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From Megaliths to Palazzos: A Historical Journey Through Malta’s Architectural Marvels

Holidays are right around the corner, but are you yet to decide where to go? Are you looking for an inspirational place rich in culture and history and also a vibrant country? Then Malta is the place for you!

An archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta holds a captivating history, culture, and architectural splendor. For families seeking an enriching and adventurous experience, this island offers a remarkable journey through time that would leave an indelible mark upon all who visit.

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Aside from its historical significance, Malta has countless beaches, many activities, rocky coves, beautifully decorated cities, and magnificent buildings. Those will leave you and the kids in awe! It’ll soon become your family’s most favorite and memorable trip ever!

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  1. Best Architectural Marvels & Places to Visit in Malta

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Best Architectural Marvels & Places to Visit in Malta

Best Architectural Marvels & Places to Visit in Malta

Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean archipelago with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. Here are some of the best historical places with amazing architectural marvels to visit in Malta:

Valetta City seen from the harbor
Valetta City seen from the harbor

Valletta

The capital city of Malta offers plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and luxurious resorts. The best thing about staying in Valletta is that it is a perfect base well-connected to the rest of the islands. You can take ferry or boat trips from Valletta to the other islands and rent a car or take a bus from the main bus terminal to travel around the city. 

As Malta’s the most crowded place, you can easily find markets, shopping hubs, and plenty of cafes and eateries whenever you want a quick snack. This is one of the best areas to stay in Malta, from where almost the whole city is reachable.

Popeye Village Malta
Popeye Village Malta

The Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a purpose-built film set that has been converted into a theme park. It was built to film a musical production movie named “Popeye” in the 1980s and was later transformed into a popular amusement park for families. The various activities include a water park, a trampoline park, a play area, and a cinema, among many others. There are also shows and performances held daily for kids of all ages to enjoy. So book a whole day in your itinerary when you visit the Popeye village because you won’t be able to get enough.

Dive Into Malta’s History

Malta has a complex history that has been fought over and conquered by many different cultures. These cultures left their legacy in the form of temples, landmarks, and beautifully crafted interiors of buildings. Visiting these historical landmarks with your family will be educational and entertaining. Below are some of the most popular places:

Megalithic Temples

Several of these temples are scattered across the island, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The temples are created from massive limestone rocks that show the remarkable engineering prowess of ancient civilization. So, if you and your kids are history buffs, it’s worth a visit.

Vaulted ceiling on St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valetta Malta
Vaulted ceiling on St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valetta Malta

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

This cathedral is the most popular landmark in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. It is an ornate Baroque masterpiece with intricately designed interiors and features famous artworks, including paintings by Carravagio and Mattia Preti. If not the history, children will love the colorful ambiance, the paintings, and the secret messages written on the marble floor. It is one of those places that’ll make you curious about the past.

Main gate to Mdina, Malta
Main gate to Mdina, Malta

Mdina 

Also known as the “Silent City,” Mdina, resembling a real-life castle, is the perfect place to take an afternoon stroll. Fun fact: Some scenes of the popular series “The Game of Thrones” were filmed there, making it an interesting place to visit. Though there isn’t much to do there, if you’re looking for a tranquil place and a place to take beautiful snaps, this is it! The passageways and streets are orderly, with vibrant doors and blooming flowers at every turn. Not to mention, there’s a fantastic gelato shop with mouthwatering ice creams. 

Ghar Dalam cave Stalagmite in Malta
Ghar Dalam cave Stalagmite in Malta

Ghar Dalam Cave

One of the many ancient sites in Malta, this cave (now a museum) is 144 meters long and features skeletal remains of animals from the Ice Age. Innate cave art has proven the existence of humans for as long as 8000 years. Quite amazing, right?  

The above are popular sites to visit. However, many other historical landmarks and ornate architectural marvels spread around the island have a long and complex history. You can check them out if you have the time.

Boats in the water off Marsaxlokk
Boats in the water off Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk

If you and your family love Mediterranean seafood, this is the best place to be. Not only will you be able to eat fresh seafood, but you’ll also enjoy eating it overlooking the port. 

Marsaxlokk harbor is a traditional fishing village located in the south of Malta. With a picturesque view, the harbor features many colorful boats, outdoor eateries, and a lively fish market where you can get the freshest fish. You can also go on a fishing tour with your family and, if you’re lucky, catch a live fish. 

Apart from fish, a local market sells almost everything, like souvenirs, handmade jewelry, clothes, shoes, and many more.

 The Grand Harbor & Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta have astonishing views around the Grand Harbor and the Three Cities. The Grand Harbor is a natural harbor that’s been in use since the Phoenician times. There are a few binocular stands where your kids can enjoy watching the gorgeous scenery. Right below, you can see the oldest operating Saluting Battery. Here, you can watch cannons firing every day at noon. 

The Three Cities

The Three cities, Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, are rich with history and culture and were home to the Order of the Knights. If you want to head to the Three Cities, hire a water taxi from Valletta. It’s cheap and great fun to ride. Enjoy the great view of Valletta’s skylines and the beautiful harbor. You may have to share with a few more people, but it’s a faster and better option than a large ferry. 

 Malta Maritime Museum

You can also visit the Malta Maritime Museum at the Three Cities, specifically at Vittoriosa. This stunning building boasts around 20,000 artifacts and is the largest museum on the island. You can learn more about the history of trade and how important it was to acquire control of them by the Knights.

Malta's Palazzo De Piro seen from a Mdina street
Malta’s Palazzo De Piro seen from a Mdina street

 Palazzos In Malta

Palazzos or Palaces in Malta are some of the most exquisite buildings you’ll ever see. Most of these palazzos can be dated back to the 17th century, constructed by the Maltese aristocrats as private residences and passed down through the generations.

The Palazzo Parisio, The Grandmaster’s Palace, The Inquisitor’s Palace, and the San Anton Palace are the most popular palazzos.

While many remain private homes today, some have been renovated as luxurious hotels while others were turned into museums documenting the life of noble families. 

So now you and the children can live the noble life in a palace-turned-hotel or visit and explore its refined architecture with thousands of artifacts and tour the picturesque private gardens filled with Mediterranean flowers. 

 Explore The Island Of Gozo

Spending a few days on the island of Gozo is a must when you visit Malta. Rent a private boat or take the ferry to the island and enjoy the stunning views that welcome you. Gozo is Malta’s second biggest island and has a lot of things to do. Unlike Malta, Gozo is much quieter and runs slowly, perfect for families. You can also find reasonable accommodation options that have pools and what kids don’t like pools when on vacation! 

Dingli Cliffs at sunset
Dingli Cliffs at sunset

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs is located one kilometer from the town of Dingli and is Malta’s tallest cliff (approximately 220 meters high). It provides excellent coast views and is the best place to watch the sunset. 

If you have older kids who have no problem walking and hiking, Dingli Cliffs is one of the most amazing places to be. However, families with young children should exercise caution as the roads can be dodgy to walk on.

The Blue Grotto

Walking along the coastal Dingli Cliffs, you’ll eventually reach the Blue Grotto. You can also take a short boat tour of the Maltese islands. The Blue Grotto features many sea caverns and a 100-foot arch surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The boat tour to the Blue Grotto takes about 25 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the view and short enough to preserve your children’s attention. Don’t forget to take snaps of the place before or after you arrive.

Bugibba, Qawra, and St. Paul’s Bay

If you’re planning a trip in the summer, these areas are the best to stay in. During the day, you can sunbathe on one of the sandy beaches with your kids or take them for an evening stroll along the beautiful promenade stretching from Qawra to St. Paul’s Bay.

The Beaches

Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Paradise Bay are the most popular beaches that are safe and suitable for children as the waters are shallow and calm. You and your family can enjoy various water sports activities on these beaches, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and diving, without worry.

Ghar Lapsi, Malta
Ghar Lapsi, Malta

Swim At Ghar Lapsi

The rocky cove of Ghar Lapsi is the best place to swim with children of all ages. On one side, it is surrounded by an overhanging cave and a cliff with a restaurant on the other. 

The water begins shallow and gradually deeper, making it enjoyable for young and older kids. There’s also an area where teens and adults can jump off low cliffs for more challenging entertainment. The best thing is there are ladders here and there, just like the ones in a hotel swimming pool, to make it easy to get in and float with your kids. 

In a Nutshell

Malta is an island full of history, magic, and surprises. There are many things you can do with your children. Sunbathe on sandy beaches, explore historical landmarks, stroll around the promenade, cruise or boat ride to the many interconnected islands, enjoy the waterparks, and many more the island offers. 

This is a place where you and your children would love so much that you’ll want to come back again for more! Happy Vacationing! 

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