There is every reason to visit Malta in any year and at almost any time of the year. I recently posted a blog on the best places to go in Europe for some winter sun in November and Malta is right up there.
During my recent trip to Malta, I couldn't help but appreciate the country's natural beauty and rich history.
Malta has a unique charm that stands out.
What adds an interesting twist this year is the upcoming release of Gladiator 2 (end of 2024), which was filmed in part on the island.
It's a subtle yet intriguing aspect that enhances Malta's allure, and I believe it will contribute to this small island gaining increased recognition.
But of course that's not the only things that Malta has to offer.
As a native English speaker, I enjoy attempting to learn the local language(s) but sometimes just being able to articulate yourself properly is a breath of fresh air. Everyone speaks English in Malta as it was an ex-English colony and they even drive on the same side of the road as the UK.
I mention this because I had such a good time in Malta and enjoyed the vibe so much that I considered and still am considering moving there!
Malta has a blend of history, culture, and sun-soaked landscapes, this enchanting island is poised to steal the spotlight as one of the hottest travel destinations in 2024. I'll explain more about why I think so. But first...
Where is Malta?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this tiny island, Malta is based in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just below Sicily and just above Libya and beside Tunisia. Here is a map of the Island of Malta and where it is situated.
Fun fact: It is also one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with around 450,000 inhabitants living on the islands that span just 316 square kilometres (122 square miles) – resulting in an extremely high population density of over 1,300 people per square kilometre.
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Malta is rich in prehistoric temples and historical landmarks that offer a window into its complex past, having been ruled by various civilizations over the centuries. The Megalithic Temples of Malta, dating back over 5,500 years, are UNESCO World Heritage sites located on the islands of Malta and Gozo. More on Gozo below.
Valletta, Malta's capital, features 16th-century buildings and museums that chronicle the country's history. Malta's position in the Mediterranean also led to a blending of cultural influences from North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East that can be observed in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. It’s such a strange mix that you can see everywhere.
Prehistoric temples and historical landmarks
The prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien on Malta's southern coast feature megalithic structures built between 3600 BC and 2500 BC by the island's early inhabitants.
Malta also features auberges, palaces, and forts from the period when the Knights of Saint John ruled Malta between 1530 and 1798. Visitors can tour the Grandmaster's Palace and Saint John Co-Cathedral in Valletta and also explore the medieval old capital of Mdina perched on a hilltop. Across the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea feature historic streets surrounded by fortifications dating to the rule of the Knights. Let's dive a little deeper.
Mdina
Mdina is a fortified medieval city located on the northern edge of Malta's central plateau that served as Malta's capital from antiquity to the medieval period. Still confined within its imposing defence walls that contain narrow streets, well-preserved buildings from the medieval and Baroque eras, and striking views of the island, Mdina has earned nicknames like "the Silent City" and “Citta Notabile.”
A gate in Mdina, Malta
Valletta
You must visit the capital city of Valletta no matter where you stay. The city is easy to navigate along narrow pedestrian streets filled with shops and restaurants. With historic sites, cultural landmarks, and picturesque views around every corner, it’s no wonder Valletta was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the European Capital of Culture in 2018. No visit to Malta would be complete without exploring this storied capital showcasing over 450 years of history within a single compact city.
St Julian
I only spent a day wandering in this town and it has a great vibe to it. The town features many restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels catering to tourists who flock there, especially the younger crowd, to enjoy Saint Julian's lively entertainment scene and summer beach parties. Though quite built up today with high-rise resorts, Saint Julian's still retains some old-world charm in spots like Spinola Bay, a quaint inlet lined with historic townhouses, fishing boats, and seafood restaurants.
Beaches
When an island is small it means plenty of areas to swim in the sea, right? With its location in the heart of the Mediterranean it is the ideal spot for great swimming weather.
But there is one problem here, I spent most of my time in Sliema and St Paul and there wasn’t really a beach per se, instead, I walked until I found an ‘opening’ to the sea. There is a ramp at the end of the main promenade/harbour in Sliema that leads onto a rocky beach, I do mean rocky. I guess part of the culture, which is nice in some ways, is that you can just be walking in the middle of this bustling city take a right turn off the main road, and swim in the Mediterranean. In my instance, a place where the entrance looks like a ramp to a car park.
However, there are nice beaches in Malta and Gozo.
Golden Beach in Malta
With over 200 miles of coastline and crystal clear waters, Malta offers exceptional spots for swimming and beach-going during the long sunny season between Spring and Autumn. Top beaches for swimming include:
Links are to Google maps directions.
Ramla Beach is a picturesque sandy beach with reddish-orange sand located on the northern coast of Gozo, known for its impressive natural beauty, generally uncrowded conditions, and good facilities.
Golden Bay Beach - Known for its golden sands and excellent amenities. Generally less crowded than other beaches.
Blue Lagoon - Famous swimming and snorkelling spot between Comino and Malta with vibrant turquoise waters. Can get busy during the high season.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay - Picturesque sandy beach with red-tipped sand dunes and clear shallow waters, protected by clay slopes. Near Golden Bay Beach, same directions.
Mellieħa Bay - Malta's largest sandy beach with super swimming conditions and water sports.
St Peter's Pool - A natural lido uniquely accessed by swimming through a cave tunnel to reach its crystal waters.
Islands
Gozo Island
The presence of Ramla Beach, situated on Gozo, north of Malta, provides ample motivation to explore the island. If you are staying in Sliema or Valletta, it will be about 30 minutes or so drive (by car) to get to the port in Cirkewwa from there the ferry will take about 20 minutes to take you to the island of Gozo. This is a pretty unique island, which oozes culture. This is where you will find the Temple of Giants.
The Ggantija Temples are two Neolithic, megalithic temples built between 3600 BC and 3200 BC on the island of Gozo, making them some of the world's oldest existing free-standing structures. The temples get their name from the Maltese word “ġgant” meaning “giant” due to the colossal megaliths used in their construction, with some weighing over 50 tons!
There are interesting takes on why these megaliths were erected in the first place. I didn’t even know about this temple until I watched Graham Hancock's Ancient Apocalypse on Netflix.
If you do visit the island of Gozo I would suggest renting a car to see the whole island, if you do it this way then you will only need a day to explore the island. Alternatively, there are buses you can get. If you want good deals on renting a car check out rentalcars.com.
If you do have the time and means to explore the island you should also check out the valley called Wied il-Ghasri, even take a swim there if you can. It also isn't too far from Mushroom Rock, Dwejra so you can visit the valley first and then go see the sunset at Mushroom Rock. You won't want to miss either of them.
Wied il-Ghasri in Gozo Island
Comino Island
Comino is the smallest of the three inhabited Maltese islands, located between Malta and Gozo, and is a tranquil getaway known for attractions like the Blue Lagoon where tourists can relax and swim in the sparkling turquoise waters.
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Adventure in Malta
Adventure and Exploration
Adventure seekers visiting Malta will find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy across the islands, especially options to explore the outdoors and Malta's scenic coastlines. Some top adventures to try include:
Hiking
Malta has several scenic hiking trails ranging from coastal routes to more challenging uphill climbs. Popular routes lead to spots like Dingli Cliffs, Verdala Palace or St. Paul's Bay.
Gozo also offers scenic hikes like the Ta' Cenc trail along sheer limestone cliffs.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Crystal clear Mediterranean waters make snorkelling and diving around wrecks, marine caves and reefs extremely popular. Top spots are the Blue Lagoon in Comino and diving sites like the P29 wreck dive.
Sea Kayaking
Paddle along the coastline taking in views of dramatic seascapes and landmarks. Beginner-friendly kayaking is available in St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Gozo channel.
Rock Climbing
Malta's limestone cliffs are perfect for climbing. Many companies offer climbing experiences at spots like Popeye Village, Anchor Bay cliffs, or paradise bay cliffs.
Boat Tours
Several companies operate boat excursions from valleys, grottos and bays around Malta, Comino, and Gozo for sightseeing, snorkelling, swimming, and relaxation.
Swimming
As mentioned before Malta has great spots for swimming and keeping cool in the scorching summer sun.
With Malta's striking sea views and landscapes, getting active with outdoor adventures is easy and is bound to enhance any visit.
TripAdvisor is the go to for any excursions, attractions and tour guides for things to do in Malta. Follow the link to book your adventure.
Where to stay in Malta?
I would suggest to rent out an apartment in Sliema, it is close to Valletta and has great transport links to pretty much anywhere on the island, you can walk to Valletta in under an hour, although be warned the Sliema apartments tend to be mostly uphill so expect a gym workout every time you leave the house and if you want an actual gym workout there are some great gyms available in Sliema, more on that below.
If you are looking at places to stay in Malta then look no further than Booking.com, they always have great deals on apartments with incentives to book apartments with extra offers.
Travel Tips for visiting Malta
The first thing I would suggest is to find a stay in Sliema and rent a car if you can. If you are just visiting and are not looking to stay for an extended period then this is ideal. Sliema is close to Valletta but the nightlife and restaurants are great. If you are looking to stay for an extended period then I would say a car is not necessary as the buses are very affordable and the service is excellent.
Summer prices are the peak time but you do not need to visit Malta in the peak months. If sun is what you are looking for, Malta has it in abundance for most of the year. Try visit in September and October where prices drop slightly and so does the temperature, slightly.
If you don’t mind taking public transport, purchase a multi-day public transport pass like the Explore Card for convenient access around the islands without a rental car. Buses run very frequently.
Do not drink the tap water. If you are coming from other parts of Europe or the States this may be something that you are used to but get unused to it in Malta, bottled water only.
Dine out when you can, the food is spectacular.
Visit Gozo and try to see the sunset at Dwejra, Fungus (aka Mushroom) Rock.
Beautiful sunsets on Gozo Island
Here are some dos and dont's for travellers to Malta, specifically for those focused on fitness or traveling solo:
For fitness-conscious travellers:
DO:
Take advantage of seaside jogging/walking paths like Sliema promenade
Hike scenic trails like Dingli Cliffs or Ta’ Cenc Cliffs in Gozo
Swim at Golden Bay’s clean, less crowded beach
Join a recreational sport league if staying long term
Join a gym
DON’T
Expect extensive gym amenities at hotels or rental apartments
Jog at midday when heat peaks
For solo travellers:
DO:
Embrace local buses to get around affordably and easily
Stay at hostels to socialize or try guided group tours
Visit buzzing tourist sites like Valletta's, Sliema's and St Julian's bars and clubs
Use caution adventuring off the beaten path alone
DON’T
Feel pressure to join intense party scenes if that's not your style
Ok this might not be an adventure for some of you guys but it is for me.
When visiting the seaside town of Sliema, tourists and nomads looking for a gym can check out the well-equipped facility on Tigne Seafront called Fort Fitness.
While this gym has great free weights, weight machines and cardio options for every kind of workout, be cautious of using the Smith machine, as it was not secure when I used it and I almost crushed my chest using it be careful as it may still be broken.
Otherwise, this is an excellent gym to visit for weight training, HIIT classes or other fitness goals, as it also offers protein shakes, snacks and plenty of space.
What is Malta famous for?
I can also answer what it will be famous for in 2024.
Malta is famous for its historic sites dating back to the Neolithic period, Baroque architecture and natural harbours that have attracted seafarers and powers like the Knights of Saint John and British over the centuries. However, recently Malta has also become a popular filming location for international movies and TV shows.
In 2024, Malta will gain even more fame and tourism after the much-anticipated sequel Gladiator 2 finishes filming there. Big-budget movies like Troy, Munich and the Game of Thrones prequel have already used Malta as a scenic backdrop. With its Mediterranean climate and range of historic locations, Malta is likely to attract more productions in the future which will continue to shine a spotlight on this island nation. The publicity and revenue from Gladiator 2 is expected to significantly boost Malta's popularity and economy. Is anyone else looking forward to this film as much as I am?
Malta is a dynamic archipelago with a tremendous variety of historic sites, scenic natural beauty, and modern amenities to appeal to all sorts of travellers.
Outdoor enthusiasts can hike along dramatic cliffs or dive into brilliant azure waters while history buffs lose themselves in the medieval alleys of Mdina and Valletta's renowned museums. The islands’ compact size allows seeing top highlights easily but also promises hidden gems for those who take the time to wander off the main tourist circuits. With an excellent climate, cuisine fusing many cultural flavours, and both fast-paced urban energy and sleepy village charm – travellers who visit Malta return home with unique memories and in my case memories that make me want to move there.
This post aims to provide insights into why Malta stands out as a fantastic destination. With the increasing popularity of films shot in Malta, it is expected that a significant number of visitors will explore this island in 2024.
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