Top 10 Reasons to Visit Malta | MojoTravels
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Caitlin Johnson
It's called the jewel of the Mediterranean, and it lives up to the name. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we'll be counting down our picks for the top 10 reasons to visit Malta.
For this list, we're looking at why you need to book a vacation to amazing archipelago, ASAP.
For this list, we're looking at why you need to book a vacation to amazing archipelago, ASAP.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Malta
It’s called the jewel of the Mediterranean, and it lives up to the name. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 reasons to visit Malta.
For this list, we’re looking at why you need to book a vacation to amazing archipelago ASAP.
#10: Climate
Deep in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta enjoys relatively good weather year round, boasting some of the warmest temperatures in Europe. Even in winter, there will still be more than enough daylight and mild temperatures- meaning that even travelers who are sensitive to the heat can comfortably visit. Winter does come with a higher chance of precipitation, but the rain rarely lasts long. Of course, if it gets too hot in the summer you can escape the heat by going for a swim at one of the many golden beaches. All this makes Malta an ideal destination for people from rainy, cold countries looking to escape the winter blues.
#9: Gozo
The second-largest of Malta’s three islands is Gozo. All have much to offer, so make sure to take your time and explore them fully. While Malta becomes more centred on tourism, Gozo is known by locals as being more akin to Malta of years past. It’s quiet, rural, and peaceful, with all the charm and none of the crowds. It’s so secluded, in fact, that parts of it are said to be the setting of Calypso’s Isle from Homer’s “Odyssey” - where Calypso keeps Odysseus imprisoned for years. Its top attractions include the medieval city of Victoria and, formerly, the Azure Window, a natural rocky arch above the sea, which spectacularly collapsed in 2017 but is now a huge draw for divers.
#8: Diving
Did someone mention diving? Malta’s landmass may be small, but its coastlines provide ample access to oceans to explore. The region has opportunities for divers of all levels, from the experts looking to tackle its deep and awe-inspiring Blue Hole — which now also holds the stunning rocky remains of the Azure Window — to curious novices who simply want to see some tropical fish. It’s actually been named one of the planet’s top destinations for divers, with lots of protected shipwrecks to stimulate the imagination. If you’ve never dived and are looking for a place to start, Malta is a great option, with plenty of schools and certified courses available to beginners.
#7: Saint John's Co-Cathedral
This baroque church in the heart of the capital Valletta is one of the most beautiful in the world, and a must-see for those with an interest in architecture - or anyone for that matter! Commissioned in 1572, it took six years for the structure to be completed, and it still stands today, a proud religious monument dedicated to, of course, Saint John. Its gilded halls host an awe-inspiring collection of 16th and 17th century works. Among its most notable pieces is Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of St John the Baptist,” which has been called, by scholars, one of the greatest pieces of western artwork.
#6: Mdina
Nicknamed “the silent city”, Mdina only has a few hundred people calling it their home. Originally founded in the 8th Century BC, Mdina served as the country’s capital for centuries, until Valletta was built in the 1500s. It’s a blend of medieval and baroque buildings, with one of the most notable structures being the Mdina Gate itself, built in 1724 and still serving as the main entrance to the fortified city to this day. It has a stunning cathedral of its own, St Paul’s, and an affiliated museum dedicated to it just across the street. The connection to St Paul continues with St Paul’s Grotto and Catacombs, both of which are open to visitors.
#5: Blue Lagoon
Located in between Malta and Gozo, Comino is the smallest Maltese island of all; but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Spend the day there to get a taste of paradise on Earth, and let the beautiful Blue Lagoon blow your mind. The area isn’t just a hub for divers, snorkelers and swimmers, either – though you should certainly take a dip in the turquoise water. It’s also popular with hikers and the outdoorsy type in general, as well as those who just want to lounge in the sun. While the main beach can get busy, there are some other strips of coast just a short walk away where you can find some space of your own.
#4: World War II History
Though its incredible architecture might make you assume otherwise, Malta’s rich history doesn’t end with the renaissance. There’s an array of interesting structures that serve as a reminder that, less than a century ago, things weren’t so peaceful. Malta became one of the most heavily bombed countries during the Second World War, and many allied military instalments remain. The Lascaris War Rooms are a particularly popular attraction: a network of tunnels built in the 1940s used for the defence of Malta against Axis attacks. Between 1940 and 1942 the country was under siege for almost two and a half years, and this chapter of history is now open to the public in the form of many museums across the islands.
#3: The Order of the Knights of Saint John
This medieval Order made its way to Malta in the early 16th Century, looking for a new home. They were given the right to rule in Malta by the King of Spain, in exchange for a single Maltese falcon every year. You may have also heard of their exploits during the Great Siege, when they famously held off the Ottoman Empire. The Order still has a presence in Malta today, with most of their work now involving the preservation of Maltese heritage. Many important and beautiful buildings were originally constructed by the Knights, including the Grand Master’s Palace, meaning that no trip to Malta is complete without looking into their celebrated history.
#2: Valletta
Malta is very densely populated, and nowhere is this more evident than in that bustling capital city, Valletta. Named a European Capital of Culture in 2018, the entire city has made it onto the UNESCO world heritage list; it’s even been called the most historical city in the world! Valletta has dozens of museums, beautiful theaters, and medieval ports, including a rich archaeology museum with many Neolithic artifacts. If you need a break from all the learning, however, Valletta equally has a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene for you to check out.
#1: Megalithic Temples
Malta’s islands boast seven UNESCO-listed ancient temples between them. Remarkably, these temples are currently among the oldest man-made monuments in the world. Some of them date back as early as 3700 BC, making them significantly older than other ancient monuments like the Great Pyramids of Giza and even Stonehenge. One of the more famous temples is on Goza, and is called Ggantija, which means “giant” in Maltese and refers to legends that giants were responsible for their construction. Today, they are viewed as feats of ancient architecture and some portions are thankfully open to the public for viewing.
It’s called the jewel of the Mediterranean, and it lives up to the name. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 reasons to visit Malta.
For this list, we’re looking at why you need to book a vacation to amazing archipelago ASAP.
#10: Climate
Deep in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta enjoys relatively good weather year round, boasting some of the warmest temperatures in Europe. Even in winter, there will still be more than enough daylight and mild temperatures- meaning that even travelers who are sensitive to the heat can comfortably visit. Winter does come with a higher chance of precipitation, but the rain rarely lasts long. Of course, if it gets too hot in the summer you can escape the heat by going for a swim at one of the many golden beaches. All this makes Malta an ideal destination for people from rainy, cold countries looking to escape the winter blues.
#9: Gozo
The second-largest of Malta’s three islands is Gozo. All have much to offer, so make sure to take your time and explore them fully. While Malta becomes more centred on tourism, Gozo is known by locals as being more akin to Malta of years past. It’s quiet, rural, and peaceful, with all the charm and none of the crowds. It’s so secluded, in fact, that parts of it are said to be the setting of Calypso’s Isle from Homer’s “Odyssey” - where Calypso keeps Odysseus imprisoned for years. Its top attractions include the medieval city of Victoria and, formerly, the Azure Window, a natural rocky arch above the sea, which spectacularly collapsed in 2017 but is now a huge draw for divers.
#8: Diving
Did someone mention diving? Malta’s landmass may be small, but its coastlines provide ample access to oceans to explore. The region has opportunities for divers of all levels, from the experts looking to tackle its deep and awe-inspiring Blue Hole — which now also holds the stunning rocky remains of the Azure Window — to curious novices who simply want to see some tropical fish. It’s actually been named one of the planet’s top destinations for divers, with lots of protected shipwrecks to stimulate the imagination. If you’ve never dived and are looking for a place to start, Malta is a great option, with plenty of schools and certified courses available to beginners.
#7: Saint John's Co-Cathedral
This baroque church in the heart of the capital Valletta is one of the most beautiful in the world, and a must-see for those with an interest in architecture - or anyone for that matter! Commissioned in 1572, it took six years for the structure to be completed, and it still stands today, a proud religious monument dedicated to, of course, Saint John. Its gilded halls host an awe-inspiring collection of 16th and 17th century works. Among its most notable pieces is Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of St John the Baptist,” which has been called, by scholars, one of the greatest pieces of western artwork.
#6: Mdina
Nicknamed “the silent city”, Mdina only has a few hundred people calling it their home. Originally founded in the 8th Century BC, Mdina served as the country’s capital for centuries, until Valletta was built in the 1500s. It’s a blend of medieval and baroque buildings, with one of the most notable structures being the Mdina Gate itself, built in 1724 and still serving as the main entrance to the fortified city to this day. It has a stunning cathedral of its own, St Paul’s, and an affiliated museum dedicated to it just across the street. The connection to St Paul continues with St Paul’s Grotto and Catacombs, both of which are open to visitors.
#5: Blue Lagoon
Located in between Malta and Gozo, Comino is the smallest Maltese island of all; but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural beauty. Spend the day there to get a taste of paradise on Earth, and let the beautiful Blue Lagoon blow your mind. The area isn’t just a hub for divers, snorkelers and swimmers, either – though you should certainly take a dip in the turquoise water. It’s also popular with hikers and the outdoorsy type in general, as well as those who just want to lounge in the sun. While the main beach can get busy, there are some other strips of coast just a short walk away where you can find some space of your own.
#4: World War II History
Though its incredible architecture might make you assume otherwise, Malta’s rich history doesn’t end with the renaissance. There’s an array of interesting structures that serve as a reminder that, less than a century ago, things weren’t so peaceful. Malta became one of the most heavily bombed countries during the Second World War, and many allied military instalments remain. The Lascaris War Rooms are a particularly popular attraction: a network of tunnels built in the 1940s used for the defence of Malta against Axis attacks. Between 1940 and 1942 the country was under siege for almost two and a half years, and this chapter of history is now open to the public in the form of many museums across the islands.
#3: The Order of the Knights of Saint John
This medieval Order made its way to Malta in the early 16th Century, looking for a new home. They were given the right to rule in Malta by the King of Spain, in exchange for a single Maltese falcon every year. You may have also heard of their exploits during the Great Siege, when they famously held off the Ottoman Empire. The Order still has a presence in Malta today, with most of their work now involving the preservation of Maltese heritage. Many important and beautiful buildings were originally constructed by the Knights, including the Grand Master’s Palace, meaning that no trip to Malta is complete without looking into their celebrated history.
#2: Valletta
Malta is very densely populated, and nowhere is this more evident than in that bustling capital city, Valletta. Named a European Capital of Culture in 2018, the entire city has made it onto the UNESCO world heritage list; it’s even been called the most historical city in the world! Valletta has dozens of museums, beautiful theaters, and medieval ports, including a rich archaeology museum with many Neolithic artifacts. If you need a break from all the learning, however, Valletta equally has a vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene for you to check out.
#1: Megalithic Temples
Malta’s islands boast seven UNESCO-listed ancient temples between them. Remarkably, these temples are currently among the oldest man-made monuments in the world. Some of them date back as early as 3700 BC, making them significantly older than other ancient monuments like the Great Pyramids of Giza and even Stonehenge. One of the more famous temples is on Goza, and is called Ggantija, which means “giant” in Maltese and refers to legends that giants were responsible for their construction. Today, they are viewed as feats of ancient architecture and some portions are thankfully open to the public for viewing.
