Luno-Travels

For us, Malta was extra special because it was our first vacation without parents or family. We visited in July 2023 and stayed for one week in an apartment in St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan), one of Malta’s main nightlife areas.

We spent a lot of time snorkeling and trying different water activities, and we loved every minute of it. Snorkeling quickly became one of our favourite things to do in Malta, and during our trips we even spotted an octopus.

We also discovered that cocktails in Malta can be surprisingly cheap. In Valletta we found a place with a happy hour deal where we got two cocktails for only €4.50.

Although St. Julian’s is famous for nightlife, the bars we visited were not really our style. We visited a Dutch club and a gay bar out of curiosity, but we preferred enjoying drinks in quieter places around the island.

7 Places to visit in Malta

Mdina

In 1693, this city was built into the beautiful place it is today. It is a very pretty and peaceful city with many houses and palaces. Because cars are not allowed and only around 300 people live there, it is very quiet and relaxing.

You can walk around the lovely streets, enjoy some good food or drinks, and admire the amazing view from the top of the city walls. It really feels like an oasis of peace and is definitely worth visiting.

Rabat is located next to Mdina, a beautiful city where you can enjoy the lovely streets as well. It is a bit more lively because more local people live there.

Marsaxlock

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village in the south of Malta, known for its colourful fishing boats and relaxed atmosphere. Compared to busier places like St. Julian’s, Marsaxlokk felt much more authentic and peaceful. The harbour is filled with small boats and seafood restaurants, making it a great place to spend a slow afternoon.

While we were there, we took a small boat trip along the coast to St Peter’s Pool, a popular swimming spot where many people were jumping from the rocks into the crystal-clear water. It was one of the most fun and memorable experiences of the trip. Afterward, we had a delicious risotto at one of the local restaurants near the harbour, which made the visit even better.

Valletta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and is known for its beautiful old buildings, narrow streets, and rich history. The city has many museums, churches, and impressive views over the sea and the harbor.

You can walk through the lively streets, enjoy good food and drinks at local cafés and restaurants, and experience the mix of culture, history, and atmosphere that makes the city so special. In the evening, the city becomes even more lively with lights, music, and people enjoying the warm atmosphere.

We especially enjoyed the colorful and decorated streets because of the festas that take place during the summer. We also visited Isle of MTV in Valletta, the biggest free festival in Europe, where famous artists perform every year.

Gozo

Gozo is a beautiful and peaceful island known for its nature, small villages, and clear blue water. The island has a more relaxed atmosphere than Malta and is perfect for enjoying quiet streets, local culture, and amazing coastal views.

We did a bus tour around the whole island and visited different places, including the beautiful town of Victoria with its charming streets and historic buildings. We also went swimming at Dwejra Inland Sea, a stunning place surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear water. The combination of nature, sea views, and peaceful atmosphere made Gozo a very special experience.

3 cities

The Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are known together as the Three Cities of Malta. These historic cities are full of narrow streets, traditional houses, beautiful harbors, and amazing views over the water. Each city has its own charm and atmosphere.

We also visited Fort St. Angelo, the large historic fort located in Vittoriosa. The fort was enormous and very impressive, with amazing views and a lot of history to explore.

Another highlight was swimming in the clear blue water at the Rinella Bay, surrounded by many fish while looking out over Valletta. The combination of the sea, history, and views made the Three Cities a very special place and not as busy as Valletta.

Enjoy the coastline

Malta is famous for its warm climate and beautiful coastline, making it the perfect destination for swimming and exploring the sea. That’s why we recommend always carrying your swimsuit and not forgetting your snorkeling goggles. Wherever you go in Malta, there is usually a stunning beach or swimming spot nearby, making it easy to take a refreshing dip whenever you feel like it.

The clear waters are home to plenty of fish, which makes snorkeling a fantastic experience. Even in shallow areas, you can often spot colorful marine life swimming around you.

One beach we particularly recommend is Balluta Bay Beach, located near St. Julian’s. It offers beautiful views of the iconic Knisja tal-Karmnu, as shown in our photo. If you are visiting the Three Cities, Rinella Bay is another great spot to relax and swim.

On Gozo, make sure to visit the spectacular Dwejra Inland Sea, where you can admire the impressive rock formations and dramatic coastal scenery.

We also had the opportunity to go jet skiing along the coast, which was an incredible experience. Riding across the crystal-clear waters while enjoying the stunning views of Malta’s coastline was both exciting and unforgettable. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous activity, we would definitely recommend giving jet skiing a try.

Our biggest recommendation, however, is not to spend all your time searching for specific locations. One of the best things about Malta is that beautiful swimming spots can be found almost everywhere along the coast. Simply explore, enjoy the scenery, and take advantage of every opportunity to jump into the crystal-clear water.

Blue grotto

Another place we highly recommend visiting is the Blue Grotto. You can book a small boat tour for around €10 per person, making it an affordable and unforgettable experience.

The Blue Grotto gets its name from the incredible light-blue color of the water. This unique effect is created by sunlight reflecting through the caves and illuminating the sea below, producing some of the most beautiful shades of blue you will ever see.

During the boat tour, you will pass several sea caves along the coastline, and the boat even enters some of them, allowing you to fully appreciate their size, beauty, and fascinating rock formations. The crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs make the entire experience feel truly magical.

The Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s most impressive natural attractions and a perfect example of the island’s stunning coastline. It is a true natural wonder and definitely worth adding to your itinerary.