Top 10 Day Trips from Valletta

1. Marsaxlokk

Malta's oldest town, Marsaxlokk, is a tiny community with a rich history. Charmingly situated in the southeast of the island, this fishing harbour dates back thousands of years. Fishing boats of all colors and sizes are displayed in a sea of blue and white, creating an idyllic scene that contrasts with a busy shoreline bustling with activity on Sunday mornings. Here, you'll find everything from newborn sharks to oysters for sale. Lunch at one of the several harbourfront eateries is highly recommended. In order to avoid the crowds, however, it is suggested that you visit on a weekday. There are numerous old temples in the area as well, and it's an excellent spot to learn about traditional Maltese lifestyles as well as learn about Neolithic age history.

2. Mdina

Mdina, Malta's former capital, is located in the island's northern area. The city dates back to the Phoenician era. As the country's capital for a long time, now it serves as a significant historical monument and a fun spot to spend the day. A magnificently carved Arabic fortress rises above the tiny piazzas and alleyways of the hilltop Mdina, concealing behind it the magnificent convents and houses of the hilltop city. If you're hungry after a long day of sightseeing, there are eateries along the city walls that will satisfy your cravings. Rabat, which means "suburb" in Arabic, is a tiny town situated outside of Mdina's fortified walls. Like Mdina, Rabat exudes an exotic ambience because of its outstanding Roman villas and tombs, but it is also infused with a plethora of regional flavours.

3. Dingli Cliffs

Some of Malta's most beautiful shoreline may be found at Dingli, a little hamlet in the north of the island. The Dingli Cliffs are a magnificent sight to witness and comprise the island's highest point, rising a little over 200 meters in height. This is a rural area of the island, and the cliffside town is a beautiful, pastoral location to explore. It is a sight to see, with its windswept hikes along small lanes that follow the cliffs. Make sure you sample some of the local delicacies like rabbit stew from an old Nissen hut while you're here. Clapham Junction is a must-see, with old cart ruts that seem like cart tracks on the broad sloping limestone pavement.

4. The Three Cities

If you'd want to see three of Malta's most historic places in one day, the Three Cities tour is an excellent option. Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa are the fortified towns that make up the Three Cities. This trio of cities may be located just south of Valletta's Grand Harbor, on the other side of the island's capital city. In order to get a true sense of these magnificent towns, take a boat or ferry over from Valletta and arrive right in the shadow of their massive walls and defenses. The most intriguing one of the Three Cities is arguably Vittoriosa, which is rich with structures like the Inquisitor's Palace, a maze of alleyways, and Malta at War Museum, among other things. Some parts of the Three Cities date back to medieval times, and some are even older than Valletta itself. A whole day may be spent touring the Three Cities' tiny streets and ancient attractions.

5. Comino

Comino is substantially smaller and less developed than Malta's two other major islands, Malta and Gozo. In terms of scenery, it's just as breathtaking and dramatic as the rest of the archipelago, and it's a terrific spot to spend a day. The turquoise lagoon is a sight to see, and it appears much like a painting. It's a large lagoon with a rock-and-sand foundation. It's a great spot for snorkeling and swimming, and it's located just next to Comino. Overall, a gorgeous island that's ideal for a solo vacation. You can take a ferry or water taxi from Marr or Ċirkewwa to get to this location.

6. Naxxar

It used to be that Naxxar was a quiet agricultural community, but urbanization has transformed the town and brought Naxxar to visitors’ attention. After a shipwreck, it is said that Saint Paul first arrived here and dried his garments over a fire (Naxxar means "to hang clothes to dry"). Therefore, the 17th-century Church of Saint Paul, located in the middle of town, is a must-see. It has a large Baroque front and an ornate Neoclassical interior. Afterwards, head to the Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar's most popular tourist destination. In 1733, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena created this magnificent Maltese and Italian-style castle. Visitors are wowed by the palazzo's rich interior design and priceless artwork. Baroque splendour is complemented by an Italian-style garden filled with citrus trees, aromatic herbs and seasonal flowers in Palazzo Parisio's Italian-style garden.

7. The Blue Grotto

Not to be confused with The Blue Lagoon, Malta's Blue Grotto is a breathtaking natural wonder that is part of a network of six limestone caverns that have been carved by waves for millennia along the stunning southern coast of Malta. The little port at Wied iz-Zurrieq, Malta, serves as a starting point for guided excursions to the Blue Grotto. After 1 pm, the pools of seawater take on an incredible cobalt-blue radiance, making the caverns even more beautiful.

8. Golden Bay

Golden Bay is a red sand beach with naturally created dunes on its surrounding hills, just north of Għajn Tuffieħa on Malta's northwestern coast. Because of the five-star Radisson Golden Sands hotel next across the street, Golden Bay is a popular beach destination. Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay both have sandy beaches, but Golden Bay has the advantage of being bigger, simpler to reach, and equipped with a few more eateries. This area's natural beauty is out of this world. A day at the beach may be spent relaxing and swimming in the shallow, clean, and colourful waters. The beach is also a popular destination for sunbathing, watersports, and parties, particularly in the evenings when sunset enthusiasts light up their barbecues and enjoy a laid-back summer evening at the beach.

Hagar Qim Temples

This ancient megalithic site is one of Malta's most intriguing attractions. The Hagar Qim Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they were built between 3600 BC and 3200 BC, making them older than Egypt's Pyramids and England's Stonehenge. It's a magical place, perched high above the Mediterranean on a rocky cape with breathtaking views. Ancient temples were massive, as shown by monumental stone blocks (some of which reach a height of 5 meters). One of the megaliths is almost 20 tons in weight. It is thought that the main building, which had several rooms, and two additional constructions were demolished here. An elliptical-shaped hole coincides with the dawn on the summer solstice in one chamber of the structure. The archaeological site has a visitor centre where visitors may learn more about it. The exhibitions are both instructive and entertaining, thanks to their use of interactive technology.

10. Zejtun

To experience more of Malta’s slow-paced countryside villages, head to Zejtun. For centuries, olive oil has been produced here, and the town's culture and traditions are well-preserved. The Arabic word "zejt," which signifies oil, is the source of the town's name. During the month of September, Zejtun organizes an Olive Festival, which includes folk music, traditional dances, and a market showcasing local olive-based delicacies. There are additional stands in the market where local artists and craftspeople sell their wares. The Baroque Parish Church of Saint Catherine, built in the 17th century on Zejtun's main plaza by architect Lorenzo Gafà, is a must-see attraction. The interior's ethereal nature is heightened by the dome that adorns it.

The parish church celebrates Saint Catherine's Feast Day every year on the third Sunday in June, complete with marching band contests, processions, and fireworks. Also in Zejtun, the Church of Saint Gregory, an austere medieval church with a secret entrance likely utilized by pirates centuries ago, is noteworthy.