After we say that Malta is jam-packed filled with tradition, meals and nature, we’re not exaggerating.
In spite of everything, although the 27km(17-mile)-long island is the tenth smallest nation on the planet, it’s the fifth-most densely populated. Which implies that whether or not you’re a solo traveler, retired explorer or massive household on trip, you don’t need to journey far within the Maltese archipelago to search out one thing thrilling for you.
Well-known for sunny climate, the islands are awash with pure magnificence and interesting historical past. You’ll see the previous within the crystal-clear waters at beloved swimming spots like St Peter’s Pool or the sweeping seascape views from coastal mountain climbing trails by the Dingli Cliffs, and the latter at megalithic temples, medieval Arabic fortresses and ornate baroque cathedrals. And naturally, Malta has extra seashores than you possibly can presumably hope to lounge on in a single journey.
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There’s simply a lot to see and do in right here, irrespective of the season you go to. Listed below are 10 locations to begin.
1. Dingli Cliffs
Greatest for coastal mountain climbing
Malta’s coast has scenic loops and mountain climbing routes which are finest tackled within the spring, earlier than the searing summer season warmth units in. The Dingli Cliffs and Fawwara Path is among the finest. Dingli affords serene and verdant terrain wealthy with uncommon natural world, and sweeping views of Filfla island (filled with holes from its use in military-target apply generations in the past) within the sea, near shore.
Planning tip: Use the AllTrails free mountain climbing app to observe the paths and keep away from wandering onto personal property.
2. St Peter’s Pool
Greatest for swimming
With Malta’s clearest water for swimming, this rocky seashore is a favourite with each locals and guests. Its azure-blue waters make for a dreamy place to dive in – and, in fact, to snap and submit these enviable vacation pics. It’s a little bit of a trek to get to when you’re utilizing public transport: take Bus 81 from Valletta or Floriana and hop off on the Abdosir bus cease, then proceed for half-hour on foot. If you happen to can, renting a moped makes life simpler, as you possibly can park a 10-minute stroll away. Keep in mind to carry your individual snacks and water as you gained’t at all times discover meals distributors on website. The clear lapping waves and sweeping horizon views you’ll get pleasure from will make all of the planning effectively price it.
Native tip: Maintain your eyes peeled for Carmelo and his cliff-diving canine Tina, each native celebrities.
3. Valletta
Greatest for artwork areas and bars
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Its peninsular capital is Malta’s hottest vacationer vacation spot as of late, with town seeing main growth over the previous decade after staying sleepy for generations. Such gradual continuity makes the place an architectural time capsule, full of colourful field balconies, limestone baroque chapels and plush gardens within the bastions. The brand new vitality, in the meantime, pulses in every single place, making Valletta the island’s unquestioned arts and nightlife hub. You possibly can hear the musicians acting at Babel Bistro from streets away; approaching the joint, you’ll see late-night crowds spilling out onto the sidewalk. For a cocktail with a view, be part of those that love a great time on the extensive paved steps at Cafe Society, which has reside music on Tuesdays.
Native tip: Music lovers would possibly need to plan their go to round certainly one of Valletta’s music festivals – reminiscent of Isle of MTV, which takes place simply outdoors the capital’s partitions. Tickets are free.
4. Ħagar Qim
Greatest for prehistoric structure
Nothing actually prepares you for the wow issue delivered by the completely huge limestone stone slabs that type Ħagar Qim; courting from 3700–3200 BCE, it’s the one of many oldest temple complexes on the planet. The colossal doorways, home windows, apses and niches stay in spectacular situation – particularly when you take into account the mind-boggling undeniable fact that they’re older than the pyramids or Stonehenge. The temple offers some clues into the lives and beliefs of the earliest inhabitants of Malta: beams of sunshine shine via a tiny gap within the wall to flood the primary chamber on the summer season and winter equinoxes, suggesting the traditional tradition’s reverence for the solar.
5. The Three Cities
Greatest for avoiding the crowds
Throughout the Grand Harbour and dealing with Valletta lie the majestic Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Conspicua) and L-Isla (Senglea). Virtually mirroring Valletta in design, with colossal bastion fortifications, the Three Cities are sometimes handed over by guests. Don’t make this error: they’re dwelling to unbelievable structure and nice meals however with fewer crowds to take care of than within the capital. Remember to reserve forward for a meal at The Little Bastion in Senglea, and to go to the lately reopened Maritime Museum for a superb overview of Maltese historical past advised via its nautical tales.
6. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Greatest for stepping again in time
Probably the most immersive historic expertise on the islands (perhaps even in all of Europe, when you ask this admittedly biased author) is getting into the 5000-year-old Hypogeum. The doorway is nearly hidden – an unassuming entrance door on a mean avenue in Paola – and also you’d be forgiven for strolling by and completely lacking the marvel that lies beneath. Big limestone slab steps lead you down into this subterranean Neolithic temple and thru slender passages (it’s not for the claustrophobic). Its centerpiece is a necropolis that archeologists assume housed the stays of round 7000 folks, in addition to served as a spot of worship.
Planning tip: Guide tickets effectively upfront, since admission is restricted to protect the location.
7. Għar Lapsi
Greatest for snorkeling
The rugged inlets of this picturesque bay within the south of Malta have made it a high spot for PADI divers and snorkelers for many years, with a few of the finest reef life on the island beneath its turquoise waters. It additionally attracts swimmers, as the big pure swimming pools listed below are sheltered from the open sea, letting you get some good lengths in. Remember the fact that there’s little area on the shore, and the rocks there aren’t a really snug place for sunbathing. Irrespective of: right here, you’ll need to keep within the water.
8. Mdina
Greatest for medieval atmosphere
Indisputably one of the crucial lovely elements of Malta, Mdina has been inhabited for the reason that Bronze Age, and was given its present title by the early-medieval Aghlabid conquerers from Algeria. The hilltop city retains its one-of-a-kind environment, and continues to be referred to as the “Silent Metropolis” since monasteries and convents have operated right here for a lot of generations. The slender alleys and cobbled streets usually are not as quiet as they as soon as have been, being a favourite of tour teams testing a filming location for the primary season of Sport of Thrones. But the church buildings, mansions and cathedral are nonetheless magical, as is Fontanella Tea Backyard, a restaurant on the north wall that serves up the richest chocolate cake on the island.
Native tip: Go to on the finish of the day: the tour teams often disperse by 4pm.
9. Marsaxlokk
Greatest for seafood
A preferred spot for native foodies in South Malta, Marsaxlokk boasts wonderful fish eating places alongside its waterfront, reminiscent of family-run but elegant Tartarun, well-known for its octopus dishes. To work up an urge for food beforehand, you possibly can stroll across the city’s market and church buildings, previous brightly painted cottages and the enduring luzzu boats within the cute harbor. Make a day of it and rent a ship to take you across the close by seashores like St Peter’s Pool.
10: Għajn Tuffieħa
Greatest for sandy seashores
Subsequent door to Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (typically referred to as Riviera Seashore) is much less developed than its neighbor and a way more pure affair, with 250m (820ft) of rolling pink sand missed by inexperienced cliffs – and never a lot else. Nonetheless, it’s not utterly rustic: you’ll discover umbrellas to hire and the odd snack truck round. Pack a DIY picnic dinner with you to remain for the magnificent sundown.
