From Michelin-star dining and bespoke jewellery commissions to architectural marvels and historical treasures, these are the best things to do in Malta, an island in the heart of the Mediterranean.
In the ocean between Sicily and the North African coast is an archipelago of ancient wonders. Caught in the central drift of the Mediterranean and surrounded by aquamarine waters, Malta offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine and history dating back more than 7000 years. With quaint streets lined by colourful oriel windows and a golden sandstone skyline of turrets and domes, this picturesque destination enjoys more than 3000 hours of sunshine each year and is one of the world’s oldest inhabited places. From renaissance fortresses and megalithic temples to ocean exploration and nature immersions, these are the best things to do in Malta.
Michelin stars
The culinary scene in Malta continues to evolve year on year, and the 2025 Malta Michelin Guide added a new venue to its list of 43 designations. Le GV, on the 11th floor of 1926 Le Soleil Hotel, is a rooftop restaurant helmed by chefs Andrew Borg and David Tanti. The refined Mediterranean menu takes inspiration from regional flavours and delivers innovative dishes that acknowledge Malta’s traditions.
Farm-to-fork dining
Those seeking a true farm-to-fork dining experience should book a table at ION Harbour, Malta’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant, created by Simon Rogan. Here, seasonality and hyper-local produce are the focus of the menu, which champions environmentally conscious suppliers and growers from the region.
Wine tasting
Wine tasting is one of the most exceptional things to do in Malta, best experienced through exclusive, private tours at the island’s two most renowned wineries – Meridiana Wine Estate and Marsovin Winery. Nestled amid sun-drenched vineyards, these estates offer refined tastings of locally crafted wines, from robust reds to crisp, mineral-rich whites. Opt for a bespoke sommelier-led experience, pairing each vintage with artisanal delicacies while exploring historic cellars and breathtaking vineyard vistas.
Retail therapy
Luxury shopping in Malta is best done in the boutiques of Valletta and Mdina. For bespoke jewellery, commission master artisans at Victor Azzopardi or Gioielleria Zampa. For high-end fashion and curated designer pieces, drop into Sartoria in Valletta.
Gaming
Risk-takers seeking an exclusive casino experience in Malta should visit the Portomaso Casino. This venue has a sophisticated and intimate setting with high-stakes gaming, private VIP rooms and exceptional service. Nestled within the luxurious Portomaso Marina complex in St. Julian’s, it caters to an elite clientele, offering personalised gaming experiences and world-class amenities. To ensure a seamless visit, reservations can be made through the casino’s VIP services or a trusted concierge.
Fly in a helicopter
One of the best things to do in Malta is take in the ancient sights and landmarks – and what better way to do so in style than by private chopper? A private helicopter tour with Malta Wings offers a bird’s-eye view of the timeless cities of Valletta and Mdina. This exclusive experience combines luxury, sightseeing and unique insight into Malta’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Go sightseeing
To experience Malta’s most iconic sights in comfort and style, join a private, bespoke tour by leading companies such as Malta Private Guide and Malta Tours. These exclusive experiences provide personalised itineraries tailored to your preferences, with knowledgeable guides offering insights into the island’s history, architecture and nature. Highlights of the best things to do in Malta include the ancient walled city of Mdina, the historic St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, the awe-inspiring Blue Grotto, the prehistoric Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park, the fascinating Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk and Teatro Manoel. Explore these landmarks in a private luxury vehicle or by yacht.
Cruise grottos and lagoons
Whether a catamaran, sailboat or sunset cruise suits your travel style, booking a private charter through Blue Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Malta. Famous for its white sand and crystalline water, the uninhabited island of Comino and its idyllic lagoon offer spectacular snorkelling, swimming and diving conditions. Companies such as iMalta Boat Trips, Outdoor Explorers Malta, Malta Catamaran Charters, Click & Boat, Yacht Charter Fleet and Boat Booker facilitate private charter bookings.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of azure waters, limestone cliffs and arches at the Blue Grotto, a network of six caves on Malta’s southern coast. Those who cruise the caves in especially sunny weather are likely to see pink, orange and green reflections in the waters, an experience that feels otherworldly. Sightseeing boat trips are usually offered to visitors daily and take around half an hour to complete. Enhance your seafaring experience by booking a personalised private boat tour with GozoBlu, which caters to romantic sunset sailings, freediving and fishing charters.
Hike into nature
There’s a place on Malta’s west coast where the sky meets the sea to breathtaking effect. Towering 253 metres above sea level, Dingli Cliffs is the highest point of the archipelago and boasts panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, terraced fields and islands. Lace-up your hiking shoes, pack your camera and walk along the cliff edge, where you’ll find a small chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. It’s one of the best things to do in Malta.
Stroll the three cities
The Three Cities and Cottonera are nestled along the Grand Harbour. These fortified cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, are steeped in centuries of maritime legacy with narrow, winding streets and grand bastions offering picturesque views of the shimmering waters below. The Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace stand as monuments to Malta’s past, while the elegant waterfront boasts intimate dining and exclusive experiences.
Daytrip to Gozo
Malta’s islands are connected by ferry services, making it easy to discover outlying gems such as Gozo, one of the most rewarding things to do in Malta. Just a 45-minute sailing from Valletta, Gozo is a green and rural pocket where nature is celebrated and traditions are upheld. Gourmands may be interested in learning about Gozitan cheese, while history buffs should make a beeline to the world’s oldest free-standing temples of Ggantija. The windmill of Ta’Kola offers insight into the agricultural practices of yesteryear, while the ancient fortified town of Cittadella, recently restored, is a maze of charming streets and bastions, filled with shops and restaurants.
Enjoy excellent stargazing conditions at the Inland Sea in Dwejra, visit the Salt Pans or the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, or go snorkelling in the rocky gorge of Wird il-Hgasri. Maltatours.com provides customised tours and unique experiences for families and friends on vacation, and operates a variety of transport options from air-conditioned coaches to cars, jeeps and horse-drawn cabs.
Why visit Malta?
If you’re dreaming of the historical fortifications of Dubrovnik, the crystalline waters of Crete or the baroque architecture of Sicily, then book a trip to Malta. This collection of islands in the Mediterranean offers visitors a unique blend of all these elements. Whether food, architecture, beaches, history, culture or days spent lazing on a private yacht tickle your fancy, you can do it all in Malta – with less crowds than Greece, Italy or Croatia.
Where is Malta?
The island country of Malta measures in at just 315 square kilometres with a population of around 550,000 people and is perched in the Mediterranean Ocean south of Sicily and north of Libya. While Malta has spent several of the past centuries under foreign rule, it obtained independence from Britain in the 1960s. The main islands are Malta, Gozo and Comino (Blue Lagoon).
How to get to Malta
Several Airlines offer routes between Australia and Malta with connections in the Middle East and Europe. The journey typically takes between 26 and 30 hours to complete with most legs arriving at Malta International Airport, a fifteen-minute drive from Valletta, the Maltese Capital. Cities such as London, Rome, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels and Stockholm offer direct flights to Malta. Malta is a member of the Schengen area, but Europe requires Australian travellers to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) from mid-2025.
What is Malta best known for?
Though relatively unknown to Australians, Malta is a breathtaking destination with a dramatic history. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, pristine beaches, bio-rich marine environments (perfect for diving!), pockets of national park and Game of Thrones filming locations, Malta is also where the Knights of St. John ruled from the 16th to 18th centuries. The archipelago hosts events such as the Malta Arts Festival, Carnival in Malta and the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck, and is famous for its unique culinary style: a fusion of Mediterranean flavours from Italy, North Africa and the Middle East. The national dish is stuffat tal-fenek, a type of rabbit stew.
How many days do I need to spend in Malta?
Three to five days is enough time to experience Malta in depth, along with its sister-island, Gozo. Ensure your itinerary explores Valletta, Mdina, Blue Lagoon (Comino), the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Read more:
How to spend three days in Malta
47 of the best food and wine experiences around the world
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