Malta is a small country made up of three main islands, and each one feels very different. If you are visiting for the first time, you can expect a mix of history, beaches, and adventure. The three islands are Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and each offers its own unique attractions.
This guide will help you plan your trip by highlighting the best places to visit, the best time to go, and the easiest ways to travel between the islands. You will also find suggested itineraries for 4 to 7 days and practical tips for avoiding crowds.
Malta is the largest and most built-up island. It is the main hub for flights, buses, and boat trips. Many first-time visitors stay in areas like Sliema or St. Julian’s because they are easy to reach and full of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Malta is known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. You can walk through ancient streets, visit grand harbours, and relax on sandy shores. Most visitors use Malta as their base and take day trips to Gozo and Comino.
Gozo is smaller and calmer than Malta. It feels more rural, with open countryside, rocky coasts, and small villages. Gozo is popular with people who want a slower pace and more nature. The island is known for rugged landscapes, scenic bays, and excellent diving spots. It is also famous for its red sand beach and its historic fortified city.
Comino is the smallest of the three islands and is mostly uninhabited. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery. The island is famous for its crystal-clear water and dramatic coastline.
Most visitors arrive on a boat trip to Comino, Malta, often as part of a wider Gozo and Comino tour. Because access is by boat only, Comino feels like a true getaway especially outside the busy summer months.
Valletta is often the first stop for new visitors. Despite its compact size, the capital is rich in history and full of character. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping into an open-air museum. One of the most memorable spots is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where sweeping views of the Grand Harbour reveal why this area has been strategically important for centuries.
Mdina is one of Malta’s most atmospheric places. Enclosed by old walls and built from honey-coloured stone, the city is calm and quiet, especially in the late afternoon.
Malta has a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coves. Golden Bay is one of the most popular sandy beaches and is easy to reach by public transport. For quieter swimming spots, smaller bays and coves along the coast offer clearer water and fewer people, especially outside peak summer months.
The Cittadella rises above Victoria, Gozo’s main town, and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. This fortified city has protected locals for centuries, and today it offers some of the best views in Malta.
Set against open countryside, Ta’ Pinu Basilica is known for its peaceful atmosphere. Whether or not you’re interested in religious sites, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.
Although the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, Dwejra Bay remains one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal areas. The cliffs, inland sea, and walking paths make it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and photographers.
Ramla Bay stands out for its reddish-gold sand and wide shoreline. It’s less crowded than many beaches on Malta and offers plenty of space to relax, swim, or enjoy a picnic.
The Blue Hole is one of Gozo’s most famous dive sites. Even non-divers often stop here to watch the waves crash against the rocks or enjoy the rugged scenery.
The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction on Comino, and its bright turquoise water looks almost unreal on a sunny day. Many visitors experience it on a Comino Blue Lagoon cruise, which allows time for swimming and snorkelling. Because of its popularity, the lagoon can become very crowded in summer. Visiting early in the morning or during spring and autumn offers a calmer experience.
Exploring Comino by boat allows access to sea caves and hidden bays that are difficult to reach on foot. Many travellers opt for Malta private boat tours to enjoy a more flexible route and quieter swimming stops. Local operators such as GOZOblu Private Boat Tours are known for focusing on scenic routes around Comino and Gozo, making it easier to experience these areas without rushing.
Located on Malta’s northern coast, Popeye Village is a colourful former film set that’s especially popular with families. It makes for a fun and light-hearted stop, particularly when travelling with children.
Diving Wrecks Like the Rozi: The waters around Malta and Gozo are home to several shipwrecks, including the Rozi wreck, which attracts divers and snorkellers interested in underwater history.
The best time to visit is spring or autumn. The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists. This makes it easier to enjoy the top sights and avoid long lines. Visiting in April or May is often the best choice because the sea is warm enough for swimming, but the crowds are not yet at their peak.
Summer is the busiest time. The beaches and the Blue Lagoon can get very crowded. You will need to book tours and ferries in advance. If you visit in summer, try to travel early in the day and avoid the hottest hours.
Winter is quiet and cheaper, but the weather is cooler. Some attractions may have shorter opening times. It can still be a good time to visit if you want a peaceful trip.
Malta’s islands are easy to navigate, rich in history, and full of natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring fortified cities, relaxing on red sand beaches, eating food or taking a scenic Gozo and Comino tour by boat, the islands offer something for every travel style.
Malta, Gozo, and Comino: A Quick Island Overview
Malta (The Main Island)
Malta is the largest and most built-up island. It is the main hub for flights, buses, and boat trips. Many first-time visitors stay in areas like Sliema or St. Julian’s because they are easy to reach and full of restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Malta is known for its rich history and beautiful beaches. You can walk through ancient streets, visit grand harbours, and relax on sandy shores. Most visitors use Malta as their base and take day trips to Gozo and Comino.
Gozo (The Quieter Island)
Gozo is smaller and calmer than Malta. It feels more rural, with open countryside, rocky coasts, and small villages. Gozo is popular with people who want a slower pace and more nature. The island is known for rugged landscapes, scenic bays, and excellent diving spots. It is also famous for its red sand beach and its historic fortified city.
Comino (The Tiny Island)
Comino is the smallest of the three islands and is mostly uninhabited. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery. The island is famous for its crystal-clear water and dramatic coastline.
Most visitors arrive on a boat trip to Comino, Malta, often as part of a wider Gozo and Comino tour. Because access is by boat only, Comino feels like a true getaway especially outside the busy summer months.
Top Attractions on Malta Island
Valletta: The Historic Capital
Valletta is often the first stop for new visitors. Despite its compact size, the capital is rich in history and full of character. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping into an open-air museum. One of the most memorable spots is the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where sweeping views of the Grand Harbour reveal why this area has been strategically important for centuries.
Mdina: The Silent City
Mdina is one of Malta’s most atmospheric places. Enclosed by old walls and built from honey-coloured stone, the city is calm and quiet, especially in the late afternoon.
Malta’s Beaches and Coastal Bays
Malta has a mix of sandy beaches and rocky coves. Golden Bay is one of the most popular sandy beaches and is easy to reach by public transport. For quieter swimming spots, smaller bays and coves along the coast offer clearer water and fewer people, especially outside peak summer months.
Top Attractions on Gozo
The Cittadella in Victoria
The Cittadella rises above Victoria, Gozo’s main town, and can be seen from almost anywhere on the island. This fortified city has protected locals for centuries, and today it offers some of the best views in Malta.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica
Set against open countryside, Ta’ Pinu Basilica is known for its peaceful atmosphere. Whether or not you’re interested in religious sites, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.
Dwejra Bay and the Azure Window Site
Although the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, Dwejra Bay remains one of Gozo’s most dramatic coastal areas. The cliffs, inland sea, and walking paths make it a rewarding stop for nature lovers and photographers.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay stands out for its reddish-gold sand and wide shoreline. It’s less crowded than many beaches on Malta and offers plenty of space to relax, swim, or enjoy a picnic.
The Blue Hole Dive Site
The Blue Hole is one of Gozo’s most famous dive sites. Even non-divers often stop here to watch the waves crash against the rocks or enjoy the rugged scenery.
Comino and Its Surroundings
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is the main attraction on Comino, and its bright turquoise water looks almost unreal on a sunny day. Many visitors experience it on a Comino Blue Lagoon cruise, which allows time for swimming and snorkelling. Because of its popularity, the lagoon can become very crowded in summer. Visiting early in the morning or during spring and autumn offers a calmer experience.
Sea Caves and Coastal Views by Boat
Exploring Comino by boat allows access to sea caves and hidden bays that are difficult to reach on foot. Many travellers opt for Malta private boat tours to enjoy a more flexible route and quieter swimming stops. Local operators such as GOZOblu Private Boat Tours are known for focusing on scenic routes around Comino and Gozo, making it easier to experience these areas without rushing.
Popeye Village and Film Set Fun
Located on Malta’s northern coast, Popeye Village is a colourful former film set that’s especially popular with families. It makes for a fun and light-hearted stop, particularly when travelling with children.
Diving Wrecks Like the Rozi: The waters around Malta and Gozo are home to several shipwrecks, including the Rozi wreck, which attracts divers and snorkellers interested in underwater history.
The Best Times to Visit Malta’s Islands
Spring and Autumn (Best for First Timers)
The best time to visit is spring or autumn. The weather is milder, and there are fewer tourists. This makes it easier to enjoy the top sights and avoid long lines. Visiting in April or May is often the best choice because the sea is warm enough for swimming, but the crowds are not yet at their peak.
Summer (Busy but Bright)
Summer is the busiest time. The beaches and the Blue Lagoon can get very crowded. You will need to book tours and ferries in advance. If you visit in summer, try to travel early in the day and avoid the hottest hours.
Winter (Quiet but Cooler)
Winter is quiet and cheaper, but the weather is cooler. Some attractions may have shorter opening times. It can still be a good time to visit if you want a peaceful trip.
Why Malta’s Islands Are Ideal for First-Time Visitors
Malta’s islands are easy to navigate, rich in history, and full of natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring fortified cities, relaxing on red sand beaches, eating food or taking a scenic Gozo and Comino tour by boat, the islands offer something for every travel style.
With thoughtful planning and the right timing, first-time visitors can enjoy both the highlights and the quieter corners of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, making it a destination that feels welcoming, varied, and rewarding! (Photo credit: Emmanuel Cassar)
