Malta boasts numerous pre-historical archaeological sites. The tourist should keep in mind that these sites were excavated, leaving massive stone constructions. Their treasures are on display in the archaeological museums, while the sites themselves are basically various arrangements of stones. There is no need to visit all of the old temples, but to visit a temple and not the museum exhibiting its artifacts would be a shame.

Gozo

The Maltese visit Gozo to take a break. The pace is indeed slower on Gozo and tourists should also take their time. Access to the island is by car ferry or helicopter (an experience in itself).

Gozo has one of the country's top attractions (Xaghra). Besides Xaghra, visitors in Gozo should see the Citadel in Victoria (a.k.a. Rabat). The Citadel is situated on a hill that was first settled in Neolithic times. Much of the Citadel was built by the Knights of St. John, including its majestic cathedral, designed by Lorenzo Gafa, also the architect of the Mdina Cathedral. The citadel provides a 360 degree view of the island. Within the walls, one may visit the Armory, Gozo Archaeological Museum and Cathedral Museum.

Nearby St. George’s Church, built in 1678, features many artworks and a beautifully decorated interior.

Xaghra

This is one of Malta's top archaeological sites. Located in northern Gozo, it is home to the Ggantija Temples, built in 3,500 BC and in a remarkable state of preservation. The word Ggantija refers to the tremendous size of the stones used to build the temples. They are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. It was here that the snake relief-carving now on display in the Gozo Archeological Museum was found. In a niche, two stone heads, believed to belong to the headless female "Fat" deities, were discovered. They may be viewed among the displays in Valletta's Archaeological Museum. The site is not only big rocks; colorful flowers and shrubs line the walkways. The tourist should not miss the six meter stones in the perimeter wall.

Also in Xaghra one may visit Kola’s Windmill. It is fully restored and accompanied by historic workshops from the time of its operation.

Also in Gozo is Ta’ Pinu Basilica in Gharb, northwest Gozo. It was in the 16th century chapel incorporated into the large basilica, which was completed in 1932, where a peasant woman claims to have heard the voice of the Virgin Mary in 1883.

Mdina

The walled section of the ancient capital, Melita, Mdina has many sites of interest to the tourist. The main features in Mdina are the Baroque Cathedral designed by Lorenzo Gafà, with its art treasures, the Cathedral Museum in the Baroque Seminary, the Archbishop's Palace (1733), the Palazzo Santa Sophia and the Palazzo Falzon. Mdina's population is only 930. In nearby Rabat, tourists may visit the Roman villa, the catacombs, and St. Paul Church and grotto.

Vittoriosa

Originally called Birgu, with a population of 4,000, Vittoriosa is the second oldest town in Malta. The Romans built a temple on the remains of a Phoenician temple. The Knights of St. John chose it as their capital, since Mdina was an inland city and of little use to knights with a fleet of ships. They fortified it and built their inns and churches, but following the Great Siege of 1565, they decided to build a new city from the ground up (Valletta).

Senglea

Senglea (pop. 5,000) has a notable church, Our Lady of Victories. An old watch-tower, once part of Fort St Michael, guards the end of promontory. Senglea offers fine views of the Grand Harbor and Valletta just beyond. Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua are collectively known as the "Three Cities".

Paola

Just outside Valletta, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world's only known prehistoric underground temple. It dates to about 2,500 BC, and was built by hoisting large limestone blocks with ropes. Discovered by accident in 1902, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Because of its great importance and advanced age, only 80 people are allowed to visit each day. Originally a temple, it was later used as a necropolis.

Tarxien is the name given to the later part of the Temple building period. The last temples to be built are in the Tarxien site, on the outskirts of Paola.

Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are two important temple sites on the south coast of Malta. Seven headless fat lady statuettes found there are on display at the archaeological museum in Valletta.

Valletta

The capital city of Malta since 1566, was built as a fortified, planned city by the Knights of St. John and their Italian urban designers. Valletta is too crowded to contain hotels and entertainment establishments. On a spit between two exceptional harbors, it also has no beachfront properties. Valletta does have numerous historical buildings, originally belonging to the Knights and now government institutions. The more important sites are: the Upper Barracca Gardens, Auberge de Castille, Castille Place, St. John's Co-Cathedral, Church of St. Paul the Shipwrecked, Fort St. Elmo, Grand Master's Palace & Armory, National Museum of Archaeology, Museum of Fine Arts, and in Vittoriosa, the National Maritime Museum.

A more detailed guide to Valletta is at: http://www.a-valletta.com.