Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Attard

Tourists visit Attard to see the San Anton Gardens. It was first established in the 17th century. It now possesses a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and other plants. You are advised to plan a short visit to this place on your way to Mdina.

Location: 4 mi to the southwest of Valletta.

B. Birkirkara

It is a small town in Malta comprising of approximately 20,700 people. It has a number of interesting old streets and proves to be an ideal place for spending time just strolling around. On visiting the place make sure you see the magnificent baroque-style St. Helena's Church. The town also hosts an open market every Wednesday mornings.

Location: 3 mi to the west of Valletta.

C. Birzebbugia

This town in Malta is famous for its museum, which has an interesting collection of artifacts found in the Ghar Dalam Caves that run beneath the town. The collection in the museum includes semi-fossilized remnants of dwarf elephants and hippos that date back 250,000 years to the time when the Maltese islands were still linked to the continent of Europe by long land bridges. The town of Paola and its renowned Hypogeum lie just to the south of Malta. On visiting you are advised to spend at least half a day in touring this area.

Location: 7 mi to the south of Valletta.

D. Comino

Comino, a tiny island that is located halfway between Malta and Gozo, is extremely popular with divers. The entire island has only one hotel, which only remains open from April to October. There are a number of ferries that will take you to the island that can be boarded from Cirkewwa. Divers prefer to visit Comino as the island is relatively deserted and does not receive many visitors. In case you enjoy diving, it is recommended that you visit Santa Marija Bay, the Blue Lagoon and San Niklaw Bay. Tourists can spend several days on the island provided they love diving, tramping about or basking in the sun on the deserted beaches.

Location: 13 mi to the northwest of Valletta.

E. Dingli

Dingli is famous for its Verdala Castle, which is almost 400 years old. Even though the old fort is not open to the public, tourists can visit the nearby Buskett Gardens that offer strollers an opportunity to walk through lovely citrus orchards. The Dingli Cliffs prove to be the highest point in Malta and offer lovely picturesque views.

Location: 8 mi southwest of Valletta.

F. Gozo

History states that the Greek hero Ulysses spent a total of seven years on the island. In those days, the island of Gozo was called Ogygia. In case you plan to visit, it is recommended that you spend at least four or five days touring the place. You can reach the island by hiring a car ferry from the town of Valletta or Cirkewwa situated in Malta. The island of Gozo has uneven sandy beaches and a range of wide rolling hills. The biggest city in the island of Gozo is Victoria, which is called Rabat by the locals. On visiting Gozo it is recommended that you visit the Gozo Museum that has a host of historical items on display.

You can also visit the Gozo Crafts Center that possesses a good selection of locally made handicrafts and gift articles. The northeastern part of the island houses the Citadel or Gran Castello. The citadel is famous for providing impressive views that include a renovated Norman house, a cathedral and bastions. Other famous attractions on the island include Gozo Heritage, a chain of life-size dioramas that depict the island's past. The beautiful Xlendi Bay located on the western coast and red-sand Ramla Bay located near the reputed Calypso Cave also attract a lot of visitors. The Inland Sea, which can only be reached by a tunnel, provides excellent swimming facilities.

Other locations that are worth a visit in Gozo are:

2 Ggantija Temples that are considered to be 1,000 years older than the Pyramids of Egypt.

Alabaster Caves

Azure Window, which is situated on the eastern coast

Ta'Pinu Church/Basilica situated near Gharb

Fungus Rock a famed site for a rare type of lichen that was renowned for its curative value in medieval days.

Location: 15 mi to the northwest of Valletta.

G. Marsaxlokk

This village has an amazing history, as it was the landing sites for the Turkish and Napoleonic invasions. In case you are a real history buff you will find the village extremely entertaining. The Marsaxlokk harbour today has a large, vibrant and colorful fishing fleet.

Location: 5 mi to the southeast of Valletta.

H. Mdina

The City of Mdina is located near the center of Malta. The city offers excellent views of the island and is often referred to as the ‘Silent City' because of its serene atmosphere. It is a beautiful city and its main attractions include the National Museum of Natural History, Norman House and the Carmelite Church. The Mdina Cathedral is also worth a visit while touring the area. It is said that the cathedral was constructed on the site where St. Paul converted the Maltese to Christianity. You can also stroll around the town enjoying the sights of a number of churches, palaces and fortifications. The Mdina suburb of Rabat is famous for its activities such as glassblowing, pottery and weaving.

Other attractions include -

Catacombs of St. Paul's and St. Agatha's (4th-century underground graveyard)

St. Paul's Grotto where the saint is supposed to have lived

Museum of Roman Antiquities.

Location: 7 mi from Valletta.

I. Qormi

This beautiful medieval town is home to around 18,800 people and is a great place to generally stroll around. If you visit the town be sure to stop at the Stagno Palace and the St. George Church built in the16th-century.

3 mi southwest of Valletta.

J. Sliema

The town of Sliema is located across the Marsamxett Harbor and is home to approximately 13,500 people. This area has the maximum number of resort hotels, shops and restaurants. You are advised to visit the place even if you do not intend to stay there. You can visit the casino, nightspots and excellent rocky beaches, and to stroll in its 2-mi long walkway.

Location: 1 mi to the northwest of Valletta.