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Malta’s Top 10 Places to Visit
Malta is one of the most appealing and diverse destinations in the Mediterranean, with over 7,000 years of history, many megaliths, medieval dungeons, and thriving cities and villages. Discover beaches with shifting colours and hidden coves. Visit historic monuments or the hottest nightclubs in town. Valletta was named European Capital of Culture 2018 for its sunny avenues, rich heritage, and stunning architecture. Malta honours its history while keeping up with the times.
- Valletta – The Capital City Valletta, known as the Fortress City, is located on Malta’s southeastern coast and has a lengthy history. Europe’s southernmost capital and the European Union’s smallest capital city! Valletta, Malta’s administrative and commercial heart, was “constructed by gentlemen for gentlemen.” The architecture of this Maltese capital city is influenced by Mannerist, Neo-Classical, and Modern styles. There is no shortage of historical beauties, from old forts and historical museums to 16th-century residences and Baroque castles, gardens, and churches. It’s little surprise that the city earned the moniker ‘Superbissima,’ which translates to most proud.’ Make sure to visit the St John’s Co-Cathedral and Museum. From Valletta, you can see the beauty of the trio of the fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua.
- Gozo – Gozo, also known as Ghawdex, is the second-largest of the archipelago’s seven islands. Gozo is less developed than Malta’s south, dating back to 5,000 BC when Sicilian farmers discovered the island. On the other hand, Rural Gozo is famed for its gorgeous hills, countryside hikes, a February carnival, and excellent beaches. Gozo is one of the top diving locations in the Mediterranean! The Ggantija temples (meaning ‘belonging to the giants’) are said to be the world’s oldest religious monuments, dating back to the Neolithic period. Giants, according to local legend, formed them. The Wied il-Mielah Window, the Dwejra Inland Sea, and the Azure Window, featured in Game of Thrones but collapsed, are remarkable natural features. There are many cathedrals, churches, and chapels to visit, and the Baroque Cittadella Cathedral, the onyx-covered Żebbuġ church, and Gozo’s second-oldest consecrated church are both worth seeing.
- Mdina – Mdina, in the Northern Region, is a fortified city. It served as Malta’s capital throughout the Middle Ages until the Order of St. John designated Birgu as the administrative hub. It is still a walled city with less than 300 people today (the adjacent town of Rabat houses a further 11,000 outside the city walls). The Phoenicians founded the city in the 8th century BC as Maleth and were later renamed Melite by the Romans. The town shrank to its current size when the Byzantines conquered it, yet it nevertheless retains much of its medieval charm. There are some stunning examples of Baroque and Norman architecture on show and palaces that are today used as individual dwellings. Mdina is now one of Malta’s most popular tourist destinations, garnering 750,000 visitors each year. The city’s nickname is the “Silent City” because it does not allow cars other than ambulances and inhabitants. Explore the city walls, the Roman Catholic St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the French Baroque Palazzo Vilhena at your leisure.
- Mellieha – Mellieha is a village in Malta’s northwestern region. It is located on a hilltop above Mellieha Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, and provides breathtaking views of beautiful landscapes and charming settlements. Mellieha is an excellent place to go if you want to experience a classic Maltese hamlet near the beach. If you’re going to see the 19th-century Parish Church of Mellieha, the 16th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha, and the Red Tower, which has some spectacular views, you should rent a car. The family-friendly Popeye Village amusement park and the local village feast, celebrated in September, are not to be missed! Mellieha has a lot more to offer: the Gadira Nature Reserve is the best spot in Malta for bird watching. Visit the Mellieha air-raid shelter, the largest of the 46 built during WWII, while strolling the seaside walks of Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park.
- Hagar Qim and Mnajdra – Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are two magnificent megalithic structures that should be on everyone’s Malta bucket list. They’re around 500 meters apart and are some of the world’s oldest religious sites! The main temple, formed of Globigerina limestone and dating back to 3,200 BC, is joined by three more megalithic buildings that are even older at Hagar Qim, which means ‘worshipping stones.’ According to historians, animal sacrifice and fertility rites are thought to have taken place in the complex.
Mnajdra, on the other hand, was constructed sometime during the fourth millennium BCE. It comprises three temples: the upper, middle, and lower temples, all made of coralline limestone. The lower temple is one of Maltese megalithic architecture’s most magnificent examples, and it is thought to have been used for astronomy. Mnajdra can be found on Maltese euro coins for one, two, and five cents. - Golden Bay – Natural dunes and gorgeous golden sand with a reddish hue are located along the northwest coast. This Blue Flag beach, which is easily accessible by vehicle or public transportation, is a hive of activity for sunbathing, swimming, watersports, and beach BBQs in the summer.
The rocky shoreline on the beach’s northern end provides excellent snorkelling. Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most popular beaches, both for locals and tourists. However, be advised that it can get crowded during the summer months. Are you looking for a relaxing afternoon or evening at the beach? Grab some BBQ supplies from a nearby shop (they offer disposable grids) or relax with a drink at one of the neighbouring restaurants and cafés. - Marsaxlokk – Marsaxlokk, a traditional Maltese fishing village, is much more laid-back. It’s known for its daily open-air fish market and several World War II military installations, in addition to its beautiful waterfront dotted with colourful fishing boats. Marsaxlokk has been a favourite landing point since the Phoenicians arrived in the 9th century BC. Romans and Arabs both docked in the harbour, as did the Ottoman fleet during the Siege of 1565. The Marsaxlokk cathedral (1897), dedicated to the Madonna of Pompeii, Fort St. Lucian (1610), built by Saint John, and the thousand-year-old Fort Tas-Sil are only a few historical highlights.
- St Julian’s – St Julian’s, commonly known as San Giljan, is Malta’s northwestern corner. It was formerly just a fishing village before being named after a patron saint known as ‘Julian the Hospitaller’ and ‘Julian the Poor.’ It’s now a significant nightlife and tourism destination, with a slew of opulent hotels and restaurants dotting the riverfront. In and around St Julian’s, there’s a lot to do. Take a walk along the promenade, see Portomaso Tower, or visit Paceville’s nightlife. This entertainment centre packs a punch with bowling, theatres, and late-night pubs. Self-guided tours are simple to find here. Visit the neo-gothic church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and appreciate the neighbouring Art Deco structures in the Balluta district. Go swimming at St George’s Bay or take a romantic sail out into the bay. Continue to Spinola Bay, where you’ll see the iconic palace and the Love Monument, where you can place your padlock for good luck in love. In Pembroke, you’ll find a life built into historic barracks buildings, as well as some fantastic street art in White Rocks.
- Sliema – Sliema, which means ‘peace,’ is a vacation town on Malta’s northeastern coast. This hamlet, formerly a tiny fishing village and a summer retreat for wealthy Valletta residents, is now a shopping, socializing, and nightlife hotspot. The ‘Sliema Front,’ which spans from Ta’ Xbiex and Gira in the south to St. Julian’s in the north, is Sliema’s main attraction. The roughly 10-kilometer promenade that connects the three cities is often bustling with joggers, picnickers, and BBQ enthusiasts. There are no sandy beaches here, but there are Roman baths along the coastline to swim.
- St. Paul’s Bay – St. Paul’s Bay is Malta’s largest hamlet, covering the villages of Bugibba, Wardija, Qawra, Xemxija, Bidnija, and Mistra in the Northern Region. St. Paul’s Bay, named after a shipwrecked saint who brought Christianity to the Maltese, is steeped in history. St. Paul’s Bay, Malta’s most inhabited town, dates back to 4,000 BC, but it’s also home to megalithic temples, ancient cart ruts, Roman ruins, 17th-century forts, and Punic graves. During the Order of Saint John’s reign, many castles were built. Notably, Wignacourt Tower is Malta’s oldest watchtower, the island’s only surviving battery.
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