Best attractions in Malta: Top 20
Content
Going on a trip? Dreaming to visit some island? Then you should read the information about the attractions of Malta, perhaps this destination will interest you. If we talk about the resort itself, the archipelago is located in the Mediterranean Sea, namely on the south side of the island of Sicily. The state includes as much as five parts of land, surrounded by water, some of which are uninhabited. So what to see in Malta? That’s what we will talk about, below is an extensive list of interesting places that are worth seeing.
What to see in Malta first?
If you plan a long trip, you need to think through all its details. This applies not only to the place of stay, what you will eat, but also what places to visit. In order not to lose sight of the main attractions of the Republic, it makes sense to get acquainted with the rating of the most famous places for today.
1. St. Anthony’s Botanical Garden
A tour of the interesting places is better to begin with an acquaintance with an island of vegetation located near a natural body of water. Here you will get to know the most exotic trees, flowers and shrubs. It was opened for tourists in 1882. Reviews about this place are only positive. It admires literally everything - elegant sidewalks, decorative ponds with swans, sculptures. The plants in the garden are collected from all over the world, and some were planted in the ground more than 300 years ago. Getting to know the botanical garden will be of interest to any tourist.
Malta | Save on hotel reservations
2. Azure Window
There is a naturally formed arch on the island of Gozo, which is a true miracle of nature. Unfortunately, under the influence of external factors, the Azure Window is gradually crumbling. This means that staying close to it can be dangerous. Nevertheless, the place remains a great landscape for filming. Not far from the arch are other natural attractions in Malta.
Official website: http://www.visitmalta.com/en/
3. The observation deck of the Upper Gardens of Barracca
Its photos are not hard to find on the Internet, because the place is really interesting. The Upper Barracca Gardens is ahead of many attractions in Malta in terms of the number of visitors. There are not only rare species of flowers and trees, which are planted in tiers. The attention is also attracted by a variety of statues, cannon artillery. There is a tradition on the island: at noon to fire the cannons, it is still respected. From the top point there is an indescribable view, not only of the outskirts of the state capital, but also of other cities and Grand Harbor Bay.
Official website: http://www.cityofvalletta
4. Mdina
Some of the best attractions include the former capital of the archipelago. It is a fortified settlement with a rich history. It is approximately 4 thousand years old, has a total area of a little over 1 km² and a population of 300 people. The settlement was built on a rock, and around it a stone wall was erected. What else to visit in Malta?
5. Ghar Dalam Cave
It is formed by mountains located on the southeastern coast. It was discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, at which time it was found to include several layers. Among them were even found the remains of animals that were unique in their kind, human bones. Interesting finds are considered to be samples of art. Tourists can view only the first 50 m of the cave’s 144 m. At the entrance there is a museum with interesting exhibits. It is in this direction that tours in Malta are often organized.
Feel the atmosphere of Malta in this beautiful video!
6. Basilica of Our Lady Ta-Pinu
What to see in Malta in 1 day? Visit the Catholic Church, which is located on the island of Gozo. It was once the site of a 16th-century chapel, but construction of a modern church began in 1920 and lasted 11 years. The building rises in the middle of the countryside, with rolling hills in the vicinity. As the Maltese guides say, it is a striking example of the technical use of local stone. The interior is represented by paintings carved in natural stone, mosaics, and friezes of the nave.
7. The Megalithic temple complex of Mnajdra
Its image is on small coins. The worship buildings are located in the southern part of the country, right on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. When Mnajdra was erected is unknown, tentatively it happened in 3600 BC. As the main building material used was a strong coral limestone. It is characterized by resistance to water and sunlight. In order to protect it from the negative weather conditions, the complex is covered by a tent. It is open to the public, but it is difficult to appreciate the greatness of the megalith here.
8. Lascaris Bunker
This attraction is located in the city of Valletta. It includes a whole system of tunnels built underground. At one time they contained separate rooms and were connected by passageways. During World War II, the Lascaris bunker housed the main headquarters. Its activities then consisted of planning military operations, management during their implementation. In 2009, it became accessible to the public, and after a time, a museum was opened on its base.
Official website: https://www.lascariswarrooms.com/
9. Casa Rossa Piccola
What else to see in Malta? The palace, one of the last to be built in Valletta, deserves attention. At one time, the knights’ orders were to build a city to rival European capitals. That’s when numerous palaces appeared, one of which was the Casa Rossa Piccola. Even today the castle is privately owned, but at the same time it is open to the public. The interior is characterized by the presence of rich furniture, a collection of antique tableware and paintings.
Official website: http://www.casaroccapiccola.com/
10. Classic Car Museum
This place is interesting because it offers an unusual exposition consisting of samples of vehicles from the golden fund of world automobile industry. The description says that tourists are offered the opportunity to see classic cars that reek of history. This is a great opportunity to see how far the progress has stepped forward.
Official website: https://www.classiccarsmalta.com/
11. The Lower Baracca Gardens
It’s a great place for a walk, quiet, cozy because few tourists get here. The ambience encourages you to gather your thoughts and enjoy the magnificent views and peace. In the Lower Gardens of Barracca it is worth seeing the monument to Alexander Bell, which has the appearance of an ancient temple. It was built in gratitude to the commander who led the rebellion against the French. The described landmark is made in honor of the heroes who died during the World War.
Official website: http://www.cityofvalletta
12. Fort Sant’Angelo
A military fortification located in the town of Birgu. It is believed that it was built during the Roman Empire. During the existence of the fort several times it was rebuilt, strengthened. Its latest addition is the tower, the remains of which date back to the 11th century. A certain part of the fortification is used as a military museum.
13. St. Paul’s Cathedral (Mdina)
This is a Catholic large church built between 1697 and 1702. The place was not chosen by chance; it was there that the first bishop of the archipelago met the Apostle Paul. It is believed that he landed on the island after a shipwreck.
Official website: http://www.maltacultureguide
14. Mjarr
This attraction in Malta is also known as Imjarre. It is a small village in the northwestern part of the state. Locals are mostly engaged in agriculture, namely on farms, vineyards in the area. The peculiarity of Mjarra is the presence of archaeological monuments, which are included in the list of UNESCO.
15. Armstrong cannon
Continuing the review of interesting places on the archipelago, I would like to mention the Armstrong cannon. This is a military weapon weighing more than 90 tons and capable of shooting at a distance of 6.5 kilometers. The cannon is located at Fort Rinella, which is near the capital-fortress of Valletta.
Official website: https://www.fortrinella.com/
Malta sights: what else is there to see in Malta?
Going on vacation, try to learn as much as possible about the country. For example, where to go in Malta? You can visit unique restaurants, such as La Maltija in Paceville or Fumia in Valletta. Café Portomaso is also not bad. It is not unreasonable to look at the rating of institutions, such information is freely available on the Internet.
Back to the main thing, what to visit in Malta, what significant places?
16. Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay sandy beach is considered one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on the northwest coast, it is spacious, well equipped, marked with the Blue Flag. On the beach, you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also engage in water sports, organize picnics and even parties. Golden Bay is known for undercurrents in the winter, due to the instability of the weather. It is not difficult to get to the recreation area, because there are public transport, but you can also rent a car.
17. Spinola Bay
Spinola Bay - it is located in one of the most picturesque and lively resorts called San Julias. The panorama of the city, it gives a special look, near the bay almost no development. Here found a place for a large number of ducks, which are admired not only locals but also visitors to the country. The most beautiful views can be seen in the bay during sunset.
18. The Blue Grotto
If you’re the type of person who’s easy going, then the Blue Grotto is just for you. It is not easy to get to it, but believe me, the sight is worth it. It is a whole complex of sea caves, which are located near the village of Krendi, namely in the southern part of the state. Under the rays of the sun, the water turns a bright blue color, which shimmers in a variety of shades. The total depth of the grotto is 45 meters. This place was fancied by the British military who liked to rest there with their families. Often this landmark of Malta can be seen in movies. It is interesting to know that the authorities have set a limit on its visit. A day can visit the cave complex no more than 25 boats with tourists on board. The reason for this is the difficult terrain, intense sea waves in the described area. Here you can not only admire the unusual shades of water, the unique shape of formations of the rocks, but also climb on them and do some diving.
Official site: http://www.bluegrottomalta.com
19. Palace of the Grand Master
The Grand Master’s Palace is another place to read about in travel recommendations to the island nation. It once belonged to the Knights, then to the British, but now it is the residence of the president and parliament of the described country. Its visit is absolutely free for all comers, but only when not in government meetings. From the sight of the palace is estimated as ascetic, but inside everything looks very rich. The palace, which has stood for several centuries, was built in 1575. The developer of the construction plan was the local architect Girolamo Cassar; the interior was painted under the direction of Nicola Nazoni. The exterior of the large public building is made in the style of the 16th century. If you visit it, you will be fascinated. For example the famous Council Hall with its costly tapestries. At one time they were specially woven and brought from France. While vacationing at the resort, do not miss the opportunity to admire the exquisite frescoes, portraits of the rulers of the European state. If you wish, you can visit the Armory Museum. It is housed in the basement of the building, the collection is considered one of the largest in the world.
20. Hypogeum Hal-Saflieni
Hypogei Hal-Saflieni is a megalithic underground sanctuary on the island, namely in the town of Paola. Its peculiarity is that it consists of 34 rooms that are hollowed out in the thickness of limestone. The underground is deservedly considered a World Heritage Site since 1980. There is reason to believe that the hypogeum was a communal burial ground, and for many years. During their lives, the ancient inhabitants have made new and new corridors and grottoes. The dead were buried in them. Due to this, the area of the complex underground reached 480 sq.m. What has happened to this place now? After the reconstruction, the underground was equipped with a modern foyer, which implies a cafe, video room, partitions, metal stairs, lighting system. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take pictures in the hypogea, the reason is unclear.
In conclusion
Concluding the review, I would like to say that the described archipelago is the place on the planet Earth, which, if you have the opportunity, is really worth a visit. It is truly rich in places of interest, of which there are about 265 in total. Hotels in Malta also no problem, the room can be booked long before you fly to the island. For this purpose there are special sites such as https://www.booking.com/. They provide the most detailed and, most importantly, accurate information about the places where you can stay and comfortably spend an unforgettable vacation.
The cost usually depends on accommodation conditions, included services, and, of course, the selected resort. You can stay in Valletta, Mellieh, Shaara, St. Julians and not only. Anyway, you should plan your trip beforehand in order to spend your time in the most interesting, useful and comfortable way. Read also about the best sights of Monaco and get inspired for your next trip to Europe!
