Malta from above: the best bird’s-eye views of the island

From flying a plane to parasailing over the ocean

Malta may look beautiful from the ground but nothing quite competes with a bird’s-eye view. Take an alternative sightseeing tour from the sky, the sea or a historic high-rise and soak up some incredible views of the archipelago. From flying tours with Malta Wings and Sky People to parasailing over St George’s Bay, here’s how to see Malta from above.

Malta Wings sightseeing flights

The best way to get a bird’s eye view of Malta from above is by doing what birds do best – take flight. An exhilarating experience for visitors of all ages, flying tours are the ultimate way to appreciate the island in all its beauty. Malta Wings offers sightseeing flights over the island, where guests can select from several routes ranging from short 20-minute tours of key sights to 60-minute flights around the entire archipelago, including Malta’s neighbouring islands Gozo and Comino. Each plane is captained by an experienced pilot who doubles as a guide pointing out must-see attractions, from the capital of Valletta with its historic forts, to the island’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and much more.

Flying lessons with Sky People

While a guided sightseeing flight is certainly exciting, why not go one step further and take control of the plane? Sky People offers trial flights where visitors can learn to fly a light aircraft. After a briefing from an experienced instructor, aspiring pilots will be taken into the air and guided through a series of manoeuvres. During the flight, the instructor will hand over control to give guests a true taste of flying. If you’re interested in aviation, a trial flight is an unforgettable experience that’s guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. What’s more, students can select from a variety of flight routes and tiers – the ‘premium’ experience takes a 90-minute passage over all three Maltese islands, during which the plane will climb up to a staggering 4,000 feet.

Parasailing over the ocean

Enjoy beautiful views of Malta from above while feeling the wind in your hair on a parasailing trip. Sun & Fun Water Sports and Yacht Charter at Corinthia St George’s Bay offer parasailing experiences for pairs or trios of riders. An exhilarating experience, that is far easier than it looks, guests are safely fastened into an open parachute which is towed by a motorboat. The speed makes the parachute rise into the air, where guests glide for several minutes as they take in panoramic views of the bay and the island, before slowly dropping back down to the boat. Don’t forget your waterproof camera.

Fortification climbs

If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on solid ground, enjoy incredible vistas over the coastline and the capital from the top of the city’s highest forts. Offering more than a history lesson, fortification towers also make excellent viewing platforms. Climb up to Fort St Angelo for views over Valletta and Grand Harbour, or venture to the top of Fort St Elmo on the head of the peninsula for stunning views of the ocean. Visitors can also take a walking circuit of Valletta’s fortifications, starting at City Gate and passing around the edge of the city on top of the walls.