Best Places to Visit in Malta for First-Time Visitors

Malta is a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Many people come here every year to enjoy its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and interesting history. If you have never been to Malta before, you will find many famous landmarks, tasty food, and friendly people. In this article, I want to share what I saw and learned during my visit. I will tell you about the best places to see, how to get around, and some customs to know. Malta is easy to enjoy even if your English is not perfect. So, let’s start with the story of arriving in Malta.

Malta’s Historic Cities and Landmarks

When I arrived at Malta International Airport, it was easy to find a bus to the capital city, Valletta. The bus takes about 20 minutes and costs very little. Valletta is small but full of history. Walking its narrow streets feels like going back in time.

After enjoying the rich history and food of Malta, you might find a visit to Valencia’s vibrant streets and unique blend of old and new a wonderful next step to see another Mediterranean gem.

The first place I visited was the Upper Barrakka Gardens. From here, you get a great view of the Grand Harbour and the famous Three Cities-Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These cities have old forts that protected Malta from invaders many years ago. A surprising fact is that Malta was ruled by the Knights of St. John for over 250 years. Their grand palace and the beautiful St. John’s Co-Cathedral show how rich and powerful Malta was.

For those who enjoy discovering Malta’s unique history beyond the well-known landmarks, visiting the Malta Hypogeum reveals an ancient underground world of stunning archaeological significance just a short trip from Valletta.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is special because inside you find paintings by Caravaggio, a famous artist. The walls and floor are decorated with colorful marble and gold. It feels very grand and quiet, perfect for a peaceful walk.

Another historic place I loved was Mdina, the old capital. This city has a calm and silent atmosphere. Walking at night when the city lights are on gives a very different feeling. On the way to Mdina, I stopped at Rabat to try some local food, which I will tell you about later.

Tasty Maltese Food to Try in Different Areas

Maltese food is a mix of many cultures, like Italian, Arabic, and British. One famous Maltese dish is pastizzi. These are small pastries filled with cheese or peas, and they are great for a quick snack. You can find pastizzi shops in almost every town. I tried some in a bakery near Valletta’s city center, and they were warm and fresh.

In the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, I enjoyed fresh fish. On Sundays, the market near the harbor is full of colorful boats called luzzu and local fish sellers. I had grilled lampuki (dolphin fish), which is a seasonal specialty. The mix of lemon and herbs made it very tasty. Marsaxlokk is perfect for a relaxing lunch by the sea.

For dinner, I tried fenek, which means rabbit stew. It is Malta’s national dish and made with herbs and wine. Many restaurants in the old town of Mdina offer this dish. It was soft and flavorful, different from any rabbit I had eaten before.

How to Use Public Transport and Get Around Malta

Malta’s bus system is good for visiting popular places. The buses are new and air-conditioned, which is nice during hot days. You can buy a ticket on the bus or get a travel card for several days. The bus routes cover most tourist areas like Valletta, Mdina, and the beaches. Remember, the buses can get crowded during rush hours.

If you want to visit smaller villages or hidden spots, sometimes it is best to rent a scooter or bicycle. Roads are small but mostly easy to navigate. Walking in historic cities is very pleasant because the streets are safe and full of small shops and cafes.

Customs and Etiquette When Visiting Malta

Maltese people are warm and friendly. They speak English and Maltese, a language with interesting sounds. When you meet someone, saying “bonġu” (bon-joo) means good morning. It is polite and makes a good impression. Another common phrase is “grazie” (graht-see-eh), which means thank you, borrowed from Italian.

When entering churches or historic buildings, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Also, Maltese families are close, so it is polite to greet elders with a smile or a nod.

One thing I noticed was that Maltese drivers can be fast, so be careful when crossing streets, especially in busy areas. Always use pedestrian crossings, and wait for cars to stop.

Secret Corners and Local Stories of Malta

Besides the famous landmarks, I found a few quiet spots where tourists rarely go. Near the town of Gozo, a small island close to Malta, I visited the Azure Window ruins. The natural rock arch fell years ago, but the area is still beautiful for swimming and snorkeling. Locals told me stories of fishermen who used the caves as shelter during storms.

In Valletta, a small cafe hidden on a side street served me traditional Maltese coffee made with a sweet local honey called ġulepp tal-bajtar. This is a prickly pear syrup that tastes like caramel. The cafe owner said many tourists miss this taste, but it is a real local favorite.

At night, I walked along the Valletta city walls and saw the harbour lit up beautifully. It felt magical, and I met some young Maltese people who shared the phrase “Ħajtek sabiħa” (Hah-tek sah-bee-ha), meaning “Have a nice life.” It was a warm way to say goodbye.

Where to Stay and Quiet Neighborhoods

You do not have to stay in busy Valletta if you want peace. Nearby towns like Sliema and St. Julian’s offer calm hotels and apartments close to the sea. These areas have nice beaches, cafes, and shops but are less crowded than the capital. If you prefer history, choose a guesthouse inside Mdina’s walls for a quiet and old-fashioned feel.

Many small guesthouses have friendly owners who can help you plan day trips or suggest local restaurants. Staying in these places makes it easy to meet locals and learn more about Maltese culture.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Malta

Maltese islands combine old and new in a way that feels natural and welcoming. The mix of history, food, and friendliness makes it a perfect place to relax and learn something new. Whether you enjoy walking in ancient cities, tasting fresh seafood by the sea, or chatting with locals about their traditions, Malta offers something for every visitor.

Remember these simple words: “tajjeb” (tie-yehb) means good, and you will hear it often as people talk about their island with great pride. So get ready for warm sun, clear blue water, and friendly smiles. Malta is waiting for you.

Author: Olivia Martinez

Luxury travel blogger visiting the world's most iconic hotels and resorts.