15 Free Things to Do in Malta This Weekend

Malta has a reputation for being pricey in the touristy pockets — St Julian's rooftop bars, Comino boat trips, the Michelin-adjacent spots in Valletta. But a huge amount of what makes the island genuinely worth exploring costs nothing at all. Here are 15 options with zero entry fee.

1. Watch the sunset from Dingli Cliffs

Malta's highest point, and completely free. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the best light.

2. Walk the Valletta bastions

The fortification walls circling Valletta offer some of the best harbour views on the island, and you can walk the full loop in under an hour.

3. Swim at St Peter's Pool

One of Malta's best natural swimming spots, cut into the rocks near Marsaxlokk. No entry fee, though it's worth arriving early in summer before it fills up.

4. Explore the Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua — quieter, older, and less touristy than Valletta, with narrow streets genuinely worth wandering without a plan.

5. Sunday morning at the Marsaxlokk fish market

Colourful boats, fresh catch, and a genuinely local scene, especially if you arrive before 10am when it's still mostly locals rather than tour buses.

6. Buskett Gardens

Malta's only real woodland, shaded and quiet — a good option in peak summer heat when the coastal walks feel brutal by midday.

7. Mdina at golden hour

The "Silent City" earns its name after the day-trippers leave. Free to wander, and one of the most atmospheric spots on the island in the late afternoon light.

8. Rock pooling at Ċirkewwa

No boat required — the rocky coastline near the Gozo ferry terminal has excellent natural pools for a free afternoon swim and snorkel.

9. The Saluting Battery, Valletta (viewing, not the cannon fire show)

You can watch from outside the ticketed area and still get a great view over the Grand Harbour.

10. Comino coastal walk

You don't need a boat to see Comino properly — a walking loop around the island, reachable by ferry, takes you past most of the best viewpoints for free.

11. Riviera Bay

Quieter and less commercial than nearby Golden Bay, with the same striking cliffs and clear water.

12. St James Cavalier open exhibitions

Valletta's arts centre regularly runs free exhibitions in its converted fortification space — worth checking what's on before you go.

13. Upper Barrakka Gardens

Central Valletta's best free green space, with views over the Grand Harbour that rival any paid viewpoint on the island.

14. Wied il-Għasri, Gozo

A short, free hike down to a dramatic sea inlet — one of Gozo's best-kept secrets, and completely undeveloped.

15. People-watch at the Sliema-to-Valletta promenade

Sounds simple, but the full coastal walk is one of the best free things to do on the island — good light, good views, and a natural route for a long conversation with someone.

Making it social

Free doesn't mean solo. Several of these — the Marsaxlokk market, the Comino walk, Dingli at sunset — are genuinely better with company, and Malta's small enough that finding people free the same weekend as you is easier than it sounds. Post the plan on ClassifiedMalta and see who's up for it. It costs nothing to post, and every member is verified before they can join in.