Malta is a small yet stunning Mediterranean island that offers a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Malta that will make your trip memorable. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient ruins, vibrant nightlife, or crystal-clear waters, Malta has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 30 things you can do as a solo traveler, grouped by location to make your journey as easy as possible. Plus, we’ll provide tips on the best places to stay and how to stay safe while enjoying this beautiful country.
Valletta: The Historic Capital
Explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of Malta’s most impressive architectural gems. As a solo traveler, you’ll appreciate the peaceful environment that allows you to explore at your own pace. The interior is richly decorated with Baroque art, including Caravaggio’s famous painting, “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.” If you’re into history or art, this spot will keep you fascinated for hours.
Walk Around the Upper Barrakka Gardens These beautiful gardens offer stunning panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy some quiet time, or chat with locals. The gardens also house historical monuments and cannons that are fired daily. The view alone makes this one of the best spots to visit in Valletta.
Visit the National Museum of Archaeology Located in a stunning Baroque building, this museum houses artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric past, including the famous “Sleeping Lady” figurine. It’s a great stop if you’re interested in ancient history. As a solo traveler, you can take your time to immerse yourself in Malta’s rich history without any rush.
Take a Walking Tour of Valletta Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with narrow streets, beautiful churches, and grand palaces. A walking tour is a perfect way to see the city. You can either join a guided tour or grab a map and explore at your own pace. Valletta is compact and safe, making it ideal for solo exploration.
Sliema and St. Julian’s: Malta’s Modern Side
Go Shopping at The Point The Point in Sliema is Malta’s largest shopping mall. It’s a great place to treat yourself or buy some souvenirs. The mall offers a variety of international brands, and since it’s located right by the sea, you can enjoy beautiful views while shopping. It’s also a safe and bustling area, perfect for solo travelers.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Paceville St. Julian’s, particularly the Paceville area, is known for its vibrant nightlife. As a solo traveler, you’ll find plenty of lively bars and clubs where you can meet other travelers or locals. While it’s generally safe, it’s important to stay cautious and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Walk Along the Sliema Promenade This long, scenic promenade stretches from Sliema to St. Julian’s and is a great place for a relaxing walk. You’ll pass by cafes, restaurants, and plenty of locals enjoying the outdoors. The area is popular but not overcrowded, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy Malta’s coastal views.
Take a Ferry Ride to Valletta The ferry ride from Sliema to Valletta is a short but scenic trip that offers great views of the harbor. It’s a perfect way to see Malta from a different perspective and capture some stunning photos. Plus, it’s a cheap and easy way to travel between these two popular areas.
Mdina and Rabat: Malta’s Ancient Soul
Get Lost in the Silent City of Mdina Mdina, also known as the “Silent City,” is a fortified medieval town. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. It’s quiet and serene, perfect for solo travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The views from the city walls are also breathtaking.
Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat Just outside Mdina, Rabat is home to St. Paul’s Catacombs, an underground network of tunnels used as burial grounds in Roman times. It’s fascinating to wander through these ancient tunnels and think about the thousands of years of history they hold. This is a must-see for history buffs.
Explore the Mdina Dungeons If you’re interested in darker history, the Mdina Dungeons offer a glimpse into Malta’s medieval past. The exhibits cover topics like the Inquisition and the torture methods used in those times. It’s a bit eerie but incredibly interesting, especially for solo travelers who like to delve deep into history.
The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua
Take a Stroll Along the Vittoriosa Waterfront Vittoriosa, also known as Birgu, is one of the Three Cities that overlook the Grand Harbour. Its waterfront is filled with traditional Maltese boats and cafes, making it a charming place to walk around. You can also visit the Fort St. Angelo for some historical insights.
Visit the Inquisitor’s Palace Located in Vittoriosa, the Inquisitor’s Palace is one of the few surviving palaces of its kind in Europe. The museum inside gives a glimpse into the life of the Inquisition in Malta. For solo travelers, this offers an in-depth look into a fascinating chapter of Malta’s history.
Explore Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens The Gardjola Gardens in Senglea offer beautiful views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour. The watchtower here is one of Malta’s iconic symbols. This peaceful garden is the perfect spot for solo travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Gozo: Malta’s Peaceful Neighbor
Discover the Citadel in Victoria The Citadel in Gozo’s capital, Victoria, is a fortified city that dates back to medieval times. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the island. The Citadel also has a museum that covers Gozo’s history, making it a great stop for those interested in Malta’s past.
Swim in the Blue Lagoon on Comino While technically part of the Maltese archipelago, Comino is a tiny island between Malta and Gozo. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect place for a swim or snorkeling. As a solo traveler, you can take a boat trip to Comino and spend a peaceful day enjoying the lagoon.
Visit the Ggantija Temples The Ggantija Temples on Gozo are older than the pyramids of Egypt, making them one of the oldest man-made structures in the world. Exploring these temples gives you a sense of wonder and connection to ancient civilizations. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Relax at Ramla Bay Gozo’s Ramla Bay is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, known for its red sand and calm waters. As a solo traveler, you can unwind here and enjoy a peaceful day at the beach. It’s also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Marsaxlokk and the South of Malta
Visit the Marsaxlokk Fish Market Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village known for its colorful boats and lively fish market. Every Sunday, the market is bustling with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to sample fresh seafood and experience a slice of Maltese life.
Swim in St. Peter’s Pool St. Peter’s Pool is a natural swimming pool with clear blue waters, located near Marsaxlokk. It’s a bit off the beaten path, making it a quieter spot for solo travelers. The crystal-clear water is perfect for swimming, and the surrounding rocks are ideal for sunbathing.
Explore the Tarxien Temples The Tarxien Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and offer a glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric past. These temples are intricately designed, and you can spend time marveling at the ancient carvings. It’s a fascinating place to visit if you’re interested in archaeology.
Mellieħa and the North of Malta
Relax at Mellieħa Bay Mellieħa Bay is the largest sandy beach in Malta, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. As a solo traveler, you can rent a sunbed and spend the day relaxing by the water. It’s also a great spot for swimming and water sports.
Visit Popeye Village Originally built as a movie set for the 1980 film Popeye, this quirky village has since become a tourist attraction. You can explore the village, take a boat ride, or just enjoy the whimsical atmosphere. It’s a fun, lighthearted stop for solo travelers.
Discover the Red Tower The Red Tower, also known as St. Agatha’s Tower, is located in the north of Malta. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the islands of Comino and Gozo. It’s a great spot for photography and learning about Malta’s military history.
General Activities Around Malta
Try Traditional Maltese Food Maltese cuisine is a unique blend of Mediterranean flavors with influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. As a solo traveler, exploring local food is a must. Try dishes like rabbit stew, pastizzi (savory pastries), and fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Go Diving in Malta’s Clear Waters Malta is known for its excellent diving spots, thanks to its clear waters and rich marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, you can book a dive trip to explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, and reefs. Solo travelers often meet other divers, making it a social activity.
Take a Boat Trip Around the Islands One of the best ways to see Malta and its surrounding islands is by boat. You can take a boat tour around the coast to explore hidden beaches, caves, and cliffs. This is a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the islands from the water.
Visit the Blue Grotto The Blue Grotto is a series of sea caves known for their stunning blue waters. You can take a boat trip to the grotto or view it from above. It’s one of Malta’s natural wonders and is especially beautiful in the morning when the sunlight hits the water.
Go Hiking in the Maltese Countryside Malta may be small, but it has some fantastic hiking trails. The Dingli Cliffs, for example, offer stunning views of the sea and countryside. Hiking is a great way to explore Malta’s natural beauty, and as a solo traveler, you’ll appreciate the peacefulness of the trails.
Visit the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni This underground burial site is one of Malta’s most important archaeological discoveries. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a fascinating look into Malta’s prehistoric culture. Due to its limited capacity, it’s best to book tickets in advance.
Where to Stay in Malta as a Solo Traveler
When traveling solo, choosing the right location for your stay is important. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Malta:
- Valletta: The capital is ideal for those who want to be in the heart of Malta’s history. It’s walkable and filled with cultural attractions, making it perfect for solo travelers.
- Sliema and St. Julian’s: If you prefer a more modern vibe with easy access to nightlife and shopping, these areas are your best bet. They’re also close to the sea, offering plenty of opportunities for beach activities.
- Gozo: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and peaceful stay, Gozo offers a slower pace of life. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want to escape the crowds.
- Mellieħa: For beach lovers, Mellieħa is close to some of the best sandy beaches in Malta. It’s a quieter area but still offers plenty of restaurants and activities.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Malta
Malta is generally a very safe destination for solo travelers. However, it’s always good to take precautions:
- Avoid isolated areas at night: While Malta is safe, it’s best to stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially if you’re exploring alone after dark.
- Watch your belongings: Like any tourist destination, pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy spots like markets or public transportation.
- Stay hydrated: Malta can get very hot, especially in the summer. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Respect local customs: Malta is a predominantly Catholic country, and while it’s quite liberal, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Conclusion
Malta is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring ancient temples to relaxing on beautiful beaches, there’s no shortage of things to do. With its welcoming locals, safe environment, and diverse activities, Malta is a great place to travel on your own. Whether you’re into history, adventure, or simply want to relax, you’ll find something in Malta that speaks to you. Safe travels!
