Malta, you might not have heard of this name, but it has been ranked fifth in the world by Lonely Planet as a travel destination.
A filming location for numerous movies like “Game of Thrones,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Troy,” and “Jurassic World 3”
There’s a color that makes you feel incredibly calm, and that’s the blue of Malta. Known for its stunning ocean vistas, it gathers all the blues in the world. 
Malta is a pearl in the Mediterranean, situated between Italy and Tunisia, known as the “Heart of the Mediterranean” and “The Countryside of Europe.”
Main Island
Valletta
Malta boasts numerous ancient buildings and ruins, with Valletta being the most famous. This ancient capital has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here, you can stroll through narrow streets, marvel at the grandeur of Baroque architecture, explore the historic Knights’ Museum, and visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a landmark of Valletta. Built in the 16th century, it served as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John in Malta. The exterior is plain, but the interior is lavishly decorated in Baroque style, showcasing exquisite art and craftsmanship. The floor is adorned with beautiful marble tombstones, and the walls are hung with precious paintings, the most famous of which is Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of St. John the Baptist.”
You’ll find elements of knighthood throughout Valletta, evoking a strong sense of chivalry.
Valletta is also a shopping paradise where you can find various boutiques, fashion stores, and craft shops to purchase unique souvenirs and gifts.
Sliema
If we were to recommend a place to stay in Malta, we’d suggest Sliema.
Sliema is across the sea from Valletta, offering the best views of Valletta. It’s an affluent area of Malta and home to the country’s largest port terminal. From here, you can take a boat to Valletta or explore places like Gozo. The transportation is well-developed, and more importantly, it’s less noisy than Valletta. Walking along the coast, you’ll experience the most relaxed enjoyment this country has to offer.
Three Cities
Opposite Valletta’s old town lie the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea, also known as the Medieval Maltese Three Towns.
These three cities have a long history, witnessing conquests and rule over Malta. They retain many ancient buildings, fortresses, and churches, showcasing different architectural styles and cultural heritage. Visitors can wander through these cities, exploring narrow streets, charming squares, and impressive ancient structures, feeling the history and charm of Malta.
The Three Cities also offer an excellent vantage point for enjoying the views of Valletta, overlooking its splendor and the vibrancy of the harbor.
As a Commonwealth nation, Malta has British-style plugs, right-hand drive cars, and even the iconic red telephone boxes of Britain.
Mdina
Mdina, located in the center of the main island of Malta, is an older city than Valletta, known as the “Noble City.” It was the capital of Malta before the arrival of the Knights of St. John. It’s an ancient hilltop city surrounded by high walls, preserving many medieval and Renaissance buildings and ruins.
Mdina has a long history dating back to 7000 BC. Here, you can walk on cobblestone streets, explore ancient walls and gates, admire the grandeur of old churches, and enjoy panoramic views overlooking the surrounding countryside and coastline.
There are also numerous historic museums, art galleries, and boutique shops here.
Comino Island
Comino Island is beloved by tourists for its beautiful Blue Lagoon and clear waters. The most famous attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a picturesque bay with crystal-clear water, perfect for diving, swimming, and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life here.
Comino also has some historical and cultural sites, like the Santa Marija Tower and the Church of St. Mary. These structures add an ancient and sacred atmosphere to the island.
Gozo Island
Gozo Island, part of the Maltese archipelago, is often called the “Jewel of the Mediterranean.”
The rural landscapes of Gozo are intoxicating. Villages are scattered among pleasant fields and slopes, preserving traditional rural charm. You can walk through village streets, admiring beautiful stone houses, colorful windows, and the azure sky. The island also has vast farmlands, olive groves, and vineyards, presenting a delightful rural scene.
Gozo boasts a stunning coastline that captivates. You can explore unique sea caves like where the famous Azure Window once stood, although it has collapsed, the sea views remain breathtaking. There are also many beautiful beaches like Ramla Bay and San Blas Bay, with golden sands and clear waters attracting vacationers and sun-seekers.
Beyond its natural beauty, Gozo has rich historical and cultural heritage. The Ggantija Temples on the island are some of the oldest stone structures in the world, with significant archaeological value. The island also features numerous ancient churches and monasteries, showcasing its deep religious traditions and faith.
The Former Three Blues
There’s a color that makes you feel incredibly calm, and that’s the blue of Malta.
Traveling to Malta, aside from city sightseeing, the natural landscapes are primarily known for the “Three Blues”: the Blue Hole, the Blue Grotto, and the Azure Window. These three blues are spread across the three largest islands of the country.
Main Island: Blue Grotto, Comino Island: Blue Lagoon, Gozo Island: Azure Window.
Unfortunately, since March 8, 2017, Malta’s Three Blues have become history; from then on, only two blues remain in the world. The Azure Window’s location was subject to heavy seas and significant geological hazards. Not only did the window suffer, but the rock erosion on the ground was also severe. As a hollowed-out stone, the Azure Window, over time, saw more limestone fall from the inner side of the arch. In the spring of 2012, a large limestone block fell, not only making the arch thinner and less stable but also damaging its perfect oval shape. Finally, on International Women’s Day, the mission of this window came to an end.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto is a natural formation of sea caves near Dingli Cliffs, an excellent spot for diving and is considered one of the best dive sites to visit.
Depending on the position of the caves relative to the sunlight, the water’s surface will display different shades of blue. The best way to visit the Blue Grotto is to first view it from the top of the cliffs, then take a boat tour from the base.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located on Comino Island, easily accessible by boat.
The water here is shallow, crystal clear, and changes color with the light, making it a paradise for water activities.
Good swimmers can swim 150 meters to the opposite side of Comino Island. Even if you don’t swim, it’s a great place to sunbathe, with options to rent umbrellas and beach chairs to enjoy the natural coastal time.
Fireworks
Many might not know that Malta is a hub for fireworks, hosting the world’s largest fireworks festival during the last week of April each year. Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta is an ideal spot for viewing.
Maltese fireworks displays are known for their creativity and artistry, showcasing a variety of colors, shapes, and sound effects in a spectacular display. Performances often combine with music and lighting to create a feast for the senses. The patterns of fireworks bursting, blooming, spinning, and weaving are truly incredible, creating astonishing visual effects.
Culinary Delights
When visiting Malta, you naturally want to try the local specialties. Besides Italian, French, and British cuisine, there are also unique local snacks.
Lampuki Pie
Lampuki Pie is a delicious dish inspired by Italian pizza. With a crispy thin crust, the filling is made of tender fish meat and spices, looking appetizing.
Fenkata (Stewed Rabbit)
Fenkata is one of Malta’s most famous signature dishes. The rabbit meat is tender and juicy, with both crispy fried flavor and the gentle taste of stewing. It can be served with green salad, fries, or pasta, making it a rare treat for the palate.
Pastizzi
Pastizzi is one of the most popular local desserts, resembling dumplings in shape, filled with delicious cheese. When freshly baked, they are sweet and not greasy, perfect for enjoying when warm.
Malta boasts a typical Mediterranean climate, with evergreen landscapes throughout the year and an average temperature ranging from 10°C to 28°C. With over 300 sunny days annually, it is also considered one of the countries with the best climate in the world. Due to the absence of heavy industry, the air is virtually pollution-free, consistently ranking among the top three countries for livability and retirement.
