Malta’s charm lies in its mystery, tradition, and beauty. Its size does not matter at all. Undoubtedly, its 316 km2 are paradisiacal beaches, and architecture steeped in history. By and large, landscapes of film. That’s why today we tell you great things to do in Malta.
Read on and start planning your trip to Malta. Here are 10 things to do in Malta to make the most of your days in this Mediterranean paradise. Furthermore, if you want a good excuse to stay longer, wait until you see our number 10.
10 great things to do in Malta
Did you know that there is an amusement park dedicated to Popeye in Malta? Or that there were famous movies and series filmed on these islands?
While Malta is an excellent summer destination, it is also fantastic for many other activities. These include study and work. Find out more below.
1. Scuba diving and other water sports
Water sports are a must-do activity in Malta, the first of the things to do in Malta. We don’t want to sound overbearing. However, missing out on snorkeling, windsurfing, or scuba diving would be unforgivable. The same goes for swimming and kitesurfing.
The weather in Malta is warm and perfect for summer. The marine life is the main thing. That is why this archipelago has become a mecca for scuba diving.
Scuba diving is super popular on the beaches of Malta. This is because you can have an amazing experience with this sport. Explore the seabed and find ships that were wrecked in World War II.
If you are a beginner, you can start by getting to know the HMS Maori. That is a ship that was left at a depth of 14 meters.
2. Take a boat trip around the islands of Malta
Just to clarify something we didn’t mention earlier: Malta is an archipelago made up of three main islands—Malta (the namesake), Gozo, and Comino. So, when we refer to the islands of Malta, we’re specifically talking about Gozo and Comino.
Speaking of marine life, of course, boat trips are a must-do in Malta. You can charter a yacht or take a ferry ride along the Maltese coastline.
Cruise around Comino and the spectacular Blue Lagoon. Then, fall in love with the smallest of Malta’s islands, with its crystal clear waters and clear sand. You can also disembark at the port of Mdzhar. Thus, start your tour of the island of Gozo and its attractions.
However, the cruise along the shores of Valletta, the capital of Malta, usually steals the show. The ride here usually lasts an hour and a half and costs around €35.
3. Visit the locations of movies and series filmed in Malta
When we said that traveling to Malta is like stepping into movie scenes, we weren’t exaggerating. If you’re a movie buff, visiting the locations of famous films you probably loved is one of the main things to do in Malta.
Here is a mini guide to add to your list of things to do in Malta:
- Game of Thrones (2011). The famous HBO series has settings in many places in Malta. If you want to make your pilgrimage, you can not miss the town of Mdina and the bay of Dwerja.
- Troy (2004). The movie starring Brad Pitt narrates a classic of Greek history. Part of its realization was made in Malta. Its settings are Fort Ricasoli, Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, and Golden Bay.
- Gladiator (2000). Although the story told in the film directed by Ridley Scott takes place mainly in Rome, Malta was the shooting location. For this purpose, Fort Ricasoli served as a replica of the Roman Colosseum.
- Agora (2009). This time Malta disguises itself as Egypt to shoot Alejandro Amenábar’s film. The chosen locations are Mdina, Valletta, and Marsaxlokk’s streets. You can’t miss them.
- Popeye (1980). Did you know there is a live-action version of the animated classic Popeye the Sailor? It stars Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. The best part is that the villa built for the movie was left for tourist purposes. We’ll tell you more about that later.
4. Enjoying life in Blue Lagoon
Another key activity in our list of things to do in Malta that you can’t skip. Spend the summer at Blue Lagoon. It is a natural pool with vivid turquoise waters due to their transparency.
It is located on the island of Comino. You can spend a whole day enjoying this paradise. Furthermore, you can stay a weekend in its hotels and bungalows.
Imagine the striking contrast between the crystal-clear waters and the soft beige sands, a taste of the Caribbean in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Of course, we are talking about one of the main attractions of Malta. So, if you’re looking for tranquility, it’s best to avoid traveling between July and August. That’s when it’s full of tourists.
5. Take a gastronomic tour
You can be sure that eating well is another key point of the things to do in Malta. Maltese food is an interesting mix between Italian and British. Undoubtedly because of its strong ancestral influences, without leaving aside the seafood.
Clearly, gastronomic tours in Malta are also a boom for those who decide to travel to the Mediterranean paradise. Being a small country, these tours usually last an average of one hour. Enough to discover the most traditional food and drinks of the archipelago.
Among the typical delicacies of Malta that you can not miss are:
- Octopus stew. Its very name says it. You find it mainly in the coastal ports of the Maltese islands.
- Ftira Gozitano. It is a kind of pizza with a thin dough and traditional cheese. It also has potatoes. Also, it is the flagship dish of the island of Gozo.
- Lampuki. The flagship dish of Malta is the specialty in the city of Marsaxlokk. It is fish accompanied by vegetables and spices. All in all, there is no point in describing it to you, you have to try it.
- Timpana. On the side of pasta and Italian influence, we have this unmissable dish. It is a kind of puff pastry filled with macaroni, meat, and egg. You must try it.
- Pastizzi. When it comes to desserts, undoubtedly this is the star. Moreover, tasting it is one of the first things you must do in Malta. Specifically, it is a sweet pastry similar to an empanada, with the most famous version featuring a ricotta filling.
6. Visit Popeye’s Village amusement park
Popeye’s Village is located in Anchor Bay, northwest of Malta. But does the name have anything to do with Popeye the Sailor? The answer is yes!
Although more directly related to the 1980 version starring Robin Williams, remember we mentioned it above?
They built an entire village just for this movie, now known as Popeye’s Village. The best part is, it’s still there for tourists to enjoy. It even has an amusement park that will make your inner child leap with excitement. That’s why visiting it is a must on your list of things to do in Malta.
Obviously, the main activities include water sports and boat rides. But there is also more:
- Have fun in the pool and slides.
- Enjoy puppet shows.
- Visit thematic museums.
- Taste good wines.
- Participate in the Christmas parade if you go in December.
7. Spend a full day on the island of Gozo
Visiting the island of Gozo is, undoubtedly, another thing to do in Malta. Touring its attractions takes you one day. Although if you want to do it at your leisure, you can stay one or two more. In Gozo you have a lot of attractions to see and enjoy, here are some of them:
Dwejra Bay
We already told you that Dwejra Bay appears in the Game of Thrones setting. And it’s no coincidence, as the beauty of the place is simply stunning. But if you thought it was just a matter of go, see, and go, you’re wrong.
In Dwejra Bay there is an inlet with crystal clear waters. There is also a circular lagoon that connects to the sea through a triangular arch. It is a place for swimming and snorkeling. So do not miss in Malta this obligatory stop if you go to Gozo.
Victoria and the Citadel
The silent streets and buildings describe the charm of Victoria, the capital of Gozo. They take you on a journey through time. In addition, the Citadel of Victoria is located on the top of a hill. Thus, the view from there is simply spectacular.
You can tour Victoria with a free tour. Hence, hear the history of the Bishop’s Palace and St. Mary’s Cathedral. However, you can do it on your own. The idea is not to omit it from your list of things to do in Malta.
Calypso Cave
Calypso’s Cave is a mythical place that might ring a bell if you’re familiar with the Greek classic The Odyssey. Gozo is thought to be the island of Ogygia. According to legend, this cave is where Ulysses was seduced by the goddess Calypso and held captive by her spells for seven years.
Don’t be afraid to meet Calypso if you go. However, don’t miss her either. If you’re a lover of classic literature, you know there’s plenty to do in Malta.
8. Tour the Three Cities of Malta
The Cottonera area is another of the top things to do in Malta. It is located opposite Valletta. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua date back to the Middle Ages, or even earlier. They are popularly known as the three Maltese cities.
Among them, Vittoriosa tends to steal the show. Given that it has historical attractions such as the Inquisitor’s Palace, the Maritime Museum, and the Malta at War Museum. However, coastal walks and water sports are also popular in Senglea and Conspicua.
9. Practice climbing
Water sports might be the most popular activity in Malta, but there’s much more to do. Did you know you can also go climbing in the land of the Pastizzi? Malta’s warm climate makes outdoor activities enjoyable all year round.
Across the clubs, marinas, and sports centers, there are over 1,300 spots for climbing and psicobloc. In psicobloc, you scale 10-meter cliffs without much worry about falling since the sea below serves as your safety net.
Some of the favorite climbing areas in Malta are:
- Xaqqa Cliffs. Rock formations are located in the valley with the same name, in the southwestern part of Malta island.
- Wied Babu. It is located very close to Xaqqa. It is one of the most famous places to do extreme sports like climbing in Malta. The smooth rock formations are worthy to climb and experience adrenaline.
- Victoria. In the capital of Gozo, there are areas of fortifications to practice climbing. It is usually ideal for beginners to take lessons in a safe environment.
10. Learn English
Did you know that the official languages in Malta are English and Maltese? For a long time, the British occupied the archipelago. Consequently, they left a cultural legacy that includes the language.
But why are we telling you this? Because another excellent plan to do in Malta is to learn English. Sure, while combining adventure, beaches, history, and all that is in this Mediterranean paradise.
This way, you make the most of your days here and live a complete experience. According to your preference, you can study English in Malta with these courses:
- Intensive English courses. Last between 2 weeks and 3 months. They reinforce learning skills such as writing, reading, comprehension, and speaking.
- General English. They are like intensive courses but with a longer duration and more depth. The perfect excuse to stay longer so you can do everything you have planned in Malta.
- Get an official qualification in English. You can also prepare for English certification exams such as TOEFL or IELTS. So, while enjoying Malta’s summer destinations, you can boost your CV.
To give you the best example, take a look at the incredible experiences we have in store for you.
Find out what to do in Malta with GrowPro
At GrowPro we make sure you have a complete and unforgettable adventure in Malta. Can you imagine traveling with our experiences to study and work, while discovering many more things to do in Malta?
We will guide you and put together a tailored adventure. Equally important, we will advise you so that you don’t lose sight of anything when applying for your visa. Anything else? Of course!
- We pick you up at the airport and transfer you with our Arrival Pack.
- Besides, we organize a kick-off meeting to get you off to a great start and know what to do in Malta.
- Also, we include you in events like workshops, sports, and amazing getaways.
- You can be our ambassador and generate income.
If you are team summer and you want to live it in Europe, and even better, in the Mediterranean, wait no more! Fill out the following form and we will start putting together your personalized adventure.
See you in Malta!
Loading comments...