Two partners we recommend
These are the two operators we point most guests to. Tell us what you fancy and we can help you book.
Yippee
Gozo and Comino day trips with the island's top-rated tour operator. Buggies, tuk-tuks, quads and boat days, the Blue Lagoon, the Citadella and the coastline, with the logistics handled for you. Our guests' most-booked experience, and the easiest way to see Gozo without hiring a car and queueing for the ferry.
5% off any tour with code Maison5
Book at yippeemalta.com
Excursions in Malta
Guided excursions across Malta, Gozo and Comino with Arrigo Group: Valletta, the Three Cities, harbour cruises, coach tours, island-hopping and themed days out. Good if you'd rather be shown around than work it out yourself.
Ask us to book, or contact them directly
+356 2345 2345 · info@excursionsinmalta.com
Ideas by the day
The Blue Lagoon & Comino
Astonishing water, and rightly famous. Boats run from Ċirkewwa, Sliema and Bugibba. Go early: by late morning in summer it is very busy. Beyond the lagoon itself, Comino offers quiet walks and the island's historic watchtowers.
Gozo
Slower, greener and more rural than Malta. The Citadella in Victoria, the salt pans at Marsalforn, Ta' Pinu basilica, and Ramla l-Ħamra's red sand. A full day, comfortably, either on a tour or under your own steam via the Ċirkewwa ferry.
Valletta
The capital: a UNESCO World Heritage city, and small enough to walk end to end. St John's Co-Cathedral, with two Caravaggios, the Upper Barrakka Gardens over the Grand Harbour, and the Grandmaster's Palace. About 45 minutes by bus from Rabat.
The Three Cities
Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, across the harbour from Valletta. Older than the capital and far quieter. A dgħajsa boat across the water is the way to arrive.
Marsaxlokk
A working fishing village of painted luzzu boats. The Sunday market is the draw, fish in the morning, everything else besides, and the harbourside restaurants are excellent.
The prehistoric temples
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, on the southern cliffs, are older than Stonehenge and older than the pyramids. Ġgantija on Gozo is older still. Extraordinary, and underappreciated.
The Blue Grotto
A sea cave system near Żurrieq, best seen from a small boat in the morning light. Combines well with Ħaġar Qim, which is just up the road.
Beaches
Malta's best sandy beaches sit on the northwest coast, about 15 to 20 minutes from Rabat. Golden Bay is the easiest classic beach day: soft sand, clear water and good facilities. Next door, Għajn Tuffieħa is more dramatic and usually quieter, reached by a long flight of steps. Mellieħa Bay (also called Għadira) is the island's largest sandy beach and the most practical for families. Further options worth knowing: Ġnejna Bay for a calmer cove, Paradise Bay near the Gozo ferry, and St Peter's Pool near Marsaxlokk for clear rocky swimming rather than sand. On Gozo, Ramla l-Ħamra is the red-sand beach, best combined with a full day on the island.
On the water
Harbour cruises, sailing charters, kayaking and some of the Mediterranean's best diving, wrecks, caves and famously clear water. Certified and beginner options both.
Close to home
Some of the best of Malta is a very short hop from Rabat:
- Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the island, dropping 250 metres straight into the sea. Ten minutes away, and the place to be at sunset. Go.
- Buskett Gardens, Malta's only real woodland, planted by the Knights as a hunting ground, with Verdala Palace above it. Cool, shaded, and lovely in spring.
- Ta' Qali Crafts Village, Maltese glassblowing, silver and ceramics, made and sold on site. Also home to the National Aquarium's neighbours and the national stadium.
- Mtarfa, the old British garrison town on the next ridge, with views back across to Mdina.
- Mdina and Rabat themselves, see the next guidebook. You're staying in the middle of it.
What's on
Malta packs a remarkable number of festivals, feasts and cultural events into the year, and several of the best happen on our doorstep:
- Natalis Notabilis (December), Malta's Christmas village, which turns the heart of Rabat into a festive wonderland. Right outside the door
- The Mdina Grand Prix (October), classic cars racing through the outskirts of Mdina and Rabat
- The Medieval Mdina Festival (usually April), the fortified city turned back into a medieval hub for the weekend
- Village feasts (through the summer), the Feast of St Paul and the Feast of St Joseph bring street decorations, marching bands, fireworks and food