Discover Malta • Gozo • Comino

20 Amazing Things to Do in Malta

From fortified cities and turquoise lagoons to prehistoric temples, fishing villages and unforgettable sunsets, discover 20 great ideas for your next day out in the Maltese Islands.

Malta may be small, but it is packed with incredible experiences. Whether you love history, beaches, boat trips, food, nature or simply exploring beautiful places, these 20 ideas will help you discover the very best of Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Explore Valletta 01
History & City

Explore Valletta

Walk through Malta’s magnificent capital and discover honey-coloured streets, traditional balconies, lively squares and spectacular views over the Grand Harbour.

Tip: MyMalta tip: finish your visit at the Upper Barrakka Gardens around sunset.
Get Lost in Mdina 02
History

Get Lost in Mdina

Step inside Malta’s ancient walled capital, known as the Silent City. Its narrow medieval streets, noble palaces and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the island’s most magical places.

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon and stay after dark, when the city becomes especially atmospheric.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon 03
Sea & Swimming

Swim in the Blue Lagoon

Spend a day surrounded by dazzling turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto. It is one of Malta’s most famous swimming and snorkelling locations.

Tip: Go early or choose a late-afternoon boat trip. Check current access and booking requirements before travelling.
Discover Gozo for a Day 04
Day Trip

Discover Gozo for a Day

Take the ferry to Malta’s greener sister island and explore Victoria, the Citadel, coastal scenery, small villages and beautiful swimming spots.

Tip: A rental car, jeep or buggy tour makes it easier to see several parts of the island in one day.
Have Lunch in Marsaxlokk 05
Food & Village

Have Lunch in Marsaxlokk

Stroll along the waterfront of Malta’s best-known fishing village, admire the colourful traditional luzzu boats and enjoy fresh fish or seafood by the harbour.

Tip: Sunday morning is especially lively, but weekdays are usually calmer and better for a relaxed lunch.
Swim at St Peter’s Pool 06
Nature & Swimming

Swim at St Peter’s Pool

Discover this beautiful natural swimming area near Marsaxlokk, where flat limestone rocks meet clear Mediterranean water.

Tip: Bring water, sun protection and suitable shoes. There is limited natural shade around the swimming area.
Take a Boat to the Blue Grotto 07
Boat Trip

Take a Boat to the Blue Grotto

Admire the dramatic cliffs of southern Malta and, when sea conditions allow, take a traditional small boat through the impressive sea caves.

Tip: Stop at the panoramic viewpoint above the Blue Grotto before heading down to Wied iż-Żurrieq.
Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra 08
Archaeology

Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra

Travel thousands of years back in time at two of Malta’s extraordinary megalithic temple complexes, set in a beautiful coastal landscape.

Tip: Combine the temples with the nearby Blue Grotto for an excellent half-day itinerary.
Explore the Three Cities 09
History & Harbour

Explore the Three Cities

Wander through Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua to discover historic streets, marinas, fortifications and some of the finest Grand Harbour views.

Tip: Take the ferry from Valletta for a scenic and convenient way to start your visit.
Watch the Sunset at Dingli Cliffs 10
Nature & Sunset

Watch the Sunset at Dingli Cliffs

Enjoy a scenic walk along Malta’s highest coastal cliffs and take in wide-open views across the Mediterranean.

Tip: Arrive before sunset and stay on marked paths, especially near exposed cliff edges.
Relax at Golden Bay 11
Beach

Relax at Golden Bay

Spend a few hours on one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and watching the evening light.

Tip: Stay for sunset or walk towards Għajn Tuffieħa for even more impressive coastal scenery.
Walk Down to Għajn Tuffieħa 12
Beach & Hiking

Walk Down to Għajn Tuffieħa

A long staircase leads to one of Malta’s most scenic bays, surrounded by natural hills and coastal walking trails.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and climb to the nearby viewpoint for a fantastic panorama over the bay.
Spend a Fun Day at Popeye Village 13
Family

Spend a Fun Day at Popeye Village

Visit the colourful film set originally built for the 1980 Popeye movie, now transformed into a unique family attraction overlooking Anchor Bay.

Tip: The viewpoint from the road above Anchor Bay is worth a stop even if you do not enter the attraction.
See St John’s Co-Cathedral 14
Art & Culture

See St John’s Co-Cathedral

Step inside one of Valletta’s most impressive historic interiors, famous for its elaborate Baroque decoration and important works of art.

Tip: Allow enough time to appreciate the interior rather than treating it as a quick stop on a city walk.
Go Underground at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum 15
Unique Experience

Go Underground at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Discover one of Malta’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites: a remarkable underground complex carved into limestone.

Tip: Visitor numbers are limited, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Take a Grand Harbour Cruise 16
Cruise

Take a Grand Harbour Cruise

See Malta from the water on a harbour cruise around Valletta, Manoel Island and the historic fortifications of the Three Cities.

Tip: Late-afternoon cruises offer softer light and are excellent for photography.
Enjoy Ramla Bay in Gozo 17
Gozo Beach

Enjoy Ramla Bay in Gozo

Relax on Gozo’s famous reddish-golden sandy beach, surrounded by a beautiful natural valley.

Tip: Combine the beach with a visit to nearby viewpoints or other attractions in northern Gozo.
Explore Wied il-Għasri 18
Hidden Gem

Explore Wied il-Għasri

Walk down into a narrow coastal valley in Gozo where the sea enters through a dramatic rocky gorge.

Tip: Visit when the sea is calm and wear good footwear for the steps and rocky surroundings.
Experience Malta After Dark 19
Evening

Experience Malta After Dark

Enjoy an evening in Valletta, Birgu, Mdina, Sliema or St Julian’s and discover how different Malta feels once the daytime heat and crowds fade.

Tip: For a romantic atmosphere choose Mdina or Birgu; for restaurants and nightlife choose Valletta or St Julian’s.
Taste Authentic Maltese Food 20
Food Experience

Taste Authentic Maltese Food

Turn lunch or dinner into an experience by trying local favourites such as pastizzi, ftira, rabbit dishes, ġbejniet and fresh Mediterranean seafood.

Tip: Look beyond the busiest tourist streets and try a family-run restaurant or village bakery for a more local experience.

Ready to Discover More of Malta?

Explore MyMalta.io for more places to visit, restaurants, activities and local inspiration across Malta, Gozo and Comino. Save your favourite ideas and start planning your next unforgettable Maltese adventure.

Visit Malta ..

10 Places to Visit in Malta

Malta is small, sunny and full of unforgettable places. This guide gives visitors a simple first selection of beautiful spots to discover: historic cities, sea caves, fishing villages, cliffs, beaches and island escapes.

Travel ideas
Malta guide
Perfect for first visitors
Our selection ..

Beautiful Ideas for Your Malta Trip

Use this page as an inspirational post for MyMalta. Each place has a real image and a direct

link so visitors can continue exploring or plan their trip.

01

Valletta

Malta’s capital is the perfect first stop: historic streets, harbour views, churches, cafes, museums and a strong city atmosphere.

Capital city • History • Harbour views
02

Mdina

Known as the Silent City, Mdina is ideal for a slow walk through narrow streets, old palaces and timeless limestone architecture.

Silent City • Medieval streets • Views
03

Blue Grotto

A spectacular sea-cave area on Malta’s south coast, famous for boat trips, deep blue water and impressive coastal scenery.

Sea caves • Boat trip • South Malta
04

Marsaxlokk

A colourful fishing village known for its harbour, local fish restaurants, Sunday market and traditional Maltese luzzu boats.

Fishing village • Luzzu boats • Restaurants
05

The Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua offer a more authentic harbour experience with historic streets and beautiful Grand Harbour views.

Vittoriosa • Senglea • Cospicua
06

Comino & Blue Lagoon

One of Malta’s most famous swimming spots, loved for its turquoise water, boat trips and unforgettable summer colours.

Turquoise water • Boat trip • Swimming
07

Gozo

Malta’s sister island is perfect for a full-day escape with villages, cliffs, beaches, countryside and a quieter rhythm.

Day trip • Nature • Island escape
08

Dingli Cliffs

A peaceful place for open sea views, walking, photography and sunset moments on the west side of Malta.

Cliffs • Sunset • Panoramic views
09

Hagar Qim & Mnajdra

Ancient temple sites close to the sea, ideal for travellers interested in archaeology, culture and Malta’s deep past.

Ancient temples • Archaeology • Culture
10

St Peter's Pool

A natural swimming spot near Marsaxlokk, appreciated for clear water, rocky landscapes and a relaxed local atmosphere.

Natural pool • Swimming • Rocky coast
Suggested route ..

A Simple 3-Day Visit Plan

This short itinerary helps visitors combine several places without making the page too complicated.

Day 1 — History & Harbour

Start with Valletta, then cross to the Three Cities for harbour views, old streets and a slower local atmosphere.

Day 2 — South & Sea

Visit Marsaxlokk, enjoy St Peter’s Pool, and continue to Blue Grotto if the weather allows boat trips.

Day 3 — Islands & Views

Plan a day trip to Comino and Gozo, or choose Mdina and Dingli Cliffs for a relaxed cultural sunset route.

Speak Maltese: Useful Everyday Phrases & Conversations | MyMalta.io
Speak Like a Local

How to Speak Maltese: Useful Everyday Phrases & Conversations

Learn simple Maltese expressions for greetings, restaurants, shopping, transport and everyday conversations. Even a few local words can make your experience in Malta warmer and more memorable.

Maltese is Malta’s national language and, together with English, an official language of the country. It is a unique Semitic language written with the Latin alphabet and shaped over centuries by strong influences from Italian, Sicilian and English. You do not need to speak Maltese to visit Malta, but locals usually appreciate visitors who try a few words.
HelloBonġu
Thank youGrazzi
PleaseJekk jogħġbok
GoodbyeSaħħa

Essential Maltese Words and Phrases

MalteseEnglishSimple pronunciation
BonġuGood morning / HelloBON-joo
BonswaGood eveningBON-swa
Il-lejl it-tajjebGood nightil-layl it-TIE-yeb
SaħħaGoodbye / CheersSAH-ha
GrazziThank youGRAT-see
Grazzi ħafnaThank you very muchGRAT-see HAF-na
Jekk jogħġbokPleaseyek YOH-jbok
IvaYesEE-va
LeNoleh
SkużiExcuse me / SorrySKOO-zee
Kif int?How are you?keef int
Tajjeb, grazziFine, thank youTIE-yeb, GRAT-see
Ma nifhimxI do not understandma nif-HIMSH
Titkellem bl-Ingliż?Do you speak English?tit-KEL-lem bl-in-GLEEZ
Kemm jiswa?How much does it cost?kem YIS-wa
Fejn hu...?Where is...?fayn hoo
Pronunciation note: These phonetic spellings are only simple approximations for English speakers. Maltese sounds such as , ħ, ġ and ċ have their own pronunciation rules.

Typical Everyday Conversations

Meeting Someone

Saying Hello

You: Bonġu! Kif int?
Hello! How are you?

Local: Tajjeb, grazzi. U int?
Fine, thank you. And you?

You: Tajjeb ħafna, grazzi.
Very well, thank you.

Café

Ordering a Coffee

You: Bonġu. Kafè, jekk jogħġbok.
Hello. A coffee, please.

Server: Trid ħalib?
Would you like milk?

You: Iva, jekk jogħġbok. Grazzi.
Yes, please. Thank you.

Restaurant

At a Restaurant

You: Mejda għal tnejn, jekk jogħġbok.
A table for two, please.

You: Nista' nara l-menu?
Can I see the menu?

You: Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok.
The bill, please.

Shopping

In a Shop

You: Skużi, kemm jiswa dan?
Excuse me, how much is this?

You: Għandek ieħor?
Do you have another one?

You: Grazzi ħafna.
Thank you very much.

Directions

Asking for Directions

You: Skużi, fejn hi l-waqfa tal-linja?
Excuse me, where is the bus stop?

Local: Hemmhekk, fuq ix-xellug.
Over there, on the left.

You: Grazzi ħafna!
Thank you very much!

Taxi

Getting Around

You: Tista' teħodni l-Belt, jekk jogħġbok?
Can you take me to Valletta, please?

You: Kemm iddum?
How long does it take?

You: Grazzi. Saħħa!
Thank you. Goodbye!

Useful Phrases at a Restaurant or Bar

Nixtieq birra, jekk jogħġbok.I would like a beer, please.
Nixtieq ilma.I would like water.
Il-kont, jekk jogħġbok.The bill, please.
Kien tajjeb ħafna.It was very good.
Għandkom ikel Malti?Do you have Maltese food?
Mingħajr...Without...
Waħda oħra, jekk jogħġbok.Another one, please.
Saħħa!Cheers!

Words You Will Often Hear in Malta

MalteseMeaningWhen you may hear it
MelaA very common conversational word with meanings depending on contextEveryday conversation
EjjaCome on / Let’s goWith friends and family
Mela le!Of course! / Definitely!Enthusiastic agreement
OrrajtAlright / OKInformal speech
ĦabibFriendFriendly conversation

A Few Maltese Pronunciation Tips

Letter

Ġ sounds like “j”

For example, the ġ in Bonġu is pronounced similarly to the English “j” sound.

Letter

Ċ sounds like “ch”

The Maltese letter ċ generally sounds similar to “ch” in the English word “church”.

Letter

Ħ is a strong “h” sound

The letter ħ represents a stronger breathy sound than a normal English “h”.

Letter

Għ is special

The combination often affects the sound of nearby vowels rather than being pronounced as a simple English consonant.

The 10 Phrases to Remember First

Bonġu — Hello
Grazzi — Thank you
Jekk jogħġbok — Please
Skużi — Excuse me / Sorry
Kif int? — How are you?
Iva — Yes
Le — No
Kemm jiswa? — How much is it?
Fejn hu...? — Where is...?
Saħħa — Goodbye / Cheers

Try a Little Maltese During Your Stay

You do not need to speak perfect Maltese. A simple “Bonġu”, “Grazzi” or “Saħħa” is often enough to create a friendly connection and show appreciation for Malta’s language and culture.

Discover More with MyMalta

MyMalta helps visitors find activities, hotels, shopping, restaurants, museums, parties, fitness and unique local experiences across Malta.