Malta Highlights and Hidden Gems

Blue Grotto should not be mixed up with the Blue lagoon in Comino, which is located on the island of Comino. The Blue Grotto is a complex of spectacular caves found along the Southern coast of Malta just across the islet of Filfla.

Blue Lagoon on Comino can be visited on the boat experience offered on Globaltravelbook (add link).

Travellers can see the main arch of the Grotto from a viewing platform, just before going down to Wied Iz-Zurrieq. Those who wish to explore the caves can do so by purchasing tickets for a ride on a traditional Maltese fishing boat, which is about 25mins long (Fee for optional boat ride is not included). Summer time: 09.00 to 17.00h | Winter time: 09.00 to 15.30h | Price: 8 euro

Travellers who do not wish to go on the boat ride can relax at one of the local bars. During the summer months one may opt to swim at the ‘Wied’ of Zurrieq. This is a unique swimming spot, “Wied” means valley in Maltese therefore; the swimming zone is set in a narrow inlet in the cliffs and guarded by a watchtower.  

Birgu is an old fortified city, which played a vital role in the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. Birgu is located in the South of Malta around the Grand Harbour, right across the water from Malta’s capital, Valletta city. Enjoy a walk around the narrow alleys and streets or choose to sit back and relax at the at the picturesque waterfront with a backdrop of boats and Bastions. 

Tip: Cross from Birgu to Valletta to visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens in a small traditional boat. The boat ride is enjoyable and highly recommended, it is not included in the price but costs 2 euro per person

The Upper Barrakka Gardens is located in the capital of Valletta, offering spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. If you opt to visit Birgu beforehand and choose to cross the Grand Harbour by boat ride, we recommend taking the scenic lift that will take you up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for an additional fee of 2 euro per person (alternatively driver can collect you from drop-off point from boat ride). Travellers that opt NOT to choose the boat ride from Birgu can arrive at the Upper Barrakka Gardens with their driver from Birgu or any other location.

Tip: Take the scenic lift that links the Grand Harbour to the Upper Barrakka Gardens

This is only available if the Upper Barrakka Gardens is chosen as one of your stops

The Lower Barrakka Gardens are not very far from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and offer spectacular views of the Grand Harbour, the Three Cities, the Valletta Breakwater Bridge, Fort Ricasoli, Bighi Palace, Fort St. Angelo and the War Memorial Siege Bell.

A 15-minute walk from The Upper Barrakka Gardens will take you to The Lower Barrakka Gardens. Therefore, you may choose to walk it to the Lower Barrakka Gardens, or, you may opt to travel the distance via transport.

There is no place like Mdina. Mdina is a fortified city with a history dating back more than 4000 years! It is said that the Apostle St. Paul lived here after being shipwrecked on the islands of Malta. Mdina has a mixture of medieval and baroque architecture.

Take a step back in time by walking through Mdina’s narrow, quiet alleys and admire the architecture and views of almost all Malta.

Tip: Take a photo at the main entrance of Mdina, which was featured in the TV series Game of Thrones

This is only available if Mdina is chosen as one of your stops

A stop at the famous Serkin pastizzeria is essential after visiting Mdina. This place is said to have the best traditional Maltese snack called ‘Pastizzi’, which is usually washed down by tea or coffee in a glass. ‘Pastizzi’ are crunchy pastry delicacies filled with local ricotta (cheese) or a pea mixture.

 Complementary ‘Pastizzi’ along with the traditional tea or coffee in a glass!

Tip: We recommend buying extra ’Pastizzi’ to take back to your accommodation

Dingli Cliffs are Malta’s most popular cliffs and well known for breath-taking, panoramic views, located on the West coast of Malta at 220m above sea level. This area is surrounded by agricultural land, which is still not urbanised. Join the locals by walking along the footpath and stop at St. Magdalena Chapel to enjoy open sea views and the islet of Filfla from the wooden platform.

The Għajn Tuffieħa Tower was built in 1637 by the Order of the Knights of St. John and is one of Malta’s most visited and photographed watchtowers due to its location overlooking two beautiful beaches: Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha (aka Riviera).

Most travellers just like to sit and relax to enjoy spectacular views, whereas others choose to go for a short walk or even a quick swim at Ghajn Tuffieha (aka Riviera). Ghajn Tuffieha is surrounded by clay slopes, cliffs and has red sand and clean clear water making it a favourite swimming spot for local and foreign bathers.

This tower was built by the Order of the Knights of St. John in 1647 and is Malta’s largest bastioned watchtower against any incursions by pirates and the Ottomans. The tower is perched over Mellieha’s golden beaches, making this spot a fantastic viewpoint.

The roof of the tower offers 360° unobstructed views of the surrounding areas including Mellieha, Ghadira Bay, Comino, Gozo and Ghadira Natural Reserve. However, opening times vary depending on the volunteers who manage the tower. According to the organisation the opening hours should be (Admission fees/donations of 2 euro are not included):

• Winter – 16^th September to 14^th June (10.00 – 16.00)
• Summer – 15^th June to 15^th September (10.00 – 17.00)

This church was almost destroyed during the Second World War when a 200kg bomb fell through the dome and failed to detonate during a morning mass attended to by 300 people. The Mosta Dome is one of Malta’s most popular churches and was given the status of ‘The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady’ by the Vatican. If travellers wish NOT to enter, the architecture of the church is in itself fascinating to look at from the outside, however, the church boasts a unique interior, has a replica of the bomb on display and also has War Shelters under the church. (Admission fees are not included):

• All ages: €2 (Sacristy) +€1 for War Shelters
• Mon-Fri 9:30-17:00h | Sat 9:30-16:30h | Sun 12:00-16:00h

A village built in the 80’s for the film set of the all time classic Popeye. Travellers have the option to visit the viewpoint, which is inaccessible by public transport. The viewpoint is opposite and overlooking the untouched village.

You may purchase tickets and visit Popeye Village, however, this is not recommended, as it would take up a whole morning. Many travellers settle for the viewpoint because of time and those who are interested, visit Popeye village another time.

One of our favourites stops for Gelato! If you are a gelato lover, this place is a must! Previous travellers have even said that Sotto Zero gelato is the best they have ever tasted. Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think. (Any Gelato purchased is not included in the price).

A beautiful natural swimming spot located in the southwest of Malta with crystal clear water, surrounded by flat rocks providing the ideal opportunity for sunbathing. This place is hard to reach via public transport but our transport makes it easy, a great unique swimming spot probably like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

Just make sure to bring whatever you need for your day out, as there are no facilities available. This natural swimming pool may not be suitable for small children and caution should be taken at times when it is windy. 

Tip: the high rocks provide an opportunity to jump into the water for the more adventurous bathers.

Standing on a hilltop overlooking the islet of Filfla on the Southern cost of Malta, these temples were built between 3600 – 3200 BC and are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Ħaġar Qim Temples are probably the best-preserved prehistoric temples in Malta. (Admission fees/donations are not included):

• Winter – November to May (09.00 – 17.00, last admission at 16.30)
• Summer – June to October (09.00 – 18.00, last admission at 17.30)
• Closed on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January and Good Friday

Adults (18-59 years): €10.00 | Youths (12-17 years): €7.50 | Children (6-11 years): €5.50 | Infants (1-5 years): Free

Tip: Allocate a good 1.5 hours if you select this stop as the fee includes the admission to Hagar Qim Temples, Mnajdra Temples (close proximity) and the Visitor Centre.