Malta is extraordinarily concentrated — 7,000 years of history, some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful water and Europe's smallest capital city, all on an island you can drive across in 45 minutes. Here are the 10 best things to do in Malta in 2026.
✔ Blue Lagoon on Comino — book a boat trip, don't try the ferry in peak season
✔ Valletta — Europe's smallest capital and one of its most architecturally concentrated
✔ Ħaġar Qim — older than Stonehenge and almost tourist-free
✔ Mdina — the Silent City, best before 10am
Top 10 Things To Do in Malta
🏖️ Blue Lagoon, Comino
The most famous sight in Malta — a turquoise lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, with water so clear you can see the seabed 6m below. Day boat trips from Malta run daily in summer (€15–25 return). Arrive by 9am before the crowds arrive. Book a dedicated boat tour rather than the regular ferry for a better experience.
Check Availability →🏛️ Valletta City Tour
Europe's smallest national capital — 1.2km long by 0.6km wide — and one of its most architecturally magnificent. The Grand Harbour view from the Upper Barrakka Gardens is extraordinary. St John's Co-Cathedral contains Caravaggio's largest painting (The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist) — book timed entry ahead.
Check Availability →⚔️ Three Cities — Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua
The three fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta — older than Valletta, largely untouched by tourism and utterly extraordinary. The Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa, the medieval inquisitor's palace and the views back to Valletta from Senglea's gardjola lookout are all unmissable. Cross by the traditional dghajsa water taxi.
Check Availability →🗿 Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
Two megalithic temple complexes on Malta's southern coast — built between 3600 and 2500 BC, making them among the oldest free-standing stone structures on earth (1,000 years older than Stonehenge). Remarkably preserved, with extraordinary views over the sea to the island of Filfla. Combine with the Blue Grotto nearby.
Check Availability →🏰 Mdina — The Silent City
Malta's medieval walled capital (before Valletta was built) — a perfectly preserved city of baroque palaces and Norman architecture on a hilltop, with sweeping views across the island. Population: 300 people. Best visited before 10am or after 4pm when day-trippers leave. The bastion views at dusk are extraordinary.
Check Availability →🔵 Blue Grotto
A series of sea caves on Malta's south coast — the Blue Grotto itself is famous for its vivid blue water created by sunlight refraction. Boat trips run from Wied iż-Żurrieq and take 25 minutes. Go in the morning when the sun illuminates the water best. Combine with the Ħaġar Qim temples (5km away).
Check Availability →🏰 Fort Elmo & War Museum
Fort Elmo at the tip of Valletta's peninsula was the site of the Great Siege of 1565 (when the Knights of St John repelled the Ottoman fleet) and the WWII Malta GC siege. The National War Museum inside tells both stories excellently. Combines well with the Grand Harbour cruise.
Check Availability →⛵ Grand Harbour Cruise
A boat tour of the Grand Harbour — the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean — passes the fortifications of Valletta, the Three Cities and Fort Ricasoli with commentary. The scale of the Baroque fortifications seen from the water is humbling. Evening cruises offer the finest light.
Check Availability →🎭 Gozo Day Trip
The sister island of Gozo — ferry from Ċirkewwa (25 minutes) — is greener, quieter and more rural than Malta. Victoria's citadel, the Azure Window site (collapsed 2017 but the surrounding coastline remains extraordinary), Ramla Bay beach and the Ggantija temples (among the world's oldest) all deserve a full day.
Check Availability →🌅 Dingli Cliffs Sunset
Malta's highest point (253m) on the southwest coast — sheer limestone cliffs dropping to the sea, with views to the island of Filfla and across to the Sicilian coast on clear days. No tourist infrastructure, no entry fee, extraordinary sunset. Rent a car or join a half-day island tour.
Check Availability →Book Malta Tours Before They Sell Out
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View All Malta Tours →FAQs
How many days do you need in Malta?
3–4 days covers the main highlights comfortably. More time allows day trips and deeper neighbourhood exploration.
Is Malta expensive?
Costs vary by season and travel style — see our dedicated budget guide for specific prices.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
May–June and September–October offer the best balance of weather, crowds and prices.