On Malta, history breathes from every corner. The island is soaked with it even deep under the ground and I believe one can never be done exploring it. In addition to this, surprisingly enough, there are also beautiful spots with hidden little beaches, and since the island is mostly stone, the sea is crystal clear.
La Valetta
The capital is easily worth a few days of visit. The historical strategic importance of La Valetta and its port can be very well understood from the Lower Barrakka Gardens, overseeing the narrow entrance to the well protected port. Fort San Elmo provides an exhausting excursion into the history of Malta, commencing in prehistoric era, through medieval age and greatly explained history and influence of the Knights of Malta, the strategic importance of the island throughout the history and mainly during both World Wars. The museum is made in a very interesting and interactive way and it easily takes the whole day to explore it all.
It is also worth purchasing tickets for a cultural event in Teatro Manoel, one of the oldest and one of three current theaters of Malta, with beautiful inner architecture and good quality performances. And when it is over, walk around the adjacent streets and have diner and a few drinks in the many nice bistros and bars.
Hypogeum
Undiscutably the most important historical monument, the Hypogeum lies under curent streets and houses, and the entrance is very easily missed. It is a UNESCO site and probably one of the oldest complexes in the world, estimated to be around 5000 years old. It is even older than Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids. As such, it only allows a very limited number of visitors a day and the tickets should be purchased weeks in advance, even. Once inside, it is amazing how such a structure is still standing, with so many details. It is definitely one of the experiences of a lifetime and a must do for everyone visiting Malta.
Mdina and Rabat
Rabat, a very old and historic town itself, is only the suburb of Mdina, an even older town of high importance in history. Mdina used to be the capital of Malta and as such it hosts a magnificient old cathedral. This is actually Malta´s oldest and main cathedral, and the one in Valetta is „only“ a so called co-cathedral. The museum of the cathedral contains a lot of interesting stuff, mainly a collection of engravings by Durer. A lot of tourists visit during the day, but once the buses leave, it has a special charm to wander through the stone streets of Mdina and inhale its specific atmosphere.
Swimming on Malta
As I mentioned at the beggining, there are some beautiful hidden spots for swimming. We discovered one just for ourselves in Marsaskala, and another beautiful spot is in Ghar Lapsi.
Marsaxlokk
If you have enough time, be sure to visit this picturesque town in the south east of the island. Take a walk on the promenade and get amazed by the colourful typical maltese fishing boats, one more beautiful than the other. Sit down, get a glass of something good, and just observe. When you get hungry, head to one of the local fish restaurant for the catch of the day. We tried Terrone and it was one of the best fish we have ever eaten. On Sundays, there is a popular market, more info about that here (in Czech).
