Sevärdheter på Malta - 7 heta tips

You won't want to miss these attractions in Malta! Malta is an island nation that offers a Mediterranean climate, salty baths, beautiful scenery, charming towns and good food. But there is also a lot of history and a lot of really exciting sights. Here are our top tips!

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Malta - a country to holiday or live in

Malta is a popular country for Swedes to holiday in, but there are also many Swedes living and working in Malta. Perhaps the largest employers of Swedes in the country are in the gambling industry. In Malta, gambling and betting is a major industry sector, which originates from the country's generous rules for gambling activities combined with favourable tax rules. Today there are both online casinos, such as Sharks, and physical arcades for those who want to experience the atmosphere on site.

There are also other jobs for Swedes in Malta, for example in marketing, customer service, web design, IT and sales. If you're staying a little longer in Malta, there are some sights that we think you shouldn't miss. Here are seven attractions in Malta for anyone working on the island - and of course for all tourists!

Seven sights in Malta you don't want to miss

Here are seven attractions in Malta that you won't want to miss. Most of them, but not all of them, we have seen during our travels.

1st St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta

St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta may seem unassuming on the outside, but it's anything but when you step inside. The church was built between 1573 and 1577, during the reign of Gran Master Jean de la Cassier, and is intensely decorated with gold, paintings and figures. This is probably one of the most beautiful churches we have ever seen.

Sevärdheter på Malta - St John's Co-Cathedral i Valletta

2. The historic capital of Mdina

The former capital Mdina is located almost in the centre of the island of Malta, 1.4 miles west of the current capital Valletta. Since it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 11th century BC, it has had a very dramatic history, belonging to both the Roman Empire and the Muslims. It is also home to two filming locations from the TV series Game of Thrones.

3. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum

One attraction in Malta that we have actually missed, despite having visited Malta three times, is the Unesco Heritage Centre. Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. This is a huge underground catacomb-like labyrinth dating from around 4000 - 2500 BC. It is believed that the area was originally used as an underground cemetery. This is now on our bucket list!

4. Malta's Megalithic Temple

A total of seven megalithic temples have been found in Malta and its sister island Gozo. On the main island, the five temples are Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ta'Hagrat and Skorba. On Gozo are the two Ggantija temples, known for their large Bronze Age structures.

We have so far visited the temple in Hagar Qim. Incredibly fascinating to think about how people lived here several thousand years before Christ. It is also amazing that many structures and figures from this period are as well preserved as they are!

Sevärdheter på Malta - megalitiska tempel

5. Popeye Village

Popeye Village, or Karl-Alfred's Village in Swedish, is exactly what it sounds like. The village was built for a musical about Karl-Alfred that was filmed in 1980. The village still exists and is now a popular day trip destination for families with children who want to sunbathe and swim in a different environment. Even if you don't stop to swim, it's worth stopping to check out the very special environment!

6. lid of marshmallow

The picturesque little fishing town Marsax lid is about 30 minutes from Valletta by car. The town is so charming and cosy that it is an attraction in itself. Above all, it is the traditional colourful "Luzzu" fishing boats that attract attention and Instagram photos. It is also popular to sit in the restaurants or visit the market.

7. Cittadella in Gozo

Victoria (or Rabat) is the largest city on the island of Gozo and home to just under 7,000 people. At the top of the city sits an impressive citadel, which you should not miss visiting. The church looks relatively modest on the outside, but is impressively decorated inside.

More attractions in Malta

In addition to these seven tips, there are of course even more attractions in Malta! Here are a few more suggestions:

The whole city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes 25 churches and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Casa Rocca Piccola is a private noble family home in Valletta. Here you can check out everything from valuable antiques to old-fashioned beauty products.
National War Museum and Fort St Elmo in Valletta offers both views and a big dose of history.
Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa are three small historic towns near Valletta. All can be reached by the traditional boats called dghajsa.
Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is what it sounds like - a lovely blue lagoon. Perfect for boat trips and swimming, but also for Instagram-friendly photos!
Azure Window was once one of the most famous sights in Gozo. Today it has collapsed, but the place is beautiful and if you dive, you can find it!