Valletta and Mdina
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The capital, Valletta | A walled city of golden stone on the Grand Harbour, all of it on the World Heritage list, with lanes and colourful wooden balconies. | East of the island |
| The Upper Barrakka Gardens | A garden terrace above the Grand Harbour with views of the Three Cities, where the traditional cannons fire at noon. | Valletta |
| The old city of Mdina | «The Silent City»: Malta's old capital, with its walls and quiet lanes on a hill. | Centre of the island |
| The Three Cities | Old towns on the far side of the harbour, reached by a small boat from Valletta. | Across from Valletta |
The sea and the islands
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Blue Lagoon on Comino | A bay of clear turquoise water between two islands, some of the most beautiful water in the Mediterranean. | Going ashore needs a free timed pass booked ahead; the ferry takes 10 to 25 minutes |
| The Blue Grotto | Sea caves where the blue of the water reflects on the rocks, visited by small boat. | Wied iż-Żurrieq in the south; loveliest before noon, and cancelled in bad weather |
| The island of Gozo | A calmer, greener island with the Citadel of Victoria and Dwejra Bay. | Ferry from the north of Malta |
| Dwejra Bay and the Blue Hole | The site of the Azure Window, which collapsed in 2017, now one of the Mediterranean's best-known dive sites. | West of Gozo |
Tips before you go
- Book the free Blue Lagoon pass before your Comino trip; going ashore without one can be fined.
- You need a Schengen visa, and you usually reach Malta on a connecting flight via European cities or Istanbul.
- The best time is May to October for the sea; spring and autumn are calmer and better for walking.
Visa
Frequently asked questions
Where is Malta?
In the middle of the Mediterranean, south of the Italian island of Sicily; it is an independent country of small islands, the largest being Malta, Gozo and Comino.
What are the top things to do in Malta?
The capital Valletta and the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the old city of Mdina, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the Blue Grotto and the island of Gozo.
Is Malta good for families?
Yes: a small, safe country with short distances, English as an official language, beaches and calm boat trips.
Do I need a pass for the Blue Lagoon?
Yes, going ashore needs a free timed pass booked ahead; swimming from a boat does not.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.