The best of Malta

Where is it: Malta’s compact capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on a peninsula between two natural harbours on the island’s northeast coast.

Special highlights: Take a stroll in the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a public garden offering the best panoramic views of the sweeping Grand Harbour, and listen out for the daily cannon firings of the Saluting Battery below. The Grandmaster’s Palace and Armoury is the former residence of the Knights of St John (the Catholic military order which ruled the island between 1530 and 1798) and features imposing state rooms and a vast collection of weapons. Look out too for Valetta’s honey-hued baroque architecture, and the distinctive enclosed wooden balconies (or gallariji), often painted in vibrant colours, spotted on many of the historic buildings.

Best time to visit: From April to June, and September to October, you’ll find warm weather without the peak season crowds.

Need to know: Valletta is small and walkable, but steep in places, so comfortable shoes are essential.

Where is it: Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village in southeast Malta with a waterfront full of traditional and colourful luzzu boats, fresh seafood stalls and local produce.

Special highlights: The seafront transforms into a bustling maze of stalls, with vendors selling everything from gleaming fish and shellfish to sun-ripened fruit, capers, olives, and local honey. The highlight is definitely the seafood – watch fishermen unload their morning catch before sampling it grilled at one of the nearby seaside restaurants. But there’s plenty beyond the fish; look out for lacework, handmade crafts, and sweet local treats like cannoli and almond biscuits.

Best time to visit: The market is open daily, but Sundays are when it really comes alive.

Need to know: Combine the experience with a coastal walk. The village is also within handy driving distance of the Dingli cliffs – the tallest point on the island, they’re covered with a carpet of flowers in spring and summer.

Where is it: ION Harbour is a two Michelin-starred restaurant on the fourth-floor rooftop of the Iniala Harbour House hotel, offering panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

Special highlights: The cuisine uses seasonal and local Maltese ingredients to create a six-course tasting lunch menu, and a 13-course tasting menu for dinner. The menus change regularly, but you might find anything from guinea hen stuffed with mushrooms from Mġarr to truffle pudding glazed in carob molasses, raw aged Limousine beef from Rabat with wild caper jam, oyster and daikon, and cocoa nib tartlet with Bambinella pear and caramelized miso cream.

Best time to visit: Evenings offer the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunset.

Need to know: Book well in advance as this is one of Malta’s most sought-after tables.

Where is it: This is held across Valletta and locations around the Grand Harbour.

Special highlights: One of the island’s most-anticipated spring events, every year teams from Malta and abroad launch elaborate fireworks displays over historic fortifications and other locations throughout the city. The fireworks are harmoniously synchronised to music, while the sky bursts with colour, combining to create an impressive and unforgettable experience. Malta’s history with fireworks dates back to the Order of the Knights of St John who used pyrotechnics to celebrate special feasts.

Best time to visit: The festival is typically held in April, although dates vary annually.

Need to know: Arrive early for prime waterfront viewing spots.

Where is it: This striking cathedral is located in the heart of Valletta, on St John Street (just off Republic Street).
Special highlights: A world-class baroque gem known for its lavish, gilded interior, the cathedral also stands out for the Mattia Preti-painted barrel-vaulted ceiling and remarkable marble tombstones covering the floor. Key highlights include masterpieces by the revolutionary Italian painter Caravaggio – notably The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist – and nine richly-decorated chapels.

Best time to visit: Get there in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Need to know: Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered, and avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops and short shorts or skirts.

Where is it: This underground prehistoric burial complex is located in the town of Paola, on the aptly-named Burial Street (Triq iċ-Ċimiterju).

Special highlights: A vast necropolis, which once held more than 7,000 bodies, it features detailed stone-carved architecture mimicking above-ground temples. Look out for the Oracle Room – it has exceptional acoustics, where low-pitched voices reverberate, and was possibly used for rituals. The ceiling of the main chamber features a series of red ochre paintings – the only known prehistoric paintings in Malta – which are decorated with spiral and honeycomb patterns.

Best time to visit: It’s open year-round and is an indoor attraction, so there are no restrictions due to the weather.

Need to know: Advance booking is essential, as visitor numbers are strictly limited.

Where is it: Part of the Maltese archipelago, Comino is positioned directly between Malta and Gozo.

Special highlights: For centuries, this little-known gem – largely an undeveloped wildlife sanctuary – served as a refuge for pirates, and later became a strategic base for the Knights of St John. The Santa Marija Fort, perched on the island’s clifftop, played a vital role in communication, linking Gozo’s Citadella to Malta’s ancient city of Mdina through fire signals. It boasts crystal-clear waters – perfect for snorkelling and diving – as well as dramatic cliffs and peaceful hiking trails. There are also several coastal caves to explore, including Popeye Cave and the Monte Cristo cave (which made an appearance in the 2002 Guy Pearce film, The Count of Monte Cristo).

Best time to visit: Come in May, June or September for quieter conditions.

Need to know: The island is practically car-free and has few facilities, so bring water and essentials.

Where is it: These tunnels run under the centre of Valletta.

Special highlights: Valletta’s underground tunnels were a lifeline. They have been used for the movement of troops and for grain storage, and were also essential for water and drainage. During WWII, 17,000 tons of bombs were dropped over Malta so the city’s population moved into the tunnels for safety. Shelters were created, as well as basic sanitation, to save citizens from almost certain death.

Best time to visit: Year-round.

Need to know: Comfortable, and closed, shoes must be worn – those in high heels, sandals or flip flops will not be admitted.

Where is it: The Blue Lagoon is a stunning turquoise bay on the west side of Comino island.

Special highlights: Known for its breathtaking translucent, azure water, this is a top snorkelling spot. You’ll see white sandy seabeds, jagged limestone rocks, and plenty of Mediterranean marine life, from damselfish to wrasse, mullet, moray eels and octopus.

Best time to visit: The warmest sea temperatures occur between June and September.

Need to know: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid day-trip crowds.

Where is it: Malta’s largest sandy beach, ideal for families due to its shallow, calm water and extensive amenities, is located in the north of the island, close to the ferry terminal for Gozo and Comino.

Special highlights: The shallow waters extend out to around 50m, making it exceptionally safe for children and less experienced swimmers. It’s also a hub for activities from kayaking to windsurfing and waterskiing, and even banana boat rides. There are several restaurants, cafes and kiosks nearby for easy access to snacks and more.

Best time to visit: May to June, and the month of September offer warm seas and fewer crowds.

Need to know: It gets very busy in July and August, so aim to arrive early to ensure the best spots on the sand.

By cruise

Charms of Croatia and the Mediterranean

Istabul and the Eastern Mediterranean

On a tour:

Historic Gems of Malta

On a special interest holiday:

Food and Wine in Malta

In a hotel:

Ax Odycy