I’m amazed at how underrated Malta is as a holiday destination, with its stunning beaches, honey-colored capital city, and rich history of knights; Malta truly is worth exploring. And while other nearby European spots like Italy and Greece take a lot of the limelight, I’m here today to tell you why Malta is worth adding to your travel bucket list.
In this guide, I’ll tell you about the prettiest places we had the pleasure of exploring in Malta. It features the wow-worthy Silent City – aka Mdina, the golden city of Valletta with its cobblestone streets and a gallarija (unique Maltese balconies), and the super-colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk.
We’ve been to Malta twice and have spent a total of a month on this gorgeous island and these are what we believe to be the prettiest places in Malta.
The Prettiest Places in Malta
1. Mdina
The ancient city of Mdina, often referred to as “The Silent City,” is a fortified city with narrow, winding streets and medieval architecture. Once the capital of Malta, on our visit here, we felt as though we were transported back in time. We loved exploring the bastions, which offer panoramic views of the island.
We also checked out St. Peter’s Monastery. It was fascinating to see how the Benedictine nuns once lived.
And finally, while here, don’t miss a visit to the Mdina Dungeons, located underneath the city. The dungeons provide a glimpse into the darker aspects of the city’s past, with exhibits showing scenes from the medieval period. These displays include lifelike figures and sound effects that bring the history to life in a way that is both exciting and informative. Some sections look quite gruesome, though!
Also worth visiting are St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat, next to Mdina. These catacombs are an extensive network of underground burial sites that date back to the Roman period, primarily the 3rd to the 4th century AD. They served as the main burial complex in the region before Christianity became the dominant religion. The catacombs are named after St. Paul, who is said to have brought Christianity to Malta.
2. Valletta
If I had to use one word to describe Valletta, it would be ‘golden’ – you see, nearly all the buildings here are made from Maltese limestone, and that gives the city its iconic honey-colored appearance. It also gives off Game of Thrones vibes because Valletta and its neighboring harbor region in Malta served as the setting for numerous iconic scenes of King’s Landing and the Red Keep in the first season of Game of Thrones.
Its history of knights is also very Game of Thrones-esque.
Let me explain – Valletta was established by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (also known as the Knights Hospitaller) after the Great Siege of 1565, where they successfully defended Malta against the Ottoman Empire. To fortify their position, the knights founded the city of Valletta, named after their Grand Master, Jean Parisot de Valette, who led the defense during the siege. And Valletta quickly became a symbol of their resilience.
Plus, in 1980, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its remarkable blend of history, art, and architecture.
And today, in 2026, it stands as Europe’s smallest capital city, but despite its size, it sure packs a punch!
My favorite things to do in Valletta:
- Watch the Saluting Battery – This is Malta’s most famous live cannon experience (held at 12 and 4 pm every day). Located in the bastions directly beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, it offers sweeping views of the Grand Harbour. And the experience itself is certainly unique – you will watch uniformed gunners operate 16th-century cannons.
- Grandmaster’s Palace – The palace was built in the 16th century, when it served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. And it really is a great example of Maltese Baroque architecture, with its impressive halls adorned with intricate frescoes, tapestries, and suits of armor. Interestingly, today, it houses the Office of the President of Malta and the House of Representatives
- St John’s Co-Cathedral – Was built between 1572 and 1577 by the Order of St. John and was meant to be the main church for the Knights. From the outside, it looks pretty unassuming, but step inside, and it’s a whole different story – think intricate frescoes, gilded sculptures, and fancy marble floors. And yes, this is the cathedral that’s home to Caravaggio’s famous painting, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist,” which you’ll find in the Oratory.
3. Popeye’s Village
One of the most popular things to do in Malta for families is to visit Popeye’s Village, which, as you can probably guess, was the film set for the 1980 musical “Popeye,” starring Robin Williams. I love Robin Williams!
Interestingly, it was originally constructed as a temporary movie set – but thankfully, today it operates as a sort of theme park and open-air museum. On your day here, you can explore the colorful wooden buildings in Sweethaven Village, like the post office, Bluto’s House, Olive Oyl’s House, and Popeye’s Cabin. And take part in or just watch fun activities like the puppet show and live character performances, all while taking in the stunning sea views.
Down in Anchor Bay (attached to the park), you’ll find water inflatables (usually up from July), and you can go swimming in crystal-clear waters out to a pontoon – it was so refreshing for us to do this during an exceptionally hot June day.
There’s also a kids’ pool area with slides, a mini golf course, and other fun stuff near the exit. We spent a full day here before getting the local bus to Mellieha for some ice cream and coffee.
An adult ticket for Popeye’s Village costs 25 euros and 12 euros per child (aged 3 – 12). This is for peak season, so from June to September. Rates are slightly lower in the off-season.
4. St Paul’s Bay
This is where we stayed for the first half of our holiday – it’s a popular spot with tourists thanks to the many beaches, lovely coastal walkway and beachfront bars and restaurants.
It’s named after the Apostle Paul, who, according to tradition, was shipwrecked on the Maltese islands during his journey to Rome around 60 AD.
We went to the rocky beach at St Paul’s Bay most days, and my daughters loved collecting shells and sea glass in the different rock pools. And we adults also went swimming off the pontoon a few times.
5. Sliema
Sliema is a bustling town known for its picturesque promenade that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the iconic capital city, Valletta. The town boasts an array of shops (there’s a great shopping center here called The Point), cafes, and restaurants, making it popular for both shopping and dining. It’s also well known for its lively nightlife.
6. Blue Lagoon & Comino
For an unforgettable day trip, take a boat excursion to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino. Known for its turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery, the Blue Lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow waters make it safe for all and it’s so fun to explore the surrounding caves and coves.
This is the tour we did, and it cost us 35 euros per adult. It visits not only the Blue Lagoon and sea caves in Comino but also Gozo – you have some free time to explore Victoria the capital city of Gozo.
7. Gozo
Gozo is the charming sister island of Malta; with a population of just over 40,000 people, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences.
Known for its stunning landscapes, Gozo features picturesque coastlines, such as the Azure Window (not quite as spectacular now as it looked pre-2017) and Ramla Bay. And this small island’s history is woven through its ancient sites, including the Ggantija Temples, which are older than the Pyramids of Egypt. And what we loved most about Gozo was its laid-back atmosphere, traditional villages, local cuisine, and vibrant festivals, which provide an authentic taste of Maltese culture.
We got the ferry from Malta from Ċirkewwa, close-ish to Mellieha, but you can also get the ferry here from Valletta. And when we landed at Mġarr Harbour in Gozo, we hopped straight on the hop-on-hop-off bus which took us to the main attractions on the island.
8. Mellieha
It boasts some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, such as Mellieħa Bay, which is the largest sandy beach in Malta and perfect for swimming and water sports. In fact, Mellieħa Bay is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island. It boasts shallow waters, making it ideal for families. And you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds here.
The village itself is perched on a series of hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea. You should also explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa, an important pilgrimage site with origins dating back to the 16th century, while you’re here.
9. Marsaxlokk
This picturesque fishing village located on the southeastern coast of the island offers a unique experience – it’s quite different from the other spots listed above (in a good way!)
Known for its vibrant and colorful luzzu boats dotting the harbor, Marsaxlokk gives a glimpse into traditional Maltese life. The village is famed for its bustling Sunday fish market, where visitors can sample fresh seafood and local produce. The scenic waterfront, lined with quaint cafes and restaurants, is perfect for enjoying dinner while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
Marsaxlokk is also close to popular attractions like St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming spot with crystal-clear waters.
10. St Julian’s
St. Julian’s, on the northeastern coast of the island, is known for its lively atmosphere, and it boasts a picturesque coastline with beautiful bays like Spinola and Balluta.
It is also renowned for its nightlife, particularly in the Paceville district, which is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Beyond the nightlife, the town offers rich cultural experiences, with historic sites such as the picturesque Spinola Palace and the charming Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
I’ve put together the most popular tours in Malta here for you –
Where to Stay in Malta
Among the top choices of hotels here is The Phoenicia Malta, a grand hotel near Valletta’s city gates, known for its elegant interiors and lush gardens. Another excellent option is the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, 4 km from Mdina and offering a serene atmosphere with an exquisite spa and fine dining options.
If you’re more keen for a beachside retreat, consider the InterContinental Malta in St. Julian’s, which boasts a private beach club and multiple dining venues. The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz is a great option in Gozo as it offers a tranquil escape with its extensive spa facilities and beautiful countryside setting.
As for us, we spent a week at DB San Antonio in St Paul’s Bay – an all-inclusive resort with a couple of outdoor pools, different themed restaurants like a South American restaurant, an Indian restaurant (all included in the all-inclusive rate), a kids club, and more. I will add, though, that we found the family rooms here to be quite small.
Next, we booked a traditional Maltese apartment for our two-night stay in Valletta, and the apartment was located on West Street, and it was beautifully done up while retaining its historic charm.
Renting a Car in Malta:
We always use Discover Cars when we want to rent a car because you can search by ‘cheapest car rental rates’ and ‘most popular car rental deals’ – it’s so easy to use!
The most important thing you will need if renting a vehicle in Malta is a valid driver’s license. No company will allow you to do so without one.
And if you are traveling from a country outside the European Union, you might want to get an international driver’s license to make the rental process easier. Although many rental companies accept foreign driver’s licenses without it.
Drivers typically need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Malta, though some companies might require a minimum age of 25. Young drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.
Each company has different terms and conditions, so you should be fully aware of them. Additionally, you will also need a valid credit card in your name. Rental companies will want to keep a credit card on file as a holding deposit.
If you have a debit card, you will be charged a holding fee. Please note that some companies do not accept a debit card.
Also, because renting a car in Malta is incredibly popular, you WILL NEED to book your rental car in advance. Our rental car company told us they sell out over the busy tourist season (which is from June to September).
Travel Insurance for Malta/ Europe:
At first glance, skipping travel insurance may seem like a great way to save some money. However, if you end up losing your luggage, having your flights cancelled, or getting sick – it is a decision you’ll probably regret. Thinking nothing will happen is definitely a mistake, and without travel insurance, it’s one that will end up costing you – big time.
✅ Our fix: Shop around for budget-friendly travel insurance based on your trip length and destination while paying attention to what it covers. We like to use Auras Travel Insurance for our trips! And you can get 10% off their plans with this code: WRTY100489
Thanks for reading!
Did I overlook any amazing Malta places? Please share your thoughts in the comments!
P.S. I will continue to add to this list as I visit more amazing spots in Malta!
Last Updated on August 1, 2026 by snaphappytravel