Destinations

Malta, Gozo and Comino — three islands full of contrasts. From temples thousands of years old to the shimmering Blue Lagoon.

Malta

Valletta

Valletta fits onto a peninsula of barely one square kilometre and is still the densest concentration of baroque architecture in the Mediterranean. The Knights of St John laid the city out on a grid after the Great Siege of 1565, with bastions facing the Grand Harbour. Walk down Republic Street from the city gate and you reach the far end in twenty minutes — passing St John’s Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio’s „Beheading of Saint John the Baptist", the Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their view across the Three Cities.

St John’s Co-CathedralGrand Harbour & Saluting BatteryUpper Barrakka GardensNational Museum of Archaeology

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Malta

Mdina

Mdina was Malta’s capital until the knights arrived, and it earns its nickname „Silent City": only around 250 people live inside the walls, and cars are almost entirely excluded. The lanes are so narrow that they stay in shade all day — welcome in a Maltese summer. From the bastion wall you look across half of Malta to the sea. Just outside the gate lies Rabat with St Paul’s Catacombs, an early Christian burial system from the 4th century.

Mdina Gate & bastion walkSt Paul’s CathedralSt Paul’s Catacombs in RabatPalazzo Falson

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Sister island

Gozo

Gozo is barely half an hour by ferry from Ċirkewwa and runs by its own rules: terraced fields instead of dense towns, villages built around oversized churches, hills that turn deep green in spring. The citadel sits above Victoria, the main town, in the centre of the island. On the north coast lie the salt pans of Xwejni, still harvested by hand, and in the south the Ġgantija temples — at around 5,600 years, older than the pyramids of Giza.

Citadel of VictoriaĠgantija temples (UNESCO)Salt pans of XwejniRamla Bay with its red sand

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Blue Lagoon

Comino

Comino has no town, no roads and only a handful of permanent residents. The island is known for the Blue Lagoon, a shallow channel between Comino and the rock of Cominotto whose pale sandy bottom turns the water a bright turquoise. To avoid the crowds, come before 10 am or stay into the late afternoon, and in between walk to Santa Marija Bay or the watchtower of 1618 on the south side.

Blue Lagoon & CominottoSanta Marija BaySaint Mary’s TowerCave tour by boat

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Malta

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk sits in the south-east of Malta, where traditional luzzu boats rock in the harbour with the painted eye of Osiris on the bow — a protective symbol the Phoenicians brought with them. On Sundays the fish market fills the whole waterfront. From here you can walk to St Peter’s Pool, a limestone basin polished smooth by the waves, and to the temple of Tas-Silġ.

Sunday fish marketLuzzu boats along the quaySt Peter’s PoolFish restaurants on the promenade

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Malta

Sliema & St Julian’s

Sliema and St Julian’s are the modern counterpoint to the historic towns: an unbroken waterfront promenade of around seven kilometres, bathing platforms cut into the limestone instead of sandy beaches, and hotels, cafés and shopping streets behind them. Ferries run from Sliema Ferries to Valletta in a few minutes. St Julian’s has Spinola Bay with restaurants at the water’s edge, and Paceville, the island’s nightlife quarter, just north of it.

Sliema–St Julian’s promenadeSpinola BayFerry to VallettaThe bathing rocks at Exiles

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A small cove that has already served as a film set.

Mgarr ix-Xini

Mgarr ix-Xini is a hidden gem on the southeast coast of Gozo, feeling like a well-kept secret. Surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation, this small, picturesque bay offers a stunning backdrop that delights not only nature lovers but has also inspired filmmakers. In fact, Mgarr ix-Xini has served as a location for several films, including the famous adaptation of "The Count of Monte Cristo." The crystal-clear, turquoise waters attract visitors for swimming and snorkeling, while the gentle waves lap against the small pebble beaches, creating a relaxing atmosphere. The bay is surrounded by impressive rock formations that are ideal for exploration. Here, you can hike along narrow paths that offer magnificent views of the sparkling water and coastline. The tranquility and seclusion of Mgarr ix-Xini make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re lounging in the sun, exploring the fascinating underwater world, or simply admiring the spectacular sunsets, this place has its own unique charm. A small kiosk on the beach offers refreshing drinks and snacks, allowing you to fully enjoy your time in this idyllic bay. Mgarr ix-Xini is the ideal spot for anyone looking to discover the beauty of Malta off the beaten path.

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The three islands at a glance

Malta

The main island, with Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities and countless beaches.

Area

246 km²

Population

~460,000

Gozo

The green, rural sister island of temples, cliffs and quiet.

Area

67 km²

Population

~37,000

Comino

The tiny, almost uninhabited island with the famous Blue Lagoon.

Area

3.5 km²

Population

Destinations in Malta and Gozo

Malta, Gozo, and Comino may be small, but they offer an astonishing variety of travel destinations. In addition to the three islands themselves, there are numerous places, villages, bays, historic towns, and attractions that you should see during your stay.

This blend is what makes the archipelago so interesting. Malta appears urban and vibrant in many areas, Gozo is quieter and more rural, while Comino is primarily shaped by its coastline and the sea. The atmosphere can change completely within just a few kilometers.

At MaltaIsle, we therefore present not only the individual islands but also special places, villages, and attractions that we believe are truly worthwhile. It’s not about ticking off as many points on a map as possible, but about showing you the destinations that make Malta and Gozo special.

Discover Malta, Gozo, and Comino

The three islands differ significantly from each other and should not be considered a single travel destination. Malta is the largest and most densely populated island. Here, you will find historic towns, modern coastal resorts, nightlife, restaurants, and a large tourist infrastructure.

Gozo is smaller, greener, and noticeably quieter. The island is characterized more by villages, agriculture, and rocky coasts. Many places feel more personal and less hectic compared to Malta.

Comino, on the other hand, is a world of its own. The small island is hardly built up and is primarily visited for its bays and clear waters. It complements Malta and Gozo very well.

Travel Destinations in Malta

Malta offers much more than just St. Julian's, Sliema, and Valletta. If you want to truly get to know the island, you should also visit smaller towns, historic cities, and less touristy regions.

The contrast between densely built coastal towns and historic cities inland is particularly exciting. Within a short time, you can switch from a modern promenade to a centuries-old town.

These short distances make Malta ideal for day trips and spontaneous discoveries.

Valletta

Valletta is one of the most important travel destinations in Malta. The capital is compact, historic, and easy to explore on foot.

The baroque architecture, steep streets, and views of the Grand Harbour make Valletta particularly diverse. Among the historic buildings, you will find restaurants, cafés, museums, and small squares.

You don’t need to visit Valletta with a fixed agenda. The city works wonderfully when you simply let yourself wander and discover new streets and viewpoints repeatedly.

Mdina

Mdina is one of the destinations you must see in Malta. The former capital lies inland and feels completely different from the coastal towns.

The historic walls, narrow alleys, and old buildings give Mdina a particularly serene atmosphere. That’s why the city is often referred to as the Silent City.

A visit is especially worthwhile in the early morning or later in the evening when fewer visitors are around, and the city unfolds its special mood.

Rabat

Right next to Mdina lies Rabat. Both places are excellent to combine, but they differ significantly from each other.

While Mdina is heavily shaped by its historical fortifications, Rabat feels more everyday and lively. That’s why a walk through both places is worthwhile.

If you only visit Mdina and then move on, you’ll miss an interesting part of the region.

Sliema

Sliema is one of the most well-known coastal towns in Malta. The long promenade, numerous restaurants and shops, as well as its central location make the town a popular starting point.

A walk along the coast is particularly nice. From there, you can enjoy views of the sea and access various typical rocky bathing spots.

Sliema is less of a historic destination and more of a good place to experience modern Malta.

St. Julian’s

St. Julian's is vibrant, densely built, and particularly known for its restaurants, hotels, and nightlife.

The place is great if you want plenty of options in the evening and enjoy being in the thick of things. However, it can get quite loud and crowded, especially around Paceville.

If you visit St. Julian's, you should know which part of the area you are looking for. Quieter coastal areas and intense nightlife can be just a few minutes apart.

Paceville

Paceville is Malta’s most famous party district and a destination for anyone seeking nightlife.

Bars, clubs, and restaurants are clustered together, making the area particularly lively on weekends.

Those looking for peace will likely avoid Paceville. However, if you want to party, it’s worth experiencing at least once.

Mellieħa

Mellieħa lies in the north of Malta and is particularly interesting if you are looking for beaches and a somewhat quieter atmosphere.

The area is less urban than Sliema or St. Julian's and serves as a good starting point for exploring the northern part of the island.

From here, you can also quickly reach various bathing spots and ferry connections to Gozo and Comino.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village in the south of Malta and is one of the island’s most well-known villages.

The harbor with its typical colorful boats shapes the village's image. Along the promenade, you will find restaurants and cafés, making it easy to combine a visit with a lunch.

If you are looking for a quieter contrast to the densely built regions in the north, Marsaxlokk is an interesting option.

The Three Cities

The Three Cities are among the most historically fascinating regions of Malta. Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua are located around the Grand Harbour and offer a mix of history, harbor atmosphere, and narrow streets.

Many visitors focus on Valletta, even though the opposite side of the harbor can be just as interesting.

The Three Cities are particularly suitable for a half-day visit if you want to combine historic architecture with quieter