Discover the Malta Tourist Spots That Match Your Travel Style

Malta offers a diverse range of tourist spots, combining historic cities, prehistoric temples, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cultural hubs within a compact island. From UNESCO-listed Valletta and the ancient streets of Mdina to natural landmarks like the Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs, and the Blue Lagoon, Malta’s attractions cater to every travel style. This guide highlights the island’s key tourist spots, organised to help visitors easily discover the places that best match how they like to explore.

Malta may be small, but when it comes to tourist spots, it packs in more variety than many countries several times its size. From centuries-old cities and dramatic coastlines to kid-friendly attractions and romantic hideaways, the island is full of experiences. But not every traveller is looking for the same kind of adventure.

That’s why we’ve put together this curated guide to Malta tourist spots, grouping the island’s highlights by traveller type. Whether you’re a family searching for easy-going fun, a couple seeking scenic moments, a history buff ready for deep exploration, or an outdoor enthusiast craving sun and sea, you’ll find the places of interest in Malta that suit you best.

Consider this your starting point for unforgettable Malta sightseeing, tailored to the way you like to travel.

For families planning a Malta holiday, the island is filled with tourist spots that combine fun, learning, and relaxation. From playful water parks to historic gardens with a view, these are some of the best places to visit in Malta when travelling with kids.

Dive into the island’s underwater world at the Malta National Aquarium, one of the most popular Malta tourist attractions for families. Kids will love spotting clownfish, sharks, and sea turtles across themed marine zones, which make learning about sea life interactive and exciting.

As Malta’s largest sandy beach, Għadira Bay is perfect for a stress-free day out. The shallow, calm waters make it one of the safest Malta tourist spots for families with small children, ideal for paddling, sandcastle building, or lounging under a parasol.

Located right along the promenade, Bugibba Water Park is every child’s dream come true. Splash zones, jets, and fountains offer hours of entertainment for little ones, while parents can relax nearby with a refreshing drink.

A must on any Malta sightseeing list, these peaceful gardens overlook the Grand Harbour. Kids will enjoy the open space to explore, while adults can catch the daily Saluting Battery cannon firing, a highlight that brings Malta’s history to life.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway, Malta is full of scenic hideaways and atmospheric tourist spots that feel tailor-made for two. From quiet ancient streets to shimmering blue waters, these are some of the best places to visit in Malta for couples seeking beauty, tranquillity, and unforgettable shared moments.

A sunrise or late-afternoon boat trip through the Blue Grotto is one of the most magical Malta tourist attractions for couples. The sunlight reflects off the limestone caves, turning the water electric blue. It’s a natural spectacle that feels almost unreal.

Few places of interest in Malta are as enchanting as Mdina after dusk. Known as “The Silent City,” its softly lit alleys and quiet squares create the ideal setting for an intimate evening stroll. Wandering hand-in-hand through this medieval gem is a Malta must-see moment for any couple.

A classic romantic escape, Comino’s Blue Lagoon offers dazzling turquoise waters and a dreamy island atmosphere. Whether you choose a boat tour or a private charter, it remains one of the best attractions in Malta for couples craving sun, serenity, and postcard-worthy scenery.

End the day with a sunset walk along Sliema’s picturesque promenade. With panoramic harbour views stretching toward Valletta’s golden skyline, this peaceful path is perfect for couples who want to enjoy gentle Malta sightseeing without rushing.

For travellers who want to experience the full historical sweep of the islands, Malta is a dream. With a past that stretches from prehistory to the Knights of St John, British rule, and beyond, the country is packed with Malta tourist spots that bring every era to life. If you’re the kind of Malta tourist who loves stories carved in stone, these are some of the best places to visit in Malta.

One of the most significant Malta tourist attractions, this 16th-century palace was once the seat of power for the Knights of St John. Wander through state rooms lined with tapestries, ornate ceilings, and the impressive Palace Armoury.

To understand Malta’s deep prehistoric past, this museum is essential. Home to iconic artefacts such as the Sleeping Lady, the Venus of Malta, and temple-era statues, it’s one of the most valuable places of interest in Malta for heritage lovers. The exhibits offer a remarkable dive into the island’s unique temple culture, some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world.

A beautifully preserved Roman townhouse offering a glimpse into Malta’s classical-era elite. Its intricate mosaics and artefacts make it one of the quietly compelling best attractions in Malta for history fans.

Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, these UNESCO-listed prehistoric temples date back over 5,000 years. Their megalithic doorways and astronomical alignments make them one of the most extraordinary Malta sightseeing experiences.

For a full day of immersive history, explore the fortified harbour towns known as the Three Cities. Highlights include Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Maritime Museum. Together they offer a colourful blend of centuries, all in one walkable area.

For travellers fascinated by military history, Malta offers some of the most compelling Malta tourist spots tied to World War II. Few places endured the intensity of Malta’s wartime experience. The island was one of the most heavily bombed locations of the war, earning the George Cross for bravery. Today, several Malta tourist attractions bring this chapter vividly to life, making them essential for history lovers.

Hidden deep beneath Valletta, this underground command centre served as the Allied HQ during Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily. Touring its maze of tunnels and original operations rooms feels like stepping straight into 1943. It’s one of the most atmospheric places of interest in Malta for WWII buffs.

Located in the historic Three Cities, this museum offers a powerful overview of Malta’s wartime ordeal. The highlight is the complex of air-raid shelters, extensive, haunting, and a reminder of the everyday resilience of the Maltese people. It’s easily among the best attractions in Malta for understanding the human side of the war.

Set inside a star-shaped fort, this museum documents Malta’s military history with standout WWII exhibits. The centrepiece is the George Cross, awarded to the entire nation for bravery. As far as Malta sightseeing goes, this site is both visually stunning and deeply moving.

Less known but incredibly evocative, this restored civilian bomb shelter sits beneath the Wignacourt Museum. Narrow corridors, preserved rooms, and personal items offer intimate insight into what sheltering during the raids was really like.

If your ideal holiday revolves around coastline explorations, scenic walks, and active days outdoors, Malta is bursting with Malta tourist spots perfect for adventure seekers. The island’s compact size means you’re always just minutes away from a new trail, a new cove, or a fresh adventure, making Malta one of the best places to visit in Malta for explorers who love variety.

Sliema’s rocky shoreline is a favourite among locals, especially around Fond Għadir and Tigné Point. These natural rock lidos offer crystal-clear water, ladders for safe entry, and uninterrupted sea views. It’s a must for casual Malta sightseeing and a refreshing dip after exploring the promenade.

Just a short drive from Rabat, Dingli Cliffs rank among the most dramatic Malta tourist attractions. Towering high above the open sea, they offer panoramic views, serene walking paths, and spectacular sunsets that paint the horizon gold.

This easy walking route blends history and nature, featuring Roman baths, ancient apiaries, and rural landscapes. It’s a peaceful slice of countryside close to the northern tourist hubs, proof that some of the best attractions in Malta are also the simplest.

Adventure travellers can take to the water with jet skis, kayaking, paddle-boarding, paragliding, and boat rentals available across Qawra and St Paul’s Bay. It’s a vibrant stretch of coastline that keeps any Malta tourist happily entertained from morning till sunset.

If your ideal holiday is less about ticking off museums and more about soaking in the soul of a place, Malta is full of vibrant urban corners and cultural hubs that feel alive with creativity. From waterfront strolls to artisan enclaves, these are some of the best places to visit in Malta for travellers who enjoy atmosphere, local culture, and leisurely Malta sightseeing.

Valletta is, without doubt, one of the most inspiring Malta tourist spots for culture lovers. MUŻA, Malta’s National Museum of Art, blends classical works with contemporary exhibitions in a beautifully restored auberge. Just minutes away, Teatru Manoel, one of Europe’s oldest working theatres, offers intimate performances in a gilded Baroque setting. Meanwhile, Spazju Kreattiv celebrates modern creativity with film screenings, installations, and community exhibitions. Together, they form a cultural triangle that defines Valletta as one of the best attractions in Malta.

Part commute, part harbour cruise, the Sliema–Valletta ferry is a must for urban explorers. In just 7–10 minutes, you glide across Marsamxett Harbour past Manoel Island and Valletta’s golden bastions. It’s scenic, convenient, and one of the most enjoyable places of interest in Malta for anyone hopping between these two energetic hubs.

Located close to Rabat and Mdina, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village is Malta’s heart of handmade craftsmanship. From glassblowing and filigree to leatherwork and ceramics, this artisan village lets you watch traditional crafts come to life. It’s one of the most enriching Malta tourist attractions, offering insight into the island’s creativity and heritage.

For a more laid-back cultural experience, Qawra’s long coastal promenade is lined with cafés, gastropubs, and casual dining spots. As the sun sets, the area fills with locals and travellers enjoying seaside walks, offering the perfect blend of leisure and local culture, and a great reminder that sometimes the Malta must-see places are the simplest ones.

Malta’s spiritual heritage runs deep, shaped by the Knights of St John, early Christian communities, and centuries of unwavering devotion. For faith-inspired travellers or anyone fascinated by sacred history, the island offers some of the most meaningful Malta tourist spots and places of interest in Malta, with sites that are as enriching as they are beautiful.

A jewel of Baroque art and architecture, St John’s Co-Cathedral is a cornerstone Malta tourist attraction. Its marble-inlaid floors, gilded interiors, and vaulted frescoes make it one of a must-see place. But the highlight is Caravaggio’s dramatic The Beheading of St John the Baptist, displayed in the Oratory. For many travellers, this cathedral alone justifies a Valletta visit.

According to tradition, St Paul, the apostle who brought Christianity to Malta, lived and preached from this humble grotto after his shipwreck in AD 60. Today, the site remains a deeply revered pilgrimage stop and a popular Malta sightseeing landmark, offering a quiet space for reflection.

Set within Malta’s ancient silent city, Mdina Cathedral is another essential stop for religious heritage enthusiasts. Its Baroque façade, painted ceilings, and ecclesiastical museum place it among the best places to visit in Malta for anyone exploring the island’s spiritual artistry.

This extensive underground complex offers a moving glimpse into early Christian burial traditions. Wandering through the lit chambers and narrow passageways brings Malta’s ancient faith history to life, making it one of the most compelling Malta tourist spots for spiritual travellers.

With boutique elegance in Valletta, stylish coastal stays in Sliema, vibrant seaside resorts in Qawra, and a serene wellness retreat in Rabat, AX Hotels offers the ideal base to experience all the Malta tourist spots highlighted in this guide.

Whether you’re here for culture, history, nature, food, or a little of everything, our hotels place you right where you want to be, close to the island’s best attractions, with professional service, excellent facilities, and award-winning dining to elevate every moment of your stay.