10 Best places to visit in Malta you should know
Best places to visit in Malta are a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making this Mediterranean gem an enchanting destination for travelers. Like a jewel chest brimming with delights, Malta spills open its treasures. Wander through timeworn fortresses, trace your fingers along dramatic cliffs, and bask in the sunshine of endless smiles. With every step, this enchanting island invites you to unravel its captivating stories.
Top 1 best places to visit in Malta: Mdina
The people of Malta founded Mdina, a fortified city, in the 11th century. It served as the country's capital until the 16th century, and it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. Prague's ornate spires pierce the sky, its cobblestone alleys weave through hidden courtyards, and panoramic vistas from Charles Bridge leave you breathless.
What to see
There are many reasons to visit Mdina, but some of the most popular attractions include the Mdina Cathedral, the Palazzo Vilhena, and the Bastion Gardens. Standing proud in the heart of Mdina, the Mdina Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Baroque architecture, was built in the 12th century. Today, it reigns as one of Malta's most cherished historical landmarks.
In Mdina, the golden city perched atop a hill, stands one such testament to their grandeur – the Palazzo Vilhena. The Bastion Gardens are located on top of the city walls, and they offer stunning views of Malta's countryside.
Top 1 best places to visit in Malta: Mdina
Top 2 best places to visit in Malta: The Citadel
The Citadel is a fortress located on the highest point of Malta. It was built in the 16th century to defend the city of Valletta from attack. The Citadel was also used as a prison during the 18th and 19th centuries.
What to see
The Citadel offers stunning views of Valletta, the harbor, and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the ramparts, tunnels, and dungeons of the fortress.
Top 2 best places to visit in Malta: The Citadel
Top 3 best place to visit in Malta: The Three Cities
The Three Cities are a group of three fortified cities on the south side of the Grand Harbour in Malta. In the 16th century, fear of attack birthed the imposing Citadel, a bastion of defense towering over Valletta. Centuries later, its grim purpose shifted, transforming its halls from battlements to prison cells, holding captive the whispers of forgotten souls. The Three Cities are Cospicua, Birgu and Senglea.
What to see
Journey through eras in the Three Cities! Birgu's 16th-century bulwarks whisper tales of ancient battles, while Cospicua, with its 17th-century defenses, stands proudly as a guardian of time. And in Senglea, immerse yourself in the 18th-century legacy of fortification, marveling at its intricate walls.
Top 3 best place to visit in Malta: The Three Cities
Top 4 best place to visit in Malta: Valletta
Valletta is a city located in the central-eastern part of Malta. Emerging from the sands of time in the 16th century, Valletta owes its very existence to the valiant Order of St. John. Named after their Grand Master, Jean de la Vallette, this fortified city stands as a monument to their noble mission and unwavering spirit.
Valletta served as a base for the Order's naval operations, and as a result, the city was heavily fortified. The year was 1798. Bonaparte's conquest ripped through Malta, displacing the Order of St. John and leaving Valletta adrift. Deprived of its lifeblood, the once-proud city watched its vibrancy ebb away, surrendering to a creeping melancholy.
However, the city was revived in the 19th century and became an important center of commerce and trade. Today, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malta.
What to see
There are many things to see and do in Valletta. Some of the most popular attractions include:
The Grandmaster's Palace: This palace was built in the 16th century and served as the residence of the Grand Master. Today, it houses the Maltese parliament and is open to visitors year-round.
St. John's Co-Cathedral: This cathedral was built in 1577 and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Malta. It is also home to Caravaggio's painting "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist."
Fort Riggs, a formidable fortification, rose to protect Valletta from the threat of invasion. Today, it serves as a museum and is open to visitors year-round.
Step into a grand former palace, now transformed into the National Museum of Fine Arts, where Maltese and foreign masterpieces weave a captivating tapestry of creativity. Immerse yourself in the island's artistic soul and explore global dialogues through permanent collections and ever-evolving temporary exhibitions.
The Manoel Theatre, built in 1731, is one of the oldest working theatres in Europe. It hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including opera, ballet, and drama.
Top 5 best places to visit in Malta: Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village located in the southeast of Malta. The name Marsaxlokk comes from the Maltese word for 'east', which is 'xlokk'. The village is known for its Sunday market, where you can find fresh fish and seafood.
What to see
The Sunday Market is the main attraction in Marsaxlokk. The market sells fresh fish, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. You can also find souvenirs and Maltese crafts at the market.
Top 6 best places to visit in Malta: Gozo
The island of Gozo is one of the three inhabited islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. It is located in the Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Malta. The island has a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. Gozo was an important maritime center during the Phoenician and Roman periods. In more recent history, the island was ruled from 1530 to 1798. Since then, it has been part of Malta as a British colony and then an independent country.
What to see
There are many things to see and do on the island of Gozo. Some of the most popular attractions include the Citadel; the Ggantija Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Azure Window, a natural rock formation that has become an iconic symbol of Malta. Other popular activities on Gozo include hiking, diving, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters off its coast.
Birgu
Birgu is one of the oldest towns in Malta, with a history dating back to medieval times. Its streets still echo with the whispers of power, laid bare by the footsteps of nobility and the clanging of swords. During the 16th century, the Knights of St. John called Birgu home, their formidable presence cemented by the grandiose palace they erected - a legacy that lives on through the imposing walls of the Inquisitor's Palace.
What to see
There are many historical sites and monuments in Birgu worth seeing, such as the Inquisitor's Palace, St. Lawrence Church, Fort St. Angelo, and Vittoriosa Waterfront. Birgu is also home to several museums, including the National Maritime Museum and the Malta at War Museum.
Mdina Gate
Mdina Gate is a city gate in Mdina, Malta. Built in the 15th century, it embodies the city's unwavering spirit, its imposing stone arch echoing with the footsteps of countless eras. Yet, its name whispers another story - Porta Santa Anna, a tribute to the chapel dedicated to Saint Anne that once graced its crown, before succumbing to time's embrace in 1854.
What to see
The Mdina Gate is an impressive sight and well worth a visit. Climb the ancient steps, each one a silent guardian leading you towards a breathtaking revelation. And then, standing bathed in sunlight at the summit, the city explodes into view, a tapestry of rooftops, bustling streets, and distant hills, unfolding like a dream before your eyes. There are also a number of interesting shops and cafes located nearby, making it a great place to spend an afternoon exploring.
The Red Tower
The Red Tower is a 16th-century fortification located in the town of St. Julian's, on the east coast of Malta. Built to be a watchful guardian of the coast, this tower also doubled as a beacon of light, guiding ships through treacherous waters. Its walls, once slicked with a protective coat of red ochre, still whisper tales of its dual service as lighthouse and military prison.
What to see
The Red Tower is one of the most well-preserved examples of Maltese military architecture, and it offers stunning views of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta. Visitors can also learn about the tower's history at the small museum that is located inside.
The Red Tower
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a natural sea cave on the coast of Malta. It is said to have been created by the same geological processes that formed the nearby Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. The cave was first described in detail by a Maltese naturalist, Alfredrumma, in his 1867 book "The Natural History of Malta".
What to see
Dive into a realm of sapphire shimmer! The Blue Grotto's heart beats with an ethereal glow, as sunlight, filtering through a hidden underwater portal, paints its waters in a breathtaking tapestry of cerulean hues. Visitors can take boat tours of the cave, and there are also opportunities for swimming and diving.
The Blue Grotto
When planning your trip to the mesmerizing Blue Grotto on the island of Capri, Italy, consider the convenience of bus rental Europe to optimize your journey. The Blue Grotto, known for its enchanting azure waters and mystical atmosphere, is a must-see attraction for any traveler. To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and long lines.
Malta is a beautiful country with plenty of things to see and do. If you're looking for the best places to visit in Malta, be sure to check out those destinations. Each one has its own unique history and attractions that are definitely worth seeing.
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