Malta’s array of tourist destinations and attractions is staggering. The country boasts some of the world’s most important Neolithic sites, the best of which are located on the island of Gozo. There are also Roman and Arabic era ruins; however, the military and religious architectural legacy of the 16th century Knights of the Order of St John are the highlight, with stunning fortified cities and towns all over Malta and Gozo. Not to be left out, the small inhabited island of Comina has some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling to be found anywhere.
 Valletta
The stunning coastal city, capital of Malta, is a 16th century defensive masterpiece of Baroque architectural design. Built by the Knights of St John, the medieval city retains its authentic atmosphere, even while being the modern centre of commerce and politics. There are many historic churches in the city, but none more famous than the Co-Cathedral of St John and the St Paul Shipwreck Church.
All around the city are magnificent old buildings and structures such as the Grand Master’s Palace, Casa Rocco Piccola, Fort St Elmo and the amazing Sacra Infermeria, the famous hospital of the Order of St John.
 Acclaimed museums within the city include Armoury (collections of medieval armour and weapons), National Museum of Archaeology (priceless artefacts dating from the Neolithic period), National Museum of Fine Arts (spectacular religious and other artworks), St John’s Museum (enthralling insights into the famed Order) and the War Museum (commemorating the heroic defence of Malta during WWII).
 The Three Cities
The medieval fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea are all located within a short distance of each other and are commonly grouped together and referred to as the ‘Three Cities’. They were fortified by the Knights of St John, with Vittoriosa being the Knights’ first base on Malta.
The cities overlook a beautiful and deep harbour, and were the target of an extensive bombing campaign by the Axis powers during WWII, which caused much destruction. Today, the Three Cities are enjoying a revival, with modern facilities such as marinas, casinos and luxury hotels drawing in tourists worldwide.
 Highlights include St Lawrence Church (notable for its red marble interior), Inquisitor’s Palace (the courts where many ‘heretics’ were tortured, sentenced and executed), Bir Mula Heritage House (a 1,000-year-old historic mansion), Fort St Angelo (the most impregnable of Malta’s fortifications), Fort Rinella (19th century British gun emplacement and battery) and the Maritime Museum (a fascinating collection of exhibits, documents, maps, paintings and artefacts that trace Malta’s extensive maritime history).
 Mdina
This inland fortified city is perched on one of the highest points in Malta and is breathtaking to behold. The site has been in continual habitation for over 4,000 years, and it was here that St Paul lived after being shipwrecked on Malta in AD 60. The seat of the islands’ nobility, Mdina acted as the capital of Malta for a long period. Mdina is one of the most pristine examples in Europe of a walled city.
Known as the ‘Silent City’, Mdina is a very peaceful place to relax and lose yourself in a medieval time warp. While the entire city is in itself a museum, principal attractions include St Paul’s Cathedral, Cathedral Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
 Rabat
Considered a suburb of Mdina, Rabat is notable for its interesting array of historic sites, most of which have some relationship with St Paul. St Paul’s Church and Grotto is a popular destination, with the ancient cave rumoured to be where St Paul sheltered after being shipwrecked. The cave has valuable artworks, as does the 16th century church, built to pay homage to the apostle.
The catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha are also favourites with tourists, with the latter being where St Agatha hid while being hunted by the Romans. Both sets of catacombs have ancient burial chambers and priceless frescoes. Also not to be missed is the enthralling Museum of Roman Antiquities.
 Gozo
This large island to the west of Malta is a treasure trove of prehistoric and historic sites, and is preferred by many to Malta itself due to its more relaxed and traditional lifestyle, not to mention its spectacular coastline. Victoria is Gozo’s capital, an incredibly beautiful and well-preserved fortified medieval city, while the Neolithic and other archaeological sites of Xaghra cannot be missed.
The most stunning coastal scenery is found at Dwejra, with rock formations such as the Azure Window and Fungus Rock awing visitors. Gozo also has some resort areas such as Xlendi and Marsalforn bays, filled with stylish hotels, bars, cafés and restaurants. There are numerous museums in Victoria, with the mesmerising Citadel being home to many of them. Interestingly, Gozo is considered by many to be Homer’s mystical Calypso.
 Comina
Sandwiched between the islands of Malta and Gozo is Comina, also known as Kemmuna. Famed for its postcard perfect Blue Lagoon, the island is a magnet for scuba divers and snorkellers and is considered one of the top dive locations in the Mediterranean. The lagoon is very safe for swimming, boating, sailing and other water sports, and is extremely popular with tourists. There are no vehicles on Comina, so the pace of life here is very relaxed.
Top Things to Do
 Take in a Performance
The magnificent 18th century Manoel Theatre, a wonderful performing arts venue designed after Palermo’s contemporaneous theatre, offers operas as well as classical music concerts, musicals, dramas and comedies, which are put on throughout the season.
 Go on Underwater Safari
At St Paul’s Bay, you can meet Captain Morgan, who will take you on a tour of the island’s natural coastal and underwater sites. Visitors can get up close to wildlife along the creeks and shoreline, while the bottom of the boat is glass and allows for viewing of the underwater marine environment and fascinating submerged archaeological sites.
 Tour Victoria’ Citadel
Be overwhelmed by the majesty of the ancient medieval castle and its several amazing museums and large cathedral. The views from the fortifications are magnificent.
 Dive or Snorkel
Explore ancient submerged temples, underwater caves and reefs filled with a wondrous array of colourful marine life. Malta is one of the most rewarding places in the Mediterranean to explore beneath the waves, and the islands have some great dive shops and operators.
 Explore the Neolithic Temples
At Ggantija are some of the oldest standing buildings in the world, predating even the pyramids of Egypt. The Ggantija temples are located at Xaghra on Gozo, and the walls are made up of huge boulders and soar over six metres in height. How the primitive culture at the time managed to transport the gigantic rocks and erect the structures still puzzles archaeologists today.
 Browse the Vittoriosa Market
Search for unique souvenirs and gifts at this ancient market. The market is not a tourist market and therefore offers visitors fascinating insights into traditional Maltese culture and lifestyle, while affording great opportunities to pick up bargains and authentic goods. The market is held every Tuesday morning.
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