7,000 Years of History in the Mediterranean's Smallest Country
About This Guide
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.
Planning a trip to Malta means juggling dozens of tabs, outdated forum posts, and conflicting advice. This guide does the work for you — everything you need in one place, organized, current, and ready to use the moment you land.
What's Inside
Ready-made day-by-day itineraries across 4+ destinations
Hidden gems & local secrets most tourists never find
Where to actually eat — local spots, not tourist traps
Getting-around & transport tips that save time and money
Real budget breakdowns for every kind of traveler
10+ insider pro-tips and things to avoid
Why Pay When Blogs Are Free?
Every Wanderlust guide is written by travelers who have actually walked the streets, eaten at the tables, and taken the trains — not assembled from Wikipedia. We've helped over 10,000 readers plan smoother, richer trips across 50+ countries, and we keep our guides updated so your information is always current. If it's in the guide, we've stood behind it.
Inside the Guide
Every location is covered with practical tips, maps, and curated recommendations.
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.
The walled medieval capital at the island's centre — car-free, honey-coloured limestone streets, a Baroque cathedral, and extraordinary views across Malta.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas — €0.30), rabbit stew (fenkata — the national dish), ftira bread, gbejniet cheese, and Kinnie bitter orange soda.
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.
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.
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
Instant PDF download — expert itineraries, insider tips, and full destination coverage. Read on any device, forever.
65-page PDF · 4.7★ · 3.3k happy readers
PDF delivered instantly via Gumroad or Selar · Questions? Contact us