Ally Wybrew

Into your history? The isle of Malta – plus its smaller neighbours, Gozo and Comino – had already played host to all manner of peoples for 7,000 years by the time the Knights of St John arrived on these tiny mid-Mediterranean specks of land in 1530. In other words, this place is a historical goldmine, but that’s just the start. You’ll also find world-class dive sites, dramatic cliff-edged coastlines and plenty of spots for simply sunbathing the day away. For some of the world’s best beaches (and breathtaking views), here are the best things to do in Malta.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Valletta, Malta🏖️ The best beaches in Malta🗺 The best breaks in Europe🛤 The ultimate Europe Interrailing itinerary Ally Wybrew is a travel writer and Malta expert. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

When it comes to why you should visit Malta it’s hard to know where to start. The more than 300 days of sweet Mediterranean sunshine a year? The extensive and complex history etched into every stone? Its incredible underwater vistas of wrecks, reefs and maze-like topography? Certainly. But perhaps the best reason to head to the island is to explore its UNESCO-listed walled capital.  Valletta is a beautiful, bustling city with a history as dense as its sixteenth-century bastion walls. It’s made up of sandstone-paved streets overhung by wonky window boxes, roads tumbling down to the so-blue-it-looks-fake Mediterranean Sea, and the whole place is soundtracked by the tolls of church bells. Eating out is a showcase of the city’s centuries-old influences, while its nightlife scene still has echoes of its wartime origins.  Valletta might be the smallest capital city in the EU, but it's got a big personality. Here’s what not to miss in Malta’s compact capital.  Ally Wybrew is a travel writer and Malta specialist. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best beaches in Malta🏰 The best things to do in Malta

Malta’s coastline is a delightful mix of craggy cliffs, pebbled coves and sandy inlets, many of which have been deemed picturesque enough to feature in blockbuster movies. And, while its undulating edge often consists more of boulders, stones and sloping rock ledges than sand, there are a few golden gems to dig your toes into. What’s more, with 12 Blue Flag beaches and seriously sizzling summer temperatures (Malta regularly hits the mid-to-high 30s) the archipelago’s clear, warm waters draw visitors in their droves. So remember, wherever you choose to catch some rays, always, always, get there early. Alternatively, you could always visit in winter, when crowds are thinner – despite the mild weather. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Malta