The Mediterranean island of Malta boasts pristine beaches, historic cities, and a rich cultural heritage. While hotspots like Valletta and Gozo are packed with tourists, Malta has many hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Get off the beaten path to uncover ancient temples, secluded coves, and local hangouts. This travel guide will help you experience the real Malta.

1 Wander Mdina’s Back Streets

Valletta draws huge visitor numbers, but Malta’s other historic capital Mdina receives fewer tourists. Also known as the Silent City, Mdina sits on a hilltop in the center of the island. This atmospheric fortified medieval city has impossibly narrow shady streets lined with baroque architecture.

For a peaceful stroll, escape the handful of tourists on the main path. Take time to get lost among the quieter back alleys, weaving between golden limestone walls and visiting tiny chapels.

Stop for traditional food and Maltese wine on a patio tucked into ancient ramparts. Mdina really comes alive in the evening, with the streets lit by lamps. Wandering the city at dusk lets you experience the magic of Mdina away from the crowds.

2 Swim In Crystal Lagoon On Comino

Between Malta and Gozo lies the idyllic island of Comino, home to the famous Blue Lagoon – perhaps Malta’s most photographed spot. Yet just around the coast lies the equally gorgeous Crystal Lagoon, a hidden paradise unknown to most tourists.

With a base of white sand glowing beneath completely clear turquoise waters, Crystal Lagoon is an unspoiled oasis. While Blue Lagoon gets packed with day trippers in summer, you’ll often have the tranquil Crystal Lagoon to yourself.

Wade out from the rugged shoreline to find perfect swimming in deserted coves. For pure relaxation, pack a picnic and laze on the sand, with nothing but the sound of bird songs and the sea. The lack of crowds makes Crystal Lagoon a heavenly escape.

And best of all, it’s easy to get to. Here’s how you take one of the ferries to Comino Island, Malta.

3 Dine at Furjana

Rabbit stew

Furjana is a traditional family-run Maltese restaurant tucked away in the ancient city of Rabat. For an authentic local feast, check out their €10 buffet dinner.

With a rotating daily menu, it’s the perfect way to try classics like rabbit stew, Bragioli beef olives, bigilla dip, and traditional fenek stewed rabbit. Round off your meal with traditional Maltese sweets like prinjolata and kannoli.

The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, often filled with several generations dining together. While tourist-oriented restaurants often have higher prices, Furjana offers exceptional value for money.

Embrace the lively chaos and chat with the friendly owners. Soak up the character of this hidden gem eatery favored by locals in the know.

4 Relax at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

Most visitors flocking to Golden Bay are unaware of the even more gorgeous Għajn Tuffieħa Bay next door. This stretch of sand is one of Malta’s finest beaches, with soft golden sand and inviting shallow turquoise waters. Due to the surrounding high cliffs, the bay remains secluded despite its beauty.

Arrive early to secure a spot, as the beach gets busy on summer weekends. Pack a picnic and settle in for a relaxing day on the shore. The bay’s sheltered waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

For an even more secluded experience, wander to the quieter northern end. Watch the sunset over the sea before hiking up the steep steps cut into the cliffs.

5 Go Cafe-Hopping in Cospicua

The once-grand dockyard area of Cospicua saw repairs for massive ships until Malta’s shipyards closed in the 1990s. Now regeneration is transforming the district into a hip up-and-coming spot, with bars, cafés, galleries, and cultural centers springing up.

Check out Worker’s Kitchen, serving Italian lunches in a former Navy workshop. Grab an affogato – espresso poured over gelato – at The Bird Cage on the restored dockside. Try the graded sherries at Rampini’s wine bar in an ex-sail loft. Between stops, admire the handsome dock buildings and grand Baroque 5-storey houses.

Soak up the atmosphere of this re-energized zone. Chat with local entrepreneurs and artists bringing innovation to historic Cospicua. Cafe culture is at the heart of Maltese social life – sip a craft beer and see the Valletta you haven’t discovered yet.

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6 Swim in Għar Lapsi

Nestled between towering limestone cliffs, Għar Lapsi is a picturesque rocky bay on Malta’s southern coast. Its name means “Cave of the Ascension” in Maltese. Calm, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal swimming spot.

The area has a rugged natural beauty, with sea arches and caverns to discover while snorkeling. Bring a mask and explore the diverse marine life, from vivid fish to sea urchins.

While Għar Lapsi draws tourists in summer, it remains largely undiscovered. Arrive early to claim a spot on the rocks along the shoreline. There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks for the day. The serene setting makes Għar Lapsi a favorite with locals seeking an escape from the bustle of Maltese towns.

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7 Tour The Malta Aviation Museum

Situated on the site of Malta’s former RAF base, this fascinating museum details the island’s rich aviation history. The small yet perfectly formed collection displays aircraft that served in Malta, a strategic Allied airbase during WWII.

Marvel at WWII Spitfire and Hurricane fighters, 1940s training planes, and Cold War jets. You can even climb inside certain aircraft from a pilot’s perspective! Friendly volunteer guides provide first-hand stories and context.

Other highlights include artifacts, vintage uniforms, and rescue equipment – illuminating Malta’s central wartime role. Alongside celebration, the museum respectfully tackles the human cost of conflict.

8 Take A Boat Trip To The Blue Grotto

The scenic Blue Grotto sea caverns on Malta’s southern coast are a stunning natural attraction. Formed by sea erosion of the limestone cliffs, the grotto’s crystal waters shine an iridescent blue from sunlight refracting through underwater caves.

Small wooden boats ferry visitors in to explore the caverns and tunnels where the azure colors dazzle your eyes. Inside the grottoes, you’ll hear echoes of traditional Dgħajsa boatmen singing folk songs that resonate pleasingly off the rock walls.

As well as the dazzling blue hues keep watch for divers plunging from the rocks overhead. The adventurous can even book a snorkeling tour to discover more of the caverns’ underwater beauty.

Don’t leave Malta without making the boat trip to soak up the scenery of the magical Blue Grotto.

9 Hike to Qawra Tower

Qawra Tower is a small 16th-century coastal watch post with big views. Located at the tip of the Qawra Peninsula in St Paul’s Bay, it stands on cliffs overlooking the sea. The 30-minute walk from Bugibba through Salini National Park’s salt marshes and garigue scrub makes a peaceful outing.

Start at the bronze Zonqor statue to follow tracks across the headland. The route offers beautiful views over St Paul’s Bay – keep an eye out for birdlife including herons and kingfishers among the reeds. At the tower, take time to admire the far-reaching vistas across the Mediterranean. With few tourists, you’ll likely have this scenic spot all to yourself.

Afterward, reward yourself with seafood and local wine at Qawra’s waterside restaurants. Watch the sunset behind historic St Paul’s Islands – the endpoint of the apostle Paul’s fateful journey to Malta.

10 Go Night Bowling at Eden Super Bowl

When evening falls, Central spots like Paceville turn noisy. For a fun and affordable night out in Malta, try ten-pin bowling at Eden Super Bowl. Neon-bright bowling alleys coupled with booming music from the 2000s hits make for an electrifyingly retro experience.

With flashing arcade games, billiards, and food, it provides hours of entertainment. Bowling is hugely popular with Maltese youth and families, so book ahead on weekends. At under €5 per person per game, plus shoe hire, it’s great value.

Get your friends together and embrace the chaos of this beloved local hangout. End the night sipping cocktails on the terrace under the stars.

11 Explore Malta’s Maritime History At The Red Tower

On the quiet headland of Marfa Ridge stands the 17th-century Saint Anthony’s Battery, locally known as the Red Tower. This fortified lookout post guarded the approaches to Valletta and Grand Harbour, keeping watch for invading forces.

Today the imposing sandstone tower houses a museum exploring Malta’s maritime history. Displays of cannons, uniforms, artifacts, and reconstructions bring to life Malta’s coastal defenses through the centuries.

Climb the steps to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views over Mellieħa Bay. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, the Red Tower lets you contemplate Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean while avoiding the crowds.

12 Go Fishing in St. Paul’s Bay

The fishing village of St Paul’s Bay retains its authentic maritime atmosphere despite surrounding large-scale resorts. For a peaceful morning, join the local fishermen angling from the slipway and waterfront rocks. Chat with them while you try your luck catching sea bream, bass, and snapper.

The bay provides abundant fishing, with many enthusiasts returning daily with their rods. Pick up snacks, fruit, and water from the village grocery stores to fuel your efforts.

Afterward, enjoy fresh-off-the-boat fish at one of the excellent restaurants around the bay. Tables spill out onto the promenade, with a bustling yet relaxed vibe at family-run spots Ciao Baby and Ir-Rokna tat-Twilqa.

13 Revisit Popeye’s Village From The Movie

Nestled in Mellieha Bay lies the colorful village set built for the 1980 musical film Popeye starring Robin Williams. Today Popeye Village provides a quirky attraction where kids and adults can embrace their inner child.

Wander the wooden boardwalk lined with Nineteenth century-style buildings vividly painted in bright colors. See Popeye’s iconic forearm tattoo come to life as you stick your limbs through the wall of his house!

Try not to wince watching Bluto receive his comeuppance on the movie set. Enjoy swimming at the Blue Lagoon overlooked by the set. With museum displays and boat trips, this “hidden village” makes for an entertaining day out for families.

14 Explore The Malta Postal Museum

Tucked away in quaint Victorian buildings, the Malta Postal Museum contains a treasure trove of philatelic artifacts. Wander through the 16th-century courtyard and vaulted halls as you navigate the global history of mail, stretching back millennia. Marvel at rare early stamps and postal antiques from Malta and beyond.

Don’t miss the Maltese telegraph section – the island played a pivotal role in linking British colonies across the world. Climb the spiral staircase to explore postal uniforms and memorabilia from generations of Maltese posties.

This charming museum provides an in-depth look into worldwide communication history away from the tourist crowds. Combine with Valletta’s main sights for a day of culture and discovery.

15 Visit The Church of St. Mary

The quiet town of Attard lies just outside Mdina, well off the standard tourist map. At its heart stands the ornate Church of St Mary, rebuilt in 1613 after Turkish raiders torched the medieval original. The lavish Baroque interior exemplifies the golden age of Maltese church art and architecture.

Marvel at the vivid frescoes by famed Maltese artist Amadeo Perugino, depicting biblical scenes and saints. Don’t miss the intricately carved marble tombs of Maltese aristocracy lining the side chapels. The ornate gilded pulpit features tiny 3D cannonball details, symbols of the Great Siege of Malta. Wander the church in meditative silence, taking in masterpieces from Malta’s artistic heritage.

16 Go Snorkeling at Qawra Point

Swim out to the underwater statue of Jesus at Qawra Point for spectacular snorkeling just footsteps from the tourist zone. Accessible directly from the rocky shore, the 8m deep marine site offers rich marine life.

Check out sea breams patrolling amid groups of sea bream. Watch rockfish emerge from crevices in the submerged rocks. Carefully peer beneath overhangs to spot octopuses tucked away in their dens.

The striking Christ of the Deep sculpture acts as an artificial reef, attracting fish and crustaceans. Don a mask and explore this mini eco-system drawing snorkelers away from busier swimming spots.

Arrive early during peak season to avoid crowds. With parking nearby, Qawra Point makes for an easy snorkeling escape.

Final thoughts: Malta Hidden Gems

Beyond the happy hordes flocking to Malta’s famous sights, a wealth of hidden gems awaits discovery. From secluded swimming spots to prehistoric oddities, Malta offers much more for curious travelers willing to venture off the tourist trail.

Follow the suggestions in this guide to sacred caves, rugged hikes, local hangouts, and more. Prepare to be enchanted by Malta’s many faces as you uncover the island’s diverse beauty away from the crowds.

Let your sense of adventure connect you to this sun-soaked Mediterranean jewel. The real Malta is waiting to be explored.

Malta Hidden Gems FAQs:

Where are the best hidden beaches in Malta?

Try the gorgeous golden sands of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, or for total seclusion head to Crystal Lagoon on Comino, a secret paradise island between Malta and Gozo.

What are the top hidden gems for history buffs?

Don’t miss the mysterious ancient Cart Ruts at Clapham Junction, as well as Malta’s excellent niche museums like the aviation museum and postal museum in Valletta.

Where can I find traditional Maltese food away from tourist traps?

Head to local favorites like Crystal Palace Cafe in Mdina or Furjana restaurant in Rabat for authentic Maltese dishes at reasonable prices.

Are there any hidden natural sights worth visiting?

The scenic Blue Grotto sea caverns on Malta’s southern coast are stunning and accessible by small boat. For seabird spotting, take a trip to the tiny islet of Filfla.

What are the best hidden spots in Malta for nightlife?

Join locals bowling at Eden Super Bowl or sip craft beer in one of the trendy new spots springing up in historic docklands Cospicua.

Where can I escape the crowds in Malta?

Attard, Lunzjata Valley, Marfa Ridge, Salini National Park and many of the small fishing villages offer peaceful hidden corners away from tourists.

How do I get to Malta’s hidden gems using public transport?

Buses connect well with main tourist spots like Mdina and Valletta. From there destinations like Mtaħleb, Għar Lapsi and Marsaxlokk are accessible for those willing to hike or take local buses.

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About the Author

Billy Read is a deaf travel blogger from Birmingham, UK. Through his blog BRB Gone Somewhere Epic, Billy dismantles the myth that travel is too expensive, and that you can still enjoy hidden gems even in the most popular tourist destinations.