Free Things to Do in Malta: 20 Best Free Activities (2026)
Malta can be expensive, but many of its best experiences cost nothing. Here are 20 free things to do in Malta and Gozo, from world-class beaches to historic towns and stunning viewpoints.
Free Beaches in Malta
1. Blue Lagoon, Comino
The Blue Lagoon is Malta's most famous beach — turquoise water so clear it looks photoshopped. The lagoon itself is free; you only pay for the ferry from Malta or Gozo (€10-15 round trip).
2. Ramla Bay, Gozo
Ramla Bay is Gozo's best beach — a wide sweep of red sand backed by hills. Free to access, with a small parking charge in summer.
3. Pretty Bay, Birżebbuga
A sandy beach in the south of Malta, popular with locals. Free parking and free access.
4. Golden Bay
One of Malta's best sandy beaches, on the northwest coast. Free access, small parking charge in summer.
5. Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Next to Golden Bay, quieter and more scenic. Free access.
Free Viewpoints in Malta
6. Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta
The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer the best views of the Grand Harbour. Free entry, and you can watch the noon cannon salute.
7. Dingli Cliffs
Dingli Cliffs are Malta's highest point. Walk the cliff path at sunset for spectacular views — completely free.
8. Senglea Gardens (Il-Gardina)
The Senglea waterfront garden offers views of Valletta across the harbour. Free and usually quiet.
Free Historic Towns in Malta
9. Valletta
Valletta itself is free to wander. The streets, the harbour views, the architecture — all free. You only pay if you enter museums or attractions.
10. Mdina
Mdina, the Silent City, is free to explore. Walk the narrow streets, see the cathedral exterior, and enjoy the views from the bastions.
11. Birgu (Vittoriosa)
Birgu is free to wander — the narrow streets, the waterfront, the Collacchio district. The Maritime Museum charges, but the town doesn't.
12. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk fishing village is free to explore. Come on Sunday morning for the fish market (free to look, you only pay if you buy).
Free Gardens and Nature in Malta
13. San Anton Gardens, Attard
San Anton Gardens are free to enter — a peaceful oasis of palms, fountains and birds in the grounds of the Presidential Palace.
14. Buskett Gardens
Malta's only proper woodland, free to walk. Popular with locals for picnics.
15. Majjistral Nature Park
Malta's first national park, on the northwest coast. Free to walk the trails through garrigue and along the cliffs.
Free Events in Malta
16. Notte Bianca, Valletta
Notte Bianca is Valletta's all-night cultural festival in October. Most events are free, including museum and palace access.
17. Birgu Fest
Birgu Fest in October is free to enter (heritage sites cost €3). The candlelit streets are magical.
18. Village Festas (Festa Season)
Every Maltese village has a summer festa — free street parties with fireworks, food stalls and music. See our events guide for dates.
More Free Things to Do in Malta
19. Walk the Valletta-Sliema Promenade
The 5km promenade from Valletta to Sliema (and on to St Julian's) is free and one of the best walks in Malta.
20. Visit the Three Cities Ferry
The ferry from Valletta to Senglea costs €1.50, but the views of the Grand Harbour from the crossing are worth far more.
Budget Tips for Malta
- Use public transport — a weekly bus pass is €21 (see our transport guide)
- Eat at local pastizzerias — a pastizzi costs €0.50-1.00
- Visit museums on free days — Heritage Malta sites have occasional free open days
- Swim at public beaches — all Malta's beaches are free to access
