10 Must-Do Activities for the Ultimate Weekend in Malta

Ever dreamed of a Mediterranean idyll? I have found it - Malta! I recently discovered this beautiful archipelago between Sicily and North Africa and can’t wait to tell you why it’s the perfect weekend break.

Let me set the scene: three islands - Malta, Gozo and Comino - each with their own bit of magic. Trust me 48 hours here will feel like stepping into a history book with a dash of modern thrown in.

I loved wandering through Valletta and Mdina (and yes I got lost more than once in those narrow streets!). These cities are proper time machines - one minute you’re checking your phone, the next you’re surrounded by buildings that have seen centuries come and go. What really got me was how the locals have kept their traditions alive while embracing the present.

Always in dire need of some culture? While in summer, you are in luck! The festivals are just amazing - I was dancing at a village festa to the most spectacular fireworks display I have ever witnessed. And the beaches? My days! Picture this, you are relaxing on golden sandy beaches and the water is such a strong blue, it seems like someone bumped up the color saturation in real life.

Here’s a top tip: don’t leave without trying pastizzi - these little pastry parcels filled with ricotta or mushy peas are heavenly. I may have had three for breakfast... don’t judge! And if you’re feeling brave the rabbit stew with local wine is a must try.

History buff, foodie or just need a break? Malta’s got you covered. I’m already planning my next trip - come with me?

If, like me, you are a die hard fan of the Game of Thrones there’s some good news; Malta is paradise for us. The moments when I realised that some of the most thrilling scenes from the show were actually shot on those beautiful Mediterranean islands left me astounded – and yes, you can visit them yourself!

You know that remembering that scene when you were watching the show and someone tried to enter King’s Landing? Well, that’s Mdina Gate and it looks better in reality than in the pictures. When I stood there, I was totally stunned. I was picturing Ned Stark riding into the castle’s gates on a stallion. It’s this view that belongs to the Medijeval times and is therefore blends well with the rest of Malta’s attractions. The place is called Mdina, Malta’s former capital and which you will heated bygone eras of the war of the seven kingdoms.

Want more Game of Thrones magic? Head to Rabat - it’s just around the corner. I strolled through its narrow streets and crikey, it’s like you’re transported into the Seven Kingdoms! The old buildings and ancient stonework are exactly as you see them on the show.

Here’s a quick rundown of the must-visit spots:

• Mdina Gate - You know, where everyone enters King’s Landing
• Rabat - Full of hidden filming locations where you can feel like you’re part of the cast

As I wandered around these places I couldn’t help but think how cleverly they wove Malta’s beautiful architecture into the show. Each one is a story in itself, a perfect blend of fantasy and reality that any fan needs to see. Take my word for it - book yourself a weekend in Malta and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters. It’s properly awesome and you’ll be talking about it for months!

View of the Mdina gate.

I’ve always loved how stepping into Malta’s Three Cities feels like stepping into a time machine! Each city has its own personality and I’m excited to share my adventures through these historical gems.

Cospicua (Bormla)

So let me tell you about Cospicua, or Bormla as we call it. As I walked through its dockyards I couldn’t help but imagine the bustle of Malta’s maritime past. The fortifications are massive and show how the Maltese flexed their naval muscles back in the day. Have you ever stood by the waterfront and just listened? You can almost hear the shipbuilders hammering away!

Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Now Vittoriosa (or Birgu) is where things get really fun. The streets are so narrow I had to squeeze through some of them! You’ll find yourself gawking at these beautiful palaces and churches - trust me the Inquisitor’s Palace and St. Lawrence’s Church are absolute must sees. Every time I walk down these ancient streets I half expect to bump into a Knight of Malta around the corner!

Vittoriosa, easily accessible during your weekend in Malta.

Isla (Senglea)

Need some peace and quiet? Isla is your spot. Perched on its little peninsula it’s got this lovely nostalgic feel I love. I spent hours in the gardens just taking in the views of the Grand Harbour. It’s the perfect place to sit down with a cuppa and watch the world go by.

These cities should not be forgotten if you are spending the weekend in Malta! I believe there is no better way to immerse yourself into the history of Malta than walking through these streets.

Blue Grotto: Nature’s Light Show

I have to tell you about one of Malta’s most breathtaking places - the Blue Grotto. Imagine this: you’re standing on the southern coast looking down at these incredible sea caves where nature puts on the most amazing light show you’ve ever seen. I remember my first time; I couldn’t believe how the water seemed to glow from within! The sunlight reflects off the white sand at the bottom and you’ll be snapping your camera every 2 seconds.

With this breathtaking view of the Blue Grotto, we can only imagine the beauty of the sea caves.

Pretty Bay: Your Weekend Getaway

Would you like to enjoy a real day at the beach? Allow me to introduce you to my favorite weekend getaway. This place is about an hour's drive away and quite honestly, it’s worth the trip. The sand feels fantastic under your feet and the sea is crystal clear! It’s my favorite spot where I can lay my towel and enjoy the sun.

What’s remarkable is that you have everything here. Didn’t bring an umbrella? Not a problem – there are lots of umbrellas and sunbeds available for hire. Are you hungry? Don’t worry, the local eateries are right around the corner with delicious food. And if you feel a bit more daring (as I did last weekend) how about paddleboarding? The waters are decent and the snorkelling is no disappointment either!

My suggestion? Do that as well. Visit the Blue Grotto in the early hours and then Pretty Bay in the afternoon hours. It’s a good blend, making it a perfect weekend in Malta, a little bit of fun and a lot of relaxing time.

I’ve always been into ancient mysteries and the Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni in Malta is a real mind blower! You know those places that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time? Well this underground wonder from 4000 BC is exactly that.

I remember my first visit - standing there, mouth agape, thinking “Blimey, people built this thousands of years ago!” No wonder UNESCO gave it a World Heritage badge. Trust me, you haven’t really ‘done’ Malta until you’ve seen this prehistoric gem.

Let me show you around. The site has three levels (a bit like a prehistoric flat, if you will!):

• The Upper Level: Where they buried their loved ones
• The Middle Level: Full of rooms and altars
• The Lower Level: The Holy of Holies

Here’s something cool - try talking or humming while you’re down there. The acoustics are amazing! Even the softest whisper bounces off those ancient walls like a game of hide and seek. Isn’t that magic?

But here’s the thing - and I learnt this the hard way - you can’t just turn up whenever you like. They’re quite strict about visitor numbers to protect this fragile piece of history (fair enough really). So do yourself a favour and book your tickets in advance. You wouldn’t want to miss out on what might be the most prehistoric place you’ll ever visit!

After all, we want our great grandkids to be able to stand where we stand and say “Cor, this is proper old, innit?”

So the food in Malta is amazing! I remember my first pastizzi (trust me, you’ll want to try these). These little bundles of joy are everywhere on the island and are seriously addictive. Imagine crispy, flaky pastry wrapped around creamy ricotta cheese or mushy peas. You’ll find them in every corner bakery and street stall and at about £1 each they’re a bargain!

Want something a bit more substantial? You have to try the stuffat tal-fenek (that’s rabbit stew to you and me). I was a bit hesitant at first but it’s actually one of Malta’s favourite dishes. The rabbit is slow cooked with wine, garlic and herbs until it’s falling off the bone. It’s proper comfort food and you’ll see why the Maltese are so proud of it.

And what’s a good meal without a nice glass of wine? Malta’s got that covered! The sunshine and soil work wonders for their vineyards. Have you tried their local grape varieties? Gellewza and Girgentina might be hard to pronounce but they make some great reds. Pop into one of the local wineries for a tour and tasting - it’s a great way to spend an afternoon!

Whether you’re grabbing a pastizzi on the go or sitting down to a full on rabbit stew with a glass of local wine, the food here will be the highlight of your weekend. Trust me, I’ve eaten my way around the island!

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a Maltese art treasure trove. As soon as you step inside you’ll be blown away by the Baroque splendour inside which is totally different from the outside. The cathedral is full of carvings, gold and masterpieces by famous artists like Caravaggio. One of his most famous works “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” is here and is a must see for art lovers. Each chapel has a grand display of the Knights of St. John, with marble tombstones on the floor that tell stories of courage and sacrifice.

A weekend in Malta is the ideal opportunity to visit the inside of St. John

Just a short walk from the cathedral and you’re in Upper Barrakka Gardens, a peaceful haven above the hustle and bustle of Valletta. These stepped gardens have some of the best views in Malta. The combination of ancient walls and blue sea is stunning. The gardens themselves are immaculate and have statues and memorials to top it all off. If you time it right you can also see the noon day gun salute from the Saluting Battery below, a reminder of Malta’s military past.

Upper Barrakka Gardens.

These experiences will treat your eyes and your mind and will leave you with lasting memories.

My attention has drawn to one of the beautiful parts of Malta — Golden Bay! Picture a setting with a coastline completely surrounded by cliffs and wide sandy beaches that glitter with sand most attractive within the Mediterranean sun. I’ve lost track of time spent here, either in the ambling waters or reading comfortably on the beach with one of my favourite novels (and perhaps having ice cream too! Why not!).

Breathtaking view of Golden Bay.

And when you think it would get no better, further south there’s Marsaxlokk Village — a sight which for me is a delight. I have often spent sundry hours in this fishing village while exploring the market. Just looking at the harbour is like being in a picture book, filled with various types of fishing boats called luzzus painted blue and yellow. I usually grab lunch at one of the restaurants along the shore — nothing is more enjoyable than eating a bowl of octopus stew or grilled fish with the influx of boats at the back. They know what they’re doing with the fish recipes and let me tell you those sights were something else. Ever tasted Maltese fish soup? It’s delicious!

I’ve always been fascinated by Malta’s prehistoric temples and I’ll tell you about two absolute gems that’ll blow your mind – Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim. These aren’t just any old ruins; they’re some of the oldest free-standing buildings on Earth! You’ll find these megalithic marvels along Malta’s southern coast, telling stories of a civilisation that existed more than 5,000 years ago.

Mnajdra Temples

Let me walk you through Mnajdra first. Have you ever seen a building that’s actually three temples in one? That’s exactly what you get here! What really gets me excited is how clever these ancient builders were – they created this amazing structure that lines up with the equinoxes. Imagine this: twice a year, sunlight streams through the entrance and creates a light show that would put modern architects to shame.

Ħaġar Qim, southern Malta

Just a stone’s throw away (pun intended!), you’ll find Ħaġar Qim sitting on its hilltop. I remember my jaw dropping when I first saw those massive limestone blocks – they’re huge! Inside, archaeologists have uncovered some amazing bits and bobs, including these beautiful fertility goddess statues. It’s like finding pieces of a 5,000-year-old puzzle!

Limestone slabs at Ħaġar Qim.

There is an unsettling beauty that accompanies every visit to the temples. As one walks through those archaic hallways one can almost feel the whispers of the history. It is not simply about visiting a ruin – it is about meeting our forefathers and appreciating their intelligence. Ever fancied going back in time? These temples are certainly among the places that I would want to visit the most!

I will never forget my first time at Dingli Cliffs - standing at the highest point in Malta I felt like I was on top of the world! The drop into the sea is just breathtaking, and I’m not one for heights. If you’re like me you’ll want to time your visit for sunset. Trust me watching the sky turn into a canvas of oranges and pinks over those cliffs is magic. I’ve taken loads of photos there but they never do it justice!

A weekend in Malta is the ideal opportunity to visit the Dingli cliffs.

After getting my dose of nature’s drama at the cliffs I love heading down to the Valletta Waterfront for some civilised indulgence. You know those beautiful 18th century warehouses they’ve done up? They’re now home to some great restaurants. I’m particularly fond of Bistro 516 when I’m feeling fancy but Pastaus is my go-to for proper Italian comfort food. There’s nothing like sitting there with a glass of wine, watching the street performers and fancy yachts in the harbour. It’s people-watching heaven!

But here’s the thing - the Waterfront isn’t just about eating (though that’s certainly a big part of it!). It’s actually a great insight into Malta’s maritime history. Why not grab an ice cream and take a stroll along the promenade? You’ll find bits of history around every corner. I think a weekend in Malta gives you the perfect balance - one minute you’re immersed in centuries of culture the next you’re dipping your toes in the Med. What more could you want?

I will never forget my first view of Comino Island - it was like stumbling upon a secret piece of heaven! As our boat chugged towards this tiny gem between Malta and Gozo I couldn’t believe my eyes. Trust me the Blue Lagoon isn’t just another tourist spot - it’s a real showstopper.

Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino.

You know that feeling when something’s almost too beautiful to be true? That’s exactly what I felt as we approached the lagoon. The water is so clear and blue it’s practically begging you to dive in! I spent hours floating about like a happy seal watching fish swim beneath me. If you’re into snorkelling like me you’re in for a real treat.

A bit of an adventurer? I’d recommend hiring a kayak or paddleboard - I did and it was great! There’s nothing like paddling around and discovering secret caves and hidden coves. The best part? Since nobody lives on Comino you really do feel like you’re getting away from it all.

Here’s a bit of advice from my experience:

• Set your alarm early, mate! Getting there before the crowds means you get the best spot by the water.
• Pack a proper picnic - I found the most beautiful spot for lunch. Just remember to be a good egg and take your rubbish home with you!

I’ve been to many beautiful places but Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon? They’re in a league of their own. Whether you want a lazy day of sunbathing or a bit of adventure this little piece of heaven delivers.

The thing about Malta is each little corner has its own charm but Comino? Well it’s a real gem that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. Trust me whether you’re here for a day trip or part of your big Malta adventure you’ll be glad you made the journey. Just remember to bring your camera - you’ll want to capture every stunning moment of this Mediterranean gem. And whilst you might be tempted to keep this little piece of heaven to yourself it’s too good not to share!