You’re planning a visit to the beautiful Mediterranean islands and want need to know all of the best places to visit in Malta and Gozo? You are also wondering about things to do in Malta as well as where to go to find the best spots for some amazing travel photos of the island.

I’ve got you covered, fellow adventurer!

I visited Malta, located in the middle of the Mediterranean, last year and in addition to it being a perfect summer destination choice, I captured some pretty good travel photos. For more wanderlust inspiration, not only of Malta, but also around the world, visit my Instagram account here.

Malta may not be one of the cheapest countries in Europe, but is it still completely worth it.

Read on to find out exactly where to go in Malta and Gozo to capture the most Instagrammable shots. Your Insta feed will never be the same again.

You can NOT miss seeing number 21 below! Which is your favorite?

Reading time: 7 minutes

Is Instagrammable even a word, you ask? Yes. It is officially part of the dictionary after having been recently added.

I just came across an article stating that millennials are skipping out on travel destinations that aren’t Instagram-worthy and choosing those that are.

I also see that the number of visitors planning a trip to Malta is on an upward trajectory.

Coincidence? I think not

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Here are the best:

25 Best Places to Visit in Malta and Gozo

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Malta and I have no doubt that you will too.

So, where to go when in Malta? Where to find the best travel shots in the best places to visit in Malta.

Let’s get straight into it. First up…
 

1 | Valetta City

The Mediterranean island nation’s capital Valetta, with its grand churches, museums, and palaces, could be considered an open-air museum.

You will find exactly 320 monuments, all within an area of just 0.61 km², making this World Heritage site one of the most concentrated areas of historical value in the world and my pick for the best place to visit in Malta.

The walled city was established by the Knights of St. John in the 1500s and is now Malta’s principal cultural, administrative, and commercial centre. Throughout the years, Valletta has welcomed emperors, heads of state, artists, and poets.

And now you and I.

Wander the streets and piazzas of the European capital of culture 2018, marvelling at its interesting history and Baroque character as you hunt for the most Instagrammable spot. It won’t take too long to find though, as this area is utterly captivating.

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 You can’t miss spending a day at:

2 | Comino Island – Blue Lagoon Malta

Malta offers one of the best island vacations for families. The smallest of the three Maltese islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Comino island is car-free, surrounded by crystal clear waters and is a popular day getaway for many a visitor to Malta.

Its rugged coastline is defined by sheer limestone cliffs, and dotted with deep caves throughout. Lying between the island of Comino and the islet of Cominotto, the waters of the Blue Lagoon reflect the lovely blues of the sky especially on a sunny day.

This is dramatised over a pure white sandy seabed and is one of the best swimming spots and places to visit in Malta because the surroundings mimic that of a swimming pool.

A visit to Comino Island is highly recommended and is one of the most popular places to visit in Malta.

Sounds good, right? The bad?

The Blue Lagoon gets ridiculously crowded throughout the year, but especially so in the height of the European Summer. I suggest getting here early so that you can capture the beautiful surroundings for Instagram without the crowds.

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 Capture the picturesque beauty of:

3 | Marsaxlokk Fishing Village

You can’t go all the way to Malta and not visit Marsaxlokk — the most picturesque fishing village of the island. Located on the southeast side, this charming place is one of the best attractions in Malta.

The sight of the traditional luzzu’s or fishing boats and the restful surroundings make this a very pleasant place to walk around capturing the best moments on camera and enjoying a meal at one of the dockside restaurants.

Maybe try to visit on a Sunday, as this is when the fish market takes place. It is known to have the best fish available, with a particular local favourite being the Lampuki.

 Wander around…

4 | Mdina Malta

Or the Silent City as it’s often referred to, is a joy to stroll around in, with many of the maze-like alleys giving a sense that nothing has changed here for over hundreds of years.

The place is so small that getting lost won’t have you wandering unknowingly for more than a few minutes.

The main Maltese attractions are the cathedral whose design inspired many of the other churches in Malta, the cathedral museum, and the views.

Speaking of the views, you have to make it a point of seeing the view of the north of Malta from the top of the bastions, located in Bastions Square. Mdina is a must see in Malta.

5 | Explore Tal-Mixta Cave

Overlooking the tranquil Ramla l-Hamra Bay, Tal-Mixta Cave, secluded and far off the beaten track, can be reached by trekking north from the town of Nadur. By following a small rock-covered path and negotiating a few steps, you come across this cave.

Alternatively, you can hike from Ramla Bay beach and take an up-hill path from the shore, which will take you around 40 minutes. There is also the option of getting here by car.

The cave may not be that easy to find if you do not have an idea of the area, but the difficulty can be reduced by having access to a local or to an online map.

Discovering Tal-Mixta Cave is one of the best Malta activities. Once at the cave, expect spectacular views of Ramla Bay and the surrounding landscape – a hidden gem in Gozo and totally worth the trek!

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 Witness the extravagance at:

6 | St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Located in the very centre of Valletta, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a short walk away from the City Gate and a must see Malta attraction.

Even if you’re not sure of its location, its imposing grandeur can be seen and felt from pretty much anywhere on the island.

A long and interesting history and home to some opulent interiors and art works, including Caravaggio’s early produced magnificent masterpiece. I’d say it’s worth the visit.

The main entrance is in St John’s Square, but the visitors’ entrance is from Great Siege Square in Republic Street.

 Admire the epic coastline from:

7 | Dingli Cliffs

The highest point on the Maltese Islands, this is your place in Malta for rugged coastline, cliffs, wonderful sea views, and beautiful sunsets.

Rising around 253 meters above sea level, Dingli cliffs offers open ending views of the Mediterranean Sea and along with that some beautiful travel photos to add to your collection.

The flat top of the cliffs makes for a great place to walk, and a new road and well-marked trails now run alongside all the way to the 17th-century Chapel of St Mary Magdalene and to Ta’Żuta. You’ll also find a restaurant here.

Expect spectacular views all around and the Dingli Cliffs are the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

The area is covered with wild flowers during the spring season, while thyme, wild fennel and caper bushes make an appearance in the summer months. The cliffs are also a stop for thousands of migrating birds and is ideal for bird-watching.

Travel tip: From Rabat/Mdina take bus #56 to get to the Dingli Cliffs

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What to see in Malta? Get a real taste of nature at:

8 | Blue Grotto Malta

Maybe you’ve heard of the Blue Grotto because it is a must visit place in Malta when sightseeing.

Even though this series of 7 caves carved out of the rocks are a wonderful sight in and of themselves, it is known for the extraordinary sea reflections within the cave area.

This amazingly clear, bright blue waters are the result of the location of the caves and the position of the sun with the blue sky reflecting off the white seabed beneath the caves.

The result is a mirroring of vibrant shades of azure coloured water looking particularly attractive on your Instagram feed.

Get a taste of tranquil island life at:

9 | Mellieħa Malta

A relatively small seaside town and a tourist resort that is a popular choice for sandy beaches and bays around Malta.

A 15-minute walk from the centre of the town down the hill and you will arrive at Mellieħa Bay, better known as Għadira Bay. This is the longest and most popular sandy beach in the Maltese Islands.

Expect a natural environment with white sands, clear water, sun-beds, and water sports.

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Schedule a day to explore:

10 | Mġarr Harbour Gozo

This is your first view of Gozo. This charming harbour town in the southeastern part of the island is your entryway onto the island.

The location of the ferry terminal and marina of Mgarr Harbour is dominated by Fort Chambray. Be sure to position yourself on the ferry both on arrival and departure for dramatic views and Instagram worthy shots of this beautiful harbour scene.

There is a frequent bus service from Mgarr to Victoria Main Gate Street. This is the main town and capital city in the centre of Gozo, from where buses run all over the island.

Buses to and from Mgarr are often timed to fit in with the ferry timetable. You will also find a handful of restaurants around the harbour area. The marina can be crowded at times, particularly during weekends and on public holidays.

Victoria, also known as Rabat, is well worth a visit. Spend a couple hours in this charming city to discover its highlights. The best things to do in Victoria include wandering through the medieval Citadel, the Gran Castello Historic House, the Villa Rundle Gardens, and the Gozo Cathedral.

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 Step back in time at…

11 | The Three Fortified Cities, in particular Birgu

The Three Cities, located directly across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua. A visit here offers an intriguing insight into the country’s long history and is one of the best things to do in Malta.

Left largely unvisited, relative to the rest of the island, these cities are a taste of real life as well as a glimpse into Malta’s maritime history. The oldest of the Three Cities is Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), which has existed since the Middle Ages.

The other two cities, Senglea and Cospicua, were both founded by the Order of St. John in the 16th and 17th centuries. Explore these enchanting places in Malta to visit villages of living history among exemplary forts, churches, and palaces.

It’s a vibe at: 

12 | Wied il-Għasri

This natural beauty is another hidden treasure in Wied il-Ghasri, Gozo. It comprises of a secluded inlet with a small crystal clear pebble beach lodged between high cliffs.

The view of the valley from the top of the cliffs is striking. It’s a bit rough getting there with no asphalt road nor any bus going anywhere nearby, but it’s worth the effort.

Be prepared for an amazing panoramic view of the valley from the top of the cliffs and the subsequent Instagram-worthy shots.

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More of the Best Things to do in Malta

No more wondering what to do in Malta. Keep reading to discover even more of the best things to do on Malta. Next up…

 Spend some time admiring the:

13 | Grand Harbour of Malta

The port of Valetta and Malta’s major port, the Grand Harbour, is one of the most spectacular ports in the world and has been described as Malta’s greatest geographic asset. It should be on the list of things to do in Malta for every visit.

This wide stretch of water separating Valetta from the Three Cities has been used as a harbour for over 2000 years, since at least the Phoenician times. It was also the base for the Knights of St. John for over 250 years. After their departure it became a base for the British for more than a century.

This natural harbour has been substantially modified over the years with the addition of fortifications, docks, and wharves. It is now Malta’s principal maritime gateway.

It’s difficult to describe in words and something you need to see for yourself, particularly on a boat from the water.

Trust me on this one.

 Find some adventure at:

14 | Blue Hole Gozo

The former location of the now disintegrated Azure Window, the Blue Hole is a beautiful sight and one of the most popular dive sites on the Maltese Islands.

The depth of the Blue Hole is around 15 m with clear blue waters and a beautiful natural rock archway underwater leading through to the open sea.

In the direction of the reef wall, find a large vertical crack referred to as The Chimney starting at 18 m up to the coral garden located at 4 m. Around the walls of the Blue Hole expect to find colorful tubeworms, sponges, surrounded by marine life the likes of octopus, bream, parrot fish, eels, to name a few.

The surrounding coast is spectacular even without the landmark; so don’t skip a trip to Dwejra.

 Get high at the….

15 | Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs

The highest cliffs in Gozo, Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs consists of a long linear belt of cliffed coastline at the small Gozitan village of Ta’ Sannat, on the southern coast of the island of Gozo in Malta.

Rising 120 metres above sea level of steep and rugged cliffs, this location offers breathtaking panoramic Mediterranean sea views. It is incomparable to any other part of the Maltese islands and certainly one of the best places to visit in Malta.

Malta things to do – stroll through…

16 | Valetta Upper Barrakka Gardens

The origins of the Upper Barrakka Gardens go back to 1661, when it was a private garden of the Italian Knights.

These days it is open to the public with paths and statues over various significant events in Maltese history and is said to be one of the most popular and best things to see in Malta.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are situated near Castille Place in Valetta.

It is the highest point of the city walls, and the terrace offers unsurpassed views across the Grand Harbour over to the Three Cities as well as over the shipyard and the lower-lying parts the capital.

It is also at this point where you will get the best Instagram shots.

 Catch some sunshine at…

17 | Crystal Lagoon Malta

Also on Comino island, Crystal Lagoon is located just southeast of Blue Lagoon, in the direction of St. Mary’s Tower.

It is a pretty bay that can only be accessed via boat due to it being enclosed by steep cliffs.

This makes it is a beautiful dive and snorkel site with a depth of 5 to 6 meters in one of the finest sheltered lagoons Malta has to offer.

It is no exaggeration to say that the water in this bay is crystal clear with beautiful turquoise colors, so much so that you may just forget to take out your camera.

 Be entertained at one of the top tourist attractions in Malta:

18 | Popeye Village

It was built as a film set for the musical production of the feature film Popeye. Now converted into a small fun park, Popeye Village is open to the public with restaurants, two small swimming pools, and sunbathing areas.

Popular with families, it is located at Anchor Bay, 3 kilometres from Mellieħa.

I did not go inside this village, but the best photos are from the hill alongside providing a panoramic view overlooking this entire village.

 Check the vibe at…

19 | Sliema Malta

This coastal town is Malta’s centre for shopping and cafes. It is also known for its rocky beaches, water sports, and hotels.

Lining the coastline is a promenade known as the Sliema Front. To the right, the promenade leads you all the way to Gzira, Ta’ Xbiex, and Msida marina, while to the left, there’s a walkway towards St. Julians, Paceville, and St. George’s Bay.

For the best Instagram shots, what I want you to do is walk or take a taxi to the left end of the promenade for spectacular views across to Valletta.

There are also breathtaking open sea views from the other side. The area is full of life throughout the day, but if you want to avoid the crowds go early in the morning and be treated to a beautiful sunrise.

 Spend some time at:

20 | San Blas Beach

Basic and back to nature, San Blas Bay lies at the end of one of the most fertile valleys of Gozo. Found on the northeast coast of the island, it is one of the best attractions in Malta with no construction to spoil the view.

With its distinct reddish coloured sand, San Blas beach is similar to Ramla beach but it’s much quieter. You have a steep fairly long walk down to get to the beach and back.

So, if you don’t mind this effort, it a great spot for swimming and enjoying the views without the crowds of Ramla.

 Take a refreshing dip at…

21 | St. Peter’s Pool

St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming pool, is located close to Marsaxlokk at the tip of Delimara Point in the southwest of Malta.

It used to be fairly unknown, except to those in the know, but word has got out in recent years.

St Peter’s Pool is a good swimming spot; a natural lido in the rocks for sunbathing between swims, especially fit for those who enjoy a bit of cliff jumping into the refreshing falls below.

 Time to chill at…

22 | Café del Mar

Looking for a fun thing to do in Malta? Stunning sea and unobstructed views is what you’ll find at Café del Mar Malta. This restaurant is a good option to relax, have a swim, and to enjoy a drink.

An addition to Malta’s entertainment scene, this is the biggest beach club in Malta with tropical music, colourful sunsets, and chill vibes. Forming part of the Malta National Aquarium complex, it offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and St Paul’s island.

Note: not a place in Malta for those on a budget.

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 Be sure to walk along the promenade at:

23 | Balluta Bay

One of the most easily accessible insta-worthy places on this list of things to do in Malta due to its location on the northeast coast within St. Julian’s is Balutta Bay.

Located alongside the promenade that joins St. Julians to Sliema, the area of Balluta Bay is popular for swimming and long walks, among other activities in Malta all year round.

The neo-gothic-styled Carmelite Parish church that is hard to miss dominates the surrounding vista. 

 Get a taste of local Maltese life at:

24 | Xlendi

A small seaside tourist resort and village in the southwest of Gozo of the Maltese islands, Xlendi is known for its beach and high cliffs.

Ix-Xlendi Bay is a popular swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling spot. Due to its formation of reefs, it is also a perfect diving site for everyone, including beginners. Expect to find a shady beach leading into the cool shallow waters while deeper waters can be found off the long stretch of rocks bordering the bay.

This typical Gozitan fishing village, flanked by high cliffs all around, is well-served with good restaurants, bars, and accommodation options.

A 17th century tower dominates the top of the high cliffs of the village. It is surrounded by greenery such as ‘Widnet il-Bahar’, the national plant of Malta and fauna such as the seagulls and the Maltese Freshwater Crab. While in Xlendi, don’t miss a visit to Caroline’s cave.

Xlendi is easily reached by car either through il-Fontana or il-Munxar.

 Last one…

25 | Ta’ Pinu Gharb Gozo

On a remote site on the island of Gozo – between the villages of Gharb and Ghammar – lies the massive Basilica of the National Shrine dedicated to Lady of Ta’ Pinu.

In 1883, a woman from the village of Għarb heard the voice of Our Lady at the small chapel that once occupied this site. Known for its museum recording hundreds of stories of alleged miracles, it has since become a famous centre of pilgrimage with a large number of visitors.

Built between 1920 and 1931, the gigantic shrine is an architectural treasure and inside you will find numerous sculptures in local Maltese stone, several coloured windows, and six mosaics. There is also a 61-meter high steeple with a series of 14 marble structures representing the Way of the Cross outside the church.

This Roman Catholic minor basilica is of great importance throughout the country. Its location in the open countryside allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area and it should be added to your list of things to do in Malta.

And that’s about all for now fellow travel lovers.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide on where to go and the best things to do in Malta and Gozo. Don’t forget to check out this guide on the cheapest European holiday destinations.

Save it for later! PIN it to your Europe Travel Board on Pinterest

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>> For a whole lot more travel inspiration + beautiful photos, catch me on Insta here.

Happy wandering,

Rai