Malta

The largest of the "Three Villages" in central Malta, Attard is a charming town that has historically been well known for its many fragrant citrus orchards. Today, many of these orchards are on private property, but visitors still flock here to see the beautiful San Anton Gardens. There are plenty of picturesque spots in the gardens to enjoy a walk or a picnic, but visitors also come for the annual Shakespeare Festival and the occasional floral competitions. Despite the town's small size, other notable attractions include a 17th-century palace, the Ta´Qali Market, and the remains of a 16-km-long aqueduct.

Also known by the name Città Vittoriosa, Birgu is the oldest of Eastern Malta's three fortified cities. It's located right in the Grand Harbor, and because of this has a rich maritime and military history. The city is surrounded by fortified walls, but can be entered through three different gates. Historical attractions here include the Notre Dame Gate, Fort St. Angelo, and the Inquisitor's Palace, which was the seat of the Inquisition on the island for more than 200 years. There are also several worthwhile museums, including the Malta Maritime Museum and the Malta at War Museum.

Only 8 miles away from the Maltese capital, Birzebbuga is a popular seaside resort town. Many visitors come here for the sandy beach of Pretty Bay, which offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and other tourist amenities, but the rocky beach of St. George’s Bay is popular with snorkelers, sailors, and fishermen. However, there's more to the town than the beaches; Birzebbuga has a long and colorful history, and visitors can explore pieces of history such as the Farretti Coastal Battery, entrenchments from the 1500s, and archaeological sites that date back to the neolithic period and the Bronze Age.

Located on the northern coast of the island, Bugibba is a well-developed resort town that has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The town doesn't have as much history as some other places on the island, but there are plenty of restaurants and hotels as well as a bustling nightlife scene, a casino, and companies offering SCUBA diving trips. Another popular activity in the town is visiting the promenade, which goes all the way from Salina Bay to St Paul’s Bay and offers beautiful views, excellent swimming, and entertainment options for all ages.

Another of the three fortified cities in Eastern Malta, Cospicua is located on the east side of the Grand Harbor and sometimes goes by the name of Bormla. Although now filled with excellent examples of traditional Maltese architecture, the city has been inhabited since neolithic times, and visitors can learn about its history in the Bir Mula Heritage Museum. For visitors interested in the city's more recent history, attractions include the fortifications that surround the city, known as the Cottonera Lines, and a 17th-century church that's well known for having somehow survived the destructive bombings of World War II.

A small farming community until the 1960s, Fgura is now an important commercial center with one of the largest population densities in the country. Despite being more of a residential town than a tourist destination, the area has its fair share of attractions and is an enjoyable place for visitors to spend a few days. The Reggie Miller Gardens and Patri Regent Gauci Gardens are both worth a visit, and anyone interested in architecture will enjoy the parish church, which is one of the most unique on the island as it was built in the shape of a tent.

Although it was originally meant to be a suburb of the capital city Valletta, Floriana quickly became a town in its own right. Located on the waterfront, it's known as the "Gate to Valletta" and is located within easy walking distance of the capital. The streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, many of which sell freshly caught fish dinners, but there's more to the town than its culinary scene. Highlights include the parish church, the Wignacourt Water Tower, and the beautiful Argotti Gardens, which have been a highlight of the city since they were created by knights during the 1700s.

Home to Malta's largest fishing harbor, Marsaxlokk is a small yet picturesque fishing village with just over 3,200 inhabitants. An open-air market can be found in the harbor, where the water is usually dotted with plenty of colorful boats known as luzzus. There are also four beautiful coves in the village, which offer excellent snorkeling and swimming. However, it's worth coming here for the food alone; the town boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in all of Malta. Freshly caught fish is also sold directly to the public at the Marsaxlokk Market, which takes place every Sunday morning.

The Maltese capital until the 16th century, Mdina is a walled medieval town with a population of less than 300 people. Set on top of a plateau, the town offers incredible views of the island and the Mediterranean. The streets are extremely pedestrian-friendly and very few cars are permitted to pass through the gates, which has led to the town sometimes being referred to as the "Silent City." Visitors can also admire the well-preserved Norman and baroque architecture, wander through the town's charming lamp-lit streets after dark, or visit the Cathedral Museum, one of the best religious museums in Europe.

Perched on a ridge overlooking both St Paul's Bay and Mellieha Bay, Mellieha is a resort town that has managed to retain an authentic, local feel. Many people are drawn here by the white sandy beaches, which are widely acknowledged as some of the best on the island, but there are more things to do here than swim and sunbathe. Plenty of walking trails wind through the surrounding countryside, leading to beautiful viewpoints and affording the opportunity to get a glimpse of some of the many colorful birds and protected species of animals that inhabit the area.