Ian & Kristin
Things To Do
Mdina
The history of Mdina traces back more than 4000 years. According to tradition it was here that in 60 A.D. that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. Furthermore it is said that St. Paul resided inside the grotto know as Fuori le Mura (outside the city walls) now known as St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat. Lamp lit by night and referred to as “the silent city”, Mdina is fascinating to visit for its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and religious treasures. It is the ancient capital of Malta and sits of a scenic hill in the center of the island. It is famous for being encircled by dominating fortifications and as such it is not to be missed if you are something of a history buff. There are a huge range of activities to enjoy here such as strolling around the picturesque streets as well as ducking into the many museums. The town is also known for its cute cafes and eateries that are perfect for whiling away the hours.
National War Museum - Fort St Elmo
Malta’s history is riddled with stories of the Knights of St. John who were akin to something like a military group who fought in the days of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Fort St. Elmo is built in a star formation and looks out over Valletta’s harbor in order to protect it. This was the focal point of the Siege of Malta which happened in 1565 and was a bloody period in history when some 1,500 knights lost their lives. Guided tours will take you all around the fort and fill you in on the fascinating history of the fortification.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a quaint fishing village which is located in the south of Malta. The main reasons to come here include the throbbing market that takes place here every day as well as the harbor which has pretty bobbing fishing boats. These are an attraction in their own right in Malta and are known as luzzus and come in a range of different hues and styles. Make sure to check out the prows which are painted with glaring eyes which are said to help to guard against evil spirits. As you would expect from a fishing village, there is an abundance of seafood here so make sure to stop off for lunch or dinner.
Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien Temples have the claim to fame of being the largest temple complex in Malta and are also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated to the south of Valletta, there are four different temples here that date from 3,300-2,400 BC. The temples are dedicated to the goddess of fertility and you will find a wealth of treasures here including carved images of animals and a range of ornate altars.
Għar Dalam Cave
Malta’s oldest prehistoric site of Għar Dalam engages visitors to step back in time. Rows of ancient animal bones, unearthed from Għar Dalam cave, are exhibited in the Joseph Baldacchino’s Hall, which still retains one of a handful of Victorian style displays in Europe. No such animals have lived on the Maltese Islands for thousands of years. The George Zammit Maempel Hall presents in a more didactic manner the historical aspects of the cave as well as detailed displays on the various species found in the Maltese Quaternary deposits. Even more bones of the Ice Age animals are still visible inside the cave.
Three Cities
Across the Grand Harbor from Valletta are the so-called ‘Three Cities’ of Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa. In ancient times they would have made up one long wall of defense in Malta encircled by a fortification and construction would have started in the 16th century. Senglea and Cospicua are known for their scenic waterfront promenades and pretty marinas, but it is Vittoriosa that is the most impressive of the Three Cities. Some highlights here are the Church of St. Lawrence and the Malta at War Museum, as well as Fort St. Angelo which played a major role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
Popeye Village
Popeye Village has grown from its days as a Film Set of the 1980 Musical Production "Popeye" into a unique fun-filled day for all young at heart.You will be greeted by Popeye and his famous friends who will entertain you during the day by their diverse shows. Visitors can enjoy a once in a lifetime filming experience with the animation crew where you can become a movie star for a day. Other attractions include; Santa's toy town, boat ride (weather permitting), water trampolines, sun bathing decks, beach lido (summer only), food outlets, a winery offering a free glass of wine, a free post card given to all adults and a thrilling experience in the new 'Popeye the Comic Museum' enhanced with over 100 original comics dating back to 1936. Your children can also have fun in Malta's largest indoor jump around play area. Do not miss spending a fun-packed day at this Original and unique Film Set whilst on the Maltese Islands.
Valletta
Valletta (or Il-Belt), is the tiny capital of Malta, a beautiful walled city adorned in baroque architecture and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its spectacular Grand Harbour, John’s Co-Cathedral, and fantastic museums.This vibrant city is the perfect place to stroll down its iconic narrow streets, taking you back nearly 500 years of history to the time of the Knights of St. John. This was a Roman Catholic order responsible for the city’s construction following the notorious Great Siege of 1956.
Blue Lagoon
The breathtaking Blue Lagoon is perhaps the most iconic natural attraction in Malta, and one of those places that every traveler should see once in their lifetime. This clear water lagoon is situated on the western side of Comino, sheltered by limestone cliffs and the neighboring Cominotto islet. The turquoise water and sandy bottom make swimming in the Blue Lagoon one of the best things to do in Malta if you’re looking for the best place to swim and snorkel with many fish and healthy marine life.
Ġnejna Bay
While all the tourists know about Mellieħa Bay and Sliema, few make it out to the spectacular Ġnejna Bay.This is a local sandy beach situated beneath the historic Ta’ Lippija Tower. On the beach, you can rent a kayak, SUP, or jet ski quite cheaply from Ġnejna Watersports. We decided to rent a kayak and explore the surrounding bay and nearby cliffs. One of the top attractions we found was the Ta’ Marija Cave, a deep sea cave located just a short paddle around the southern headland past Pullicino’s Cove.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the primary draws for many travelers visiting the Maltese Islands.In fact, Malta is well regarded as one of the best scuba diving destinations in Europe. Dive sites include intricate networks of caves, reefs, and an abundance of shallow wrecks. The two most popular dives are the Blue Hole dive site on Gozo and the P31 Wreck off Comino. Both of these dives are quite shallow and accessible to even basic open water divers. Some other popular sites include: El Faroud Oil Tanker – best wreck dive, Malta Island MV Karwela – wreck famous for its staircase, Gozo Island Double Arch – popular cave dive, Gozo Island Santa Maria Caves – Comino Island Inland Sea – tunnel towards the open sea, Gozo Island Blenheim Bomber – underwater plane wreck on Malta Island
Blue Grotto
Malta’s Blue Grotto (Taht il-Hnejja) is one of the most beautiful natural caves in the country. Located on the majestic southern coastline, this cave has gained international attention for its sweeping limestone arch above radiant turquoise waters.Visitors can witness this cave for free from the adjacent viewpoint on the outskirts of the fishing harbor called Wied iż-Żurrieq.However, the best way to experience this remarkable cave is from the water on board a traditional and colorful luzzu fishing boat. These depart from the Wied iż-Żurrieq village and go all the way through the Blue Grotto cave, plus an additional six surrounding sea caves.
Crystal Lagoon
While everyone who visits Malta knows about the Blue Lagoon, few realize that there’s an equally beautiful clear water lagoon right around the bend - we always prefer the Crystal Lagoon versus the Blue Lagoon.Known as Crystal Lagoon, this picturesque sheltered cave is located just south of the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island. This is the perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, and exploring the many nearby sea caves. A unique feature of the Crystal Lagoon is the famous tunnel cave. This is a 30-meter-long natural tunnel carved into the nearby rock face. During calm weather conditions, this is a great place to swim through and admire the amazing blue glow.