Imagine a small island with amazing landscapes, hidden in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, where history and culture pulse with every step. A place where warm people and authentic flavors will welcome you. A place that is not just a vacation destination, but an adventure that takes you back in time, but at the same time takes you to a world full of new discoveries and pleasures...

From the moment you step on Malta, you will feel that you have arrived in a world where the past and the present are intertwined. You will fall in love with the narrow streets of the old towns, the colors of the fishing boats at the ports, but also the smell of the freshly baked and widely known, traditional Maltese bread.

This island is a place where every stone tells its own story and is considered an island that surprises at every turn, so without a doubt it is a destination that you should visit at least once in your life. The Malta Survey means diving into the world of ancient temples, authentic baroque architecture, crystal clear beaches, diverse local markets and experiences worth telling.

Here, the rich and complex history begins thousands of years ago, and this island was ruled by the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Knights of St. John, the French and the British. The hallmarks of this unique mix of culture and architecture make Malta one of the few destinations where many of the historic sites are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are our recommendations, how to organize a perfect holiday in Malta, with recommendations for locations and all other necessary information for traveling to this location.

First day: Valletta and the Three Cities

A great start to your trip would be the capital, Jacks, the smallest capital city in Europe and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1980 for its history, architecture and significance as one of the first planned cities. There are over 320 monuments and it is considered one of the most concentrated historical areas in the world, which makes the capital a true city-museum.

We suggest a buffet breakfast on one of Valletta's balconies for a great start to the day. Afterwards, you can head to the Upper and Lower Barracks, gardens located on high walls that offer incredible views to remember over the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. Upper Barrakka Garden is famous for its cannons, which fire every day at 12 noon.

You can continue the walk towards the main street Republika, full of historical buildings, museums, churches, palaces, but also an excellent gastronomic offer.

Don't miss to visit one of the most important examples of Baroque art and architecture in Europe, St. John's Cathedral, which houses the only painting by the famous artist Caravaggio that he ever signed, "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist."

In Valletta there is also the Manoel Theater which is considered one of the oldest in the world, built in 1731 by the great master Manuel de Villena.

After exploring Valletta, head to the Grand Port, where you'll board a traditional boat to the Three Cities. The journey takes less than 5 minutes, during which you will enjoy some of the most picturesque landscapes on the island.

The three cities – Senglea, Cospicua и Vittoriosa (Burgu) are considered one of the oldest and most historic settlements in Malta, located on the opposite side of the Grand Harbor from Valletta. The three cities played a key role in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, when the Knights and Maltese successfully defended the island from the Ottomans. Vittoriosa (meaning "victorious") was named after the successful defense. The three cities are known for their architecture, local markets, small street cafes and unique festivals, for a truly authentic Maltese experience. Don't miss the Guardiola Garden in Senglea and the SanAngelo Fortress in Vittoriosa.

The first day ends, but not the adventure. Valletta and its surroundings are only part of the cultural wealth of Malta.

Second day – Mdina, Rabat and Mosta

The old capital of the island, Mdina – known as the "Silent City", is a place where time seems to stand still. The ancient fortress was inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC. Today it is considered one of the best examples of medieval and baroque architecture in Europe and its narrow streets, massive city fortresses, magnificent palaces and churches will win you over at first sight. The town has only about 300 inhabitants and many of Malta's oldest and most distinguished aristocratic families, including descendants of the knights, live in the palaces of Mdina. Considered a car-free city, it is often used as a filming location for movies and television series due to its authentic historical architecture. Parts of the popular series "Game of Thrones" (Game of Thrones) were filmed right here.

You can find an ideal place for lunch in the neighboring town of Mdina, Rabat. Here, you have a choice of Michelin-starred restaurants, to an authentic local experience in places that prepare 'pastizzi' (pastries) – a pastry with ricotta or grape puree, a signature dish or Maltese bread with olive oil and tuna Rabat is a picturesque village in which you should not miss the Vignacourt Museum, the Catacombs of Saint Paul and the Catacombs of Saint Agatha.

The neighborhood is also in the vicinity Mosta, best known for its magnificent church, the Mosta Rotunda, which is one of the largest domed churches in the world. The dome of this church is the third largest unbuilt dome in the world, with a diameter of 37 meters. The Rotunda is famous for the "Miracle of the Bridge" – in 1942, during World War II, a German bomb pierced the dome during a mass prayer, but never exploded, leaving worshipers safe.

At the end of the day, we suggest relaxing by tasting the local wines. The island is recognized for its two types of indigenous grapes, named Geleza (from which red wine and rosé are made) and Girgentina (from which white wine is made).

Day 3: Gozo

The third day would be ideal for a more rural and peaceful atmosphere, with more greenery – and that's what the sister island offers Gozo, the second largest in Malta. Gozo is known for its natural beauty, such as Calavrandia Cave, Gharb Wall and Ramla Beach, which is famous for its unique reddish sand.

Gozo is also home to the Gigantia Temples, believed to be some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, built around 3600-3200 BC. The name "Gigantia" comes from the Maltese word for "giant", as the locals believed that these huge structures were built by giants.

To get to this tiny island, which is a third the size of Malta, there are two ferry options: the Gozo Highspeed, which departs from Valletta, with a journey time of 45 minutes, while the Gozo Channel, which departs from Cirqueva Port, north of Malta , you will travel 30 minutes. If you choose the second option, you can also travel by car with Gozo Channel.

Day 4: Megalithic Temples, Blue Cave and Dingli Rocks

The Blue Cave (Blue Grotto) is one of the most famous natural attractions of Malta. It consists of several sea caves, which you can visit by boat. The waters around the Blue Cave are among the cleanest in the Mediterranean and are popular for diving and fishing. The color of the water is especially intense during the morning hours when the sun illuminates the rocks, so we recommend visiting in the morning!

Adjacent to the Blue Cave, continue to Megalithic temples of Malta. Hajar Kim, Mnajdra и Tarshien are some of the oldest religious structures in the world, built around 3600-2500 BC. which makes them older than both the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge in England. Together with the other temples of Skaorba, Tarshin, Gigantia and Ta' Hagrat - they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their unique architecture and historical significance. The temples are built of local limestone, and their construction is surprisingly advanced, with massive stone blocks weighing up to 20 tons. It is best to visit them at noon, because the sunset here is truly magical!

Only 15 minutes from Hajar Kim and Mnajdra, they are located The Dingle Rocks which are considered the highest point of Malta, with an altitude of about 253 meters. The cliffs offer an amazing view of the sea, making the location perfect for relaxing after a day full of activities.

Day 5: Comino and Popeye's Village

When talking about a natural paradise, it is inevitable to talk about the village Comino. Reach the island by ferry from Chirkeva, but do it as early as possible, because its beauty makes it a really popular tourist destination. The waters around the island are so clear that visibility is excellent even at great depths, making it a favorite among divers.

Before leaving the area, stop in Popeye's Village. This unique tourist attraction was built as a film set for the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams. Today it is a theme park with houses, attractions and activities for the whole family!

Day 6: Marsaxlokk and St. Peter's Pool

Finally, visit it Marsachlok, one of Malta's most famous fishing villages, known for its traditional colorful fishing boats called lutsu, which are decorated with the 'eyes of Osiris' for protection. Marsaxlokk also has its own famous weekly market, where locals and tourists can buy fresh fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables and various handicrafts. This is a great place to experience the real authentic local culture.

There is also the natural one St. Peter's Pool created from rocks, a true hidden treasure of the Maltese coast. The place is popular among locals for swimming, diving and sunbathing, thanks to its clear water and unique natural formation. It offers a peaceful and natural atmosphere, far from the main tourist destinations, which makes it an excellent choice for peace and relaxation, a place where you can summarize all your impressions of your trip to Malta.

A few tips for your trip

Malta has a well-developed transport infrastructure, which allows tourists to travel around the island easily and affordably.
Here are the main transportation options:

Bus transport:

Buses are the most common and economical way to transport tourists. Malta has a network of bus routes connecting all important cities, tourist attractions and beaches. Buses are available and run frequently, especially in larger cities such as Valletta, Sliema and St Julian's.
You can buy bus tickets directly from the drivers or from the machines at the main stations. There are also daily or weekly tickets that are cheaper and allow tourists an unlimited number of trips. They are also suitable for using the night lines.

Car rental:

Renting a car is a great choice if you want flexibility and independence during your trip. It allows you to explore different parts of the island at your own pace and reach places not easily accessible by public transport.
Driving on the left: Keep in mind that Malta drives on the left side of the road, similar to the UK. Malta's roads are well maintained, but can be narrow and winding, especially in rural areas.

Taxis and e-taxi:

There are many taxi companies in Malta, and you can find taxis at taxi stands in the main tourist areas, at the airport or by calling them over the phone.
Electronic taxi applications such as Bolt and eCabs are popular and available in Malta. They offer transparent pricing and mobile payment options.

Ferry/Ferry:

The ferry is considered the main means of transport between Malta, Gozo and Comino. The Gozo Channel offers regular and fast ferries between Chirkeva (on Malta) and Mgar (on Gozo). They also bring vehicles regularly, which is convenient if you have a rental car.
There are also ferry lines connecting Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities, which is a great and scenic way to travel across the Grand Harbour.

Bicycles and e-bikes:

Malta has bicycle and e-bike rental services available, which are a good choice if you like active transport and if you are moving around the cities or along the coast. Bicycles can be rented by the day or for a longer period.

Scooters and Motorcycles:

Scooter and motorcycle rentals are popular among tourists who want a quick and flexible way to get around the island. They are ideal for avoiding traffic jams and for easy parking in city centers.

The best way to travel around Malta

The best way to travel around Malta depends on your personal preferences and budget, as well as what you plan to see:
According maximum flexibility and comfort, renting a car is the best option. This allows you to reach all parts of the island at your own pace and explore more remote locations such as Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Cave or the Gozo countryside. Just be aware that in Malta you drive on the left.
According economical travelWell, buses are the most economical way of transportation. They cover a wide range of tourist destinations and run regularly, especially between major cities. However, during the summer season the buses can be overcrowded.

According travel between the islands: Ferries are the best option for traveling between Malta, Gozo and Comino. They are regular, reliable and offer beautiful views of the islands.
According local experiences: Bicycles, scooters and e-bikes are great choices for traveling around cities and along the coast, while taxis and e-taxi apps are suitable for night trips or when you want faster and more convenient transportation.
A combination of these modes of transport will allow you to experience the best of Malta, depending on your plans and wishes.

Best time to visit Malta

The best time to visit Malta depends on what kind of experience you are looking for:

Autumn (September – November): Autumn offers pleasantly warm days, but less crowds. The temperatures are still suitable for swimming and the water is warm due to the summer months. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak tourist season but still enjoy all the activities.

Winter (December – February): Malta's winter is mild, with average temperatures around 15°C. This time is great for cultural activities, exploring historical sites and visiting local festivals. Prices are lower and the island is less crowded, meaning you'll have more space to enjoy local experiences.

Spring (March – May): This is one of the best times to visit. The weather is pleasant and sunny, but not too hot, which is ideal for sightseeing, hiking and other outdoor activities. The flowers are in full bloom and the tourist spots are not as crowded as in the summer months.

Summer (June – August): Summer is the most popular for tourists who love beach and sun. The temperatures are the highest and the sea is warm and ideal for swimming, diving and other water sports. However, this is also the most popular tourist season, so expect bigger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

If you want to avoid the big crowds, spring and autumn are the best choices to travel to Malta. If you are a sun and beach lover, summer is the right time, but be prepared for more tourists.

BONUS: 7 delicious local specialties you must try

1. Pastiches

This is the most famous Maltese dish and a real street delicacy. Pastries are small, crispy pastries made from puff pastry, filled with ricotta or pea puree. They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack while walking around the streets of Malta.

2. Ften

Ften is a traditional Maltese bread that is baked in the shape of a ring and is similar to focaccia. It is usually served with fresh ingredients such as olive oil, tomatoes, capers, olives, tuna and fresh herbs – a meal that is considered an excellent choice for a picnic or a light lunch on the beach.

3. Stufati tal-fenek

Rabbit goulash is the national dish of Malta and is very popular with the locals. The rabbit meat is cooked in a rich sauce of tomatoes, wine, onions and garlic, with the addition of various spices. It is usually served with fresh bread and is perfect for those who love authentic local cuisine.

4. Pita Lampuki

The famous fish pie made with lampuki - local fish, which is caught in autumn, from September to November. The fish is baked with spinach, cauliflower, olives and capers, wrapped in a crispy batter.

5. Bragoli

Bragoli are made from thin slices of beef, stuffed with a mixture of garlic, capers, parsley, eggs and olives. They are cooked in tomato and wine sauce and served with mashed potatoes or potatoes.

6. Alyota

A traditional Maltese fish soup made from fresh fish, garlic, tomatoes, onions, rice and lots of aromatic herbs and spices. The soup is perfect for seafood lovers and is a true Maltese delicacy.

7. Imkaret

Try the delicious rolls filled with date paste, fried and sprinkled with sugar. You will find them along the colorful streets around the island.