The UNESCO-listed Hagar Qim Temples attract visitors who are interested in Malta’s megalithic sites. Perched on a rocky hilltop plateau, this archaeological site on Malta’s rugged southern coast overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Filfla in the distance.
The ancient site, which dates from 3600 BC to 3200 BC, was buried beneath earthen mounds until its discovery in 1839. The striking entrance is made up of two upright stones supporting one stone lintel.
The architects of these magnificent prehistoric temples did not use a symmetrical layout of the three chambers. Instead, the chambers and apses communicate with one another, but not in a consistent manner. Each temple was designed to be a unique place of worship.
This 5,000-year-old site’s largest megalith is more than seven metres long and weighs approximately 20 tonnes. The small boulders scattered around the site were used as castors to move the massive megaliths into position.
Artifacts discovered on the site, including the Fat deities, thought to be fertility symbols, and the nude Venus of Malta, are on display at Valletta’s National Museum of Archeology.…
The Mnajdra Temples, which share the UNESCO listing of the Hagar Qim Temples, are located 500 metres away from the Hagar Qim Temples in an isolated stretch with stunning sea views. This archaeological complex consists of three distinct structures.
The South Temple, the oldest structure, was built between 3600 and 3200 BC. The other two temples were constructed between 3150 and 2500 BC. These three structures represent the Ggantija Phase (circa 3000 BC to 2200 BC), a significant period of Maltese Bronze Age development.
The South Temple’s doorway is the most intriguing feature of Mnajdra Temples. The doorway is flanked by two massive blocks with small holes that mark the position of the rising sun on the Equinoxes (first day of spring and autumn) and Solstices (first day of winter and summer) (the first day of summer and winter).…
This traditional Maltese village is located between Rabat and Marsaxlokk in the fertile Girgenti Valley, near the Dingli Cliffs.
The Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, located in the village centre, impresses visitors with its Baroque facade designed by Lorenzo Gafa in 1693. Except for the annual festival, the church is usually closed.
The Siggiewi Festa (Feast Days) honouring Saint Nicholas is held from Thursday to Sunday at the end of June. The church is decked out in multicoloured lights, and its relics are paraded through town. The week-long festival features fireworks, brass band music, and traditional Maltese fare (such as pastry stuffed with dates and nougat made with almonds or peanuts).
Siggiewi hosts the Maltese Summer Folklore Nights at the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens from May to October. This vibrant event celebrates Maltese culture through folkloric dance and music performances, as well as a buffet of delectable Maltese dishes. Outdoor weddings are also popular at the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens.…
This rural village has a history that dates back to 1436. The Grand Master de Rohan elevated Zebbug to the status of city, renaming it Citta Rohan, and erected the triumphal arch at the town’s entrance.
The twin-towered Baroque Parish Church of Saint Philip, with an ornately decorated interior, graces the main square. Cassars, the architect of Valletta’s Saint-Co-Cathedral, John’s created the initial design.
In June, Zebbug holds its annual religious festival, the Festa of Saint Philip, at the Parish Church. Marching band processions, fireworks, and colourful decorations are among the festivities. The parade of the silver statue of Saint Philip through the village is a highlight of the festival.…
Popeye Village in Mellieha is a fun place to spend the day for families traveling with children. As recommended by booking.com, this charming tourist attraction was originally a film set for the 1980s film Popeye, starring Robin Williams, and has since become one of Malta’s most popular tourist attractions.
The film set consists of a charming seaside village made up of 20 wooden structures. Popeye the Sailor greets visitors and leads them on a tour of the village, where they can find the post office, bakery, firehouse, and other structures. Popeye Village also includes a beach, sunbathing decks, and a gift shop.
The village decorates for holidays like Carnival, Easter, and Halloween with festive decorations and entertaining activities.…
The Maltese Islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) have a fascinating history and are surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily. Because of its proximity to Tunisia, there is a strong North African influence. The Maltese language is a hybrid of Arabic and Italian. The legendary Knights of Malta, who fought off the Turks and launched the Crusades, are also fiercely revered in the country.
Malta’s palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, colourful old fishing villages, and natural attractions under the scorching sun. Valletta, Malta’s capital, is an excellent starting point for exploring the island. Valletta’s hotels, restaurants, historical sites, and cultural events will appeal to visitors.
Sliema, across the harbour, has less culture but more entertainment options and caters to students on vacation. The Island of Gozo is ideal for relaxing beach vacations.
In the spring and autumn, the weather in Malta is ideal. Villages come alive during the hot summer months with religious festivals and outdoor concerts. With our list of the top tourist attractions in Malta, you can plan your trip to these enchanting islands. Many of these locations are recommended as “top destinations” by our friends over at https://reallifechiro.com/.
1. Valletta: Malta’s Elegant Capital
Valletta, the elegant capital of the Republic of Malta, is a strategically important seaport. The entire city bears witness to the splendour of the Knights of Malta, European noblemen who were granted the Maltese Islands by King Ferdinand of Spain in 1530.
The knights built a capital worthy of their aristocratic status, comparable to other great European capitals. The regular grid plan of Valletta and the orderly public squares reveal the knights’ logical 16th-century urban planning.
Tourists will find it easy to navigate this small city, which is bounded by two harbours: the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor. Saint John’s Co-Cathedral, a 16th-century church built by various Orders of the Knights from France, Spain, and Italy, is located in the city’s heart. The lavish interior with its opulent gilded decor astounds visitors.
The massive Grandmaster’s Palace, once the residence of the Knights of Malta, is nearby. This palace has magnificent paintings and an armoury that tell the story of the knights’ military victories.
Valletta is one of the best places to visit on the Maltese Islands for tourists who appreciate culture and historic monuments. Valletta, Malta’s most modern city, is packed with tourist attractions and is a convenient location for visitors who want to explore the island of Malta without a car. The bus system on the island is efficient, with Valletta serving as its hub.
2. The Idyllic Island of Gozo
The Maltese Islands’ most idyllic destination is the Island of Gozo. With its quiet towns and pristine beaches, this small island is ideal for a relaxing vacation lasting several days or even a week.
Although Gozo is less developed than Malta, it has many cultural attractions, including Victoria, a fortified mediaeval city; Marsalforn, a bustling seaside resort; and Ggantija Temples, the Maltese Islands’ most important archaeological site, dating back to around 3500 BC.
Visitors enjoy the island’s countryside, which provides a relaxing escape from the modern world. The valleys and rolling hills of the island are covered in a patchwork of small farms. Traditional villages rise above the landscape, while the hillsides lead down to protected beaches and charming old fishing villages. Even the smallest towns have magnificent Baroque churches.
Ramla Bay is a popular beach with a wide, sandy shore and calm, swimming-safe waters. This well-equipped beach welcomes visitors with excellent amenities such as rental lounge chairs and umbrellas, showers, restrooms, changing areas, and snack bars.
Gozo is a short ferry ride away from Cirkewwa on the island of Malta.
3. The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, Island of Malta
Mdina provides a trip to a fairy-tale city. This enchanting mediaeval hilltop town is steeped in history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To enter the city, tourists must pass through the dramatic Main Gate, which gives the impression of walking back in time. A delightful world of car-free streets and beautiful old sandstone buildings exists within the city’s vast, ancient ramparts.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, a magnificent Baroque structure designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa, is one of Mdina’s top attractions. The ornately decorated sanctuary includes a magnificent dome, marble columns, gilded details, and stunning ceiling paintings. The cathedral houses a valuable 12th-century Madonna icon as well as renowned works of art by celebrated Maltese painter Mattia Preti.
Tourists should visit the historic palaces to get a sense of Mdina’s former glory. The Palazzo Vilhena (Saint Publius Square) is a stately 18th-century Magisterial Palace with a facade inspired by the Neoclassical architecture of the Château de Versailles. It now houses Malta’s superb National Museum of Natural History, which displays exhibits such as fossils, birds’ eggs, and bird nests.
The Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum (Villegaignon Street) provides visitors with the opportunity to view an authentic mediaeval palace that has been decorated in the original style. The Palazzo Falson also houses exquisite art, antiques, and Oriental carpets, as well as an ancient coin collection.
4. Historical Attractions in Rabat, Island of Malta
Rabat, a neighbouring town, is located just outside the Mdina ramparts. Tourists can visit both cities in a single day; Mdina and Rabat are sometimes considered a single urban area.
The word “Rabat” in Maltese means “suburb.” Rabat is less touristy and more modern than Mdina, but it has some interesting historical sites.
The Casa Bernard, a grand 16th-century house that belonged to a noble Maltese family of French origins, is one of the hidden gems. Although the Casa Bernard is still a private residence, guided tours are available. The house is furnished with antique furniture, painting masterpieces, and notable objets d’art.
The Domvs Romana Museum depicts everyday life in ancient Rome through exhibits on fashion, entertainment, and cuisine. The museum is built on the ruins of a Roman aristocratic townhouse and houses some of the world’s finest 1st-century BC Roman mosaics. Artifacts discovered at the site and antiquities discovered elsewhere on the island of Malta are also on display.
The 17th-century Parish Church of St. Paul’s, a key landmark associated with Malta’s Christian heritage, stands above St. Paul’s Grotto, where Saint Paul is said to have sought refuge during his stay in Malta. The Wignacourt Museum, located next to the church, houses an extensive collection of ancient Roman artefacts as well as impressive paintings by Mattia Preti and other renowned European artists.
St. Dominic’s Convent, which dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, is a popular pilgrimage site because it houses a miraculous marble statue of the Virgin Mary. The convent, which was rebuilt in the early 17th century, has a beautiful courtyard garden.
