Planning a trip to Malta? Whether you're visiting for the crystal-clear waters, rich history, or vibrant culture, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. This guide brings together the most useful links for tourists — from transportation and top attractions, to event listings, and local tips. Bookmark this page for quick access to everything you need to explore Malta with ease and confidence.
🚍 Transport
- Malta Public Transport (bus routes, schedules, Tallinja card info)
- Bolt (affordable taxis – download the app)
- eCabs (local taxi service with app)
🚢 Ferries
- Valletta Ferry Services (ferry crossings from: Sliema to Valletta and Valletta to the three cities)
- Gozo Channel (ferry crossing from Cirkewwa, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo)
- Comino Ferries (ferry crossing from Marfa, Malta to Comino)
- Virtu Ferries or Ragusa Xpress (ferries to Sicily)
More detail on how to get around Malta in my blog post here.
🌞 Weather
- Malta International Airport Weather Forecast (most accurate weather forecast)
- Whichbeach (helps you find the best beach in Malta / Gozo / Comino based on real-time wind, weather, and sea conditions)
🇲🇹 Valletta
Malta’s capital, is a charming mix of history, culture, architecture, shops, bars, and restaurants. It overlooks two harbours—one of them, the Grand Harbour, is among Europe’s most stunning. Here are a few must-dos:
- The Malta Experience (an engaging audio-visual show about Malta’s history)
- Upper Barrakka Gardens (between Monday and Saturday, cannons fire at 12 PM & 4 PM with panoramic views of the Grand Harbour)
- St John's Co-Cathedral (home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece and breathtaking Baroque interiors)
- Join a free walking tour (explore Valletta’s main landmarks)
- Take this local food tour (a fun way to discover Valletta’s landmarks while sampling authentic Maltese flavours. Trust me, it’s one of the best tours you can take and well worth the price)
🇲🇹 Mdina & Rabat
Explore Mdina and Rabat for a deep dive into Malta’s rich heritage—wander Mdina’s quiet, narrow streets, take in the sweeping views from the bastions, enjoy cakes at Fontanella or evening pizza, platters, and wine at their wine bar, Vinum, and don’t miss St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat for a glimpse into the island’s early Christian past.
- Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs (for a richer experience, I highly recommend this 2.5-hour walking tour, which includes entry to St. Paul’s Catacombs (normally €6) all for just €25)
🇲🇹 Other Great Tours
Some must-see spots like Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, and Dingli Cliffs offer a true taste of Malta but can be tricky to reach by public transport. If you have a rental car, I’ve linked how to visit them independently below (Skip the crowds, head South blog post). Short on time?
- 5 hr Vintage Bus Tour (covers all—including Valletta, Mdina, and lunch in Siggiewi—making it one of the best-value tours in Malta)
Megalithic temples of Malta, such as Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ä gantija (in Gozo), are some of the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world. The temples are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and hold great cultural and historical significance, offering insight into early religious practices and community life in the Maltese islands. If this is something that you’re interested in, you can visit them independently, or as part of a group tour.
- Heritage Malta (book your tickets independently)
- Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Ghar Dalam Cave and Museum (group tour including transport, guide and entrance tickets. Available only on Saturdays)
Gozo, Malta’s smaller and more traditional sister island, offers a slower pace of life, scenic landscapes, and a sense of authenticity. It’s the perfect escape from busy Malta and deserves a couple of days to truly enjoy its charm, coastal views, and ancient sites like the Ä gantija Temples. If you're short on time, a day trip still gives you a taste of local life. For the best experience, explore Gozo’s hidden gems by quad bike or jeep tour—ideal for reaching off-the-beaten-path villages and scenic spots. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Gozitan ftira, a local twist on pizza. Head to Mekren or Maxokk bakery and try one with Maltese sausage and cheeselets—you won’t be disappointed!
- From Malta: Guided Quad Tour of Gozo (including a stop in Comino + dinner (this tour covers Gozo’s top spots—Sanap Cliffs, Wied il-Mielaħ, Xwejni Salt Pans, and more—by quad bike. It’s a fun, adventurous way to explore (unless you're not into driving quads). Transfers to and from Malta, a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, and dinner are all included, making it excellent value for money)
- From Malta: Gozo 4x4 Buggy Tour (inc. Lunch & Transfers (if you'd rather not drive yourself, this is the ideal tour. You'll ride in modern, comfortable buggies—far better than the old, worn-out jeeps still circling the island (trust me, I tried one in March and it didn’t feel safe). Sit back and relax as you're chauffeured around Gozo’s top sights, with lunch and round-trip transfers from Malta included. It’s a smooth, stress-free way to explore)
- Gozo to Comino Guided Kayak Tour (now this is my kind of adventure! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it—but only if you're staying overnight in Gozo. The tour starts from Hondoq Bay, so you'll need to get there either by car or using Bolt, which works well in Gozo too)
I'm in the process of putting together a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Gozo, all from a local’s perspective. If you're planning to explore Gozo independently, be sure to check back regularly for updates!
🚢 Comino Boat Tours
As a local, I’ve tried nearly every boat tour—budget, premium, and everything in between. This one offers the best value for the price. While private charters are more personalized, here’s why I keep recommending these particular tours.
Want to skip the daytime crowds? Head out after 5 PM—you’ll enjoy a quieter experience and catch a stunning sunset. Win-win!
This boat tour departs from Bugibba, getting you to Comino in about an hour—much faster than the two-hour ride from Sliema. It includes a stop at the beautiful, boat-only Crystal Lagoon and sails on a large, stable catamaran that’s perfect for anyone prone to seasickness. There’s plenty of space on deck, so you won’t be fighting for a spot like on more crowded tours. The boat also docks closest to the Blue Lagoon, allowing you to swim straight off the boat into crystal-clear water, avoiding the busy beach altogether—and saving money on sunbed and umbrella rentals (€15 per person)
- From Bugibba: Full Day Boat Tour to Comino (optional stop in Gozo)
This tour, operated by the same company, offers a boat tour on their newest, most modern catamaran—with netted lounging areas and upgraded amenities. The newer catamaran, ideal for adults seeking a relaxed, stylish experience, costs about €20 more per person. The tour stops at Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and a third beach (usually Anchor Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa, depending on wind conditions). There are two departure times: morning or afternoon, with the latter perfect for a sunset cruise and smaller crowds.
If you’re staying in Sliema, St. Julians or Valletta, be cautious when choosing which Comino boat tour to take. There are many options and ticket sellers competing on site, but not all tours are created equal—some can be quite disappointing. If you want recommendations on which tours to avoid, feel free to message me privately. I highly recommend these two options (note: I’m not affiliated with any company—I’ve simply experienced many tours, and some are definitely not worth it)
- From Sliema: Powerboat tour to Comino, Crystal Lagoon & Blue Lagoon including a swim stop in Gozo (my preferred option due to quicker travel)
- From Sliema: Full day boat tour to Comino's Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (optional stop in Gozo) (it takes roughly 2 hours to get to Comino and 2 hours back)
Planning to explore Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon—like hiking, camping, or visiting quieter beaches? Check out my blog post on how to do it all independently. Best done outside the peak season (end of May to mid-September)
🚢 Other Boat Tours in Malta
- From Sliema: Marsamxett Harbour & Grand Harbour by Night (it’s been a while since I’ve taken a harbour cruise, but I still highly recommend the 1.5-hour tour—it’s a fantastic way to see Malta’s two natural harbours. The Grand Harbour, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. You'll cruise past historic forts, creeks, the Three Cities, and scenic coastlines while learning about Malta’s rich history. This is the only tour that actually runs at night (not just a 6:30 PM “night” tour), with the bastions beautifully lit after dark. Note: This tour runs only on Thursdays, so booking in advance is recommended)
- From Sliema: Morning Cruise around the harbours (this is a similar tour to the one above but runs in the morning, with about four different departure times. Just a heads-up—between June and September, Malta gets extremely hot during the day. Personally, I wouldn’t go in the morning; if anything, I’d opt for the latest slot around 4 PM)
- Marsaxlokk Coastal Tour including St. Peter's Pool (Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village in the South of Malta, and it’s especially worth visiting on Sundays for the vibrant Sunday market)
- Blue Grotto Boat Service (at Wied iż-Żurrieq, you can hop on a boat tour to visit the breathtaking Blue Grotto caves, famous for their vivid blue waters and striking rock formations. Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children, available only on site and payable in cash)
⛪️ Churches
Malta is full of stunning churches—359 churches across Malta and Gozo—many of which are architectural masterpieces with deep historical and cultural significance. Here are some of the best churches to visit in Malta and Gozo:
- St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta (home to Caravaggio's "the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist". The entry fee is well worth it to experience its breathtaking Baroque interior)
- Mosta Rotunda (Dome) (featuring one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. Find details on opening hours, how to reach it by public transport, and what’s included in the €5 entry fee by clicking on the link)
- Ta' Pinu National Shrine in Gharb, Gozo (a well-known pilgrimage site with stunning views, free to visit. It's famous among locals for reported miracles and features an impressive collection of votive offerings)
Please remember to dress modestly when visiting churches—cover shoulders and avoid short shorts or skirts.
Summer in Malta is all about village feasts—lively celebrations held every weekend in honor of patron saints. Streets are decorated with lights and banners, local bands play in the streets, and food stalls line the squares. As night falls, fireworks displays lighting up the skies, a true Maltese tradition that adds magic to those warm Summer nights.
- Maltese Calendar of Feasts in Malta and Gozo (here you'll find a list of all the village feasts. While the main feast day is usually listed as Sunday, the celebrations actually begin a week earlier. For example, if the calendar shows a feast on Sunday, 13th July (like our local feast in GĹĽira), the festivities typically kick off on Monday, 7th July, with things really picking up from Thursday onward)
🏖️ Sandy Beaches
The best sandy beaches in Malta are in the North—here’s my personal ranking. All are accessible by public transport and offer amenities and water sports. If you're driving, go early—parking fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Mellieħa (Għadira) Bay in Mellieħa (Malta's largest sandy beach with shallow waters)
- Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera) Bay in Mgarr (golden-red sand, dramatic cliffs, 187 steps to reach the bay, great for sunsets & Malta's only surf spot, surfing lessons here)
- Paradise Bay in Cirkewwa (small beach, turquoise waters, scenic)
- Golden Bay in Mgarr (second largest sandy beach in Malta, golden-red sand)
- Armier and Little Armier in Mellieħa (more popular with locals, beautiful views of Comino)
🌊 Rocky Beaches
Although Malta is famous for its sandy Northern beaches, its rocky shores are just as beautiful—featuring crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and smaller crowds. Most are reachable by public transport, but amenities can be limited or absent. Here are my favorite rocky beaches and swimming spots in Malta:
- Anchor Bay in Mellieħa (it’s best paired with a visit to Popeye's Village next door, where admission includes amenities and even a fun inflatable assault course in the sea—a fun day (or half-day) out)
- Għar Lapsi l/o Siggiewi (a naturally formed swimming pool, famous for it's 40 meter cave, a beloved swimming stop with locals)
- Manoel Island in Gzira (stunning views of Valletta, a 10-15 minute walk from the Gate, free shuttle service offered on weekends and public holidays between July and September)
- Tigne Point in Sliema (stunning views of Valletta, a popular spot for evening gatherings)
- The Baths of Sliema in Sliema (a series of square pools which have been carved into the rocks along the coast. Located below Surfside restaurant)
- St. Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk (natural rock formation, deep water, popular for cliff jumping, the crowdiest rocky beach)
If you love adventure and discovering hidden gems with the best viewpoints near popular beaches, check out my recommendations in my blog posts here:
- Skip the crowds, head South
- Swim, hike and kayak in Mgarr's bays
- Mellieha Bay and Coral Lagoon (hidden gem)
🍕 Looking for great places to eat? Here’s a list of my favourite cafés, restaurants, and bars. In general, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Valletta—these areas are packed with excellent dining spots for every taste and budget.
Happy Travels! x
Disclaimer:Â All content and photos in this blog post are my own unless otherwise stated. Please do not copy, reproduce, or use any images or text without written permission.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This isn’t an exhaustive list of every tour or activity available—it’s a curated collection of my personal favourites. It reflects the things I love most: a mix of beaches, adventure, and discovering hidden gems. These are tours I’ve either done myself or would genuinely recommend to close friends and family.
Some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you book through them. It’s a simple way to help keep this blog running.
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Feeling overwhelmed planning your trip? I’ve got you!
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—whether it’s via email at journeywithme.mt@gmail.com or over on Instagram @journeywithme.mt, I’m always happy to help.
Need something more tailored? I also offer a tip-based itinerary service—just let me know how many days you’re visiting and what you’re into, and I’ll create a custom plan to make the most of your time in Malta. Being local, we’ve got great connections on the island and can help organise everything—from drivers to accommodation and more. Let’s make your trip truly unforgettable!