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Top Things to Do in Malta: Beaches, Hidden Gems & Local Secrets from My Journey

I didn’t expect Malta to blow me away. I booked the trip on a bit of a whim, needing a break from everything and craving sunshine. I’d seen a few pictures—blue water, old buildings, cute balconies—but I didn’t really get Malta until I was there. Spoiler alert: I loved it.

I stayed in a small hotel in St. Paul’s Bay, not too fancy but super cozy, with a sea view and the sound of waves as my morning alarm. St Paul’s Bay is a quiet, charming part of Malta that turned out to be the perfect base for exploring. It wasn’t crowded or noisy, and I could walk to the sea in just a few minutes. It gave me space to breathe, to slow down. Plus, there were natural swimming spots right nearby that felt like they were made just for me. If you're planning your trip and wondering about the top things to do in Malta, starting your days in St. Paul’s Bay is a perfect way to ease into the island’s magic.


Finding My Flow at Qawra Pool


Let’s start with the natural pools—because honestly, they were one of the highlights of my trip.

One afternoon, I wandered down to Qawra Point, not really knowing what I was looking for. Then I saw it: the rocky coastline had formed this wild little swimming area called Qawra Pool. It’s not a “pool” in the usual sense—more like a chunk of the Mediterranean that snuck in and decided to stay calm for a while.

I kicked off my sandals, climbed in, and just floated. It was salty, warm, and ridiculously clear. Around me, locals were sunbathing on the rocks, kids were doing cannonballs, and I felt like I’d been let in on a secret.


Pro tip: Bring water shoes. Those rocks are no joke.


Top Things To DO in Malta


Wandering Through Valletta

Tourists on an open-top bus enjoy a scenic view of an ancient building and palm trees under a clear blue sky.

I took a bus into Valletta one day, and oh wow—what a gorgeous little capital. It's built on a peninsula, so you get water views no matter which way you turn, and the whole city is packed with history, charm, and stairs. Lots of stairs.

Valletta has this golden glow to it—the buildings are made from limestone that catches the sunlight like something out of a dream. I spent the whole day wandering the narrow streets, ducking into churches, and taking way too many photos of balconies (they’re painted all these bold colors—teal, red, green—and it’s a vibe).

I didn’t do a big itinerary or anything. I just followed my feet. I stumbled into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which looks pretty plain on the outside but is jaw-droppingly ornate inside—like, "I actually said 'whoa' out loud" level fancy. Then I grabbed a coffee at Lot Sixty One (highly recommend), sat on the steps overlooking the harbor, and people watched.

There was a street musician playing a violin, a couple taking engagement photos, and me, just... happy.


Valletta sightseeing:

Walk, sit on the steps, listen to music drifting through the air, and just be. It’s one of the top things to do in Malta, even if you’re just visiting for a day.

Boats with rowers on a calm, blue harbor against a backdrop of historic buildings. Sailboats are anchored nearby under a clear sky.
Valetta Harbor

A Blue Lagoon Kinda Day

One of the best things I did was book a boat tour out to the Blue Lagoon. Okay, full honesty—I can’t remember the exact name of the company or even where the boat left from (might’ve been Cirkewwa?), but it didn’t matter. You’ll see boat trip ads everywhere once you’re there.

The Blue Lagoon is on Comino, a tiny island between Malta and Gozo. And yes, the water is exactly as insane as it looks in the pictures—like someone photoshopped the Caribbean into the middle of the Med. I swam, I snorkeled, I lazed on the boat like a lizard. It was the ultimate chill day.

They sell drinks on the boats (hello, frozen piña colada in a pineapple), and some even anchor for a couple of hours so you can dive off the side and pretend you're in a music video. 10/10 would do again.

If you do one thing during your Malta travel guide adventure, make it this.


St. Paul’s Bay Vibes

Back “home” in St. Paul’s Bay, I kept things slow. There’s a promenade that runs along the water, and I walked it every evening, gelato in hand, watching the sky turn pink. Families were out, older couples were sitting on benches chatting, and the sea had this calming rhythm that just worked for me.

There were a few nice little restaurants I found—nothing too flashy, but solid food. One night I had a seafood platter at La Buona Trattoria del Nonno, and it was overflowing with grilled prawns, calamari, and the freshest fish. Another time I grabbed pastizzi (flaky pastry with ricotta or peas) from a bakery and ate it while watching the waves crash.

And that’s the thing about Malta—it doesn’t always shout for your attention. It just kind of sinks into you, softly and steadily.


Little Moments, Big Feels

It’s hard to describe what made Malta so special for me. It wasn’t just one thing—it was all the little pieces.

Like the morning I had a perfect cappuccino at a random café, chatting with the owner about how quiet the island used to be in winter. Or the time I got slightly sunburned but didn’t even care because I’d been swimming all day under that ridiculously blue sky. Or that golden hour walk when I passed a tiny chapel, and someone was playing old Italian songs on a speaker nearby.

I didn’t do all the “big” tourist things—didn’t make it to Mdina, didn’t take the ferry to Gozo—but honestly? I’m glad. I left room to come back. Malta isn’t the kind of place you tick off a checklist. It’s somewhere you feel.


Quick Tips Malta First-Timers

  • Transport: The buses are cheap and mostly reliable, but they do get packed in the summer. If you're not into waiting, consider renting a scooter or using Bolt (like Uber, but for Malta) or renting a scooter if you want more flexibility. Driving can be hectic with narrow streets and left-side traffic, but it gives you the freedom to explore hidden beaches and small villages. Parking can be tricky in Valletta, so plan ahead if you’re driving into the city.

  • Swimming spots: Forget sandy beaches. Besides Qawra Pool, there are loads of rocky coves and ladders into the sea. Malta isn’t just about sandy beaches—it’s all about diving straight into the crystal blue. Check out St. Peter’s Pool, Għajn Tuffieħa, and the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Bring reef shoes; they make a huge difference when climbing in and out of the water.

  • Food to try: Must-tries include Pastizzi (savory pastries), ftira (Maltese sandwich bread), fresh seafood, and anything with local olives or capers. Also, try a Kinnie (a bittersweet orange soda that locals love—took me two tries to appreciate it). You’ll also find plenty of dishes with local olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes. For drinks, try a Cisk beer on a sunny terrace.

  • Language: English is widely spoken, so no stress there. But hearing the Maltese language is really cool—it’s like a blend of Arabic, Italian, and something totally unique. Locals appreciate a simple “Grazzi” (thank you) or “Bonġu” (good morning).

  • Money & Payments:Malta uses the Euro (€). Most places accept cards, but small cafés or beach kiosks often prefer cash, so it’s handy to have a few coins on you.

  • Weather & When to Go:Malta is sunny most of the year, but May to June and September to October are ideal — warm, with fewer crowds. July and August can get very hot and busy.


Final Thoughts

Malta surprised me. I went looking for sun and sea, and I found that, yes—but I also found quiet joy, warm people, and a sense of peace I didn’t know I needed.

If you're thinking about going, do it. Don’t overplan. Don’t worry if you don’t see every landmark. Just soak it all in—the salt on your skin, the sound of boats in the distance, the rhythm of a place that moves to its own beat.

I came home with sea-wet hair, a slightly lopsided tan, and a heart that felt a little fuller than when I left.

And really, isn’t that what a good trip is all about?

Want to know more about where I stayed, how I booked my boat trip, or which gelato flavour was my favourite? Drop me a message—I’ll gladly talk Malta over a virtual coffee.


🧭 Useful Links for Planning Your Trip to Malta


Planning your Malta adventure? Here are some reliable resources to help you organize flights, accommodation, transportation, and experiences with ease:


Official & Practical Information

Transport & Getting Around

  • Malta Public Transport – Find bus routes, schedules, and details on the Tallinja travel card.

  • Gozo Channel Ferry – Check ferry times, fares, and routes between Malta and Gozo.

  • Bolt Malta – Quick and affordable rides across the islands via the Bolt app.


Accommodation & Experiences - Top Things To Do in Malta

  • Booking.com – Malta Stays – Explore hotels, resorts, and boutique stays across Malta and Gozo.

  • Airbnb – Malta Rentals – Find cozy apartments and local homes for a more authentic island experience.

  • GetYourGuide – Malta Tours & Activities – Book day trips, island cruises, and cultural experiences in advance.


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