The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni
The Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni The remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site underground temple at Paola was built between 3,600 and 2,500 years ago and quite apart from being the best preserved and easily the most impressive of Malta’s many Neolithic remains, it is the world’s only known prehistoric un
Ta’Xbiex
Ta’Xbiex Overlooking Marsamxett harbor between Valletta and Sliema on the side of Msida Creek, well-to-do Ta’Xbiex is Malta’s diplomatic quarter. It’s chiefly notable for its number of embassies and high commissions, all housed in ocher-colored grand villas and palazzi along with an enclave of pri
Ta’Quali Craft Village
Ta’Quali Craft Village Situated on an abandoned WW2 airfield, Ta’Quali occupies a series of seemingly ramshackle Nissan huts – plans to spruce up Ta’Quali rear their heads from time to time, but so far no funding has been raised for the redevelopment. Don’t be put off by their tattiness as they hi
St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity
St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity Housed in a renovated 400-year-old fort in the heart of pedestrianized Valletta, the St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity has become the city’s go-to cultural hub. While its rugged interior remains largely unchanged, it features an art-house cinema, theat
San Anton Gardens
San Anton Gardens San Anton Gardens are the most beautiful of the few public parks in Malta. They surround an ornate palazzo built by Grand Master of the Knights of St John, Antoine de Paule, as his summer residence in 1636 – it’s now the official residence of the Maltese President – and were bequ
Msida Marina
Msida Marina Msida town was originally a little fishing village but now straggles into smart Ta’xbiex, the wealthy enclave that is home to the majority of Malta’s diplomats and embassies. Msida’s biggest claims to fame today are a prestigious university and the mammoth yacht marina stretching alon
Manoel Theatre and Museum
Manoel Theatre and Museum This gem of a theater has been open on and off since 1732, and was built by a wealthy Grand Master of the Knights of St John during a period of great political stability and wealth in Malta to provide entertainment for the troops. Mannerist on the outside and all gold and
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Lower Barrakka Gardens These romantic, landscaped gardens have recently been revamped and sit prettily on the edge of Valletta’s ramparts. They offer wonderful birds-eye views east to the entrance to the Grand Harbor and south to Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities of Vittorioso, Senglea and Cospi
Senglea
Senglea Of the three villages of Cottonera — Senglea, Birgu, and Cospicua — Senglea is a true gem that should not be missed. From walks along the promenade to climbing the famous steps in this hilly town, its a beautiful visit that makes visitors feel as though theyre the first to discover this ha
Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens
Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens Limestone is the 22 million-year-old rock on which Maltas history is built – literally. And it is this material that serves as the inspiration for an informative look at the history of the island, as well as a visit that is so much more than visitors bargain for
Hagar Qim
Hagar Qim As with the other sacred temples on Malta, Hagar Qim predates most of the worlds most treasured sacred structures. Dating back well over 5,000 years, the circular shape of the temple complex reveals its loyalty to what is considered the “Goddess” era of Malta. Visitors can learn the
Cospicua
Cospicua Cospicua, known in Maltese as Bormla, is one of the beautiful villages that makes up the Three Cities (Cottonera). With Greek, Roman, and Turkish influences, its a fascinating look at just how integrated Mediterranean history has made such a unique culture. When seen from the sea, as
Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Birgu (Vittoriosa) An interesting town to visit on Malta is known in Maltese as Birgu, and in Italian as Vittoriosa (“Victorious,” named as such after the Great Siege of Malta). Situated on the Grand Harbor, it has a lengthy maritime history and home to the popular Maritime Museum. But the Fort St
Marsamxett
Marsamxett Marsamxett Harbour sits on the north-west side of Valletta and, along with a series of major creeks – Sliema, Msida and Lazzaretto – provides calm mooring for boats as it is protected by the plug of land at Dragutt Point and by rocky Manoel Island, now connected to the town of Gzira by
Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum
Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum Malta’s oldest and least-known prehistoric site is close to Marsaxlokk on the south coast. Excavations at the massive limestone cave complex at Għar Dalam in the 20th century led to the discovery of fossils of long-extinct mammals and provide firm evidence of human occup
Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk Malta’s prettiest fishing village sits around a bay on the south coast of the island and has starred in thousands of postcards and many a film. Marsaxlokk’s (pronounced marsa-schlock) chief attractions are twofold: the buzzing daily market and the fishing boats. The latter comprises a l
Malta Maritime Museum
Malta Maritime Museum Housed in a formal naval bakery in Vittoriosa, the Malta Maritime Museum is yet one more example of how proud the country is of their history – this time, with the focus being the seas surrounding the island. And because there is an ongoing search for more artifacts, its a si
Ggantija Temples
Ggantija Temples Built about 5,600 years ago on the island of Gozo, the Ggantija Temples are one of the most popular destinations for visitors – and one of the worlds oldest manmade religious sites still in existence today. They are astonishing not only for their age, but also because they were co
Palazzo Parisio and Gardens
Palazzo Parisio and Gardens Originally designed in 1733 by António Manoel de Vilhena, a Portuguese Grand Master of the Knights of St John, this enchanting palazzo changed hands in the 19th century and was given a decorative facelift by its aristocratic new Maltese owners – who still live there tod
Valletta Cruise Port
Valletta Cruise Port There’s a reason the waterfront of Valletta is one of Europe’s most-visited cruise ports, and travelers to this historic town on the northeast coast of Malta will immediately understand why. Ancient forts, breathtaking buildings, and winding streets dot the hillside of the cit
