---
title: "Malta"
description: "Malta travel guide — Valletta, Mdina, Blue Grotto, megalithic temples, and the tiny Mediterranean island nation with more history per square mile than anywhere in Europe."
url: "https://viatravelers.com/destinations/malta/"
published_at: "2025-02-12T03:34:19-06:00"
updated_at: "2026-06-16T01:49:13-06:00"
author: "Kyle Kroeger"
categories:
  - "Europe"
  - "Malta"
---

Malta packs an extraordinary amount of history, culture, and natural beauty into its tiny Mediterranean archipelago. In Valletta, one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, golden limestone fortifications and baroque palaces create a living museum recognized by UNESCO. Beyond the capital, discover prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, wander through the medieval streets of Mdina—the “Silent City”—or explore the archipelago’s dramatic coastline, where azure waters lap against hidden coves and dramatic cliffs. The smaller islands of Gozo and Comino offer a more tranquil pace, with world-class diving sites, rustic farmhouses, and the famously blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Throughout Malta, a fascinating cultural fusion is evident in its unique language, delicious cuisine combining Italian, Arabic, and British influences, and vibrant local festivals celebrating saints with fireworks, processions, and revelry.