Best Things To Do In Malta – Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

In this article, you’ll discover the best things to do in Malta. As former residents of Malta, we explored both Malta and its sister island, Gozo. We went beyond the tourist trail and dug deeper into the heart of this 316 km² Mediterranean island.

While there are many things to do in Malta, we’ll prioritise authentic, enriching experiences and also share some hidden gems. To save you time, we regrouped activities and attractions into categories – find what you love whether you’re a culture nerd, foodie, beach bum, or a parent looking for things to do in Malta with kids.

Things to do in Malta

There are over 300 sunny days in Malta, which makes it a great country to explore year-round. You won’t get bored as you’ll surely find something to do.

As digital nomads living in Malta, we enjoyed our daily life – a combination of work and cultural immersion. At times, we’d head to our local bakery for a traditional pastry, other times, we’d check out an art gallery to admire work from local artists. In a way, you can say we’ve done plenty of on-field research to bring you the best things to do in Malta.

🧑‍🌾 Farm-to-Fork Experiences in Malta 🧑‍🌾

📍Marsaxlokk Fish market

Marsaxlokk, a fishing village in the south of Malta holds a fish market every Sunday. It’s an authentic market, frequented by locals and tourists alike, where just-caught, fresh fish is on sale, as well as other traditional Maltese delicacies and some handicrafts.

You can either choose to buy fish at the market and cook it yourself, or dine-in at the restaurants overlooking the harbour. If you’re up for an exceptional meal, go to Tartarun, which received a Michelin mention in 2024. If you prefer to eat harbour-side view, Harbour by Johann may be a better fit. In both cases be sure to book, especially when visiting on Sundays.

📍Diar-il-Bniet farm-to-table experience

Diar-Il-Bniet is a family-run farm-to-table restaurant close to the Dingli cliffs. It is well worth making time for this as we think it’s one of the top things to do in Malta if you love good food. To truly discover Maltese gastronomy, you can choose between various cooking classes at Diar-Il-Bniet, including harvesting your own vegetables to cook them. Moreover, you can also stock up on pantry staples for recreating delicious Maltese dishes. This includes Kunserva (a kind of tomato paste), local olive oil, dried Ġbejniet (a kind of dried cheeselet), and more.

📍Vincent’s Eco Estate

As a digital nomad, you might stay one month or longer and need fresh produce for homecooked meals. If so, you might enjoy their fully-certified organic veg boxes. Owned by the Camilleris, Vincent Eco Estate prides itself on being an ecological estate; sustainability is their priority. As a visitor to the island, it might still be worth a visit to their farm shop, and also their recent addition Skorba farmhouse where you can stay.

🖼️ Culture & Gardens in Malta 🖼️

📍St. John’s Co-Cathedral

In this cathedral you can see not one, but two paintings by the master renaissance painter Caravaggio. The cathedral is high on most tourist agendas, in a fairly restricted space. So, we’d recommend getting here early if you can. Head to the oratory (see the map you’ll receive for directions) for the first Caravaggio: the beheading of St John the Baptist. You can also head down to an adjacent, new wing called the Caravaggio wing for the second Caravaggio. The wing extends over several floors where the life and paintings of Caravaggio are brought to life in engaging audio-visual format.

📍Grand Master’s Palace

Newly renovated in January 2024, the Grand Master’s palace is the largest palace in Valletta. Don’t miss the Armoury as its arms collection is world-class, bringing to life the military role of the knights of Saint John. You will learn more about the Great Siege of 1565. For any history buff, this is one of the greatest things to do in Malta that you must not skip.

📍Casa Rocca Piccola

This is a 16th-century historical Palazzo with a museum where you can discover what aristocratic life would have looked like in Malta. You can also stay at Casa Rocca Piccola on a bed & breakfast basis in unique bedrooms.

📍Villa Frère

This is a hidden gem of best things to do in Malta. We have fond memories of strolling through the gardens at Villa Frère. British diplomat, John Hookham Frère built this as a sanctuary to mourn his wife. The villa and gardens offered him a view over the cemetery where his late wife was buried. As a poet and scholar, he had several guests over, most of them academics. When he passed away, the villa was sadly left in a state of neglect.

In 1886, Captain Edward Price became the new owner of the residence. Through his efforts, he earned the garden the title of ‘botanic garden’. Today, you are able to visit Villa Frère, but be aware that only about a third of the residence and garden remain. Renovations have been under way through generous donations from the public and you can only visit on official Open Days. Check the Facebook page of Friends of Villa Frère for updates if you wish to visit. That’s what we did and it’s a treasure to walk through this place.

📍San Anton Gardens

You’d be forgiven to think you wouldn’t find ‘gardens’ on this arid island. You might be of the opinion there are better things to do in Malta, like go to a beach. A lot of visitors (and even local residents) often observe the lack of green spaces. However, there are a few gems to visit, if like us you appreciate a pocket of greenery (emphasis on ‘pocket’). Don’t expect the likes of Kew Gardens, as the geography & climate is vastly different. If you want to enjoy a green oasis while in Malta, we recommend visiting the San Anton Gardens in Attard.

Grand Master Antoine de Paule had these gardens designed in the 17th century to complement his summer residence. Today, the botanic gardens are open to the public. When you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy the park’s peaceful walkways, fountains, sculptures, and also get a glimpse of the exterior of the Maltese president’s residence – San Anton Palace.

📍Lower & Upper Barrakka Gardens

These are two gardens in Valletta and while they sound like they would be adjacent, they are actually a 12 min uphill walk apart. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are perfect for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and to take the Barrakka lift up/down to the harbour (where ferries depart to the Three Cities & Gozo). At midday and 4pm a cannon is fired, which you can watch for free from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or you can pay 3 EUR per adult to be closer to the action.

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are calmer, with less crowds and a bit more greenery. There’s a little kiosk at the entrance to the gardens where you can enjoy a refreshing drink (perhaps a Kinnie?) while overlooking the harbour.

💡 Insider Tip: If you book the free Valletta Walking Tour – arguably one of the most popular things to do in Malta – you’ll get to see the saluting battery at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

📍Mdina, the silent city

Mdina, once former capital of Malta, is a fortress atop a hill and also known as the Silent City. When the Knights Hospitaller took over Malta in 1530, they settled in Birgu instead of Mdina, thus ending Mdina’s status as capital city. Today, Mdina is a treasure trove of historical buildings, locations that look straight out of Game of Thrones (actual G.O.T filming took place there), and museums. As you walk through the imposing Mdina gate, and into its narrow alleyways, it’s like stepping into a different era.

📍Casa Normanna, Birgu

This is the oldest standing house in Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa). Most likely built in the 12th century as the style of architecture is Siculo-Norman from the Sicilian and Norman occupations in Malta.

You might not do a detour just to visit this house as it’s tiny. But if you find yourself in the area, it’s small enough to pop in for a flash visit, and you’ll still have ample time to stroll the quaint streets of Birgu. The latter is part of the Three Cities of Malta and you’ll notice many museums (e.g Malta At War museum) that tell its history. A victorious place steeped in history.

📍Ta’ Qali Artisan Village

Our list of best things to do in Malta would not be complete if we don’t invite you to discover its local artisans. Ta’ Qali, the recently renovated all-artisan village, offers a myriad of shops where you can see craftsmen at work and purchase their products. So, you get to watch glass-blowers, filigree jewellery-making, see live ceramic making and painting, as well as buy gifts and artefacts. There’s air-conditioning in most shops – a welcome respite in summer.

🏖️ Beaches 🏖️

In this section, we’ve hand-picked some beaches for you. For the kid-friendly beaches, scroll further down to our ‘family-friendly activities’.

📍Blue Lagoon, Comino

Situated between the tiny islands of Comino and Cominotto is the Blue Lagoon of Comino. It’s a beautiful spot to swim in clear blue waters. It’s definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Malta. Make sure to bring sunscreen and possibly your own umbrella as the sun can be quite harsh.

📍St. Peter’s Pool

St Peter’s Pool is a popular swimming and sunbathing bath in the south of the island, at Delimara. The water is deep, around six metres in some parts. People also like to cliff-dive into the water or sunbathe on the rocks.

💡 Insider Tip: For less crowds, avoid visiting on Sundays when people would likely combine visiting St Peter’s Pool and the nearby Marsaxxlokk fish market.

📍Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

In the North West of Malta lies Ghajn Tuffieha (Apple’s Eye in Maltese) beach. To access this beautiful beach with red sand, you’ll need to be fit enough to climb down (and back up) 100 steps each time. The reward: a calm and secluded beach with gorgeous sunsets. There are no lifeguards, however there’s a restaurant at the beach with some facilities.

📍Ramla Bay – Ramla il-Ħamra

With its bright-red sandy stretch, this beach lives up to its name Ramla il-Hamra which means ‘red sandy beach’ in Maltese. Include it in your own list of things to do in Malta if you’re headed to Gozo for a visit as this is where this reddish beach is located.

📍Dingli Cliffs

Earlier in our ‘Best Things to do in Malta’ article, we mentioned Dingli Cliffs being in proximity to the farm-to-table restaurant. On its own however it is well worth making a special trip just to visit. Why? For its panoramic views as you’ll be standing on the highest cliffs of Malta (253m above sea level), and it’s great if you get there before sunset.

👪 Family-Friendly Activities 👪

📍Alpaca Walk and Farm visit

This was one of the most fun activity we experienced in Gozo, Malta. You can watch the little video we made about it. You start at the Razzett Alpaca farm in Xewkija, Gozo. Your guide will explain all you need to know before you head out into the lovely Gozitan countryside to walk the cute alpacas. Kids and big kids will surely enjoy. Each alpaca come with their sass and unique personality as you’ll soon discover! Highly recommend as it’s probably our most loved things to do in Malta.

📍Popeye Village

If your mind goes straight to Popeye, the sailor man, yes you’re on the right track. What once was used as the film set for the musical production of ‘Popeye’ is now a beloved family attraction. This theme park will delight your entire family as you’ll be greeted by Popeye himself and his friends upon your visit. Spinach optional 😜.

📍Golden Bay beach

Situated in the northwestern part of Malta, Golden Bay beach is popular for good reason. It’s sheltered by majestic golden dunes and the water is calm and shallow, making it safe and kid-friendly. This beach is easily reachable by public transport and is also a suitable option for people with mobility issues. You’ll enjoy swimming at this Blue Flag beach or lounging on its sandy beach, under the watchful eyes of lifeguards on duty. There are good amenities available such as toilets, sun beds for rent, and food kiosks.

📍Mellieħa beach (also known as Għadira Bay)

Of all the things to do in Malta, you cannot skip a beach day and this one is our favourite. We loved it because it’s truly beautiful, easy to get to, and there are lots of facilities nearby, giving you (and those with kids) a comfortable experience. Whether you’re looking for restaurants for a delectable lunch or sunbeds and beach umbrellas, this beach is ideal for swimming, sun-bathing, or snorkelling.

🎉 Events 🎉

Malta is rich in cultural events where you get to experience its culture, history, religion, and folklore. That’s why we included this section about some of the events that are not to be missed.

Maltese Folklore Dinner Show

One epic evening of pure entertainment by Maltese folklore dancers, this is a night to remember. You will need to make a reservation as it’s sold out most nights. Ta’ Marija restaurant offers a lavish buffet dinner along with an unforgettable folklore show where you’ll discover more about Maltese culture through storytelling and dance.

Summer feasts

Locals know these as ‘festas’ and they’re proud about this tradition. It’s predominantly a Catholic country, and it is in their customs to celebrate the saints, Virgin Mary, and baby Jesus on specific dates. Each of the feasts take turn in celebrating these various saints, sometimes lasting up to two weeks! Whether or not you choose to join in the festivities, you’ll have no choice but to hear the festa. The Maltese light up loud petards, fireworks (some syncing to music and light in well-rehearsed shows), and music from local bands. The feasts take place mainly between May to late September. To see what that looks like, you can view the video we made for our YouTube channel.

Harvest time

Malta has vineyards, olive groves, citrus trees and a lot more growing in abundance in its warm climate. Harvest time starts around September to late October. For the citrus harvest, this is generally in December. While we haven’t seen a lot being promoted to make harvest activity available for tourists as part of things to do in Malta, we recommend you check out the wineries.

In Malta, head to award-winning Delicata winery’s annual festival coinciding with the grape harvest. They are known to have been wine-making since 1907 in their family. In Gozo, an award-winning winery you might wish to visit is Tal-Massar winery. The latter offer wine tasting for a reasonable 45 Euros per person which comes with three different wines and a savoury platter.

Gaulitana Festival of Music

Held annually in spring (March-April), Gaulitana features international as well as Maltese artists and musicians. If you’re a classical music enthusiast, add this to your selection of things to do in Malta. You’ll be able to enjoy recitals, opera shows, choirs, and musical theatre. For the full programme and schedule, check out their Facebook page.

Where to Stay In Malta

Now that we shared the best things to do in Malta, you may be wondering where you can stay. Feel free to check out our recommendations below – to make a booking, simply click on the accommodation name.

🛎️ Adagio Aparthotel Adagio Malta Central

This mid-scale accommodation offers studios and apartments with fully-equipped kitchen in a central location with easy access to Valletta and Sliema.

🛎️ Casa Rocca Piccola B&B

Mentioned earlier, this B&B in a 16th-century historical house would be a truly unique stay in the heart of Valletta.

🛎️ The Phoenicia Malta

A five-star hotel with 132 bedrooms and suites. It is situated near Valletta’s Triton fountain. Old world elegance meets modern style. It has an infinity pool, gym, spa, and two restaurants.

Is Malta Worth Visiting? Final Thoughts

As you can see from this extensive blog article, Malta is the island that keeps on giving. It will delight any visitor – whether a tourist or digital nomad. Its mild climate makes it ideal to visit year-round. So don’t hesitate – book that plane ticket and enjoy the best things to do in Malta.