Top Ten Things to Do in Malta

Malta has it all: beautiful views, rich history, baroque architecture, stunning beaches, quaint villages, natural wonders, culinary delights, fine wine, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the list goes on. Located south of Sicily and above the north African coast, this Mediterranean gem has something to delight every type of traveller — the difficult part is deciding where to begin!

That's where a local guide comes in. The Maltese guides on ToursByLocals have curated some absolutely perfect itineraries to showcase the best of this gorgeous island nation. Browse the diverse selection of tours in Malta, and read on below to see what activities pique your interest.

Explore the capital city, Valetta

When declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malta’s capital of Valetta was described as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”. The scenic city showcases beautiful views of the harbour and attractions such as St. Paul’s Shipwreck Church, the National Library of Malta, the Upper and Lower Barracka Gardens, and St John’s Co-Cathedral, which famously houses a selection of Caravaggio paintings. Explore the city in style, on a Valetta tour.

Admire the Blue Grotto

One of Malta’s most popular attractions is the Blue Grotto, renowned for its intricate cave system and clear blue water. Admire the Blue Grotto from a viewpoint just outside Zurriep town, or take a boat tour to get up close and personal with the vivid blues. Morning is the best time to visit, when the sunlight hits the water just right, showcasing beautiful hues and scenery.

Visit the medieval city of Mdina

Get lost down the narrow and winding streets of Mdina, an ancient city that is as picturesque as it is historic. The former capital of Malta, Mdina is also known as the silent city due to its quiet streets. Admire the fortress perched on the rocks overlooking the sea, explore the baroque palaces built by knights and noble families, and explore St Paul’s Square and its 17th-century cathedral.

Visit Popeye Village

Located in northwestern Malta, there lies a village that was built as the set for the 1980 movie Popeye starring Robin Williams. Today it is one of Malta’s major tourist draws, with its scenic collection of rustic wooden buildings lining the cliffside. The attraction offers fun activities for kids such as obstacle courses and play pools, seasonal celebrations, boat rides, shops, trampolines, and restaurants.

Go scuba diving

Malta is one of the top diving spots in Europe, renowned for its crystal clear water, caves, shipwrecks, drop-offs, and marine life. Popular dive spots include the Blue Hole, the fallen Azure Window (the massive arch that collapsed due to a storm in 2017), or the reefs and caves near the island of Comino. All levels are welcome, from experienced divers to first-timers, so contact a local dive shop (or ask your guide!) and discover the underwater world of Malta.

Tour the island of Gozo

Step into the quiet island life with a visit to Malta’s sister island, Gozo, known for its greenery, beautiful landscapes, and quaint fishing villages. A day here can include a visit to Ggantija prehistoric temples, a UNESCO world heritage site, taking a boat ride through the natural caves and past beautiful cliffs of Dwerja, strolling through the narrow streets and browsing the shops in the main city of Victoria. Explore this island on this Discover Gozo Full Day Tour.

Check out the fishing village of Marsaxlokk

Stop by the quaint and authentic fishing village of Marsaxlokk located in the south of Malta, which gets lively on Sundays with the traditional fish market. It’s a great spot to visit for lunch or dinner if you love seafood or various other cuisines, with many restaurants lining the port, as well as shop for souvenirs or stroll the promenade while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Swim in the Blue Lagoon

One of the most picture-perfect gems of Malta is the Blue Lagoon, located on the Maltese Island of Comino: the smallest inhabited island of the archipelago, clocking in at only 3.5km sq. The Blue Lagoon can be accessed via daily shuttle boats from Malta or Gozo. Take a dip in its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by jagged cliffs, and soak in the Mediterranean sunshine in this pristine paradise.

Discover Game of Thrones filming locations

Game of Thrones fans rejoice: Malta was a prominent filming location in season 1, and you can step through the setting for the exact scenes of your favourite show. Book Malta Half Day Tour: Game of Thrones Locations a private tour led by a local who shares in the fandom, and discover the fictional city of King’s Landing as well as other spots that served as a backdrop to the show. It’s a great way to explore the island and gain interesting insights along the way.

Hike the Dingli Cliffs

Visit the highest point of Malta, set at 253m above sea level: the Dingli Cliffs are an ideal way to get outside, move your body, and take in the spectacular views. Located outside the town of Dingli on the west part of Malta, a footpath runs along the cliff for approximately 2km (with an option to extend your hike by looping inland). The route offers views of the terraced fields below, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the small island of Filfa across the way. Wear appropriate footwear, pack water and sunscreen, and enjoy!