Things to Do in Alta
50 curated spots from Alta itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Views and nature gardens; golden hour sunset photography from less-crowded sides
1h · Free
Alta Ski Area
Continue enjoying varied terrain, perfect for skill progression, testing different runs, and maximizing vertical descent.
8h · $149-189/day lift ticket
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Lavish baroque cathedral with ornate interiors and Caravaggio paintings; short but impactful visit inside Valletta.[3]
1h · $15
Dingli Cliffs Coastal Walk
Short coastal hike along Malta’s highest cliffs with sea views, birdlife, and sunset potential; paths near the road make it accessible.[1][7]
2h · Free
Golden Bay Beach
Lounge on golden sands, light walk; fitness yoga optional.
2h · Free
Mdina Old City
Explore the Silent City’s narrow alleys, bastion viewpoints, and main piazza within the medieval walls.
2h · Free
Ramla Bay Beach
Red sand beach with volleyball pick-up games; photography from hill paths
2h · Free
Alta Children's Center Area Exploration
Family-friendly mountain area with varied terrain and scenic viewpoints. Explore gentle slopes and scenic areas suitable for relaxed afternoon activity.
2h · Free
Balluta Bay Beach & Promenade
Relax on the sandy beach, dip in calm waters, and walk the seafront for photography of cliffs, church, and bay; 10-min walk from ferry
2h · Free
Birgu (Vittoriosa) Waterfront Stroll
Walk the marina and narrow streets of Birgu, visiting Fort St. Angelo’s exterior and soaking up historic harbor ambiance.[2][5]
1h 30m · Free (fort interior extra)
Birgu Waterfront Sunset Stroll
Loop along the marina and bastions as the light softens, admiring boats and the Valletta skyline.
1h · Free
Blue Grotto Viewpoint & Boat Trip
Travel a short distance from Marsaxlokk to see dramatic cliffs and take a small boat tour into the sea caves if conditions allow.[2][4]
1h 30m · $10-15
Blue Lagoon & Comino Boat Trip
Take a boat from Ċirkewwa to Comino to swim, snorkel, and relax at the famous Blue Lagoon’s turquoise waters.[4][15]
3h · $25-40
Cecret Lake Trail
Non-demanding hiking trail through flowery alpine meadows leading to a hidden lake at 9,850 feet. Scenic, accessible mountain experience with stunning views. Approximately 3-mile round trip.
3h · Free
Citadel of Victoria
Walk the fortified hilltop complex, explore small museums, and take in panoramic views of Gozo’s countryside.[2][4]
1h 30m · $5-10
Comino Coastal Walk
Gentle walk on marked paths away from the crowds, with views of cliffs, sea caves, and birdlife.[4][15]
1h 30m · Free
Coral Lagoon Kayaking
Join a guided kayak tour from the northern coast to the Coral Lagoon sea cave, paddling across clear water with coastal views.[6]
2h · $35-55
Dingli Cliffs Short Hike
Walk a short section of the coastal path above the sea from near Dingli village, enjoying dramatic cliffs and open skies.[14]
1h 15m · Free
Dwejra Coastal Hike
Easy-moderate 4km cliff trail to inland sea; ferry from Valletta (30min bus+ferry)
2h · $5 ferry
Evening in Mgarr Harbour (Gozo)
Arrive a bit early for your ferry and stroll the harbor, watching boats and coastal views at dusk.
1h · Free
Ferry to Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Catch the harbor ferry from Valletta to Birgu for scenic Grand Harbour views and an easy transfer to the Three Cities.
30m · $3-5
Grizzly Gulch Hike-Photo
Snowshoe trails for abstract winter minimalism; golden hour (~4PM) ridge shots
2h · $100/rental
Harbour Wellness Spa
Couples' massage and meditation session (book midway trip).
1h 30m · $150/couple
Majjistral Nature Park Hike
Hike 2-3km coastal trails to hidden coves; medium fitness, wear sturdy shoes
2h · Free
Marsaxlokk Harbour & Market
Walk along the bay with traditional luzzu fishing boats and browse stalls selling local goods, especially on Sundays.[8]
1h 30m · Free (excluding purchases)
Mdina Old City Exploration
Wander Mdina’s narrow lanes, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and enjoy quiet courtyards and viewpoints over the countryside.[1][7]
2h · $10 (cathedral & museum)
Mdina Old Town
Wander silent medieval city's honeyed stone alleys and bastions for photography; nature views from walls (20-min drive from Valletta).
2h · Free
Mdina Wine Tasting
Tasting of Maltese wines (Girgentina, Zebbug) at a cellar; photography of bastion sunsets.
1h 30m · $35/person
Mellieha Bay Beach
Relax on sandy beach, golden hour photography from dunes; join casual volleyball (sports event)
2h · Free
Mellieħa Bay Beach Swim & Relax
Unwind on one of Malta’s main sandy beaches, with shallow water, rentable sunbeds, and easy access to cafés.[4][11]
2h 30m · $10-20 (for sunbed/umbrella)Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Ta' Kris
Family-run traditional Maltese restaurant in Mellieha, 10 min from Salini Resort. Order: rabbit stew (coniglio), grilled fish (confirm no shellfish sauce), pasta with meat ragù, Maltese wine. Casual, authentic, locally loved. Accommodates dietary requests readily.
2h · $22–32 per person
Fontanella Tea Garden
Café on the ramparts known for cakes and salads; sit on the terrace for views over the island.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Koccio Valletta
Intimate wine bar with curated local and Mediterranean wines. Order: charcuterie board (meat-only, no shellfish), grilled octopus (if comfortable—confirm no cross-contamination) or substituted grilled fish, Maltese wine pairing. Dim lighting, modern setup, romantic ambiance.
2h · $35–48 per person
Nenu the Artisan Baker
Traditional Maltese bakery-restaurant in Valletta’s old town; try the ftira (Maltese pizza-style bread) and rabbit stew for a hearty local lunch.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person
Noni
Modern Maltese cuisine: grilled octopus alternatives like rabbit stew, fresh salads, pasta—all customizable shellfish-free.
1h 15m · $50-70 per person
Cafe Jubilee
Halal ftira sandwiches and coffee; veggie/egg options
45m · $8-12 per person
Caffe Cordina
Historic cafe on Republic Street; order pastizzi, a pastry and Maltese coffee to start the day.
1h · $8-15 per person
Legligin Wine Bar
Atmospheric cellar-style wine bar serving Maltese tasting menus; expect small plates of local specialties paired with regional wines.
2h · $35-50 per person
Munchies Mellieħa Bay
Beachfront café with hearty breakfasts and light Mediterranean dishes overlooking the sand.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Rubino Restaurant
Traditional Maltese spot with shellfish-free options like rabbit stew, lampuki (fish) grilled, or vegetarian pastizzi; accommodating staff.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
Under Grain
Artisan bakery-cafe: avocado toast, pastries, eggs—all shellfish-free.
45m · $20-30 per person
Alta Lodge Bistro
Cozy après with fondue and local microbrews; lively weekend crowd
1h 30m · $100-150 per person
Alta Lodge Dining Room
On-site fine dining with high-quality cuisine, mountain views, and evening service. Included breakfast buffet (cereal, donuts, pancakes, waffles, sausages, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries, beverages).
1h 30m · $40-80 dinner per person (breakfast included)
Alta Lodge Fine Dining
Evening fine dining with elevated mountain cuisine, excellent presentation, and wine pairings. Intimate atmosphere with mountain views.
2h · $65-130 per person
Alta Peruvian Lodge Casual Dining
On-site restaurant offering diverse menu with well-portioned quality meals. Family-friendly options with excellent service standards.
1h · $35-65 per person
Alta Peruvian Lodge Restaurant
On-site dining praised for top-notch amenities and well-prepared, properly-portioned meals. In-house expertise ensures quality dining within lodge property.
1h 30m · $45-85 per person
Alta's Rustler Lodge Casual Dining
On-site restaurant with family-friendly options and relaxed atmosphere. Quality cuisine in comfortable setting ideal for mid-trip meals.
1h 15m · $30-60 per person
Alta's Rustler Lodge Dining
On-site fine dining featuring diverse, well-portioned cuisine with emphasis on quality ingredients. Included breakfast with lodge stay provides satisfying morning meals.
1h 30m · $50-90 dinner per person (breakfast included)
Bridge Bar
Intimate spot on a stone bridge; share platters and drinks while listening to jazz and other live music on certain nights.
2h · $20-25 per person
Café Coffee Republic
Cozy cafe serving traditional Maltese coffee (with chicory, cloves, aniseed). Pair with a local pastry
45m · $3-4 per person