11 Activities in Malta for a Successful Stay

Boat trips are undoubtedly the most popular activity in Malta among holidaymakers. An almost essential activity for any stay on the island. The island setting, the sun, and the turquoise waters make Malta an ideal destination for all water activities, especially boat outings.

Among all the offered cruises, the discovery of the Blue Lagoon by boat is the flagship activity for visitors to Malta.

You can embark on one of the many cruises offered to Comino, whether on a catamaran or a multi-service boat, there is something for everyone. Private boat rental options with a skipper service are also available to discover this unique place. However, be aware that during the high season, cruise activities are very popular with travelers; it is therefore advised to book in advance.

It’s impossible to visit Malta without discovering its capital: Valletta. A unique place listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. Valletta is a place full of history and rich in an epic past. A fortified city dotted with historic monuments, like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, or the Manoel Theatre.

Although it’s possible to wander alone in the capital, it’s recommended to attend a guided tour of Valletta at least once. This fun activity is accessible to all and available in several languages, allowing access to explanations and many anecdotes about the city and its history.

To learn about the epics of Villiers de l’Isle-Adam or Jean de La Valette, or anecdotes and misadventures of the painter Caravaggio, seek a local guide.

Gozo, Malta’s secondary island, is wilder and more authentic than the main island. A more preserved island, less urbanized, but also less well served by public transport and dotted with rocky dirt roads. An ideal playground for unusual and lively excursions.

It is possible to discover Gozo by participating in a 4×4 circuit (Jeep tour), an original Tuk-Tuk excursion, or a Quad outing for the more adventurous.

Three activities, both unusual and sporty, very popular and appreciated by travelers wishing to visit Gozo. Be aware, however, that exploring Gozo is generally an all-day affair; whichever method of exploration you choose, including the boat crossing.

Visiting the Blue Grotto is one of Malta’s must-see attractions. The unique way to enjoy this unique geological site is to explore the caves on a small traditional boat (Luzzu), an activity that is both fun and enchanting for all ages.

To embark towards the caves, you will need to head to the small hamlet of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where you will find a small port and many picturesque boats to visit the Blue Grotto. It is not necessary to book a ticket in advance, as boats rotate regularly. Tickets are sold on-site and only in cash, costing 10 euros per ticket.

As an island and seaside country surrounded by the Mediterranean, Malta naturally offers numerous thrilling water activities. On the main beaches and in the ports of Malta, you have the chance to participate in breathtaking water activities. Among all the beaches in Malta, Għadira Bay (or Mellieha Bay) is the beach with the largest number of facilities and activities available.

The options for water activities are varied: the popular “Speedboats” (sort of Formula 1 of the seas), inflatable towable tubes (in the shape of a banana or donuts) by motorboats, Jet-Ski rentals, etc. There’s something for everyone.

For those who want to gain a bit of height with a thrilling activity, we highly recommend parasailing over Mellieha Bay. Fly through the air at an altitude between 50 and 70 meters above the Maltese shores. An activity that is both fun, rich in sensations, and will offer you a breathtaking view.

Popeye Village is Malta’s main theme park. As its name suggests, it is built around the imagination of the fictional character Popeye.

The park offers a wide range of activities (shows, cinema, museum) and numerous attractions (mini-golf, playgrounds), as well as inflatable water structures and an assault course during the summer season. It is a very popular amusement park, with a theme and facilities suitable for both young and adults. Thus, a trip to Popeye Village is a perfect activity for families with children vacationing in Malta.

The coast of the Maltese archipelago is perfect for excursions by kayak or stand up paddle (board with paddle). These are fun activities, accessible to everyone, allowing you to discover numerous hidden places (caves, arches, secluded beaches) often unreachable by land and preserved from the throngs of tourists.

Many rental services are available on the beaches where you can rent equipment to explore the surroundings on your own. Among the possible excursions, the adventure along the Mellieha coastline, starting from Gadhira beach to the Statue of Saint Paul. For a better experience, however, we recommend opting for an excursion led by a local guide, who will show you the island’s hidden spots and assist you in case of difficulties.

Malta and Gozo are highly coveted diving spots in the Mediterranean, especially for their numerous underwater wrecks (HMS Maori, Um El Faroud, MV Karwela, etc.), many of which were intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. Wrecks, underwater arches, aquatic caves are scattered across the archipelago, offering an environment where aquatic fauna thrives (octopuses, barracudas, moray eels, seahorses).

Diving in Malta is an activity suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. For beginners, natural pools like Qawra Point Beach offer a safe initiation. As for experienced divers capable of descending more than 40 meters, wrecks like the former ferry “Imperial Eagle” provide a stimulating and captivating diving experience.

For an introduction to diving or a deep-sea dive, we advise you to approach Dive On Malta or Dive Base Malta.

Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus tours may not be the most original activity, but they are a very convenient way to discover Malta and its iconic sites.

Several routes are available to drop you off at key locations in the north and south of the island: Valletta, The Three Cities, Blue Grotto, Sliema, Spinola, Bugibba, etc. The advantage of this type of tour is that it serves only places of interest, allowing you to quickly discover Malta’s popular spots.

Distances can sometimes take time, so to visit the maximum number of places, it is advisable to start early in the morning.

The Splash & Fun Water Park is Malta’s water park. The perfect activity for children and those who are young at heart.

The water park is ideal for families with its numerous pools, water slides, sun loungers, bars and restaurants, and even a wave pool.

As surprising as it may seem, Malta, often called “the rock”, has vineyards and produces local wine. It is possible to take guided tours of the vine parcels, cellars, and taste the famous Maltese wine.

Visiting the vineyards is a must-do Maltese activity for wine lovers, but also for all travelers wanting an experience close to the Maltese terroir, a cultural activity away from the usual tourist circuits.