Forget every brochure that tells you Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities are the only must-sees in Malta. If you want to experience Malta in its real essence, add a few more points to your to-visit list. Let’s have a look at some overlooked activities and things to see and do, when in Malta. And if you live on the islands and haven’t done any of these, consider this your weekend itinerary.
Visit the Temples
This might seem like an obvious suggestion but let us explain why it’s not your typical touristic activity. The prehistoric temples of Malta are some of the oldest free standing works of architecture. They precede the pyramids of Egypt by around a thousand years! Did you know Ħal Saflieni resonates at the “holy frequency”? What’s more, it’s exactly 111 Hz and possibly has healing properties. In my personal opinion, Ħaġar Qim is the crown jewel, due to its location; where you can almost close your eyes and imagine these different civilisations coming across these temples and standing in awe, like we do to this day.
Go For a Walk in L-Irdum l-Imdawwar and Fomm ir-Riħ
If you are looking for more archival things to do, Rabat is your best bet. The town is quite a hotspot for the historically inclined tourist due to the many things to see in the town, but few people think of wandering into the countryside of the locality. Located next to a village in Rabat called Baħrija is L-Irdum l-Imdawwar. There you can have a walk and experience some of Malta’s natural beauty, potentially even coming across some hidden pond with the Maltese freshwater crab, il-qabru.
And at the end of your walk you can reach one of the most beautiful secluded beaches in the country; Fomm ir-Riħ.
Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park
Also located on the South East of Malta, the recently opened Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park is a protected area that people can visit for a stroll and to enjoy the natural flora of the local islands, whilst walking on a typically overlooked side of the coast.
As you can imagine, this is just the perfect place to have some time away from the sometimes hectic street and town-life of the islands, and instead enjoy the spectacular views of this side of Marsaxlokk.
Visit Marsaxlokk’s Sunday Market
If you really want to understand the Mediterranean aspect of Maltese culture, you must experience Marsaxlokk’s Sunday market. Reminiscent of every local’s childhood, there is something about that market that simply translates the perception of the wondrous sea surrounding the islands.
The smell of fresh fish, the array of colorful boats, the sea-side air, the cacophony and harmony of the local vendors, and the weekend family strolls throughout the coastal market are elements that come together to form this perfect Maltese experience for any visitor.
Taste Maltese Bread
And finally, an essential. Although this could be tainted with complete bias, many Maltese travelers and visitors hold the opinion that they’ve never tasted bread better than the local Ħobża tal-Malti (Maltese bread). This could be for many reasons; nostalgia, the fact that it was most people’s first ever piece of bread, and also some sense of national pride.
All potential reasons why such an opinion is so common. Yet, there is something very particular about the local loaf you get from a bakery in Malta. The deceivingly crunchy crust and the unexpectedly pillow soft filling is just a combination that we personally would not miss!
