Malta packs glorious variety into its small archipelago. You’ll find prehistoric temples, fossil-studded cliffs, hidden coves, thrilling scuba diving and a history of remarkable intensity.

With over 7,000 years of history, Malta is the ultimate holiday destination for any history lover. It is home to some of the oldest free-standing temples in the World, the Islands have also played host to the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British Empire. A jaunt to its phenomenal fortifications and an open-mouthed-gape at its truly awe-inspiring architecture is a must.

No trip to Malta is complete without going on a journey through time, from prehistoric times to the modern day.

Culture

With so many rich and colourful traditions which have withstood the test of time, the amount of pride the Maltese have for their culture is highly understandable. With elaborate fireworks displays, rowdy village festas, and outstanding hospitality, not to mention the mind-blowingly delicious food, the sheer magnetism of Maltese culture is apparent everywhere you go, making it almost impossible not to be drawn in.

Activities & Sports

Having very mild Winters and a fantastically favourable climate, there are countless outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Whether it’s a ramble through the lush countryside, a dive into the crystal clear sea, or a bit of outdoor yoga on one of the many splendid beaches, Malta has activities to please every type of enthusiast.

With numerous sporting venues, countless beaches, cliffs, and countryside all around you, there’s really nothing stopping you from getting out and get moving!

Mountain biking, kayaking and clifftop hiking are all opportunities for active visitors, while Gozo’s food and wine scene focuses strongly on fresh local produce and briny-fresh seafood. While Malta can sometimes feel busy and crowded, sleepy and laid-back Gozo offers the perfect opportunity to breathe out and relax.

 Best things to do in Malta

1. Valletta (Capital)

Walk around this lovely city and look at the beautiful architecture, historical museums and amazing views over the sea and neighbouring cities.

The best places to visit in Valletta include:

• The Saint John’s Co-Cathedral might not look very interesting from the outside but wait until you see what’s inside! It’s full of gold and magnificent paintings from Caravaggio. Below the marbled floor lay the tombs of the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta and other nobles. Close to 400 of them are buried there, it’s a must-see for history lovers in Malta!
• The Grandmaster’s Palace, officially known as The Palace, is a palace in Valletta, Malta. It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries as the palace of the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798
• Republic Street and Merchant Street are the main commercial streets in Valletta, with numerous stores and restaurants.
• The Manoel Theatre, is one of the oldest in Europe.
• The Fort Saint Elmo, also houses the National War Museum.
• At the National Museum of Fine Arts, you will find a collection of objects, sculptures and paintings which belonged to the Order of Malta.

2. The Three Cities

From Valletta, you can easily reach the Three Cities. Go to Upper Barrakka Garden and take the panoramic elevator (Barrakka Lift) to go downstairs. Then, cross the street and continue to the left to reach the boat departure point.

Tickets are sold inside the boat and it’s a 10min trip.

It will drop you off in the city of Birgu, the biggest of the 3 cities (the 2 others are Senglea and Cospicua). They all have their unique features, but they do have one thing in common; the views over Valletta. The best way to explore the 3 cities is just to wander around on foot!

• Birgu points of interest include Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Malta Maritime Museum
• In Senglea, go to the Safe Haven Gardens at the edge of the city; it has one of the best views over Valletta.

3. Mdina

Mdina is the former capital of Malta. During the Middle Ages (before the Order of Malta), the government and other administrations were located there.

It was called “Citta Notabile”, the noble city. When the Order arrived, knights decided that they needed to be close to their ships and Valletta became the new capital.

Also called “the Silent City”, Mdina is a fortified city loved by tourists for its charm and quiet streets. The city is home to many historical monuments:

• Paul’s Cathedral (the oldest cathedral in Malta) and its museum
• The 18th-century Vilhena Palace
• Other palaces on Villegaignon Street, such as the Palazzo Falson.

4. Rabat

Rabat is another place to visit during your holidays in Malta. It’s located right next to Mdina: once you exit the fortified city you are already in Rabat!

The best things to see in Rabat:

• Paul’s Church and Grotto, where Paul the Apostle sought refuge after their boat sank on the island
• Paul’sCatacombs, the city’s necropolis for 500 years
• Agatha’s Catacombs, where Saint Agatha hid during her exile from Sicily
• Domvs Romana, a Roman-era house turned into a museum.

5. Sliema and St Julian’s

Sliema and St Julian’s are the main touristic cities in Malta.

You’ll find there plenty of hotels, restaurants, clubs, casinos and shopping malls. They are perfect destinations if you like busy cities and to party. If you enjoy quiet places, however, that might not be the best places for you to go.

In Sliema, you can enjoy a good meal in the numerous seafront restaurants offering unique views over Valletta.

There is also a nice promenade going from St Julian’s to Sliema and even Valletta along the sea. It’s probably the most crowded area of the island, especially during summer nights.

 6. Gozo

Gozo is the second largest island in Malta. It’s more rural and quieter with wonderful landscapes and nice beaches and coves. There are really many things to do in Gozo.

To get there, take the Gozo Channel Line ferry, from Cirkewwa on Malta island. The trip lasts about 20min and you can board with a vehicle.

On the ferry, you can find a cafeteria and a convenience store selling food, magazines and souvenirs.

Once you arrive in Gozo, these are the best places to visit:

• Victoria, also called Rabat by the locals, is the main city in Gozo. It’s a great place for shopping and food, but the main attraction is for sure the Cittadella, the fortified part of the city. Located on a hill, it’s home to the Cathedral, the old prison, archaeological sites and of course, amazing views over Gozo from the ramparts.
• Djewra region in the North-West, famous for the Azur Window (unfortunately it collapsed in 2017), Fungus Rock, the Inland Sea and the Deep Blue Hole
• Marsalforn is a popular beach town during summertime, the main attraction being the 3km long salt pans on the edge of the city.
• Ta’Pinu shrine is a dazzling church. Built on a small hill, you can see it from far away.
• Ta’Cenc cliffs,130m high, offer a lovely scenic view. If you have a drone, this is the place to use it!
• Ggantija temples, are among the most impressive and best-preserved temples on the island
• Ramla Bay Beach, is the biggest sand beach in Gozo. A perfect beach for families with plenty of space for kids to play.

To book your holiday to Malta view offers on our website, or come and see us in Braintree or Chelmsford. 

 

Example offer, available to book on our website, or in branch:

In a prime location in the charming resort of Qawra, just opposite the beach, the Sunny Coast resort & Spa (3-star) offers a welcoming base for your Maltese getaway. The hotel boasts spectacular costal views, a great range of facilities for all the family including water sports nearby to relaxing in the well-equipped health centre with indoor pool. The bright and spacious apartments have all the amenities for a comfortable stay. From the waterfront location, the hotel is within walking distance to all the main activities and if you don’t fancy cooking there’s some great restaurants close by.

100m from the rocky beach. 50m from the nearest shops, restaurants and bars. 800m from the Qawra resort centre. 1km from Malta National Aquarium. 1.2km from Bugibba Water Park.
A la carte Restaurant. Lounge bar.
Squash*. Gym*. Spa with sauna, steam room, whirlpool and massage treatments. Occasional evening entertainment. Free Wi-Fi in the lobby.
Outdoor pool. Indoor pool.

*Local charges apply. We endeavour to show you images of the actual room described however, this may not always be possible; actual view and/or room size or layout may vary e.g. you may not see an image of a sea view or garden view in the image but you will have the option of booking your preferred view when selecting your preferences.

London Stansted To Luga Return: 2 Adults, 1 Room
31 Aug 2023 – 07 Sep 2023
22Kg Allowance/Resort Transfers = £868 per person