When planning your holiday in Malta we recommend dividing the island into two halves, north and south. There are many attractions and beauty spots dotted along the northern coastline, so there’s plenty to fill a day spent in the north of Malta. Here are some ideas to add to your itinerary.

Valletta

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Where better to start your tour than in Malta’s capital city itself, Valletta. Located along the northern coast, it is the ideal place to soak up typical Maltese culture and history, whilst strolling through the cobbled streets and admiring the baroque architecture, before stopping for lunch at one of the famous cafés or restaurants scattered on every lane throughout the city.

Sliema

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Next stop along on your route might then take you to Sliema, which is considered the other tourist hub alongside Valletta. Bursting with shops on the two main streets, as well as two large shopping plazas, this is the place for the ultimate shopaholic. At the top of the shopping precinct then comes the surprise of Sliema front, a seemingly endless seafront promenade that is home to various ‘gabbanas’ for refreshments along the way, or is the perfect place for a walk towards neighbouring St Julian’s whilst taking in the stunning sea view.

Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay


The next step to the left along the northern Maltese coastline takes you to Bugibba, which merges comfortably into Qawra and St Paul’s Bay along a stretch of road on the seafront. The three towns are known for their tourist-friendly destinations including the new Malta National Aquarium, the Bugibba Waterpark (which is especially ideal for families with young children), and the Ibiza-esque Café Del Mar for glamorous parties in front of the sea. Day and night, locals and tourists also flock to the area for its large variety of restaurants and eateries.

Mellieha


For beach lovers, then head straight to Mellieha, where there are a number of popular sandy beaches that overlook Malta’s famously crystal clear blue sea. For families with young children, or large parties, the ideal beach location is at Golden Bay, which marries its wide sandy beach and shallow water with excellent surrounding facilities, including the five-star Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands for refreshments, barbeques or lounging. It is the first in a chain of three beaches in the area, with the smaller Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bays offering no less idyllic atmospheres but a slightly more peaceful spot for secluded swimming and sunbathing.

Cirkewwa/Gozo


If you still have energy after your day of sightseeing, partying, swimming and sunbathing, the last stop on your northern tour of Malta could also take you to Cirkewwa, where you can catch one of the regular ferries over to Malta’s beautiful sister island of Gozo, to perhaps stay for a day or two and continue your exploration of the stunning Maltese Islands.

Once you’re done with all that, make sure to stop by these 5 Unmissable Historical Sites in Malta! Or if you want to cap all with a drink and visit a club or two, check out our article on Nightlife in Malta