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5 BEST Malta Towns (with Tours!)
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items From colorful fishing villages and historic hilltop hideaways to lively cities bursting with energy, these Malta towns and tours will have you adding more than one stop to your itinerary — whether you want to slow down, swim and sunbathe, shop, or so...
Sections
6
Malta Towns
Valletta
3 Cities
St. Julian's & Sliema
Mdina
Marsaxlokk
Malta Towns
Discover Malta’s most charming towns from the fortified walls of Mdina to the colorful fishing villages of Marsaxlokk, each town if full of history, culture, and breathtaking views.
These are the 13 best Malta towns to visit & what makes them unique so you can plan the perfect vacation!
13 BEST Malta Towns & Cities To Explore 2025 (with Map!)
Valletta
Valletta is one of the best Malta cities to visit! Honestly, this vibrant capital should be on everyone’s bucket list, with its unique architecture, pedestrian only historic center, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back vibe.
Valletta is a scenic city, the capital of Malta and our FAVORITE Malta town! Perched on a peninsula, you can expect stunning views of the Mediterranean from multiple points in the city. And as the cultural hub of Malta, there are plenty of museums, a...
City of Valletta - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
👉This 35-minute scenic boat tour of Malta's Grand Harbor and the Three Cities aboard a traditional dghajsa tal-pass is a MUST!
Private Boat Tour of Valletta's Grand Harbor
The BEST way to savor authentic Maltese dishes is by joining this small-group food & walking tour through Valletta! Plus, you'll explore hidden gems, and get insider tips from your guide for a truly local experience.
Valletta Food Tour - DELICIOUS!
This 5 star tour is the BEST way to see the highlights of Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital! We highly recommend. 😊
The Original Valletta Walking Tour
Valletta is full of charming pedestrian only streets that are perfect for wandering!
List of Valletta Streets & Piazzas
If you're visiting in January or February, come celebrate the city's Baroque heritage with music, dance, and theater performances!
Valletta Baroque Festival - January
This popular festival takes place in October and celebrates the arts with exhibitions, street performers, art installations, live music, and traditional food.
Notte Bianca Festival - October
Valletta’s spring flower festival transforms St. George’s Square into a vibrant floral display with over 80,000 colorful blooms… it's a beautiful event if you visit in May!
Valletta Green Festival - May
This carnival in Malta is a vibrant 5-day celebration filled with parades, costumes, music, and nonstop street party energy!
Malta Carnival (Valletta) - February
The Malta International Fireworks Festival lights up the sky for 7 nights of dazzling displays, ending with a grand finale over the stunning Grand Harbor! It's a MUST SEE!
Malta International Fireworks Festival - Valletta Grand Harbor - April
Malta’s biggest food event with over 50 exhibitors, offering everything from street food to desserts, with live entertainment and delicious bites for just €2.
Malta International Food Festival - Valletta - August
3 Cities
Senglea, Cospicua, and Birgu are known as Malta’s 3 Cities, and sit directly across the Grand Harbor from Valletta. The views of the capital, surrounding forts and blue Mediterranean are amazing!
Malta’s Three Cities feel more like small towns, so it is possible to visit all three in one afternoon. We visited in July and felt like we were the only ones around. Plus, the views of Valletta and Mediterranean are gorgeous!
The Three Cities - Senglea, Vittoriosa & Cospicua
Wander through Malta’s Three Cities on this tour with a local guide, cruise the harbor in a dghajsa, and find the best photo spots overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Discover the 3 Cities - Private Insider Walking Tour
St. Elmo’s Fort & Fort St. Angelo in Birgu are some of the best-preserved fortifications in Malta, with impressive ramparts and bastions.
Fort St Elmo & the National War Museum in Birgu (3 Cities)
This festival is one of the most popular events in Malta, and celebrates the history and culture of Birgu with live music, street performers, and guided historic tours.
Birgufest - October
If you’re a history buff, head to the Inquisitor's Palace for insight into the Inquisition in Malta. Then, hit up the Maritime Museum with great exhibits on shipbuilding and navigation. Both are in Birgu/Vittoriosa.
Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu
Wander towards Senglea's waterfront promenade for beautiful views of the Grand Harbour. Or take a boat tour around the Grand Harbor is a great way to see the Malta’s 3 Cities from a different perspective, learn more about the history of the harbor an...
Discover the Charm of Senglea Waterfront
St. Julian's & Sliema
St. Julian’s and Sliema are vibrant coastal towns with a mix of lively nightlife, seafront promenades, excellent shopping, and amazing dining choices!
St. Julian’s is Malta’s best city for nightlife & entertainment. Just north of Valletta, this popular tourist destination has great shopping centers, cinemas, casinos and the best bars and clubs on the island.
St Julian's: All You Need to Know - TripAdvisor
Sliema is a lively seaside town next to St. Julian’s, with a beautiful promenade, great shopping, rocky beaches like Tigné Point, and plenty of dining and accommodation options.
15 BEST Things to Do in Sliema
Take this 90-minute scenic cruise from Sliema and explore Valletta’s harbors, iconic landmarks, historic fortifications, and the Three Cities, while learning the history through an informative audio guide.
Cruise Malta's Harbors & Creeks from Sliema
Party your way through Paceville and St. Julian’s with a rooftop meet-up, VIP club access, free drinks, and exclusive discounts on this lively Malta pub crawl!
Pub Crawl Paceville & St Julian's with Drinks
Celebrate music, dance, theater, and visual arts with performances and exhibitions every July!
Sliema Art Festival - July
Like to shop? Head to this modern shopping center selling everything from luxury brands to high street favorites. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes too.
Tigne Point Shopping Mall
This small but beautiful bay is very popular and just a short walk from the town’s center. Swim in the crystal-clear waters or sunbathe on the rocky beach for a relaxing day.
Balluta Bay - Sliema
Mdina
The fortified city of Mdina is our absolute FAVORITE town and one of the top reasons Malta is worth visiting! Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is car free and perfect to explore on foot.
Mdina is a UNESCO site, surrounded by tall limestone walls and colorful archways, you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. This medieval city dates to the 8th century and was featured in Game of Thrones.
Mdina City - UNESCO World Heritage Site
➡️Explore 6 cultural & natural gems on this full-day tour, including Mdina, Rabat’s catacombs, Dingli cliffs, San Anton gardens, and Mosta’s dome, with hotel or port transfers included.
Mdina, Rabat, Dingli Cliffs & Mosta Guided Tour
This 5 star tour is a MUST! Discover Mdina on a small-group walking tour, exploring highlights like Palazzo Falzon, Vilhena Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, all while avoiding the crowds.
Mdina & Rabat Walking Tour with Catacombs & St. Paul's Grotto
Throughout Malta, this June festival celebrates the summer solstice. Marsaxlokk makes it unique with horse races, traditional food stalls, live music, and fireworks.
L-Imnarja Food Festival in Rabat - June
Mdina is known for creating one-of-a-kind blown glass artworks. You can watch skilled artisans up close at the Mdina Glass Factory, or head to shop at the Ta' Qali Crafts Village just outside town.
Mdina Glass
Step back in time with this unique, vibrant celebration. Streets come alive with performances, music, traditional food and drink, and watch historical re-enactments by locals in colorful costumes.
Medieval Mdina Festival - April
Marsaxlokk
Looking for a picture-perfect harbor with colorful fishing boats, friendly locals, and delicious seafood? The southern town of Marsaxlokk is it!
Marsaxlokk offers visitors a more authentic glimpse into traditional Maltese life. We loved sipping lemonade, watching colorful gondolas return with their catch. Then wandering and shopping our way through the town and enjoying delicious seafood.
Seven Things To Do On A Day Trip To Marsaxlokk | Destination Guides
St. Peter's Pool is a natural swimming pool less than 10 minutes away. Swim in the turquoise waters, relax on its rocky shore, or enjoy a picnic and take in the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs.
St. Peter's Pool - TripAdvisor
This colorful, traditional market takes place in the town's harbor area. Soak up the atmosphere, and browse the many stalls selling fresh fish, seafood, and other local products.
Sunday Marsaxlokk Market | When to Go & What to Do
Visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk on a half-day guided tour with hotel pickup, seaside views, and time to browse the local market — with an optional boat ride to the Blue Grotto.
Marsaxlokk Market & Blue Grotto Guided Tour
Discover Malta’s history and beauty with visits to Hagar Qim Temples, Limestone Heritage Park, Marsaxlokk, and Ghar Dalam Cave, plus lunch included.
Hagar Qim Temple (UNESCO) & Marsaxlokk Market Guided Tour