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Nearby Destinations

Nearby Destinations

Malta

Comino & The Blue Lagoon

Comino, the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago, is famous for its stunning Blue Lagoon. This natural wonder features crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Comino is easily reached by boat from Gozo (Mġarr Harbour) or Malta (Marfa and Cirkewwa). Many tours include stops at the Blue Lagoon, the less-crowded Crystal Lagoon, and sea caves. Find and book these excursions on GetYourGuide.

Blue Lagoon Experiences

  • Swim and snorkel in the pristine, clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.
  • Walk trails to St. Mary's Tower for panoramic island views.
  • Visit the quieter Crystal Lagoon, often included on boat tours.
  • Pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water; shade on Comino is limited.

Malta Main Island

Malta's main island is easily accessible from Gozo for various day trips via ferry from Mġarr (Gozo) to Cirkewwa (Malta).

Valletta: Capital City

Explore Malta's capital, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rich history and charming streets.

Valletta Highlights

  • Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio's masterpiece.
  • Wander through the Grand Master's Palace.
  • Enjoy harbor views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Mdina & Rabat: Ancient Cities

Step back in time in these ancient neighboring cities, rich in history and atmosphere.

Ancient City Exploration

  • Explore Mdina, the 'Silent City,' and its medieval streets.
  • Visit St. Paul's Cathedral within Mdina's walls.
  • Discover the Catacombs of St. Paul in Rabat.

Natural Beauty & Ancient Wonders

Malta's Prehistoric Temples

  • Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples near Dingli Cliffs.
  • Explore the impressive megalithic structures of Tarxien Temples.
  • The Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni tickets sell out months in advance.
  • Hypogeum is an unique underground prehistoric burial site.

Malta's Dingli Cliffs

  • These dramatic limestone cliffs are Malta's highest point.
  • They present spectacular views of the open sea and Filfla island.
  • Ideal for a sunset visit or a refreshing coastal walk.
  • Comino is still the top choice for a natural escape from Gozo.

Cultural Excursions & Regional Travel

  • Malta's Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)Historic fortified cities offer a glimpse into maritime past.
  • Explore authentic historical atmosphere with narrow streets.Visit villages like Marsaxlokk, a fishing village with a Sunday market.
  • Beyond Ta' Pinu, explore other important pilgrimage sites.The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħan is a example.
  • Southeast Sicily (Italy) is a logical and popular next destination.It presents a mix of ancient ruins, Baroque cities, and cuisine.
  • Regions like Calabria or Puglia in Southern Italy are accessible.Travel by ferry or short flights from Sicily.
  • Virtu Ferries connect Valletta, Malta, and Pozzallo, Sicily.The high-speed catamaran journey is approximately 90 minutes.
  • Malta International Airport (MLA) connects to Italian cities.Easy flight access to other parts of Italy.
  • Consider a Malta-Gozo-Sicily itinerary for a diverse experience.Blend history, culture, nature, and culinary traditions.

Planning Tip: Hypogeum

Book Hypogeum tickets months in advance; they sell out quickly due to limited entry.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your exploration of Malta’s rich history and culture through its varied sites.

The Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua offer a glimpse into Malta's maritime past and the lives of the Knights of St. John.

Rural Villages

Explore villages like Żurrieq or Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village with a colorful Sunday market, for a different side of Malta.

Pilgrimage Sites

Beyond Ta' Pinu in Gozo, Malta has several important churches and pilgrimage sites, like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa.

Multi-Day Extensions to Sicily

Southeast Sicily (Italy) is a logical and popular next destination due to its proximity and ferry connections, presenting a different cultural flavor.

Sicilian Highlights

  • Explore the Baroque towns of Val di Noto (Syracuse, Noto, Ragusa Ibla, Modica).
  • Visit Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, offering guided tours.
  • Consider Southern Italy regions like Calabria or Puglia, accessible by ferry.

Transportation Connections

Malta's strategic location facilitates connections to various regional destinations, making multi-country trips viable.

Connecting Routes

  • Virtu Ferries operates high-speed catamaran services to Pozzallo, Sicily (90 mins).
  • Malta International Airport (MLA) connects to various Italian cities.
  • Consider a Malta-Gozo-Sicily itinerary for a diverse Mediterranean blend.

Suggested Regional Itinerary

Start with 3-4 days on mainland Malta.Explore Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities.
Move to Gozo for 3-5 days.Relax, dive, hike, and explore its unique charm.
Take the ferry to Sicily for 3-5 days.Focus on southeastern Baroque towns or Mount Etna.
This combination offers a diverse experience.Blending history, culture, nature, and cuisine.
Book Hypogeum tickets months in advance.They sell out quickly.
Direct travel to North Africa from MaltaNot commonly available for short extensions.

Consider this

  • Explore villages like Żurrieq or Marsaxlokk for a different side of Malta.
  • Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village with a colorful Sunday market.
  • Beyond Ta' Pinu, Malta has important churches and pilgrimage sites.
  • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħan is a remarkable example.
  • Always carry some cash for smaller purchases and local street food.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip beyond the Maltese islands to explore nearby regions for a richer Mediterranean experience.

Regional Travel Opportunities

1

Southeast Sicily

Focus on Baroque towns like Syracuse, Noto, and Modica for architecture and food.

2

Mount Etna

Europe's most active volcano presents guided tours to its slopes.

3

Southern Italy

Regions like Calabria or Puglia are accessible by ferry or short flights.

Transportation Connections

  • Sicily (Italy) is the closest major landmass, diverse in landscapes.
  • Virtu Ferries operates high-speed catamaran services to Pozzallo, Sicily.
  • The journey from Valletta, Malta to Sicily takes approximately 90 minutes.
  • Malta International Airport (MLA) connects to various Italian cities.
  • Making travel to other parts of Italy straightforward if ferries are not convenient.
  • Direct travel to North Africa (Tunisia/Libya) is not commonly available for short extensions.

Sample Malta-Gozo-Sicily Itinerary

  • Start with 3-4 days exploring mainland Malta (Valletta, Mdina, Three Cities).
  • Move to Gozo for 3-5 days for relaxation, diving, and exploration.
  • Take the ferry to Sicily for 3-5 days, focusing on southeastern towns.
  • This blend presents a diverse Mediterranean experience.
  • It combines history, culture, nature, and different culinary traditions.
  • Find great day trip options on GetYourGuide.

Important Planning Details

Hypogeum Tickets

Book Hypogeum tickets months in advance, as they sell out quickly.

Travel Advisories

Always check current travel advisories, especially for North African destinations.

Currency

Malta and Sicily both use the Euro (€).

Traveler's Note

Always confirm operating hours and availability, especially during low season, for attractions and services.
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