Malta Travel Guide: 10 Best Things to Do and See

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Malta is a group of islands in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and Libya on the North African coast. It’s a nation with cultural influences because of its strategic position. The island has gone through some things. Malta was conquered by one invading army after another: the Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French, and British. Each leaves traces of its architecture, food, religion, language, and art. I was lucky enough to spend 5 days exploring all the above. Here are my Top 10 Malta Travel Guide experiences.

Table of Contents

• Malta Travel Guide
• 1. Hiking to the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs
• 2. Visiting all the Game of Thrones Film Locations
• 3. Valletta & the St. John Co-Cathedral
• 4. Gozo & The Gozo Ferry
• 5. Lunch in Marsaxlokk
• 6. Il-Wileg Bed and Breakfast
• 7. Ġgantija
• 8. Wied il-Ghasri
• 9. Upper Barrakka Gardens
• 10. Beaches, Bays, and Boats
• FAQs

1. Hiking to the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs

It took me a day to figure out where to leave my car. But once I did, I locked it uptight. Ready with a snack. Earbuds in hand I made the trek to see the dramatic cliffs. You have to put in a little work. But, you might be rewarded. I had them mostly all to yourself.

2. Visiting all the Game of Thrones film locations

Malta was a filming location for season 1 of GOT. My favorite location by far was M’dina. Its massive gate can be seen in the scene where Katlyn Stark arrives in King’s Landing. But I digress… it is such a pretty city and I have a soft spot for walled cities. Called Silent City even though there were a lot of tourists. The architecture is phenomenal. Consider booking a GOT Walking tour if you want a more organized tour.

3. Valletta & the St. John Co-Cathedral

The views are amazing. I got to meet Colin and Nigel from the UK.  We ate amazing Lebanese shawarma from Falafel Street.  And I made it out of there without a scratch on the rental. Trust me, I don’t think I had ever been so confused. The combination of a big city and traffic. Hello– I was driving on the wrong side of the road. While trying to navigate with my phone and knowing. Not to mention, I wasn’t even allowed, as a foreigner, to drive in the city.

St. John Co-Cathedral stands beautiful and massive. Intricate carvings cover every surface, each adorned in gold leaf. Every inch dazzles the eye, from the painted ceilings to the marble inlays on the floors. The cathedral honors the 400 Knights of Malta military order, all dedicated to John the Baptist. His tomb rests beneath the cathedral. This church is one of countless others scattered across the island of Malta.

4. Gozo & The Gozo Ferry

The ferry from Malta to Gozo costs €15.70 for a non-resident driver with a car, which includes a return ticket. Tickets are purchased at the Mġarr terminal in Gozo on your return, and the ferry operates frequently, departing approximately every 45 minutes. The 25-minute journey offers scenic views and amenities like Wi-Fi and a small cafeteria, making travel between the islands a comfortable and convenient way.

Mgarr Vehicle Terminal: 27FX+C6Q, Ghajnsielem, Malta

Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal: Triq Il-Marfa, Il-Mellieħa, Malta

5. Lunch in Marsaxlokk

No Malta travel guide is complete without a trip to Marsaxlokk. At first, sitting outside seemed like a good idea, but soon, it was a battle with flies buzzing around my plate. Despite that, the sea bass was perfect, flaky, and flavorful, the local seafood at its best. As I ate, I couldn’t help but look out at the boats in the harbor. They were painted in bright colors, each as colorful and individual as the people I met, adding to the scene.

After lunch, why not try some adventure? Skip the drive and take a short boat ride to St Peter’s Pool. The views of the coast are amazing, and when you get there, you’ll see brave cliff divers jumping into the clear blue waters. It’s a great way to end an afternoon in Marsaxlokk and a must-do on any Malta trip.

6. Il-Wileg Bed and Breakfast

The Il-Wileġ Bed & Breakfast on Gozo offers a cozy, personal experience that larger hotels in Malta’s busier areas like Valletta or Sliema lack. Nestled in the village of Qala, this B&B exudes charm with its Moroccan-style decor and a welcoming atmosphere led by its owner, Martin. The winding roads and hilly terrain add to the sense of escape, making it feel miles away from the tourist hubs. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated, and those lucky enough to stay in the room with a terrace enjoy sweeping views of the town and sea—a perfect spot for a quiet evening with a glass of local wine. This Malta Travel Guide would be incomplete without mentioning the unique, intimate experiences Gozo offers.

I loved my little room at the top of the winding staircase. Especially the large balcony terrace with views of the sea. It was the perfect place to end each evening with a crisp glass of Maltese wine. Getting to Gozo involves a scenic 25-minute ferry ride, which Martin helped make seamless by providing ferry schedules and ticket information. The ferry itself is comfortable and equipped with Wi-Fi and a small cafeteria, though prices are on the higher side for the short trip. This extra step in the journey, though minor, adds to the sense of adventure, making arrival at Il-Wileġ feel like reaching a hidden retreat.

Exploring Qala

Exploring Qala is a charming experience in itself, with its narrow, winding roads and a quaint, almost untouched feel. Although some areas are under construction, the small cafes and local churches offer an authentic glimpse into Gozo’s daily life. Navigating these tight spaces might seem daunting, especially when passing through a restaurant space, but this quirky detail only adds to the memorable, distinctive stay at Il-Wileġ.

Address: 54 Triq Il Mithna, Gozo QLA 1914, Malta

7. Ġgantija

Malta has quite a few fortresses, megalithic temples, and the Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating to circa 4000 B.C.– the oldest freestanding complex on the planet. I thought I had seen my last temple, but Ġgantija is one of the monolithic limestone temples in Malta dating back 5,000 years, It is the oldest freestanding temple on the planet and is a definite must-see.

Address: Triq John Otto Bayer, Ix-Xagħra, Malta

8. Wied il-Ghasri

Wied il-Ghasri is my kind of off-the-beaten-path treasure you probably won’t find in any Malta Travel Guide. This beautiful place balances peace and drama in nature’s raw beauty. The fresh air here carries a sharp hint of salt from the nearby flats, where the locals still harvest salt by hand—a tradition that’s survived through generations. Walking along the cliff edges, I felt sprays of seawater greet me, a refreshing reminder of the ocean’s strength. The waves crash against the narrow inlet with a booming resonance, echoing off the gorge’s high stone walls. This rhythmic, thunderous music could lull me into tranquility all day, every day.

The salt flats themselves add a unique charm to the landscape. They form shallow pools that mirror the sky on sunny days, casting a silver sheen across the rugged rocks. The patterns and textures they create feel almost surreal, adding unexpected beauty to the coastline. This spot feels untouched, like a piece of Malta’s ancient coastline that’s both timeless and alive, where the sea and sky meld into a truly unforgettable experience.

Address: 36HH+F9V, Triq Is-Sagħtrija, Iż-Żebbuġ, Malta

9. Upper Barrakka  Gardens 

I lucked up and stumbled upon the Upper Barrakka Gardens after exploring the lively waterfront area of Valletta, where bustling restaurants and bars line the streets. As I wandered, I began looking for a quick way to get back up to the heart of town and was relieved to spot the Barrakka Lift—a true lifesaver. Without it, I would’ve been facing a climb of nearly 250 stairs to reach my car, a daunting thought after a full day on my feet.

The gardens themselves were an unexpected highlight. Perched high above the Grand Harbor, they offer one of the most breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. I spent a few hours there, taking in the view, and even met a few fellow travelers to share the moment with. Together, we marveled at the sight of boats gliding through the deep blue water and the historic fortifications surrounding the harbor, a scene that felt almost cinematic.

Address: 292 Triq Sant’ Orsla, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta

10. Beaches, Bays, and Boats

I read somewhere that an island can only be called an island when viewed from the sea. That makes perfect sense, especially when visiting an island like Malta. The coastline is littered with drastic cliffs and rock formations that jet from the ocean floor. And some that have collapsed back into the sea.

I was really looking forward to seeing the Azure Window, but you probably heard it collapsed into the sea earlier this year. It has been re-invented as a popular dive site. For those mourning the loss, there is a second, less well-known arch at nearby Wied il-Mielah that’s accessible by boat.

Some other great spots to witness the beauty of Malta are the Grand Harbor, the Dingli, and Ta’ Cenc’ Cliffs, powerboat to Comino island, St. Paul’s, St. Julian’s or Golden Bays, Mellieha Beach.

FAQs

Driving in Malta:
Malta follows the British system, so drivers stay on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right. If you plan to rent a car, make sure you hold a valid driver’s license; non-EU visitors should also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Restricted zones in city centers, like Valletta, generally prohibit non-residents from driving within them.

Ferry Services to Gozo:
Ferries conveniently connect Malta with its sister island, Gozo. This 25-minute journey costs €15.70 for a driver with a car. Always check the latest schedules and fares before you travel.

Currency and Payments:
Malta uses the Euro (€). Urban areas accept credit and debit cards widely, but you’ll want some cash on hand, particularly in rural areas or smaller shops.

Language:
Maltese and English are Malta’s official languages. English is common, so English-speaking travelers will find it easy to communicate.

Climate:
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer draws the most tourists, so consider spring or autumn if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

Electrical Outlets:
Malta uses Type G outlets, like the UK, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. If your devices need a different plug type, bring an appropriate adapter.

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