The Lesser-Known Treasures of Malta: 15 Hidden Gems to Discover

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 now find a replica of the bomb inside that church, dedicated to this miraculous event.

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

View from the sea of the Għajnsielem Parish Church (on the left) & the Xwejni Salt Pans (on the right)

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

In-Niffied Sea Caves & Ras Il-Wardija

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! 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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