Is Malta Worth Visiting In 2024? Best Things To Do & Places To See
Is Malta Worth Visiting & What Are The Best Things To Do There In 2024?
After spending two weeks exploring Malta, I can say without question that Malta is absolutely worth a visit and I want to tell you why.
As our plane descended into Malta, seeing the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean filling the window, I could make out the golden sandstone buildings packed along the coastline. My first thought was “Wow, this looks amazing!”
With over 7,000 years of history and culture packed into just 316 square miles, Malta has so much to offer. From prehistoric temples to baroque palaces, medieval cities to luxury resorts, there is something here for every type of traveller.
In this article, I’ll share why Malta should be on your 2024 travel bucket list and provide tips to make the most of your visit. You’ll discover the top things to do, the best places to stay, when’s the ideal time to visit, and what to expect as a tourist in Malta. Let’s dive in!
Is Malta Worth Visiting In 2024?
Without a doubt, Malta is worth visiting and should be on your radar for 2024. Malta is one of Europe’s underrated countries which is confusing as there is so much to see and explore.
With cheap flights from most places in Europe, it’s easy to get to Malta for an action-packed getaway that includes many sights from ancient temples to beautiful beaches into a compact package. It’s also easy to get around and prices are very reasonable for a Mediterranean destination.
The weather is fabulous and Malta has over 300 sunny days a year. Spring and fall are ideal, but even winter is mild. You can enjoy the beautiful beach, sensational sea views and its world-famous bays showing that the sun will be shining.
Malta is very safe and family-friendly with violent crime being rare and tourist scams uncommon. The locals are super friendly and English is one of the official languages here. You’ll still get a nice dose of Mediterranean culture. though
The food is out of this world! There is a mix of Italian and North African influences while you can also enjoy Mediterranean staples like seafood, cheeses, olives and breads which are obviously all incredible.
Finally, the nightlife and party scene is amazing. Those looking for festivals, clubbing, partying and pubs will find that Malta is a mecca for night owls.
While the island(s) doesn’t seem to get the credit it deserves, there are enough reasons for those who love to explore to say that Malta is certainly worth visiting!
What Is So Special About Malta?
What makes Malta so special and sets it apart from other European destinations? Here are some of the country’s unique highlights and claims to fame:
- Incredible History – From early neolithic settlements to being ruled by everyone from the Phoenicians to the Knights of St John, Malta has over 7,000 years of intriguing history. This is one of the oldest civilizations around.
- Mesmerizing Megalithic Temples – Built between 3,600 and 2,500 BC, Malta’s megalithic temples like Ħaġar Qim predate Stonehenge and the Pyramids. They are incredibly well-preserved and fascinating to explore.
- Glorious Baroque Architecture – Malta has one of the highest concentrations of baroque buildings in the world. The capital Valletta feels like an open-air museum of honey-coloured palaces, churches, and balconies.
- WW2 History – Malta played a pivotal role in WW2. Take a tour of the Lascaris War Rooms where the Allied Forces planned missions that helped turn the tide.
- Scuba Diving – With super clear waters and thousands of shipwrecks, Malta is rated one of the top dive destinations in the world. Whether you are new to diving or a pro, the underwater adventures will thrill you.
- Cliff Jumping & Sea Caves – For the adventurous, Malta’s dramatic coastline provides epic spots for cliff jumping and exploring water-carved grottoes and sea caves by boat.
- Crazy Car Culture – With more cars per capita than in any country, drivers here do things a bit differently. Watching traffic and chatting with “cab drivers” is an experience in itself!
Best Things To Do In Malta
The list of fun things to see and do in Malta truly goes on and on. But here are some of the ‘can’t miss’ attractions and activities to put on your Malta itinerary:
1. Explore Valletta
Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 16th-century city of Valletta deserves a full day to uncover its elaborate churches, palaces, museums, gardens and more.
Walking the gridded streets, you’ll discover something new around every corner. History buffs will be in heaven with the multiple museums and historic sites.
Foodies will enjoy sampling traditional dishes at local restaurants, and shoppers can hunt for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Don’t miss St John’s Co-Cathedral and the sweeping views from the Barrakka Gardens. Most attractions are open daily from 9-5pm.
2. Dive the Wrecks of Sliema
Sliema is known as the “Jewel of Malta” for its incredible scuba diving. Dive centres can take you out each day to explore a different sunken WW2 wreck, like the Imperial Eagle and Rozi tug boat.
It’s great for certified divers of all levels. Multiple dive shops operate tours starting early morning until evening.
3. Comino Island & The Blue Lagoon
Taking a short, 10-minute ferry ride to Malta’s sister island of Comino you’ll arrive at Malta’s most famous tourist landmark: the Blue Lagoon, a breathtaking spot of crystal-clear, aqua-blue water. The Blue Lagoon is open all hours, just remember to keep track of the last ferry departure to avoid being stranded on the island.
If you prefer something less touristy, take the short trek over the rocks to the Crystal Lagoon – which looks just as spectacular, but with hardly anyone around!
4. Tour the Megalithic Temples
Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage megalithic temples date back over 5,500 years and offer a glimpse into the earliest complex societies. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples are not to be missed.
History buffs will be awed by the incredible preservation of these stone structures older than the pyramids! Open daily from 9am-5pm.
5. Swim in the Blue Grotto
Cruise over to the stunning Blue Grotto sea caverns running boat tours or water taxis through the brilliant blue waters.
They illuminate with bright phosphorescent colours. Stop to swim in quiet coves and grottos along the way. Tours run daily taking 30-60 minutes. Ideal for nature lovers and swimmers.
6. Explore Mdina
Nicknamed the “Silent City”, Mdina is a medieval walled town with tons of character. Walk the narrow carless streets, check out St Paul’s Cathedral, and stop in one of its many wine bars.
History and architecture buffs will love wandering this open-air museum. Open daily 8:30am – 5:30pm.
7. Take a Food Tour
With delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine, Malta is a foodie haven. Go on a tasting tour through the capital Valletta or Mdina to sample signature bites like pastizzi, rabbit stew, bragioli, and cannoli.
Various tour companies offer 2-3 hour walking tours year-round. Reservations required.
8. Pace the Ramparts of Valletta
For panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and Three Cities, walk the city perimeter along the towering fortified ramparts built by the Knights of St John.
It makes for a scenic couple-mile stroll. Open daily with some sections closing at sunset.
9. Day trip to Mellieħa
Mellieha Bay has some of Malta’s best beaches. Take a day trip here to enjoy the blue waters. Don’t miss taking the rickety boat taxi to the secluded sandy beach of Blue Lagoon on Comino Island.
Perfect for sunbathers, swimmers, and families looking to relax. About 30 minutes drive from Valletta.
10. Experience the Nightlife
After dark, St Julian’s and Paceville transform into a party scene with pumping music pouring out of the many open-air clubs and bars.
Dance the night away with fun-loving locals and tourists. The energy ramps up around 11pm and goes late until 3-4am. Night owls and party people will feel at home.
11. Spend a day on Gozo
Take the quick 25-minute ferry ride over to Malta’s sister island Gozo for hiking, diving or snorkeling at the iconic Blue Hole, and checking out the ancient Gozo Citadel in Victoria.
If you get a chance, visit the salt pans in the north. Gozo offers a more laid-back vibe perfect for nature and cultural lovers. Visit any day of the week.
What Is The Best Month To Go To Malta?
One of the perks of Malta is that it enjoys pleasant weather year-round. However, spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit.
During the summer (June to August) it gets quite hot, which is great for hitting the beach, but sightseeing in cities like Valletta can get uncomfortable. The weather is still pleasant in the evenings for nightlife though! Water temperatures peak July to October and average around 70-80F making it ideal for swimming and watersports.
Winters are mild, but you may get some rain. Most sights and restaurants stay open all year. January to March see fewer tourists, so hotel rates are lower but the seas are chillier.
For the best mix of great weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds aim to visit April-June or September-October. During the shoulder months of spring and fall, temperatures are perfect for sightseeing in the 70s and 80s.
The ocean is warm enough for swimming around 70F. And airfares and hotel rates haven’t hit peak summer prices.
Local festivals and events also take place year-round if you want to experience one. These include Carnival, the Malta Film Festival, Midsummer Night celebrations, the Jazz Festival, and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
Where To Stay In Malta
With so many great lodging options, where you stay will likely depend on your priorities and budget. This guide on where to stay in Malta has some superb recommendations to suit all travel needs and budgets. Here are some of the top neighbourhoods and towns to consider:
Valletta
Malta’s gorgeous capital offers boutique hotels and guesthouses housed within historic buildings. Staying here puts you right in the heart of the action. The higher prices are worth it for the location, charm and views from hotels like Saint John and Xara Palace.
Sliema/St. Julian’s
Sliema offers a resort town vibe with luxury hotels, condos, restaurants, and easy access to beaches as well as the ferry to Valletta. The Hilton and The Palace are great upscale options with amazing pools. St. Julian’s is best for party people with its wild clubs and pubs.
Mellieħa
For a relaxing beach getaway, the small resort town of Mellieha is perfect with its string of sandy beaches. The Maritim and db Seabank Resort here have fabulous beach access. It’s great for families.
Gozo
Gozo Island offers a more laidback stay with farms, rolling hills and excellent diving. Recommended places to stay include the Cornucopia Hotel in Xaghra village or the Duke Boutique Hotel in Victoria overlooking the citadel.
Marsaxlokk
This charming fishing village provides a scenic and peaceful alternative to the main tourist hubs. Check into Tas-Sellum Resort or Cavalieri Art Hotel right on the waterfront to unwind.
FAQs: Visiting Malta
Now that I’ve given you the reasons why Malta is worth visiting, let’s go through some of the frequently asked questions when preparing for a trip to Malta.
Is Malta Safe?
Yes, Malta is very safe, especially for solo female travellers. Violent crime is rare and most tourist areas are well-lit and secure. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing may occur. Use common sense precautions as you would in any heavily touristed European city.
Is Malta Expensive?
Compared to many other European destinations, Malta offers good value for money. You can dine out, take buses, go sightseeing and buy groceries without spending too much. A basic hotel starts around $70-90 per night, and nice meals around $15-25 per person. But it’s easy to find even cheaper options.
How Many Days In Malta Is Enough?
To hit the highlights of Malta, I’d recommend at least 5-7 days. This allows you 2 full days on Malta, 1 day for Gozo, and another day or two to relax or dive. With 10-14 days you could add stops in Comino or more beach time while getting to know Malta’s culture at an easier pace.
Reasons NOT To Visit Malta?
Malta is quite touristy, so if you really dislike crowds, it may not be for you in peak season. Public transportation, while cheap, can be unreliable if you want to go off the beaten path. Some find the islands’ rocky beaches underwhelming. Wildlife is limited. But there are still quieter areas if you know where to look.
Wrapping Up: Is Malta Worth Visiting?
After spending two weeks exploring Malta, I can definitively say it deserves a spot on your 2024 bucket list! What ultimately wins me over is the diversity of experiences packed into this small archipelago.
Within a day, you can tour historic sites in the morning, go diving in the afternoon and dance the night away in Paceville after dark.
The Maltese islands offer the perfect mix of culture, nature, activities and comfort. Exploring the megalithic temples and medieval fortresses connects you to the ancient roots of human civilization.
Diving the shipwrecks and Blue Grotto provide a stunning underwater world. And Valletta’s glamorous cafe culture and nightlife bring modern vibrancy.
From lapping in the blue lagoon’s waters to gazing out over the timeless limestone cliffs, Malta will seduce you with its beauty and charm. This Meditteranean jewel offers such incredible diversity, that it’s easy to see why Malta is worth visiting!
