8 of the Best Spots on a Budget
Below are 8 of my favorite spots in Malta. Most are sights that don’t cost a penny to see. To visit Comino and Gozo, you have to pay for boat tickets, but considering you aren’t spending money at most other sites, it really evens out, (especially if you picnic lunch!). To visit the historic sights and museums in these areas, you can purchase a Heritage Malta Multisite Pass– one flat fee gets you entry in over 200 sights throughout Malta.
1. Valletta
UNESCO’s World Heritage website calls Valleta “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”, and once you set foot, it’s clear why. Malta’s tiny capital city takes up less than one square kilometre of space. It’s known for museums, palaces and grand churches, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of the world’s most stunning Baroque churches, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a beautiful public gardens with breathtaking harbour views, and Fort St. Elmo the National War Museum. The narrow, cobbled streets will truly take you back in time.
2. Gozo and the Azure Window
Although the famed site of the Khaleesi’s marriage to Drogo, the Azure Window, has since collapsed, tourists may now see it from another perspective – a diver’s underwater view. Malta is famed for it’s many diving sites, from shipwrecks to statues, and now the famous arch has been added to the list. Other sites include the historic Citadel, historic temples, and golden sand beaches.
3. Mdina
This fortified city served as Malta’s medieval capital. Lit by lamps at night, Mdina is known as Malta’s Silent City. It is home to many ancient sites like the The Roman Villa (Domus Romana), catacombs, St. Paul’s Grotto and the fine churches and monasteries, but even just walking the walled streets is an experience like no other.
4. Comino and the Blue Lagoon
A small island located between mainland Malta and Gozo, Comino is most famous for it’s Blue Lagoon. Visit by boat and explore the white sand and radiant blue waters, perfect for snorkelling.
5. Marsaxlokk Fishing Village and St. Peter’s Pool
Marsaxlokk is the most popular fishing village, located at the largest fishing harbour of Malta. Famed for it’s open-air markets, colorful boats, and fresh seafood restaurants, Marsaloxlokk is a perfect-spent afternoon. If you’re there, it’s worth the long hike up to St. Peter’s pool, a breathtaking natural pool on the coast, perfect for escaping the crowds and relaxing in the sun.
6. Blue Grotto
Though extremely popular and overun with tourists, the Blue Grotto is not to be missed. The massive arch and it’s system of caves were created by centuries of erosion from the waves and weather. The sky reflects the white sand below, giving of the brightest shade of blue, while the rocks of the caves reflect the minerals of the rocks resulting in magnificant oranges, purples and reds.
7. Megalithic temples
Malta has tons of prehistoric temples and ruins, predating Stonehenge and even the Great Pyramids by 1000 years.
8. St. Julian’s nightlife
If you’re looking for a little nighttime excitement, look no further than St. Julian’s. Packed with numerous hotels, even more restaurants, bars, clubs, and even a casino, there is no limit to action to be found here. But keep in mind that the drinking age in Malta is 19, so there may be a younger crowd at many of the clubs.
