If you look at a map of the Mediterranean, you might miss Malta. It is a tiny speck south of Sicily and north of the North African coast. But don’t let the size fool you—this archipelago packs more history, culture, and stunning scenery per square mile than almost anywhere else on Earth.

I recently spent time exploring this sun-drenched island nation, and it quickly became one of my favorite European destinations. Whether you are a history buff, a beach bum, or a foodie, Malta has something for you.

Here is my guide to the best of Malta, from the Silent City to the bluest waters you’ve ever seen.

1. Valletta: Malta’s capital

Valletta is one of Europe’s most atmospheric capitals. It’s walkable, dramatic, and packed with details—ornate balconies, stone stairways, and viewpoints that open onto the Grand Harbour.

It is a very underrated city with magnificent architecture, historic museums, amazing old town vibes, beautiful cafes and delicious food, stunning harbour views and wonderful connections for day-trips.
How much time: a full day, depending on your pace

I. Must-see in Valletta

A. St. John’s Co-Cathedral: A plain exterior hides a gold-soaked Baroque interior and masterpieces by Caravaggio.

B. Upper Barrakka Gardens: The classic viewpoint over the harbor—especially beautiful at golden hour.

C. The Grand Harbour: Consider a short harbor cruise for a different perspective on Malta’s fortifications. Here is recommended Cruise tour- From Sliema: Cruise Around Malta’s Harbours & Creeks.

D. Other things to see- Stroll down Republic Street, Victoria’s Gate, Lower Barrakka Gardens, Church of Our Lady of Victory, Grand Master’s Palace and Valletta’s waterfront.

E. Recommended Walking Tour– See the main sights of Valletta and discover hidden gems on a 3-hour walking tour of the capital city. Explore the elegant capital of Malta with a licensed guide and discover masterpieces of Baroque architecture and some of the finest palaces in Europe. Wander the narrow streets of Valletta and experience its rich history at notable sites from the days of the Knights of St. John and the Grand Master, Jean de Valette. Admire the façade of St John’s Co-Cathedral, visit Piazza Regina, see the magnificent Bibliotheca Nazionale, and much more. Here is the recommended tour- Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour.

II. Where to eat in Valletta

I have been to these places and I really recommend them especially because of the food, experience and quality you get-

A. Cafe/Bakery– The Cake box, is an amazing cafe plus bakery in centre of Valetta with delicious cakes, amazing sandwiches, mouth watering cookies and amazing coffee options. The cafe is situated next to St. George Square, Valletta.

B. Hidden place– The Rootz Bar is an amazing hidden place very close to Tritons’ Fountain. It has delicious food options, live music, variety of drinks and a pleasing atmosphere.

C. Best Pizza place- ‘Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta‘- A hidden gem in basement/underground serving the best pizzas and tiramisu in whole of Malta.

2. The Three Fortified Cities: Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea

The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua, Birgu (Vittoriosa), and Senglea. The oldest of the Three Cities is Vittoriosa, which has existed since prior to the Middle Ages. The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of the Knights of Saint John in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively.

I recommend half day tour to appreciate these unique historical fortified cities and admire magnificent churches, traditional piazzas, incredible fortifications, and architectural treasures found all around the Three Cities area. These are the must-see pieces of living history kept alive by hundreds of years of preservation. Here is recommended tour- Malta: The Three Fortified Cities Tour including Boat Trip.

3. Gozo Island: Cliffs, citadel, and a slower pace

Gozo is a must: it’s greener, quieter, and ideal for scenic exploring. It has stunning scenic coastline, golden architecture vibes, beaches, history, quiet escape. Gozo is where you go to exhale. It’s more rugged and pastoral than the main island, with charming villages and coastal viewpoints that feel wild in the best way.

How much time: day trip minimum; a night stay i.e. 2 days if you want to truly slow down

Recommended Tour- I highly recommend this UTV tour to feel the thrill of open-air discovery as you cruise through Gozo’s most iconic landmarks, charming villages, and stunning coastal routes. It is a day tour which includes lunch and boat ride in Gozo including sightseeing of all attractions. Thats why it is my favourite tour, here is the link- From Malta: Full-Day Gozo UTV Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride.

Getting around Gozo: buses exist, but if you want flexibility, consider renting a car/scooter for a day or book a guided tour from Valetta.

Top things to do in Gozo

A. Victoria (Rabat) & the Citadel: Gozo’s historic heart. Walk the fortified walls for panoramic views.

B. Ramla Bay: A standout beach with reddish-gold sand and easy swimming.

C. Ġgantija Temples: A UNESCO site that’s astonishingly ancient (older than Stonehenge).

D. Wied il-Għasri: A narrow inlet that looks like a secret—great for photos and a quick dip when conditions are calm.

4. The Blue Lagoon (Comino), Dingli Cliffs and Mdina (The Silent City)

A. Blue Lagoon– The Blue Lagoon on Comino is Malta’s headline swim spot. On a calm, sunny day, the water is an almost neon shade of blue—shallow, clear, and perfect for floating. I highly recommend cruising along Malta’s coastline, and see Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and much more while relaxing on sunbeds, or enjoying a waterslide, and underwater windows on a modern catamaran. Here is my recommended tour- Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour.

B. Mdina: The Silent City- A short bus or taxi ride from Valletta takes you to Mdina, the island’s medieval capital. It sits atop a hill, fortified by thick walls. Cars are heavily restricted here, which is why it is known as the “Silent City.” Walking through the narrow, winding alleyways feels like stepping back 500 years. It is atmospheric, romantic, and incredibly photogenic. Don’t forget to stop at the Fontanella Tea Garden for a slice of cake. The chocolate cake is legendary, and the view from the terrace stretches across the entire island. When you’re a history buff and interested in the astonishing tales on this silent city, then I recommend taking a tour- Malta: Highlights of Malta & Mdina Full Day Tour with Lunch.

C. Dingli Cliffs- Perched on Malta’s highest point, Dingli Cliffs deliver the kind of scenery that makes you feel like you’re at the end of the island (because you almost are). The limestone cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the tiny islet of Filfla offshore. It is absolutely a stunning view and you cannot skip this natural beauty.

5. Popeye Village, Red Tower, St. Julian’s

Located in Anchor Bay near Mellieħa, Popeye Village is one of Malta’s quirkiest attractions. It was originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams—and instead of being dismantled, it was preserved and turned into a colorful open-air attraction. Even if you’re not interested in the “theme park” side, you have to know that it’s genuinely scenic, the bay is beautiful and the wooden village looks fantastic in photos. And if you’re traveling with kids, Popeye Village is something you don’t want to miss. You can also pair it well with nearby beaches or Mellieħa-area itinerary. You can also buy the tickets online, price is same 15 euros, here is the link- Mellieha: Popeye Village Entry Ticket.

Final thoughts: Malta is small, but it stays with you

What makes Malta special isn’t just one attraction—it’s the contrast of the grand cathedrals and quiet alleyways, ancient ruins and modern cafes, a busy harbor and a hidden inlet 30 minutes away. This island country is full of astonishing natural landscapes. I can definitely stay that this underrated country is going to amaze you. Since its small, so you can do a lot quickly here (3-4 days), but Malta also rewards slowing down: sit by the sea, order something local, and watch the light turn the limestone gold (so 1 week also seems less sometimes).