What to do and see in Island of Malta, Malta: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

July 29, 2021 Tambra Mccollister

One of the three principal islands of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Malta is the largest of the chain. Its capital Valletta, a lively, bustling city with many buildings dating back to the 16th century, teems with cathedrals, palaces and forts. The impressive Grand Harbour offers a dramatic arrival. The top archaeological attraction is the UNESCO-designated Hypogeum temple ruins, a macabre, 5400-square-foot underground necropolis and the world's only underground prehistoric temple.
Restaurants in Island of Malta

1. Casa Bernard

46 Triq San Pawl, Rabat, Island of Malta Malta +356 2145 1888 http://www.casabernard.eu
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 188 reviews

Casa Bernard

Reviewed By catpeople25 - Malta, null

This is a beautiful house which has been lovingly renovated to bring out the best features of its historical past which dates back to roman times. The house has many architectural features which have been well preserved and turned into the highlight of the rooms as well as many beautiful pieces of art both ancient and modern. I was given a tour in English but have been told that the guide will also do the tour in Italian, french and other languages as well as in Maltese. My favourite part to see in the house was the cellar which has been turned into a chapel where I was told a Christmas mass is held annually and this beautiful cellar is decorated with candles and Christmas decorations over that period. This is a real gem of a house and must be seen to be truly appreciated, as a lot of love has been put into this family run home.

2. St. John's Co-Cathedral

St. John Street, Valletta, Island of Malta Malta +356 2248 0400 [email protected] http://stjohnscocathedral.com/
Excellent
77%
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4.5 based on 11,734 reviews

St. John's Co-Cathedral

Built between 1573 and 1577, this cathedral contains two masterpieces by Caravaggio. St John’s Co-Cathedral is a gem of Baroque art and architecture. It was built as the conventual church for the Knights of St John. This church is till this very day an important shrine and a sacred place of worship. It is also a venue for cultural events. The construction was commissioned in 1572 by Grand Master Jean de la Cassière to serve as the conventual church of the Knights of Malta and designed by the Maltese military architect Gerolamo Cassar. The church was dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Order. The oratory holds the biggest and only signed masterpiece by Caravaggio. St John’s church is administered by the St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation responsible for the religious cultural heritage of the monument.

Reviewed By A7559IAmichaelc - Hampton, Australia

Amazing Cathedral and unique all the key knights of Malta are represented (Germany, Auvergne, Provence, etc..) and you get to see some stunning paintings from Caravaggio especially the beheading of St John the Baptist

3. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

Triq Ic-Cimiterju, Paola, Island of Malta PLA 1111 Malta +356 2180 5019 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/hal-saflieni-hypogeum/
Excellent
66%
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4.5 based on 1,256 reviews

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is an underground prehistoric burial site, a complex made up of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three distinct levels. Earliest remains at the site date back to about 4000BC, and the complex was used over a span of many centuries, up to c. 2500 BC. The Hypogeum was first opened to the public in 1908. Due to its uniqueness, the site became very popular with visitors. Unfortunately, this had a negative impact on the delicate microclimate of the site. For this reason, a conservation project was conducted that also included the closure of the site for 10 years between 1990 and 2000. As a result of these studies, a new visiting system was established. Nowadays, only 10 visitors an hour are now allowed inside the Hypogeum for a maximum of 8 tours a day. This system is also complemented by an environmental control system which keeps temperature and humidity at required levels. Tickets for the Hypogeum should be purchased well in advance.

Reviewed By JacqJains - Island of Malta, Malta

The immersive audio-visual show is powerfully compelling and sets the scene before being lead down to the incredibly impressive underground burial site. The narration with a hand-held wand is very well done with articulate information and atmospheric sounds. This is the only prehistoric burial site accessible to the public.....mind-blowing! Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is justifiably inscribed on the World Heritage List and an absolute must if you are an antiquities enthusiast. Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

4. Fort St Elmo - National War Museum

Mediterranean Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1741 Malta +356 2148 1305 [email protected] http://heritagemalta.org/national-war-museum/
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 2,885 reviews

Fort St Elmo - National War Museum

Visitors at Fort St Elmo can experience the impressive grounds of the fort, including the splendid architecture of the two chapels dedicated to St Anne. Among the most notable artefacts inside the museum one finds the military armour of the Order of St John and the Ottoman Turks, the Gloster Sea Gladiator N5520 FAITH, Roosevelt’s Jeep ‘Husky’, and Malta’s award for gallantry, the George Cross.

Reviewed By MALTAWEDDINGPHOTO - Malta, null

Malta has a glorious chapter of its very own during WWII. Europe was completely dominated and run over by the axis with the exception of Britain and tiny Malta G.C.This does send a message of the Maltese incredible resilience when it really mattered most! Thisis the museum where one could appreciate the unparalleled bravery of the Maltese, hand in hand with the British and the allies particularly during 1942. There is the Gladiator aircraft on display, left from the famour 'Faith, Hope, and Charity' trio. One can also see the Actual George Cross medal which is the greatest testimony of 'gallantry', bravery and heroism by the Maltese during world war II.

5. Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul

2 Triq San Pawl, Mdina, Island of Malta MDN 1061 Malta +356 2145 6620 http://metropolitanchapter.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,486 reviews

Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul

Reviewed By Goron58 - Pontefract, United Kingdom

A joint entrance fee of 5 euros to visit the Cathedral and the museum is good value.The awesome dome and marble panels are just some of the lovely things to behold.Nice to sit and reflect a while being surrounded by such beauty.

6. Mosta Parish

15, Church Street, Mosta, Island of Malta MST 2015 Malta +356 2741 8368 [email protected] http://mostachurch.com
Excellent
65%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,713 reviews

Mosta Parish

For a long time it has been renowned as being the third largest unsupported dome in the world. Outside diameter 56.2 metres. Inside diameter 39.6 metres. Internal height 54.7metres. This gigantic rotunda church is decorated with many paintings by Giuseppe Calì and other able artists. While on a visit to the Mosta Dome one should not miss going into the sacristies, to view and admire the various objects of prestige, including paintings and a large-scale model of the church. Not to be missed is a replica of the bomb which, in 1942, pierced the dome and landed on the church floor. The bomb did not explode. No one died and the church was not destroyed.

Reviewed By ratpack23

This is a truly beautiful church which makes you gasp with awe as you walk in its such a wonderful interior and so large and the dome is stunning with such bold yet calming colours of gold and bright blue we just sat for ages taking in the wonderful paintings and statues we both found the church to be very thought provoking and a very special place. The church gave us both a feeling of peace . It was interesting to read about the World War 2 bomb that went though the Dome and fell to the floor while the church was full of people ! yet never went off , there is a replica inside to look at .the entrance fee is €2 per person its well worth the small fee . We travelled by bus which drops you right outside . You need to dress modestly. We liked the fact that we could take our time and also allowed to take photos. My husband says it was the best place he had visited on our holiday to Malta .

7. Malta Classic Car Collection Museum

Tourists Street, Qawra, Island of Malta SPB 1020 Malta +356 2157 8885 [email protected] http://www.classiccarsmalta.com
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,761 reviews

Malta Classic Car Collection Museum

The Classic Car Collection was the brainchild of obsessive petrol-head Mr. Carol Galea, an avid and self-confessed car enthusiast. He first began customizing and building his own cars for local hill climbing races but his hobby evolved into a full-blown passion for classic cars. This is his personal tribute to the automobile industry – or as he puts it – it’s a ‘living and growing collection that spans more than 50 years of motor manufacturing’ The museum has approximately 100 Vehicles on display ranging from a Jaguars C-Type & E-Type, Alfa Romeos, Fiats, MGs, Mercedes, Chevrolette, Ferrari, Bentley etc. They have all been carefully restored and lovingly preserved. In 2018 the latest very interesting addition was the 'Live Workshop' where one can see real classic cars being restored. There are also a 2 Cinemas and a Motoring Library on site that one can explore.

Reviewed By jpdk - Vejle, Denmark

This Car Museum you will find in Qawra at St. Pauls Bay in Malta. A very nice collection of old cars in perfect condition, more cars inside as you can imagne standing outside the museum. There is rare cars, normal cars old and newer cars, the restoration area is inside the museum giving you a closer look to the work going on with the cars, not only cars here, but lots og juke-boxes, arcade games, pinball machines, model cars and more

8. Lascaris War Rooms

Lascaris Ditch, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 2000 Malta +356 7987 4153 [email protected] http://www.lascariswarrooms.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,933 reviews

Lascaris War Rooms

The Lascaris War Rooms consist of an underground complex of tunnels and chambers that housed the War Headquarters from where the defence of Malta was conducted during the Second World War.This secret complex contained operations rooms for each of the fighting services from where not only the air defence of Malta was coordinated, but also some of the greatest battles fought in the Mediterrean during the war. In July 1943, the Lascaris War Rooms served as the advance headquarters for the Invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky)by Generals Eisenhower, Montgomery, Alexander and Clark and Air Marshal Tedder and Admiral Cunningham. It went on being used under different forms by both the British services and Nato up to 1977.

Reviewed By andyburton76 - Lichfield, United Kingdom

We went to the war rooms on a whim and one of best parts of day! Did the guided tour in English with Matthew who really knew his stuff and was funny and informative at the same time. Not that big so can do in a hour or 2 but really important location in islands history.

9. Malta at War Museum

Couvre de Porte, Birgu (Vittoriosa), Island of Malta BRG 1810 Malta +356 2189 6617 [email protected] http://www.maltaatwarmuseum.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 827 reviews

Malta at War Museum

The Malta at War Museum is located at the original historic entrance of Vittoriosa (Birgu), the older from the Three Cities. It stands to document for posterity the great ordeal which the brave people of Malta and their defenders endured during the dark days of the Blitz (1940-43). Vittoriosa (Birgu) is the former home to the Royal Navy in the Malta and one of the most bombed places in WW2. This museum combines an attractive exhibition about the Second World War in Malta along with the viewing of an original wartime documentary – ‘Malta G.C.’ and a visit into an underground air raid shelter in which hundreds took refuge during the raids.This attraction has recently undergone a complete remake co-funded by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (72.25%), the Government of Malta (12.75%) and Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. The result is a new attractive museum spread on nine galleries. Each of these is dedicated to a given aspect of wartime Malta. The museum display is organised in a chronological manner and includes some 10,000 original artefacts connected with the subject. These vary from clothing, weapons, instruments, equipment, printed matter and other large exhibits.The new Malta at War Museum is open daily for visiting between 10.00 and 17.00hrs.

Reviewed By Naomi010 - London, United Kingdom

Really interesting museum with some wonderful artefacts concerning Malta during the war, particularly about the bombardment of the island by enemy forces and the resilience of the Maltese people, earning them the George Cross. Very well curated with a short video and the option of an audio tour or a personal tour with a guide, all included in the entry ticket. Ruth, our guide, was very knowledgeable and interesting. Particularly fascinating are the underground shelters.

10. Marsovin

Wills Street, Marsa, Island of Malta Malta +356 2182 4918 [email protected] http://www.marsovin.com
Excellent
67%
Good
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Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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4.5 based on 60 reviews

Marsovin

About------Marsovin is a household name in Malta, synonymous with the productionof premium wines. The roots of this well-earned status were planted almost a century ago when Chev. Anthony Cassar founded the company under the name of A&G Cassar, in 1919. Mission--------Our Commitment to pioneering and maintaining modern methods of viticulture and wine production is self evident. We are proud of our hard earned reputation for quality brought about by stringent control of yields, pressing, fermentation and oak ageing. Only strict adherence to these controls brings about the desired premium quality of Marsovin wines recognised by the loyalty of our customers.Company Overview-----------------Marsovin is a household name in Malta, synonymous with the production of premium wines. The roots of this well-earned status were planted almost a century ago when Chev. Anthony Cassar founded the company under the name of A&G Cassar, in 1919. Marsovin was incorporated in1956 as a family-run company which grew to become a significant part of the history of wine-making in Malta.

Reviewed By 2022GH - Nottingham, United Kingdom

We made our own way to see the cellars of the Maltese wine producers Marsovin. We chose to do this as we had a bottle of la vallette red and it was beautiful so we thought we would contact the makers "Marsovin" by phone to see if we could attend a wine tasting at their cellars near paulo. They were VERY welcoming and we booked to go at a cost of 11€. Well it was fantastic, a small to medium winery and we were shown around by one of the senior staff who knew every aspect of each of their vineyards and also their production methodology and process (far more than any individual we have seen at the numerous other vineyards we have been through). The whole event including viewing their cellars was over two hours duration and there were plenty of nibbles for all throughout the tasting. IF you are a wine lover and like to see how and where the wine you drink is manufactured then this is a MUST. The staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable about every aspect of the production of each and every wine they produce and were happy to discuss the different methodologies. The best 11€ I have spent in YEARS.

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