Is Malta Worth Visiting? 18 Reasons to Visit Malta

Have You Been Wondering Is Malta Worth Visiting? I’ve Got You Covered!

Malta is a beautiful archipelago with plenty of reasons to visit. From spectacular views, to warm Mediterranean weather, this is a top-notch destination for any traveller. My recent trip was the second time on the island full of incredible experiences and moments that I will never forget.

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Malta – from beach hopping and strolling through Valletta’s city streets, but the island also has some unique offerings that set it apart. The Blue Lagoon is a must-see attraction, as well as the Hypogeum temple—and for adventure lovers, there is an abundance of adrenalin sports that can be found across the archipelago.

Overall, Malta is definitely worth visiting for anyone looking for a memorable experience. With its stunning architecture, picturesque landscape and friendly locals – there are countless reasons to visit Malta for your next vacation!

Why Is Malta Worth Visiting?

So, is Malta a good holiday destination? The quick answer is yes! 100%.

If you’re planning on visiting Malta, here’s a quick glance at what you can expect from this fabulous little country. Here are 18 reasons why you should visit Malta.

1. City of Valletta

Valletta is a city that must be seen to be believed – the light-coloured stone gleams in the sunlight as the city hugs the coast. The grandeur of its old-world architecture makes for an unforgettable destination for your Malta vacation.

The UNESCO-listed city is full of rich cultural attractions, including the City Walls and Gate, the Grandmaster Palace, Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and a personal favourite, Fort St Elmo.

Each historic landmark has its own unique stories and secrets to tell, adding to the captivating charm of Valletta. The city is fairly compact and mostly pedestrianised, so to get the most out of the city and learn about its intriguing history, book a guided city walking tour.

Don’t miss Fort St Elmo

One of my highlights was a visit to Fort St Elmo. This old fortress dominated the tip of the peninsula at the entrance to the Grand Harbour. A large portion of the fortress has been impeccably restored and I enjoyed exploring the old artillery stations and the breathtaking views from its battlements looking out to the harbour and other peninsulas.

There was also a well-curated museum onsite that documented Malta’s turbulent past through the centuries. I left feeling incredibly moved by my visit, both inspired and humbled by Malta’s long and storied history.

2. Exciting Adventure Sports Scene

If you’re after a thrilling adventure, then look no further than Malta! The archipelago is an adrenaline-filled playground with plenty of exciting activities to choose from.

From climbing the rocky cliffs, quad biking around the coves and kayaking on crystal clear waters – this little island has it all! If you’re a fan of adrenaline sports, then you can do it all during your vacation in Malta.

Don’t miss Via Ferrata in Malta

I last did Via Ferrata during my trip to Slovenia so I had a bit of an idea of what to expect. However, this route was much more adrenaline pumped and even challenging in places. Using my hands and feet to climb and grip the rocks, whilst being clipped onto a steel wire hovering over a sheer drop was so exciting.

If you’re new to the sport, there were also different levels of difficulty as well as bypass routes if you didn’t want to do a section.

I went with MC Adventure which hosts a multitude of adventure sports in Malta. Whether you’re after Via Ferrata, abseiling, canyoning or SUP, they have it covered. Their team was friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious.

3. An Abundance of Ruin Sites

Malta is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the ruins of an ancient civilization.

The island nation has some of the oldest and most remarkable structures in the world, including Tarxien Temples, Ġgantija Temples, The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni as well as St. Paul’s Catacombs. These sites are all well worth visiting for their historical significance, and impressive architectural feats.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know I’m a little bit obsessed with temples and ruins, and certainly one of my top reasons to visit Malta.

During your Malta visit, I 100% highly recommend exploring at least a few of these incredible ruins. It’s a great way to get a feel for what life was like thousands of years ago when this area was inhabited by people who left behind amazing monuments that still stand today.

Many of these ruin sites have been given UNESCO Heritage status. Tarxien Temples is one of Malta’s most iconic prehistoric sites due to its intricate stone carvings depicting animal figures and symbols – you’ll find the original carvings in the Archaeological Museum in Valletta.

Hop over to the island of Gozo and you’ll find Ġgantija Temples. These dates back even further than those at Tarxien; these megalithic temples have stood since around 3600 BCE making them some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures. They are the second oldest known manmade structure in the world – Göbekli Tepe in Turkey is the oldest.

If you get the opportunity, then the underground burial chamber and temple complex at the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni is worth a visit. Tickets for this site are in high demand, and you can only visit as part of a tour so book in advance. An alternative site is St. Paul’s Catacombs which feature a network of subterranean tunnels with hundreds of ancient tombs.

4. Delicious Cuisine

Are you wondering what is Malta like for food? Well, the answer to that is a resounding It’s delicious! Not only does this small Mediterranean island nation have an abundance of ruins and exciting adventure sports scenes, but it also has some amazing food.

The local cuisine is delicious and based on the Mediterranean diet with a strong influence from nearby Sicily. Being an island there’s plenty of coastline. I’m told that the seafood is also world-class, however, as a vegetarian, I didn’t try this. The good thing is that Malta has plenty of veggie-friendly options, so I didn’t feel like I missed out at all.

From traditional Maltese delights like Ftira, Qassatat and Pastizzi to local drinks such as Kinnie, there’s something for everyone’s tastebuds. Here are some of the foods and drinks I tried again and again.

• Pastizzi – This traditional flakey pastry filled with ricotta cheese or spinach makes for a delicious mid-morning snack.
• Qassatat – They are similar to a pastizzi but more of a pie shape made with shortcrust pastry. They are often filled with ricotta, mushy peas, or fava beans.
• Ftira – A disc-shaped leavened Maltese bread used to make sandwiches. Traditionally it would be filled with tuna, but I found plenty of vegetarian alternatives with grilled vegetables and olives.
• Kinnie – This is the national soft drink of Malta. It’s made from Maltese bitter oranges and has herbal notes. I don’t have a sweet tooth, so I’m not usually a fan of soft drinks, however, I really liked the bitterness of this and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it.
• Ċisk – This is by far the most popular local beer in Malta. The original version, found in a yellow tin is an easily drinkable golden lager. There are quite a few variations of it including carb-free and fruit flavours.

5. Over 300 Sunny Days Per Year

If you’re planning your trip, you’re probably thinking is Malta a good place to visit for a sunny vacation?

Thanks to its location in the Mediterranean, Malta is blessed with a mild and comfortable climate that makes it ideal to visit all year round.

Malta enjoys 300 sunny days per year with mild winters and warm summers – perfect conditions to explore its many attractions. The temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in winter or exceed 35°C in summer so you can be sure that your trip will be enjoyable no matter when you visit. Plus, the sea breeze helps to keep things cool during the hot months which makes exploring outside much more pleasant.

6. World Class Scuba Diving

There’s a reason why there are so many dedicated drive trips to Malta. It boasts some of the best sites in Europe!

If you’re looking for an amazing dive destination, then Malta is worth visiting. With crystal clear waters and a variety of stunning dive sites, it’s perfect for divers of all levels. It’s a perfect destination to try out scuba for the first time. From the shallow reefs at Cirkewwa to the deeper depths of Um El Faroud, there’s something here whether you’re new to the sport or an experienced diver.

7. The Blue Lagoon 

The Blue Lagoon needs to appear somewhere on your Malta bucket list. It’s located just off the northern coast of Malta on the smallest island in the archipelago: Comino.

Comino is just a short boat ride away from both Malta and Gozo, making it easy to visit on either day trips or longer stays. With its crystal clear turquoise waters and stunning white sand beaches, this natural wonderland is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking or simply relaxing in the sun.

But why does it look so blue? This is down to the crystal clear waters, and shallow sandy beds which reflect the sky. Although it’s pretty much always blue, when I saw it, it was a deeper colour as it was a cloudy day, on a bright sunny day, it almost looks neon.

8. Mdina – The ‘Silent City’

Mdina is one of the most magical places to visit in Malta. This once-fortified medieval city was the island’s original capital and it shows off its rich history through its winding streets, ancient architecture and captivating views. It’s no wonder why Mdina was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones!

The city is surrounded by fortified walls that give it an old-world charm that can’t be found elsewhere on the island. Within these walls lies a stunning array of churches, opulent houses, and courtyards that are perfect for exploring on foot for a few hours.

It gained the name ‘silent city’ when the capital was moved. People began to leave Mdina and it was considered a bit of a ghost town which is how the nickname ‘silent city’ was born.

The narrow cobblestone streets will transport you back in time as you explore this beautiful place. Because Mdina is so compact, it can feel overcrowded. I visited early in the day when the alleys were peaceful. By about midday, it did feel busy – my advice – visit early in the day for the best experience. In the afternoon when it started to feel too crowded, I went to neighbouring Rabat to escape.

9. Pretty Fishing Village of Marsaxlokk

The quaint fishing village of Marsaxlokk was one of the most picturesque places I visited during my time in Malta. The highlight here is the brightly coloured fishing boats that bob about in the calm and shallow harbour. It’s easy to visit from Valletta.

The top thing to do in Marsaxlokk is to take a relaxing walk along its promenade. There are also daily markets selling a range of things from clothing, food and souvenirs. Restaurants and cafes line the promenade where you can sit, relax and take in the calm vibe.

If you’re a keen photographer or painter, you could whittle away hours here. The whole place is incredibly photogenic you’ll be spoilt for choice. I know I got carried away taking photos and video clips of everything.

These colourful fishing boats are called Luzzus. The colours indicate where on the island they are from. One thing you’ll probably notice on the boats is that they have eyes on the front. These are called the eyes of Osiris and they are located on the bow. This is a traditional amulet dating back hundreds of years to protect the fishermen while at sea. Because of Malta’s diverse history, there’s some controversy about whether this was a Phoenician custom, or whether it was brought over by the ancient Greeks or Egyptians.

10. Island Hopping To Gozo and Comino

Malta is an archipelago made up of three islands. The three main islands in Malta are Malta itself, Gozo and Comino – each offering something unique. One of the best ways to experience what Malta has to offer is island hopping between the three.

Gozo is the second largest island and it’s about a 25-minute ferry ride from northern Malta. Gozo is quieter than Malta. Its main attractions are the fortified city of Victoria and the Neolithic temple of Ġgantija. There are also hidden gems like Xwejni Bay, salt pans and the Inland Sea.

The ruins at Ġgantija were a particular highlight for me. The temple is a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

The temple consists of two buildings that are made out of massive limestone blocks, which amazed me at how they were precisely placed without any modern machinery. There’s a well-curated museum onsite which gave an excellent introduction to the temple’s history.

If you’re planning to stay on Gozo for a little longer, one of the best ways to see everything on the island is on a full-day quad bike tour. I went with Gozo Quad Hire.

Comino is the smallest island and home to one of Malta’s most beautiful bays – Blue Lagoon. It’s a small beach but it’s incredibly picturesque with its bright blue water, surrounding cliffs and lush greenery. It can be quite busy in peak season so I suggest getting there early if you decide to visit.

11. Beautiful Beaches

Malta is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for beautiful beaches! There are plenty of stunning beaches to explore on the island, from sandy bays to rocky coves.

One of the most popular and largest sandy beaches on Malta is Mellieha Bay, which features crystal clear waters and soft white sand. If you’re after a more secluded experience, Riviera Beach or Golden Bay offers some peaceful spots away from the crowds.

Riviera Beach is also a great spot for surfing and for a cheeky sunset cocktail with the best views. I recommend visiting here late in the afternoon and calling in at Singita Miracle Beach bar, finding one of the comfy beanbags and watching the sun go down over the ocean.

12. Photogenic Architecture

Malta’s stunning capital city, Valletta, and its neighbouring Three Cities area are filled with beautiful architecture ranging from Medieval to Baroque.

Collectively, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua are referred to as the Three Cities and sit on the bays opposite Valletta’s Grand Harbour. However, they also go under different names. Each of them has fortified city walls and was important in the country’s defence system.

Within the old city walls of Valletta and the Three Cities, you’ll find many charming streetscapes to explore. Birgu, which is also known as Vittoriosa, was my personal favourite among them. Its quaint narrow streets exude a calm atmosphere away from the bustle of Valletta. The whole area oozes charm, and I spend ages wandering the pretty streets of Birgu.

13. Diverse Culture

Because of its location in the Mediterranean, Malta is a country full of diverse cultures. Although part of Europe, Maltese culture features a mix of influences brought to the island over the centuries. All of these influences can be found in the food and place names through the architecture.

This includes the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs, all leaving their stamp on the customs and traditions of the Maltese and Malta’s history. There are also clear influences from Itlay and the island of Sicily. Malta also has strong ties with the United Kingdom which can be seen in, the language, driving on the left side of the road and of course, the iconic red phone boxes dotted over the island.

14. Thriving Wine Scene

Malta is a dream come true for wine lovers! Not only is it home to some of the perfect conditions for grape growing, but its vineyards are also home to a diverse range of international grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Moscato. You’ll find locally produced wines everywhere on the island.

And if all that wasn’t enough, you can also book a full-day vineyard tour with one of the many Maltese wineries and get a first-hand look at the entire process – from vineyard to bottle with plenty of sampling opportunities.

15. English is an official language

Planning a trip to Malta island and worried about language barriers? Don’t be! English is one of the two official languages in Malta, which means that communication will be easy for visitors.

The Maltese are known for their helpfulness and hospitality, so you can rest assured that getting around won’t be an issue. Whether it’s asking for directions or ordering food at a restaurant, you’ll find people eager to help out with whatever you need.

16. Plenty of Sailing and Boating Opportunities

Malta is a great destination for sailing and boating enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s coastline. Whether it’s just a day trip as part of an organised tour or a longer visit, there are marinas dotted all over the island that can provide you with everything you need to enjoy your time on the water.

Malta is blessed with crystal-clear waters and stunning views, and secluded bays with often perfect sailing conditions for an unforgettable experience out at sea.

17. Year-Round Celebrations and Festivals

Malta is a great destination for year-round celebrations and festivals. There are enough churches to visit a different one every day of the year! With so many, you can find a church dedicated to one of Malta’s numerous saints.

Religious celebrations like Easter and Christmas are widely celebrated in Malta with street processions, I arrived in Malta during the Easter celebrations, so caught a few of the parades. but there’s so much more!

Each year, Malta hosts the Malta International Arts Festival, a Jazz festival and even a strawberry festival! So whether it’s religious observances or cultural events, there’s something in Malta to celebrate all through the year!

18. Vibrant NightLife

The nightlife of Malta is known for its eclectic offerings, from high-end ultra lounges to more relaxed hipster bars tucked away in Valletta’s side streets.

If you’re looking for an elevated experience, check out some of the glossy rooftop bars with breathtaking views over the bay in St Julian’s and Balluta Bay. Or if you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city, then Sliema is just a short distance away with plenty of places to explore!

Whether you’re looking for a chill night or something more lively, Malta has something for everyone.

• For wine and cocktails in a 1920s setting, I recommend The Thirsty Barber
• For beer, I recommend the art deco Brewhouse
• For sundowners take a trip out to Singita Miracle Beach bar

Reasons to Visit Malta FAQs

If you were wondering is Malta worth visiting, I’ve gone into 18 great reasons why you should put it on your radar. I’m hoping you’ve learned that Malta is 100% worth visiting. This next section answers some common questions and travel tips that crop up when planning your trip to Malta.

Still, Thinking Why Visit Malta?

Malta is an incredibly diverse destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to relax, explore the culture and history of Malta or take part in some exciting activities while soaking up the sun, Malta has it all!

With its convenient location near Italy and Sicily, there’s no reason not to visit this beautiful country. If you’re still wondering is Malta worth visiting, then check out more great articles to help plan your trip.

Looking for more reasons to visit Malta, read more here…

• The Best 7 Days in Malta Itinerary