Royal Beach Club Santorini
Malta
Malta
Malta is a compact Mediterranean island nation known for historic architecture. It serves as a cruise port with key sites close together, though summer temperatures can be very high.
About
Malta is an island nation in the central Mediterranean, known for its historic architecture and connections to medieval history that have drawn comparisons to the settings used in large-scale fantasy productions. The island functions as a cruise port, with visitors able to reach the main attractions without great difficulty from where ships dock.
Summer temperatures in Malta are notably high, which is worth bearing in mind when planning a visit. The island's compact size means that key sites are generally within reach of one another, making it a practical destination for those with limited time ashore.
Places to see
All placesWhere to go in Malta
The spots we filmed, ate at and would send a friend to. Each opens its own guide.
Blue Lagoon
LocationA sheltered bay of clear turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto: Malta's most famous swimming spot, and very busy in summer.
RecommendedMarsaxlokk
LocationA fishing village on Malta's south-east coast, its harbour full of brightly painted luzzu boats, with a busy Sunday fish market.
RecommendedMdina
LocationMalta's walled former capital on a hilltop in the centre of the island, known as the Silent City for its quiet, almost car-free lanes.
Popeye Village
AttractionThe wooden film set built for the 1980 musical Popeye, now a family attraction on Anchor Bay near Mellieħa.
Republic Street
LocationValletta's main street runs straight from City Gate towards Fort St Elmo, lined with shops, cafés and some of the capital's grandest buildings.
RecommendedSt John's Co-Cathedral
Religious SiteThe Knights of St John's great church in Valletta, with a gilded Baroque interior, a floor of marble tombstones and Caravaggio's Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in the oratory.
Ta' Pinu Basilica
Religious SiteMalta's national shrine to the Virgin Mary, a large Romanesque basilica standing alone in the countryside outside Għarb on Gozo.
The Citadel
AttractionGozo's fortified hilltop citadel above Victoria, with a Baroque cathedral, small museums and views across the whole island from its walls.
RecommendedThe Three Cities
LocationBirgu, Senglea and Cospicua, the fortified harbour towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta: quieter than the capital and a short boat ride away.
RecommendedAn arcaded garden on Valletta's highest bastion with the best view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, and the Saluting Battery firing its guns below.
Videos
All videosWatch Malta
We are in Malta, again!
Gallery
Photos from Malta
Follow the journey
See Malta on the channel.
Every destination is filmed as part of a series. Subscribe for the full episode, or browse every place we have been.