10 TOP Things to Do in South Eastern Region January 2026

A public garden in Valletta with a view over the Grand Harbour, the location of the 1565 Great Siege when the Ottoman Empire tried, unsuccessfully, to invade Malta, then held by the Knights of St John. #Hometown #lifeatexpedia #history

Valletta in Malta : View from the Upper Barraka Gardens on the harbour.

The way I see things, Marsaxlokk is not a place to charm you at first sight. But then, silently, as time goes by, it creeps into your heart and makes you start wondering-- 'Do I really have to leave?'... :)
#colorful #waterlust

Valletta is the European Capital of Culture this year, and it means that the city is full of cultural events all year. If you're planning to visit, this it the year to do it!

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Top places to visit

1. Grand Harbour

See Malta’s beauty as it has existed for centuries along Grand Harbour, a natural wonder and one of the country’s premier landmarks. It’s now a huge commercial center, both on and out of the water.

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Grand Harbour which includes a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a sunset

2. Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens is a beautiful park that lies high above the Grand Harbour. The landscaped grounds were designed as a retreat for Italian knights in 1661 and opened to the public in the 19th century. Enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and its fortified towns and watch the centuries-old tradition of salute by cannon fire.

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Upper Barrakka Gardens featuring heritage architecture and a monument

3. Fort St. Elmo

Visit the star-shaped 16th-century Fort St. Elmo, the scene of one of the biggest battles on the island. Learn about its role in World War II, see historical reenactments and explore the military museum.

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Fort St. Elmo showing heritage architecture

4. Casa Rocca Piccola

Explore the halls, chapel, grand rooms and underground bomb shelter of Casa Rocca Piccola. This privately owned home of a Maltese aristocratic family is a 16th-century palace that is open for tours. See works of art, furniture and clothes that are hundreds of years old.

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Casa Rocca Piccola featuring street scenes and signage

5. Manoel Theatre

Before you go into the Manoel Theatre, read the Latin inscription above the main entrance. It says “ad honestam populi oblectationem” which means that the purpose of the cultural venue is to provide honest entertainment. The 18th-century theater is the home of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and presents a rich selection of plays and operas in Maltese and English.

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Manoel Theatre featuring street scenes and heritage architecture

What to do in South Eastern Region

Popular places to visit

Malta Experience

Enjoy a show at Malta Experience, a popular theatre in Valletta. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

St. Johns Co - Cathedral

After visiting St. Johns Co - Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Valletta. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Upper Barrakka Gardens

Perched above Valletta's Grand Harbour is an exquisite park of flowers and statues, from where a cannon salute is fired every day.

Fort St. Elmo

This battle-scared fortress has stood watch over Malta’s capital city for more than 400 hundred years. Learn about the historic sieges that took place here through dramatic reenactments.

Sliema Ferry

Explore the waterfront in Valletta with a trip to Sliema Ferry. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Casa Rocca Piccola

Get a glimpse into the lives of an aristocratic Maltese family when you tour this 16th-century palace.

A lot of good bars at the waterfront. You'll find the Hard Rock Café there as well. A reservation for the weekend is recommended.

The Valletta Waterfront

After visiting The Valletta Waterfront, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Floriana. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area or visit its lively bars.

Manoel Theatre

Tour this theater’s museum to familiarize yourself with more than 250 years of performances. Then sit back and enjoy a memorable opera or play.

Merchant Street Market

During your trip to Valletta, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Merchant Street Market. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Explore areas of South Eastern Region

San Tumas

4/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in San Tumas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like St. Peter's Pool and Pretty Bay.

Bellavista

Though Bellavista may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Marsaxlokk Bay and Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.

Misraħ Strejnu

While Misraħ Strejnu isn't home to many top sights, Marsaxlokk Bay and St. Peter's Pool are some notable places to visit nearby.

Tal-Plier

While Tal-Plier may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Grand Harbour and Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.