What to Do in Malta

St. John’s Cathedral is Malta’s most important landmark, built in the 16th century and dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It contains nine richly decorated chapels, while every wall and pillar is encrusted with elaborate ornamentation to provide the effect of dusty gold brocade. The breathtaking vaulted ceilings were the work of Mattia Preti, a well-known Italian Baroque artist. It contains a rich array of Baroque art while ethereal icons were inlaid with artistry and painstaking precision into the ornate marble floors with each section featuring a distinct message or theme. The highlight is one of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s most internationally recognized works, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist. It’s Caravaggio’s largest work and the only one bearing his signature. Don’t miss the bell tower with its three clocks, one showing the date, one showing the day of the week, and the other showing the time.

Beneath the center of Rabat are the Catacombs of St. Paul which are said to be where the saint himself stayed after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. The hallowed halls serve as the first evidence of Christianity in the country. Opposite is the St. Agatha catacombs containing human skeletons and faded Byzantine frescoes. The warren of tunnels beneath the capital city is liberally punctuated with bunkers that are big enough to hold families of four. They were carved out during the Second World War to provide shelter from German and Italian bombs. Visitors will see bright ceramic tiles covering the floors with small alters that contain personal effects like half-burned candles and bottles providing a poignant reminder of those who were forced to huddle here in the underground.

A day trip to the small island of Gozo is considered a must while in Malta, easily reached from the main island of Malta via a scenic 20-minute ferry ride. It’s much more rural, with charming villages, farmhouses, ancient temples, and a magnificent coastline known for its beautiful rock formations that are just offshore. The most iconic of them all was the Azure Window, featured in “Game of Thrones,” but erosion and the elements led to its collapse in 2017. There are hundreds of sea creature fossils that can easily be spotted on the exposed rock in this area while Wied il-Mielah is a great alternative for photo-ops that also resembles a window. Ramla Beach is a top attraction with its unique brilliant orange sands and rich historic treasures with Roman remains lying right beneath.

Soak up the Mediterranean sun from a private yacht while cruising Malta’s northern coast. You’ll depart from Valetta to enjoy many spectacular sites from the perspective of the water, including St. Paul’s Island. Look for the statue of St. Paul believed to be near the spot where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in 60 AD and ultimately became the first to introduce Christianity to Malta. You’ll see several famous sights like the 10 caves on the north side of Comino Island, some of which can be entered, with incredible views into the surreal blue. At the stunning Blue Lagoon, enjoy time to swim in the dreamy, transparent turquoise waters that are beautifully contrasted against the rocky cliffs providing plenty of Instagrammable shots too. In the caves of the Crystal Lagoon, you’ll find more strikingly clear blue waters for an enticing dip.