Blue Lagoon
Often dubbed the most beautiful spot in the Mediterranean, the Blue Lagoon lives up to its reputation – a breathtaking stretch of crystal-clear azure water nestled between the tiny islands of Comino and Cominotto. Malta’s most visited attraction, it’s now a protected Natura 2000 site (a network of Europe’s most important natural areas safeguarded under EU law), with access to the shore requiring a government-issued ticket booked online in advance.
Inland Sea
On Gozo’s dramatic western coast, Dwejra’s Inland Sea – known locally as Il-Qawra – is a sheltered lagoon connected to the open Mediterranean through a narrow sea tunnel carved into towering cliffs. Formed by the collapse of an ancient sea cave, it’s a hauntingly beautiful spot popular with divers and snorkellers exploring the tunnel’s rich marine life, and equally rewarding for those simply soaking up the scenery.
Wied il-Mielah
Since the collapse of Gozo’s famous Azure Window into the sea during a storm in 2017 – immortalised by its appearance in Game of Thrones – the nearby Wied il-Mielah Window (meaning “Salt Valley”) has become the island’s last surviving natural limestone arch. Perched on the north-western coast near Gharb, this dramatic formation offers stunning coastal walks, rock climbing and diving through hidden sea caves.
Għar Ħasan
Carved into the limestone cliffs on Malta’s southern coast, Għar Ħasan – Hasan’s Cave – is as rich in legend as it is in views. The cave takes its name from a Saracen called Hasan, said to have sought refuge here, though the story has at least five wildly different endings – most involving a kidnapped Maltese girl and someone plunging off the cliffs. Bring a torch, wear sturdy shoes, and pick up a guidebook to make sense of the cave’s intriguing and decidedly murky history.
MYSTERIOUS MALTA
Malta’s Megalithic Temples
Malta’s megalithic temples are among the oldest free-standing structures on earth – older than the pyramids and Stonehenge – with sites such as Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien offering a remarkable window into the island’s prehistoric past.
The Ancient City of Mdina
Perched on a hilltop at Malta’s heart, the medieval walled city of Mdina – known as the Silent City – offers labyrinthine streets, centuries-old architecture and sweeping views across the island.
The Three Cities
Across Grand Harbour from Valletta sit Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – collectively known as the Three Cities. Predating Valletta itself, these tightly knit historic towns were once the naval base of the Knights of St John, their deep harbours forming one of the Mediterranean’s finest natural ports. Today they offer a quieter, less visited alternative to Valletta, with narrow streets and a proud maritime heritage.
