Top 10 Sights in Malta and Gozo

My trip to this small, sunny island nation was long awaited – and just as long postponed. I’d describe Malta as a lively, chaotic, wonderfully colourful and even slightly quirky country where European and Arab cultures have met and created something truly incredible. Thanks to its strategic location, Malta remained a tempting prize over the centuries, both for the Arabs of North Africa and for the great European powers. As you wander around the towns on the two larger islands of the Maltese archipelago – Malta and Gozo – you’ll see for yourself the mix of British, Italian, French and Tunisian culture, cuisine and architecture. Even the local Maltese language sounds like a blend of Arabic and Italian, but don’t worry – all the locals speak English.

To be honest, for such a small place, Malta has an awful lot to offer its visitors – plenty of places to see and some incredible experiences. That’s why I’d call it one of the most versatile destinations I’ve ever been to: it suits every kind of traveller and, thanks to its location, every season. Whether you want to spend just a weekend in Malta enjoying the quiet beaches and delicious food, or you’re treating yourself to a long, well-deserved holiday with time to explore both islands (Malta and Gozo), you certainly won’t be disappointed.

The landscapes of Malta are wild and rocky, so I wasn’t surprised to learn that this is where the films “Gladiator” and “Troy” were shot, as well as part of the hit series “Game of Thrones”. In fact, one of the main attractions, which has become hugely popular in recent years, is the film set of “Popeye”.

When to visit Malta

Thanks to its location, Malta makes a good destination at any time of year – depending, of course, on why you want to go. The summer months are hot and dry, while winter, though a little cooler, is still a good time to visit thanks to the sunny weather. I went at the beginning of September and the weather was more than perfect for the beach – 35 degrees. Bear in mind that Malta is a very popular summer destination in Europe and the beaches can get very crowded. The high season ends in late September, so I’d recommend planning your trip for either April–May or September–October. That way you’ll avoid the huge crowds, as well as the heat, which tops 40 degrees in summer.

Getting there

Malta is extremely easy to get to. There are direct, year-round flights from Sofia with two of the well-known low-cost airlines at very reasonable prices, starting from 20–25 euros each way. I’d recommend popping over for either 5 or 7 days. That’s plenty of time to enjoy everything the island has to offer – delicious food, buzzing bars, beautiful views and dozens of beaches.

Getting around the island

My advice is to hire a car, because it gives you real freedom and lets you spend your time however you like. Bear in mind that in Malta they drive on the left – the opposite of Bulgaria – and the cars are right-hand drive. This detail had completely slipped past me while I was preparing for our trip, and I got a rather nasty surprise when I got into the car, but luckily I managed to rise to the challenge. If you’re used to driving on the right, driving in Malta can turn into quite an ordeal, so your other option is public transport. Maltese buses are well organised and punctual, which makes them a popular, budget-friendly choice for many tourists. Even so, despite the considerable difference in price, I prefer a hire car, because it’s a much faster and more convenient way to get around and to reach places the buses don’t go.

As for travelling between Malta, Gozo and Comino, there are handy ferry services too. I mention little Comino because it’s hugely popular thanks to the Blue Lagoon, which is right there. You can check the ferry timetables online in advance, and there are quite a few companies, which gives you more flexibility with your time.

What to see in Malta

1. The capital, Valletta

The Maltese capital is incredibly rich in history, and the locals have managed to preserve its buildings in their original form, which makes it an absolute architectural gem. You’ll notice for yourself that the architecture is fascinating, with façades known for their colourful balconies.

Some of the most interesting sights in the capital, Valletta, which absolutely must be on your list, are St John’s Co-Cathedral (dedicated to St John the Baptist), the Upper Barrakka Gardens (Valletta’s upper gardens) with their incredible view of the harbour and the “Three Cities” on the opposite shore (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua), the Grand Master’s Palace, the Triton Fountain, the Museum of the Knights Hospitaller and many more churches, cathedrals and museums. As long as you have the time and the appetite for sightseeing, you won’t get bored. For more on Valletta’s sights, read my blog post dedicated entirely to the Maltese capital.

2. Birgu

“The Three Cities” – Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua – are ringed by high fortified walls, because in the past this was the heart of the island and defending it was vitally important. When the Knights Hospitaller arrived, the capital moved from Mdina to Birgu, and later to Valletta. Today Birgu is a big draw for tourists and one of the island’s main attractions, thanks to its more relaxed atmosphere compared with the capital. The town is small but very beautiful. Its architecture is every bit as refined as in Valletta, but older, which gives it extra charm, and the views from its hills across to the capital are one of a kind. If you have enough time, I highly recommend exploring the other two towns as well – Senglea and Cospicua – which literally merge into one another, so probably only the locals can tell where one ends and the next begins.

3. Mdina

4. Rabat

Literally translated, Rabat means “suburb”. The town got its name because it began life as a suburb of the old capital, Mdina. Given its size, today it’s more of a village, but it’s an important part of Malta’s history. One of Rabat’s main sights is St Paul’s Catacombs. The Maltese are among the most devout Catholic nations, and St Paul is the most revered saint in the country. According to local legend, the saint used the cave complex as a hiding place after he was shipwrecked off the island. Whether it’s true or just a legend, we can only guess, but it’s a fact that the Catacombs are among the earliest Christian monuments in Malta. Another sight in Rabat is the remains of the Roman temple known as the Domvs Romana. My advice is that if you’re visiting Mdina, you should combine it with a stroll around Rabat, because the two towns literally merge into one another. We parked in Rabat, crossed the street and found ourselves at the gates of Mdina.

5. The Blue Lagoon

Malta is made up of three islands, the smallest of which is Comino. Just off its shores lies the famous Blue Lagoon – without doubt one of the most beautiful and most visited places in Malta. The Blue Lagoon was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Malta. Every single person I know who’d been there urged me to go. My expectations were sky-high, and we excitedly boarded the little boat that leaves every 30 minutes. Although we visited Malta in September, the tourist season was still at its peak and the Blue Lagoon was heaving. People had claimed every possible nook on the rocks around this little slice of paradise. Even so – and I’m not exaggerating – we were genuinely stunned by the beauty of the lagoon’s crystal-clear water. Even from a distance you could see every pebble and every fish, as well as the dangerous jellyfish. Friends who’d been before had warned me that there are an awful lot of jellyfish, especially in summer. You can buy tickets for an organised boat trip from Malta to the Blue Lagoon HERE.

Not far from the Blue Lagoon, also on little Comino, is the Crystal Lagoon – another well-known diving spot among lovers of beautiful underwater scenery, and a little quieter too. The Crystal Lagoon’s water isn’t quite as dazzlingly blue, and it isn’t as famous as the Blue Lagoon. That’s the main reason fewer people know about it, but I’d still recommend making the trip.

6. St Peter’s Pool

This natural wonder lies near the village of Marsaxlokk and is the most beautiful natural pool on the island. As well as being a place to relax and swim, St Peter’s Pool is a magnet for adrenaline junkies. The rocks around the pool let you jump into its crystal-blue water from different heights. The highest rock is about 6 metres above sea level, and the rock surface itself is flat, so lots of people come here just to work on their tan.

7. Marsaxlokk

Interestingly, Marsaxlokk (we found the name so hard to pronounce that we just remembered it as “the village beginning with M”) has been a harbour since ancient times, used by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans, and later by the locals. The Maltese know the village for its Sunday fish market, while tourists know it for the pretty boats bobbing freely in the harbour. You can combine your trip here with a dip in St Peter’s Pool.

8. Gozo

The second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago is Gozo, and I’d say it’s the most beautiful. Although it’s smaller than Malta (the main island), Gozo has just as many sights, beaches and interesting little towns. The moment we stepped off the ferry we felt the different atmosphere – even the air was different. Gone were the crowds, the crazy traffic and the noise. Everything was calm. Most tourists stay on the main island, and only a small number decide to explore the rest of the country. I’d recommend staying at least one night so you have more time to enjoy the island’s beauty. If you’re pressed for time, though, a day is enough for the main sights. The must-sees are the Citadel in Victoria, the Ta’ Pinu Basilica, the Salt Pans, the Ta’ Ċenc Cliffs and the Wied il-Għasri window. These, of course, are just some of the island’s highlights. You can also join an organised day trip from Malta to Gozo by buying tickets HERE.

9. Beaches

Malta has gorgeous beaches, perfect for topping up your tan or simply cooling off on hot afternoons. We’d planned our time so that every morning we’d head off to one of the island’s interesting little towns, and spend the afternoon on a nice beach nearby. We picked our beaches on the go, simply because the island is so small that if we didn’t like a beach, we’d literally move somewhere else without even discussing it. Here’s a list of the best beaches on the island – you can decide for yourselves where to go depending on your plans.

• Golden Bay
• Mellieha Bay
• Riviera Beach (Għajn Tuffieħa)
• Fond Għadir Beach – Rocky beach in Sliema
• St. Peter’s Pool
• The Blue Lagoon
• Paradise Bay
• Ġnejna Bay
• Armier Bay
• Ta’ Fra Ben (Qawra Point)

10. Popeye Village

One of the most colourful and unusual places in Malta is Popeye Village. Dozens of brightly painted little houses perch on a rocky hillside above an azure bay – it’s like something out of a fairy tale. That’s no accident, given that the village was built as the set for the 1980 Disney feature film “Popeye”, starring Robin Williams. Today the set has been turned into an amusement park with an entrance fee, but the view from the cliffs on the opposite side is completely free. You can buy tickets for Popeye Village HERE.