At just 316km², Malta is indeed small, yet it comes with a surprising concentration of marvellous things to see and do. If you're visiting the south of the island, I've narrowed down the long list of attractions to the top 10 you just can't miss. Each of these is a wonder by itself, and it's an added bonus that you can see several of them in a single day!

1. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is unique in the world. Wander through a series of tombs and chambers and lose yourself in the story of a place used by humans from 4,000BC to ages thereafter.

2. Tarxien Temples

Literally across the road from the Hypogeum, you come to the incredible Tarxien Temples. See a well-preserved complex of Megalithic Temples built in 3,250-2,800BC and all the elaborate carving, sculptures and statues.

3. Marsaxlokk fishing village & Sunday market

Pretty as a postcard anywhere your eyes wander, Marsaxlokk is a colourful and peaceful fishing village nestled in a natural port. See it alive with vibrant activity on Sundays, when the famous market is on and taste local fish at one of the seaside restaurants. 

4. Peter’s Pool & Xrobb l-Ghagin

Walking distance from Marsaxlokk, Peter's Pool is arguably the best swimming spot in this area, while Il-Hofriet and Il-Kalanka are no less impressive. Venture higher on the headland through a woodland to find the Xrobb L-Ghagin fortress, which is now a dog sanctuary.

5. Church-fortress of St Gregory, Zejtun

At first glance, one could not guess at the mysteries that lay hidden within the walls of the Church-fortress of St Gregory in Zejtun; several remains of human bones hidden in secret passages, to be precise. Discover also what other oddities remain hidden here.

6. Ghar Dalam

An awe-inspiring feat of nature, Ghar Dalam was formed by the torrential rains that flooded Malta during the ice age. See how layers of fossils from that era reveal what life was like on this island 10,000 years ago; they include the Dwarf elephant, hippopotamus, deer and bear.

7. Borg in-Nadur

More standing stones, this time in Birzebbugia, at the furthest south of the island. More remarkable, perhaps, is the piles of stones nearby, which are the remains of a Bronze Age fortified village abandoned around 500BC. 

8. Blue Grotto

Head to Wied iz-Zurrieq and ride the waves in a quaint boat to the Blue Grotto. The extraordinary sea cavern and its scintillating colour is just one of several amazing features along the coast. Venture into Wied Babu and follow the lush green valley to its mouth on the sea.

9. Mnajdra & Hagar Qim

These two amazing megalithic temple sites are now covered with protective tents. Built c.3,600-3,200BC, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples are older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge, and at sunrise still accurately mark the equinoxes and solstices every year!

10. Ghar Lapsi

Not surprisingly, Ghar Lapsi is a favourite swimming haunt. Mingle with the locals in this semi-protected sea-pool and make sure you take your snorkel and mask – underwater, there is a whole other world that's just as beautiful as the one above!

BONUS: Rock the South

And sometimes, there's a great event. Rock the South is an annual event at Zion Reggae Bar that attracts crowds. With good reason. Get your tickets now to enjoy three days of live music this weekend, featuring two stages and over 30 bands and artists, as well as a much anticipated silent disco.