Northern Malta

Mdina — the "Silent City" (Il-Belt is-Sieket) — is one of Malta's most magical places. The old capital sits atop a hill in the center of the island, surrounded by mighty bastions of honey-colored limestone, and has changed little since the Middle Ages. Only around 300 people live here — and it feels like stepping into a time machine.

Mdina was Malta's capital for over 1,000 years before the Knights built Valletta. The Arabs gave it its current name (from "Medina" — fortified city) and separated it from the suburb of Rabat with a deep ditch. Today, Mdina and Rabat are reconnected, but their characters couldn't be more different: Mdina is quiet and aristocratic, Rabat lively and down-to-earth.

Highlights Mdina

• Mdina Gate: The dramatic main entrance (1724) by Charles François de Mondion. The moment you step through the gate and the silent city opens up is cinematic — no wonder Mdina served as a filming location for Game of Thrones (King's Landing).
• St. Paul's Cathedral: The baroque cathedral (1702) on the square where, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul converted the Roman governor Publius. Inside: frescoes by Mattia Preti, marble floor with knights' graves.
• Palazzo Falson: A perfectly preserved medieval palazzo with an art collection, weapons, and furniture. The best insight into the life of the Maltese nobility. Admission: €10.
• Bastions & Panorama: From the Bastion Square, there is a 360° panorama over the entire island — on clear days, you can see as far as the dome of Mosta and the sea. Especially spectacular at sunset.

Highlights Rabat

• St. Paul's Catacombs: A labyrinth of underground passages and burial chambers from the 4th–7th century — the largest catacombs in Malta. Fascinating and slightly eerie. Admission: €6.
• Domus Romana: Remains of a Roman city villa with exquisite mosaics. Small but fine. Admission: €6.
• Crystal Palace Pastizzeria: The most famous pastizzeria in Malta. For decades, locals have come here for the best pastizzi on the island — crispy, hot, for 50 cents. Always a queue, always worth the detour.

St. Julian's (San Ġiljan) and Sliema (Tas-Sliema) are Malta's tourist centers — here, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and promenades are concentrated. Those looking for nightlife, shopping, and modern infrastructure are in the right place. Those seeking tranquility and authenticity, not so much.

St. Julian's & Paceville

St. Julian's is a former fishing village that has developed into Malta's party capital. Spinola Bay with its colorful Luzzu boats and waterfront restaurants is charming by day and romantically lit by night. Right behind it lies Paceville — Malta's clubbing district. Bars, clubs, and fast-food outlets line up within a few hundred meters. On weekends, it gets loud and crowded, especially in summer when thousands of language students and party tourists are out and about.

Away from Paceville, St. Julian's has its charm: Balluta Bay with the neo-Gothic Carmelite Church, the Portomaso Tower (Malta's tallest building), and the promenade towards Sliema are lovely walks.

Sliema

Sliema is Malta's shopping and promenade center. The long waterfront promenade (Ix-Xatt ta' Tas-Sliema) stretches from the ferry terminal (ferry to Valletta!) over rocky bathing spots to St. Julian's. On Tower Road and in Bisazza Street, you'll find international brands and local boutiques. The Point Shopping Mall at the ferry terminal is Malta's most modern shopping center.

Sliema has no sandy beaches, but flat rocky coast with ladders into the sea — perfect for locals who want to get into the water quickly. Many hotels and apartments are located here because the connections (bus + ferry) are excellent and Valletta is only 10 minutes away by ferry.

In the heart of Malta, away from the coastal hotspots, lie some of the island's most impressive sights — and the fewest tourists.

Mosta Rotunda

The Rotunda of Mosta (Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady) has the third-largest unsupported church dome in the world — after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the Pantheon. The sight as you approach the village and the massive dome emerges above the rooftops is breathtaking. Even more famous is the Mosta Miracle: On April 9, 1942, a 200-kg bomb from the Luftwaffe pierced the dome during a service with 300 worshippers — and did not detonate. The defused bomb is displayed in the sacristy. Admission: free (donations welcome).

Ta' Qali Crafts Village

On a former World War II airfield lies the Ta' Qali Crafts Village — in the converted Nissen huts, artisans create Maltese filigree silver, hand-blown glass, and ceramics. You can watch the glassblowers at work and buy directly from the workshop. Especially the intricately crafted Maltese crosses are popular souvenirs. Prices: significantly cheaper than in the tourist shops of Valletta.

San Anton Palace Gardens

The San Anton Gardens in Attard are Malta's most beautiful public garden: exotic trees, fountains, swans, and peacocks in the gardens of the President's Palace. A place of tranquility in the middle of the island, perfect for a break after visiting Mdina or Mosta. Admission: free.

The most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta are in the north and northwest of the island. While the south and east offer more rocky coasts, here you will find golden bays with fine sand — some well-developed, others wild and remote.

Golden Bay

Malta's most famous sandy beach and one of the few with lifeguards, sunbed rentals, and a beach hotel directly behind it. The wide, golden beach is located in a sheltered bay on the northwest coast. Golden Bay is at its most beautiful at sunset — the sun sets directly into the sea. In summer, it can get crowded, but outside the high season, you often have the beach almost to yourself.

Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Beach)

Directly next to Golden Bay, but accessible via a steep staircase with 200 steps — which makes it significantly quieter. For many, Għajn Tuffieħa is Malta's most beautiful beach: red-golden sand, turquoise water, dramatic clay cliffs, and far fewer people than Golden Bay. There is a small kiosk, but no further infrastructure. Bring a towel and water!

Mellieħa Bay (Għadira)

The longest sandy beach in Malta (about 450m) in the north of the island, particularly popular with families due to the gently sloping water. Well-developed with sunbeds, water sports rentals, and restaurants. In the off-season, a quiet, wide beach; in August, it can get crowded.

Paradise Bay

A small, sheltered bay at the very north, near the Gozo ferry terminal. Accessible via steps, with crystal-clear water and a small beach kiosk. Perfect if you're waiting for the Gozo ferry or looking for a quiet swimming spot. Less crowded than Golden Bay.

Insider Tip: Fomm ir-Riħ

Malta's wildest and most remote beach — accessible only via a steep, challenging path. No infrastructure, no lifeguards, just raw nature: pebbles, rocks, crystal-clear water, and dramatic cliffs. Suitable only for experienced hikers and swimmers. Not advisable in rough seas!