The Maltese islands are full of interesting places and attractions, museums and monuments which you can visit. Faced with such a choice, what are the best things to do and places to see, especially if you are on a short visit?
Here is our pick of the top 10 things to do in Malta.
1. Valletta is without doubt the best base for seeing the rest of the island. It is Malta’s Capital city and a World Heritage site. Located on a peninsula with magnificent harbours on either side. With the bus terminus just outside the City Gate it is easy to get around the whole of the island without waisting a lot of time.
2. The Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta is one of the largest and most opulent in Malta. This baroque palace built by the Knights of Malta with its beautiful architecture, internal courtyards, The Armoury, and its chambers lined with Gobelins Tapestries is a must visit sight.
3. Take a relaxing stroll in one of Valletta’s small gardens. The most romantic spot with the best views is definitely The Upper Barracca Gardens with a sweeping vista of the Grand Harbour and the three cities just across.
4. Cross over to the Three Cities (Birgu, Isla, Bormla) on one of the Maltese gondola boats from the Grand Harbour to Birgu. The gondola trip is enjoyable, as it give you one of the best views of the fortifications that surround the harbour.
5. Take a bus to Mdina. ‘The Silent City’ used to be Malta’s old capital. It stands on one of the highest points on the island and offers some incredible views of Malta. It dates back to the Arab rule and you can still get a sense its past through the narrow winding streets.
6.Visit the Museum of Archeology in Valletta where some of the best prehistoric artifacts are housed; then head out to the Hagar Qim temples on the southern edge of the island. This complex consist of three temples and date back to 3600 and 3200 BC.
7. St John’s co-Cathedral in Valletta is home to some of the finest religious artworks on the island. The most prominent is The Beheading of St. John, a Caravaggio masterpiece; his largest painting and is his only signed work of art.
8. Fancy trying some Maltese wine? Then take a trip to the Marsovin wine cellars, where you can sample some exquisite wines from the Maltese vineyards in the 400-year-old Cellars. Try the famous “Cassar De Malte” a quality sparkling wine produced in the Methode Traditionnelle!
9. A very popular attraction in Valletta is Casa Rocca Piccola in Republic street. Still owned by one of the oldest families in Malta, it is a true jewel and gives a peep into Maltese nobility. Try the Champagne tour which stars at 1900hrs on Fridays and get to meet the Marquis de Piro, who will tell the most incredible stories about the house and its curious collections!
10. Manoel Theatre is one of Europe’s oldest theatres. Enjoy a romantic evening out and listen to some incredible baroque music!