What to See and Do in Malta For a Week

Dear Traveler,

Mainly traveled by Europeans, the small Maltese archipelago is somehow off the radar for the rest of the world, however savvy travelers often described it as one big open-air museum. What makes these islands unique is that so much of their past is visible today.  The balmy Mediterranean climate makes Malta an around-the-year cultural, beach, and nightlife destination with all of the attractions packed in a small territory. That's the real advantage of staying here.  This blog is inspired by Malta's rich cultural heritage. 

 Historical Background

Malta's History is closely related to the history of Knights of Saint John: What we see today in Malta, is the legacy the Knights of St. John left for us. The Knights Hospitaller (the Knights of Saint John), was a religious and military order formally founded in the 12th Century to protect Jerusalem against the Ottoman Turk's invasion. After the Order of Saint John was expelled from its base in the Island of Rhodes during the Ottoman Siege in 1522, a search for a new base began. This led to a new chapter in the Knights' history when the Pope gave them the island of Malta in 1530. The Knights Hospitallers settled in the area known as the Three Cities and more specifically in Birgu (Vittoriosa). After the Great Siege in 1565, and in order to celebrate the victory over the Turks, the Knights embarked on an ambitious project to build a new capital:  Valletta. Today, the city is recognized as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site.

                                                                                      The Grand Harbor

                                                                                            Valletta's architecture

Start from Valletta

To get the best introduction to Malta's history, start from the capital Valletta followed by the Three Cities. Must-see sights are Saint John's Co-Cathedral (an exquisite example of Baroque Architecture), Grand Master's Palace (headquarters of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John), Upper Barrakka Gardens (Public Gardens), offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbor, Casa Rocca Piccola (a "living" 16 Century Palazzo), Fort Saint Elmo (National War Museum)... this is just a shortlist of the historical sites which you can find in Valletta. If time allows, take a ferry for a scenic ride  (multiple departures throughout the day ) to The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua). Visit The Inquisitor's Palace (seat of the Maltese Inquisition for two centuries) in Birgu (Vittoriosa) is a must!

Travel Tip:
Reserve a half-day tour (I'd suggest Excursions in Malta), to get a deeper knowledge of Valletta and the Three Cities history. Especially valuable will be to have a guide with a car in The Three Cities. A former administrative seat of the Knights of St. John, today the cities are left largely unvisited and offer an insight into Malta's Maritime History and authentic Maltese daily life. Although the cities are connected, they are spread out, and we found them not as pedestrian-friendly as Valletta, and exploring without a car can be a challenge.

          Boat ride to the Three Cities

                                                                                             Vittoriosa's harbor

Travel Tip:
Reserve a half-day tour (I'd suggest Excursions in Malta), to get a deeper knowledge of Valletta and the Three Cities history. Especially valuable will be to have a guide with a car in The Three Cities. A former administrative seat of the Knights of St. John, today the cities are left largely unvisited and offer an insight into Malta's Maritime History and authentic Maltese daily life. Although the cities are connected, they are spread out, and we found them not as pedestrian-friendly as Valletta, and exploring without a car can be a challenge.

The rest of Malta

Exploring the fortified city of Mdina felt like stepping back in time. A former capital of Malta dating back to the antiquity period, Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city with a unique mix of well-preserved medieval and baroque architecture. The arrival of the Knights of Saint John on the island in 1530 led to moving the capital to Birgu (Vitturiosa) and the city faced a period of decline. Through the centuries, Mdina remained a center of the Maltese noble residents and religious authorities but never regained its pre-1530 importance. Today, Mdina is home to less than 300 inhabitants giving the rise of the popular nickname the "Silent City".

                                                                                       The Main Gate to enter Mdina

                                                                                One of the noble homes in Mdina

Although Mdina is quite small, dedicating at least a half-day is a must. Among the many historical sites worth visiting are St. Paul's Cathedral (second in grandeur after St. John Co-Cathedral in Valletta), Cathedral Museum, Palazzo Falson (13th Century Medieval Palace), Carmelite Priory to name a few. Take a time and wander around the narrow streets and stop by a traditional Maltese glassmaking store for a souvenir.  If time allows, enjoy a gourmet meal or spend a night in Xara Palace, a 5-star boutique hotel, member of the prestigious culinary association Relais and Chateaux situated in a 17th Century palace.

Looking to savor fresh seafood? 

Take a Sunday morning trip to the fish market in Marsaxlokk! This is a picturesque fishing village famous for its bright color boats and its Sunday market. You will have a chance to experience authentic Maltese culture and interact with local fishermen and farmers. The market is an excellent choice to buy local products, and the sea promenade offers a wide variety of seafood restaurants accommodating every taste and budget.

                                                                                               Colorful Marsaxlokk

The Maltese archipelago is home to one of the oldest ancient religious temples in the world. A beautifully preserved archaeological site in Malta's countryside worth visiting is Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temple complex constructed in the 4th millennium BC, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the two temples of Ggantija on the island of Gozo, recognizable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures, well worth the trip to the island on their own.

The other two islands

Lastly, your Malta vacation won't be completed unless you visit Gozo island and Comino's Blue Lagoon. If your time allows, spend at least a couple of days on the former.  A regular ferry service carries passengers and cars from Malta to Gozo. The ferries depart from Cirkewwa, Malta to the seaport of Mgarr, Gozo, and take about 25 minutes. For schedule and fare information visit the Gozo Channel website. Once on the island take the Public Bus to the capital of Gozo.

                                                                                     Comino's Blue Lagoon

Travel Tip:

Although the bus service is not as frequent as in Malta, is a better alternative than renting a car. Navigating through one-lane roads and sharp turns can be a real challenge. If your budget allows reserve a local guide who can save your time and bring inside knowledge.

Gozo's capital Victoria is known for its Medieval Citadel and baroque era architecture and is a good base to explore the rest of the island. Don't miss Gozo's Bronze age megalithic temple complexes and pristine beaches!
Travel Tip:
If you are time-constrained, there are day trips organized from Malta to Gozo and the Blue Lagoon

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