Amid all the hustle and bustle of the city, it sure is nice to take a break and just take things slow in a serene environment. For many, the best way to unwind is to travel overseas. One of the top destinations when it comes to a relaxing holiday is Malta.

This small island country in the Mediterranean Sea is quite famous for its perfect combination of enchanting beauty and rich history. It is also the go-to destination for those who want to taste a wide array of flavors and enjoy the sun almost all year round.

Despite all the popular places to visit and activities to try in Malta, it still wouldn’t hurt to have a clearer idea of what to expect once you set foot in this paradise. To make the most of your holiday, here are some useful tips on how you can spend your time in Malta.

BE AMAZED WITH VALLETTA

One of the first places you should visit in Malta is its capital city, Valletta. From here, you can get a glimpse of authentic Maltese culture and history that will make your stay memorable. The number of sites to see and activities to try here will definitely keep you busy.

Valletta is home to several historic attractions that are worth visiting, such as the Grand Master’s Palace, Manoel Theater, Casa Rocca Piccola, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and more. These marvelous places are more than enough to make the city worthy of its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MARVEL AT THE BEAUTY OF ST. JOHN’S CO-CATHEDRAL

This extraordinary place of worship has become a household name in Malta. In fact, every year, thousands of tourists flock to this historic site to witness it’s incredible beauty firsthand. Built in the 16th-century, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral boasts a classic baroque style design that never fails to impress every visitor.

Inside, guests will be treated with dazzling decorations. From walls covered in gold and elaborate paint to elegant marble floors used as tombs for knights, it sure is a feast for the eyes. The church is also home to the Caravaggio’s largest and only signed painting, the Beheading of St. John.

EXPLORE THE SILENT CITY, MDINA

The country’s first citadel capital, Mdina, is known for its extraordinary beauty and interesting history that traces back more than 4,000 years ago. Also known as The Silent City, this place is considered a living museum with its timeless atmosphere and cultural treasures for everyone to see.

Upon setting foot on Mdina, you will be welcomed with the finest examples of medieval and baroque structures that have become a huge part of the city’s identity. Some of the most notable architectures here include ancestral homes of Malta’s noble families, which remains to be standing and well-preserved. Its labyrinthine streets are also a delight to explore, especially when the sun is setting and the ambiance is peaceful. You can even end your day with a good dinner in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, such as Don Mesquita, Fontanella Tea Garden, Bacchus Restaurant, and Mdina Restaurant.

SPEND A DAY IN MARSAXLOKK

Marsaxlokk is a quaint fishing village located in the southeastern part of Malta. This place is widely popular for its daily open-market, where you can find a wide array of products. From fresh seafood to locally made products, there’s definitely plenty of things to buy here.

After enjoying the market, go ahead and indulge with delectable local cuisines, particularly seafood dishes. Many restaurants around the village offer a taste of fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean Sea.

You can also take a relaxing stroll along the promenade while taking in the cool sea breeze. Of course, don’t forget to check out the village’s famous attraction, the colorful fishing boats called Iuzzus.

With all its amazing places to visit, spending at least a week will be good enough to explore most parts of the island. If you want to have an extended stay, consider booking a good hotel or renting villas in Malta. This will ensure a convenient and comfortable stay on the island regardless of how long you plan to stay.