Top 20 Cities to Visit in Malta: From Valletta to Gozo, Explore the Best of the Island Nation
The tiny island nation has the best places to visit in Malta may be found in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its small size, the country is packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the ancient fortified city of Valletta to the picturesque beaches of Gozo, there are countless cities and towns worth visiting in Malta. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 20 cities to visit in Malta and what makes each one special.
1.Valletta:
Valletta is the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1566 by the Knights of St. John and is known for its well-preserved baroque architecture and grand palaces. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums and churches, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which houses the famous painting The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio. Other highlights include the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer a panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and the lower town.
2. Mdina:
Mdina is a fortified city located in the center of the island. Also known as the “Silent City,” it was the ancient capital of Malta and is known for its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the Palazzo Falson, a grand palace that now houses a museum, and the Cathedral of St. Paul, which was built in the 17th century. The city’s defensive walls offer great views over the island and sea.
3. Birgu:
Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa, is a historic town on the opposite side of the Grand Harbor from Valletta. It is one of the three ancient cities that make up what is now known as the Cottonera, the other two being Senglea and Cospicua. Birgu was once an important trading and military center. It is now known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic sites, including the Inquisitor’s Palace, St. Lawrence Church, and the Naval Museum.
4. Senglea:
One of the three historical cities that comprise the Cottonera, Senglea is sometimes referred to by its former name, Isla. It was established in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John and is famous for its gorgeous shoreline and ancient sites, such as the Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory and the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Knights of St. John are credited with founding the city. In addition, the city features breathtaking panoramas of the Grand Harbour.
5. Cospicua:
Cospicua, also known as Bormla, is the third of the three ancient cities that make up the Cottonera. Like Birgu and Senglea, it was founded by the Knights of St. John and is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Cospicua Marina.
6. Vittoriosa:
Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is a historic town located on the opposite side of the Grand Harbor from Valletta. It was once an important trading and military center and is now known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Inquisitor’s Palace, St. Lawrence Church, and the Naval Museum.
7. Gozo:
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago and is well-known for its gorgeous scenery, crystal-clear waters, and historical buildings. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the Ggantija Temples, which are among the oldest freestanding monuments in the world, as well as the Citadel, which is a stronghold that provides spectacular views of the island. Other points of interest include Red Sands Bay, which is famous for its red-colored sand and crystal blue waters, and the Azure Window. It is a natural arch and has developed into one of the most visited locations on the island.
8. Victoria:
Victoria is the capital city of Gozo, known for its charming streets, historic sites, and beautiful views. Visitors can explore the Gozo Cathedral, the Folklore Museum, and the Ta’ Kola Windmill, one of the oldest windmills in Malta. The city also offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside and the sea.
9. Xlendi:
Xlendi is a small village located on the southwest coast of Gozo, known for its clear waters, picturesque beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore Xlendi Bay and the Xlendi Tower, a 17th-century tower that offers excellent views of the surrounding area. The village is also a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
10. Marsalforn:
On the northwestern shore of the island of Gozo is where you’ll find the popular seaside resort of Marsalforn. It is a well-known destination for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in water sports due to the stunning beaches and waterways. The area is also known as a popular location for scuba diving and snorkeling and has a large number of exceptional seafood restaurants.
11. Dwejra:
Dwejra is located on the west coast of Gozo and is the most attractive places to visit in malta – home to some natural wonders, including the Inland Sea, a natural swimming hole that is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, and the Azure Window, a natural arch that has become one of the most popular spots on the island. The area is also home to some excellent diving and snorkeling spots.
12. Blue Lagoon:
The Blue Lagoon is a well-known destination between Malta and Gozo on Comino island. It is a well-known destination for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in water sports due to the stunning beaches and waterways.
13. Comino:
Comino is the tiniest of all the islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and fascinating historical landmarks (best places to visit in malta). Both St. Mary’s Tower, a watchtower built in the 17th century that provides fantastic views of the surrounding area, and the Blue Lagoon, a famous site for swimming and sunbathing, are available for guests to explore during their time in the area.
14. Mellieha:
Mellieha is a large village located northwest of Malta, known for its historic sites, picturesque beaches, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the Parish Church of Our Lady of Victory, the Red Tower, a 16th-century watchtower that offers excellent views of the surrounding area, and Ghadira Bay, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
15. St. Julian’s:
St. Julian’s is a bustling town located on the northeastern coast of Malta, known for its lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore Spinola Bay, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and St. George’s Bay, known for its nightlife. The town is also home to the Malta Poker Festival, which attracts thousands of players worldwide.
16. Sliema:
Sliema is a fashionable town and one of the places to visit in malta located on the northeastern coast of Malta, known for its excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore the Sliema Promenade, which offers excellent views of the surrounding area, and the Tigné Point, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
17. Bugibba:
Bugibba is a popular seaside resort located on the northeastern coast of Malta, known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can explore Bugibba Square, a popular spot for shopping and dining, and the St. Paul’s Islands, a group of small islands that offer great views and are known for their historic sites and crystal-clear waters.
18.Qawra:
Qawra is a small seaside village located on the northeastern coast of Malta, known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can explore Salina Bay, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and Qawra Point, which offers excellent views of the surrounding area.
19. Golden Bay:
Golden Bay is a beautiful beach located on the northwest coast of Malta, known for its clear waters, fine sand, and panoramic views which is the one of the places to visit in malta. Visitors can explore the Golden Sands beach and Anchor Bay. The beach is also famous for water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing.
20. Ghar Lapsi:
Ghar Lapsi is a small coastal village located on the southern coast of Malta, known for its lear waters, beautiful beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore the Ghar Lapsi Bay and the Our Lady of Victory Chapel, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Malta is a small island nation that offers a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty. The 20 cities highlighted in this article are just a tiny sample of what the country offers. From the ancient fortified city of Valletta to the picturesque beaches of Gozo, there is something for everyone in Malta. Whether interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the Mediterranean sun, you’ll find it all here in this beautiful island nation.
