Malta , which has an unexpected historical richness for its size , is one of the best places to go on holiday in Europe with its beautiful sea warmed by the Mediterranean sun, magnificent beaches, incredible historical places, and vibrant nightlife. Malta is a Mediterranean country consisting of 3 large and 2 small islands, located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, a little off the Italian boot, between Sicily and North Africa.
Malta is a destination where life flows slowly, rich historical and cultural values, unique natural beauties, pleasant towns, friendly people and a destination that offers unique experiences where you can do many activities together.
ⓘ Content List
Malta, One of the Most Beautiful Islands in the World
Malta Attractions
- Valletta
- St. John’s Cathedral
- Upper Barrakka Gardens
- St. Catherine’s Chapel
- Lower Barrakka Gardens
- Malta War Museum
- Lascaris War Rooms
- Grand Harbor
- Mdina
- St. Angelo Castle and Birgu
- Rabat
- Popeye Village
- Marsaxlokk
- Blue Grotto
- Temples of Hagar Qim-Mnajdra
- Tarxien Temples
- Hal Saflieni Catacombs
- Gozo
- Comino and the Blue Lake
Malta, One of the Most Beautiful Islands in the World
Malta, or officially the Republic of Malta, is one of the island states of the Mediterranean, located in the south of Sicily, consisting of 5 islands, 3 large and 2 small. Although its area is 316 square kilometers, according to UNESCO, this is the region where traces of human history are found most intensely in the world. The most historical and cultural heritage per square kilometer is located on these islands.
Maltese and English are spoken as official languages in the country. He speaks a cross-Italian-Arabic language. About 426,000 people live in Malta. A Schengen visa is required to go to Malta, which is a member of the European Union .
It is a popular country with its sheltered natural harbors and year-round mild climate. Malta, where 300 days of the year is sunny, attracts tourists with its wonderful beaches. From windsurfers to sunbathers, there is a variety of options, golden sand, red sand beaches and blue lagoons for everyone.
All structures were built with yellow stone unique to the island. With its preserved architectural structure, natural harbors, mild climate and multiculturalism, the country, which has historical richness, also attracts attention in tourism. Half of the country’s population resides in the capital city of Valletta. Gozo, Malta’s second largest island, is the island’s most populous city with a population of 7,000 people.
If you like the sun, swimming and meeting new people, the island of Malta in the heart of the Mediterranean is ideal for learning English and for a perfect holiday. This fun and beautiful country is at the top of the list for foreign language education with more than 50 language schools. Students who play an active role in tourism, the country’s largest economy, can both receive language education, improve their language and pay for their expenses.
With its unspoiled nature, calm shores, ancient artifacts and mysterious stories, Malta is the natural setting for Hollywood productions. Many productions, from Game of Thrones to Gladiator, The Count of Monte Cristo and Troy, were filmed in this quaint island country. Famous people such as St. Paul of Tarsus, the painter Caravaggio, and Napoleon were guests of this island in the past.
Malta, which the locals call splendid, has succeeded in preserving its characteristic architectural texture and atmosphere from the Middle Ages, in addition to this many cultural and natural riches. That’s why every corner of the island exhibits very valuable heritages to its visitors.
Malta Attractions
Malta is small, but there are so many places to visit and see! If you have little time for it, it is such a rich island that you wish you could stay longer as you travel and see. It has cities that are easy to navigate on foot. Almost all the streets of Valletta, Mdina, Rabat and Birgu seem to have been created precisely for getting lost.
The old capital Mdina, a wonderful well-preserved medieval city on the UNESCO List; The rock-cut underground cemetery of Hal Saflieni, older than the Egyptian pyramids, dating to 3600-3000 BC; The Tarxien Temples, the archaeological site that entered the UNESCO list in 1980, the Megalithic Temple Mnajdra, one of the oldest religious sites in the world, and the Ġgantija Temple are unique places worth seeing.
Located in Malta, which is famous for the Games of Thrones series and attracts a lot of tourists, St. The flamboyant palaces, walls, castles and many other religious structures built by the Knights of Jean are among the most interesting historical places in Malta today.
Let the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, one of the world’s most impressive beaches on Comino Island, be on your must-see list. Malta’s longest beach Mellieha and Ghajn Tuffiena and Golden Bay are Malta’s most popular beaches. You can find much more detailed information about Malta at maltatatili.com .
1. Valletta
Valletta is a settlement established just after the Ottoman danger that tried to seize the island in 1565 was over. This city, which is the capital of Malta today, was founded on a barren and rocky peninsula with every detail planned.
You feel yourself on the set of the movie in the streets of the capital named after Jean Parisot De La Vallette, who became one of the heroes of the order after his successes with the resistance units he commanded against the Ottoman forces in the Great Ottoman Siege. Celebrating its 450th anniversary in the past years, the city became the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Old Maltese houses with bay windows line up adjacent to each other along narrow winding streets that cut each other vertically. Buildings made of yellow Maltese stone are dominated by 16th-century architecture. The houses with colorful bay windows overflowing to the street make their guests feel the feeling of living to the fullest.
Its high and thick-walled walls, bastions, churches and cathedrals, St. Valletta, with its museums displaying the legacy of the Knights of St. John, is a city to get lost in its streets. Starting from the City Gate, you can tour Valletta, which is approximately 1 km long, on a circular tour.
The ruins located near the main entrance of the city, II. It belongs to the Maltese Theatre, which was destroyed during World War II. It serves as an open-air theater with a concert hall built on the remaining ruins. Republic Street Street is a street lined with many famous places and sights of the city. Merchant Street running parallel to Republic Street is also beautiful.
It is possible to encounter many works that are the reflection of this multicultural structure in Valletta. Church of the Knights of Malta, St. John’s Co-Cathedral ; Upper Barrakka Gardens , the place with the most impressive view of the city with its terraced arches ; St. Catherine’s Chapel , the church of Catholic Italians, is among the most important places to see.
the National Archaeological Museum in Valletta, which presents notable collections of prehistoric and Phoenician times ; the National Museum of Fine Arts , Valletta’s art museum ; The Malta War Museum , located in the St. Elmo Castle, which played an important role during the Great Siege, is among the most beautiful Valletta museums to visit.
Manoel Theater in Malta , one of the three oldest theaters in Europe, can be added to the list of places to visit in Malta. st. Built in 1731 by António Manoel de Vilhena, the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John, the historical theater was built to keep the young knights of the Order out of trouble. Theater plays or interesting cultural events are held at the theater every week.
In Malta, which has hosted wars between different civilizations throughout history, the Grandmaster’s Palace, which houses the richest armor collection in the world, makes a journey into history.
2. St. John’s Cathedral
St. John’s Cathedral (St. John’s Co-Cathedral), the symbol of the island and the church of the Knights of Malta. This extraordinary church, which has the most important Baroque buildings in Europe, bears the signature of architect Gerolamo Cassar. Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior of the building, the interior decoration of the church is incredibly rich and refined. I am sure you will be amazed when you see it.
The cathedral, which was started to be built in 1572 and completed in 1577, stands out with its different features among dozens of Christian places of worship on the island. One of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen in my life. Everything was done so perfectly that it is understandable why they called this place not only a church but also a museum.
Its three-dimensional marbles, carved stone walls, and breathtaking vaulted ceilings decorated by the famous Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti are incredibly impressive. Sculptures, wall and ceiling paintings, paintings and everything else is breathtaking.
A painting by the Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio, his greatest work, a masterpiece of the late period, is housed in this magnificent church. The extremely dramatic and dark painting ‘The Shot in the Neck of John the Baptist’, in which the painter, who took refuge in Malta and became a member of the Malta Knights after he was sentenced to death and murder in Rome, depicts the execution of John the Baptist, is dated 1608.
The masterpiece, which was built on a wide wall of the cathedral, reflecting the fear of violence and death, is listed among the top ten most important works of art in the history of humanity by some experts. Inside the church, where every corner is covered with gold and marble, even the floors are paved with colored marbles.
Do not leave Malta without seeing such a magnificent place. It’s really worth spending 12€ to see the church. Visiting hours of St. John’s Cathedral are 09.30-16.30 from Monday to Friday, and 09.30-12.30 on Saturdays. The cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and public holidays. Don’t forget to go to the balcony on the upper floor of the church.
3. Upper Barrakka Gardens
Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of the largest public green spaces in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The history of the garden, located in the Great Harbor area, dates back to the 1560s. The terraced arches of the garden were built in 1661 by the Italian knight Fra Flaminio Balbiani.
st. Planned as the resting place of the Knights of St. John, the garden was opened to the public in 1800 after the end of the French occupation of Malta. The park has statues of many well-known people, including Gerald Strickland, Sir Thomas Maitland, and Sir Winston Churchill.
A copy of the Les Gavroches (street children) sculpture by the Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino is also in the garden. The garden is connected to the beach by the Barrakka elevator. The sea view and landscaping of the garden are wonderful.
A ball throwing show is held every day at 16.00. It is pleasant to watch the sunset view from Valletta. Try to be here at sunset hours. From here you can watch the Grand Harbor and the magnificent view. Upper Barrakka Gardens visiting hours are 07.00-22.00. The garden is open to visitors 7 days a week. There is no Upper Barrakka Gardens entrance fee.
4. St. Catherine’s Chapel
St. Catherine’s Chapel (St. Catherine of Italy) is a church that serves as the parish church of the Catholic Maltese Italian community living on the island. Commonly known as the Church of St. Catherine of Italy, the building was built in 1576 by St. It was built by the Knights of St. The church, which expanded in line with the needs in the 17th century, underwent a major restoration between 2001-2011.
The painting ‘The Martyrdom of St. Catherine’, which depicts the martyrdom of St. Catherine of Alexandria, donated to the church when she came to Malta by the Italian artist Mattia Preti, is the most important work of the church. The frescoes in the dome are also his work. The gray and gilded plaster decorations are unique in the world in terms of style.
St. Catherine’s Chapel can be visited free of charge between 09.00-17.00 6 days a week, except on Sundays.
5. Lower Barrakka Gardens
Lower Barrakka Gardens is the sea level section of Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The neoclassical temple and the Sir Alexander Ball monument, located in the center of the garden with views of the Great Harbor and the breakwater, are among the must-sees in the garden.
In the park, which is impressive with its landscape arrangement, commemorative plaques dedicated to the Hungarian revolution of 1956, the Prague spring, Giuseppe Garibaldi and the 50th anniversary of the European Union are exhibited. In the immediate vicinity of Lower Barrakka Gardens is the Siege Bell War Memorial. Stop by here as you tour the streets of the city.
6. Malta War Museum
Malta at War Museum, St. It is housed in Fort Elmo, an 18th-century army barracks that served as an outpost and air raid prevention center during the war. Malta’s World War II It stands to document the great ordeal endured by Malta’s brave people and their defenders during the dark days of World War II (1940-43).
Located in the 18th century army barracks, which was used as a police station and air raid prevention center during the war, the museum exhibits a rich collection of period artifacts and memorabilia consisting of personal belongings, documents, medals, uniforms and weapons.
The museum stands out with its huge underground bunker. With the helmet on your head, you step through the reanimated gas curtain and step into the world where the Maltese lived during the worst days of the war. During the war, hundreds of people spent many days and nights in these hand-built rock tunnels with the light of gas lamps.
Private guided tours are held twice a day at 10:30 and 13:00. The cost of this tour, together with the Saluting Battery tour, is 16 €.
Malta War Museum visiting hours are from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30. The museum is closed to visitors on Sundays. Malta War Museum entrance fee is 12€, student 10€, children 5-15 years old 5€.
7. Lascaris War Rooms
The Lascaris War Rooms are the rooms where slaves were kept during the period of St. John. Located within the thick walls of Valletta and World War II. In these rooms, which were the secret meeting place of the British and allied Mediterranean forces during World War II, General Eisenhower led the famous Operation Husky, which resulted in the conquest of Sicily in 1943.
It is possible to see maps, telephones, communication systems and drawing tables from this period in the operation rooms, which are still preserved today. Lascaris War Rooms visiting hours are 10:00-17:00. Rooms are closed to visitors on Sundays. Lascaris War Rooms entrance fee is 12€, student 10€, 5-15 year old visitors 5€.
8. Grand Harbor
The Grand Harbor is the heart of Malta’s history. The port, which was the main center of the 1565 siege, II. It was the scene of very important events concerning the history of the region during World War II. II. Ships damaged during the war were repaired in Malta’s Grand Harbor, which was heavily bombarded during World War II.
Until the 1970s, the British Royal Navy served as a protector in this port. Allied Forces II. The Great Harbor, honored by the King of England with the Medal of Courage for playing an important role in the victory of World War II, has the largest walls in the world. There are walking and cycling paths around the port, the exquisite Mediterranean view and the beautiful sea air.
9. Mdina
Mdina is the first castle center of the island, which should be on your list of places to visit in Malta. Located about 13 km from Valletta, Mdina is like a living museum. It was once the headquarters of the Romans and has been used as a military defense center since the Bronze Age. This was the capital when the Ottomans tried to take the island in 1565.
Later, when the capital was moved to Vittoriosa, the city turned into a ghost town. Today, Mdina is described as ‘The Silent City’. You enter Mdina’s main entrance door through the magnificent Mdina Gate in baroque style. The ancestral houses of Malta’s noble families, the small and labyrinthine streets reminded me of the streets of Mardin.
All you have to do is walk randomly on its streets. Be sure to try to see a few important places you must see. The French Baroque palace Vilhena Palace, built in 1728, has been serving as the National Museum of Natural History since 1973 (€5). The impressive building on the left at the entrance to the city offers information about the ecological structure and habitat of the islands.
In Mdina, St. The headquarters and first church of the Knights of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Museum as the most important structure to see. The cathedral is considered the figurative mother of all Maltese churches. At the same time, the religious celebrations of the Archbishop of Malta are held here. Admission is free for worship, but €10 is charged for visiting the tourist attraction, along with the museum entrance.
I entered the church both in my previous visit and on my last visit, no one asked for a fee. st. Attached to St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. Paul’s Museum (Mdina Metropolitan Cathedral Museum) is located on the right side of the cathedral in a magnificent baroque building. The museum collection consists of fantastic paintings and period furniture. It is magnificent both inside and out.
You can learn more about the historical story of Mdina at The Knights Of Malta Museum. In Mdina, which you can only visit during daylight hours, you can have the chance to see the most beautiful views of the island from Bastion square. Since there is no lighting in the evening, you do not have the chance to see much, but you can enjoy a pleasant dinner in Mdina’s restaurants serving very delicious dishes.
10. St. Angelo Castle and Birgu
st. Angelo Castle is one of the symbolic structures of the city, located in the Birgu district, in the center of the Grand Harbor in Valletta, the capital of Malta. In the 1530s, on the castle called Castrum Maris in the Middle Ages, St. Rebuilt by the Knights of St. John, the castle played an important role in the defense of the island in the 1565 Siege of Malta.
The castle, which was built for the last time in the 1690s, II. It was restored after the heavy blows it received during World War II. The castle has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Tentative List since 1998. Inside the castle, there is the Inquisitor’s Palace, which was the center of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798, and the Malta Maritime Museum, which offers sections from Malta’s maritime history.
st. Angelo Castle visiting hours are 09.00-17.00 from Monday to Sunday. Ticket sale ends at 16.30. The castle is closed to visitors on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January. st. Angelo Castle entrance fee is 8€, 12-17 years old 5€, 6-11 years old 3€.
11. Rabat
Located next to the ancient capital Mdina in the northern region of Malta, Rabat is a settlement that plays an important role in Malta’s historical past. One of the main sources of Malta’s rich cultural heritage, Rabat was part of the ancient Roman city of Melita. Home to countless ruins and historical buildings from the Roman Period, Rabat has been a region where different religious orders settled for centuries.
Rabat, where churches of religious groups such as Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians are located, is today considered the commercial center of the island. Among the must-see places in Rabat are the Roman Villa (Domus Romana), underground tombs, St. Paul’s Cave, and many churches and monasteries.
12. Popeye Village
Popeye Village , also known as Sweethaven Village , is literally a fairytale village. The village, which was a movie set built for the musical movie Popeye (Popeye) starring Robin Williams in 1980, was turned into a museum and entertainment center after the filming was completed.
The village, where all the wooden structures in the film are preserved, is located in Anchor Bay, 3 km from the village center of Mellie. In 1979, 7 thousand 500 liters of paint were used to color the houses in the village, which were built in 7 months with wooden materials from the Netherlands and special roof coverings brought from Canada.
Popeye Village visiting hours are 09.30-16.30 in winter (November – March) and 09.30-19.00 in summer (April – November). The village is open to visitors 7 days a week. Popeye Village entrance fee is 15€, children 12€.
13. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is one of Malta’s most visually recognized tourist attractions with its harbor, fishing boats lined up along the bay around the harbour, its exquisite scenery, beautiful sea air and historical buildings. It has a postcard-like view of the fishing town reached by a 30-minute bus ride from Valletta.
The Phoenicians who settled in Malta in 900 BC used Marsaxlokk as a trading port. Marsaxlokk’s beach and harbor, restaurants and swimming areas are popular with locals and tourists alike. Tourists come to Marsaxlokk to tour the lively market place, stroll by the colorful fishing boats, and have a quiet lunch on the beach.
Seafood, tomatoes, olive oil, olives and potatoes are very common in the cuisines of countries dominated by the Mediterranean culture. Rabbit meat is just one of the local delicacies. For the best fish restaurants, stop by Marsaxlokk, and in winter try the Mediterranean bluefish called lampuka.
The market that is set up every day in Marsaxlokk, which does not lose its natural structure and appearance, is the place frequented by visitors who want to buy souvenirs. Located next to Marsaxlokk and one of Malta’s most popular swimming areas, St Peter’s Pool is a magnificent beach reminiscent of a natural swimming pool.
14. Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a nature formation on the south coast of Malta, consisting of 7 different caves with a magnificent view. His reputation moved to Europe with a British soldier visiting the region in the 1950s. It is a system of 6 caves where you will find the Honeymoon Cave, the Cat Cave and the Reflection Cave, as well as a huge main arch approximately 30 m high.
The magnificent view of the Blue Grotto can be viewed from the viewing point called Wied iz –Zurrieq. If you go to see it on a sunny day, its caves are lit up in bright blue hues due to the reflection of sunlight on the white sandy seafloor, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Do not confuse the Blue Grotto, which is visited by approximately 100,000 visitors a year, with the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino. You can join a 60-minute boat tour. The area is also very popular for diving and snorkeling. Boat trips to the Blue Grotto Caves depart from the village of Zurrieq.
Take the Route 74 bus from Valletta to the Panorama stop for 30 minutes. A 10-minute walk from the stop, you reach the blue cave, down the hill, to the pancake place. Blue Grotto ticket price is 8 €. You can put it on the same route as the Hagar Qim Temples.
15. Temples of Hagar Qim-Mnajdra
The Hagar Qim-Mnajdra Temples is a cultural heritage consisting of a megalithic temple complex dated to the Ġgantija phase (3600-3200 BC), which was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1992. Hagar Qim, which literally means ‘standing rocks’, is located near the town of Qrendi in the south of the island of Malta.
Hagar Qim, literally meaning ‘standing rocks’, these megalithic structures located near the town of Qrendi in the south of the island of Malta are one of the richest archaeological heritages in the world in this area. Every corner of the islands you look at, you come across pre-antique ruins. Why there are so many temples on this arid and small island in the middle of the Mediterranean still remains a mystery.
Evidence suggests that Hagar Qim was built by stone age people from Scilly. Like many of Malta’s historical buildings, it was built using limestone. Along with the main temple, which was built between 3600 and 3200 BC, there are 3 structures added later. The temples are older than Stonehenge.
Mnajdra Temple is located 500 meters below Hagar Qim, by the sea. It overlooks the tiny Filfla Island, Malta’s fourth largest island. It is one of the most popular temples in Malta with its many rooms, flooring, huge doors, stone furniture.
Before entering the Hagar Qim Archaeological Park, watch the 4d video that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the place and help you understand the origin and evolution of this site.
Hagar Qim is about half an hour’s drive from Valletta. To visit by public transport, take bus 72 directly to Qrendi. You need to walk about 25 minutes from Qrendi bus station to Hagar Qim.
Mnajdra and Hagar Qim visiting hours are 09.00-17.00. The temples are open to visitors 7 days a week. Ticket sale ends half an hour before closing time. Mnajdra and Hagar Qim entrance fee is 10€, 12-17 years old 7.50€, 6-11 years 5€.
16. Tarxien Temples
The Tarxien Temples is a huge complex of four megalithic temples. The temples were discovered by farmers in 1913 and the first excavations took place between 1915 and 1919. Temples with human remains shed light on the history of humanity in the region. The largest and most complex prehistoric site on the island of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located in the center of Tarxien village, the temples are 400 meters east of Ħal-Saflieni Catacomp, another famous historical structure of Malta. It consists of a complex of four megalithic structures built between 3800 and 2200 BC and reused between 2400 and 1500 BC. Three of the four temples were built according to a five-apse plan. The central temple, on the other hand, has a unique feature in its design with its six apses.
From the reliefs on the temples, it is thought that the building was a religious center where animals were sacrificed. It shows it was reused as a Bronze Age cremation site and burial ground between 2400 and 1500 BC. Still, many things remain a mystery as to why the temple was built and how it was used.
Tarxien Temples visiting hours are Monday to Sunday 09.00-17.00. The temples are open to visitors 7 days a week. The ticket office closes half an hour before closing. Tarxien Temples entrance fee is 6€, 12-17 years old 4.50€, 6-11 years old 3€.
17. Hal Saflieni Catacombs
Ħal-Saflieni Catacombs (Hypogeum) is one of Malta’s most extraordinary historical sites. One of the oldest structures in the world, the Hypogeum, the underground complex in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is even older than the pyramids and Stonehenge . It was discovered in 1902 in the town of Paola, Malta, on a hill overlooking the innermost part of Valletta’s Great Harbour.
The cemetery is a complex of interconnected rock-cut rooms placed on three separate levels. It is estimated that 7,000 people were buried in the region, which consists of catacombs from prehistoric times, over a millennium.
Dating back to 3,300-3,000 BC, the red ocher paintings adorning some of the walls in the cemetery are the oldest and only recorded prehistoric paintings on the Maltese Islands. The most recent remains are from the early Bronze Age period (1500 BC). The decorated blocks and figurines are now on display at the Valletta National Archaeological Museum.
A limited number of visitors are allowed to this interesting place, which is well preserved due to its underground location. With its red wall paintings and carved structure, the only prehistoric burial site open to the public in the world is allowed to be visited by a maximum of 10 people per hour, for a maximum of 8 hours a day, in order to reach future generations.
Ħal-Saflieni Catacombs visiting hours are 09.00-17.00. Katakomp is open to visitors 7 days a week. Guided tours lasting 20 minutes are organized at the burial site at 09.30, 10.30, 13.30, 14.30 and 15.30. Ħal-Saflieni Catacombs entrance fee is 35€, 12-17 years old 20€, 6-11 years old 15€, guided tour 40€.
18. Gozo
Gozo is a small rural island in the north of Malta that you can reach by a half-hour ferry ride. Gozo, this second largest island of Malta, has no big cities, no traffic jams, just beautiful church squares, beaches surrounded by crystal clear waters, nature and tranquility. Life is slow in Gozo, where 34 thousand people live and reveal what Malta was like in the recent past.
Take at least 1 day to visit this place. If you have spared 1 week for Malta, you can easily spare 2 days for Gozo. Start your trip to Gozo with the capital, Victoria (also called Rabat in Maltese), located in the center of the island, not only the geographical center of Gozo, but also the center of its commercial, social and cultural life and history.
The Citadella is the main attraction in Victoria. Built on one of the hills in Gozo, this small bastion city has recently been completely renovated. When you go up to the walls of the castle, you can watch a wonderful 360° view of the surrounding countryside, villages and the sea. There is no charge to enter the Citadella. Enjoy the streets of this castle freely.
You can visit the Baroque Assumption Cathedral, one of the most important churches of the Citadella , for a small fee. You may also be interested in the Cathedral Museum and the Archaeological Museum inside the Citadella. You can visit the Folklore Museum to learn more about the local lifestyle and traditions.
Ggantija is the most visited point of Gozo with its 5,500 years of history. The oldest and largest of Malta’s megalithic temples, Ggantija means ‘giant’ in Maltese. The people of Gozo believed that only giants could carry and assemble these huge rocks, some of which weighed up to 5 tons. Even today, no one knows exactly how the rocks got there.
Ta’Pinu Basilica and Dwejra region are other must-see places on this island, which is among the places to be seen with its hospitable people, sympathetic towns and traditional arts.
There was the famous Azure Window in Dwejra that was the scene of many movies , but unfortunately it collapsed in 2017 but that doesn’t mean there is nothing left to see there! This is a stunning place with strange and interesting rock formations covered by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean. With its unique features, it is very popular for snorkeling and diving.
I recommend you to visit Tal Mixta Cave , which is located on the right slope of Ramla Bay . From there you can enjoy great views of the beach and surrounding landscapes.
Credit cards are not widely used in Gozo. Make sure you have enough cash with you. Black pepper cheese made from goat’s milk in Gozo, pasta and Maltese ketchup are among the flavors you can try.
19. Comino and the Blue Lake
Comino is a small island located between the other main islands of Malta and Gozo. On this island, which you can visit in as little as 1 day, there is a small chapel, a well-preserved and beautiful castle and the Blue Lake, which looks like a postcard with its magnificent white sands and crystal clear blue sea. The turquoise water of the lake is Malta’s favorite spot for swimming and snorkeling.
With the influence of its geographical location, Malta has Mediterranean influences in its food culture. Influenced by Italian food culture, Malta also has influences from British and Arabic cuisine. In the country where there are differences in terms of food and drink, pizza, salad and pasta varieties are very delicious. Fish, tomatoes, potatoes and olives are among the most used ingredients in Malta. With the advantage of being an island country, many restaurants offer good fish and seafood.
How to get to Malta
Malta, which has a Mediterranean climate, has warm weather throughout the year. The summer months are popular with tourists, but they are hot and dry. Due to the temperature of 15°C in winter, the island does not receive many visitors. The best time to go to the island is in the spring and autumn months.
Malta is part of the European Union. It is possible to visit the country with a Schengen visa. The currency of the country is the Euro. There are holiday options on the island with a much more economical budget compared to other European countries.
Malta International Airport, which connects the island country Malta, one of the smallest states in Europe, to the world, welcomes many visitors especially in high season. The airport, also called Luqa Airport, is the only airport in Malta.
It is possible to reach Malta from Turkey by air. As THY has direct flights to Malta, Air Malta has flights from Istanbul Airport twice a week. You can reach this holiday paradise in 2.5 hours with direct flights from Istanbul .
Malta, one of the most visited islands in Europe with its deep-rooted history, prehistoric temples, rocky coastline ending with limestone cliffs, clear sea and red-gold beaches, ethnic structure bringing different cultures together, and unique cuisine is waiting to be discovered. In Malta, which meets different expectations, options such as backpacking, luxury or honeymoon vacations can be evaluated as well as a sea-sand-sun holiday.
