It’s all part of the romance: The history of Malta
Here’s a bit of background on the history of Malta. The nation is comprised of seven tiny islands, of which two, Malta and Gozo, are currently inhabited. The archipelago itself has hosted settlements since the Neolithic period and served as an important naval base for the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans, among others. In more recent centuries, Malta was part of the Byzantine Empire, and ruled by the Knights Hospitaller, the French and the British.
With such a rich history, there is plenty to see in Malta. To discover more about where to go, just read about historical places to visit in Malta!
A great discovery for two: Places to visit in Malta
Its beauty and picturesque architecture draw filmmakers and artists to Malta. You too can feel like a movie star, strolling along narrow streets lined with quaint, colorful houses or basking on a beach with views of the beautifully clear blue sea.
Start exploring Malta’s loveliest places now and make this Valentine’s Day your most memorable!
Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, features 16th-century structures built by the Knights Hospitaller, as well as dynamic nightlife, museums and galleries, and – of course – cafes and restaurants. A good place to start exploring is the National Museum of Archaeology, set in a Baroque building constructed in 1571. There are exhibits from the Neolithic Period up to the Phoenician Period.
Saint John’s Co-Cathedral
Another remarkable site is Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Completed in 1577, and the island’s largest church, the Cathedral houses a magnificent collection of art, tapestries, historical artefacts and marble tombstones – not to mention two splendid paintings by Caravaggio, “The Beheading of St John the Baptist” and “St Jerome Writing”.
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Grandmaster’s Palace
A short walk from the Cathedral, the Grandmasters Palace was erected in 1571 and enlarged over the years – the structure currently serves as the seat of the Office of the President of Malta. Certain areas have been open to visitors, including the Armory and the ornate, art-filled Palace State Rooms.
Blue Grotto
Scented by sea breezes, the Blue Grotto is considered one of Malta’s – and the world’s – most beautiful natural wonders. On the southeast coast of the island, this series of sea caverns feature a bedazzling assortment of blues, illuminated by sunshine reflecting off the water.
For a romantic trip to the caves, hop on one of the boats that depart from the tiny harbor of Wied iż-Żurrieq. You can enter the cave and tour the Blue Grotto with an experienced captain.
Tarxien Temples
Enjoy the benefits of Malta’s centuries of settlement and visit the Tarxien Temples. A complex of four megalithic structures dating between 3800 and 2200 BC, the Tarxien Temples were inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992.
The temples feature carvings, decorated stones and altars and are accessible via an elevated walkway.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
In Paola, the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum presents an unusual – yet evocative – Valentine’s Day destination. This underground prehistoric burial site features interconnecting rock-cut chambers on three levels. The Hypogeum is inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List and, because of high demand, the number of visitors is limited. We recommend that you book early – you can even buy tickets online at https://booking.heritagemalta.org/.
Marsaxlokk
Not far from the Hypogeum – and perhaps an excellent next stop – is one of the island’s most romantic settings: the traditional and colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Explore its picturesque streets and enjoy a celebratory dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the scenic harbor.
Gozo Island
Spice up your Valentine’s Day excursion with a visit to Gozo Island, which at 67 square kilometers is Malta’s second-largest island. Venture inland to the hilltop town of Victoria and visit the 16th-century Citadel and its museums. The Mediterranean climate keeps the winter months mild, so take a leisurely walk through the countryside or along one of the island’s beaches and dine on local specialties at a waterfront restaurant.
Gozo Island is accessible via ferry; the terminal is at Cirkewwa Port. If you’re coming straight from Malta International Airport, there are bus/ferry transfers available.
Mdina
A 13-kilometre drive from Valletta, this inland hilltop town is tranquil and calm – so quiet, in fact, that it is also called the Silent City. The silence can be attributed to the fortified city’s 11th-century walls, as well as its countryside setting: but mainly it is simply peaceful. Enjoy an enchanted Valentine’s Day wandering around Mdina’s narrow cobblestone streets and visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral and the town’s Baroque-style main gate.
Dining together: What to eat in Malta
A romantic meal is a classic Valentine’s Day activity and, in Malta, you’ll find local flavors that both of you can enjoy. Maltese cuisine is a multicultural experience, featuring influences from Italy, North Africa and the Middle East, and Britain. In addition to Mediterranean-style fare and traditional light desserts, we also suggest sampling simple snacks like fresh bread with locally produced olive oil; ġbejniet, small round cheeses made from goat’s milk; pastizzi, a cheese-filled pastry; and Maltese honey rings.
To avoid surprises, we suggest checking on the average prices for a meal before dining. Take a look at our Discover Malta page to learn the average cost for two at De Mondion, one of Malta’s most outstanding restaurants, as well as other useful tips for visiting Malta.
Accommodation in Malta
It is convenient to base yourself in Valletta – from there, you can take day trips to other areas of the island. Valletta is not a large city; while there are many hotels in the center, along St. Paul and Republic streets, you can find less expensive accommodations outside of the center.
Hostels, pensions and rental homes are also available.
Getting to Malta
Malta is a series of islands in the Central Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. It is accessible by air or by sea. There are ferry services from Sicily, but the most common way to travel to Malta from Türkiye or Europe is via air.
If you’re ready to plan a romantic Valentine’s Day vacation in Malta, just click here. And for more information on what to do when you arrive in Malta, click here!
