In the South Eastern Region of Malta with the Grand Harbour on its Eastern coast, the Malta’s capital and its major gem city, the fascinating Valletta is located. Some European noble families, amazed with Valletta’s terrific buildings, churches, gardens, and bays, gave it the name of Superbissima, meaning the Most Proud. And the City really deserves this name.
Mdina, which is also known as “The Silent City”, is an ancient capital of Malta, about 4000 years old. The city is located on a top of the hill from where you have a stunning view of fields and villages around. Visiting Mdina is similar to using a time machine that takes you ages back. You will enjoy exploring the paved narrow streets, beautiful churches, ancient monasteries and glorious palaces.
The Three Cities is a common name for the trio of fortified Maltese boroughs: Vittoriosa (or previously Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua. Being originally maritime settlements, they played a great role in Malta’s commerce and culture development. Today the Cities’ inhabitants are sincerely proud of the long history and rich heritage they received from the past as the locations they live in can be fairly considered as the history cradle of the island.
The Co-Cathedral of St. John, designed by the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar and built by the Knights of St John Order between 1573 and 1578, is simply a “must see” for any Valetta tourist. In 1816, according to a papal decree, this architectural masterpiece and one of the most outstanding buildings in the Malta capital achieved a status equal to the one of St Paul's Cathedral in Mdina, the official seat of the Malta Archbishop. Hereof the name ‘Co-Cathedral’ appeared.
On the small spot between the Comino and the Cominotto islet a marine paradise can be found. This is the Blue Lagoon – a wonderful place with completely transparent and pure waters of cyan colour. Great number of tourists come here by boats daily to have a rest in one of the most picturesque places of the world.
The Megalith temples of Malta are the most ancient religious constructions on our planet and are even older than the famous Egyptian pyramids. It is not surprising that they belong to the World Heritage of UNESCO. The Hagar Qim temple that was constructed in the 4th millennium BC is one of them and nowadays it causes interest of the tourists from all over the world.
Gozo is the second biggest island of Maltese archipelago located in its north part. It is very popular among the tourists due its picturesque villages, cathedrals, sparkling sea and to the unique historical monument – Citadella located in the very centre of the island.
The Blue Grotto is one of the most famous natural places of interest in Malta. It attracts more than 100.000 tourists annually from different countries due to its unique structure, and marvelous landscapes: pure sea water of bright blue color, rocky coastline and high sea waves on windy days. The visitors arrive here in order to contemplate the panorama of the Vale Wied Iz-Zurrieq, steep rocky shores, natural arches, tunnels and caves united in a gigantic labyrinth.
Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is a unique underground temple located in the town of Paola. It was built approximately in 4000 BC and is situated 11 meters under the under surface. The temple is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage and some historians and archaeologists insist on Hypogeum being recognized as the eighth Wonder of the World.
In the centre of Valletta, spotted between the Old Theatre, Archbishop and Merchant Streets the Grandmaster’s Palace is situated. Built in 1569, the Palace belongs to one of the first buildings of Valletta. During its history it was mostly used as the place of accommodation for Malta’s government. First it was hosted by the Knights, then by the British government and today it serves as the President’s office and the House of Representatives.
Malta is a country with numerous places of interests both on the land surface and underground. Among the latter ones are Saint Paul`s catacombs and grotto in Rabat which played a significant role in the development of Christianity in Malta and nowadays have become an important tourist attraction.
Whether being a diver or just an admirer of spectacular marine views you should visit the Inland Sea, one of the most picturesque locations in Gozo area, situated near Dwejra bay. This water basin, sometimes also called Qawra in Maltese, is a seawater lagoon which is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a tunnel through a natural arch opening.
The Saluting Battery is one of the most popular places to see in Valetta. Situated in the bastions below the Upper Barraka Gardens, along Valetta’s eastern ramparts, this place brings history to life every day at 12:00 and 16:00 with its guns shooting in air. Occupying the most strategic place of the Grand Harbour, the Battery makes integral part of the city fortifications, building of which was started in far away 1566, almost right after the Great Siege.
Nowadays Saint Elmo`s fort is not been used according to its original function but offers some interest tourist sights. Among them is the National War museum that can be visited by every guest of Malta who is interested in war theme and wants to learn something new about the history of the country.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are the favorite place for the visitors of Valletta. The picturesque park with fountains, alcoves, blooming trees and flowers, sculptures and monuments cannot leave indifferent. The park is equipped with observation decks so that every visitor to the park had the opportunity to contemplate the beauty of The Great Harbour and the Three cities.
The Valletta Waterfront is the first site that welcomes cruise ships coming to Malta, but also it is a wonderful place for a walk, where tourists can enjoy shopping, eating at nice restaurants and observing the beauty of the Grand Harbor. The waterfront features 48,000 m2 of picturesque promenade, a modern cruise port and a long row of elegant baroque buildings that host multiple shops, bars and restaurants.
Ggantija is the oldest and largest complex of the world renowned megaliths of Malta. This impressive and mysterious construction made of huge rustic stones and giant blocks attracts thousands of tourists, who are interested in archeology and history. Constructed in the Neolithic era more than 5000 years ago, this complex belongs to the World Heritage sites along with five other megalithic temples of Malta and Gozo islands.
In search of breathtaking views you should go to Malta’s Western coast where you will find the Dingli Cliffs, located near the Dingli Village. The highest point among all the islands of Malta is situated there – 253 meters above sea level. Extending from the shoreline to the Dingli Village The Cliffs are massively wide and they stretch for more than 2 kilometers from Bahria and to Mungar.
Although labeled as a fort in most Maltese guidebooks, in fact this fortification is an artillery battery of the Victorian era, which is widely known for its world's largest muzzle-loading Armstrong gun. Being in a state of fair preservation, Fort Rinella attracts tourists with its interesting exposition of weapons and spectacular theatrical performances, showing everyday life of the XIX century garrison.
The city of Mosta is famous for its long history and a majestic church widely known as Mosta Dome, which is also called the Rotunda of Mosta for its striking round form. Having 37 meters in diameter, the dome is considered to be one of the biggest in Europe and ranks ninth among the largest unsupported domes in the world. The giant church is a kind of Mosta touristic symbol and it is difficult to find a place in the city, from where it can’t be observed.
