Malta is home to many natural and architectural wonders. Very often though, the best places are hidden and you have to go off the beaten path to find them. Fear not, I made a list of all of the hidden gems in Malta just for you! If you want a more detailed itinerary you can read my Malta Travel Guide. Also, if you are looking for Instagrammable spots in the country, check out my article about the Top 10 Most Instagrammable Spots in Malta.
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1 • Rotunda of Mosta
The Rotunda of Mosta or Mosta Dome is the name given to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady located in the city of Mosta in the Northern Region of Malta. The design of the church is based on the Pantheon in Rome! What is interesting about the Rotunda is that it was almost destroyed during World War II. On April 9, 1942, a German bomb pierced the dome of the church but never exploded, while two other bombs bounced off the dome and landed in the square without exploding either. This event became known as a miracle by Maltese people because more than 300 people were awaiting evening mass when it happened. You can
Rotunda of Mosta and the bomb replica inside the church
2 • L-Imdina’s Neo-Gothic House
This Neo-Gothic building, designed by Maltese architect Andrea Vassallo, is located in the main square of the city of L-Imdina, near the cathedral. This eclectic architect also created the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu on Gozo which one of the other hidden gems in Malta you can check out!
L-Imdina’s Neo-Gothic House
3 • Għajnsielem Parish Church
The Old Parish Church is located at the heart of the village of Għajnsielem (which means “Peaceful Spring”). Għajnsielem is the first Gozitan village you see when arriving in Gozo by the sea from Malta. The view from the boat is absolutely magical! Even if the church’s creation started in 1924, it wasn’t finished until the mid-1970s because a lot of accidents happened and a few architects were needed to build the church.
4 • Xwejni Salt Pans
On the north coast of Gozo, near Marsalforn, you can find the Xwejni Salt Pans. Those squared, rock-cut salt pans stretch about 3 km along the coast create this wonderful hidden gem in Malta. Already there during the Phoenician and Roman times, they are actually still in use today! Scraping the crystals of salt is a tradition that has been passed down for many generations. An activity you can even witness if you come during the summertime. Oh and as a bonus; the sea in a backdrop makes for a gorgeous view!
View from the sea of the Għajnsielem Parish Church (on the left) & the Xwejni Salt Pans (on the right)
To get the prettiest views over Gozo and Comino, I recommend you to do this super fun catamaran cruise!
5 • Mnajdra & Ħaġar Qim
Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim are megalithic temple complexes standing on a hilltop overlooking the sea. The main temple was built between 3600 and 3200 BC! The surrounding stark and isolated landscape is a perfect backdrop for magical photos. This area in Malta is filled with hidden gems!
Ħaġar Qim and the view from there (you can see the Ras il-Ħamrija Natural Arch on the left)
6 • Ras il-Ħamrija Tower & Natural Arch
Right next to Ħaġar Qim, you can find the Ras il-Ħamrija Tower and Natural Arch. The Tower is the last tower on the southwest coast and used to be a watch post. Right below it, you can see a natural arch that reminded me of the azure window that collapsed a few years back. Definitely a gorgeous area and a hidden gem in Malta to check out!
Ras il-Ħamrija Tower (in the back) and the Natural Arch
7 • Wied l-Għasri
Wied l-Għasri, or the Ghasri Valley, is a cliff-bound secluded inlet located on the north coast of Gozo. There is a tiny pebble beach at the head of the inlet where the water is crystal clear. It is a great place to snorkel or have a relaxing swim. The view of the valley from the top of the cliffs is also stunning!
Wied l-Għasri
8 • Il-Qrendi Parish Church
The Il-Qrendi Parish Church or Church of the Assumption is another Roman Catholic parish church in the form of a Latin cross (like most in Malta) but I really loved it! It is in a very non-touristy location and a lovely place to takes photos in.
Il-Qrendi Parish Church
9 • Rotunda of Xewkija
The Rotunda of Xewkija officially called the Church of Saint John the Baptist is the largest church located in Gozo and was built in the 20th century. Fun fact: the Rotunda is built around a 17th-century church that was way too small for the town’s needs at the time. Now, the new church can welcome three times the village’s population! The old smaller church was dismantled and its sculptures were put in what is now the Sculpture Museum. In this museum, you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
Rotunda of Xewkija
10 • In-Niffied Sea Caves
In-Niffied sea caves are located on the Qrendi coastline, not far from Ħaġar Qim. One of the cave has the gorgeous opening on the sea that you can see in the photo below which is one of the most photogenic things you’ll ever see in Malta! The area is suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking.
11 • Ras Il-Wardija
Another hidden gem along the Dwejra coast is a man-made cave located in the limits of San Lawrenz. It used to be a Punic-Roman sanctuary, created in the third century BC then was used as a Christian temple throughout the Roman period. Now, the area is located on private property so you might need to ask for permission if you want to explore the area.
In-Niffied Sea Caves & Ras Il-Wardija
You can’t go to Malta without doing some snorkeling! The crystal-clear waters of Comino are the best for this.
12 • Il-Ħofra L-Kbira
Il-Ħofra L-Kbira is a hidden creek on the southeast coast of Malta not far from St Peter’s Pool. It is totally hidden and unspoiled bay, far from the main roads. Since it is pretty far from amenities, you should prepare accordingly and bring water, food, sunscreen, and good walking shoes to get there!
13 • Coral Lagoon in Il-Mellieħa
The Coral Lagoon is a hidden cave located in Il-Mellieħa, next to the Little Armier Bay. It is a very popular diver’s spot due to its crystal clear waters. From Little Armier Bay, you can get there by kayak or by foot and swim in this unusual, true beauty of nature! You can also do a cool paddle tour in Mellieha Bay. A lot of people are jumping off the top of the cave but be careful because the rocks surrounding lagoon are pretty harsh and might cut you. It is better to walk around with sneakers or water shoes. Definitely a true hidden gem in Malta!
Coral Lagoon
14 • Victoria Lines
Known as the Great Wall of Malta, this 12-kilometer fortification divided the North and the South of the island. Built by the British military, it used to be a protection against enemies invading from the North. You can go for a very cool walk along the fortifications and across the whole island of Malta. It is one of the most spectacular and peaceful walking paths in the country!
15 • Dwejra Inland Sea
Located on the island of Gozo, the Dwejra Inland Sea is a lagoon of seawater linked to the Mediterranean Sea. Close by, once stood the famous Azure Window which collapsed in 2017. Several boathouses with different picturesque colored doors can be found along the shoreline.
I hope this article was helpful to you! Have you been to this wonderful country? Do you have any hidden gems in Malta you’d like to share? Leave a comment below!
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