Things to do
Whilst in Malta for the weekender make sure you take time to explore the beautiful Mediterranean isle of Malta.
Although we have a jam-packed itinerary there will be some down time for you to explore what the island has to offer. With beautiful landscapes all within a few kilometres, beaches and romantic restaurants we definitely recommend taking a trip.
The top things to do in Malta, include culture, temples, the capital city, beaches and Grand Harbour
Valletta
The capital city Valletta is full of interesting sites to see where each town has its own unique story and character. Valletta was built in1566 by the Knights of St.John after they won the war against the Turkish army who had invaded the islands of Malta. At the time Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette had felt that a new fortified city was needed to guard the two ports the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett.
- Visit John’s Co-Cathedral, Caravaggio paintings and museum with its prestigious treasures.
- There are other museums around the city, National Museum of Fine Arts, Casa Rocca Piccola, Lascaris War Rooms and the Toy Museum.
- There are two very popular gardens, the Upper Barrakka Gardens which is the most popular and the Lower Barrakka Gardens where you can relax and have a drink at the local bar.
- A ‘Karozzin’ride (horse-drawn carriage) round the capital city is a good choice to see the most of the city.
- The National War Museum at Fort St. Elmo gives you Malta’s history from the Bronze age until modern times.
- Shop and have a bite to eatat one of the shops and restaurants at Republic Street and Merchant Street.
Mdina
Mdina is called The Silent City an incredible mixture of Baroque and medieval architecture, with its narrow roads. The 17th century cathedral is visited every day by many tourists. Situated in the centre of the island on top of a hill 200 metres above sea level.
- The beautiful Mdina Cathedral and museum. The National History Museum and the Palazzo Falson.
- The Mdina Dungeons is another interesting place to see located just as you come in from the main entrance gate.
- Roam around the narrow streets and admire the panoramic view of Malta from over the bastion walls.
- A stay in Mdina is not complete without a delicious piece of cake at this famous place called ‘Fontanella Tea Garden.’
- Celebrate one of the local feasts;
An opportunity not to be missed when visiting Malta are the many village feasts in all towns and villages around the islands especially between May and September. The villagers celebrate the feast of their patron saint with great fanfare, colourful decorations, band marches, a unique for Malta.Thousands of Maltese and foreigners participate in many feasts.
There are nearly 100 feasts in one year, many of them being celebrated in the summer period.
Blue Grotto Weid Iz- Zurrieq
The Blue Grotto is a picturesque location close to the inlet of Wied-Iz-Zurrieq a few kilometres from the village of Zurrieq. Located in the South of Malta, a series of deep natural sea caverns attracting many tourists all year round.
The 20 minute trip to the caves mirror the underwater flora colours providing a spectacular sight for visitors, offering various blue and green colour reflections from the deep sea. This is one of the top 10 places to visit in Malta.
- You can have dinner or lunch at one of the famous fresh fish restaurants at Weid Iz-Zurrieq.
- The area is very popular for divers and with one of the best wrecks. The Um El Farouk has an artificial reef which is great for recreational divers. One of the best dive sites in the island.
- If you are interested in Temples, a short drive away you can visit the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temple complex and interpretation centre.
- Tarxien Temples are some of the largest on the islands. It is included as one of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
