Malta Hidden Gems: 8 Cool Insider Spots for Your Vacation

Our Malta Insider Tips on a Map

Malta is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe and gets seriously busy during peak season. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few insider tips for you — places where things are a little more laid-back.

For a quick overview and better orientation, we’ve marked all our Malta hidden gems on a map.

Let’s dive into each of these off-the-beaten-path spots for your vacation in Malta.

Crystal Lagoon of Comino

The Crystal Lagoon on the west coast of Comino — Malta’s neighboring island — is the perfect alternative to the overcrowded Blue Lagoon.

Crystal-clear water, loads of fish, and stunning rock formations. A dream for anyone who loves snorkeling. And all without having to dodge crowds of people.

Admittedly, this lagoon isn’t much of a secret anymore. But far fewer people make their way here. You’ll mostly run into locals with their own small boats.

The best way to get there is with a pre-booked boat tour. It visits both lagoons and is one of the most popular activities in Malta. You need a boat to reach the lagoon — there’s no direct access from land.

And don’t worry! Just because you’re arriving on a tourist boat doesn’t mean the lagoon will be packed. All the other tourists want to go to the Blue Lagoon — so you’ll basically have this spot to yourself for snorkeling. Trust us. That’s exactly what we did.

Also read our experience report:

Valletta–Sliema Water Taxi

If you’re in the mood for something a little more authentic, you should definitely hop on one of the water taxis between Sliema and Valletta.

The Maltese water taxis are small wooden boats that carry you comfortably across the Grand Harbour from one side to the other in about five minutes. Authentic, relaxed, and honestly quite charming.

The fare is around 2 euros per person. There’s no ticket — you simply pay the ferryman directly in cash.

Since the boat runs even with just one or two passengers, it feels a bit like a private boat ride. That makes the water taxi a really great alternative to the large passenger ferry that runs between Sliema and Valletta.

One thing to keep in mind: you can’t call the water taxis on demand. You have to look out for one that’s docked in the harbor.

Our tip: Harbor tours on the little wooden boats are also offered for 8 euros per person.

D'Amato Records Valletta

D’Amato Records is our shopping pick in Malta — and apparently the oldest record store in the world! Seriously, right? You’d expect to find something like that in New York.

But here it is. On St. John’s Street in Valletta. And it’s been there since 1885.

The store is an absolute highlight for music lovers and is still run by the founding family to this day. You’ll find vinyl records, CDs, and band merchandise here — plus, almost as a bonus, a warm and personal atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

We could have spent hours at D’Amato Records and bought countless records. In the end, we walked out with just two — two records, that is! Not two hours, hehe.

Salt Pans on Gozo

Salt pans can be found along almost every coastline in Malta — some natural and some carved by hand into the rock. The most beautiful are the salt pans along the coast near Marsalforn, in the north of Gozo.

Here you’ll find a network of shallow, man-made basins cut into the limestone. Salt has been harvested this way since Roman times — and that’s still the case today. Some of the salt pans are still actively in use.

You’re free to walk through the area, and the network stretches over three kilometers along the sea. It’s a real feast for the eyes and offers seriously great photo opportunities.

Our tip: It’s especially beautiful here at sunset. The salt pans reflect the light and make for spectacular shots.

Hondoq ir-Rummien Beach on Gozo

Hondoq ir-Rummien is a cove that’s largely unknown among tourists, with a small beach, turquoise water, and a peaceful vibe.

You’ll find it in the southeast of Gozo, just a few kilometers from the port town of Mgarr — where ferries run to and from Malta. So getting there is easy.

You’ll mostly find locals here. During the off-season or in the evenings, Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay is often incredibly quiet and deserted.

It’s also one of the cleanest beaches in Malta — great for swimming and snorkeling, with parking and a kiosk nearby.

By the way, Hondoq ir-Rummien translates to “Pomegranate Bay,” named after the pomegranate trees that once grew there.

Fort Campbell in Mellieħa

Fort Campbell is a historic military installation in the north of Malta, near the town of Mellieħa — a great area for a place to stay in Malta. From the fort, you get a breathtaking panorama of St. Paul’s Bay and the open Mediterranean.

The complex was built by the British in 1937 during the interwar period. Today, Fort Campbell is largely a crumbling ruin with some really great photo spots.

Important: The complex is freely accessible, but exercise caution since it’s not secured. Admiring it from the outside: yes. Going inside the buildings: no.

Our tip: The fort is not an official tourist attraction, so make sure to bring snacks and water. There’s no shop here.

Parruccan Confectionery in Rabat

Here’s our top food find in Malta: the bakery Parruccan Confectionery in Rabat, with its display right on the street.

At Parruccan, traditional Maltese pastries are sold by the baker himself. Rustic, authentic, delicious, and genuinely affordable. Our favorites are the Maltese kannoli — fried pastry rolls with a cream filling.

Definitely stop by when you’re exploring the sights in Mdina and Rabat.

Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse in Sliema

We have one more great recommendation for you: Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse in Sliema. This is our restaurant pick among Malta’s secret spots.

You’ll find the restaurant on the small Manoel Island, connected by a bridge to Gżira near Sliema. You dine with a view of the harbor and have a really wide selection of dishes — with a particular focus on lots of fresh fish.

Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse won us over for several reasons. The portions are generously sized and the food is genuinely delicious. But above all, the prices are unbeatable. Two people here paid about what you’d pay for one person elsewhere in Europe — drinks included.

Also great: we got a table without a reservation and without any wait. If you’re eating dinner after 7 PM, though, you should book ahead. That’s when restaurants in Malta tend to fill up.

More culinary tips here: