Why Malta should be your next island getaway

Year-round sunshine, big-screen scenery, and a culture all of its own

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This small archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea delivers big on epic backdrops. If you’re looking for an island getaway that packs in tonnes of history, turquoise waters, and fabulous food, the Maltese Islands are calling. And with its year-round mild climate - featuring around 300 days of sunshine - any time’s a good time to explore the huge diversity of experiences on offer across these tiny islands.

Explore Malta

Toeristische attractie

The Blue Grotto

Natural wonder with crystal clear waters
A network of six caves with some of the clearest waters the Maltese Islands have to offer. Take a boat trip on a sunny day to see the beautiful refraction of colourful light.
A network of six caves with some of the clearest waters the Maltese Islands have to offer. Take a boat trip on a sunny day to see the beautiful refraction of colourful light.

Stad

Valletta

Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital
Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, this small but elegant city is steeped in history and home to magnificent architecture at every turn.
Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, this small but elegant city is steeped in history and home to magnificent architecture at every turn.

Tourist attraction

Grand Master's Palace

Stately halls with 450 years of history
Among the earliest monumental buildings constructed in Valletta, this grand edifice now serves as the office of the President of Malta, with 85% of the palace open to the public.
Among the earliest monumental buildings constructed in Valletta, this grand edifice now serves as the office of the President of Malta, with 85% of the palace open to the public.

Tourist attraction

The Grand Harbour

Valletta’s spectacular deep-water harbour
A vast, natural harbour, The Grand Harbour separates Valletta from the Three Cities. Hop on a dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, or take a scenic cruise.
A vast, natural harbour, The Grand Harbour separates Valletta from the Three Cities. Hop on a dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, or take a scenic cruise.

Tourist attraction

The Three Cities

Three historic cities across The Grand Harbour
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, also known as Birgu, Isla, and Bormla, lie on the southern side of The Grand Harbour, each with a fascinating history to discover.
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, also known as Birgu, Isla, and Bormla, lie on the southern side of The Grand Harbour, each with a fascinating history to discover.

Restaurant

ION Harbour By Simon Rogan

Malta's two-Michelin-star restaurant
Simon Rogan's first restaurant in the Mediterranean, ION offers spectacular views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and a farm-to-table fine dining experience.
Simon Rogan's first restaurant in the Mediterranean, ION offers spectacular views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and a farm-to-table fine dining experience.

Stad

Mdina

Malta’s ‘old’ capital
Narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Baroque and medieval architecture, and imposing fortified walls make Mdina a living museum, with origins dating back thousands of years.
Narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Baroque and medieval architecture, and imposing fortified walls make Mdina a living museum, with origins dating back thousands of years.

Toeristische attractie

Marsaxlokk Bay

Pretty fishing village
Marsaxlokk harbour is full of colourful boats and fabulous seafood restaurants. Stop by on a Sunday for the popular fish market.
Marsaxlokk harbour is full of colourful boats and fabulous seafood restaurants. Stop by on a Sunday for the popular fish market.

Winery

Meridiana Wine Estate

Idyllic winery with countryside views
Set in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, Meridiana produces internationally lauded wines made from grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.
Set in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, Meridiana produces internationally lauded wines made from grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.

Brewery

The Farsons Brewery Experience

The home of Cisk beer
Tour the brewery's historic hall, learn about traditional brewing methods, and sample a variety of freshly brewed beers at The Cisk Tap.
Tour the brewery's historic hall, learn about traditional brewing methods, and sample a variety of freshly brewed beers at The Cisk Tap.

Eiland

Gozo

Malta’s quieter sister island
Ferries from Malta make visiting Gozo easy - either for the day or on a longer stay, if you’re after a more relaxed pace of life.
Ferries from Malta make visiting Gozo easy - either for the day or on a longer stay, if you’re after a more relaxed pace of life.

Toeristische attractie

Blue Lagoon

Idyllic, protected waters off Comino
With sandy shores and turquoise waters, this is a blissful spot for swimming and snorkelling. Booking is essential as entry is controlled to protect this unique environment.
With sandy shores and turquoise waters, this is a blissful spot for swimming and snorkelling. Booking is essential as entry is controlled to protect this unique environment.

Toeristische attractie

Dingli Cliffs

Glorious coastal views 253 metres above sea level
Follow the cliff path for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the tiny uninhabited island of Filfla. The wider area also connects to scenic coastal routes towards the Blue

Toeristische attractie

The Blue Grotto

Natural wonder with crystal clear waters
A network of six caves with some of the clearest waters the Maltese Islands have to offer. Take a boat trip on a sunny day to see the beautiful refraction of colourful light.
A network of six caves with some of the clearest waters the Maltese Islands have to offer. Take a boat trip on a sunny day to see the beautiful refraction of colourful light.

Stad

Valletta

Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital
Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, this small but elegant city is steeped in history and home to magnificent architecture at every turn.
Built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century, this small but elegant city is steeped in history and home to magnificent architecture at every turn.

Tourist attraction

Grand Master's Palace

Stately halls with 450 years of history
Among the earliest monumental buildings constructed in Valletta, this grand edifice now serves as the office of the President of Malta, with 85% of the palace open to the public.
Among the earliest monumental buildings constructed in Valletta, this grand edifice now serves as the office of the President of Malta, with 85% of the palace open to the public.

Tourist attraction

The Grand Harbour

Valletta’s spectacular deep-water harbour
A vast, natural harbour, The Grand Harbour separates Valletta from the Three Cities. Hop on a dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, or take a scenic cruise.
A vast, natural harbour, The Grand Harbour separates Valletta from the Three Cities. Hop on a dgħajsa, a traditional Maltese water taxi, or take a scenic cruise.

Tourist attraction

The Three Cities

Three historic cities across The Grand Harbour
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, also known as Birgu, Isla, and Bormla, lie on the southern side of The Grand Harbour, each with a fascinating history to discover.
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, also known as Birgu, Isla, and Bormla, lie on the southern side of The Grand Harbour, each with a fascinating history to discover.

Restaurant

ION Harbour By Simon Rogan

Malta's two-Michelin-star restaurant
Simon Rogan's first restaurant in the Mediterranean, ION offers spectacular views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and a farm-to-table fine dining experience.
Simon Rogan's first restaurant in the Mediterranean, ION offers spectacular views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour and a farm-to-table fine dining experience.

Stad

Mdina

Malta’s ‘old’ capital
Narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Baroque and medieval architecture, and imposing fortified walls make Mdina a living museum, with origins dating back thousands of years.
Narrow cobbled streets, beautiful Baroque and medieval architecture, and imposing fortified walls make Mdina a living museum, with origins dating back thousands of years.

Toeristische attractie

Marsaxlokk Bay

Pretty fishing village
Marsaxlokk harbour is full of colourful boats and fabulous seafood restaurants. Stop by on a Sunday for the popular fish market.
Marsaxlokk harbour is full of colourful boats and fabulous seafood restaurants. Stop by on a Sunday for the popular fish market.

Winery

Meridiana Wine Estate

Idyllic winery with countryside views
Set in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, Meridiana produces internationally lauded wines made from grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.
Set in Ta’ Qali, Malta’s agricultural heartland, Meridiana produces internationally lauded wines made from grapes grown exclusively in Maltese soil.

Brewery

The Farsons Brewery Experience

The home of Cisk beer
Tour the brewery's historic hall, learn about traditional brewing methods, and sample a variety of freshly brewed beers at The Cisk Tap.
Tour the brewery's historic hall, learn about traditional brewing methods, and sample a variety of freshly brewed beers at The Cisk Tap.

Eiland

Gozo

Malta’s quieter sister island
Ferries from Malta make visiting Gozo easy - either for the day or on a longer stay, if you’re after a more relaxed pace of life.
Ferries from Malta make visiting Gozo easy - either for the day or on a longer stay, if you’re after a more relaxed pace of life.

Toeristische attractie

Blue Lagoon

Idyllic, protected waters off Comino
With sandy shores and turquoise waters, this is a blissful spot for swimming and snorkelling. Booking is essential as entry is controlled to protect this unique environment.
With sandy shores and turquoise waters, this is a blissful spot for swimming and snorkelling. Booking is essential as entry is controlled to protect this unique environment.

Toeristische attractie

Dingli Cliffs

Glorious coastal views 253 metres above sea level
Follow the cliff path for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the tiny uninhabited island of Filfla. The wider area also connects to scenic coastal routes towards the Blue

History and culture at every turn

Over 9,000 years of history have shaped Malta’s unique culture, and it’s everywhere. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the City of Valletta and the islands’ Megalithic Temples, to the lively village festas that still happen today, there’s oodles of culture to get stuck into. Explore ancient forts, baroque palaces, tiny churches, and lavish cathedrals, or soak up some Maltese culture on grand city streets and in the cobblestone lanes of its pretty villages.   

Don't miss

The Baroque architecture of UNESCO-listed Valletta and the jaw-droppingly ornate interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to a home to Caravaggio’s signed masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
A ferry from Valletta across the Grand Harbour to The Three Cities - Birgu, Bormla, Isla - to wander their historic streets.
The rich history of Birgu to be discovered at Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor's Palace, and the Malta Maritime Museum.
A visit to one of seven magnificent UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples dotted across the Maltese islands - including Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the main island, and Ġgantija on Gozo.
A visit to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a remarkable prehistoric underground burial complex carved into rock, and one of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The medieval tranquility, elegant architecture, and panoramic views of Mdina, a fortified hilltop town known as the ‘silent city.’
A roam around the fortified Cittadella in Rabat on the island of Gozo, with its gorgeous 360-degree views from the ramparts and a beautiful Baroque Cathedral.
Traditional salt harvesting at the Xwejni Salt Pans on Gozo, where Gozitan sea salt has been produced for centuries.
Toptip

Malta has its own ‘Great Wall’ - a 12km defensive fortification called the Victoria Lines that’s a great one-day hike from coast-to-coast.

Big screen backdrops

All the things that make Malta a fabulous island destination also make it a super spot for film crews. It’s compact but crammed with jaw-dropping geography and striking historic architecture, and it’s bathed in year-round Mediterranean sunshine. Bathed in year-round Mediterranean sunshine, Malta’s honey-hued landscapes, historic cities, and dramatic coastline have made the island a favourite filming location for major international productions. From fortresses and palazzos to old towns and rugged countryside, Malta’s ready-made, cinematic backdrops have featured in big productions like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Jurassic World: Dominion, to name a few.

Malta on screen

The site of epic ancient-world battle scenes from Troy, Gladiator, and Gladiator II, Fort Ricasoli is a huge 17th-century fort at the entrance to Valletta’s Grand Harbour.
The original King’s Landing from season 1 of Game of Thrones in Mdina, a timeless, car-free medieval city that still features horse-drawn carriages.
Walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs in St George’s Square, Valletta, the site of some action-packed chase scenes in Jurassic World Dominion.
Fort St Elmo in Valletta, which doubled for Jerusalem in World War Z, and 19th-century Marseilles in The Count of Monte Cristo.
The star-shaped Fort Manoel, set on Manoel Island at the center of the Grand Harbour, which featured as part of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones.
The beautiful Blue Lagoon off Comino, with its turquoise waters and island-paradise feel - the perfect backdrop for Guy Ritchie’s remake of Swept Away, starring Madonna.
The rugged coastline of Dwejra Bay on Gozo, another striking Game of Thrones backdrop.
Gozo’s Mġarr ix-Xini, Ramla Bay, and the Citadel, all of which featured in the BBC TV drama Byron, starring Jonny Lee Miller.
Toptip

Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta for glorious views of The Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, and Fort Ricasoli.

Ready to walk through Malta’s movie scenes?

Diverse and divine cuisine

Food and drink are at the heart of Maltese culture. Here you’ll find fresh, Mediterranean ingredients and culinary traditions that go back centuries. With Roman, British, Sicilian, and North African influences, and a heavy focus on local produce, eating in Malta is a joy. From casual harbourside cafes and wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants, you can enjoy fresh, local seafood, traditional pastries, Maltese-style antipasto platters, and sophisticated tasting menus. The island also boasts some fabulous wineries and a growing craft beer scene.

Don't miss

An exclusive wine tasting experience at Ta' Betta Wine Estates, with glorious countryside views from Mdina to Valletta.
The magical atmosphere of the Bridge Bar near Victoria Gate in Valletta, where during the summer months seating spills onto a pedestrian footbridge and ancient stone steps, accompanied by live Jazz on Friday evenings.
The pastries, cakes, and extravagant interior of Caffè Cordina, a Valletta institution and possibly the most famous café in Malta.
The tranquil atmosphere and stunning views from Gustav Café & Bistro, a hidden gem on the rooftop of the historic Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum in Mdina.
A terrace window table at ION, Simon Rogan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Valletta, overlooking the Grand Harbour.
The beautifully presented fresh seafood and steaks at Tmun in Mgarr, Gozo, a spot featured in the Michelin Guide for Malta since 2020.
Freshly baked Maltese pastizzi, traditional savoury pastries filled with ricotta or peas, available from pastizzerijas in every village.
Ħobż biż-Żejt, another popular local snack of Maltese bread topped with olive oil, tomato paste, capers, and tuna.
Toptip

Ask what’s in season - many of Malta’s local eateries champion a field-to-fork ethos, making the most of seasonal produce like tomatoes, peaches, and blood oranges.

Island tranquility

Malta’s scenery is spectacular, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and embrace the simple things in life - fresh air, local food, and good company. These small islands are home to dramatic coastlines, sheltered bays, rocky inlets, and charming villages that give visitors a taste of traditional Maltese life, like picture-postcard Marsaxlokk. Gozo is often called the ‘Island of Tranquility,’ and offers a slower pace of life, while sparsely populated, car-free Comino is perfect for hikers. Home to the famous Blue Lagoon, it’s a swimmer’s paradise, too.

Don't miss

A quiet afternoon at Ramla Bay on Gozo, a red-sand beach backed by protected sand dunes. Head to Tal-Mixta Cave for fabulous views over the bay.
A refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of St. Peter's Pool, a natural rock pool on the mainland.
A descent down the long flight of steps to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, a beautiful, secluded red-sand beach with sparklingly clear water.
A peaceful hike around the gentle hills of car-free Comino, a sparsely populated island with hidden coves and coastal fortifications.
A stroll on the dramatic Dingli Cliffs path, the highest point in Malta, with panoramic Mediterranean views and glorious sunsets.
Snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered bay on the tranquil island of Comino.
The sheltered inlet of Mġarr ix-Xini, or the rustic charm of the tiny of Daħlet Qorrot Beach, both on Gozo.
The dramatic scenery and coastal trails around Gozo’s Dwejra Bay and Fungus Rock.
Toptip

For tranquility and untouched scenery, stay on Gozo - there are plenty of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to rustic farmhouses.

FAQs

With around 300 days of sunshine annually, Malta is a year-round destination. The best time to visit for sightseeing is in the shoulder seasons - spring and autumn - but there’s plenty to enjoy in the winter, too, especially if you enjoy hiking.

For a trip in the spring or autumn, pack light layers, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, and a waterproof jacket just in case.

Pick up some pretty Maltese lace or intricate filigree jewellery, handblown glass from Mdina, and colourful, handpainted ceramics.

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