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Although Malta is very small, it is there are lots of things to do in Malta.

Mainly as it has a vast history. For instance, this history comes back from the remnants of its inhabitants going back to the Neolithic era.  

Visiting Malta gives you the unique opportunity to see and get a chance to experience the places because some of the biggest movie blockbusters and TV series were shot. 

This Mediterranean archipelago makes for a great place for lots of things to do in Malta.

Namely some spectacular scenes in some of the biggest movies.

Things to do in Malta: Famous Film sets in Malta

Here is a list of popular attractions and things to do in Malta while on holiday. 

Game of Thrones Locations:

San Anton Palace and Gardens, Malta

Although the palace existed since the time of the Knights of St. John, recent refinement made the area bigger.

Grand Master Antoine de Paule San Anton built the Garden.

In fact, it does a good job of reflecting the life of the Knights of St. John, as well as the Grand Master De Paule.

Today, the San Anton palace is the residence of the Maltese President.

The palace and the gardens in Balzan is a Red Keep Site in the popular series Game of Thrones. Including the number of stables and gardens.

Interestingly, they have a similar feel to the kingdom of Dorne in the show. Although, if you want to see the real location of Dorne, you’ll have to visit Seville.

Whether you’re into Game of Thrones or not, the peaceful gardens’ exotic flowers, and splendid fountains are a must-see, with. 

Historical Places

Fort Ricasoli, Kalkara, Malta

Negotiations between the French and Order of St. John settled in this fort.

In addition, the Order handed the Maltese Islands over to the French. Once the island had been surrounded, Napoleon landed at Fort Ricasoli. 

This is an amazing thing to do in Malta which has acted as protection for Malta during the second world war. The British equipped it with guns and protected the Grand Harbour.

The three hundred year old Fort Ricasoli, located on the east side of the Grand Harbour in Kalkara, played a role in two separate episodes as the Gate of the Gods of King’s Landing.

The first was in season 1 episode 3, called ‘Lord Snow’. This scene depicts the Starks’ arrival in King’s Landing. 

King’s Cate in King’s Landing is the name of the fort’s main entrance. During ‘The Wolf and the Lion’ in Season 1 episode 5 the fort featured.

This episode depicts Arya sneaking back through the King’s Gate into King’s Landing. Again, the fort’s main entrance is the King’s Gate. 

Apart from that, you can catch an impressive view of it from the Upper Barrakka Gardens in downtown Valletta. 

Truly an amazing thing to do in Malta.

Fort Manoel on Manoel Island, Malta

This is the famous place where the haunting scene all fans dread occurred. Few fans are unable to recall painfully, that defining moment in season 1 episode 9: ‘Baelor’. 

Standing in as the exterior of the Sept of Baelor, this is where Ned Stark lost his head in the first truly shocking and unexpected moment of the series.

Fort Manoel is an impressive military outpost built in the 18th century by The Order of Saint John, who had many different uses over the years. 

One main use was to grant protection to Malta’s coastline. 

In 1800, it was taken over by the British Military, and used as a hospital and as a Royal Navy base during WWII.

Another haunting aspect of this place is the local rumours and folklore surrounding it. 

It is believed to be haunted by a ghostly figure who is assumed to be Grand Master Vilhena. He appears to unsuspecting visitors wearing the full armour of the Order of St John. 

So, visit at your own risk. That, being said, this is a great things to do in Malta.

Mdina Gate, Malta

Framed by the iconic medieval/renaissance walls and with a history spanning around 4000 years,’The Silent City’ known as Mdina was the first capital of Malta. 

This is a stunning treasure trove in Malta which should definitely be on your list of things to do in Malta.

For any interesting history buffs out there, Mdina is one of Europe’s most well-preserved ancient cities. 

The commanding gates take you through the centuries.

It was here at the entrance where in Season 1, Episode 3 ‘Lord Snow’ occurred. 

Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel rode into King’s Landing to try to figure out what led to Bran’s fall.

During the series, King’s Landing is where King Robert died. And also where later Ned says goodbye to Catelyn.

This is a great thing to do in Malta, and it’s also the prime spot for Thrones fans for another reason. That is, its plazas remind fans of many familiar scenes.

For example, the courtyard outside Littlefinger’s brothel, where Ned Stark feels the pointy end of Jaime Lannister’s sword. 

St. Dominic’s Priory, Rabat 

This convent deserves attention because of its historical and religious background. In particular, in recent years it has attracted many pilgrims. 

These have come over from all around the world to visit a supposedly miraculous statue of the Holy Virgin, which is housed in the church.

This St. Dominic’s Priory in Rabat is a little known tourist attraction. It is, however, featured as the Red Keep Garden in Season 1, Episode 7, called ‘You win or you die’. 

This episode was titled in this way to stress the importance of these words said to Ned Stark by his enemy Cercei

This is a vital scene as it shows Ned confronting Cercei regarding the paternity of her three children.

That, is, he threatens to tell the uncompromising King Robert the truth that he is not the father of the children, but Jamie Lannister (Cercei’s brother) is.

What follows is the Infamous words of Cercei; ‘When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.’ 

This is pivotal to the rest of the story as it gives adequate foreshadowing as to the the grim fate of the beloved Ned Stark.

Fans can walk through this Convent’s gardens to see that this is one of these great things to do in Malta, and to get a better sense of what this scene was like.

Manikata, Malta

Manikata is a small village in the limits of Mellieħa, Malta. 

This is one of the more interesting things to do in Malta, as you can find some ruins that played the role of ‘the village of Lhazareen’.

Mirri Maz Duur lives in this village in the series.

In Season 1 finale – ‘Fire and Blood’ , the village is raided by the Dothraki.The Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen orders that the Lhazareen women – including Mirri Maz Duur – be handed over to her so she can protect them. 

Therfore, this is a vital part of the story as the witch deceives Daenerys into believing that she can prevent the death of her husband, and first love, Khal Drogo. 

This popular series is not the only reason why Mellieha is known.

It is a very prominent place in summer because of its vast number of stunning crystal clear beaches.

Mellieha Beaches

We are now going to discuss the popular beaches in Mellieha, Malta.

Ghajn Tuffieha Beach, Mellieha, Malta

This bay is located on the north-west coast of Malta, just behind the village of Manikata in Mellieha, Malta

What is different about Ghajn Tuffieha from beaches like Golden Bay is that the former is less accessible.

It is accessed through a steep flight of 200 stairs.

This fact means that this beach looks untouched, in contrast to the more popular beaches.

Ghajn Tuffieha is a stunning thing to do in Malta. It has one of the most magnificent views of the sunset  in Malta.

Armier and Little Armier Beach, Mellieha, Malta

Another one of those exceptional things to do in Malta is to visit the Armier beaches.

Armier is a bay located in the Northern part of the Island, making it a big touristic attraction.

It consists of two sandy beaches. Armier and Little Armier.

Interestingly, the sea surrounding these two bays is crystal clear, and resembles the sea at Blue Lagoon not far away.

Both these beaches are relatively popular due to the stunning views  of the neighboring islands of Comino and Gozo that one can get.

These beaches are not as well known as Ghajn Tuffieha or Golden bay, and are relatively quiet, with no passing traffic.

Ghadira Bay, Mellieha,

Ghadira Bay should certainly be on the top of your list of things to do in Malta

It is located in the North of the island, on the outskirts of the village of Mellieħa.

It is by far, Malta’s largest, and most popular beach. This is because of a number of different reasons.

Beside a number of cafes and restaurants Ghadira Bay can be found which is a family-friendly bay in a prime location.

With a gentle slope towards deeper waters, Mellieħa Bay is a great beach for swimming with the family.

Providing lots of relaxing things to do in Malta.

You can also find all kinds of things to do in Malta, especially in Mellieha.

There are a number of sport rentals here for sporting activities. These include banana rides, as well as pedaling boats.

In other words, this truly one of these awesome things to do in Malta.

Golden Bay, Mellieha, Malta

There are lots of things to do in Malta, especially in the north of the country.

Golden Bay is one of a list of things to do in Malta.

It is located next to Għajn Tuffieħa on the north-west coast of Malta, nearby the village of Manikata and known for its red sand and naturally formed dunes on its surrounding slopes.

Like Għajn Tuffieħa, Golden Bay is a sandy beach, but it tends to be more popular because it has a larger stretch of sand, is easier to access and has better facilities, including a few restaurants.

Especially in the evening when sunset admirers fire up their barbecues and enjoy a chilled out summer night at the beach.

Golden Bay is surrounded by stunning hills, hence, the stunning views.

On one side, there is a watchtower which dates back to the Knights of Malta, whilst on the other side there is a 5 star hotel.

Book a Room with Us

Above all, here at 1926 Hotel and Spa, we offer a calm and intimate ambiance with a dash of theatre. In addition, 1926 Hotel & Spa also boasts a lively lounge and a restaurant.  These are in very close proximity to all the vibrant areas and all those things to do in Malta mentioned above, so book a room.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malta provides lots of things to do in Malta, and a vast number of locations containing a plethora of rich and varied landscapes.

If you would like to read about more things to do on your holiday visit our website.