Things to do in Qala

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Popeye Village

Popeye Village was originally the shooting scene of Popeye's music movie in 1980. It was not dismantled after the filming was completed. With the popularity of Popeye, the original scene became a tourist hotspot in Malta. This colorful town is hidden in a bay with a mountain back, and the cabins of various colors instantly make people feel like they have crossed into a comic situation.

Anchor Bay

Anchor Bay is a small bay formed by a cliff, known for its clear water, unique coastal landforms, and brightly painted wooden buildings. Limestone cliffs rise and fall on both sides of the bay, and the shore is mainly rock and pebbles. The azure water contrasts with the surrounding natural environment, creating a tranquil and charming seaside view. The bay became widely known as the filming location for the movie "Popeye". In 1979, the film crew built a wooden village called Sweethaven in the bay, which was later preserved and developed into a distinctive tourist spot. The colorful houses, arranged along the bay, have become a recognizable view. Visitors can enjoy the sea from the shore, take photos, or try swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Underwater, the bay features reefs, caves, and abundant marine life, attracting many diving enthusiasts to explore. Whether admiring the coastal scenery or experiencing the unique atmosphere of a movie filming location, Anchor Bay offers a distinctive visiting experience.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoonis located in the strait between Comino and Cominotto. It is a protected shallow bay with a white sandy bottom and crystal-clear water, where the water color transitions from deep blue in the distance to a bright blue-green near the shore. The water here is shallow with high visibility, and the shadows of boats anchored in the bay are clearly visible on the seabed, making the boats look like they are floating on glass.Blue Lagoon's main activities revolve around the water. Visitors can swim and snorkel in the shallow areas, where the high underwater visibility allows for observing small fish and coral. It is one of the most photogenic natural attractions in Malta.

Comino

Comino is a tiny island nestled between Malta Island and Gozo, its name derived from the cumin that once flourished here. The entire island is designated as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Its landscape is defined by limestone coasts, low-lying shrubs, and sea caves nestled within cliffs. During the Middle Ages, these caves served as hideouts and bases for pirates, adding a touch of legend to the island. The Blue Lagoon, located between the island and the islet of Cominotto, is a well-known view here: the land on both sides encloses a sheltered, shallow bay where the white sandy bottom makes the seawater appear almost transparent, displaying a bright cyan-blue color. The bay is rich in marine life, making it perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. The well-preserved St. Mary's Tower on the island was built in 1618 under the direction of the Order of Malta. It features a square tower body with corner turrets and walls several meters thick. It was originally used to watch for pirate activity and even served as the Château d'If where the protagonist was imprisoned in the film "The Count of Monte Cristo"; the St. Mary's Chapel from the same period and the 18th-century St. Mary's Battery are also historical landmarks worth visiting while hiking around the island. Films such as "Troy" have also been filmed on the island.

Victoria

The capital of Gozo was renamed from Rabat in 1887 toVictoria, to mark the coronation of Queen Victoria. The city is built on a steep, conical hill, and the Citadel at the summit is a famous local attraction. A walk around it offers panoramic views of the entire island. The city has a rustic charm, with a network of paths, surrounding countryside, and houses built entirely from local stone.

Mdina Old City Fortress

Mdina Old City Fortress is situated on a plateau in the center of Malta Island. It served as the old capital from ancient times until the end of the Middle Ages, with a settlement history dating back nearly 3,000 years to the Phoenician era. Even the name "Mdina" is derived from the Arabic word for "city." Today, the city has only a few hundred permanent residents, and its Norman and Baroque mansions, churches, and walls largely maintain their original layout. St. Paul's Cathedral in the city center is the city's highlight: legend has it that the original site was the residence where the Roman governor received the shipwrecked Apostle Paul. The existing cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake under the direction of architect Lorenzo Gafà. The floor inside is inlaid with marble tombstones of Maltese nobles, and the large mural behind the main altar depicts the scene of Paul's shipwreck and arrival on the island. The facade also features two clocks side-by-side, one for the time and one for the date, and the adjacent museum houses Dürer's woodcut series "The Life of the Virgin." Standing on the viewing platform by the city walls, you can take in most of Malta Island. Visitors can also enjoy an authentic dining experience within the ancient buildings and soak in the unique historical atmosphere.

No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Malta

Ġgantija Archaeological Park

This is a temple built with huge stones, dating back to more than 3,000 BC, and is the oldest independent stone building in the world. The huge stones in the temple weigh 50 tons and the walls are 7 meters high, which is very spectacular.

Visit Blue Lagoon Malta

Visit Blue Lagoon Malta is a popular travel experience to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino, Malta. Visitors can typically reach the Blue Lagoon by sightseeing boat, speedboat, or ferry to swim, snorkel, kayak, or enjoy other water activities in the crystal-clear shallow waters, and get up close to the rich marine ecosystem and unique Mediterranean scenery. The surrounding area features rocky coasts, small bays, and trails, allowing visitors to walk to attractions such as St. Mary's Tower and St. Mary's Bay to overlook the panoramic view of the Blue Lagoon and capture magnificent scenery. In summer, it attracts many vacationers, with on-site dining, shade facilities, and boat services available to provide convenience for a day tour. The local area is continuously strengthening ecological protection and visitor management. With its dreamy water colors, rich leisure activities, and beautiful natural scenery, it has become a classic travel option for exploring the Maltese archipelago and experiencing the charm of Mediterranean islands.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu is located in the countryside near Għarb on the island of Gozo, Malta, and is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the region. The church originated from a small chapel and later became famous due to legends of Marian apparitions; the current grand basilica was built near the original site in the early 20th century. The entire church is built of light yellow stone, with a solemn and dignified exterior and a towering bell tower, making it particularly striking against the backdrop of the surrounding open fields. Due to its location in a relatively quiet rural area, it is also considered by many visitors to be an important place to experience the tranquil atmosphere of Gozo. Beyond its religious significance, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu also attracts attention for its exquisite architecture and artistic decorations. Inside the church, you can see religious artworks such as mosaics, sculptures, and paintings, and the walls still retain many votive offerings left by believers. Every year, pilgrims from Malta and abroad come to pray and visit, and it also attracts many visitors who make a special trip to admire the architecture and rural scenery. Compared to the busier tourist areas on the main island of Malta, the environment here is more peaceful and quiet, making it suitable for slowing down and experiencing the local culture and religious heritage.

No. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Malta

Malta National Aquarium