Malta Island Travel Guide
Planning a trip to traveler’s paradise Malta Island? Well, this travel guide would interest you. Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world with a dense population. This island archipelago has three islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and is a favorite among travel enthusiasts worldwide.
The Island of Malta is the largest of all the islands and is a cultural, commercial, and administrative hub. Gozo comes next and has countryside and open spaces. Comino is not populated much and good for a one-day trip and hiking.
Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, to the South of Sicily. The history of the island of Malta dates back to around 5900 B.C. The Knights of St John came to Malta in 1530. The place was once under British rule, and Malta became independent in 1964. Despite its recent independence, the place boasts of rich cultural heritage and beauty.
Whether you want to spend your leisurely hours in the islands of Gozo, or you want to enjoy the fests, the cultural programs, and the bonfire with your family, the island of Malta can be your holiday destination this summer vacation. Malta’s weather is nice all-round the year, but vacationers prefer summers to enjoy the beaches and coves. Hence, the island of Malta remains packed with tourists during the peak summer months.
Discover the Island of Malta
If you are on Malta island, you are surrounded by islands at different sea levels and you will love to explore this visual retreat. Malta Island is connected via airlines from different parts of the world. It not only has this exquisite travelers’ paradise touch but is also known for its enriched history and heritage. It is also known for its bustling and vibrant nightlife. Spend your time on the cruises, relish the wonderful cuisine, and delve deeper into the varied culture when you visit Malta.
The island of Malta presents an array of exciting activities for group or solo travelers, and these include diving, cruises, film shooting, and many more. The island of Malta is home to many international students, and apart from short holiday or study breaks, people also come here for wellness, meditation, and holidays.
Let’s check out the major tourist attractions of the island of Malta.
Capital City Valetta
Malta’s Capital Valetta is also called the fortress city. Valletta is also known as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.” With a great past, it is one of the first planned cities of Europe and dates back to the 1530s, and is related to Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem. In 1530, Charles V, who was a Spanish King, gave Malta to the Knights. It is also a UNESCO-listed city.
It reflects the grand Baroque architecture. When holidaying in Malta Islands, do visit all the fascinating tourist destinations in Valletta. Some attractions of capital Valetta are:
- Saint John’s Co-Cathedral: Here you will get a glimpse of the Knights of Malta who fought for the Catholic religion in the 16th century. This cathedral is a symbol of victory. of the Knights. It is known for its artwork, famous ceiling paintings and Baroque interior.
- Grand Master’s Palace: this monument is located in Palace Square where traditional ceremonies take place. Tourists love to explore its grand hallways, 18th-century Baroque ceiling paintings, murals, portraits of Grandmasters, collection of knights armor and weapons. Some part of the building is now the Presidential Palace and the rest is a public museum.
- Grand Harbor: It is a natural harbor on the island of Malta and is located in the capital Valetta. Hence it is also known as Port of Valletta. Besides the waterbody, the place is also home to various forts built by the British and Knights of St. John. Some of the forts that you can explore here are Fort Rinella (1886), where you can see Armstrong 100-ton guns; Fort Ricasoli (1698), and Fort Saint Rocco and Fort Saint Angelo (1560); there are many other architectural marvels that you can find here. Explore the Grand Harbor through a guided boat tour.
- National Museum of Archeology: It is the historic residence of the knights where you can see prehistoric artifacts, ancient Roman objects, and medieval items.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens: It is built on Valletta’s highest point and is worth visiting as it is adorned with fountains, archways, historical statues, old military cannons, enchanting flowers beds, and a view of the Grand Harbor. You can also see the towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Kalkara from here.
- More attractions of Valletta: Do visit Casa Rocca Piccola that is a home of an aristocratic Maltese family giving a glimpse of the rich culture and heritage of the place. Also, don’t miss the evening performance at the Manoel Theater dating back to 1731. Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul Shipwreck, National Museum of Fine Arts, Valletta Waterfront, Malta’s National War Museum are some other landmarks tourists visit.
Island of Comino
This island is Comino is tiny but very beautiful. It has many wildflowers and herbs. It takes just 30 minutes from the main Malta island to reach here. This Maltese island has an area of just 3.5 square km. You must spend a day here and explore its charm. In spring and autumn, you can also enjoy hiking here.
Its Blue Lagoon beach is a key tourist attraction. You will love its crystal-clear blue waters and rough cliffs. It is great for swimmers and photographers. The aquatic opulence of this place makes it one of the most amazing beaches for tourists.
Island of Gozo
The island of Gozo is also a must-visit when you travel to the island of Malta as it has several attractions. Some key attractions of Gozo are Victoria and the Citadella, various museums, Dwejra and the Azure Window, The Fungus Rock, The Inland Sea, Blue hole diving site, Ta’Pinu Basilica pilgrimage site, Marsalforn salt pans beach town, Ramla Bay sandy beach, Ggantija temple complex in Xaghra, Ta’Cenc cliffs and more. You can easily spend a couple of days here.
Popular Towns of Malta
You will love the enchanting small towns of Malta. Some popular ones are Nadur (known for bakeries and beaches), Mdina (medieval walled city with museums and cathedrals), Sliema (the cosmopolitan town), St Julians (the coastal town with mesmerizing views, bays, and beaches), Mellieha (the resort town with superb beaches), Victoria (the largest Gozo town with cultural and historical attractions and dining experiences), Marsaxlokk (the fishing village with Sunday open-air markets), Dingli (peaceful Malta town that is also the highest point), and Gharghur (historic town with narrow streets, amazing cafés, and wonderful architecture).
Where to stay
As much as this place will lure you with its surreal appeal, it also abounds luxury Malta Island hotels that offer exciting tour packages. To amplify up your travel experience, you can plan your stay at one of the Malta Island hotels. These hotels have superb views, comfort and are known for luxury.
The luxury hotels here offer various amenities like a spa, air conditioning, delectable food, and much more to make your stay a comfortable one. There are multiple booking options for Malta Island hotels to book online and discuss the entire travel itinerary with them.
To make your stay even more comfortable and memorable, you can choose the Kempinski hotel, which is one of the oldest hotel groups. Some of the hotels are just a few minutes’ walk from the tourist spots. The place is flooded with tourists during summers, so make sure that you explore various Malta Island Hotels and book one in advance.
Explore Malta and Create Beautiful memoriesMalta is all about the picture postcards that you can bring back home for your friends and relatives. With the lip-smacking delicacies, beaches, and fun time opportunities, the island of Malta promises a lot. Get the details about Malta Island hotels and book in advance to make your visit to Malta a hassle-free and memorable journey. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head straight toward the island of Malta this summer.
