I am going to Malta with four friends in mid-October of this year. Any recommendations regarding a boat trip around the island or to the Blue Lagoon? Any recommendations for snorkeling or diving that time of year? We have a car and we are there for five days. We are doing the ancient sites along with Mdina and Rabat and of course, walking around Valletta and Silema. Any recommendations are welcome.
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
I'm sorry you haven't had any responses yet. Not too many folks here have been to Malta. I recall some useful posts in the past, though, which you can probably find via the Search function.
Posted by
Lubbock, TX
401 posts
I spend six days in Malta this past summer, and had a car for three of them. I would highly recommend driving to the Blue Grotto and taking the boat ride there. Hagar Qim is right nearby and easy to pair with the Blue Grotto. Other sights around Malta that are interesting include the Dingli Cliffs, Mosta Rotunda, Migra I-Ferha, and Fomm ir-Rih. Definitely make reservations to see the Hal Salfieni Hypogeum and nearby is also the Tarxien Temples. Another great day trip is to take the ferry across to Gozo. I highly recommend it. On Gozo you can see the Nadur Parish Church, Xagra Parish Church, walk around Victoria, and visit the Blue Hole. Also very beautiful is Wied il-Mielah, but the road to get there is super narrow, so be prepared. Gozo could fill up a few days, but I was staying in Valletta the whole time so only did a day trip, but I enjoyed it a lot. The Basilica of the National Shrine was also very interesting.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1507 posts
Elle, we spent ten days in Valletta a few years ago. We used it as a base to visit sights around the island by bus and also took the ferry to the tri- cities. I don’t have any info on snorkeling. We’re currently traveling so I don’t have access to our itinerary and information that might help you. I will try to give you some more information in a couple of weeks.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1507 posts
Are you still looking for recommendations?
Posted by
OP
Longview, WA, USA
37 posts
Yes - still looking for recommendations. We did rent a car and have an Airbnb in Valletta. Would love any input.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1507 posts
Though we spent 10 days in Valetta we didn't have time to visit any other island. Here are the day trips we took from Valetta: Mdina and Rabat, which you have on your list; Hagar Qim Temples and Mnajdra Ruins; Mosta Dome, mostly to see the replica of the bomb that landed there unexploded during WWII; Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples; Marsaxlokk, a pretty fishing village. We also took the ferry to Three Cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. While in Mdine we ate at Fontanella Tea Garden which has great views. We wanted to try the Ftira sandwich and they have great desserts.
In Valletta we visited St. John's Co-Cathedral, Fort St. Elmo and the Barrakka Gardens. We happened to be in the Upper Barrakka Gardens near the Saluting Battery when they performed their daily cannon salute, which was interesting. They did it twice a day at noon and 4pm.
We didn't have a car and visited all the sights by bus or on foot in Valletta, except for Three Cities. We don't have any recommendations for snorkeling.
I hope this was of some help to you in your planning. Have a great trip!
Posted by
4381 posts
Be sure to book for the Hypogeum if you are interested (we missed it, ugh!).
I loved our day trip to Comino, if you get an especially nice day I recommend it.