10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to Do in Malta
Sunset in Gozo
There’s more to do in Malta than escape winter cold or sightsee. Whether you’re a history nerd or an outdoor adventurer, there are enough things to do in Malta to keep you busy on a 2-, 3- , or even 10-day trip. I should know — I managed to find a whole year of things to do in Malta when I lived and studied there in 2008-2009, and again when revisiting in October 2019.
If you’re traveling to Malta, try to find time to spend on both Malta and Gozo. For ideas on less touristy things to do in both, below are some of my favorite things to do in Malta—both off-the-beaten path and can’t-miss-classics:
1. Attend a festival
Birgu Fest in Malta
Birgu Fest and Notte Bianca, both annual festivals that take place in October are worth traveling to Malta for. Birgu Fest, a festival in which the entire old city of Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, across the bay from Valletta, turns off all of its lights and illuminates the city’s ancient walls and cobblestone streets by candlelight. Note Bianaca, also a nighttime festival, takes place in Valletta but is more focused on the music and party than the romance.
In February, grab a costume and head to Nadur, Gozo for their macabre Carnival celebrations.
2. Scuba dive in the Mediterranean
Malta is famous for its scuba diving. As someone who is… err… weary… of the ocean, I’m a terrible person to ask about where to go scuba diving in Malta. But, The Culture Trip has some recommendations for scuba diving spots in Malta and friends recommend Bezz Diving for guided dives.
3. Rock climb on Malta or Gozo’s coastal cliffs
There may be a lack of sandy beaches, but those seaside cliffs make for amazing rock climbing. For rock climbing tours, I’d recommend Gozo Adventures in Gozo and MC Adventure in Malta. This past fall, we attempted to use Gozo Adventures but were rained out. We ended up rescheduling with MC Adventure in Malta. The guides were very experienced and friendly, and ran tours suitable for all levels — from total newb to experienced outdoor climber.
4. Hike and explore Malta’s nature
Wied il-Għasri in Gozo
The nature in rocky, semi-arid Malta, is unique and worth a half-day hike. While visitors still flock to the site of the Azure Window (RIP) in Gozo, three other natural highlights in Gozo include:
Wied il-Għasri
Wied Il-Mielaħ
Xwejni Salt Pans
After your hike, drive into Victoria for a lunch at Captian Spriss, which was recommended to me by my former study abroad advisor.
There are equally beautiful coastlines around Mgarr in Malta or you can pair a hike with a visit to the (somewhat bizarre) old movie set of Popeye’s Village.
5. Visit an archeological site
Gozo’s Cittadella
While not exactly off the beaten path, you’d be missing out if you didn’t visit at least one of Malta’s high concentration of UNESCO world heritage and archaeological sites. Mdina is one of the more popular among day-trippers, but if you have time, take time to visit the Citadela in Gozo (with a recently uncovered extension) or one of the many ancient temples, like Ħaġar Qim, on the island.
6. Swim and hang out at the “beach”
Xlendi, Gozo
Malta’s rocky coast doesn’t often have traditional white, sandy beaches, but there are still areas for swimming and beach days. Paradise Bay, Wied Iż-Żurrieq, and St. Peter’s Pool are great spots in Malta. On Gozo, head to Xlendi.
If you go to St. Peter’s Pool, end your day with a seafood meal in Marsaxlokk. On Sundays, it’s home to its well-known fish market but, in my opinion, the fish market isn’t worth going out of your way for unless you’re buying groceries to cook at home later.
7. Explore Valletta after dark
Valletta, Malta at night
During the day, Valletta can be overrun with tourists from passing cruise ships. But, at night, it has a much more mellow — and magical — vibe. On warm nights, grab a glass of wine and sit on the steps outside one of the many wine bars in historic Valletta, an entire city that’s a UNESCO heritage site.
Our favorite bar was Cafe Society where, one night, we caught a crowd gathered on the steps outside, drinks in hand, to watch a Spanish Flamenco dancer. For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in Valletta, use our Valletta Google Map list.
8. Take a boat tour
Although solidly on the main tourist agenda, what’s a trip to Malta without a little time on a boat? For a quick boat tour, head to Blue Grotto for an affordable boat ride around a few of Malta’s seaside caves. Or, dedicate a whole day to exploring the Blue Lagoon and Comino on a boat tour, available both from Malta and Gozo.
9. Eat a pastizzi!
Ricotta Pastizzi
As a college student, I mostly lived off Maltese ftira sandwiches and pastizzi. 10 years later, these deep-fried, ricotta-cheese-filled little pastries were still the food highlight of my trip—even though there were more restaurants to choose from and I had a larger budget to spend on rabbit stews, fresh fish, and wine. Pastizzi for the win.
10. Have drinks on a boat
Guadalupe Bar in Sliema, Malta
In addition to Valletta, Sliema, St.Julians, and Paceville are all centers for nightlife in Malta. While I wouldn’t recommend Paceville and its new influx of strip clubs, Sliema and St.Julians still have a few nice places to grab a drink outside along the coast.
Rasta bar Jah Ruulz is a fun scene on a nice night (okay, maybe I just like it for the student-year memories), but Guadalupe, a bar on a boat (that sometimes does tours) owned by a trio of Italians, is a chill and unique experience you won’t easily find elsewhere.
If you’re staying in Valletta, simply take the 15-minute Valletta-Sliema ferry and turn right.
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