Malta officially declared independence from the United Kingdom on September 21st, 1964.
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Measuring in at just 316 square kilometers, the island nation of Malta ranks as the smallest country by area in all of the European Union—but in spite of its size, this storied archipelago is home to a staggering array of fascinating cities and villages. From the coastal capital of Valletta to the ancient settlement of Mdina, Malta offers plenty of intrigue for history buffs and architecture aficionados alike, with no shortage of savory seafood and rabbit dishes to encounter along the way. As you prepare for your first trip to this scenic Mediterranean getaway, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for these iconic destinations, each one shining a spotlight on Malta’s unique cultural heritage.
Valletta
The city of Valletta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
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Designated the capital city of Malta in 1571, Valletta draws tourists in droves with its picturesque coast and eye-catching architecture. Upon arrival, visitors can stroll down Republic Street and admire landmarks like the 1570s-era Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and Grandmaster’s Palace, while Fort Saint Elmo is a popular destination for history buffs thanks to its significance during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. Other popular sites span from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to the National Museum of Archaeology—and to sweeten the deal, Valletta is also packed full of high-end dining destinations that showcase the richness of traditional Maltese cuisine, with venues like Angela’s offering classic dishes like horsemeat stew, pan-fried rabbit and simmered snails.
The Three Cities
The Three Cities are also referred to by their historic titles: Città Vittoriosa, Città Invicta and Città Cospicua.
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Perched on the southern edge of Malta’s Grand Harbour, the trio of Birgu, Senglea, and Bormla—often referred to as the Three Cities—offer scenic seaside promenades and fascinating historic sites all in one fell swoop. During a visit, newcomers can feast their eyes on a wealth of centuries-old structures like Fort Saint Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Church of Saint Lawrence, then make their way to the Gardjola Gardens for splendid views of the Valletta skyline. After a lengthy stroll through the area, the Birgu waterfront is perfect for a hearty lunch, with eye-catching architecture and lively seafood restaurants found all along its perimeter.
Mdina
The Mdina Gate is prominently featured in Season 1 of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.”
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Roughly half an hour west of Valletta, Mdina was a prominent settlement for both the Phoenicians and the Roman Empire—and today, the city stands out as one of Malta’s top tourist attractions thanks to its painstakingly-preserved walled city. Museums abound throughout its winding streets, with sites spanning from the artifact-filled Mdina Cathedral Museum to the Palazzo Falson, a former residence that was constructed well over 500 years ago. Once you’ve had your fill of Maltese history, Bastion Square is a popular destination thanks to its scenic countryside vistas, while Pjazza Mesquita comes equipped with a few open-air restaurants to enjoy.
Marsaxlokk
The luzzu (pictured above) is a traditional fishing vessel that can be found in abundance in Marsaxlokk.
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Famed for its colorful fishing boats and idyllic atmosphere, the coastal village of Marsaxlokk offers a glimpse into Malta’s longstanding fishing industry. Sundays are a particularly popular time to visit, with the Marsaxlokk Fish Market drawing locals and tourists alike thanks to its abundance of seafood sold alongside honey, wine and souvenirs. For those who prefer to stick close to the harbor, restaurants like Liska and AZURE Bistro are perfect for a seafood-filled lunch, while more adventurous visitors can make their way east to check out St. Peter’s Pool, a natural rock formation that’s popular for swimming.
Gozo
Gozo is home to roughly 40,000 people, while mainland Malta is home to roughly 480,000 people.
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Dwarfed by mainland Malta in both size and population, Gozo showcases a less-explored side of Maltese culture, brimming with tranquil villages and windswept cliffs. After a 25-minute ferry ride from Ċirkewwa, visitors can make their way to Victoria—the island’s historic capital—for a stroll around the centuries-old Cittadella, a walled district that’s home to several museums as well as the picturesque Cathedral of the Assumption. Just a short walk away, St. George’s Square is packed full of open-air lunch spots offering ftiras and other classic Maltese dishes—but for ancient history buffs, no trip to Gozo is complete without visiting Ġgantija Archaeological Park, a limestone temple complex that dates back more than 5,500 years.
