These are some more things you can add to your list of places to see while on holiday in Malta.

Do a watersport

Don’t limit yourself to swimming next time you’re at the beach. Gather a group of friends and do some watersports. Whether it’s canoeing, kayaking or wind surfing, the fun is assured. You can also take advantage of Malta’s crystal-clear sea and go scuba diving. Go on an underwater adventure and discover marine wildlife, wrecks and caves! The sites are beautiful and there are options for both beginners and experienced divers.

Hike around the island

Take a walk around the island. Malta’s landscape is varied - so whether it’s a rocky terrain you’re looking for or a seaside stroll - we’re sure you’ll achieve your vision. One can also walk alone the beautiful 12km span of the Victoria Lines that stretches from the east to the west coast of Malta.

Visit a festa

Malta is host to over 40 village feasts every year so make sure you visit one of Malta’s villages during the summer season to watch the fireworks, band marches, decorated streets, nougat stalls, the traditional religious procession and the village church in all its splendour.

Tour an open-air Market

The Maltese love their markets so if you’re looking to purchase something on the cheap; be it food, clothes or equipment, make sure to head out to one of them.

Visit a museum

Malta is full of history so immerse yourself in the culture and visit one of Malta’s many museums. You could probably spend a day visiting museums back to back.

Wander the historical streets of Valletta

No trip to Malta would be complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Malta’s capital city Valletta. It’s not only home to St John’s Co-Cathedral but also home to charming narrow streets, typical Maltese balconies, trendy restaurants and the Upper Barrakka Gardens which boasts a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.

Step inside St John’s Co-Cathedral

This 16th century cathedral does not look very interesting from the outside but wait until you see what’s inside! It’s full of gold and magnificent paintings by Caravaggio. Below the marbled floor lie the tombs of the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta and other nobles. Close to 400 of them are buried there and it’s a must see for history lovers!

Explore Fort St Elmo

Fort St Elmo is built in the form of a star and looks out over Valletta’s harbour in order to protect it. It was the focal point of the Siege of Malta which happened in 1565 and was a bloody period in history when some 1,500 knights lost their lives. Guided tours will take you all around the fort and fill you in on the fascinating history of the fortification.

Learn about Malta’s wartime history at the Lascaris War Rooms

These war rooms are an underground complex of tunnels and chambers in Valletta and were the headquarters of Malta’s defence during Second World War. The underground operation rooms show exactly how it was set up during the time with a large original wall map still in place.

Take in a show at the Manoel Theatre

This theatre, constructed unde the Knights of St John, has been in operation since 1732. The interior is the main attraction here – you will find gilt decorations all over the structure including in the main auditorium which is covered in blue and gold. You should also look out for the white marble staircase and a courtyard bar. The theatre is a showcase for all the arts in Malta such as music concerts, opera shows and ballet recitals, or you can even see a rock or folk concert here.

Take a ferry ride from Sliema to Valletta

Skip the bus ride and opt for a ferry ride instead if you’re planning to visit Valletta or Sliema. It’s also a good way of getting amazing views of Valletta from a different angle.

Check out the Three Cities

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta are the so-called ‘Three Cities’ of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. Senglea and Cospicua are known for their scenic waterfront promenades and pretty marinas, but it is Vittoriosa that is the most impressive of the Three Cities.

Wander around the idyllic San Anton Gardens

Malta doesn’t have a huge range of public parks, but one wonderful green space in the country is San Anton Gardens. This is also the residence of the President of Malta, but it was given to the public in 1882 which means that anyone can visit the grounds, where you will find scenic gardens and aromatic citrus orchards as well as fountains and sculptures.

Pay a visit to the Crafts Village at Ta’ Qali

This is the place to go to for a gift with a difference. This small, but well-stocked crafts village of converted Nissan huts home all kinds of original Maltese gifts and crafts. Some of the items on sale include pretty glass that is still blown by hand as well as leather, linen and ceramics. All the pieces are made by locals and you can watch many of the craftsmen at work when you visit.

Learn about glassmaking at Mdina Glass

Mdina Glass are the first glassmakers in Malta. They produce a range of brightly coloured handmade items that make perfect souvenirs to take back home. Visitors can also enter their large workshop at Ta’ Qali and see the craftsmen glassblowing and witness the work that goes into each piece.

Gawp in awe inside Malta’s famous Mosta Dome

This church has the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Built between 1833 and 1871 using local funds and donations, the church has lavish architecture and is decorated in gilt with marble floors inside. During World War II, a bomb dropped into the church and remained unexploded. A congregation of over 300 people attending mass at the time escaped completely unharmed. A replica bomb is on display today.

Explore the Silent City of Mdina

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and referred to as the “Silent City”. It’s not hard to understand why as cars are limited and only around 300 people live here. This contributes to the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through the narrow streets admiring the shuttered windows and a handful of quaint shops.

Admire the views from Dingli cliffs

Towering some 300 metres above sea level, Dingli cliffs are worth stopping by. It’s a nice place to walk around and enjoy the views. Sunsets there are a photographer’s dream!

Go horse riding at Golden Bay

One of the best ways to take in the stunning scenery in this part of the country is on horseback and you can choose from a range of options including day trips. If you prefer, you can also join a sunset horseback ride – the perfect way to end the day!

Be a film star for the day at Popeye Village

Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village is the original film set of the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams. Today, it’s a fun attraction for young children and the young at heart! One can spend a whole day visiting each building, enjoying the pools, taking a boat ride, watching animators and having a bite to eat.

Visit the Red Tower

The Red Tower is located close to Mellieha Bay. Built in 1649, it was used to watch the coasts and protect merchants from attacks by pirates. It could host up to fifty soldiers and had 5 cannons. It’s nicknamed after the colour of its walls. It’s small but the amazing view from the top makes it all worth it.

Take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto

Attracting over 100,000 visitors a year, the Blue Grotto is a place worth visiting. With the waters reflecting colours of cyan and emerald green, the Blue Grotto is accessible to visit all year round, weather permitting. Experienced sailors will get you there safely even if the waters are a bit choppy. This is definitely a photo opportunity not to be missed!

Tour the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Dating back to around 4,000 BC, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is said to have had the remains of over 7,000 individuals dispersed between its different levels of chambers. Only allowing 80 visitors a day, tickets need to be booked in advance for an allocated time slot.

Visit Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a quaint fishing village which is located in the south of Malta. The main reasons to come here include the lively market that takes place here every day as well as the harbor with its typical Maltese fishing boats. As you would expect from a fishing village, there is an abundance of seafood here so make sure to stop off for lunch or dinner.

Swim at St Peter’s Pool

Located close to Marsaxlokk, St Peter’s pool attracts swimmers and snorkellers to what is described as Malta’s ‘natural swimming pool’. It’s a perfect place to spend a day swimming and enjoying the scenry both above and under the water. Teens in particular love this places as they challenge themselves to jump from the small cliffs rather than actually swim

Soak in a natural pool in Gozo

Even with the collape of the Azure Window in March 2017, Dwejra in Gozo is a location where beauty never ceases to amaze. Near the remains of this famous arch, you can still swim in a natural pool, which is now the draw for many. Nearby is the beautiful Inland Sea - a seawater lagoon connected to the open sea through a large tunnel stretching approximately 80 metres.

Visit Ta’ Pinu National Shrine in Gozo

Records for this chapel date back to 1534 and by 1575, the chapel was due to be demolished due to its ill state. However, legend has it that when the first workman took his axe to the church, his arm broke. The sanctuary was saved and many stories afterwards have led to it becoming known as the Church of Miracles.

Admire the 360-degree views from Gozo’s Old Citadel

The Old Citadel is one of the most breathtaking fortifications on the island of Gozo. Though the ambience and architecture of the citadel are enough to attract visitors all year round, it’s the spectacular views this vantage point provides that brings many people here.

Walk around Gozo’s capital Victoria

Browse around Victoria’s market and narrow winding streets and you'll find everything from delicious fresh produce, cheeses and wines, to antiques, craft goods, fishing nets and knitwear.

Explore the Ggantija Temples

The Ggantija Temples translate to ‘Gigantic’ and sit on the idyllic island of Gozo. These structures actually pre-date the Pyramids of Egypt and there are two temples here encircled by an outer fortification wall. Their huge size is the main draw here and it is even more difficult to imagine how they were built when you consider that they were constructed before the invention of the wheel.

Dine at a traditional Maltese Restaurant

Find yourself a truly authentic Maltese food experience where you can get a rich rabbit stew, stuffed bundles of slowly braised beef and a plate of delicious Ġbejna cheese.

Eat lots of Pastizzi

A popular fast-food for the Maltese is a savory pastry called pastizzi. This tasty treat is typically filled with either mushy peas or ricotta (the latter of the two was my favorite!).

Go Wine Tasting

Visit Meridiana Wine Estates and take a tour of the fermentation-hall and underground cellar, both set within a picturesque Maltese farmhouse, followed by wine tasting on their panoramic terraces overlooking the vineyard.