Riviera Bay, Malta (Photo by Robert Pittman)

It may well be a tiny speck in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, but Malta more than makes up for its diminutive size with lots of character and oodles of charisma. With its perennially pleasant climate and stunning seafood-based cuisine, Malta is a popular choice with both independent travellers and those on all inclusive breaks.

The Azure Window, Gozo, Malta (Photo by Berit Watkin)

But along with soaking up the sun and sampling the local fare, what else is there to do in Malta? Here are some suggestions that are perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families alike:

Explore the Capital of Valetta

La Valette, Malte (Photo by: Patrick Subotkiewiez)

Full to the brim with palaces, churches, museums, galleries, gift shops, and restaurants, the fortress city of Valetta should be an essential item on your itinerary. Built of sandstone by the Knights of St John in 1566, Malta’s capital has managed to keep hold of its age-old charm.

Pastizzi, a Maltese pastry (Photo by Charles Haynes)

In addition to sampling a traditional pastizzi (pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas) at a street-side cafe and doing a spot of people watching, consider taking a dghajsa boat ride (similar to a gondola) from Vittoriosa to the Valletta waterfront.

Spend Time in Gozo

Mountain Biking on the cliffs at Gozo, Malta Photo by: Sidetracked

Jump on a ferry and in 25 minutes you’ll arrive in Gozo, a small island off the Maltese archipelago. This is a great spot for adventure travellers with rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking all on offer. The flora and fauna in the area is spectacular and acts as a great backdrop for your adventure photos and videos.

Most Dome, Malta (Photo by John Haslam)

Other attractions include Mosta Dome, which survived three direct bomb attacks during the Second World War, the 7,000-year-old Gozo Citadel, Santa Maria Cathedral, and the Azure Window.

Discover Malta’s History

Valetta, Malta (Photo by: Andrea Santoni)

Over the years, Malta has been occupied by various civilisations, having been conquered by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Turks, Arabs and British. But in spite of these numerous invasions, much of this history is still evident.

UNESCO Ġgantija Temples, Malta (Photo by tpholland)

For example, the UNESCO listed Ggantija Temples in Gozo are considered to be among some of the oldest buildings in the world. They were constructed up to 5,000 years ago and given the name Ggantija (giants) because the Neolithics thought only mythical man mountains could bring these enormous stones to the island.

Go Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving at the MV Karwela Wreck in Goza, Malta (Photo by Malcolm Browne)

Widely considered to be one of the best locations in the world to go scuba diving. Malta boasts an abundance of mesmerising marine life and some fascinating shipwrecks but as with most dive destinations, it is susceptible to changing conditions depending on the time of the year you visit.

Scuba Diving in Gozo, Malta (Photo by Malcolm Browne)

The clarity of the surrounding ocean provides superb visibility. This means it is perfect for both first-timers and experienced divers. The best sites are generally found in the North, but a number of diving schools can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Sunset in Malta (Photo by: Peter Grima)

So, just remember that looks can be deceiving; Malta’s small-scale nature doesn’t express just how many fantastic things you can do here. Visit Malta, you won’t regret it!

Brian Barry

Brian is a travel writer, photographer, blogger, travel addict and adventure-junkie. Being outdoors, getting off the beaten track and outside his comfort zone is what makes him tick. Brian’s the dreamer in the relationship; when he’s not travelling, he’s dreaming about it! Keeping fit, cooking, music and red wine take up the rest of his time.