When in Malta, do as the Maltese – or the tourists – do!
There’s so much to fit into your holiday itinerary that you might worry you’ll miss out on the ultimate experiences that can only be found in Malta and Gozo. Fear not – here are the top 10 Maltese experiences you should add to your Malta getaway bucket list.
1. The Capital City
A visit to any country would be incomplete without checking out the capital city, and never more than in Malta.
Easily accessible in the north of the island, the fortified city of Valletta is heaving with history as well as cafés, restaurants and museums.
Be sure to go up to the Upper Barraka for an unequalled view across the Grand Harbour, and get a feel for the history of a place that was so pivotal throughout Malta’s past, particularly during World War Two.
2. The Historic Sites
Malta is famed for its destinations of historic interest, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted around the islands.
Essential to your trip are the spectacular megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra in Qrendi, the Għar Dalam caves in Birzebbuga, and the vast underground catacombs in Rabat.
Read more: 5 Unmissable Historical Sites in Malta
3. The Water Sports
Surrounded as it is by the turquoise blue, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s unsurprising that water sports are such a popular pastime in Malta.
There are multiple scuba-diving schools that will guide everyone from beginners to experts, so that you can experience first-hand the colourful underwater marine life.
Read more: 5 Best Dive Sites in Malta and Gozo
4. The Sightseeing Tour
Be a genuine tourist for a day or two and take one of the open top hop on/hop off bus tours available, to make sure not to miss any of the many attractions and views Malta has to offer.
Riding a uniquely Maltese karrozin is also essential. This horse-drawn carriage will take you on a guided tour of a local area, and so a ride on one of these is best taken in capital city Valletta or the former capital of Mdina.
Read more: Highlights on the Hop On/Hop Off South Tour
5. The Food
Malta’s signature cuisine is an experience in itself. From the rabbit-meat pasta, to the cheese or pea pastries known as ‘pastizzi’, a holiday in Malta is severely lacking if you haven’t tried the local fare.
For an unforgettable meal centered around local, seasonal ingredients, we definitely recommend Le Bistro in St. Julian’s.
Local lager Cisk, soft drink Kinnie and date pastries known as ‘imqaret’ are also only available in Malta, so we recommend tasting these during your stay!
6. The Gozo Trip
A day-trip to Malta’s sister island of Gozo is well worth it. The short ferry ride to get there offers a beautiful view across the water towards the isle of Comino.
Once in Gozo, make sure to check out the sights in capital city Victoria, as well as enjoying the atmosphere in this quieter, slower-paced version of Malta.
Read more: The Ultimate Day-trip to Gozo
7. The Cultural Events
Culture is everywhere in Malta, most especially as Valletta is the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Big-name events are frequently available, including the massive annual concert Isle of MTV, as well as local festivals such as Notte Bianca in October, when artists and performers take to the streets of Valletta for a night of art.
Read more: Valletta is Capital of Culture 2018: Interesting Facts!
8. The Maltese Festa
If you are visiting the islands during the summer months, you may find yourself in the midst of one of Malta’s massive street parties held in each town and village in honour of their patron saint.
These ‘festas’ include a procession of a life-size statue of the patron saint, as well as street stalls of food, treats and toys, and huge fireworks displays.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Village Festas in Malta
9. The Carnival
February every year marks another Maltese street event, the Carnival.
In Valletta in Malta and Nadur in Gozo, everyone wears weird and wonderful fancy dress costumes to parade through the streets alongside massive, intricately decorated floats.
Join in the fun by donning your fancy dress, following the parade, and sampling some of the unique Maltese treats available from the street stalls.
Read more: 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Malta’s Carnival
10. The ‘Game of Thrones’ Tour
Whether winter is coming or summer is here, the exclusive ‘Game of Thrones’ Tour in Malta is a must for all fans of the hit series.
With many of Malta’s spectacular locations being used regularly as a backdrop for the show, the tour will guide you through each of them, whilst giving you an insight into life on the GoT set from actors who actually took part in the series.
Read more: Why Malta is the Ultimate Holiday Destination for Film Fanatics
Bonus: Where to stay?
Are you looking for the perfect place to stay during your trip to Malta? The Radisson Blu Resort, St. Julian’s is a centrally located five-star resort with gorgeous sea views and stylish, comfortable rooms. It is well connected to public transport and just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful St. George’s Bay and the St. Julian’s city centre.
Need more convincing? Check out 5 reasons to stay in St Julian’s!
