Welcome to Malta

Malta is a miniature Mediterranean powerhouse. On an area smaller than Bremen, this island nation packs more history, culture, and natural beauty than some countries a hundred times its size. Situated between Sicily and North Africa, Malta has been a strategic crossroads for millennia — and every civilization has left its mark.

• 7,000 years of history — Malta's megalithic temples are older than the pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. The UNESCO-protected temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are among the oldest free-standing structures of humanity. Add to that Phoenician tombs, Roman villas, Arab fortresses, and Baroque cathedrals.
• Valletta — Europe's smallest capital — The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural masterpiece of the Knights of St. John. Honey-colored limestone, Baroque palaces, hidden gardens, and panoramic sea views — all in a compact space.
• Order of the Knights of St. John — From 1530 to 1798, the Knights of Malta ruled the islands and transformed Malta into one of the most fortified regions in Europe. Their fortresses, palaces, and the Co-Cathedral remain breathtaking to this day.
• Crystal-clear sea — The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Europe. Countless bays, rock pools, and dive spots with visibility over 30 meters — Malta is a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
• Gozo — the tranquil sister — Malta's small neighboring island is greener, more rural, and more relaxed. Baroque churches in every village, terraced fields, the famous Citadella in Victoria, and spectacular coastal landscapes.
• Year-round destination with over 300 sunny days — Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 12°C. Perfect for cultural holidays from October to May, beach holidays from June to September.
• English as an official language — As a former British colony, English is an official language alongside Maltese. This makes Malta the easiest travel destination in the Mediterranean for those who don't speak Italian or Arabic.
• Compact & affordable — Malta is small enough to see everything in a week and cheaper than most Western European destinations. Good cuisine, affordable buses, reasonably priced accommodations — and flights from Germany starting at €50.

Malta is the perfect mix of beach holiday, cultural trip, and adventure — on an area you could cross in a day, but for which you need at least a week to truly experience.

The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands and several uninhabited rocks. Each island has its own character:

Valletta & Three Cities

For whom: History enthusiasts, culture fans, architecture lovers
Malta's capital Valletta is a Baroque open-air museum on a peninsula — UNESCO World Heritage since 1980 and European Capital of Culture 2018. Across the Grand Harbour lie the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua), which are even older and more authentic than Valletta itself.

North Malta

For whom: Night owls, beach lovers, families
From the silent, medieval fortress city of Mdina to the lively St. Julian's with its clubs and restaurants to the sandy beaches of Mellieħa and Golden Bay — North Malta unites contrasts. Here, hotels, nightlife, and tourist infrastructure are concentrated.

Gozo & Comino

For whom: Peace seekers, hikers, divers
Gozo is Malta's green, rural sister island: Baroque village churches, terraced fields, the Citadella of Victoria, and spectacular dive sites. In between lies Comino with the legendary Blue Lagoon — turquoise water like from a picture book.

South Malta

For whom: Archaeology fans, nature lovers, gourmets
The less touristy south is home to the oldest free-standing structures of humanity (Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra), the spectacular Blue Grotto, the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its Sunday market, and the dramatic Dingli Cliffs.

1. Stroll through Valletta's streets — Honey-colored limestone, enclosed wooden balconies (gallariji), Baroque churches on every corner, and sea views at the end of every street. Europe's smallest capital is an architectural marvel. → Chap. Valletta
2. Enter St. John's Co-Cathedral — Simple on the outside, an explosion of gold, marble, and paintings inside. Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist" hangs here — the largest painting he ever created. → Chap. Valletta
3. Swim in the Blue Lagoon — The crystal-clear, turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto is unrealistically beautiful. Best early in the morning or late summer when the day-trippers are gone. → Chap. Gozo & Comino
4. Marvel at the megalithic temples — Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra perch on cliffs above the sea, built 5,500 years ago. Older than anything you've ever seen. → Chap. South Malta
5. Change perspective in the Grand Harbour — A harbor tour shows Valletta and the Three Cities from their most spectacular side: mighty bastions rising directly from the water. → Chap. Valletta
6. Experience Mdina at night — The "Silent City" is magical by day, but at night, when the tourists are gone and the alleys shimmer in warm lantern light, it becomes unforgettable. → Chap. North Malta
7. Eat fish in Marsaxlokk — Visit the colorful fish market on Sunday morning, then enjoy the freshest catch in one of the harbor restaurants — with views of the colorful Luzzu boats. → Chap. South Malta
8. Visit Gozo's Citadella at sunset — The fortress above Victoria offers a 360° panorama over the entire island. At sunset, the limestone turns golden. → Chap. Gozo
9. Dive at the Blue Holes and wrecks — Malta's underwater world is among the best in the Mediterranean: visibility over 30 meters, sunken ships, underwater caves, and the famous Inland Sea on Gozo. → Chap. Gozo
10. Eat a fresh Pastizzi from the oven — Malta's unofficial national dish: flaky pastry filled with ricotta or pea puree, for 50 cents. Best at Crystal Palace in Rabat. → Chap. North Malta
11. Explore the Blue Grotto by boat — The rock grottos on the south coast glow in surreal blue and green when the morning sun penetrates the water. Only accessible by small boat. → Chap. South Malta
12. Visit the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni — An underground temple complex from 4,000 BC, completely carved into the rock. Only 80 visitors per day — book weeks in advance! → Chap. South Malta