A Photo Guide to Malta's Top Tourist Attractions

Welcome to Malta’s top tourist attractions photo guide. This archipelago has everything: amazing sights, a history that spans 7,000 years, nice beaches, and water so clear you’ll want to dive right in.

Malta, Gozo, and Comino – these three islands may be small, but they offer a lot of amazing sights.

Malta, the largest island, features charming historic towns, ancient temples dating back 7,000 years and a variety of restaurants and nightlife options. Gozo has a relaxed vibe, with its beautiful countryside and stunning views. And then there’s Comino, the tiny one, which happens to be home to the famous Blue Lagoon.

I moved to Malta in 2011 and have had the pleasure of discovering all the wonderful places on these beautiful islands. I enjoy taking photos, which is why I thought of putting together a photo guide that showcases the best of Malta’s tourist attractions.

Table of Contents

Malta’s Tourist Attractions

Towns and Villages with Old Architecture

Valletta: a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring baroque architecture and palaces.

Why visit: Experience the heart of Maltese history and culture.

Valletta, Malta's capital city, is renowned for its historic streets lined with ancient limestone buildings that exude old-world charm. Strolling through Valletta, visitors can admire the intricate architecture, vibrant balconies, and rich history at every corner. — A Street in Valletta, Malta’s Capital

Mdina: “Silent City,” a medieval charm, with panoramic views.

Why visit: A well-preserved ancient capital, with narrow streets, has a romantic setting.

Mdina's narrow and winding street, creating an intimate and timeless atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the medieval era. Mdina is one of Malta's top tourist attractions, offering unique charm and serenity. — Mdina’s Narrow Medieval Street

Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua): historic streets and fortifications.

Why visit: Discover authentic Maltese life away from tourist crowds.

The streets in Three Cities, featuring brightly colored windows and doors, adding a lively contrast to the ancient stone facades. A magnificent dome is seen in a distant, symbolizing Malta's rich cultural heritage. These historic streets, with their unique architecture and vibrant details, are a must-see Malta's tourist attraction. — Three Cities, Malta

Historical Sites

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Baroque masterpiece, featuring Caravaggio paintings.

Why visit: See world-class art in a stunning religious setting.

The photo displays the front of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta. It may seem simple at first glance, but this popular tourist spot is home to breathtaking Caravaggio paintings. The Co-Cathedral, constructed from limestone, features a clock on its right side. — The Facade of St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Grandmaster’s Palace: A history of the Knights of Malta, featuring ornate State Rooms.

Why visit: Explore the seat of Maltese power throughout the ages.

A opulent hallway of the Grandmaster's Palace with gilded decorations, frescoed ceilings, and large windows. Grandmaster's Palace is one of the top Malta's tourist attractions. — Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: A prehistoric underground structure.

Why visit: Explore at a unique 6,000-year-old underground temple.

Entrance to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Malta's top tourist attraction — Entrance to the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

Mnajdra and Hagar Qim Temples: Ancient megalithic complexes.

Why visit: Walk among structures that are older than the pyramids.

The image shows the Mnajdra Temples, an important prehistoric site in Malta. We can see a large, white protective canopy covering the ancient stone structures. This modern shelter helps preserve the delicate megalithic ruins from the elements. — Mnajdra Temples, an important prehistoric site in Malta

Casa Rocca Piccola: Valletta: 16th-century noble palace.

Why visit: Step into a living museum of Maltese nobility, see period furnishings and art, and explore a WWII air raid shelter.

The image shows the summer dining room of Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th-century palace in Valletta, Malta. It features a long table set for a formal meal, walls adorned with paintings, and a large ornate mirror. The elegant room, with its light blue ceiling and antique furnishings, offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Maltese nobility, serving as a living museum of the island's cultural heritage. — Summer dining room of Casa Rocca Piccola

Mosta Rotunda: Church with one of the world’s largest unsupported domes.

Why visit: See the massive dome, learn about the World War II bomb miracle, and admire the interior decorations.

The image shows an impressive domed ceiling of the Mosta Rotunda with intricate geometric patterns and numbered panels radiating out from a central point. This appears to be the interior of a grand building, likely a church or cathedral. Mosta Rotunda is a religious site that appeals to tourists interested in architecture and cultural heritage. — Dome of Mosta Rotunda

Underground Valletta: A network of tunnels and chambers beneath the city..

Why visit: Explore a hidden side of Valletta, discover World War II shelters, and learn about the city’s wartime history.

Mysterious underground cavern in Valletta, Malta, with stone walls, dangling roots, and dim lighting, part of the city's subterranean network and a unique tourist attraction. — Underground Valletta – Hidden Depths of Malta’s Capital

Parks and Gardens

Upper Barrakka Gardens: Panoramic harbour views.

Why visit: Enjoy the best views of Grand Harbour and Three Cities.

Scenic view of Upper Barrakka Gardens in Malta, featuring a central fountain, arched colonnade, and lush trees overlooking the sea, a popular tourist attraction. — Upper Barrakka Gardens, Malta

Lower Barrakka Gardens: A quieter garden with harbour views.

Why visit: Fewer crowds, lots of shade, pretty benches.

Tree-lined walkway in Lower Barrakka Gardens overlooking the sea, a scenic Malta tourist spot. — Lower Barrakka Gardens, Malta

Hastings Gardens: Elevated park on old fortifications.

Why visit: Get the best view of Triton Fountain.

Large Triton Fountain View from Hastings Gardens in Valletta — Triton Fountain View from Hastings Gardens

San Anton Gardens: Lush greenery, Presidential palace grounds.

Why visit: The gardens are pretty and quiet, lots of flowers and fountains.

Grand pathway leading to ornate building in San Anton Gardens, a historic Malta tourist destination. — San Anton Gardens

Buskett Gardens: Malta’s only woodland.

Why visit: Decent size and ideal for picnics. Full of pretty orange trees.

Stone-walled pathway through lush vegetation in Buskett Gardens, a popular Malta sight for picnics and families. — Busket Gardens

Beaches

Golden Bay: Sandy shore, water sports, beautiful sunsets.

Why visit: Enjoy one of Malta’s best sandy beaches with full amenities.

Golden Bay, Malta, is depicted here with its pristine sandy beach meeting the gentle waves of the Mediterranean Sea. A luxury hotel sits atop the rugged cliffs, offering stunning views of this popular tourist attraction. — Golden Bay, Malta

Ghajn Tuffieha: A bay with red sand and dramatic cliffs.

Why visit: a less crowded, picturesque, and less developed beach.

Ghajn Tuffieha, Malta, showcases its picturesque beach and tranquil bay, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. Visitors can be seen enjoying the scenic landscape of this popular tourist attraction. — Ghajn Tuffieha Beach, Malta

St. Peter’s Pool: Natural swimming pool, great cliff jumping.

Why visit: Swim in a unique natural pool formed by coastal erosion.

St. Peter's Pool, Malta, features a stunning natural swimming pool with clear turquoise waters surrounded by rugged rock formations. This popular tourist attraction offers a great spot for cliff diving. — St. Peter’s Pool, Malta

Ghadira Bay: The biggest sandy beach with shallow waters.

Why visit: Perfect for families, with clear waters and various water sports.

Ghadira Bay, Malta, showcases a lively beach scene with sunbathers and colorful umbrellas dotting the sandy shore. This popular tourist attraction is known for its clear blue waters and family-friendly atmosphere. — Ghadira Bay, Malta

Nature Sites

Blue Grotto: Boat trips to sea caves, vibrant blue waters.

Why visit: Take a boat ride to see amazing caves.

A scenic view of the Blue Grotto in Malta, showcasing a large rock arch over the deep blue sea with boats navigating the clear waters below. This popular tourist attraction is renowned for its vibrant underwater landscapes and dramatic coastal formations. — Blue Grotto, Malta

Dingli Cliffs: The highest point in Malta.

Why visit: See Malta’s dramatic coastal views from its highest vantage point.

A breathtaking view of the Dingli Cliffs in Malta, overlooking the vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea under a partly cloudy sky. This popular tourist attraction features rugged limestone cliffs and lush greenery, offering stunning panoramic vistas and a serene natural landscape. — Views from Dingli Cliffs

Majjistral Nature Park: Hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna.

Why visit: Explore Malta’s natural side and enjoy amazing views.

A picturesque view of Majjistral Nature and History Park in Malta, featuring rocky coastlines, clear blue waters, and lush greenery. This protected area is a popular tourist attraction, known for its scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning coastal landscapes. — Majjistral Nature and History Park in Malta

Coral Lagoon: Hidden natural pool, accessible by boat or hiking

Why visit: Discover a secret gem with crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Aerial view of Coral Lagoon, one of Malta's stunning tourist attractions, showcasing a natural circular pool in limestone cliffs surrounded by deep blue Mediterranean waters. — Aerial view of Coral Lagoon

Tourist Attractions in Gozo

Picturesque Towns and Villages

Victoria (Rabat): Gozo’s capital.

Why visit: Explore narrow streets, churches, and panoramic island views.

Narrow cobblestone alley with traditional limestone buildings, wrought iron balconies, and arched doorways in a Mediterranean old town. — Streets of Victoria in Gozo

Xlendi: Charming fishing village with picturesque bay.

Why visit: Enjoy seafront restaurants and beautiful sunset views.

Aerial view of a coastal town nestled in a bay with turquoise waters, surrounded by terraced hills and rocky cliffs on the island of Gozo, Malta. The image shows Xlendi, a popular resort town on Gozo, Malta's sister island. — Xlendi Town, Gozo

Marsalforn: Popular seaside resort town.

Why visit: Experience Gozo’s main tourist hub and bustling promenade.

Alt image tag: Rocky coastline with crystal-clear turquoise waters overlooking the tourist attraction of Marsalforn Bay, Gozo, lined with white buildings and hotels against a blue sky. This image showcases Marsalforn, a popular seaside resort town on Gozo, Malta's sister island. — Marsalforn, Gozo

Historical Sights in Gozo

Ġgantija Temples: Megalithic temple complex, UNESCO site.

Why visit: See the world’s oldest freestanding structures, older than pyramids.

Ggantija Temples

Credit: Photo by Bs0u10e01, licenced under CC BY-SA 4.0

Citadel (Cittadella): Medieval fortified city in Victoria, Gozo’s capital.

Why visit: Explore ancient walls, enjoy panoramic views of Gozo, and visit museums inside.

Historic Citadel Cathedral, a major tourist attraction in Gozo, Malta.
Imposing a baroque limestone facade with a grand staircase leading to the entrance.
Iconic landmark within the fortified Citadel complex, showcasing Maltese architecture. — Historic Citadel Cathedral in Victoria

Beaches in Gozo

Ramla Bay: Red sandy beach, clear waters, water sports, dining options.

Why visit: Relax on Gozo’s largest and most popular beach.

Stunning Ramla Beach, a popular tourist attraction in Gozo, Malta.
Golden sand meets crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Two people wading in gentle waves with scenic hills in the background. — Ramla Beach in Gozo

San Blas Bay: Small, secluded red sand beach.

Why visit: Enjoy a quieter beach experience with natural beauty.

Scenic San Blas beach, a popular tourist attraction in Gozo with red sand and rocky shore with clear blue Mediterranean waters. — San Blas Beach in Gozo

Mġarr ix-Xini: Pebble beach in a canyon-like bay.

Why visit: Snorkel in crystal clear waters and enjoy beautiful setting.

Mgarr Ix Xini: Stunning tourist attraction featuring crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs, and pebble beach in Gozo, Malta. — Mgarr ix Xini, Gozo

Hondoq Bay: Small pebble beach with clear waters.

Why visit: Experience great snorkeling, jumping and views of Comino island.

Hondoq Bay: Stunning tourist attraction featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, rocky coastline, and distant views of Comino and Malta islands. — Hondoq Beach in Gozo

Nature Spots in Gozo

Dwejra Bay: Coastal area with unique geological features.

Why visit: Explore the Inland Sea, Blue Hole, and Fungus Rock.

I see a person sitting on the rocky coastline overlooking the Blue Hole. The rugged coastline features layered, flat rock formations that jut out into the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. — Blue Hole at Dwejra Bay, Gozo

Wied il-Għasri: Narrow canyon like bay between high cliffs.

Why visit: Swim in a secluded inlet and explore surrounding nature.

Wied il-Għasri: Breathtaking tourist attraction featuring a narrow canyon with turquoise waters, surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs in Gozo, Malta. — Wied il-Għasri in Gozo

Salt Pans: Centuries-old salt harvesting area with beautiful views.

Why visit: Witness traditional salt production and coastal scenery.

Ancient salt pans: Unique tourist attraction featuring a network of coastal rock-cut pools for sea salt harvesting, set against the azure Mediterranean Sea in Malta — Traditional Salt Pans in Gozo

Comino Attractions

Beaches in Comino

Blue Lagoon: Crystal-clear turquoise waters, one of the prettiest beaches in the Mediterranean.

Why visit: Experience Malta’s most famous beach.

Stunning turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon in Comino, Malta. Popular tourist attraction with rocky coastline, small boats, and visitors enjoying the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. — Comino’s Blue Lagoon, Malta

Santa Maria Bay: Small, sandy beach on the northern coast.

Why visit: Enjoy a quieter beach experience away from Blue Lagoon crowds.

Santa Maria Beach, Comino: Popular tourist attraction featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters, sandy shore, and boats. Inflatable boat in the foreground, larger vessels anchored in a blue lagoon, surrounded by a rocky coastline. — Santa Maria Bay, Comino

Nature Sites

Crystal Lagoon: Deep blue waters surrounded by cliffs. It is usually visited by boat, but you can also walk there.

Why visit: Swim through a 30-meter-long tunnel, and enjoy excellent snorkelling.

Crystal Lagoon, a stunning tourist attraction in Malta. Turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Small boats and yachts scattered in the clear, shallow bay. Visible coral reefs beneath the surface create a picturesque Mediterranean seascape. — Crystal Lagoon, Comino

Santa Maria Caves: Hidden coastal caves.

Why visit: Explore a secret spot with a small lagoon and sea access, great for adventurous swimmers.

Santa Maria Caves, Comino: Breathtaking view of turquoise waters through a natural rock arch. Small boat with tourists exploring the cave entrance, surrounded by dramatic limestone formations and crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. — Santa Maria Caves, Comino

Malta’s Tourist Attractions Guide: Travel Tips

The best time to visit Malta, Gozo, and Comino is during spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October). You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July to August) is the peak season with hot temperatures and bustling beaches. Winter (November to March) is mild but can be rainy and windy.

For a comprehensive Malta experience, check out my 7-day Malta itinerary. If you’re short on time, my 4-day Malta itinerary covers the highlights.

Don’t miss Gozo’s charm. Explore my guide to Gozo’s top attractions for must-see spots. Beach lovers should read about Malta’s best beaches. For active travelers, find the best hikes in Malta and Gozo. Or, enjoy watersports.

Getting around is easy. Public buses cover most of Malta and Gozo. Renting a car offers more flexibility, especially in Gozo. Ferries connect the islands, with regular services to Gozo and seasonal boats to Comino. Here is my guide to transportation in Malta.

Remember to book your accommodation and popular activities early, especially during peak season. Always carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Check out my guide that covers what to pack at different times of the year.

Enjoy your trip to the Maltese Islands!