Malta Travel Guide
7,000 Years of History in the Mediterranean's Smallest Country
About This Guide
Your Complete Europe Travel Companion
Malta is one of the world's smallest countries (316 km²) and one of the most historically dense — home to the oldest free-standing structures on Earth (the megalithic temples, 3,600 BC), Valletta (Europe's smallest capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the medieval walled city of Mdina, and extraordinary World War II history. And the Mediterranean is warm, clear, and excellent for diving.
Inside the Guide
Must-Visit Destinations
Every location is covered with practical tips, maps, and curated recommendations.
Valletta
Europe's smallest capital is a Baroque masterpiece built by the Knights of St. John. St. John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio's masterpiece inside), the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Harbour.
Mdina (Silent City)
The walled medieval capital at the island's centre — car-free, honey-coloured limestone streets, a Baroque cathedral, and extraordinary views across Malta.
Gozo Island
Malta's quieter sister island — Azure Window (collapsed 2017 but the area remains dramatic), Dwejra inland sea, Ramla Bay's red sand, and world-class diving.
Megalithic Temples
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples (3,600 BC) — older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. UNESCO World Heritage and often overlooked by visitors.
What's Covered
10 Curated Experiences
Caravaggio at St. John's Co-Cathedral
Walk Valletta's Baroque streets
Explore Mdina at dawn
Ferry to Gozo and the Dwejra Inland Sea
Dive or snorkel the Blue Hole
Visit the megalithic temples at Ħaġar Qim
Grand Harbour views from Upper Barrakka
Pastizzi from a street vendor
Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) by water taxi
Marsaxlokk Sunday fish market
Insider Knowledge
Pro Tips from Experts
Valletta in July–August is extremely hot — visit April/May or October
St. John's Co-Cathedral: Book the Caravaggio tour — context makes it extraordinary
Mdina at dawn or dusk — day visitors arrive late morning and leave by afternoon
Day-Gozo-ferry: Take the early crossing and return in the evening
Pastizzi: Buy from a pastizzerija, not a tourist café
Malta bus network is cheap and excellent — no car needed
Maltese drivers are aggressive — exercise caution if you do drive
Summer evenings in Valletta are magical — outdoor concerts and festivals
Practical Information
Everything You Need to Know
Getting Around
Malta International Airport 10 km from Valletta. Bus network covers the island. Ferry to Gozo (25 min) from Ċirkewwa. No car needed — buses are cheap and frequent.
Caravaggio's Malta
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in St. John's Co-Cathedral is Caravaggio's largest and most powerful work. The cathedral itself is extraordinary.
WWII History
Malta was the most bombed place in WWII — the George Cross was awarded to the entire island. The War Museum, Lascaris War Rooms, and underground shelters are essential.
Maltese Food
Pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas — €0.30), rabbit stew (fenkata — the national dish), ftira bread, gbejniet cheese, and Kinnie bitter orange soda.
Good Value
Malta is one of Mediterranean's best-value destinations. Buses €2 day pass. Pastizzi €0.30. Meals €8–15. Much cheaper than Sicily or Italy.
Diving
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's top diving destinations — exceptional visibility, WWII wrecks, and the Blue Hole in Gozo. Dive centres in most coastal towns.
Everything You Need to
Book Your Trip to Malta
We partner with the world's best travel platforms so you get the lowest prices, best coverage, and seamless booking — all in one place.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links above are affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our guides free and updated. We only recommend services we'd use ourselves.
Get Your Copy
Start Your Europe Journey
Choose your format below. Every purchase includes expert itineraries, hand-picked insider tips, and full destination coverage.
Selected: PDF + Paperback
65-page guide · 4.7★ · 3.3k happy readers
PDF delivered via Gumroad · Paperback fulfilled via Amazon KDP · Questions? Contact us