The best towns and villages in Malta to explore

I’m back to tell you about the best towns and villages to visit in Malta! When we think of Malta, we tend to picture idyllic beaches, secluded coves, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, like those at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon. And we’re not wrong! But there’s so much more to do in Malta! For example, there are picturesque towns and villages to explore. There’s something for everyone!

I loved all aspects of Malta, from historic towns like Mdina and Valletta to coastal villages like Marsaxlokk and seaside resorts like St. Julian’s and Sliema. Each town has its own distinct atmosphere, cool places to visit, monuments to discover, and unspoiled corners. Believe me, Valletta isn’t the only place worth visiting; there are many others. In fact, although the Maltese capital has its charm, I preferred the Three Cities, especially Vittoriosa and Cospicua, and Mdina. This shows that even if you’re not on a large island, there are different settings and atmospheres to discover.

As you can see, this article is designed to help you discover the most beautiful towns and villages in Malta. It will take you on a journey that rivals Malta’s natural landscapes. Are you ready to begin?

If you love old golden stones, picturesque alleyways, and history, Malta has a lot to offer! As I mentioned, Malta’s towns and villages are well worth a visit, beyond the sandy beaches. To start, here are three historic towns you shouldn’t miss during your stay.

Let me warn you right away—you can’t visit Malta without exploring its famous capital city, Valletta. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I stopped there on the first day of my vacation. As soon as you enter the fortified part of the city, you will feel the local atmosphere with its colorful balconies and golden facades. You can also sense the city’s history; the buildings are old and have been deliberately renovated to look old. The city has a distinctly Baroque style.

At the end of some narrow streets, you can catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea and Valletta’s port, the Grand Harbour. For the best view of the sea, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which overlook the port and the Three Cities. It’s magnificent! Simply put, walking around Valletta is an experience of culture, heritage, and Baroque art under the sun. Until now, I had been disappointed by other island capitals. But Valletta is truly a beautiful city.

I recommend taking the time to explore the European capital on foot. However, there are quite a few hills, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting in the summer. I went in April when the weather was lovely. But that didn’t stop my legs from aching! To give you an idea of the must-see sights in Valletta, there’s St. John’s Co-Cathedral (there’s usually a long line, and admission is €15, so I recommend arriving early in the morning), the Grand Masters’ Palace, the Manoel Theater, and more. If you want to know more, we’ve written a whole guide on what to do in Valletta.

After passing through Valletta, I recommend taking the time to visit the Three Cities. They are located right across from the Grand Harbour in the capital. I visited Valletta and the Three Cities in one day. It was a busy schedule, but it was worth it! But it was worth it! If you prefer to take your time, I recommend spending two days exploring them.
If you’re coming from Valletta, I recommend taking the ferry or a luzzu, the famous colorful traditional taxi boat, from Grand Harbor to Cospicua. You’ll get great views of Fort Saint Elmo, Fort Saint Angelo, and the Vittoriosa and Senglea ports. The ride is quick, but beautiful! It makes for a nice arrival, haha! Once you disembark, you’ll notice that the atmosphere is completely different from that of Valletta.

It’s immediately quieter and less touristy. You can start by strolling through the narrow streets of Cospicua, the city that connects the other two. There are very few cars, and some streets are closed to traffic, so it’s the perfect time to take some beautiful photos and soak up the local atmosphere.

Then, you can continue on to Vittoriosa, the oldest of the Three Cities. In fact, it existed before Valletta. History buffs will be delighted! There, you’ll find historic monuments such as Fort Saint-Ange and the Inquisitors’ Palace. There’s a combo ticket for €16 if you’re interested in both. I chose to visit the fort, and it was well worth it! The tour is long and offers breathtaking views of the capital, Senglea, and the city’s ports. I also found the tour to be well-organized and informative. It highlighted the importance of Malta and its fort over the years, including the Napoleonic era and the Ottoman invasion.

After visiting Vittoriosa (Birgu in Maltese), enjoy the Birgu Waterfront, which features a promenade and harbor. There are restaurants and cafés where you can take a break and enjoy the view.

Then, head to Senglea on the other side! This time, I recommend visiting the Gardjola Gardens. They are just public gardens, but the view makes them interesting. They offer the closest view of Valletta, its fortifications, and Grand Harbor. The narrow streets here are very typical, but I didn’t like them as much as those in the other two cities. In the heart of these streets, closer to the main road, stands the Church of Our Lady of Victory. It’s simple yet charming on the outside. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you about the interior because it was closed. This happens often in Malta because preserving their religious buildings is important to them, so they only open them at certain times or during mass.

Overall, I really liked the Three Cities of Malta, especially Vittoriosa and Cospicua. I fell in love with them. I didn’t like Senglea as much, but the view from its gardens is superb. If you have the motivation and energy, go all the way!

Now, we will move on to my favorite town on Malta: Mdina. You may have heard of it before. Even though it’s located in the far west, it’s well worth the trip. Once you’re there, you’ll only need half a day to explore the town. The main attraction is its fortifications. Perched on a hill, Mdina has all the charm of a medieval town and offers magnificent views of the island’s landscape from its ramparts.

For me, though, the most striking thing is the town’s atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to lose yourself in its narrow, cobbled, and quiet streets (hence Mdina’s nickname, “Silent City”). To fully experience the atmosphere, note that the walls between the streets are very high and are always made of golden stone. It’s quiet, and the atmosphere is truly unique. The only downside is that some tourists don’t respect the silence or the setting of the fortified city. However, there are signs asking for silence. Don’t worry; you can talk, just quietly. You’ll see; it’ll make the experience even more enjoyable! In the middle of some streets, you’ll find colorful doors and windows in blue, red, and green that really stand out!

St. Paul’s Cathedral is impressive both inside and out. In fact, it is Malta’s “real” cathedral. Contrary to what one might think, the co-cathedral is located in Valletta. Interestingly, the real cathedral in Mdina is open to the public free of charge, while there is an entrance fee for St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

If you’re spending the evening in Mdina, there are some great restaurants for dinner. This is yet another side of Mdina, with its golden, illuminated streets. Moreover, the influx of tourists has already subsided, so you’ll find it more peaceful. You’ll be right in the heart of local life!

If you leave the fortified area, you’ll discover a lovely town with many authentic Maltese restaurants. As a little anecdote, this is where I tried imqaret (date cakes) and Maltese cannoli. They were delicious! I hope this has made you want to visit! I had a great time and fond memories of my trip. In my opinion, Mdina is definitely one of Malta’s must-see attractions.

We’re moving on to a completely different topic: Malta’s small coastal villages. To get off the beaten track and experience Malta in a simpler, more authentic way, it’s nice to visit the villages by the sea. With fishing boats, sunny café terraces, and a calm local pace of life, it’s a wonderful experience! Let me introduce you to two villages that, in my opinion, are real gems.

When discussing the most beautiful villages in Malta, Marsaxlokk is an essential inclusion. Located in the southeast of the island, this charming fishing village is nestled in the countryside. It is best known for its colorful luzzu, or fishing boats. They really catch the eye, and the harbor is beautiful! Strolling along the harbor is lovely.

There is often a market with handicrafts, souvenirs, and more. , but if you really want to experience the market in all its glory, you’ll have to visit the village on Sunday. That’s when all the locals come to buy fresh produce, and the market is in full swing. I went during the week and still had a nice experience. There were a few stalls selling honey, cosmetics, and handmade bags.

I highly recommend eating in the village for lunch. All the restaurants serve seafood and fish caught that day. There are lots of restaurants right across from the harbor with large terraces. They’re all right next to each other. Overall, they are well rated.

However, if you want to really treat your taste buds, I recommend going a little further afield. In particular, I recommend Harbour by Johann. It’s set back from the harbor and a bit further away. That’s where I ate, and the food was delicious! We had lobster linguine and crab risotto, both of which were absolutely delicious! The service was also great. We weren’t treated differently because we were tourists, which makes a big difference. If you want really fresh fish caught the day before, expect to pay between €6 and €8 per 100 grams. Needless to say, that can quickly add up. But, if you’re tempted, I’m sure you won’t regret it!

Marsaxlokk is a great starting point for exploring the wild and unspoiled areas of the southern part of the island, with all its attractions. St. Peter’s Pool, for example, is very close to the village. It took me 35 minutes to walk there because of road construction, but it’s only a 10-minute drive. In any case, St. Peter’s Pool is magnificent. It’s a turquoise cove considered a natural swimming pool. However, I must admit that on the day I went, the sea was too rough to resemble a swimming pool. How does Marsaxlokk sound?

I’d also like to take this opportunity to tell you that we’ve written a full article on the most beautiful beaches in Malta.

When you think of Mellieha, its white sandy beach is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s the largest and most well-known beach on Malta. It’s hard to miss because it’s right next to the main coastal road. If you look a little further, though, you can climb up to the village of Mellieha. Perched high above, it overlooks the entire bay of Mellieha. There is also a beautiful red brick church that offers breathtaking views. This blend of an authentic village and a seaside resort is precisely what makes Mellieha unique.

Honestly, Mellieha is a beautiful place to stay with your family or just spend the day. It has everything, from narrow, winding streets to beach chairs. I must admit, though, that the beach is touristy. You can rent deck chairs, and there are restaurants and ice cream parlors. There are also plenty of parking spaces, so everything is designed to make access easy! Additionally, it’s an ideal starting point for exploring the northern part of the island and its unspoiled areas, such as the beaches of Mistra and Paradise Bay, the cliffs of Marfa, and more. As you can see, Mellieha is a must-see!

This time, we’re getting closer to the Malta we imagined! To give you an idea, all the seaside resorts are located on the west coast, the most developed part of the island. Even among these resorts, though, there are different atmospheres: festive, family-friendly, and romantic. You can choose according to your preferences. In this section, I’ll help you find the best spots by the sea.

Sliema is located just opposite Valletta and is very popular with tourists. It’s a lively town with shopping centers, bars, and clubs. It’s a far cry from the medieval streets of Valletta. Here, everything is modern and under constant construction; cranes are visible everywhere in the distance. Apart from that, though, there is a long promenade along the seafront with palm trees, terraces, and rooftop bars.

Here, you can forget about the medieval streets and enjoy a long walk along the seafront lined with palm trees, lively terraces, shopping centers, and rooftop bars. Everything is modern! It’s a great place to spend a day shopping, sipping cocktails on a terrace, and enjoying sunsets. Many travelers choose to stay in Sliema to be close to St. Julian’s and the nightlife. It’s often cheaper than St. Julian’s and allows you to be near the party zone without too much noise at night.

I think you now have a good idea of what to expect in Sliema. You can visit for a shopping trip, stroll along the seafront, and stay out partying in the evening.

If you’re looking for a place to party, look no further than St. Julian’s! Located just north of Sliema, it’s a popular destination for partygoers and students on language trips. The liveliest neighborhood is Paceville. You may have already heard of it. That’s where all the bars and nightclubs are. They’re open until the early morning hours. In the summer, it’s even better!

There are regular concerts and showcases featuring international and French-speaking artists. Some travelers even come to Malta just to spend several evenings in Paceville. Away from the party scene, St. Julian’s is home to Spinola Bay, the perfect place to enjoy a meal with a loved one or friends by the sea.

As you can imagine, it’s a modern area of Malta where you’re not likely to get bored! Even if you come to Malta to experience its authenticity, nothing is stopping you from checking out Paceville if you want to party. Moreover, it’s a well-connected spot from which you can easily travel around the whole island.

A special mention goes to Saint Paul’s Bay because I had the opportunity to get to know the area well. That’s where I stayed during my week on Malta. I couldn’t have found a better place. I didn’t know much about the town when I booked my stay, so it was a wonderful surprise when I arrived.

I stayed in Xemxija, which is quieter and more residential than the bustling area of Saint Paul’s Bay. There are good restaurants and a cove, but most importantly, there is a breathtaking view of the bay. The water is turquoise! The bay is also perfect for various water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. I went scuba diving in Malta for the first time right next door. Although I was a bit nervous at first, it was wonderful! I highly recommend it.

Saint Paul’s Bay is a quiet little town with all the necessary amenities and a beautiful seaside promenade. I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed returning there every evening after a day of exploring. I was a little sad when it was time to leave. In any case, even if you don’t stay there, I recommend stopping to do an activity and stroll along the seafront.

To conclude this article, I suggest exploring two typical towns: one on Malta’s main island and the other in Gozo’s capital. These towns are less well-known than the previous ones, but they’re just as interesting! Go ahead and discover them for yourself!

Right next to Mdina is a small town that is equally charming to discover: Rabat. The atmosphere here is calm and peaceful, and you’ll feel right at home! You’ll quickly realize that it’s a historic town without the usual tourist crowds. There are also many places to visit, including the Catacombs of Saint Paul, Saint Paul’s Grotto, the Wignacourt Museum, and the Domvs Romana.

There’s a good mix of cultural and historical attractions. If you like that kind of thing, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy Rabat. Since it’s a small city, you can see it all in half a day. You could do a Mdina and Rabat combo day trip.

Once again, the unique atmosphere is what stands out in most cities, and Rabat is no exception! You can stroll through quiet streets lined with stone houses and colorful balconies. It’s beautiful, and there are hardly any cars. The atmosphere is similar to Mdina’s.

Here’s another tip: I recommend stopping at the Buskett Gardens. It’s a small green oasis, which, as I won’t hide from you, is quite rare in Malta! As I said, spending a day in Mdina and Rabat should be just the ticket!

As soon as you arrive in Gozo, Malta’s sister island, which is half the size, you can’t miss its capital, Victoria. Although it’s a capital city, I find it to be an authentic, peaceful town. If you go, be sure to visit the Citadel. Located at the top of a hill in the middle of Victoria, it offers a 360° panoramic view of the entire island. Since Gozo is small, you can see the different villages and recognize them by their churches in the distance. The Citadel attracts quite a few tourists, but the rest of the city remains more local.

The town centre is quite lively, with its small cafés, open-air markets and artisanal shops… It’s simply the very heart of Gozo in full swing! I really enjoyed the atmosphere. I took the opportunity to have brunch on a terrace, right opposite St George’s Basilica! Speaking of the basilica, Victoria is a city deeply steeped in the Catholic faith. It features several beautiful churches.

All in all, I appreciated Victoria for its friendly setting, its heritage and its vibrant energy. Clearly, it’s one of the best towns to visit in the Maltese archipelago!

For more information on Malta’s sister island, I recommend reading our dedicated article on: what to do in Gozo. Believe me, there’s plenty to do on this small island: visit the megalithic temples, go snorkeling at Xlendi Bay, swim in the crystal-clear waters, explore the salt pans of Marsalforn and much more!

Now you have a better idea of which towns and villages to visit in Malta. As you can see, each one is unique and memorable! Whether you prefer authentic towns or seaside resorts, you’ll find something to your liking!

If you have time, I recommend visiting them all. I’ve tried to include all the towns I think are unmissable in Malta. If you’re short on time, select a few from the list based on which appeal to you most.

If you haven’t booked your flights yet or set dates, read our guide on the best times to visit Malta (unless you’re planning a last-minute trip).

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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