From the first known inhabitants that erected a temple on the island almost 7,000 years ago, to the Knights of Malta who created and defended their outpost of European civilisation - Malta is a kaleidoscope of the eons and home to an enviable collection of historical testaments to time. Visitors to the archipelago soon discover that despite being the smallest country in EU, the eventful millennia leading up to its joining on 1 of May 2004 have created a captivating collection of unforgettable sights. It's the perfect place to combine cultural excursions with all the benefits of an island getaway.

Valletta

Malta's capital traces its roots back to the Grandmaster of the Order of Saint John, Jean Parisot de la Valette who laid the city's foundation stone on 28 March 1566. Valletta is one of Europe's first planned cities, having been laid out from start to finish on a drawing board before construction began. This fact is most noticeable when walking the wide, grid-like street network normally only found in far more modern cities. Valetta has an almost golden glow due to the local stone and brickwork used and much of the city was constructed during English occupation. Definitely worth a visit:
Castille Place; the City Gate (Porta Reale); Floriana; Fort St. Elmo; Great Siege Square; Justice Court; Marsamxett Harbour; the National Museum of Archaeology; the National Museum of Fine Arts; the Palace of the Grand Masters; Palace Square and Merchants Street; Palazzo Ferreria; Republic Street and Republic Square; the Royal Opera House; Santa Barbara; St. Francis; St. John's Co-Cathedral; St. Publius Church; the Triton Fountain; the Upper and Lower Barracca Gardens

Grandmaster's Palace

Formerly the seat of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta and then the residence of the British governor from 1800 onwards, the palace now houses the Maltese Parliament and offices of the President of Malta. The structure traces its roots back to 1571 but it wasn't till the 18th century that it took on the extravagant form for which it is still famous today. The armoury houses one of the finest collections of Medieval and Renaissance weapons in all of Europe while one of the courtyards - the Prince Alfred Court is home to exotic trees brought from the Far East colonies in 1858. The other courtyard is dominated by a bronze statue of Neptune.
Opening times (Palace):
From 16 June to 30 September
Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm
From 1 October to 15 June
Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 3.30 pm
Closure without notice due to parliamentary sessions possible!

Tarxien

Tarxien is the largest temple complex left by Malta's megalithic culture and archaeologists believe there are various indications that it was an important religious site during the island's Neolithic epoch. In addition to the numerous temples and carved artefacts, there are a number of ancient statues. A reoccurring form is that of a large woman - or mother goddess - believed to represent fertility, with some examples around 2.5 metres tall.
Opening times:
From 16 June to 30 September
Daily from 7.45 am to 2 pm
From 1 October till 15 June
Monday to Saturday from 8.15 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 8.15 am to 4.15 pm

Blue Grotto and Zurrieq (Zurrico)

The Blue Grotto itself is around 25 m high and the main attraction amongst a series of natural sea caves on Malta's south-west coast. The locals say the best time to visit the caves is dawn and the hours that follow. The sunrise reflects off the rocks and the azure waters are particularly blue. Zurrieq is one of Malta's oldest parishes and as such, home to many historic landmarks. Definitely worth a visit: Hal Millieri; Hal Millieri Chapel; San Gwan; St. Catherine; Ta‘ Xarolla

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

It would seem that the ancients also knew a thing or two about real estate. The Hagar Qim megalithic temple complex is not only one of the oldest religious sites on the planet, it's also located on a bluff that affords visitors commanding views over the Med. Hagar Qim translates to ‘standing stones' and these were ‘righted' over 5,000 years ago. The Mnajdra temple complex is located on a plateau overlooking the cliffs and is around 6,000 years old. Only 500 metres from Hagar Qim, efforts are currently underway to erect a permanent structure over the ruins and protect them from the elements and unfortunately, even vandalism. Visitors should expect restricted access to the site for the foreseeable future.
Opening times:
From 16 June to 30 September
Daily from 7.45 am to 2 pm
From 1 October to 15 June
Monday to Saturday from 8.15 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 8.15 am to 4.15 pm

Mdina

Entering the walls of Malta's former capital is like stepping into a time machine and exiting in the Middle Ages. Narrow alleys wind their way between historical buildings and restricted vehicle access to the walled city means the illusion is seldom diminished by a car. Definitely worth a visit: the Banca Giuratale; Crmelite Church; Casa Testaferrata; Corte Capitanale; Gharreqin Gate; the Mdina Dungeons; the Mdina Experience; Mdina Gate; the Palazzo Costanzo; the Palazzo Falzon; the Palazzo Inguanez; the Palazzo Santa Sophia; the Palazzo Vilhena; the Pjazza Tas-Sur; Saqqajja; St. Agatha; St. Nicholas; St. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Cathedral Museum; Torre dello Standardo.

Gozo

The second largest island in the archipelago, Gozo is more rural than the main island and known for its scenic hills which feature on both their flag and coat of arms. Although around a quarter of the size of the main island, Gozo is home to less than 10% of Malta's population but still manages to grow over half the country's agricultural produce. Its relative isolation has helped it retain its idyllic Mediterranean island charm. Definitely worth a visit: Marsalforn (harbour city in the north); Mgarr (idyllic harbour city); Rabat, Victoria (capital); Ramla Bay (sandy bay with Calypso's Cave, believed to be where the nymph Calypso lived and entertained Ulysses for seven years); Ta‘ Cenc (cliffs); Ta‘ Pinu (sanctuary church near Gharb); Xaghra (traditional village with Ggantija temple complex); Xewkija (Rotunda San Gwann Battista - amazing church dome); Xlendi (fishing village located on a long fjord); Xwieni Bay (near Marsalforn; interesting salt flats and stone formations).
Ferries: regular schedule departing every 45 minutes during the day and every 75 minutes in the evening to and from Cirkewwa. Fast boat from Sliema and Bugibba. A ferry from Sa Maison departs middays (Valletta/Pietà).

Comino

The relatively barren island between Malta and Gozo has a permanent population of only 4 residents when not counting those with wings. The entire island is a bird sanctuary and nature reserve. A mere 2.5 sqkm, visitors come to appreciate the rugged beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Noteworthy sightseeing includes: the Blue Lagoon (near San Niklaw Bay); Comino Tower; Cominotto (islet); St. Marija (chapel);
Ferries: hourly from Cirkewwa/Malta and around 5 times daily from Mgarr/Gozo. All ferries dock at San Niklaw Bay.