingli Cliffs and time to explore Mdina before a wine tasting at Meridiana.
This Unesco-listed, triple-layered underground tomb complex was carved into the rock thousands of years ago near the Grand Harbour. It's an impressive labyrinth of subterranean chambers, some painted with red ochre, others immaculately carved and echoing the architecture of the above-ground temples. Visitors numbers are limited for conservation reasons, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.
A visit to the Hypogeum is included in this seven-day Brightwater Holidays tour focused on Malta's archaeological heritage.
Many go for a day trip; it's worth making more of it. Just a half-hour ferry ride from the main island, Gozo is slow-travel Malta. It's smaller, gentler, greener — a laid-back little island for real R&R. There's still plenty to do, though: visit the prehistoric temples of Ggantija, browse medieval lanes in the capital Victoria (also known as Rabat), take in 360-degree views as you walk the citadel walls, hike through natural rock sculptures and, of course, go to the beach.
Get dug in as part of the place by renting a farmhouse or villa in one of the villages. There are plenty to choose from, many with private pools, such as Farmhouse Anna.
This eight-day Travel Department tour of Malta and Gozo takes in the main sights of both islands.
Dominating the skyline of Malta's sister isle is a 17th-century citadel, which stands proud in Victoria. An afternoon can easily be lost wandering the fortifications' narrow streets and admiring the views from the impressive bastion walls. As well as learning about the structure's impressive history (it once sheltered the island's population during Turkish attack), visitors can tour the cathedral as well as enjoy a number of museums housed within its walls, such as the Museum of Archaeology and the Gozo Nature Museum. Don't miss the Second World War shelters and grain silos.
Stay in the heart of the island and enjoy views of the citadel by checking into Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse, a stylish escape in central Victoria.
This seven-day Highlights of Malta & Gozo tour by Intrepid Travel takes in the main sights of both islands including a tour of the citadel.
This 500m stretch of ochre-coloured beach is one of the archipelago's longest sandy swathes — and arguably one of its best. Known for its distinctive 'red' dunes, Ramla remains considerably quieter year round than many of Malta's other beaches thanks to its removed position on Gozo's northeastern coast. It's worth the short ferry crossing from the mainland to explore, as the water is clear, shallow and calm — plus the site is equipped with facilities including a café, well-maintained toilets and sunloungers and umbrellas available for hire. Hike up to Mixta Cave at the beach's eastern shore for an unmissable panoramic view across the bay.
Stay at Xaghra, one of Gozo's most popular villages and equidistant between Ramla Bay and the buzzy seaside town of Marsalforn. Ta' Giljan B&B offers a swimming pool and beautiful valley views.
This comprehensive eight-day tour of Gozo by Exodus Adventure Travels is a fantastic way to explore every inch of the island by foot, including Ramla, Xaghra and Ggantija.
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Additional reporting by Ally Wybrew