Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago. This island country is full of history and Maltese culture, going back to 4,000 BC.
Explore Malta cities which are ancient fortifications, temples, and tombs. Sunbathe on stunning beaches, eat Maltese cuisine, and hike fossil-filled limestone cliffs or scuba dive through underwater tunnels. It’s a year-round holiday resort with sunny summers and temperate winters.
San Francisco
St. Paul’s Bay encompasses Bugibba, Wardija, Qawra, Xemxija, Bidnija, and Mistra. St. Paul’s Bay was named for a shipwrecked saint who brought Christianity to Malta.
St. Paul’s Bay is Malta’s most populated town, including megalithic temples, ancient cart ruts, Roman remains, 17th-century forts, and Punic graves. Wignacourt Tower is Malta’s oldest watchtower, while Arrias Battery is its only surviving battery.
After the Maltese rebellion, St. Paul’s Bay became Malta’s principal harbor. St Paul’s Bay is a pleasant area to experience Maltese rural life.
St Paul’s Bay’s rocky shoreline has a little beach, but it has plenty to make up for it.
Sliema
The northeastern tourist town of Sliema means ‘peace.’ This once-small fishing community and summer getaway for rich Valletta residents are now a shopping, socializing, and nightlife destination.
The Sliema Front spans from Ta’ Xbiex and Gira to St. Julian’s. This roughly 10-kilometer promenade connects the three towns and is often abuzz with runners, picnickers, and BBQ enthusiasts. Along the seaside, you may swim in Roman baths.
Sliema’s past is rich. Fort Tigne was the site of a significant fight during the Great Siege in 1565. Tigne, one of the world’s oldest polygonal forts, was erected to protect the harbor after the Turkish commander was assassinated. Stella Maris Church (the 1850s) and Fort Manoel (1725) are further significant structures.
St Julian’s
North of Valletta lies St Julian’s, often called San Giljan. Once a fishing community, it was named after ‘Julian the Hospitaller’ and ‘Julian the Poor’ Luxury hotels and restaurants line the riverfront, making it a popular place for nightlife and tourists.
St Julian’s offers several activities. Promenade, Portomaso Tower, and Paceville nightlife await. Bowling, theaters, and late-night pubs fill this entertainment hub.
There are several self-guided tours. Visit the neo-gothic Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and Art Deco structures in Balluta. Take a bay cruise or swim in St. George’s.
Continue till you reach Spinola Bay with its iconic palace and Love Monument. Explore Pembroke’s ancient barracks and White Rocks’ street art.
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a laid-back Maltese fishing hamlet. It’s primarily notable for its daily open-air fish market and World War II military installations.
Marsaxlokk has been a favorite landing location since the 9th century BC. The Romans, Arabs, and Ottoman navies docked at the harbor during their reigns.
The Marsaxlokk chapel (1897) is dedicated to the Madonna of Pompeii. Fort St. Lucian (1610) was erected by Saint John.
On Sundays, the fish market sells directly to the public on the dock in this peaceful community. Robb l-Gain Wildlife Park covers 155,000 square meters of nature and shoreline.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay is ideal for tanning. It’s famed for its golden dunes and reddish sand near the northern shore. This Blue Flag beach is a summer hub for sunbathing, swimming, watersports, and beach BBQs.
The northern rocky beach offers good snorkeling. Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most popular beaches for locals and visitors; however, it may grow crowded.
Want a beach day? Pick some BBQ materials (disposable grids) or have a drink at one of the waterfront restaurants or cafés.
Mnajdra Hagar Qim
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are must-see megalithic monuments in Malta. These ancient holy structures are 500 meters apart.
Hagar Qim means ‘worshipping stones’ and comprises a 3,200 BC limestone temple and three much earlier megalithic constructions. The structure was utilized for animal sacrifice and fertility ceremonies, according to historians.
Mnajdra was constructed in 4000 BCE. The Upper, middle and lower temples are made of coralline limestone. The lower temple is an excellent example of Maltese megalithic construction and was likely used for astronomy. Mnajdra appears on Maltese euro coins worth 1, 2, and 5 cents.
Valletta
Valletta, or Fortress City, is on Malta’s southeast coast. It’s the EU’s smallest and southernmost capital. Valletta is Malta’s administrative and commercial heart.
