The Most Romantic Things to Do in Malta: A Guide for Couples
Last Updated: Jul 04, 2023
Reading Time: 11 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, but it has a lot to offer couples who are looking for a romantic getaway. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste and budget in Malta. In this article, we will show you some of the best things to do in Malta for a memorable and romantic trip with your partner.
Visit the historic and charming Mdina
Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr
Mdina is the former capital of Malta and one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe. It is also known as the Silent City, because of its peaceful and serene atmosphere. Mdina is a perfect place to stroll around with your loved one and discover its rich history and architecture.
Explore the narrow streets and mediaeval buildings
Mdina is surrounded by high walls and has only one main gate, which gives it a sense of exclusivity and mystery. Inside, you will find a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with mediaeval buildings, palaces, churches, and museums. You can admire the elegant facades, the ornate balconies, and the colourful doors and windows. Some of the highlights include the Palazzo Falson, the Cathedral Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Admire the stunning views from the bastions
One of the best things about Mdina is the panoramic views it offers from its bastions, which are fortified towers that overlook the surrounding countryside. You can see the green fields, the hills, the villages, and even the sea from different angles. The best time to enjoy these views is at sunset, when the sky turns into a painting of orange, pink, and purple hues.
Enjoy a romantic carriage ride or a candlelit dinner
If you want to make your visit to Mdina even more romantic, you can treat yourselves to a carriage ride around the city. You can sit back and relax as you listen to the sound of the horses’ hooves and the driver’s stories. Alternatively, you can opt for a candlelit dinner at one of the restaurants in Mdina, such as De Mondion, Medina, or Fontanella. You can savour some delicious Maltese cuisine and wine while enjoying the ambiance and the views.
Experience the beauty and culture of Valletta
The Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens | Image by Kristina Paukshtite from Pexels
Valletta is the current capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stunning city that combines the charm of the past with the vibrancy of the present. Valletta is full of attractions, activities, and events that will keep you and your partner entertained and amazed.
Marvel at the magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is one of the most impressive and important churches in Malta. It was built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century and it is a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture. The exterior is simple and austere, but the interior is lavish and ornate, with marble floors, gilded walls, painted ceilings, and exquisite paintings. The highlight is Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, which is displayed in the Oratory.
Relax at the Upper Barrakka Gardens and watch the Saluting Battery
The Upper Barrakka Gardens are a lovely spot to relax and enjoy some greenery and fresh air in Valletta. They are located on the highest point of the city walls, and they offer spectacular views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. You can sit on a bench, walk among the flowers and statues, or have a snack at the kiosk. You can also watch the Saluting Battery, which is a ceremonial firing of cannons that takes place every day at noon and 4 p.m.
Take a ferry ride to Sliema or the Three Cities
If you want to explore more of Malta’s coast and culture, you can take a ferry ride from Valletta to Sliema or the Three Cities. Sliema is a modern and lively town that has a lot of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can also enjoy a walk along the promenade or a swim at one of the rocky beaches. The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, which are three historic and picturesque towns that have a lot of character and charm. You can visit their fortifications, museums, churches, and marinas.
Have fun at Popeye Village
Popeye Village | Image by Callisto_Schmidt from Pixabay
Popeye Village is a unique and fun attraction that will make you feel like a kid again. It is the original film set of the 1980 musical Popeye, starring Robin Williams, and it has been converted into a small theme park. You can visit the colourful and quirky wooden houses, meet the characters, watch the shows, and join the activities.
Visit the colourful and quirky film set village
Popeye Village Malta is a sight to behold with its bright and cheerful houses, boats, and props. You can explore the village and see how it was used in the movie. You can also enter some of the houses, such as Popeye’s House, Olive’s House, Wimpy’s House, and Bluto’s House, and see the memorabilia and exhibits. You can also take photos with the characters, such as Popeye, Olive, Wimpy, and Bluto, who roam around the village.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Anchor Bay
Popeye Village Malta is located at Anchor Bay, which is a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters and stunning views. You can swim in the bay or sunbathe on the beach. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the bay from the water. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try the water trampoline, the water slide, or the water zorbing.
Enjoy the entertainment and activities at the fun park
Popeye Village Malta is not just a film set but also a fun park that has a lot of entertainment and activities for all ages. You can watch the Popeye film at the cinema, see the live animation shows at the theatre, play mini golf or giant chess, or join the treasure hunt. You can also enjoy some snacks and drinks at one of the restaurants or bars in the village.
Indulge in a spa day at a resort
The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
Malta has many resorts that offer a relaxing and romantic escape for couples. You can find them on different parts of the island, with views of the sea or the countryside. They have a range of facilities and services that will make you feel pampered and rejuvenated.
Pamper yourselves with a range of treatments and massages
Many resorts have a spa centre that offers a variety of treatments and massages for your body and mind. You can choose from facials, body wraps, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and more. You can also enjoy a couples massage, where you and your partner can relax together in a private room with aromatherapy and soothing music.
Relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, and sauna
Complementing the spa centre, many establishments have indoor and outdoor pools where you can swim, splash, or lounge. The outdoor pools have different depths and shapes, and some of them have waterfalls, fountains, and slides. The indoor pools are heated and have a jacuzzi and a sauna. Some have access to a private beach, which has sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports.
Dine at one of the restaurants or bars with sea views
Fine Dining | Image by LeonardKong on Wikimedia Commons
Finally, you can top off your day with a great meal or drink at the many restaurants and bars these resorts offer. Here you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks with sea views, or you can choose food from the buffet or from an à la carte menu. Some offer you the option to have a romantic dinner at a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bay.
Best resorts in Malta
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands : A luxury resort on Golden Bay with spa facilities, pools, restaurants, and bars
- Radisson Blu Resort, Malta St. Julian’s: A modern resort on St. Julian’s Bay with pools, a gym, restaurants, and bars
- Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay: A five-star hotel on St. George’s Bay with pools, a spa, a gym, and restaurants.
- The Westin Dragonara Resort: A elegant hotel on a private peninsula with pools, a spa, a casino, and restaurants.
- Ramla Bay Resort: A four-star resort on Ramla Bay with spa treatments, pools, beach access, and restaurants
Discover the natural wonders of Gozo
The Blue Hole | Image by Bex Walton on Flickr
Gozo is the second-largest island of Malta and a popular destination for nature lovers. It is quieter, greener, and more rural than the main island, and it has a lot of natural beauty, bays, and beaches to explore. You can easily reach Gozo by ferry from Cirkewwa in Malta or the fast ferry from Valletta and enjoy a day or more of adventure and relaxation.
Take a ferry ride to the island of Gozo
On the ferry ride from Malta to Gozo, which takes about 25 minutes from Cirkewwa and 45 minutes from Valletta, you can enjoy the views of the sea and the islands as you cross the Gozo Channel. You can also spot Comino Island and its Blue Lagoon on the way. The ferry arrives at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo, where you can find buses, taxis, or car rentals to get around the island.
Visit the Citadel, a fortified city with panoramic views
The Citadel is one of the most iconic landmarks in Gozo and a must-see attraction. It is a fortified city that dates back to mediaeval times, and it was the seat of power and protection for the island. You can walk along the walls and bastions and admire the panoramic views of Gozo. You can also visit the Cathedral, the museums, the old prison, and the narrow streets inside the Citadel.
Explore the Dwejra
Dwejra used to be the location of The Azure Window, one of Malta’s most famous landmarks, until it collapsed in 2017 due to a storm. However, you can still see its remains underwater, as well as other rock formations, caves, and marine life.
The area has a lot more to offer than just the remains of The Azure Window, like the Inlet Sea (a beach in a landlocked body of water), the Blue Hole (a sinkhole that is one of the most spectacular dives in Malta), and The Dwejra Tower.
Take a dip
Ramla Bay | Image by DXR on Wikimedia Commons
Gozo has some of the best beaches and bays in Malta, with different characteristics and atmospheres, so make sure you find the time to relax at beaches or bays such as Ramla Bay, Xlendi Bay, Mġarr Ix-xini, or Hondoq Bay.
Indulge in some wine tasting
Gozo has a long tradition of winemaking, and you can visit some of the wineries and vineyards for wine tasting and tours, like Tal-Massar or Ta’ Mena.
You get to taste different types of wines, such as red, white, rose, or sparkling, and pair them with some cheese, bread, or olives. You can also learn about the history and culture of winemaking in Gozo and the challenges faced by the local farmers.
Extend your stay for more than one day
Gozo is the perfect gateway for couples, and many choose to stay exclusively on the island. You can book yourself into one of the farmhouses or boutique hotels that offer cosy and charming accommodations with traditional architecture and modern amenities. You can enjoy the tranquilly and privacy of these properties and experience the lifestyle of the locals.
You can also find other accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to guesthouses and apartments. Some of the best places to stay in Gozo are farmhouses or boutique hotels, which are renovated old houses or villas with character and charm. They are located in rural areas or villages, away from crowds and noise. They have features such as fireplaces, pools, gardens, or terraces.
Enjoy a sunset cruise around Malta’s coast
Sunset Cruise in Malta | Image by Boris Kasimov on Flickr
One of the best ways to end your day in Malta is to enjoy a sunset cruise around its coast. You can admire the beauty of the islands from a different perspective, see the landmarks from the sea, and watch the sun set over the horizon. You can also have some fun and romance on board with music, drinks, and food.
Book a private or shared boat trip with a skipper.
You can choose from different options for your sunset cruise, depending on your budget and preferences. You can book a private boat trip with a skipper, where you can customise your itinerary and have more privacy and comfort. You can also join a shared boat trip with other passengers, where you can socialise and have more fun. You can find different types of boats, such as catamarans, sailboats, yachts, or gulets.
Conclusion
Malta is a wonderful destination for couples who want to have a romantic trip full of history, culture, nature, and adventure. There are so many things to do in Malta for couples that you will never get bored or run out of ideas. You can visit the historic and charming Mdina Old City, experience the beauty and culture of Valletta, have fun at Popeye Village Malta, indulge in a spa day at a resort, discover the natural wonders of Gozo, and enjoy a sunset cruise around Malta’s coast.
These are just some of the best things to do in Malta for couples, but there are many more to explore and enjoy. So book your trip to Malta today and get ready for an unforgettable romantic getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Malta?
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit Malta depends on your preferences and activities. Generally, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities, as the weather is pleasant and not too crowded. Summer (June-August) is perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, as the sea is warm and calm. Winter (December-February) is good for cultural events and festivals, as well as lower prices and fewer tourists.
What are some of the best restaurants in Malta for couples?
Malta has a rich culinary heritage, and some of the best restaurants in Malta for couples are De Mondion (A Michelin-starred restaurant in Mdina); Tarragon (A Mediterranean restaurant in St. Paul's Bay that specialises in seafood and pasta); Barracuda (A historic restaurant in Sliema that serves classic and contemporary dishes with sea views); and Ta' Frenc (A rustic restaurant in Xaghra, Gozo, that offers authentic Maltese cuisine with local ingredients).
Is Malta friendly to gay couples?
Malta is very gay-friendly to gay couples, as it offers them legal and social recognition, protection, and equality. Malta was the first country in Europe to legalise same-sex marriage in 2017, and it also allows same-sex couples to adopt children. Malta has a vibrant and diverse gay scene, with bars, clubs, hotels, and events catering to the LGBTIQ community. Malta is also a beautiful and cultural destination, with stunning beaches, historic sites, and natural wonders to explore with your partner.
