Malta is a corner of African Europe with Italian notes and echoes of the British past in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Such a unique blend makes this tiny country not just a weekend destination, but deserves at least a week trip. Exploring Malta, do not limit yourself to the main island only and be sure to look at the neighboring Gozo and Comino.
Comino Island
A tiny island with an area of 3 km2 and a population of a couple of people is one of the mustvisit places on a trip to Malta and really deserves your attention. The popularity of the island was brought by Blue Lagoon – a small bay with crystal clear and “Maldivian” blue water.
How to get there?
In Valletta and Sliema you will find many sightseeing offers on Comino, the price tag for them varies between € 30-50. A great alternative is the Comino Ferries speedboat from the Marfa pier (opposite the RivieraHotel). It will cost € 13 in two directions, and as a bonus you will get a boat trip past the caves and grottoes of the island. You can get to the pier by bus – from Valletta No. 41/42/232, Sliema – No. 222, Bujibba – No. 221 in the direction of Cirkewwa. Get off at the Ahgakhi stop and walk 150 m to the right. Try to catch the first boat by 8:30 or 9:00, before huge crowds of tourists arrive on the island.
Life hack: if you plan to visit the island of Gozo on the same day, let us know when you buy a ticket and you will be given a return ticket there, not to Malta. And do not plan to return on the last flight, because there will be a lot of people who want to.
What to do?
When you arrive on the island, you will find yourself near a small sandy beach. The rest of the island is covered with rocks. But it’s better not to stop here and go further away to take a more cozy place for yourself, because it is here that the number of people will be the maximum. There are vans with food and drinks on the beach, but be prepared for the most tourist prices.
After enjoying the azure-turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon, follow the path along the shore towards St. Mary’s Tower past the neighboring Crystal Lagoon, it is on this way that you will see the most beautiful views of Comino Island and be able to take many cool photos.
Right opposite, 100 meters from Comino, is Cominotto – a small uninhabited island with a small sandy beach and fewer people. A round-trip water taxi will cost € 5, an umbrella on the beach may be included in the price.
In 15-20 minutes, if desired, you can get to the opposite shore of the island to Santa Marija Bay, but keep in mind that from this side the island is less picturesque and the water may not be nearly the same color as in Blue Lagoon. Comino is worth a visit even if you find yourself here not quite in the bathing season. Moreover, it will be much easier to enjoy the beauty of the island without crowds of tourists.
Gozo Island
The second largest island of the Maltese archipelago. It is quieter and calmer, compared to its neighbor, but certainly no less interesting and with a whole list of natural beauties.
How to get there?
You can get to Gozo using the Gozo Channel ferries – a 2-way ticket will cost € 4.65. If you rented a car in Malta, then you can cross the ferry with it – the price of the question is about € 15.The ferry departs from the port of Cirkewwa, which you can reach by buses No. 41/42/232 from Valletta, No. 222 from Sliema, No. 221 from Bujibba and the airport express X1, reaching the final stop.
Life hack: the ferry schedule varies depending on the season, in summer it is almost round-the-clock, but it’s better to think about connecting with the last bus in advance.
The transport system of Gozo is the same as in Malta. If you arrive for more than a couple of days, feel free to take a weekly pass for € 21 and travel unlimited on all buses in Malta and Gozo. In addition, although the island is small, there is a Hop on Hop Off bus system familiar to many. Although this is the most tourist way of traveling, but if you come to the island without a car and do not plan to stay here, it will help you to see the maximum in a day.
What to see?
Victoria
The capital of the island. There is a central bus station here, and if you choose to travel by public transport, it is from here that buses depart in all directions.There is a small fruit market in the parking lot behind the bus station, where you can find many unusual local fruits. Be sure to try the cactus fruit – one of the chips of Malta.
Victoria is home to the main historical spot of the island – the Citadel. A medieval fortress town located on top of a hill. In addition, it is also the main observation deck, which offers a 360-degree view of the entire island. On the territory there is a Cathedral, many museums, an old prison and other historical buildings.
You can walk through the streets of the Citadel and feel the atmosphere of medieval Malta absolutely for free. At least it is worth coming here in order to admire the excellent view from the walls of the fortress. And if you are interested in the past of the city, you can freely go inside, where a video sequence with the history of the Citadel is played on the projector.
If time permits, you can get lost for a while in the narrow streets of Victoria behind Independence Square.
Dwejra
One of the places of pilgrimage for Game of Thrones fans is this place that served as the set for the wedding of Daenerys and Khal Drogo. There was also the famous stone arch Azur Window, which collapsed in 2017.
Take a walk to the left towards DwejraBay, from where you can enjoy impressive views of the bay and Fungus Rock – a 60–meter rock standing in the sea. In windy weather, when huge waves break on the rocks, it’s really an exciting sight.
There is also the Inner Sea of Gozo (Inner Sea) – a small lagoon connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow cave. In good weather, for € 4-5, local fishermen take everyone along the coast, going out to sea through a cave.
Xlendi
A small resort village in a cozy bay. Immediately head towards the exit of the bay, it is from there that the best views of the sea and rocks open. There you will also find cozy tables along the shore, which are ideal for a small picnic near the sea.On the right side of the bay you will see steps along the cliff, they lead to an observation deck overlooking the bay and to the grotto of Carolina (Carolina Grotto).Right next to the bus stop is Gelateria Granolah (Xatt Ix Xlendi) with a large selection of Italian gelato.
Sannat Cliffs
Sheer cliffs up to 120 m high, at the foot of which the waves of the Mediterranean Sea crash with a roar. The perfect place to spend the sunset. The main thing is to be careful: the viewing platforms are not equipped in any way (like other similar ones in Malta) – in many places there are no fences or cliff signs, everything is at your own risk.
Ramla Bay with a cave
In the bay there is a wide beach with golden-reddish sand, a rarity for rocky Malta, which is why the beach is considered one of the best on the island.
To the right of the beach, at the top of the hill is the Tal-Mixta cave, which overlooks the entire bay. Not so long ago, the cave began to gain popularity and become one of the most popular Instagram spots on the island of Gozo.