There’s a lot to see and do in Malta in February! Here are our recommendations.
If you've got seven days to make the most of the Maltese Islands, here's what to do!
Mondays: Take in The Malta Experience and explore Valletta
You may not start your visit on a Monday, but gaining a really thorough understanding of the Maltese Islands and their history means that you'll appreciate all that you see on your trip that much more. Discover 7,000 years of history with The Malta Experience's audio-visual show, available in 17 languages. This is located in Valletta, so afterwards it's worth spending the day exploring the spectacular 2018 cultural capital of Europe. There are a lot of cultural exhibitions on at the moment in celebration of Valletta 2018, as well as the highly anticipated carnival, which gets a second airing this weekend following last weekend's storms.
Tuesdays: Explore Mdina, The Silent City
Mdina (aka The Silent City) is a fortified city which served as Malta's capital up until the medieval period. Here, time has stood still, as the city has retained its medieval style and is still confined within its walls with a population of just under 300. The city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private homes. There are a lot of different things to do once inside the fortified walls; visit the spooky torturous dungeons, the National Museum of Natural History or the Knights of Malta, stop off at The Mdina Experience to gain a deeper understanding of the old capital's history, enjoy a piece of cake with a view at Fontanella Tea Garden, or simply take in the breathtaking view of Malta from the bastions.
Wednesdays: Catch the ferry to Gozo
Steeped in myth, Malta's sister island, Gozo, is thought to be the legendary Calypso’s isle of Homer’s Odyssey – a peaceful, mystical backwater. It's fun to catch the ferry across from Malta on foot or by car, and one crosses approximately every 45 minutes. With loads of natural sights and caves to the oldest temples in the world, expansive beaches, and a thriving nightlife, there's a lot to see and do on the 67 km² island. February is a great month to go, as it's a lot less crowded and the streets embody the sleepy charm that Gozo is renowned for.
Thursdays: Explore The Three Cities
The Three Cities offer an intriguing insight into authentic life in Malta and its history. Comprising Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, The Three Cities have been a home and fortress to almost all who have settled on the Islands throughout history. As the first home to the Knights of St John, The Three Cities' palaces, churches, forts and bastions are far older than Valletta's. Their harbour inlets have been in use since Phoenician times, now home to Malta's maritime gems. A great way to get to The Three Cities is via the ferry from Sliema, allowing for a great glimpse of the island from a seaward angle.
Fridays: Visit the Mosta Dome and catch a folklore dinner dance show
During World War II, the town of Mosta was prone to aerial bombardment, and in April of 1942, three bombs were dropped onto the church. Two of them deflected without exploding, yet one 500kg highly explosive bomb pierced the dome and entered the church, where a congregation of more than 300 people were awaiting early evening mass. The bomb did not explode, and a Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal unit defused it and dumped it into the sea off the west coast of Malta. This event was interpreted as a miracle by the Maltese, and a similar bomb is now displayed in the sacristy at the back of the church. The design of the Mosta Dome (aka The Parish Church of the Assumption) is based on the Pantheon in Rome, and is said to have the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world. After a visit to the church, catch a folklore dinner show at Ta' Marija Restaurant afterwards on Friday evenings throughout February. The show is presented over a four-course meal in a variety of languages, and features six dancers who lure the audience into a jovial story of Maltese history told through dance.
Saturdays: Get all archaeological
Malta and Gozo's temples are thought to be the oldest free-standing buildings known to man, so for those who get excited about tangible history, many of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are open to the public and well worth discovering. There are megalithic monuments, Bronze Age dolmens, Punic tombs, remains of Roman Villas and traces of prehistoric man, which cannot be explained, such as the mysterious 'cart tracks'. A good place to begin is at the Neolithic subterranean Hypogeum, a labyrinth of underground chambers probably used as both a burial site and a temple dating to the Saflieni phase in Maltese prehistory, located in Paola.
Sundays: Visit the Marsaxlokk Fish Market
The Marsaxlokk fish market is limited to Sundays from early in the morning until around 12:30pm, and is definitely worth visiting if you're in Malta for a weekend. Originally only a fresh fish and seafood market, it now also offers locally grown vegetables and other produce, souvenirs and clothes. For the locals, it's a time to socialise and meet for a long fish lunch at one of the numerous eateries along the picturesque fishing village bay - why not do the same?