Nestled within the coronary heart of the Mediterranean Sea, the enchanting archipelago of Malta beckons vacationers with its shimmering azure waters, sun-kissed landscapes, and a wealthy tapestry of historical past. This historical tiny island positioned south of Sicily seamlessly weaves collectively threads from numerous civilizations which have known as this island nation residence. So, pack your baggage and allow us to embark on a journey via the most effective issues to do in Malta, the place each nook turned and each stone unturned reveals a brand new journey, a brand new story, and a brand new reminiscence etched in time.
Finest Issues to Do in Malta
One of the simplest ways to get round Malta is by automobile rental. Evaluate costs at RentalCars.com
From the silent, golden-hued streets of Mdina to the bustling, vibrant markets of Marsaxlokk, this Mediterranean nation is a kaleidoscope of experiences ready to be found. Whether or not you’re a historical past buff seeking to discover its UNESCO World Heritage Websites, a nature lover, or somebody in search of a tranquil escape on Golden Bay, this gem of the Mediterranean has one thing for everybody.
Solar-kissed rocky cliffs, hidden coastal walks, and the most effective scuba diving situations in Europe make this tiny isle one of many prime locations for open air lovers.
Planning Your Journey To Malta Proper Now?
Beneath are a number of the prime excursions in Malta. Don’t neglect to plan forward when visiting Malta!
Prime Excursions in Malta:
About Malta
Malta is among the oldest international locations in Europe, courting again to prehistoric occasions, with archaeological proof of human exercise courting again to the Neolithic interval. The archipelago has seen a mess of civilizations come and go, together with the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs, all of which have left their mark on the island’s tradition and heritage.
One of the vital durations in Malta’s historical past was the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530. The Knights, often known as the Knights Hospitaller or the Order of St. John, had been a Catholic army order that performed an important function within the Crusades. The Knights of St. John had been granted Malta by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V in change for an annual hire of 1 Maltese Falcon.
The Order dominated Malta till 1798 when Napoleon Bonaparte expelled them throughout his Mediterranean marketing campaign. Malta subsequently grew to become a British colony in 1800 and remained so till it gained its independence in 1964.
So, now that you recognize a little bit bit about its fascinating historical past, let’s check out all of the issues to see while you go to Malta.
1. Go to Valletta
Valletta, the diminutive capital metropolis of Malta, is a fortified metropolis incomes it a prestigious spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Web site Listing. The town is positioned on Malta’s Grand Harbor and is among the most historic cities in Europe. Based within the sixteenth century by the Knights of St. John, is a testomony to the grandeur of Baroque structure with its spectacular bastions, forts, and cathedral. To not point out, Valletta can be Europe’s sunniest capital due to its southern location.
For these fascinated about artwork and historical past, the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology is a must-visit. The museum homes an in depth assortment of artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric interval, offering a glimpse into the island’s historical civilizations. Equally, the Nationwide Battle Museum tells the story of Malta’s function in WWII, and the Lascaris Battle Rooms reveal the underground tunnels used as conflict headquarters.
Valletta can be a metropolis of festivals, with the annual Valletta Worldwide Baroque Pageant being a specific spotlight. This celebration of Baroque music takes place in numerous historic venues throughout the town, showcasing each native and worldwide expertise.
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
One must-see attraction is St. John’s Co-Cathedral. This beautiful instance of Baroque structure was constructed by the Knights of St. John and is residence to Caravaggio’s masterpiece, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”.
The cathedral’s exterior is deceptively easy, that includes a sober and fortified facade typical of its time. Nevertheless, the inside is the place St. John’s Co-Cathedral actually shines. The nave, aspect chapels, and altars are adorned with elaborate gold leaf, intricate carvings, and delightful frescoes. The ground is roofed with intricate marble tombstones, beneath which lie the stays of over 400 knights and officers of the order.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral can be an essential place of worship right now. The cathedral is used for essential liturgical occasions and celebrations, together with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which is the patron saint of each the cathedral and the Knights of St. John.
One other spotlight is the Grandmaster’s Palace, which serves because the President’s official residence. The palace is open to the general public, and guests can discover the staterooms and the Armoury, which homes one of many world’s largest collections of medieval armor and weapons.
3. Cruise the Grand Harbour
The Grand Harbour, often known as Port il-Kbir, is among the most important and iconic landmarks in Malta. It has performed an important function within the nation’s historical past, shaping its tradition and growth over the centuries. With its deep, sheltered waters and dramatic cliffs and fortifications, the Grand Harbour is among the most beautiful pure harbors on this planet. Its geographical location has made it a strategic port for numerous civilizations over the millennia.
The Grand Harbour has been a hub of maritime exercise for over two thousand years. It has witnessed quite a few historic occasions, from the arrival of the Phoenicians and the Romans to the Second World Battle Encirclement.
As we speak, the Grand Harbour is a bustling financial hub, with its shipyards, cruise liner terminal, and numerous companies contributing to the nation’s financial system.
4. Higher Barrakka Gardens
The Higher Barrakka Gardens supply a serene escape with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. The gardens had been initially created in 1661 as a personal train floor for the Knights of St. John, the army order that dominated Malta from the sixteenth to the 18th century.
The Higher Barrakka Gardens are open to the general public and supply a peaceable and picturesque retreat from the bustling streets of Valletta. The every day cannon firing is a singular spectacle that pays homage to the town’s army historical past.
They’re one in every of Malta’s most stunning public gardens and a must-visit attraction for vacationers and locals alike. Perched on prime of the bastion partitions overlooking the Grand Harbour, probably the most stunning pure harbors on this planet, in addition to the historic Three Cities and the encircling countryside they provide among the finest views when visiting Malta.
The Higher Barrakka Gardens are a lovely and historic attraction that can be residence to a number of statues and monuments devoted to notable figures in Malta’s historical past, together with Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Alexander Ball, the primary British Civil Commissioner of Malta.
5. Nationwide Museum of Archaeology
As we talked about, Malta is an historical land and a go to to the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology has a wealthy assortment of artifacts that span the nation’s lengthy and numerous historical past, from the Neolithic interval to the Phoenician Interval. The highlights embody the well-known “Sleeping Woman,” a small clay determine believed to symbolize a mom goddess or fertility deity, and the “Venus of Malta,” one other figurine that symbolizes fertility.
The museum showcases quite a lot of artifacts from the Megalithic Temples of Malta, that are a number of the oldest freestanding constructions on this planet. These embody pottery, stone instruments, and complicated carvings that present perception into the spiritual and every day lifetime of the temple builders.
The Nationwide Museum of Archaeology is a treasure trove of artifacts that present an interesting glimpse into the nation’s previous. From prehistoric collectible figurines to Phoenician pottery, the museum provides a complete overview of Malta’s archaeological heritage, making it a must-visit vacation spot for historical past lovers and anybody fascinated about studying extra about this fascinating Mediterranean island.
6. Discover Mdina – The Silent Metropolis
Referred to as the “Silent Metropolis”, Mdina is the traditional capital metropolis of Malta. This medieval walled metropolis is one in every of Malta’s most charming treasures.
Sitting atop a hill within the coronary heart of the island, this historical walled metropolis, with its slender and winding streets, exudes a timeless aura that transports guests to a bygone period. The town’s structure is a lovely mix of medieval and baroque kinds, reflecting its wealthy historical past.
One of many must-see sights in Mdina is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a powerful baroque constructing that stands tall on the heart of the town. The cathedral’s inside is adorned with stunning frescoes and complicated carvings which can be a testomony to the craftsmanship of the time.
7. Uncover the Megalithic Temples
Malta’s Megalithic Temples are a number of the oldest free-standing constructions on this planet, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. These temples are a testomony to the island’s wealthy prehistoric previous and are collectively acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
There are a number of Megalithic Temples scattered throughout the Maltese archipelago, every providing a singular glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the traditional individuals who constructed them.
Essentially the most well-known of those temples are the Ggantija Temples in Gozo. The title “Ggantija” interprets to “Giantess,” reflecting the large scale of the constructions. These temples date again to round 3600 BC and are characterised by their colossal stone blocks, a few of which weigh a number of tons.
8. Discover the Three Cities
The Three Cities – Vittoriosa (often known as Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) – are a trio of fortified cities located throughout the Grand Harbour from Valletta. These cities are a cradle of Maltese historical past and have performed a pivotal function within the island’s previous, serving as the primary residence for the Knights of St. John after they arrived in Malta in 1530.
Exploring the Three Cities is like taking a step again in time. The slender streets, historical buildings, and historic websites all contribute to the world’s distinctive ambiance. Furthermore, the Three Cities are much less touristy than Valletta, providing a extra genuine expertise of Maltese tradition and historical past.
Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa is the oldest and most important of the Three Cities. The town’s wealthy historical past is clear in its museums, church buildings, and historical forts. The Inquisitor’s Palace, a former residence of the Inquisitor of Malta, is now a museum that gives an interesting perception into the island’s previous. The Maritime Museum, positioned in a former bakery, showcases Malta’s maritime historical past. Fort St. Angelo, which performed an important function through the Nice Siege of Malta in 1565, is a must-visit for historical past buffs.
Senglea
Senglea, the smallest of the Three Cities, is understood for its stunning waterfront and the long-lasting Gardjola, a watchtower with sculptures of a watch and an ear symbolizing the watchful eye and ear of the town’s protectors. The town’s title, Isla, comes from the title given to Grandmaster Claude de la Sengle, who fortified the town within the sixteenth century.
Cospicua
Cospicua is probably the most intensive and the youngest of the Three Cities. The town is understood for its spectacular fortifications, together with the Margherita Traces and the Cottonera Traces, each of which had been important to the island’s protection. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is one other spotlight, with its stunning inside and art work.
9. Benefit from the Seaside of Golden Bay
Golden Bay is among the hottest and delightful sandy seashores in Malta, providing an ideal mixture of rest, enjoyable, and beautiful pure surroundings. The huge, golden sandy seashore is surrounded by majestic cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, offering a postcard-perfect backdrop to your seashore day.
The light slope of the seashore makes it excellent for households with youngsters, whereas the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. For these in search of a extra adrenaline-fueled expertise, there are numerous water sports activities accessible, together with jet snowboarding, paragliding, and windsurfing.
10. Go Scuba Diving
Malta is famend for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a prime vacation spot for scuba diving in Europe. With its myriad of underwater caves, tunnels, and historic shipwrecks, the Maltese archipelago provides an unparalleled diving expertise that caters to divers of all ranges of experience.
Notable Malta Dive Websites
Notable dive websites in Malta embody the Santa Maria Caves, Cirkewwa, and the P29 Patrol Boat wreck. Every website provides its personal distinctive underwater panorama and marine life, making certain that divers won’t ever tire of exploring the waters round Malta.
One other must-visit dive website is the wreck of the HMS Maori. This British destroyer was sunk throughout World Battle II and now lies at a depth of 14 meters off the coast of Valletta. The wreck is residence to a various vary of marine life, together with moray eels, groupers, and numerous species of fish. The ship’s construction, together with its gun turrets and propeller, remains to be seen, making it an thrilling and academic dive.
11. Dive the Blue Gap
One of the well-known dive websites in Malta is the Blue Gap, positioned close to the island of Gozo. This pure underwater pool is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and opens into the ocean via a big arch. Divers can discover the wealthy marine life, together with parrotfish, barracuda, and octopus, whereas additionally discovering the fascinating underwater rock formations.
12. Snorkeling in Malta
If diving is off-limits for you then snorkeling in Malta is a good different. You possibly can snorkel independently or take an organized snorkeling journey.
Among the finest snorkeling spots embody Qawra Level, its shallow waters are perfect for first-timers. The Crystal Lagoon in Cirkewwa is well-known for its reef wealthy in marine life and the Santa Maria Caves are a good selection if you happen to fancy seeing somewhat giant colleges of bream.
13. Go to the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon, nestled between the tiny islet of Comino and the smaller Cominotto, is an idyllic spot that gives a slice of paradise within the coronary heart of the Mediterranean. This shimmering lagoon is famend for its vibrant azure seas that appear to glitter beneath the Maltese solar, offering a stark distinction to the rugged landscapes that encompass it.
A go to to the Blue Lagoon offers you the chance to swim and snorkel in a number of the clearest waters you’ll ever encounter. The readability of the water permits for an unparalleled view of the marine life that inhabits the lagoon. From colourful fish to fascinating rock formations, there’s a wealthy underwater world ready to be explored.
Boat excursions will be booked to the Blue Lagoon right here. They embody stops on the Blue Lagoon the place you will get out and snorkel or swim and enter the caves of Crystal Lagoon. Take within the views of Malta’s shoreline, view the statue of Saint Paul, and go to Comino Island.
14. Go to the Palace of the Grand Grasp
The Palace of the Grand Grasp, often known as the Grandmaster’s Palace, is among the most iconic and traditionally vital buildings in Valletta. Constructed within the late sixteenth century, the palace was the official residence of the Grand Grasp of the Knights of St. John, and it now serves because the official residence of the President of Malta.
The palace’s grandiose structure and delightful interiors are a testomony to the wealth and energy of the Knights of St. John. Guests can discover the staterooms and personal flats utilized by the Grand Masters, that are adorned with opulent furnishings, intricate tapestries, and beautiful frescoes. The Palace Armory, positioned on the bottom flooring, is one other spotlight, housing one of many world’s most intensive collections of medieval armor and weaponry.
Along with its historic and cultural significance, the Palace of the Grand Grasp can be an architectural marvel. The constructing’s facade is a chief instance of Baroque structure.
The Palace of the Grand Grasp can be residence to the Maltese Parliament, and guests can witness the altering of the guard ceremony that takes place in St. George’s Sq. in entrance of the palace. This ceremonial occasion is a vibrant and colourful show of Maltese custom and isn’t to be missed.
15. Discover the Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien Temples are a fancy of 4 megalithic constructions constructed between 3600 and 2500 BC. They’re thought-about probably the most vital archaeological websites on the island and had been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1980 as a part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta.
The oldest temple, which dates again to round 3600 BC, is positioned on the japanese finish of the complicated, with three different temples regularly added to the west.
16. Take a Boat Journey to Gozo
Gozo, the second largest island within the Maltese archipelago, is a tranquil haven with its lush landscapes, quaint villages, and beautiful shoreline. The Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, are a must-visit, showcasing the island’s wealthy historical past that dates again to the Neolithic period.
The beautiful Azure Window, a pure limestone arch that was one in every of Gozo’s most iconic landmarks, might have collapsed in 2017, however the website stays a preferred spot for swimming and diving.
Gozo can be residence to a number of the finest seashores within the Maltese archipelago, together with Ramla Bay, with its reddish-golden sand, and the secluded San Blas Bay. Additionally, don’t miss the Inland Sea, a singular physique of water on the island is surrounded by towering cliffs and is a well-liked spot for swimming and snorkeling.
To catch a ship to Gozo, you’ll be able to take a ferry from the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal in Malta, which is positioned on the northernmost level of the island. The ferry is operated by the Gozo Channel Line, and it takes roughly 25 minutes to cross the Grand Harbour and attain the Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. Ferries run continuously all through the day, and the service is out there for each passengers and autos. Or if you’re on the lookout for one thing extra organized it is a nice tour to strive.
17. Discover the Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples deserve a little bit extra consideration, so let’s speak extra about these freestanding historical ruins, predating the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. Constructed through the Neolithic Age (round 3600-3200 BC), The Ggantija Temples complicated consists of two most important temples, located aspect by aspect, surrounded by an enormous widespread boundary wall.
The title “Ggantija” derives from the Maltese phrase for “large,” as folklore means that the temples had been constructed by giants because of the sheer dimension of the megaliths used of their development, with some stones weighing greater than fifty tons.
18. Go to the Rotunda of Mosta
The Rotunda of Mosta, often known as the Mosta Dome, is among the most spectacular and iconic landmarks in Malta. Constructed within the nineteenth century, the Rotunda of Mosta is among the largest unsupported domes on this planet, with a diameter of 39.6 meters.
The church’s design was impressed by the Pantheon in Rome, and it’s a masterpiece of neoclassical structure. The dome is adorned with intricate frescoes and sculptures that depict numerous spiritual scenes and figures.
One of the exceptional occasions related to the Rotunda of Mosta occurred in 1942 when a German bomb pierced the dome throughout an air raid however did not explode. The 200 kg bomb fell amongst a congregation of greater than 300 individuals who had been attending mass, however miraculously, it didn’t detonate, and nobody was injured. The unexploded bomb is now on show on the church’s vestry, serving as a testomony to the religion and resilience of the Maltese individuals.
19. Go to St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat
Make certain to go to St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat to discover the fascinating underground world of historical burial websites and achieve perception into the spiritual and cultural practices of the individuals who inhabited the island through the Roman interval.
The catacombs are an in depth community of underground tombs that had been used from the 4th to the ninth century AD. They’re named after St. Paul, who’s believed to have shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD and launched Christianity to the island.
St. Paul’s Catacombs are the biggest and most spectacular of the quite a few catacombs present in Malta. The positioning consists of greater than 30 hypogea (underground tombs) with intricate carvings, frescoes, and inscriptions that present beneficial insights into the burial customs, spiritual beliefs, and social construction of the traditional Maltese inhabitants. Guests can discover the maze of underground tunnels and chambers, and marvel on the fantastically preserved frescoes.
20. Go to St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s is a vibrant and bustling city positioned on the coast, and is a wonderful place to expertise Malta nightlife and distinctive eating choices. The realm of Paceville, particularly, is a hub of exercise, with a plethora of golf equipment and bars that appeal to each locals and vacationers alike.
Meals lovers can be delighted to know that St. Julian’s is residence to a number of the finest eating choices on the island, together with Michelin-starred eating places. One notable point out is Noni, a Michelin-starred restaurant that gives an beautiful menu that includes a mix of conventional Maltese and Mediterranean delicacies, ready with a contemporary twist. The effective eating expertise, coupled with the restaurant’s elegant ambiance, makes St. Julian’s a must-visit for meals lovers.
21. Go to the Nationwide Battle Museum
The Nationwide Battle Museum is located inside the historic Fort Saint Elmo in Valletta. Malta has fairly the army historical past with its strategic location. The museum provides an in depth assortment that spans from the Bronze Age to the trendy interval, with a specific concentrate on Malta’s function through the Second World Battle.
The museum is housed inside the historic Fort Saint Elmo, a key army stronghold that has stood guard over Valletta’s harbors for hundreds of years. Guests can discover the fort and find out about its historical past, structure, and function in Malta’s protection.
Guests can study in regards to the island’s pivotal function within the Mediterranean and the harrowing experiences of the native inhabitants throughout World Battle II. The George Cross, awarded to the island by King George VI in recognition of the Maltese individuals’s bravery, can be on show.
22. Go to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum
Go to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: This underground burial website is among the most essential archaeological websites in Malta.
23. Discover the Dingli Cliffs
The Dingli Cliffs, positioned on the western coast of Malta stand at a top of 253 meters above sea degree. These towering cliffs are the best level on the Maltese Islands, offering an awe-inspiring vantage level that stretches over the Mediterranean Sea.
One of many highlights of the Dingli Cliffs is the small chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, perched on the fringe of the cliffs. The chapel, constructed within the 1640s, provides to the attraction and historic significance of the world.
There are a number of strolling and mountain climbing trails alongside the cliffs, appropriate for each novices and extra skilled hikers. They’re additionally improbable spots to look at the sundown, with the nice and cozy hues of the setting solar casting a golden glow over the panorama and the Mediterranean Sea. The tranquility and fantastic thing about the scene make it an ideal spot for contemplation and rest.
24. Go to the Blue Grotto
Positioned close to the village of Qrendi, the Blue Grotto is legendary for its sequence of sea caves and the mesmerizing blue waters that illuminate them.
To go to the Blue Grotto, you’ll be able to take a ship tour from the small harbor close to Wied i?-?urrieq. These excursions sometimes final round 20-Half-hour and take you thru the primary cave, the Blue Grotto, in addition to a number of smaller caves within the space. The boat guides present fascinating commentary on the historical past and geology of the caves.
The perfect time to go to the Blue Grotto is within the morning when the daylight enters the caves and creates a lovely show of blue reflections. The waters are additionally calmer within the morning, making for a smoother boat trip.
Along with the boat journeys, there are a number of different actions you’ll be able to get pleasure from within the space. You possibly can hike alongside the cliffs. There are additionally a number of well-liked mountaineering spots within the space, in addition to alternatives for swimming and snorkeling within the clear blue waters.
25. Go to the Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
Marsaxlokk is a standard fishing village positioned within the southeastern a part of Malta is understood for its conventional “luzzu” fishing boats painted in vibrant colours with the long-lasting Eye of Osiris. A go to to Marsaxlokk provides a singular glimpse into the native fishing tradition that has been an integral a part of the village’s identification for hundreds of years.
The village is residence to a number of historic and cultural sights, resembling the traditional temple of Tas-Sil?, which dates again to the Neolithic interval, and the spectacular Fort Delimara, a coastal fortification constructed by the British within the nineteenth century. The charming waterfront promenade, lined with eating places and cafes, is the proper place to loosen up and soak within the stunning views of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. A spotlight of any go to to Marsaxlokk is its energetic fish market, held each Sunday.
Moreover, Marsaxlokk is surrounded by pure magnificence, with a number of picturesque bays and seashores close by, resembling St. Peter’s Pool, a pure swimming pool carved into the rocks, and the unspoiled Kalanka Bay.
26. Popeye Village
Malta has been a preferred location for filmmakers for a few years, due to its beautiful landscapes, historic websites, and versatile structure. The islands have been used as a backdrop for quite a few movies and tv sequence, starting from historic epics to up to date dramas.
One of the well-known filming places in Malta is the village of Sweethaven, constructed for the 1980 movie “Popeye” starring Robin Williams. Popeye Village was constructed within the idyllic Anchor Bay and was designed to resemble the fictional residence of the well-known cartoon character. As we speak, Sweethaven Village, often known as Popeye Village, is a well-liked vacationer attraction, providing guests the chance to discover the set, study in regards to the making of the movie, and revel in numerous themed leisure and actions.
27. Sport of Thrones Excursions
Along with “Popeye,” Malta has been used as a filming location for quite a lot of high-profile movies and tv sequence, together with “Gladiator,” “Troy,” “Munich,” and “Sport of Thrones.” The island of Malta’s numerous landscapes, starting from rugged cliffs to sandy seashores, make it a flexible location that may stand in for numerous historic and fictional settings.
Furthermore, the historic websites and structure of Malta, together with the medieval metropolis of Mdina, the traditional Megalithic Temples, and the imposing Fort Ricasoli, have additionally been featured in quite a few movies and tv productions.
In conclusion, Malta’s beautiful landscapes, historic websites, and versatile structure have made it a favourite vacation spot for filmmakers from world wide. Whether or not you’re a fan of “Popeye” or different blockbuster movies and tv sequence, exploring the filming places in Malta provides a singular alternative to step into the world of your favourite characters and expertise the magic of the flicks firsthand.
28. Ghar Dalam Cave
Ghar Dalam Cave is located within the southern a part of Malta in Birzebbuga and is a treasure trove of paleontological and archaeological wonders. The cave itself is a shocking pure marvel, boasting intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations which have been formed over millennia.
Ghar Dalam Cave is well accessible with ample parking and public transportation choices, Ghar Dalam Cave is supplied with customer amenities together with restrooms and a present store, making it a must-visit vacation spot for historical past buffs, nature lovers, and households alike.
The cave is famend for its wealthy deposits of fossilized bones and artifacts courting again to the Pleistocene epoch, revealing a time when dwarf elephants, hippopotami, and large swans roamed the land. Alongside its paleontological significance, Gjar Dalam Cave has additionally yielded archaeological finds from the Neolithic interval, with a plethora of pottery, instruments, and different gadgets providing a glimpse into the lives and tradition of Malta’s historical inhabitants.
Adventurous Issues to Do in Malta
This publish was initially written by Charlie and Christina of MapTrotting who stay in Malta. It has been up to date for 2023, however we’ve left their favourite adventures in Malta so you’ll be able to have the final word Malta expertise by locals. Listed here are their picks for a number of the coolest issues to do in Malta.
29. Crusing Adventures
Renting a self-driven boat or hopping aboard a chartered yacht is as straightforward because it will get on the island. You may be spoilt for selection. The crusing scene involves life in mid-Could, that’s when Malta is flooded with boats of all sizes and styles bobbing about within the azure Mediterranean Sea.
Crusing the Maltese islands is one thing that we actually loved and extremely advocate. An all-day crusing journey will see you exploring the most effective of the Maltese surroundings, swimming, and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. You may even have a chance to leap aboard a dinghy for a spooky cave tour.
One among our favourite issues to do in Malta was visiting a somewhat claustrophobic cave with a seashore inside. This cave was used as the doorway to succeed in the jail, within the 2002 movie The Depend of Monte Cristo.
30. Zip-lining in Malta
How about zip-lining from coast to coast for a simple thrill? If you wish to expertise the quickest zip-line in Malta, strive the Migra 150M Zip-line on the outskirts of Rabat.
For a extra historic zip-lining journey, strive the one in Valletta, the capital of Malta. You’ll be dangling excessive over Grand Harbour as you zip away from the mighty walled fortifications.
31. Trekking in Malta
Trekking isn’t one thing you’d immediately consider as one of many prime issues to do in Malta. However when planning a visit to Malta, you’ll want to take a look at one of many many thrilling paths on the island. From coastal walks to exploring the traditional 2,000-year-old Roman Street, you’ll be able to go on brief strolls or an all-day stroll. With beautiful panoramic views stretching over to Gozo, the sister island of Malta, the Victoria Line is a shocking hike.
Victoria Line Hike – Identified regionally as ‘The Nice Wall of Malta’ it’s a fantastic all-day trek alongside the best rocks on the island. The fortified defensive wall was constructed by the British proper alongside the Nice Fault line dividing the island in half. Due to this fact this specific route offers you a fantastic likelihood to see the north and the south sides of the island from on excessive. Whereas fairly rocky, the trail is comparatively straightforward to stroll, irrespective of your health degree. It took us round 8 hours to finish at a comparatively easy-going tempo, together with a few brief stops and a scenic half an hour lunch break.
There are a selection of different nice walks on the mainland of Malta, and its little sister island Gozo, you can discover at your individual tempo. For the most effective expertise, the walks are finest explored in spring, earlier than the Mediterranean solar is just too excessive up.
Spring can be the time when Malta wears its most superb pure outfit, contemporary from winter rain it’s studded with wildflowers and plush greens. Go to Malta provides free maps of walks across the island you can obtain.
32. Cliff Leaping
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Malta that get the adrenaline pumping, you ought to head to St Peter’s Pool on the south aspect of the island. Cliff leaping into the salty blue sea right here is enjoyable and protected.
The pure pool surrounded by beautiful white chalk cliffs is a spot the place the locals collect for a swim and an occasional contemporary fish BBQ. The catch of the day can is offered on the native close by fish market in quaint Marsaxlokk.
33. Off-Street Actions
The distinctive terrain and panorama of Malta can supply guests an ideal off-road expertise. Within the spring months, earlier than it will get scorching sizzling, land actions resembling off-road biking are available to check your stamina. Particularly well-liked on Gozo, Jeep rides generally is a nice journey for anybody. You possibly can both hire a 4X4 and discover the island’s rocky panorama independently or be part of a gaggle Jeep Safari tour.
There’s no scarcity of corporations providing Jeep Safaris on each islands, Malta and Gozo. A tour will sometimes embody a full day of visiting a number of the hottest sights of the nation with common stops en route.
We advocate excursions in Gozo as it might give you some fairly distinctive websites to go to alongside the way in which, such because the glistening salt pans discovered close to Marsalforn. These 350-year-old saltpans are nonetheless largely in use and you’ll even purchase a bag of pure Gozitan salt by the aspect of the street.
34. Biking Excursions
Whether or not you’re a professional bicycle owner or just love biking, you’ll be able to select totally different excursions to fit your health degree. Unbiased biking lovers can be glad to listen to that greater than 1,000km of recent biking routes have been developed in Malta and Gozo (and Sicily) due to the venture SIBIT, funded by the EU.
35. Don’t Go to the Malta Nationwide Aquarium
Many individuals advocate going to the Malta Nationwide Aquarium, however with Malta being among the finest locations for snorkeling and scuba diving, why would you go to see Marinelife in enclosures? We aren’t followers of aquariums or zoos and issues like sharks and rays shouldn’t be stored in captivity. This aquarium in Qawra is residence to a variety of marine life, together with sharks, rays, and seahorses.
And these are all of the wonderful issues to do in Malta. Malta is a good worth for vacationers with so many issues to see and do. Have you ever been to this tiny island within the Mediterranean? Bought one thing so as to add? Depart it within the feedback beneath.