Malta is a destination that combines beautiful attractions, activities, night life and great food. The ideal time to stay on the island would be 4-5 days, but if you wish to stay longer it will not disappoint you. Apart from the main monuments and attractions in Malta, you will find impressive temples, towers, gardens and trails that will fill your time pleasantly. Visit the temples of the giants Ggantija & Ħaġar Qim, admire the Mosta Dome and dive into the Coral Lagoon. Also, walk along the Victoria Lines, relax at the Chinese Gardens and enjoy the sunset with the Popeye Village and the new azure window Ras il- Hamrija at the background.
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Ggantija & Hagar Qim Temples
How would you like a walk to two monuments older than the Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge?! The temples of Ggantija & Ħaġar Qim are two of the 10 most ancient monuments in the world, as they are over 5,700 years old! The gigantic stones inspire surprise, awe and leave the visitor with a big question-mark, as to how they were carried. As for the ticket cost, it plays second fiddle when you are looking at the temples of the giants…Do not miss them.
Important: The twin temples of Ggantija are on the Gozo island and are 100 years older than Ħaġar Qim.
Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Every day 09:00-17:00 (Summer 19:00). Closed: December 24th, 25th & 31st, January 1st & Good Friday.
Cost: Ggantija: Adults 9€-Children 5€ – Ħaġar Qim: Adults 10€-Children 5.5€.
The know-it-all says: The largest stone is in Ħaġar Qim and is over 6 meters tall!
Three Cities
On the other side of the Grand Harbour, across from Valletta, there is an area known as the Three Cities. Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua have no reason to be envious of the capital. The picturesque neighborhoods, large fortresses, traditional houses and, of course, the quiet entice you to meet them. Jump on a traditional gondola and reach Vittoriosa. Next, visit the fortress of St. Angelo, wander around the streets of Cospicua and, finally, enjoy the view from the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea.
Suggested visit time: 3-4 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: The three cities were built before Valletta!
Popeye Village
Would you like to meet Popeye and his gang? It is time for a walk to the Popeye Village! The reason for the village’s construction was the filming of the movie “Popeye” in 1980 and today it is being utilized as a tourist attraction. It may not be as capitalized on as it could be, but it offers a tour of the locations, sketches, informative films, games in the sea, a boat ride and many more (depending on the season). However, if you are not fans of cartoons, visit the village during the sunset, to enjoy the cinematic scenery.
Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: November-March: 09:00-16:30 / April-June, September & October: 09:30-17:30 / July & August 09:30-19:00.
Cost: Winter: Adults 11€, Children 9€ – Summer: Adults 15€, Children 12€.
The know-it-all says: Hundreds of tree trunks, 8 tons of nails and 8,000 liters of paint were used for its construction!
Saint Agatha’s Tower (Red Tower)
Saint Agatha’s Tower is an old defense station, which was turned into an excellent watchtower. It is on the top of the area of Marfa Ridge, on the north side of the island, and makes for a good choice for walking in the “wild” side of Malta. The characteristics that make it stand out are its red color and excellent view of the islands of Comino and Gozo, while with a clear atmosphere the eye can reach as far as Rabat. Inside, impressive features are its 4m. tall walls and narrow passages.
Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Every day 10:00-16:00
Cost: Adults 2€, Children Free
The know-it-all says: It was equipped with enough food and ammunition to withstand a siege of up to 40 days!
Coral Lagoon
The coasts of Malta are filled with natural caves, sometimes visible and other times hidden, with most of them offering access only via water. The Coral Lagoon, however, is the most special of all, as both the crystal-clear waters and its form impress from the very first moment. You can reach it via canoe, jet ski, boat, while the bravest ones can jump right in by taking a dive from a height of 15 meters! Furthermore, it is suitable for underwater exploration, while it offers a beautiful view of Comino island.
Caution: Do not visit it if there are strong winds.
Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: : The cave is known to locals as “L-Ahrax Tal-Mellieha”, which translates to “the rough rock of Mellieha! (due to the volcanic soil)
Mosta Dome
Beautiful, imposing and built according to the standards of Rome’s Pantheon, the Mosta Dome temple is worth some of your time. It is located in the village of Mosta and has the third largest dome in the world. The temple is tied to a miracle, as the 200-kilogram bomb that was thrown in during WWII never exploded! It is worth mentioning that its huge dome can be seen from nearly all of Malta.
Suggested visit time: 20-40 minutes
Open: Monday-Saturday 09:00-11:45 & 15:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-16:00
Cost: General entrance 2€
The know-it-all says: It has the most interesting history among the 400 churches that exist in Malta!
Three villages of Malta
A bit outside Mdina you will find the three villages of Malta. The tiny villages of Attard, Balzan and Lija are located on the center of the island, right next to one another and they are –almost- identical in size and population. Narrow streets, beautiful churches, classic baroque architecture, endless gardens and the country’s richest villas compose a unique scenery. Villa Bologna, the tower of Lija Belvedere, the palace and gardens of the President of the Republic (San Anton Palace), as well as the cafés in the squares will fill up your time. Do not miss out on visiting the area of Ta’ Qali to see in real life the art of glassblowing.
Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: The orange trees of Villa Bologna supplied the Buckingham Palace for decades!
Grandmaster’s Palace
Next to the Co-Cathedral of St. John, in the center of Valletta, stands the Grandmaster’s Palace. The palace, nowadays, operates as a museum, while it houses the residence of the president of Malta and the parliament. The throne hall, the rooms, murals as well as the vast collection of Knights’ armors and weapons, daily attract thousands of visitors. Watch the impressive change of guard that takes place in front of the palace in the square of St. George, every last Friday of the month.
Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Monday-Friday 10:00-16:30, Saturday & Sunday 09:00-16:30 (last entrance at 16:00). Closed: December 24th, 25th & 31st, January 1st & Good Friday.
Cost: Adults 10€, Students, Persons 12-17 and over 60 years old 7€, Children 6-11 years old 5€, Children 1-5 years old Free.
The know-it-all says: The collection of armors consists of 5,000 exhibits!
Victoria Lines
The Victoria Lines are Malta’s most beautiful path and they connect the east with the west side of the island. With a total length of 12km, they start east at Madilena Heights and end west at Kuncizzjoni. The former defense walls have been turned into a pleasant walkway with smells, flowers and colors following one another, mainly during spring and autumn. Ideal for walking are the parts of the walls that have survived, as most have fallen apart.
Note: The best route starts HERE, while to see all paths click HERE.
Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: They were built by the British and were completed on the Diamond anniversary of Queen Victoria (1897), hence their name!
Chinese Gardens
Exploring Malta, one waits to see attractions and features of many civilizations, but certainly cannot imagine that they might find themselves in Chinese gardens. And yet, for a few years now in the area of Santa Lucija, next to the airport, a small oasis has been constructed, which takes the visitor on a journey to the East. The Chinese Gardens offer moments of relaxation and meditation, accompanied by Chinese music. Do not hesitate to visit them and get immersed in their culture, if only for a little while.
Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Every day 08:00-18:00
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: All the elements in the gardens symbolize life, from birth to death!
Sunset in Malta
One more reason to visit Malta, apart from the historical monuments and picturesque villages, is the Maltese sunset. The moment the sun starts to say goodbye to the sky, the colors in combination with the landscape create the ideal scenery for photographs and romanticism. There are a lot of locations where you can see the sunset in Malta, with the most well-known being the Azure Window in Gozo. If you want to combine it with a dive, prefer the Golden Bay, Ramla Bay or Blue Lagoon. For a breath-taking view we recommend the Blue Grotto, the Dingli Cliffs, Popeye Village, Calypso Cave and the New Azure Window (Ras il- Hamrija). Finally, if you want to enjoy it with some food or drinks, opt for Mdina, Valletta or Marsaxlokk.
The know-it-all says: All the elements in the gardens symbolize life, from birth to death!
Jesus Tree
Leaving Mdina towards the village of Zebbug, make a stop to see the Jesus Tree. A tree on which the figure of crucified Jesus is “carved”. The legend says that many years ago the tree was hit by lightning and its torn bark transformed into this image…! Either you are a believer or not, take a quick look while passing by. The Jesus Tree is located HERE.
Suggested visit time: 10 minutes
Open: Always
Cost: Free
The know-it-all says: In 2008, strong winds torn out part of it, which was reattached!
Travelen.eu is regularly updated on ticket costs and operating hours, but you should always visit your choice of destination’s official site for confirmation.