Why you should visit Malta and Gozo on your next adventure holiday

There’s a place in the middle of the Mediterranean where history whispers from honey-coloured stone, waves lap against salt-stained cliffs, and the pace of life encourages you to slow down. Malta and Gozo—two small islands with an incredible past—might not be on everyone’s radar, but they should be. Here's why you should visit Malta and Gozo on your next adventure holiday.

Spending a week here offers more than just warm weather and blue water. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of Neolithic builders, medieval knights, and salt-harvesting families who’ve passed down their craft for generations. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, a hiker, or simply someone in search of a laid-back cultural escape, these islands offer it all.

Start in Gozo: Malta’s Slower, Quieter Sister

Begin your journey in Gozo. Just a short ferry ride from the main island of Malta, Gozo is the greener, sleepier counterpart to Malta. Its capital, Victoria (also called Rabat), is crowned by the Citadel—a hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the island’s patchwork of fields and stone farmhouses. Inside the walls, you’ll find winding alleys, a beautifully preserved old prison, and the kind of tranquillity that feels like stepping back in time.

The island is home to one of the world’s oldest free-standing structures: the Ġgantija Temples, dating back over 5,000 years. Their scale alone suggests myth—the name means "giantess" in Maltese, after all. And just nearby, Calypso’s Cave gazes out over Ramla Bay’s rust-coloured sands, stirring thoughts of Homer’s *Odyssey* and the legend of Odysseus, kept captive by a lovesick nymph.

For those drawn to dramatic landscapes, Dwejra is unmissable. The Azure Window may have collapsed, but the Inland Sea, Fungus Rock, and surrounding cliffs still create a breathtaking coastal tableau. A hike here features dramatic cliffs and stone-walled lanes leading to the legendary rock.

Take a boat ride through the sea tunnel where the light changes from emerald to deep blue as you pass into open water. Or head north to see the salt pans carved into the shore near Xwejni Bay, where families still collect sea salt as they have since Roman times.

Gozo’s hikes showcase its rugged beauty. The walk from Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary to Gharb passes through farm tracks and ravines, offering views of the neo-Romanesque basilica and Gozo’s famous salt pans.

Another rewarding route is the Bays and Towers Walk from Qala to Nadur, passing citrus groves, vineyards, and the secluded San Blas Bay.

Then Cross to Malta: A Tapestry of Cultures and Fortresses

Back on Malta, the vibe shifts slightly—more layered, more lively. Valletta, the capital, is compact but steeped in drama. Built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565, it’s a place where baroque architecture and wartime history sit side by side. Step into St John’s Co-Cathedral and you’ll find an ornate, marble-covered interior that rivals any in Europe. Walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and watch as traditional cannons fire over the Grand Harbour—a nod to the island’s proud martial past.

Just across that harbour are the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. They’re quieter than Valletta but just as rich in atmosphere, with waterfront promenades, narrow laneways, and limestone buildings that glow in the afternoon sun. In Vittoriosa, don’t miss the Inquisitor’s Palace or the waterfront cafés that feel untouched by time.

Further south, the Marsascala to Marsaxlokk Bay trail offers sandstone cliffs and sea views leading to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk. It’s a working fishing town, where colourful luzzus (traditional boats) dot the harbour and market stalls overflow with seafood, spices, and handmade lace. From here, it’s just a short trip to the megalithic temples of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra. Between 3600 and 3200 BC, Malta was home to a remarkable temple-building civilisation. Near Haġar Qim, archaeologists uncovered figurines of the so-called “fat lady,” thought to represent a fertility goddess known as the Venus of Malta. Just a short walk away, Mnajdra stands in a remote, windswept setting above the sea—arguably the most atmospheric of all the island’s ancient temples.

Moments of Stillness, and a Taste of the Land

A week in Malta and Gozo isn’t just about what you see, but how you feel while seeing it. One of the most memorable experiences might be as simple as visiting a local farm—where olives, tomatoes, and wine are still produced using traditional methods. Sitting down to a table laden with local bread, sun-dried tomatoes, and a glass of crisp white wine is a reminder that these islands are not just museums, but living, breathing places.

Perhaps end your trip in Mdina, Malta’s old capital, often called the Silent City. Its narrow streets are so peaceful you can hear your footsteps echo off the walls.

Whether you're wandering ancient temple sites, swimming beneath limestone cliffs, hiking coastal trails, or simply savouring a pastizzi in the sun, Malta and Gozo offer a rare mix of depth and ease. They’re the kind of places that don’t just show you their story—they invite you to become part of it.

When you should go

The best time to visit Malta and Gozo is spring and fall, which offer mild temperatures. Spring has the added benefit of blooming wildflowers, which is nice for hikers and photographers. Summers are very hot, while during winters you will get cool weather but you might experience some rain.

Our tours

We offer three tours in Malta and Gozo.

Mysteries of Malta: This best-selling one-week tour of Malta and Gozo begins with a visit to Gozo, exploring Xlendi, Victoria, and the ancient Ggantija temples. A coastal walk leads to Ramla Bay for a swim, followed by a visit to Dwejra and the Inland Sea. After returning to Malta, discover Valletta’s historic sites, including Saint John’s Co-Cathedral and the Three Cities. Explore Malta’s prehistoric past at Hagar Qim, enjoy a food and wine tasting, and finish with a visit to Mdina, San Anton Gardens, and Mosta Dome.

Discover Malta & Gozo: This 7-day tour of Malta and Gozo is similar to our Mysteries of Malta, but has more of a focus on walking and personal explorations. It starts with a guided tour of the city’s historic sites, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. A day trip to Marsaxlokk introduces colorful fishing boats, a lively market, and the ancient Hagar Qim temple. After exploring Mdina, travel to Gozo for coastal hikes, visits to the Xwejni Salt Pans, and a winery experience. The tour concludes with free time in Valletta before departure.

Self-guided hiking in Malta & Gozo: This one-week self-guided hiking holiday explores the rich mix of history, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture of Malta and Gozo. Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage city, showcases the influences of the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Knights of St. John. Malta’s ‘fish tail’ features dramatic cliffs, watchtowers, and views of Gozo and Comino. Valletta’s narrow streets reveal fountains, ancient walls, and cafés, while St. Julian’s offers a peaceful base. On Gozo, explore tranquil villages, rugged coastlines, Fungus Rock, and the medieval citadel in Victoria, with scenic countryside and local dining.