Malta | What to see | Beaches | Complete Guide | Travel information

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Malta is the perfect place for those who want to combine the sea with a cultural experience. Malta is located 80 km from Sicily, 284 km from Tunisia and 333 km from Libya. The archipelago consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino and other smaller islets.

Island of Malta

Visiting the islands you can 'step into' more than 7000 years of history, finding traces of the past in megalithic temples and you can admire the influences of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Byzantines still visible in the architecture of the cities. You can admire medieval towers and city walls, Norman cathedrals and Baroque palaces but that's not all: in Malta you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

Malta what to see

The islands of Malta have been described as one big open-air museum: you'll be spoilt for choice on what to see in just over 300 square kilometres. If you're planning a trip to Malta, here are the sights worth a trip:

• Valletta is the capital of Malta, a small Baroque jewel overlooking two harbours and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was built by the Knights of St John between the 16th and 17th centuries and is full of historical sites to see, such as St John's Co-Cathedral in whose interior you'll find two important works by Caravaggio. Take a walk around the city to discover the wonderful architecture that is the result of the contamination of different civilisations over the centuries.

• Mdina is the ancient capital of Malta and is located inland on the island of Malta perched on a hill. Medina is known as the Silent City, walking through the gates and through the narrow streets you will understand why. The city is one of the oldest examples of a fortified city in Europe and is a perfect mix of medieval and baroque architecture.

• Rabat is worth a visit to admire the catacombs of St Paul and the Roman Villa. The city was once part of the ancient Roman city of Melita and is clear evidence of the Roman influence in this area.

• Don't miss a visit to the megalithic temples of Mnajdra and Hagae Qim, both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are located in the south of the island of Malta.

• On the island of Gozo, don't miss a visit to Victoria, the capital, better known as Ir-Rabat. Drive to the fortified citadel that dominates the city from above.

• In the area between Golden Bay and Anchor Bay, in the north-west of Malta, is the Majjistral Nature Park, the only one in Malta, where you can admire not only cliffs and beaches but also the remains of city walls, farmhouses, tombs from the classical period and wonderful caves.

Italy-Malta: ferries and flights

Malta can be reached either by ship or by plane. By far the fastest and most comfortable way to get to Malta is by plane. From Italy you can fly with the companies Ryanair, easyJet, AirMalta and Alitalia from various Italian airports.

Malta airport is located between the villages of Luqa and Gudja, 10 km from Valletta. By ship instead, the http://www.virtuferries.com service connects Sicily to Malta with different ferries departing from the port of Pozzallo.

Destinations in Malta

If you are planning a trip to discover the best destinations in Malta, here is what you should not miss in the archipelago.

• Comino is a small island between Malta and Gozo, so small that only four people live here. It is remote and isolated. Visiting it, you will have the opportunity to enjoy white beaches, secret coves and beautiful sea. The Blue Lagoon, the perfect place for diving, is worth a long stop.

• Make a stop in Sliema, the town on the island of Malta, where you can combine the beaches of the seafront with a stroll to discover the city's street art, which hosts artists from all over the world every year for the Sliema Street art Festival.

• Also on the island of Malta, Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village that is worth a visit for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful houses and good food.

• From Malta, set out to discover Gozo, said to be the island of Calypso mentioned in Homer's Odyssey. Here you will find beautiful sea, spectacular views and sleepy towns where you will feel like stepping back in time.

• Birkirkara is the most populated town in the entire archipelago, where the medieval churches are worth a visit. Reach the old town, which still retains narrow cobbled streets and small houses typical of old villages. The old town and the new area are separated by a garden. One of the old railway stations between Rabat and Valletta is worth a visit.

• St Julian is Malta's entertainment town. Here you will find well-equipped beaches, beach clubs and the best nightlife offer in the entire archipelago.

• The three towns are worth a visit: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua where you can see the most authentic side of Malta where you can trace the history of the Knights of Malta.

Malta Beaches

Malta is not just history and culture. Malta is also sea. On the islands of Gozo and Comino, but also on the island of Malta, you can find beaches to suit all tastes, some equipped, some lonely, some rocky and some made of soft white sand.

• Among the most famous and popular is Golden Bay, a long bay that lies close to the Majjistral Natural Park. If you are looking for less crowded beaches, head to Ghajn Tuffieha, a white sandy beach that can be reached by descending 180 steps.

• Ramla Bay is located on the island of Gozo and is a beach where the sand ranges in colour from gold to red. Excursions to discover the Calypso Cave depart from here.

• Santa Maria Bay is located north of the island of Comino and is a spectacular bay where you will find deep waters perfect for snorkelling.

Malta map

On the official website of theMalta Tourist Board you will find a navigable map of the archipelago with information on accommodation, roads and places of interest not to be missed. You can also find a downloadable map of Malta and Gozo and Valletta: Here to download.

Malta Weather

Due to its location, temperatures in Malta are generous all year round: winters are mild and summers are warm. Summer temperatures are often tempered by winds. During the spring and autumn seasons, African winds often raise temperatures above the seasonal average. Before you leave, take a look at accuweather to find out about the weather in Malta and to better prepare your suitcase for your holiday.