Malta is full of great things to do for free.
From a walk through Malta’s beautiful San Anton Gardens, to some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, World Heritage Sites, stunning art exhibitions and family-friendly activities for kids, you can explore so much of Malta for free.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy a day out in Malta, without spending a cent!
1. Explore Malta’s historic Silent City
Mdina is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malta simply because there’s nowhere else like it.
Sitting on top of a hill, it’s a small walled city, rich in history and surrounded by tall bastion fortifications.
The labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets make you feel like you’re stepping back to medieval times, especially at night.
Mdina takes its status as Malta’s Silent City seriously.
Very few cars are allowed to enter the city walls and businesses have strict noise controls.
2. Take in the view at the Upper Barrakka Gardens
The best things in life are free.
And that’s definitely the case with the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta.
It offers beautifully landscaped grounds to stroll through as well as a stunning panoramic view of the Grand Harbour.
It’s one of the most Instagrammed places in Malta.
Straight ahead is Fort St Angelo, Malta’s oldest fortress on the tip of Vittoriosa, the Knights’ first capital in Malta.
3. Stroll along Sliema promenade
This long, wide stretch of coastal pavement can make for a lovely stroll in the morning as the sun rises or in the evenings after a delicious meal.
You’ll see people of all shapes, sizes and ages enjoying the cool breeze on Sliema seafront as they watch the sun set over the frothing waves.
4. Wander the streets of Valletta
No trip to Malta would be complete without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Valletta.
The capital city is home to charming narrow streets, trendy restaurants and colourful enclosed balconies that date back to the early 17th century.
5. Watch the cannons fired from the Saluting Battery
Before you descend down the lift to Valletta waterfront, make sure you witness one of the battery salutes that happen every day next to the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
This is a great experience for children of all ages.
The cannons fire in true British naval tradition twice a day. You can find more information here.
6. Explore the rugged Maltese landscape
Away from the urban areas of Malta are stretches of beautiful countryside just waiting to be explored.
Hiking in Malta can be a great day out as you stumble upon prehistoric sites, striking views, ragged cliffs and hidden green valleys.
Dingli Cliffs have some of the most spectacular views on Malta.
7. Head to one of Malta’s beautiful beaches
Summer or winter, Malta’s beaches are the way to go.
You can cool off in the sea on the hot summer days or you can pack a picnic and enjoy the sun next to the beach on a mild winter’s day.
Malta is known for its 300 days of sunshine, so you can enjoy going to the beach in any season.
Ramla Bay, pictured above, is an award-winning Blue Flag beach in Gozo.
8. Mingle at a Maltese village feast
If there’s one thing that people in Malta and Gozo love to do, it’s party.
Every parish has its own feast celebrating the day of its patron saint.
The streets are decorated with bright lights and banners, and on the eve of the feast fireworks echo through the streets as people celebrate with music, dancing, singing and food.
9. Visit Vittoriosa
Vittoriosa was the Knights’ first capital in Malta when the Order of St John arrived in 1530.
The city, also known as Birgu, is a lovely place for an historic wander, taking in Fort St Angelo, the Knights’ fortifications and the main square with its decorative balconies.
Vittoriosa is also home to the Grand Harbour Marina and some of the most expensive luxury super yachts in the world.
10. Marvel at Mosta’s miracle
The saying goes that Malta has as many churches as there are days of the year.
If you only visit one church, make it the Rotunda of Mosta.
Built in 1860, Mosta Dome has two major claims to fame.
The first is that it claims to have the fourth largest dome in the world.
The second dates back to the Second World War. A bomb pierced the dome and thudded to the church floor.
Thankfully, it failed to explode. The miracle is still celebrated today, and a similar bomb is on display in the church’s museum.
