The Mediterranean nation of Malta packs more history per square mile than almost anywhere on Earth.
Made up of three islands that, combined, are smaller than many cities, this archipelago is home to prehistoric temples that predate Stonehenge, fortified cities built by medieval knights and some of the clearest diving waters in the world.From the moment groups step off the plane, Malta reveals layers of civilization that span 7,000 years. Phoenician traders established ports here. Roman emperors built villas. Arab rulers introduced new crops and architecture, and the Knights of St. John transformed the islands into an impregnable fortress. Today’s Malta blends this epic past with modern Mediterranean life— world-class restaurants occupy former palaces, ancient quarries have become swimming pools, and traditional fishing boats share harbors with luxury yachts.
Groups can discover Malta through evening conversations with locals over Maltese wine, in the intricate lacework sold at village markets, and in the way ancient stones glow golden at sunset. From underwater caves and UNESCO sites to island-hopping between hidden coves, Malta rewards travelers with scenes straight from a Mediterranean postcard.
Essential Destinations
Valletta
Malta’s capital city is a living fortress, built entirely by the Knights of St. John and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Groups can step into the National Museum of Archaeology, explore the Grand Master’s Palace or walk the bastions for stunning harbor views. The city’s grid of narrow streets reveals hidden gardens, traditional balconies and panoramic viewpoints at every turn. Modern Valletta also thrives with wine bars, artisan shops and restaurants serving contemporary Maltese cuisine. Groups can enjoy guided walks through the fortifications by dayand experience the cultural scene at night, where traditional folk music mingles with craft cocktails in historic courtyards.
Gozo
Malta’s sister island offers a slower pace and more rural charm, perfect for groups seeking authentic Mediterranean experiences. The island’s centerpiece is the Citadel in Victoria, a medieval fortress overlooking rolling hills dotted with farmhouses and churches. Here, groups can explore the remains of the famous Azure Window rock formation, visit traditional craft workshops in Għarb or relax on Ramla Bay’s golden sands. The island’s culinary scene highlights local goat cheese, honey and sea salt, while traditional villages offer glimpses of island life unchanged for generations. For adventure seekers, Gozo’s dramatic coastlines provide excellent diving sites, and inland trails wind through valleys filled with carob trees and ancient chapels.
Mdina
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is Malta’s former capital, where narrow medieval streets wind between noble palaces and baroque churches. Groups can walk the ancient walls, visit the cathedral with its stunning frescoed dome or explore the dungeons that reveal the city’s darker history. The city’s elevated position offers breathtaking views across the island, while its traffic-free streets create an atmosphere of timeless tranquility. Traditional glass-blowing workshops and artisan boutiques line the ancient thoroughfares, and palace courtyards host intimate concerts and cultural events. After sunset, Mdina transforms into a magical cityscape, where lamplight flickers against limestone walls, and the only sounds are distant church bells and footsteps on ancient stones.
Faith Highlights
Built in the 1570s by the Knights of St. John, St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is Malta’s spiritual and artistic masterpiece. Behind its plain exterior lies a Baroque interior of gilded stone, frescoed ceilings and marble tombs. Caravaggio’s dramatic “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” is displayed inside the cathedral.
Historic Experience
The megalithic temples of Ggantija on Gozo predate the Egyptian pyramids and represent some of humanity’s earliest monumental architecture. Groups can walk among these ancient stones and ponder the civilization that built them. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ggantija offers insight into Malta’s prehistoric culture and enduring role in Mediterranean history.
Signature Flavor
Pastizzi, flaky golden pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, represent the heart of Maltese street food and daily life. Like other Maltese favorites — fresh lampuki fish, hearty minestrone soup and sticky imqaret date pastries — these diamond-shaped delicacies are best enjoyed warm from neighborhood bakeries where recipes have been passed through generations.
Just for Fun
Island-hopping by traditional luzzu boats offers groups the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation —discovering hidden swimming spots, exploring sea caves around Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon and stepping ashore at secluded beaches accessible only by water. Groups can chart courses between Malta’s three main islands for diverse landscapes and experiences or venture to uninhabited islets for pristine swimming and snorkeling.
