DK Travel : Malta & Gozo : Places of interest

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Anchor Bay

This pretty little cove next to the touristy Popeye Village somehow gets overlooked by the crowds. The sandy beach is little larger than a handkerchief, but it’s a good spot for a picnic.
Auberges of the Langues

Each of the eight langues – literally “tongues”, national branches of the Order of St John – had its own inn, or auberge, in newly built 16th-century Valletta. They were grand lodging houses for the Knights, and monuments to their wealth and prestige. Most of the few surviving auberges are now government offices and are not open to the public, but their graceful Baroque façades epitomize Valletta’s regal allure. The most lavish is the Auberge de Castille et Leon (on Misraħ Kastilja), now the office of the Maltese president. The former Auberge de Provence houses the National Museum of Archaeology. Look out too for the Auberge d’Italie, on Triq Il-Merkanti, and the discreet Auberge d’Aragon, opposite St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.
Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq (White Rocks)

It’s difficult to understand why this small bay remains so popular with local Maltese families, since it’s very close to the main road and there’s no sandy beach. Since the establishment here of two – for Malta, at least – sizeable family attractions, Mediterraneo Marine Park and the Splash & Fun Park , it’s even more hectic, especially at weekends and in summer. It’s served by ice-cream and snack vans in summer, and there are cafés in both of the fun parks.
Bir Miftuh Chapel, Gudja

This graceful 15th-century church dedicated to St Mary of the Open Well now stands too close for comfort to the runways of Malta’s international airport. Inside are the faded remnants of 17th-century murals.
Blue Grotto, Wied Iż-Żurrieq

At the tiny cove of Wied Iż-Żurrieq, a straggle of café-bars and tourist shops have sprung up to cater for the streams of visitors on their way to see the fabled Blue Grotto. Walk along the cliff path or take a boat ride into the massive cave.
Blue Grotto, Wied iż-Żurrieq

This huge natural arch in the cliffs near the tiny village of Wied iż-Żurrieq gets its name from the unearthly blue which seems to flicker beneath the waters, evo-king thoughts of the mermaids who were believed to live here. A boat trip takes in this and six other caves along the same stretch of coast.
Blue Lagoon, Comino

The main draw on Comino is the magical Blue Lagoon, the focus of innumerable daily boat cruises. Those staying on the island can enjoy it without the hordes of day-trippers.
Blue Lagoon, Comino

The dazzling turquoise waters and remote island setting make this the most celebrated beauty spot in all Malta. Although there is no beach as such, the flat rocks around the lagoon fill up in summer with sun-worshippers and families enjoying the shallow, child-friendly waters. The Blue Lagoon is also a great spot for diving and snorkelling, but it’s quietest early or late.
Blue Lagoon, Comino

The beautiful Blue Lagoon is formed by a narrow channel which cuts between the small island of Comino and minute Cominetto. The azure waters are shallow and inviting, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Go out of season if you can, because the Lagoon’s languid charms are shattered in summer by the crowds and the motor boats.
Buġibba and Qawra

Big, brash Buġibba and its marginally quieter neighbour Qawra are two of the islands’ largest resorts. Both are geared essentially towards the package tourism market; in summer, most of the hotels are block-booked by tour operators. Buġibba has the greatest concentration of nightlife, so you might get a better night’s sleep in Qawra. Both offer lidos, boat trips and watersports. It can be hard to get around without your own transport, but you can take excursions if you don’t want to hire a car.