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Malta travel blog — the fullest malta travel guide for first-timers.

Malta is a small island nation in the middle of Mediterranean Sea and to the southern island of Sicily, Italy. The charming landscape, secluded beaches, warm climate, vibrant life, long-standing history, cultural diversity and especially it possesses massive fortresses, ancient temples that have made this place to be one of the most attractive destinations in Europe. This country once played a big role in shaping human history. There are temples dating back 5000 years old and are considered the oldest remaining independent structures on earth. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Malta for the first-time? Let’s check out our Malta travel blog (Malta blog) with the fullest Malta travel guide (Malta guide, Malta tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Having been annexed by many empires, Malta offers visitors an interesting mix of cultures. When traveling here, it’s easy to see the blending styles of Italian, British and North African in cuisine, language, culture and architecture. Thanks to its wonderfully warm climate and relatively cheap travel costs and friendly locals, it is a good place for those who love medieval cities and castles and cities decayed but still has its own charm.

Malta travel guide: Overview of Malta

The Republic of Malta located away 80 km to the south of Italy, 284 km to the east of Tunisia and 333 km to the north of Libya. This country has only an area of ​​316km2 (square kilometer) with a population of about 450,000 people, Malta is one of the smallest countries and the highest population density across the globe. The capital of Malta, Valletta with an area of only ​​0.8 square kilometers is the smallest capital in the European Union. Malta consists of 9 large and small islands, but only 3 large islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited.

Malta has strategically located in the middle of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, once occupied by the Phoenicians, the Aragonese, the Knights of Saint John, the French and the British. The country also played an important role in many of history’s most famous wars, such as between Catholic Europe and the Ottoman Empire, the success and failure of Napoleon, as well as World War II. That continuous change of control has given it a unique culture – a blending of architectural styles, culinary and cultures (in fact, Maltese is a blend of Arabic and Italian) that you can’t find anywhere outside of Southern Spain.

Malta is known as an international tourist and leisure destination, with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The official languages ​​of Malta include Maltese and English. Roman Catholic is the main religion of Malta, in addition to Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Islam.

Malta travel guide: When to come?

Malta has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature from January to April during the day is 12 – 18 degrees Celsius and 7 – 12 degrees Celsius at night. From mid-April to November, the daytime temperature is 28 – 34 degrees Celsius and nighttime is 19 – 24 degrees Celsius.

In summer from May to October is the best time to explore this island nation. If you want to explore Malta’s beaches, diving, water activities, then from July to September is an ideal time to come, the temperature is approximately 30 degrees Celsius.

Malta travel guide: How to get to Malta?

While most European countries have seasonal flights, not many airlines operate routes to Malta year-round. But Ryanair, Air Malta, EasyJet and Lufthansa, Emirates are the largest airlines that offer services to Malta year-round. If you flying from London, it will take more than 3 hours by flight to reach Malta. Access Google Flights , Momondo , Skyscanner , Kayak to find your suitable flights.

To getting from Malta Airport to city center you can take the bus: BUS X1, BUS X2, BUS X3, BUS X4 or Bus TD2, Bus TD3. In which TD buses stand for Tallinja Direct are direct buses running from airport to your destination and quicker than X buses which running to most localities in Malta and stop at every bus stop.

Alternatively you can reach Malta by waterways with ferries from the ports of Catania and Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy, which take about 2 and a half hours and cost about 61 – 127 euros ($63 – 135) / one-way (depending on each season). Ferry details here .

Malta guide: Getting around

There are 3 main ways to getting around Malta: Buses, taxis and self-drive.

Ticket price: The single ticket costs EUR2 in summer, EUR1.5 in winter and EUR3/night bus.

In addition, there are a 12 SINGLE DAY JOURNEYS for EUR15 for adults (Children up to 10 years old 15€) which can be used for groups, families, valid for 1 year from the first-time you validate it and with this ticket you can take 12 bus rides. Or 7-day ticket for EUR21 / adults and EUR15/children called EXPLORE CARD .

We stayed here for a week, so we chose to buy a 7-day ticket for EUR21, the ticket is made with a very good hard card and can be kept as a souvenir ^^.

• Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Where to buy tickets? There are places to buy tickets in each locality, usually in bookstores or souvenir shops, but note that all supermarkets and shops here close before 7pm. So, we planned to go to Valletta at night to strolling around streets and then buy tickets, but when we arrived, almost shops were closed, but luckily we were help by a local, he said there was a ticket vending machine located at the Valletta bus station , which still operating 24/24.

Bus and ferry times: Buses here are not as frequent as other major cities in Europe, you usually have to wait about half an hour to an hour with a trip, so you should remember to note the departure and return times, especially at night with very few trips, 10:30PM is the last trip.

Renting a car costs $41 / day (rental costs around $53 or higher in the summer). There are many local car rental companies, but I rent at Hertz because it’s close to my Airbnb. Many companies only accept cash payments. Rent a car from big companies to ensure your safety.

Taxi & Uber

Taxis cost EUR10-20, you can book a taxi via Whatsapp in advance and taxi may a good last minute option if you get stuck and can not take a bus. In addition, you also can use Uber rideshare service.

Ferry ticket to Comino island cost about EUR13 / round-trip, from the Cirkewwa wharf with the earliest trip departs at 9:10am and the last trip at 3:40pm, the return trips from 9:30am to 6:00pm daily.

The ferry to getting to Gozo is super big and beautiful, with no cost for departing trip, when return, you buy a ticket for EUR4.65 / person, the ferry running all day and night, and the best thing when we took the return trip at sunset, sitting on the ferry and watching Gozo island lights up against the pink sky of the sunset is really memorable moments (information about the ferry to Gozo here).

For convenient traveling and saving when exploring Malta you can buy in advance some PASS or CARD such as MALTA PASS which allows you free to visit more than 35 museums, architectural or historic, famous tourist attractions throughout the country, it also covering free sightseeing bus ride. Price: 1-day 49.95€ / 2-day 79.95€ / 3-day 99.95€. Website: www.maltapass.com.mt .

Or VALETTA CARD which allows you free to visit some famous attractions in the capital of Valleta as well as traveling from, to, and within Valletta plus 2 free ferry trips. Price: 24 hours 19€. Website: www.publictransport.com.mt/en/valletta-card

Malta travel guide: What to do and where to go?

The capital of Valletta

With an enthralling history, amazing architecture and a bustling urban lifestyle, this city proudly received awards such as the European Cultural Capital of 2018 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Traveling to Valletta, visitors feel like stepping on a journey through many majestic, magnificent of ancient architectural buildings and structures such as: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, Grand Harbour, Manoel Theater, Regina Square (Republic Square)… Quaint, secluded Medieval architecture attracting and captivating all your eyes, bringing an atmosphere that makes visitors feel like they are immersed in endless stories. The narrow steep alleys, signature and colorful windows of hillhouses make Valletta more charming and romantic.

In particular, take time to strolling and enjoying the beauty of Valletta at night with a vibrant nightlife, you also easily see the world’s famous DJs in the splendid capital along with most luxurious brands in the world also garthering here.

Popeye Village (Film Set Village)

Built as a movie setting in 1979, the Popeye sailors’ village is still today a popular tourist attraction in Malta. “Popeye Village”, also known as “Sweethaven Village” is an amusement complex – an open-air museum, and one of the most popular tourist attractions around Anchor Bay on the Mediterranean coast. Popeye Village was originally built as a filming location for Robert Altman’s “Popeye” film, co-produced by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions.

Throughout the years, many activities have been held in the village, but the most special and attracting the attention of visitors is Popeye and Olive’s wedding. There are also exhibitions of Popeye’s sailor comics, as well as more than 200 original comics and cartoons from the 60s, 70s and 80s. In good weather, visitors can take a tour to explore Anchor bay by boat and admiring the beautiful Popeye village from the sea.

Address: Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta Hours: 10:30AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

The fishing village of Marsaxlokk

About 30 minutes by bus from the capital Valletta to the South Eastern of Malta, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk is considered a convergence of colors. From the Luzzu boats painted pure white to the gentle blue water reflecting the sunlight. All create a poetic picture bearing typical style of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, you can stroll along the coast, visit fishing village and enjoy specialties in harbor restaurants.

Love the beauty of nature, blue sea and golden sunshine? So, Gozo Island is the perfect destination for you. Gozo Island is one of the 3 largest islands in the island nation of Malta which attracts travelers with a wide coastline, majestic and magnificent Window Azure arch which was formed in a limestone rock in a unique shape lying quietly in space creating a spectacular scenery of nature. Not only that, visiting Gozo you also have the opportunity to visit the ancient and sacred temples of Ggantija. An early morning sunrise on the island of Gozo will be a great start for your journey. You can take a boat tour to visit the rock arch to feel the grandeur and wonder of nature, swimming or diving in the clear water in this sea are also interesting experiences.

With 200km of coastline, Malta possesses beautiful hidden coves, bays, secluded beaches that intriguing visitors at firt sight. In Comino, an island has only an area of ​​​​about 3.5 square kilometers but owns the most beautiful beach in this island nation. In particular, the Blue Lagoon on the island wears a sparkling turquoise blue with a white sand strip in a tranquil space between heaven and earth. Lying on the sand, enjoying the warm sunlight on the beautiful and romantic island of Comino will make you always in a peaceful and happy mood. Wandering around the island, watching the waves crashing on rocks or the magnificent scenes of sunrise and sunset will make you fall in love with this beautiful island more.

Mdina is a fortress town in the North, which served as the capital of Malta during the Middle Ages. The whole city was enclosed within the fortress wall with a total population of less than 300 people. The town is exactly an ancient fortress that has preserved its original structure and shape from ancient time. From the narrow roads surrounded by golden stone walls to the ancient street lamps along the alleys, corners, street signs… All of them still have the impression of medieval times.

There is a wide range of activities to enjoy here such as strolling around the picturesque streets as well as visit many museums. This town is also known for its cute cafes and eateries, perfect for relaxing for hours.

Located just outside the walls of Mdina fortress is the town of Rabat. Rabat means “suburban”, or in other words Rabat is the suburb of Mdina. The small town of Rabat with about 11,000 people, is not as magnificent as Mdina, but literally a more ordinary inhabited town. The road leading into the town center is filled with shops, houses, small cafes with red and blue windows that are very typical of Malta.

Visiting Rabat you will be surprised when green dominating everywhere. The green of the lawns adorning the foot of the ancient citadel, of the sparse forests interspersed and spreading, the town is full of old trees whose trunks are large enough for two people to embrace, with their elaborately trimmed foliage in round or square shape.

Sliema is a coastal town located in the northeast of Malta, bordering St. Julians. Once the home of the Maltese nobility, it has now become a major commercial area, very popular for shopping, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels. Elegant villas and townhouses as well as many Victorian buildings built by the British lying along the promenade overlooking the rocky coastline. A unique experience that worth a try is Dinner in the Sky, where your dinner table will be lifted 40 meters above by a crane, and the panorama from above is something you’ll never forget.

Qrendi is located in the South West of Malta near Mqabba and Zurrieq. The town is small, with a population of around 3,000 people, but it has two of the most important Neolithic temples in Malta, Mnajdra and aġar Qim. On the seaside, you can find the Maqluba, a massive sinkhole that was formed by a great storm in 1343. Qrendi also home to the spectacular Wied iz-Zurrieq harbour and the famous Blue Grotto. The village center is quiet, with many old buildings, however, the suburbs are quite modern and developed. There are no tourist facilities in the centre, making Qrendi a truly Maltese village.

It is a megalithic temple complex, and one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites in Hagar Qim area, Mnajdra temple is located 500 meters from Hagar Qim temple. This archaeological site is located in an isolated and rugged stretch of the south coast of Malta facing the sea. The complex consists of three buildings facing a common oval front yard and may be part of a larger complex.

The oldest structure, the southern temple dates from around 3600 to 3200 BC. Two other temples were built between 3150 and 2200 BC. These three structures represent an important period in prehistoric human development known as the Ggantija Period (circa 3150 BC to 2500 BC), which was an important period of The Bronze Age period in Malta (2400 BC – 700 BC).

This rural village has a history dating back to 1436. The Grand Master de Rohan (Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc) elevated Zeborms to a city, renamed it Citta Rohan and built the triumphal arch at the town’s entrance. The main square is decorated by the two-story Baroque Parish Church of Saint Philip with an ornate interior. The original design was created by Cassars, the architect of Saint-John Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Zeborms holds its annual religious festival, The Saint Philip’s Festival at the Parish Church in June.

Blue Lagoon

Great for swimming, water activities, or floating on a life jacket, Blue Lagoon with its emerald water, smooth white sands, the same length as Olympic-sized swimming pool. Good swimmers can cross the cove and small beach on the other side of the lagoon.

From May to October, tourists can stay at Comino Hotel (the only hotel on the island) to enjoy the Blue Lagoon without a tour and enjoy a peaceful vacation more easily. Things to do on Comino Island include walking, hiking, and water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Blue Grotto

Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon above, located in the Northwest of the archipelago, in Comino Island, the Blue Grotto is an ensemble of seven caves found along the island’s southern coast, directly across from the islet of Filfla and less than a kilometer from Wied iż-Żurrieq village to the west. It was given its name in the 1950s when a British soldier visited the area and compared it to the famous Grotta Azzurra of the island of Capri, which basically means “Blue Grotto”, because the water is so blue.

The breathtaking seaside setting and limestone caves here are a picture of pure serenity, the water surface shines a brilliant blue in the sun. According to mythology, the Blue Grotto was the home of mermaids and sea nymphs, who seduced sailors with their enchanting voices.

The village of Wied iz-Zurrieq (just 1 km from the Blue Grotto) has many souvenir shops, ice cream shops and cafes, as well as cliff restaurants with great views. You’ll enjoy a meal at one of the restaurant’s terraces overlooking the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The beach is extremely wide with soft golden sand, clean water, quiet because it is far from traffic, safe for swimming. Many visitors spend whole day here for sunbathing while listening to the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. There are also cafes and restaurants with terraces overlooking the coast and gentle waves.

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and the beaches of Gnejna Bay

For visitors exploring the area by car, it’s worth the two-kilometer drive from Golden Bay to the pristine beach at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Surrounded by cliffs and steep hillsides, the beach is accessed by climbing down 200 steps. Considered one of the top beaches in Malta, Ghajn Tuffieha is popular with locals.

Continuing riding for another seven kilometers from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is Gnejna Bay, a protected cove surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. Walk down the steep stairs you will reach the beautiful orange-sand beach, which is popular with swimmers and snorkelers. Water ski and canoe rentals are also available as well as public restrooms and food stalls.

Between the bays of Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna is the rural village of Mgarr, a scenic spot of vine-covered hills and small farms. Outdoor lovers will enjoy beautiful hiking trails from Mgarr to the countryside and along the coast to Gnejna bay.

Mellieha Beach

Located in the scenic countryside of the Northwest, Mellieha is a family-friendly beachfront destination. The beach is located next to a busy road but does not lose its natural beauty. Mellieha Beach has the largest stretch of sand in the island nation of Malta with a 1.5 km long coastline with fine white sand.

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

At Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, visitors can explore the prehistoric world (circa 4000BC – 2500 BC). This UNESCO archaeological site is a Neolithic relic discovered in 1902. It is a complex of stone-carved catacombs. In this underground labyrinth, prehistoric humans performed religious burial rituals. The most fascinating thing of the site is that it represents an ancient cultural tradition that no longer exists but remains a mystery to archaeologists and scholars.

Diving at HMS Maori

Malta has a warm climate and is also blessed with azure seas, which means it is the perfect choice for those who love to swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving. There is an array of man-made reefs here as well as a number of military shipwrecks dating back to the Second World War.

One of the most famous diving sites is called HMS Maori, a frigate that was sunk by the Germans and now lies on the seabed at a depth of 14 meters. This is a good diving spot for beginners due to easy access and relatively shallow depths, and if you want to get a diving certificate, some expert divers can support you.

Malta guide: Where to stay?

Hotels in Malta are also very diverse with wide-range choices and different prices, depending on the choice of travelers. Hotels are usually concentrated in St Julian’s , Sliema , St Paul’s Bay , St George’s Bay and Bugibba. In addition, there are many hostels, guesthouses and apartments in Malta for tourists to rent and relax. Campsite in Mellieha will also be an interesting experience if you want to try. Malta also has 2 tourist villages and villas suitable for families and large groups.

If you choose to stay in Valletta, it’s hard to find a cheap hotel (lowest rates are usually 70 euros/night), but one thing is for sure, you will get a room of the right value. Dozens of luxury hotels and apartments are offered in the city, with beautifully decorated authentic buildings, historic buildings and spacious, villa-like hotels. Hotel Phoenicia Malta ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , Hotel Palazzo Paolina ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , Palais Le Brun ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) and Ursulino Valletta ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) are just some of the best options if you want the ultimate in experience.

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Malta on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Malta blog: What to eat?

Local, fresh, simple and seasonal dishes are the essence of Maltese and Gozitan cuisine. Maltese cuisine is influenced by its proximity to Sicily and North Africa but it still holds its own flavor and uniqueness.

You can find a wide range of Mediterranean flavors with mains being seafood, vegetables, pasta, meat, bread, cheese and olive oil. To experience the most authentic dishes and a better understanding of Maltese cuisine, look to family-run restaurants in smaller towns.

Stuffat tal-Fenek (Stewed Rabbit)

Stewed rabbit is the national dish of Malta. Rabbit meat is usually prepared in one of two ways, stewed or fried. For stewing, this is a slow cooking process (more than 2 hours) that made the meat to become extremely tender. Stew dishes uasually add a rich tomato sauce and can include a variety of vegetables such as onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes. It is also often served with spaghetti or some other pasta. You can find this dish at most restaurants in Malta.

Gbejniet (Maltese cheese)

Maltese love their own cheese, especially Gbejniet! Gbejniet is a typical cheese of Maltese people, made of goat or sheep’s milk, salt and rennet. It can be found in 3 forms: fresh, dried or processed and may have peppercorns added to enhance flavor or remain original. In addition to being eaten in original form, this cheese is also commonly served by deep-fried, sprinkled on salads, filling for ravioli (instead of ricotta), and sometimes, even in pies.

Don’t miss this pastizzi. This is one of those wonderfully creative dishes, this pastry is filled with a variety of ingredients, but the two traditional pastizzes contain ricotta cheese or peas. They’re incredibly greasy, delectable and full of calories, so it’s best to try them in the morning when they’re fresh out of the oven!

Aljotta (fish soup)

Aljotta is a soup that uses fish and herbs, has a light, fresh and delicious taste. The flavors stem from herbs, citrus, garlic and of course fresh seafood (mussels, octopus, shrimp, fish, typically kingfish). A hearty meal for any seafood lover!

Timpana (Grilled Macaroni)

These are great pasta pastries. This baked pasta dish is made with very simple ingredients – pasta and dough. Macaroni is cooked in a bolognese sauce with minced meat, bacon, tomatoes, garlic, onions and cheese and then baked in a puff pastry. This dish is quite filling, so make sure you are very hungry before enjoying this meal!

Torta tal-Lampuki (Lampuki Pie)

Always loved by Maltese people, Torta tal-Lampuki brings a sea flavor will surely make diners excited to enjoy. Torta tal-Lampuki is made with fresh sea fish as the main ingredient, cooked in a variety of ways, such as grilled or fried and then topped with tomato sauce, onions, olives and fresh herbs. The time from late August to November is the “season” of this dish.

Imqaret (Doughnuts)

Imqaret is a deep-fried Maltese sweet that can be found at any street corner and on dessert menus at restaurants. The pastry is filled with dates then deep fried and covered with icing sugar and served with ice cream. If you want to get one for takeout, you’ll be missing out the delicious ice cream, so be sure to give it a try while sitting at the shop.

Zalzett tal-Malti (Maltese Sausage)

Maltese sausage is a homemade sausage mainly made of pork. The dish is influenced by British cuisine but prepared in the Portuguese tradition way. Fresh Maltese sausages are made from garlic, herbs, pepper, crushed coriander seeds and spices while the dried ones are made a bit simpler.

Pan-fried Lamb Chops

Maltese people love to eat well-done cooked meats, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find both lamb and pork on many menus. Because the meat is slow cooked and tender, it has more flavorful. The cuts of meat are tender and tastier, especially when covered in gravy and served with butter and potatoes, it’s amazing!

Maltese Platter

The best recommendation when you want to learn about Maltese cuisine is a Maltese appetizer plate. Most of them will have small portions of the most appreciated dishes by locals. In the example below, you’ll enjoy a spread with tuna, capers and dried tomatoes, Maltese sausage, stewed beans, and olives, and a salted cheese and pepper similar to feta cheese (gbejniet).

Recommended bars and restaurants:

Restaurants: Rising Sun (Marsaxlokk) , Loli (vegetarian restaurant), The Grassy Hopper (vegan), Marsaxlokk fish market, Suruchi, Ta Doni, Cuba, Rocksalt, Ta’ Rikardu (Gozo) , Electro Lobster Project.

Bars: Hole in the Wall (Sliema) , Native (and any bars on this street as it is the main hub for nightlife), Dubliner, Legligin, The Thirsty Barber.

Malta travel guide: Malta travel costs

Traveling to Malta is surprisingly cheap, the cheapest one among European countries. I came here in the middle of winter – there is no seasonal increase in accommodation, car rental and airfare and my friends tell me that most costs for food, activities and year-round public transport remains the same. Here is a list of common costs in this country:

• Ferry from Sliema to Valletta: One-way: 1.50 euros. Round-trip: 2.80 euros
• Ferry from Valletta to Gozo: 4.65 euros/person, Car and driver : 15 euros
• Pastizzi (cheap snacks): 1-2 euros
• Sandwiches for breakfast : 3-4 euros
• Full breakfast: 3-4 euros
• Lunch at the cafe: 8-10 euros
• McDonald’s: 5-6 euros
• Sandwiches: 6 euros
• Dinner with wine at a restaurant: 25 euros
• Main meal: 10-14 euros
• Pizza: 6-9 euros
• Bottled water: 1 euro
• Wine: 8-10 euros
• Beer: 3 euros
• Admission to the museum: 6 euros
• Car rental: 38-48 euros
• Taxi fare: 10-20 euros
• Bus ticket: 2 euros

On average, you can travel to Malta on a budget with 30-45 euros per day, but in the summer you’ll need around 50 euros per day. For that price, you will have to stay in a hostel or share an Airbnb with a friend, take public transport, most of the activities you take part in will be free activities, prepare your own breakfast and cheap eats at cafes.

In addition, all churches are free admissions. You will find lots of companies that will take you around the island in a boat for EUR25. Most museums and attractions cost EUR5 entrance fee but you can choose to buy a Malta tourist card as suggested above (there is one for Mdina and another card for Valletta) which will save you around EUR10-20 depending on number of tourist attractions you will choose to visit.

Malta blog: Before you go

• Opening hours of restaurants, cafes and bars will be from 9AM to 1PM. The hotel bars will be open from 1PM to 4PM but will continue to serve guests from 6PM.
• Short-haul flights between Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo usually take about 20 minutes. You can also rent cars and bicycles for your convenience of traveling.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Malta you can refer to

• Valletta Traditional Two Harbours Day Cruise of Malta
• Malta Prehistoric Temples Tour
• Valletta Half Day Tour
• St Paul’s Bay: Blue Lagoon, Beaches & Bays Trip by Catamaran
• Bugibba: Gozo, Comino, and Blue Lagoon Sightseeing Cruise
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Gozo – 2 Island Boat Cruise
• Malta: 5-Hour Lazy Pirate Boat Party with Drinks & Food
• Comino: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Seacaves Tour
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise
• Gozo: Full-Day Jeep Tour with Lunch and Powerboat Ride
• Malta: Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves Day Trip
• Malta: Shuttle Transfer between Malta Airport and Hotels
• Malta: Malta Island Bus Tour and Boat Tour
• Malta: Full-Day Gozo and Blue Lagoon Cruise with Drinks
• Malta: Marsamxett Harbour and Grand Harbour Cruise by Night

Are you looking for more top things to do in Malta: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Malta travel guide here .

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Your Quick Malta Travel Guide (What to Do, Where to Stay + Tips!)

As Europe’s smallest island nation, Malta doesn’t traditionally get a lot of tourist attention from visitors outside of Europe–but that is changing, and this quick Malta travel guide will help you discover this unique Meditteranean country.

… and hopefully, convince you that planning a trip to Malta is a great idea!

Though it is regularly overshadowed by heavy hitters like popular Italy, Spain, Greece, and Croatia , there is no doubt that Malta has a charm all its own.

Boasting warm temperatures and sunshine well into autumn, Malta is one of the best fall destinations in Europe –which is why we chose to visit in September!

Regardless of what time of year you visit, though, you’re bound to find something to love about Malta.

Thinking about planning a trip to Malta soon?

This quick Malta travel guide will get your plans started!

Table of Contents

Essential Things to Know About Malta

Fun things to do in malta, where to stay when visiting malta, getting around malta, what to pack for malta, read more about visiting malta + southern europe.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before you arrive, make sure you know a few things about Malta !

Malta uses the Euro.

We also found credit cards to be widely accepted, and ATMs were easy to locate.

You may not want to drink the water.

While online sources say that the water is technically safe to drink, we did not like the way it tasted (in fact, we’d say it’s probably to worst tasting water we’ve come across in our travels).

We drank it anyway for the first couple of days, but after several locals emphatically told us not to drink it (they seemed a bit horrified that we were drinking it in the first place) and my stomach started to protest a bit, we switched to bottled.

In Malta, you drive on the left.

… And not only on the left, but they also drove in a way that felt quite reckless to us.

Malta has an enormous amount of traffic jams considering its size and watching the cars weave quickly in between lanes and the aggression of the drivers, we were glad we opted not to drive.

If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta , be sure to come prepared for a driving experience that will require all of your concentration!

English is one of the official languages of Malta.

The other one is Maltese, though no one expects visitors to speak it.

Italian is also widely spoken, especially among the older generation.

Malta is a former British colony.

This is no surprise to Brits, of course, but Americans like us may be taken by surprise–if they haven’t watched The Crown , anyway.

Malta gained independence in 1964 from the United Kingdom in 1964.

The British weren’t Malta’s first colonizers, though: as a small island conveniently located between northern Africa and southern Europe, Malta has been visited by (and ruled over) by just about everyone over the centuries, including the Romans and Byzantines.

Malta is the name of both an island and a country.

Malta is both the name of the largest island in the country, as well as the country itself.

Malta the country, though, is actually an archipelago.

Gozo (home to some villages and sites, and once the famous Azure Window), and Comino (home to three people and the famous Blue Lagoon) are the other two islands that make up the country of Malta.

Comino is fairly small and the Blue Lagoon is essentially its only claim to fame, but there are lots of cool things to do on Gozo, starting with visiting the Citadel, admiring the Wied il-Mielah Sea Arch, stopping by the Marsalforn Salt Pans, and of course, relaxing on the gorgeous Ramla Beach.

We visited several of the best places to visit on Comino and Gozo (including the Blue Lagoon!) on this memorable day trip .

Book your cruise around Gozo and Comino today!

If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Malta, consider scuba diving , sailing, swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon, visiting the Hagar Qim Temples that date back to 3600 — 3200 BCE, touring the nearby island of Gozo, visiting the beautiful Blue Grotto caves, strolling through the “silent city” of Mdina , and enjoying the beautiful beaches. .. just to start with!

No trip to Malta is complete without spending time in the capital city of Valletta, admiring the views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, a cruise over to the Three Cities for views, and a visit to the colorful Marsaxlokk fishing village!

Even a full week in Malta won’t cover everything there is to do, but it will be sure to give you an excellent taste of the country.

We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Malta here !

While on Malta, we stayed at Central Suites  in the town of Bugibba near St. Paul’s Bay, which is semi-conveniently located for accessing Gozo and Comino (the island that the Blue Lagoon is next to), but not convenient for much else.

We enjoyed the neighborhood we were in, but wouldn’t stay there again because it is so far out of the way!

If we return to Malta, we will stay in Valletta , which is not only the capital (and home to a central bus station that makes it simple to get everywhere you want to visit in Malta ), but was also our favorite city that we saw in Malta–it was home to lovely sites, lots of restaurant options, and, in our totally biased opinion, it was the prettiest!

Checking into a property like the well-reviewed  Melior Boutique Hotel  or  Hotel Pjazza Merkanti  would be at the top of our list.

… Or, if we felt like a splurge, perhaps the gorgeous  Embassy Valletta Hotel –those views are incredibly tempting!

Sliema is very close to Valletta (there’s a short water taxi that goes between them) and is another option worth considering.

St. Julian’s Bay is near Valletta and Sliema as well and is popular with travelers looking for nightlife.

We would not recommend staying in Marsaxlokk .

T he fishing village is adorable and cute to visit for a day , but it is small and remotely placed from the rest of the island –you’ll eat up way too much time in transportation by staying there!

If you’d like a different, quiet experience in Malta, consider staying on the island of Gozo  or eve n Comino (there are only three full-time residents on Comino, and they run a hotel during the summer!).

Keep in mind that this plan isn’t for people who want to easily access Malta’s most famous attractions, but it can be great for travelers who are looking to step off the beaten path and/or spend lots of time on the water.

Check rates & book your stay in Malta today!

Don’t be fooled by Malta’s small size!

N o matter where you stay in Malta, you’re going to be faced with some significant time on the road to get between major destinations–often more than an hour each way.

Though you can rent a car , if you’re not a confident driver in heavy traffic and/or on the left side of the road, we would recommend using Malta’s incredibly extensive bus system to save money, stress, and fossil fuels!

The bus will get you virtually anywhere you need to go on the island of Malta.

For 21 Euros, you can buy a seven-day unlimited travel pass for Malta’s bus system.

Standalone, one-way tickets are 2 Euros in the summer, 1.50 Euros in the winter, and 3.00 Euros for night journeys and express buses.

You can check bus schedules and keep up with routes on Malta’s free transportation app, the Tallinja App .

We used the app some but actually found Google Maps to be more useful for getting around Malta.

An EU SIM Card : Having access to Google Maps in real-time was a must when dealing with managing bus schedules across the island.

You can pick these up when you arrive in the country–we used the one we had picked up in Prague .

Malta may be a small country, but this Mediterranean island nation definitely doesn’t deserve to be overlooked.

Plan a trip to Malta and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views, a chance to learn about some incredible history, and a great excuse for some fun in the sun!

Ready to plan a trip to Europe… and maybe several other sunny destinations?

If so, be sure to check out these guides, too!

• 11 Marvelous Things to Do in Malta in September
• The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary
• 33 Fun Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
• The Perfect 2 Week Spain and Portugal Itinerary (+ Essential Tips!)
• The Ultimate 3 Days in Santorini Itinerary

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

29 thoughts on “Your Quick Malta Travel Guide (What to Do, Where to Stay + Tips!)”

Love these tips! I’ve been wanting to visit Malta for quite some time! I had no idea they drive on the left, that’s interesting to note. Looks like a really fun place for a long weekend getaway!

Thanks! Definitely a great getaway, especially if you are craving sunshine as much as we were! 🙂

Malta hasn’t been on our radar, but your photos are lovely! And good to know that English is one of their national languages and that they use the Euro!

Thanks! Malta is definitely in the process of trying to raise its tourism profile–and for good reason, in our opinion!

I’d love to visit Malta, especially as I’m in Sicily quite often. Gozo sounds like my kind of place, just the island life. You were brave to drink the tap water there; I always stick to bottled!

Brave, reckless… tomato, tomato, right? 😉

I had no idea that Malta was technically an archipelago. It’s such a beautiful place and where I’d love to snorkel and scuba dive. I love how rich a history that is in Malta. I’d love to discover it’s hidden stories!

I didn’t either! Truthfully, we knew very little about it at all–made for a memorable trip that way, though!

Malta and the architecture of the buildings there is simply astonishing. I am definitely adding this awesome travel destination to my bucket list! How many days would be enough to see all the highlights there?

The architecture is incredible! I love all the enclosed balconies. I think you could probably see all the highlights in 5-7 days if you move fast… we were there for 5 full days and got through about 70% of them, though we tend to check things off rather slowly these days. The biggest thing is planning out your schedule well to limit transportation time!

I LOVE this post!! I have been seeing Malta all over Instagram and have been interested in going but most of this was new to me. They drive on the left side? English is the official language? It’s an archipelago? So interesting!! This made me want to visit even more, so thanks for sharing! It’s officially on my list.

Thanks, Christie! Hope you get a chance to go. Malta has definitely been popping up more and more on Instagram et al. this year–it’s easy to see why, it is quite photogenic along the coasts!

Bookmarked!!! One of the places I’m dying to visit is Malta. Stunning pictures and I loved it.

Thanks, Jaypee!

I am surprised to know the water of Malta is not good to be consumed by an outsider ! Also, it is good to know English is one of the official languages, that saves a lot of stress in communicating. The 21 Euro seven day unlimited travel pass sounds like a budget way to travel within the country!

We were, too–it didn’t even occur to us not to drink it at first! A couple of locals we talked to were mildly horrified when they heard we were drinking it.

Malta has been making all the right news off late. I love traveling to offbeat places like this one. Despite the small size, there is so much to se/do/eat in Malta. One of my facebook friend lives in Malta. Hope to visit her soon. You shared some really useful tips since not much is known about Malta.

It definitely has been! Malta is still a bit offbeat for now, but I’m not sure how long it will stay that way. Hope you get a chance to go!

What a great guide of Malta! The water fact definitely surprised me, I thought this was only a rule for places like India or countries in Africa. Good to know! Also, the architecture is something to die for. You captured the true essence of this paradise! Thank you for sharing. All best, Mariella

Thanks, Mariella! Hope you get a chance to visit soon! 🙂

Ahh I loved Malta so much! Such an absolutely beautiful country! I want to go back so bad next year if I have time

Hope to get to go back, Dave!! 🙂

Fantastic tips, everything i needed to know before hand, and now 100% convinced that i have to go! Thank you so much!

Thanks, Ericka! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi Jeremy and Kate,

I’m glad you chose to visit our gem of a country! Malta has a lot to offer, hospitality is in the genes of most people… and lots to offer in terms of history and attractions. Every where we dig here underground temples and very important discoveries are made :0

Take care and hope to see you soon in Malta.

Thanks a lot, Kate Storm for an amazing presentation of a real jewel !!!

Most certainly, I will be there in coming October.

Your Briefing is quite Decent and Comprehensive !!!!

Thank you, Ateeque!

A reminder to make a booking first for some of the temples. Also the ferry from Gozo and Valetta is limited in the off season January and February. A return ticket is essential. Valletta is definitely the place to stay. 5 unesco sites and one of the best archaeological museums I have seen. I have to say it’s not inexpensive. Meals are pricey accommodation even in the low season. bus trips are plentiful and buying a travel pass is the way to go.

Thanks for sharing, Jenny!

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18 Must-Know Malta Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

I’d like to officially declare Malta, a beautiful Mediterranean island , as visit-worthy . From the unique vibe of Europe meets the Middle East to the food to the views, Malta is not like any other destination I had visited.

To help you make the most of your time in this gorgeous country and plan your itinerary, here are some essential Malta travel tips.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MALTA

• Capital city: Valletta.
• Geographic size: 121 square miles, 316 km².
• Population: Over 440,000.
• Language: Maltese.
• Religion: Roman Catholic.
• Currency: Euro (bring some cash and your credit cards).

ESSENTIAL MALTA TRAVEL TIPS

Where to stay in malta.

When choosing where to stay on this island, it all comes down to what you’re planning to do on your vacation in Malta.

If all you seek is to relax and soak up some sun (which is totally legit) consider staying in a town like  Mellieha  in the northwest of the island (where Malta’s biggest sandy beach is).

If you want to travel around Malta (which I highly recommend), both Sliema and Valletta (the capital) are lively cities from which you can take day trips.

They are well-connected to other parts of the island by public transport, so many travelers base themselves in one of these two locations.

To see all of your options and understand the pros and cons of each area, you can also read my full Malta accommodation guide .

I stayed at Slimiza Suites in Sliema (unfortunately, its rating dropped recently) . Higher-rated options in Sliema include Marea Boutique Hotels and Amery House .

If you prefer to base yourself in the landmark-packed capital, Valletta, check out hotels like Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse , Ursulino Valletta , or 66 Saint Paul’s & Spa .

VISITING GOZO AND COMINO

We can’t talk about visiting Malta without mentioning its two other islands, Gozo and Comino.

While the uninhabited   Comino is famous for the Blue Lagoon, some of Gozo’s popular attractions are the Citadel in Victoria, the salt pans, Dwerja Bay, and Ramla Bay.

There are a few ways to visit these islands:

– Cruises from Sliema – you’ll see plenty of signs in the ferry area promoting these cruises (and don’t forget to use these helpful cruise apps if you choose to take one) . You can also book tours like this one online.

– The Gozo Fast Ferry  from Valletta.

– Full-day tours from Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julians.

– Boat tours and cruises from the northwestern part of Malta, usually from the area of Bugibba ( you can compare all itineraries and prices here ).

– Take a bus to Cirkewwa (bus 222 from Sliema or bus 41 from Valletta) and take the ferry from Cirkewwa to either Gozo or Comino. When getting to Gozo, you can explore it by car, taxi, bus, or sightseeing bus .

WHEN TO VISIT MALTA

Ideally, you’ll want to travel to Malta in mid or late spring, early summer, and early or mid-fall to enjoy the best weather and avoid the crowds of the summer months (though Malta is now a lot more popular not only in July and August).

If your only options are July and August, choose July when the temperatures are still quite bearable, but visiting Malta in April , May, June, September, and even October is better (but take some possibly cloudy and rainy days into consideration).

With the hot weather during these months, some of the most important things to pack for Malta and Gozo (and Comino) include sunscreen and a reusable water bottle that will actually keep your water cool (I love Corkcicle’s canteen ).

Keep in mind that though it has become safe to drink tap water in Malta, you might not like the taste or still want to use a bottle with a filter.

If you love chasing the winter sun in Europe , you should also consider Malta for an off-season trip. You will definitely see much fewer tourists and pay a lot less per day for accommodation.

TRAFFIC IS AN ISSUE

No matter how you choose to get around Malta, be prepared for a lot of traffic. And more traffic. And some more traffic. This is a known issue in Malta and one of the reasons I didn’t want to drive there.

Although you shouldn’t panic too much about it (because there’s nothing you can do to change it), it is something to think about when planning your Malta itinerary .

Getting from one point to another will take longer than it should, and you should just be aware of that.

GETTING AROUND MALTA BY CAR

Sometimes there’s nothing like a good old road trip. You have utter freedom and flexibility to go wherever and whenever you want. Yet in Malta, there are a few things to consider before deciding to get around the island by car.

Beyond the traffic issue, you need to be okay with driving on the left side of the road and driving alongside Maltese drivers (which requires some courage).

If you haven’t taken a Europe an road trip yet, I personally think you should save it for another country like Spain or Portugal .

If you do want to hire a car in Malta, you can compare different car rental deal prices here.

GETTING AROUND MALTA BY BUS

Even though Malta’s bus system is not perfect, getting around by bus is one of your best options. Here are a few things you should know.

1. GOOD THINGS ABOUT BUSES IN MALTA

– The buses themselves are clean and air-conditioned.

– You can buy your ticket directly from the driver (unlike many big European cities in which you need to buy it in advance and the bus driver won’t even look at you). This single-journey ticket is valid for 2 hours, including transfers.

– In both Sliema and Valletta, you can buy a 12-ride rechargeable card at the ticket office or machines (next to the bus terminal) for 15 euros. If you want to save money, this is a great way. Plus, multiple people can use it.

2. ANNOYING THINGS ABOUT BUSES IN MALTA

– There are too many people and not enough buses. It means that if you’re not one of the first people to go on the bus, you might have to wait for the next one.

– The most popular places to visit in Malta are not all directly connected by public transportation. Depending on your itinerary, there’s a chance you’ll need to switch buses and take a longer route to travel between two places that are fairly close to each other.

– Buses’ timetables can be unexpected, so be sure to consult them on the website of Malta’s public transportation .

Overall, I think everyone should use public transportation when visiting a new destination at least once. It lets you experience the everyday life of the locals and allows you to see things from a different angle.

It can also lead you to places you wouldn’t have seen otherwise, which is exactly why I enjoyed my bus rides in Malta so much. We went into towns and streets I probably wouldn’t have visited, and I got to enjoy some pretty charming views.

There’s also the option of getting around Malta by a hop-on-hop-off bus , but I haven’t tried it myself.

GETTING AROUND MALTA BY FERRY

From Sliema to Valletta (and vice versa) and from Valletta to the Three Cities, you can (and should) take a ferry instead of a bus since it only takes about 5 minutes to get from one point to another.

The ferries leave once every half an hour, and you can buy a round-trip ticket which is slightly cheaper than two one-way tickets.

GETTING AROUND MALTA BY TAXI

Sometimes saving time is more important to me than saving money on my travels.

While taxis in Malta are not nearly as cheap as buses, I have used them a few times when I didn’t want to take two or more buses (and travel for 90 minutes instead of 15) to get from one place to another.

If you don’t mind spending a bit more money to save a few hours on the road (and possibly a headache), taxis are a valid option.

Tip #1:  You can negotiate the price and lower it by a few euros.

Tip #2: If possible, look for a taxi station instead of catching one on the street.

Tip #2: You can also use Uber or Malta’s eCabs app.

GET READY FOR AN INTERESTING MIX OF CULTURES

I was excited to visit Malta and get to know its culture because it seemed like such a unique European destination.

Throughout the years, Malta was ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Knights Hospitaller , and Brits, to name a few, and it’s located near Sicily and northern Africa, so you can feel the mix of cultures in everything and everywhere.

Maltese sounds like a combination of Italian and Arab, the food will remind you of Italy , the cities look Middle Eastern, the churches look Roman and Greek, they drive on the left side, and red phone booths are scattered around (mostly in Valletta).

Combine all of these cultural bits and pieces, and you’ve got yourself an explosion of uniqueness.

ENGLISH IS THE SECOND OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Driving on the left side of the road is not the only influence of 150 years of British rule.

You’ll be happy to know that the majority of the locals speak decent English (especially in tourist areas like Valletta) since it is another official language in Malta.

A language barrier can be frustrating to deal with when traveling, so that’s one less thing to worry about in Malta.

THE ATMOSPHERE IS (VERY) LAID BACK

The Maltese lifestyle is relaxed and laid-back, which can be positively contagious if you want to learn how to take things easier (who doesn’t?).

On the other hand, it also means that some things like getting your food at a restaurant can take a little longer than what you’re used to, so be patient.

PLUG TYPE USED IN MALTA

Malta uses plugs of type G (yet another British influence) and operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

You can consult your country’s plug type and voltage here to see if you need to pack a power adapter and a voltage converter .

My hotel also provided power sockets that worked with plugs C, E, and F, but it’s best to have an adapter with you.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOU’LL FIND A PLACE TO GET IN THE WATER

Some beaches in Malta are sandy, many are rocky, and others are not even beaches. In fact, one of my favorite things about Malta is that you might find a pool ladder to help you get into the beautiful water where you least expect it.

Whether it’s in Sliema’s Roman baths, near the famous Blue Grotto, or swimming areas like the natural St. Peter’s Pool , you should always have your bathing suit with you, and you should always be prepared to take a dip.

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT BEACHES

I have much respect for Malta’s beaches because they are seriously gorgeous, but there’s SO much more to this island.

From fishing villages and UNESCO cities like Valletta and Mdina to archeological sites and cave boat tours to quirky attractions like the Popeye Village, Malta is a lot more diverse than people think.

MALTA IS SMALL, BUT THERE’S A LOT TO SEE

As I’ve just mentioned, there’s quite a lot to do and see in Malta, so even though the island is small, don’t let it fool you.

Malta deserves at least 4 to 5 whole days, and a week or 10 days would be even better to see its hidden nooks and crannies.

Taking into consideration the fact that getting around from one spot to another does take some time, you also don’t want to add too many places to your daily itinerary.

ATTEND SOME FESTAS

Did you know that there are more than 350 churches in Malta? Each one is dedicated to a different saint, and each saint gets its own celebration!

Instead of having almost a full year of celebrations (which sounds awesome), many of these festivals take place during summer, and they include decorated streets, fireworks, band marches, and more.

For more information and tips for visiting Malta’s festas, read here .

PASTIZZI ARE THE DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS

Oh, pastizzi , you wonderful flaky pastries.

If you want to experience true joy, one of my top Malta tips would be to try some pastizzi.

These phyllo-like pastries are usually filled with ricotta cheese or peas, but there are a few other fillings you can try, and some places even serve sweet pastizzi.

When they’re freshly baked and you bite into them while they’re still warm, you get a taste of what I can only describe as heaven.

You’ll see street vendors selling these drops of happiness or find them in special bakeries called pastizzerias or cafes around Malta.

ALL THREE ISLANDS ARE A PARADISE FOR DIVERS AND SNORKELERS

From diving in Gozo ‘s Blue Hole and Comino’s Crystal Lagoon to snorkeling in Malta’s St. Peter’s Pool, all three islands provide more than enough places to take an adventurous dip.

Consider Malta for your next girls’ trip in Europe !

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

2 thoughts on “18 Must-Know Malta Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors”

I enjoyed reading this guide, thanks for sharing. I visited Malta a couple years back but I wish I spent more time on Gozo rather than just a day trip. I also found the waters around Malta had a lot of jellyfish, it might’ve been to do with the time of the year I was there (July).

Thank you! Slow travel is always better, so I also hope to go back to spend more time in Gozo. I also visited in July and didn’t come across any jellyfish, so I guess it depends on the area you explore.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

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A local’s guide to Malta: 10 top tips

The island has been at the heart of Mediterranean history and culture for centuries, and it can be enjoyed once more now it’s on the green list

Malta claims to be the first EU country to have achieved herd immunity. Vaccinations recently extended to all over-16s and 58.6% of the population have had two jabs.

Since 2020, 420 people have died of the virus, and the country has not recorded a death since 26 May. Neither quarantine nor a PCR test is required for passengers travelling to Malta from the UK, but they must be fully vaccinated.

Museums and tourist sites, shops, restaurants and cafes are open, and allow tables of six people. Cinemas and theatres reopened on 7 June, but bars and nightclubs are still closed, and boat parties are not allowed.

Masks are mandatory for everyone over three years of age in public spaces, but from 1 June mask-wearing on beaches was advised but no longer required. Maltese health minister Chris Fearne said masks would cease to be mandatory outdoors from 1 July for vaccinated people, as long as cases remain low.

Valletta by night

Valletta used to be like a ghost town at night. Today, it is different – or rather it will be once the pandemic recedes and visitors return. In normal times the streets are full after sunset with live music and happy Mediterranean chatter all around. The grid system used by the knights to build the city creates what feel like parallel nightlife realities. Republic Street is imposing and distinct with exquisite cafes and restaurants; Merchant Street is laid-back leading down to the covered market; but walk down Straight Street and you would walk back in time, like the British sailors did in the past, and enjoy bar-hopping down to the Gut. Look out for the old street signage along the way.

Festivals in Malta

There are a lot. Before you visit the island it’s worth checking the Malta Tourism Authority’s website and festivals.mt to see what’s on, and to note that this year, until further notice, all festivals will be virtual.

The Strawberry festival , Notte Bianca in Valletta, Karnival ta’ Malta , the Malta jazz festival , the Valletta baroque festival , the Farsons beer festival , the Delicata wine festival , the Fireworks festival , and the Three Palaces are just some of the events over the year. My favourite though is BirguFest and its culmination Birgu by Candlelight, which is an extraordinary experience. One of Malta’s oldest cities, Birgu (also called Vittoriosa) is magically lit by thousands of candles adding a romantic and mystical touch to its medieval houses, auberges and palaces connected by winding alleys. The festival features historical re-enactments, open museums and churches, exhibitions and installations alongside concerts, theatre and laser light spectacles.

Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens

In Malta you’re surrounded by limestone, from the old cities of Mdina and Valletta, through the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and the Hypogeum, to the ornaments on the traditional Maltese townhouses. The limestone has been instrumental in preserving the history of the island. At the family-run Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens , in Siggiewi village, visitors can trace the use and role of this resource throughout the ages. Don’t miss the stone-carving and sculpting, where a visitor can spend time working on a limestone souvenir. The Farmer’s Lunch , in the peaceful garden of the estate, is a great way to try Maltese gbejna cheese, homemade pasta and rabbit dishes and traditional desserts. Younger visitors will enjoy the heritage park: there’s space to run around in, and an animal petting zoo. €8.10 adult, €5.40 student, €2.70 child with online discount, limestoneheritage.com

Casa Rocca Piccola, Valletta

Not your usual museum, this is the only privately owned palazzo open to the public in Valletta. It exhibits unusual pieces of furniture, memorabilia, family paintings and rare medical instruments from the Knights’ Sacra Infermeria in Valletta. A museum by day and a stately home by night, its rooms bring the history of the Knights Hospitaller and the Maltese nobility to life. The palace was built in the 16th century for Don Pietro La Rocca, an admiral of the knights and is the ancestral abode of the Marquis Nicholas de Piro family. Today, it also houses a boutique B&B, with a peaceful garden and a cheerful macaw named Kiku. Tour groups are sometimes taken around by the marquis himself . Regular hourly tours are held throughout the week. casaroccapiccola.com

Caffe Cordina, Valletta

This is the most beautiful cafe in Valletta and something of an institution. I love going there to have an espresso with one of its signature sweets. Relaxing in the sun at Pjazza Regina in front of the statue commemorating the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and the baroque National Library is bliss. The cafe was established in Cospicua in 1837 and moved to Valletta in 1944. The building known as the Casa del Commun Tesoro or the Treasury during the rule of the Order of the Knights of St John in Malta was used by the British for various public offices and it was later converted into the Grand Hotel. The cafe’s eclectic interior decor and the vaulted ceiling embellished with paintings by the Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali add to the special character of the place. caffecordina.com

Meridiana Wine Estate, tour and wine tasting

About 30 years ago the production of world-class wines in Malta seemed like an ambitious goal. Some considered the investment risky, others thought it was doomed from the start. Today, one looks back at the legacy of a brave venture that explored the potential for high-quality wine production in Malta. The Ta’Qali wine estate, near Mdina, was planted in 1994 on the site of an airfield used by the RAF during the second world war, using a British-built herringbone system of irrigation. Success was achieved with the first harvest in 1996, which Meridiana sold within weeks. Its wines are now internationally established. My preferred Maltese wines are, of the reds, Nexus – a merlot, and Celsius – a cabernet sauvignon. Of the whites, Baltis, from the moscato grape, is excellent. Wine-tasting is held on Meridiana’s panoramic terrace overlooking its vineyard or in the courtyard near the cellars. A tour includes a visit to the fermentation-hall and underground cellar, both within the picturesque Maltese farmhouse. Wine tasting and tours at meridiana.com.mt

Taste of History at the Maritime Museum of Malta, Birgu

This museum gives visitors the opportunity to dine inside the museum itself. The atmosphere is special, the menu exquisite, and unique – as historians and chefs have researched 18th-century documents to find foreign influences, ingredients, spices and eating habits from the menus used by the knights. The Maltese fruit and vegetables used are grown by local farmers, the sausages are made by the butcher round the corner strictly following traditional methods and the in-house chefs follow the authentic recipes. This is a dining experience like no other. The building is a former bakery from the British period in Birgu, one of the three cities just across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Maritime museum, heritagemalta.org . More about Taste of History on Facebook

Lascaris War Rooms

Below the fortifications of Malta’s capital city Valletta, this complex of tunnels and chambers hold fascinating secrets from the second world war. Built by the British military, the war rooms housed the allied war HQ, which played a crucial role in the defence of the island and the coordination of Operation Husky – the invasion of Sicily. Named after Giovanni Paolo Lascaris, a 17th-century grand master of the knights of Malta, who built a garden on the site and fortifications across the island , the war rooms received communications from all radar stations and mapped the aerial and naval movements around the islands. After the war the Lascaris rooms were used as the headquarters of the Royal Navy’s Mediterranean Fleet. Climbing up the stairs of the bastion takes you to the Upper Barrakka Garden for the spectacular views of the Grand Harbour. Adult €13, student €11, under-16 €6, open Mon-Sat 10am-4.30pm, lascariswarrooms.com

National Community Art Museum (Muza), Valletta

Flagged by the Guardian Travel as one of 13 must-see new European museums , Muza opened in 2018, in a building that was once the seat of the Italian knights of the Order of St John. The site offers a chance to explore an auberge in which the knights lived during their stay on the island. The grand baroque entrance, the courtyard, the main staircase and the halls were rebuilt with contemporary material to expose intriguing features from the late 16th-century architecture. As a national community museum one of its missions is to make art accessible to the public; Muza does this by presenting contrasting artworks by old masters and contemporaries. The Masterpieces at Muza exhibition, currently on show, displays 13 old masterpieces from a private collection, including paintings by Rubens, François Boucher, Leonardo da Vinci and Giovanni Bellini. €10 adult, €7.50 students and people aged 60-plus, €5.50 children under 11, not open on Tuesdays, muza.mt

Boat trips and dramatic views

Whenever I can I always take the water taxi service across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua) and back by a traditional boat. The local dghajsa was built in the 17th century for that purpose. Used to ferry passengers connecting the harbour towns and also for taking passengers off the arriving ships, the boats were the main means of transportation in the harbour areas. The crossing takes 10 minutes and costs €2. Tourists can opt for a harbour cruise for €8pp. The real thrill is to feel the waves among the imposing views of the bastions of Valletta, Fort St Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the grandeur of one of Europe’s largest natural harbours.

Fra Nikola Soukmandjiev is a diplomat, priest and tour guide

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25 best things to do in malta [full 2024 travel guide].

Malta is a small but beautiful country nestled in between Africa and Italy.

It’s a country bursting with history, beauty and amazing things to see and do.

In fact, it's since become one of our favourite backpacking destinations !

Bradley and I spent 1 month in Malta, so we definitely had the chance to truly explore all the amazing things this country has to offer.

So if you’re wondering “Is Malta worth visiting?” then let us convince you as we offer you a guide on the best things to do in Malta!

How to get to Malta

Getting to Malta is pretty easy and transport links are very easy! Based on our experiences, here’s how you can get to Malta from some of the most popular locations.

Getting to Malta from the rest of Europe

If you’re living in the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and elsewhere in Europe, then you can usually get direct flights to Malta with Ryanair, Easyjet, Lufthansa, or Malta Air. Check Skyscanner for the best prices. 

You can also get a ferry/boat to Malta from Italy if you wish to drive there yourself. 

Getting to Malta from the rest of the world

If heading to Malta from the USA, Australia, or anywhere else, chances are you’ll need to get a flight to a larger European country, then get a connecting flight to Malta. Again you can check Skyscanner for the best prices. 

Getting around Malta

When it comes to getting around Malta, you’ve got a variety of different options. I’ll explain them briefly here, but for full details, check out my complete guide on getting around Malta .

• ‍ Hire a car : This is one of the popular options to explore beautiful Malta. Car rental is cheap and useful. What’s weird in Malta is that it’s the smaller local companies are more trustworthy than the big companies like Hertz, Avis etc. We chose the highest rated car company, which happens to be a lovely local company called Compass Car Rental and they offered fuss-free car rental for a great price. Of course you can also check Rental Cars for both local and national car rental companies and the best prices.  ‍
• Buses: Malta actually has a really well developed bus network and you can get to most of the major cities via public transport. There is a schedule in place, but it doesn’t really run exactly. And it can take a bit of time to get from A to B as the bus stops at many different stops. BUT if you’re not in a rush, then it’s perfect. Buses are a standard fare regardless of the distance you go. In the winter the price is 1.50 per ride, and in the summer it’s 2.00.  ‍
• Hop on Hop off: Another great way to get around Malta is the hop on/off bus services. Running the entire country is a great option. You can book yours online here.
• ‍ Bolt/Cool: Malta has a couple of ride sharing and taxi apps that you can download. They typically have sign up offers to give you some sort of discount. 

Where to stay in Malta

Since we were staying in Malta for a month to live and work, we opted for Airbnb as the monthly discounts offered typically work out as a great deal! We got a 1 bedroom penthouse apartment with a jacuzzi for £600 for the month, and if you decide to use Airbnb you can use our sign up code to get money off! 

But, if you’re just staying for a couple of days, then I suggest you stay in one of the many great hotels on offer in Malta. I’ve done my research and here are my top recommendations for hotels in Malta. 

Budget Choice

‍ $20 (pppn)

Sunny Coast Resort Club

Luxury Pick

Hugo's Boutique Hotel (Adults only)

25 Best Things To Do In Malta

Okay, now we’ve come to the great part, the best things to do in Malta! All these different activities have been undertaken by Brad and I, apart from 1, but we had planned on doing it, so I’ve left it in any way to maybe inspire you….

1. Visit the awesome Popeye Village (original set!)

Well let’s start with one of my favourite things to do in Malta and one of the best Malta attractions. Before we visited Malta, I had heard the set of Popeye was here. I had seen this movie when I was younger and my dad always did a great Popeye impression, but I couldn’t remember it fully. 

So, before we visited, Bradley and I watched the Disney movie and when we visited the set, it was AWESOME. The set is actually set in the beautiful Anchor Bay, so it’s a stunning place to visit regardless of whether you’ve seen the movie or not. But Popeye is iconic and so is this tourist attraction in Malta. 

We had SO much fun, walking around, eating popcorn, taking travel photos , playing mini golf, watching the actors and admiring the views. Since we visited in the winter season, there were actually less activities on, so I think it would be even more fun in the summer, but busier! 

In the winter months (up until March), it’s open until 4.30pm and entrance costs 11 euro up until 3 o'clock. Your entrance includes: 

• Access to the set 
• Games on set including Mini Golf 
• A free postcard
• Free popcorn 
• Free photos 

TIP! : After 3 o'clock they reduce the ticket price to 7.50 euro. We visited at 3 o’Clock and we had loads of time to see everything before it closed at 4.30. So if you’re on a budget, then save a couple of euros by visiting in the late afternoon. Crowds will be lower too. 

AND no, Popeye Village is not just for kids, it’s actually for adults too! 

GET YOUR POPEYE VILLAGE TICKETS HERE!

2. Spend the day by St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay is actually the area in which Brad and I lived for 1 month in Malta, so it felt only fair that we should include it on this list of places to visit in Malta. It’s actually very beautiful and a wonderful place to catch a dinner, enjoy sunset and walk along the promenade for miles! There are lots of souvenir shops in this area too, and some great ice cream so a good place to relax and buy some presents.

There is also the Malta National Aquarium here and you can book your tickets to visit right here. 

3. Walk around the silent city of Mdina 

Mdina was a pleasant surprise to us. We knew it would be beautiful, but it’s even more beautiful than I imagined. Countless small streets, cobbled roads, cute coffee shops and a whole lot of history. This was one of my favourite places in Malta, and you could spend a couple of hours walking around this small old capital of Malta, and seeing the museums and other sights on offer. Popular things to do in Mdina include: 

• A visit to the Mdina underground dungeons 
• The National History Museum 
• The Mdina Experience 

You can get to Mdina via bus or one of the taxi apps such as “Cool” or “Bolt”. OR you can take a Mdina 2 hour walking tour here that will cover all the best sights. 

4. Visit the Blue Grotto View Point 

The Blue Grotto is one of the most popular places to visit in Malta, and it’s actually another location that the Popeye Movie was filmed (you’ll totally recognise it if you’ve seen the movie). You can easily access the viewpoint via either local bus or via your own transport. 

It’s a beautiful view point and is best visited before 1pm when the sun will reflect on the blue water perfectly. When in season, you can do boat trips to and through the Blue Grotto too, but we didn’t do this when we visited. 

The viewpoint can be accessed 24/7. 

5. Explore the highest point in Malta: The Dingli cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs are the highest point in Malta, which doesn’t have many high points on the island. But these cliffs offer a fantastic view and look quite dramatic. Just be careful with the wind here as it’s quite strong and you could easily fall over the edge! The cliffs go on for a while, so just pull your car in wherever you like and you’ll have a great viewpoint. 

You can visit via public transport, just get the bus to the closest stop next to the cliffs then walk the rest. 

Visit the Dingli Cliffs via Segway here for a unique experience in Malta. 

6. Check out the fishing village of Marsaxlokk & visit its markets 

This is one of the cutest villages in all of Malta. Marsaxlokk is packed with most of Malta’s fishing boats in lots of different colours, so it’s very picturesque. Not only that, it’s also lined with lots of awesome restaurants offering outdoor seating with nice views. Of course since it’s a fishing village, then you’re going to get some amazing fish here. So if you eat seafood, you’ll love it! 

On Sundays a fish market is held here alongside another big market, and locals and tourists alike flock to get some great bargains! We visited during the week and there were a few local market stalls selling unique handicrafts, foods and souvenirs. 

7. Discover the amazing St Paul's Catacombs

If you don’t know, a catacomb is an underground burial site and the St Paul's Catacombs is the largest collection in Malta. It is truly fascinating and you walk underground around these catacombs, some of which still have bones in them. Some of the spaces are quite small, but there are larger areas and 26 to choose from, so you’ll be able to visit some of them, even if you don’t like small spaces, like me! 

Tickets are 6 Euro which is great value. This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Malta. There are a variety of other Catacombs in the area, but this one offers the most, so would be the worthwhile choice in my opinion. 

8. Be amazed at the stunning Mosta Dome 

The Mosta Dome was a pleasant surprise for us. I wasn’t expecting too much, but it turned out to be a magnificent church both inside and out. This church is extravagant and very beautiful. You can pay an entrance fee into the dome itself and have a look around for 2 euro, then pay an additional fee to go upstairs to the dome viewpoint which is quite cool.

Inside the church they also have an original bomb that was thrown into the church but miraculously never went off! 

Your best option is to pay 5 euro which gives you entrance to 3 sights. The two mentioned above and the 3rd one which I will mention next. 

9. Check out an original WW2 bunker 

Right outside and underneath (Technically) there is an original WW2 Bunker. Your entrance is included in the 5 euro price, or you can pay 2 euro to see this sight individually. 

You’re going underground, so if you don’t like small spaces, then you might not be a fan of this place. It’s very interesting and there is lots of information about Malta’s time in WW2 and different items depicting the time there. Very interesting! 

One of the unique things to do in Malta, and important! The war is a very important part of Malta's history, especially since it was the most bombed country in Europe.

10. Take a dip in the beautiful St Peter's Pool 

This is a brilliant place to take a dip in the summer months in Malta, but when we visited, it wasn’t quite warm enough. But it was a lovely place to have a picnic lunch! You can park your car up for 3 euro at the closest car park but the road in and out is a little dodgy (most roads in Malta can be), so just drive slowly. 

Entrance into St Peter's Pool is free and I did read online there is a free car park, but I ever found it myself. 

11. Visit the unique and wonderful Tarxien temples 

Before visiting Malta, I didn’t realise it had quite so many temples and World Heritage Sites! But it does, which is pretty cool. One set that we visited was the Tarxien Temples, which were very interesting. These temples were actually uncovered by farmers, and little did they know they had uncovered an amazing complex where the history has been lost.

As you walk around there is information suggesting what the remains are for and what rooms could have been used etc, but there is no solid evidence. It’s a very interesting set of temples that I didn’t expect to find in Malta! 

Entrance is 6 euro. 

There are also other temples in the area which all date to around 3000 BC and 2500 BC, but we didn’t visit them all, but I’ll list a few of the others that you can visit: 

• Ta' Hagrat
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum 

This tour actually takes you to quite a few of the best temple locations in Malta and includes pickup and drop off, so a great way to see the temples if you don’t have your own car rental. 

12. Head underground at the Ghar dalam cave 

This was one of the coolest things to do in Malta, and another unique attraction that I wasn’t expecting. I love caves, and Bradley and I have seen some pretty cool caves in our time. Now it’s not as exciting as caves in say, Vietnam, but for its purpose and story it’s cool. There is a large and I mean large collection of bones that are OLD, there are remains of elephants, hippos and other animals that you would never imagine in Malta, it’s crazy and fascinating at the same time. 

Entrance is only 3 euro so it’s definitely worth a visit. 

13. Relax in the sun at Golden Bay

Despite being surrounded by water, Malta actually has very few “sand beaches' '. Well, Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful and most popular sand beaches in Malta! It’s got restaurants, bars, epic sunset views and it’s a great place to swim in the water, or partake in other water related sports and generally have a great time relaxing in the beautiful Malta sunshine. 

14. Visit St Julian's for an awesome night on the town 

St Julian's (otherwise known as Paceville), is the party area of Malta and the place to experience Malta nightlife. It’s the place where you will find lots of bars, restaurants, a Hard Rock Cafe, clubs, strip clubs and more. You can do a pub crawl here if that’s your thing! Either way, there is a range of really cool bars, some slightly more upmarket and some that will give you 30 shots for 19 euro. Brad and I went for a few drinks when we watched the “Six Nations Rugby” and if you’re looking for a somewhat classy place to drink and dine, then I recommend Hugos Bar & Lounge as a hip and happening spot! 

Don't forget to book your pub crawl here.

15. Dine by the sea in modern Sliema 

Sliema is another popular area in Malta and it’s a great place to locate yourself if you want to dine by the water. There is a large strip of different restaurants that offer you epic views of the oceans whilst tasting local delights and sipping delicious wine! A perfect romantic date location in Malta. 

16. Try the local delicacies: Pastizzi 

Malta has a few local delicacies that are produced only on the island. One of those is Pastizzi. These are like little pastry dishes and they’re typically filled with either meat, peas or ricotta. Brad and I had quite a few of the ricotta ones and we loved them. They’re usually around 50 cents so a perfectly cheap snack and suitable for vegetarians. 

Another famous Maltese dish is their Rabbit Stew, which we didn’t try, since we’re vegetarian! The Maltese also produce their own wine, and they make fantastic red wine (I hate red wine, but loved theirs….seriously good!). 

17. Take a day trip to beautiful Gozo 

Gozo is the second largest Island in the Maltese Archipelago, and it’s the most beautiful. Gozo is BURSTING with stunning sights. Beautiful cliffs, wonderful walks, great swimming opportunities, and so much more, Gozo has it all. We’ve done a complete guide on the best things to do in Gozo , so you can get all your inspiration there. But I suggest you spend more than one day on the island if you truly want to see it all and delve into the charm. Gozo may be small, but it’s mighty and jam-packed with awesome attractions. 

18. Visit the Blue Lagoon at Comino (Malta's smallest island) 

Before visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino, I remember seeing the pictures of just how blue it was online and thinking, well, it’s clearly been enhanced, but I can tell you, it’s BLUE as blue can be. It’s absolutely stunning and if it wasn’t winter the water wasn’t freezing, I would have been in the water all day. 

Brad and I took a Blue Lagoon cruise with Sea Adventure cruises and it was awesome. We sailed to the beautiful lagoon, got amazing water, they even had slides to slide into the water (Brad was brave and did this once!) and the cruise even had a glass bottom so you could see a shipwreck and lots of jellyfish! (The jellyfish prevented us from swimming much! :() 

We even got to check out different caves which was pretty cool. On a typical boat ride you can also walk around Comino and visit the other nearby lagoon including “Crystal Lagoon” which tends to be less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, especially in the summertime. 

But yes, even though this place gets super busy in the summer months, it’s still an amazing place to visit for the sheer beauty of the blue! 

This is the tour we did here and it’s actually cheaper to book online.  

19. Visit a winery 

Malta actually produces some pretty awesome wine, as does Gozo and the main maker of wine in Malta can be visited for tours and tastings! We didn’t do this tour, although I wish we had, but it was a last minute decision and you need to call them in advance. This is the company here, Meridiana Vineyard, so just drop them a message to organise a tastings and tour of a winery on a beautiful summer day.  

20. Visit the beautiful St Paul's Church & Grotto in Rabat 

Rabat is the area located just outside the Mdina, so you can easily combine a day trip of both here. It’s home to some beautiful buildings and one of those is the St Paul's Church! It was closed when we visited, but it still looks pretty epic from the outside. There are also lots of adorable restaurants and cafes surrounding the church, so it’s worth stopping for lunch and a glass of wine in the sunshine. 

Another popular place to visit in Rabat is the last standing Roman Temple known as “Domvs Romana”. You can pay to go in and learn about them in the museum, or you can look at the remains from the outside at the side of the road, like Brad and I did! 

21. Walk along the Xemxija Bay 

Malta is bursting with beautiful “bays” to check out, and another nice walk is along the coast from Bugibba, across to St Paul's Bay, ending at  Xemxija Bay. There is actually the Xemxija Hill Heritage Walk there too which can be as long or short as you want it to be, but you’ll discover temple ruins and other historic sights. It’s a great spot to bring a packed lunch, take a walk and enjoy the views. Another beautiful bay that’s popular to visit is Għadira Bay, it’s got a white sand beach (one of the few of it’s kind in Malta) so it gets super popular in the summer months! 

22.  Explore the capital city of Valletta 

Valletta is one of my favourite capital cities in the entire world! Brad and I aren’t typically a fan of capital cities as they tend to be overcrowded, stuffy and way too busy. Not Valletta, this walled city is bursting with history, culture, beauty and it’s not too busy.

We could spend hours wandering through this beautiful city. It's super picturesque, not overpriced and there is so much to see and do. It’s literally bursting with history! 

We’ve got a whole guide on the most epic things to do in Valletta that you can check out here. 

Check out this original Walking Tour in Valletta.

23. Explore the The Three Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua 

Across the water from the capital of Malta, Valletta, there are “three cities” which are basically like 3 traditional fort towns. They served a very strategic position in the wars that Malta has faced throughout its history and they’re very unique. You can learn all about them in the Malta Experience, and you can see the viewpoint of them at St Elmo Fort. You can also take boat tours to/around them for a small fee and learn more about the history. 

‍ Check this three cities tour here. 

24. Go snorkelling across the island 

Malta is a divers and snorkel dream! The whole island has great places to discover unique Coral reefs. This is especially the case in the nearby islands of Comino and Gozo. You can take snorkelling trips through an organised tour, or you can head to the coastline with your own snorkel and see what fish you discover. 

The sea water is quite cold in the winter season, but you can still snorkel if you wear a wetsuit. The water in the blue lagoon is warmer, so it’s still possible to snorkel if you can handle some cold! 

25. Get off the beaten track 

Before I went to Malta, I had a few people tell me “there’s not much to do or see there”, and my god they are wrong. Malta is seriously bursting with things to see and discover, you just have to rent a car and find them. Rather than sticking to the typical tourist things like sitting at the beach, or visiting the Blue Lagoon (although still do that ;) ), you should also discover the real Malta.

I suggest you simply rent a car and drive in any given direction. It’s such a small island, that you’ll eventually get back to where you need to be, but on the way you’ll actually discover more random temples and sights that sometimes aren’t even marked on Google! 

When we started driving around Malta we kept seeing signs for more temple ruins, more churches and more historic monuments that we had never heard about from anyone! By creating your own adventure and itinerary, you’ll discover the true beauty of Malta and it’s fascinating history! 

Remember you can check for the best deals on car rental in Malta right here.

Malta Itinerary

I wrote a whole guide on the perfect 5 day Malta Itinerary , which includes beautiful Gozo & Comino as well!

Be warned: It's pretty epic!

Other Malta travel tips

Can i just book a tour in malta.

Absolutely, there are lots of great websites to book tours in Malta. Your best choice for Malta is Viator or GetYourGuide

Here are some of the most popular tours:

• Malta Hop On Hop Off (Great if you’re short on time!)
• Blue Grotto and Sunday Market tour of Marsaxlokk Fishing Village
• Comino Blue Lagoon Tour 

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Because of its location Malta is actually a brilliant country to visit all year around. Bradley and I visited in their winter which saw temperature highs of 22 degrees C. This was perfect for us! We only had around 3 bad days of weather (cloudy) in 4 weeks and it feels like even temperatures of 17/18 feel a lot warmer here, than say if it was the same temperature in England!

Of course if you visit in winter too, everything will generally be cheaper and the crowds will be less. 

But, the most popular time to visit Malta is definitely the summer. It can reach the mid 30s so it gets super warm and it’s no wonder people flock to this beautiful Mediterranean island. 

How long should you spend in Malta?

When most people visit Malta, it tends to be for a beach style holiday and they typically visit for around 1 week. But if you’re visiting Malta and you actually want to SEE Malta and Gozo, then you’ll need a minimum of 5 nights, and 2 of those days will be in Gozo. 

You can check out our Malta itinerary for detailed inspiration, but I suggest a week in Malta to really appreciate the sights and enjoy the sunshine. 

How much should you budget for Malta?

I would describe Malta as a fairly low to mid-range country in Europe. You can get great value hotels (especially in the lower season), tours are very reasonable and food is decent too. Alcohol is also pretty darn cheap in Malta! 

You could survive in Malta on around 40-50 euros a day, quite comfortably, perhaps a little more if you’re dining out a lot and doing a lot of tours!  

Where to after Malta?

If you are visiting the incredible island of Malta, then you’re going to need to take time to see beautiful Gozo too.

It’s bursting with awesome things to see and do, so it’s worth spending a few days on Gozo before you leave Malta. 

For help planning the rest of your trip , here are some other guides that we put together …

• Gozo- 15 Best Things To Do In Gozo 
• Valletta - 15 Best Things To Do In Valletta

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20+ Malta Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

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If there’s one European destination that I dream most about returning to, it’s Malta.

This glorious sun-drenched movie set is filled with historic monuments, mouthwatering food, and a unique culture you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It is (in my mind) one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Europe, especially for overseas visitors.

… but you have to do it properly!

First time visitors to Malta often fall into the same traps and make the same mistakes, so I’m here today to list them all out to ensure you have all the Malta travel tips you need to have the trip of a lifetime.

So, keep scrolling for all my most important Malta must-knows (from basics to weirdly specific tips on saving money).

Save this list of Malta Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Understand that Malta is an archipelago

We’ll start with the most basic of basics: for those new to this wonderland of a country, Malta is an archipelago floating blissfully between Sicily and the Northern Coast of Africa, with its three inhabited islands being Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Depending on how much time they have, most first time visitors will stick to Malta, although visits to Gozo and Comino are popular picks as well thanks to the ease of travel between islands.

So, just know that if you do plan on covering the country of Malta properly, prepare for a few breezy boat rides.

2. Plan your trip for a minimum of four days

Now, onto the next big question: how long should you spend in Malta?

Well, if you want to break my heart, do Malta in a weekend.

But if you want to make me a proud travel mom, plan your trip for at least four days.

Malta may be a tiny country when compared to some others, but it’s packed with impressive sights, so I would recommend coming for a minimum of four days if you want to get a good feel for the main must-dos and possibly venture out to Gozo and Comino as well. 

3. Spend more than just a day in Gozo

Now, onto another important Malta travel planning tip: if you plan to Gozo, I implore you to go for more than just a day!

A lot of people, myself included, do Gozo as a day trip, but I would personally stay at least a night there if possible, because that island is absolutely magical and has plenty of sights to fill two days or more.

… When I eventually get back there some day, I might even base myself in Gozo for the trip to explore it further. Yes, it’s that lovely.

4. Learn some basic Maltese, although English is widely spoken

Now some good news for English speakers: English happens to be one of the official languages of Malta so you’ll have zero trouble getting by with English. Most locals (especially in tourist areas) do speak it well.

But as usual, I do think it’s nice to learn at least a few basics in the local language whenever you can, plus in Maltese it’s pretty simple, so here are a few phrases to commit to memory:

• Grazzi: Thank You
• Bonju: Good morning
• Bonswa: Good evening
• Waranofs in-har it-tajjeb: Good afternoon (maybe avoid greeting people in the afternoon)

5. Prices are highest in Valletta, so consider staying in other areas

Another money-saving tip for Malta is to consider staying outside of the capital (Valletta) which is where prices will be highest.

Since Malta is so compact, staying somewhere outside Valletta is barely any bother, plus it can also be quieter and less crowded, depending on where you go.

Some options still close to Valletta include…

• The Three Cities – Located just across the water from Valletta, so you can just hop on a fun 10 minute ferry to get across
• Sliema – Great views of Valletta and lots of fun bars/restaurants (although getting increasingly pricey)

6. Consider visiting in the Spring or Fall

In terms of the best time to go, Malta is commonly known as a beachy ‘tan like a walrus on the beach’ type of place, hence huge crowds in the summer time.

BUT honestly, if you’re like me and want to visit Malta more for its cultural and historical sights, then going in the Spring is definitely a better idea. Summer temperatures in Malta make sightseeing a daunting task, and if you’d rather not be a slippery sweat stick during your trip, then look to avoid July and August.

My very first trip to Malta was in April , and the temperatures were absolutely perfect. I’ve heard Fall can be a good time to visit as well, although conditions tend to be a bit rainier.

7. In the summer, explore early in the morning to avoid crowds/heat

That said, if you do visit Malta in the summer, one tip I have is to get up really early to explore just after sunrise because this is when you’ll get the least crowds and more tolerable temperatures.

Especially in Valletta, there’s not many places with shade so it gets hot and sticky frighteningly quick.

Then, you can spend the hot afternoons taking a dip in the sea or hiding somewhere with air conditioning. Oh the possibilities!

8. Look out for festas and festivals 

If you need some help deciding when to visit Malta, it may be worth looking into their festival calendar.

Malta has tons of amazing festivals and festas (religious celebrations) throughout the year, during which the streets are really beautifully decorated and lively.

Visit Malta during one of these special events and you’re likely to encounter fireworks, bands, and processions. Luckily, with over 60 festas on the calendar each year, odds are good that you may run into one.

If not, there are also tons of other fun events throughout the year. During my trips, I’ve experienced a wine festival, a Freedom Day Regatta, and fireworks! Are you seeing why I’m so obsessed with this country now?

9. Read up on Maltese history before your trip

Another important Malta tip I have for you is to do a bit of research before your trip about the country’s history.

As I mentioned in the introduction, Malta has a really unique culture that you won’t find elsewhere in the world. A large factor in this is the country’s turbulent and lengthy history, which helps contextualize a lot of the sights you’ll see, so learning a bit in advance can be really helpful.

For instance, did you know that there are some temples on this island that predate the Pyramids of Giza by 1000 years?

Or that up until 1964, it was consistently under the rule of different groups? The reason Malta is unlike any place in the world is because the country we see today was formed under the combined influence of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the French and the English. 

… so yes, Malta is as interesting as it is pretty – be sure to read up on it to make the most of your trip!

10. Beware of multiple names for streets and places

Now, one of the byproducts of Malta’s historic turbulence is that place names can be a bit confusing… in the sense that there’s often many of them.

Over the past 400 years alone, Malta has been ruled by four different groups with four different languages, hence why these days many names are floating around for various Maltese streets, squares and places.

As an example, the photo below is of Republic Square (Pjazza Repubblika), formerly/sometimes still known as Victoria Square, Piazza Regina, Place de l’Egalité, Piazza della Città and Piazza dei Cavallieri.

So yes, just keep that in mind when getting directions/navigating! There are often multiple names referring to the same place.

11. Malta is remarkably British

Another byproduct of Malta’s history (that shocks many first time visitors) is that Malta is fairly British in a lot of ways. 

Not only do they drive on the left side of the road as we mentioned earlier, there are also red phone booths all over Valletta, their beer is served in pints… and they use the Type G outlets like in the UK, so bring an adapter if coming from Europe.

Currency-wise though, they do use the Euro here. Just to add to the confusion.

12. Consider hiring private transfers to get around

Malta is a tiny country with a relatively large population and also many tourists. This means a ton of traffic and general chaos on the roads.

… which is unfortunate, because if you want to have optimal flexibility to see the top sights, especially if you want to explore Gozo, having a car is quite essential.

So what should you do if you don’t want the fuss of renting a car and driving yourself?

While in most places, I would just opt for public transport (which we’ll discuss below), I’d say with Malta, private tours offer another great option because they can be surprisingly affordable compared to other touristy European destinations.

For instance, you can book this tour from Malta to Gozo for the day which includes transport and lunch for about 80 euros, which is not bad at all.

So, if I were to plan my own trip to Malta today, I would probably not rent a car and instead book little day trips out like this one to cover more remote destinations.

13. Bus travel in Malta is very affordable, though it has its downsides

That said, if you’re on a budget, the good news is bus travel in Malta is very affordable as well.

At full price, a ticket one way is 2 euro, but it can be much much cheaper if you buy a special pass.

So why did I recommend booking private transfers then? Well, unfortunately, bus travel in Malta (especially in the summer) isn’t the greatest. Not only can buses be really crowded, they’re also notoriously unreliable in terms of punctuality.

But hey, sometimes embracing the chaos is part of the fun, so if you plan to take buses around Malta, here is a summary of ways to save money on your bus journeys.

The best bus pass options for tourists in Malta are…

• 12 Single Day Journeys (€15) card: Saves you almost half price on each journey, ideal if you won’t take many trips
• 7-Day Explore Card: Offers unlimited journeys for €21, ideal for a longer stay
• Explore Plus Meep: Offers unlimited travel as well as two ferry trips. I couldn’t find the price for this on their website so it’s unclear if this is still something they offer, but be sure to ask!

NOTE: These passes are much better for tourists than paying the (similarly named) Explore Flex Card which is more for people who commute throughout the year since you only save 15-50 cents per journey and the card itself is 6 EUR.

14. Make sure to try plenty of Maltese food

Alright. Are you ready? I’m about to share THE most important Malta travel tips I have with you…

Because we’re now going to talk about Maltese food!

The food in Malta is simply incredible. A few must tries include…

• Pastizzi: A magical pastry with crispy phyllo dough and usually a ricotta or pea filling
• Imqaret: A date-filled pastry best enjoyed with a scoop of creamy Maltese ice cream
• Stuffat tal-Fenek: A stewed rabbit dish that is unbelievably comforting and tender
• Bigilla: A creamy bean dip
• Bragioli: beef rolls stuffed with egg, bacon, bread crumbs, and braised in wine

And lastly, seafood. Eat as much seafood as possible when you’re in Malta. It’s so fresh and so delicious, especially when you go to the fishing villages like Marsaxlokk.

… I’m honestly just drooling while writing this. When can I book my flight?

15. Keep an eye out for Malta’s amazing churches

When you’re not busy swimming in a sea of Pastizzi , another thing to while exploring Malta is to look out for churches.

Malta has hundreds of churches, almost one for every day of the year.

The best part? They’re absolutely beautiful, so if you happen to pass one while exploring be sure to duck in and take a look.

Obviously the most famous one is the St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, but you’ll easily find hundreds of others as you walk around, so be sure to take a peek inside if you get a chance.

16. Bring coverings to enter churches

One thing to be mindful of though is that your shoulders and knees should be covered when you’re entering churches in Malta, so be sure to bring a lightweight scarf with you to cover up if you’re visiting in the summer.

17. Be careful when going out for a swim

Alright, now for a Malta safety tip…

Swimming in Malta is a fun activity that many visitors look forward to, but often they don’t realize a lot of the swimming areas in Malta are quite rocky, and depending on the weather conditions can be a bit rough for swimming, with the occasional threat via Mother Nature too, like jellyfish.

So, definitely do your research before you head out to swim.!

There’s actually a great website for this called WhichBeach that lists out all the beaches in Malta and summarizes the weather conditions and even recommends beaches for particular days depending on the conditions. Be sure to consult it during your trip so you can enjoy Malta’s glimmering waters safely.

18. Look into a Malta Pass (potentially)

Now, if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions during your time in Malta, there is something called a MaltaPass that includes a bunch of attractions for one set price.

To be honest with you though, I don’t think it’s worth it for most people just because these attractions are really scattered, and many of them aren’t (in my opinion) the coolest things to see in Malta.

So, just know that an attraction pass is an option but look carefully at the actual list of sights before you commit to buying.

19. A boat ride is a must when in Malta

Now, while a MaltaPass isn’t a must, one thing that is (in my opinion) is taking a boat ride at some point.

Boat rides are just such a lovely way to enjoy Malta from a different perspective, and there are so many great options that you really have no excuse!

I can highly recommend a boat trip around the Blue Grotto in Southeastern Malta or a ferry ride to Gozo or Comino.

Or, if you’re looking for something cheaper, hopping on a ‘dghajsa’ from Valletta over to the Three Cities is also super fun.

These are gondola-esque Maltese water taxis that allow you to get amazing views from the water. They may not be one of those superyachts you’ll find docked nearby, but dayum if the views aren’t wonderful (and cheap – at only 2 euros one way!)

20. Beware that Instagram often doesn’t tell the full story

Now before we wrap up, I do want to do a quick round of Instagram vs reality… just because I think Malta (while undeniably stunning) is one of those very photogenic places that often get misrepresented on social media.

First off, some sad news: in case you weren’t already aware, the natural arch formerly known as the Azure Window sadly collapsed into the sea in 2017, so if you’ve seen photos of this iconic spot before, it’s unfortunately no longer around:

Now for Valletta, Malta’s capital. I just need you to beware that while they make for some truly epic photos, the streets here are actually quite steep and hilly, so make sure you pack good walking shoes to conquer them!

Another warning: Mdina is an amazing place to visit in Malta known as the Silent City, and although many photos will depict the streets looking empty, you should know that an early (or very late) arrival is crucial to actually seeing Mdina without huge tourist mobs, as it’s one of the most popular day trip destinations in Malta.

Lastly, we have to talk about the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Most photos you see will show it as an empty oasis, but in the summer time, it really does get so busy to the point where online reviewers liken it to a giant hotel pool, so just have your expectations in check if you’re visiting in peak season.

Visit in April and take the last boat out however, and you may luck out with these views like I did:

21. Know that Popeye Village is a theme park

This is a niche Malta tip, but one that I think nobody covers, so here goes…

Another spot you’ll see many photos of is Popeye Village , often shown as a scenic backdrop, like so:

BUT, for first time visitors, it’s important you know that this spot is actually pretty far up North and not close to Valletta or any other big tourist sites so you do have to go sort of out of your way to come here. It’s also not a real village, but rather a film set from the 80s that they kept and turned into a theme park. 

Do I recommend actually paying to see the inside? Well, I personally loved it because I’m a huge fan of quirky and strange places (like the Arnold Schwarzanegger Museum in Austria) but beware that the park is fairly outdated, there’s not really rides, and  overall, it’s kind of expensive for Malta because an adult ticket is 20 euro.

That said, I do think it’s a fun place if you need to entertain kids, or if you’re a kid at heart like I clearly am.

22. Binge some movies and TV shows set in Malta before you go

Lastly, this is an incredibly dorky tip, but there are SO many movies that have filmed in Malta over the years, so a really great thing to do in advance of your trip is simply binging some to get excited.

Some big name ones you might recognize include…

• Assassin’s Creed
• Murder on the Orient Express
• … and season one of Game of Thrones!

I hope this list of Malta Travel Tips was helpful!

This was already a very long list of tips for Malta, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

1 thought on “20+ Malta Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Thanks for providing such a resourceful info about the place. It’s insightful. Got to know some amazing facts.

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Τα πολυτελέστερα καζίνο σε ολόκληρο τον πλανήτη

Τα 10 μεγαλύτερα στάδια στον κόσμο, βόρειο σέλας – αρχιπέλαγος λοφότεν, ταξιδιωτική αντιπαράθεση – ιαπωνία, μάλτα, μοναδική απόδραση σε απόσταση αναπνοής.

Το σύμπλεγμα νησιών της Μάλτας βρίσκεται μεταξύ Ευρώπης και Αφρικής, σαν ένας διαπραγματευτής που διαμοίρασε την πλούσια κληρονομιά της Μεσογείου σε μια από τις πιο ιστορικές, πυκνοκατοικημένες και πολυπολιτισμικές χώρες στην Ευρώπη.

Το μοναδικό της αεροδρόμιο υποδέχεται όλο και περισσότερους επισκέπτες το χρόνο, όμως σαν προορισμός παραμένει αυθεντικός, μακριά από τις επιρροές του μαζικού τουρισμού. Το άριστα οργανωμένο δίκτυο μεταφορών μας μεταφέρει από το αεροδρόμιο σχεδόν σε οποιαδήποτε περιοχή του νησιού, με αγαπημένες για διαμονή την παραλιακή Sliema, ένα τουριστικό θέρετρο με πολλές επιλογές σε καταλύματα και διασκέδαση, και φυσικά την γραφική Βαλέτα, πρωτεύουσα αυτής της μικροσκοπικής χώρας. Για όσους επιλέγουν να νοικιάσουν αυτοκίνητο, καλό είναι να γνωρίζουν ότι η οδήγηση εδώ πραγματοποιείται από τα αριστερά.

Αντικρίζοντας την Βαλέτα, κατανοούμε αμέσως γιατί ολόκληρη η πόλη έχει ανακηρυχθεί μνημείο κληρονομιάς της Unseco. Διασχίζοντας την ιστορική πύλη μοιάζει σα να εισερχόμαστε σε ένα ζωντανό μουσείο, με ιστορίες από σταυροφόρους, αποίκους κάθε φυλής, πολέμους και πολιτισμούς, που έχτισαν και σμίλευσαν τους δρόμους της με ναούς, αρχιτεκτονήματα και αισθήσεις, κουβαλώντας στους τοίχους της αιώνες ιστορίας. Κτίρια ντυμένα με παστέλ χρώματα και στολισμένα με πανέμορφα μπαλκόνια, πετρόχτιστα στενά και τοπικά εστιατόρια να γεμίζουν τον δρόμο με δελεαστικές μυρωδιές, καθολικές εκκλησίες με αναγεννησιακές επιρροές μαλτέζικου μπαρόκ, κάστρα και φρούρια Ιπποτικά, κρατούν με τις ώρες μαγεμένους τους επισκέπτες, πίσω από τα προστατευτικά τείχη της πόλης. Αλλά σίγουρα κάποια στιγμή θα μας καλέσει η θάλασσα στην προβλήτα, πλαισιωμένη από κτίρια απαράμιλλης ομορφιάς αλλά και στους κήπους Μπαράκα με θέα τάφρους, οχυρωμένα φρούρια και το πιο μαγευτικό ηλιοβασίλεμα.  

Παραμένοντας στο κλίμα του μεσαίωνα, μια ακόμα πόλη που αξίζει την προσοχή μας είναι η Ραμπάτ, η οποία φιλοξενεί την Μεδίνα, η αλλιώς τη “σιωπηλή πόλη”, έναν οικισμό οχυρωμένο πίσω από ψηλά τείχη. Η πύλη της θα μας φανεί ίσως γνωστή καθώς αποτελεί μια από τις εισόδους για το King’s Landing στην δημοφιλή τηλεοπτική σειρά του HBO “Game of Thrones”. Στις μοναχικές μας βόλτες εδώ δε θα συναντήσουμε αυτοκίνητα αλλά σίγουρα θα πιστέψουμε ότι ιππότες, δούκισσες, ευγενείς πρίγκιπες και όλο το καστ του game of thrones θα εμφανιστεί ξαφνικά στο δρόμο μας. Βέβαια οφείλουμε να τονίσουμε ότι πολύ πριν εμφανιστεί η αμερικάνικη υπερπαραγωγή στους δέκτες μας, μια άλλη ελληνική σειρά είχε ήδη ανακαλύψει την μοναδικότητα αυτού του προορισμού. Τα μπουντρούμια θα μας ξυπνήσουν αναμνήσεις από το επεισόδιο με την Σωσώ Παπαδήμα να φαντάζεται Αλέκο ως ένα ακόμα θύμα των μεσαιωνικών βασανιστηρίων, από τα διαχρονικά “Εγκλήματα” της ελληνικής τηλεόρασης. Λίγα μέτρα μακριά, η πόλη της Ραμπάτ μας προσφέρει μια υπόγεια εξερεύνηση στις κατακόμβες και τη σπηλιά του Αγίου Παύλου, σε ένα λαβύρινθο που συνδέει τους ναούς της πόλης, για όσους επιθυμούν να βυθιστούν στην αγκαλιά της ιστορίας.

Μεταφερόμαστε στο σήμερα, στη όμορφη ριβιέρα της Sliema, γεμάτη κόσμο που απολαμβάνει την βουτιά του στα ζεστά νερά της Μεσογείου τους περισσότερους μήνες του χρόνου. Ψηλά σύγχρονα κτίρια, μοντέρνα καφέ και μια αίσθηση καθημερινής ραστώνης κάτω από τον καυτό ήλιο αποτελούν ένα άλλο πρόσωπο του νησιού, με καθαρές παραλίες, ηλιοκαμμένους λουόμενους και διάθεση καλοκαιρινή.

Σε κοντινή απόσταση, προσβάσιμη με τα πόδια, θα συναντήσουμε την εκκλησία του St. Julian, στην  ομώνυμη γειτονία που κρατάει τα σκήπτρα της νυχτερινής ζωής του νησιού. Κομψά εστιατόρια σερβίρουν τοπικό κρασί και ψάρια, μικρές παμπ με οθόνες που αναμεταδιδουν ποδοσφαιρικούς αγώνες, πιτσαρίες, κλαμπ, αλλά και υπαίθριοι πάγκοι με φαγητό ή χειροτεχνήματα στον παραλιακό πεζόδρομο, με φόντο βάρκες αραγμένες στο λιμάνι, παρασύρουν τους επισκέπτες σε όμορφες βραδιές ποιοτικής διασκέδασης. Εδώ δεν έχουμε παρά να κλείσουμε τη μέρα μας με ένα ποτό στα σκαλάκια του Juuls, στέκι της τοπικής νεολαίας αλλά και όλων των νεαρών ταξιδευτών της Μάλτας.

Για όσους βέβαια αγαπούν τις θαλάσσιες εξερευνήσεις, μια ημερήσια εκδρομή στα νησιά Gozo και Comino επιβάλλεται, για ατέλειωτες βουτιές, σνόρκελινγκ και καταδύσεις στα κρυστάλλινα νερά, σε ένα εκπληκτικό φυσικό τοπίο. Όσοι προτιμούν λίγη ιστορία ακόμα, οφείλουν να επισκεφτούν τους αρχαιολογικούς χώρους που φιλοξενούν μεγαλιθικά κτίσματα από την προϊστορική νεολιθική περίοδο. Πιθανολογείται ότι οι αρχαίοι οικισμοί αποικήθηκαν από ελληνικές φυλές και επιβεβαιώνουν την σπουδαιότητα της Μάλτας μέσα στους αιώνες της παγκόσμιας ιστορίας.  

Μόλις 2 ωρίτσες από την Αθήνα και με ναύλο που συνήθως δεν ξεπερνά τα 100 ευρώ, η Μάλτα είναι πραγματικά ένας μοναδικός προορισμός που δεν χρειάζεται ούτε πολλές μέρες αλλά ούτε πολλή σκέψη για τον κατακτήσουμε!   

Είστε έτοιμοι για Μάλτα; Το εισιτήριό σας περιμένει εδώ !

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Getting around Malta, the small island that delivers big experiences

May 14, 2022 • 7 min read

Crossing the Grand Harbour by dghajsa water taxi is one of Malta's most memorable journeys © CaronB / Getty Images

A compact archipelago of three islands at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is easy to explore.

Take advantage of a convenient network of buses and ferries, set out on journeys of discovery in a well-priced rental car, or ride an e-bike or electric scooters along the spectacular waterfront esplanades of St Julian’s and Sliema. Here's our guide to the best ways to get around Malta.

Ride the bus to (most) parts of Malta and Gozo

Both Malta and its sister island of Gozo are compact, and bus services operated by Malta Public Transport are a convenient way to explore. On Malta, routes begin from the Valletta Bus Station, just south of the City Gate, while on Gozo, the town of Victoria is the central focus. Tiny Comino is usually visited on organized day trips from Gozo or Malta and it's small enough to explore on foot. 

The frequency of buses ranges from every ten minutes to hourly on less busy routes. However, the lack of punctuality can be a challenge, and afternoon and evening buses often run late. Buses are best used for focused day trips to places such as Mdina and Marsaxlokk. Because most routes originate in the central hubs of Valletta and Victoria, using buses to visit several destinations in a single day can be problematic.

Check Malta Public Transport's online journey planner or the Tallinja App for bus schedules and timings.

Tickets for public transport in Malta

Single tickets including a two-hour transfer window cost €2 (US$2.10) and can be bought on board buses. There’s also the option of a 12-journey card for €15 (US$16), which can be used concurrently by couples or families. Explore Cards cost €21 (US$22.30) and offer unlimited bus travel for seven days, while ExploreFlex is a rechargeable stored-value card offering discounted travel on buses and also harbor journeys with Valletta Ferry Services.

Another variation is an ExplorePlus Meep card for €39 (US$41.40) incorporating e-bike rental, on-demand van services, and sightseeing by bus and harbor cruise. For longer-term stays in Malta, it’s worth signing up for a stored-value Tallinja Card . There is a registration fee, but it offers the best discounts on buses and Valletta Ferry Services, and also integrates with the Tallinja App.

Spectacular passenger ferries connect Valletta to nearby cities

Several useful passenger ferries are run by Valletta Ferry Services . From the southern edge of Valletta's fortified peninsula, ferry services cross Grand Harbour to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua). A second service runs from Marsamxett Harbour on the northern edge of Valletta to the commercial district of Sliema. Ferries depart regularly from 7am to 7pm daily from October to May, extending to around midnight from June to September. Bikes are transported for free.

Another option for crossing from Valletta to the Three Cities is by dgħajsa – Malta's traditional hand-rowed water taxi service. These boats were first launched in the 17th century, and boatmen charge €2 for a one-way crossing. Passing under the golden, honey-colored walls of Fort St. Angelo , it's a brilliant way to cross Grand Harbour.

Explore off the beaten path with a rental car

Many remote beaches and smaller towns and villages on both Malta and Gozo are not serviced by bus, so having your own vehicle is recommended. Note, however, that road traffic in Malta is very busy, especially in the built-up area around Valletta, Sliema and St Julians, and parking can be difficult to find. Driving and looking for somewhere to park in the narrow heritage streets of Valletta is not recommended. Park up before exploring Valletta on foot; there's a Park & Ride facility just south of Floriana, from where free shuttle buses run to Valletta's City Gate.

Car rental rates in Malta are amongst the lowest in Europe, especially if you use locally owned companies such as Billy's Car Hire on Malta and Mayjo Car Rentals on Gozo. Book ahead on both islands during the busy months of July and August, and select a compact car to negotiate roads that will definitely be more narrow than you're used to.

Cross from Malta to Gozo on the car ferry

Shuttling between the northern Maltese port of Ċirkewwa and Mġarr Harbour on Gozo, Gozo Channel's vehicle and passenger ferry takes around 30 minutes to cross between the two islands. Services run every 45 minutes from 6am to 6pm, and approximately every hour through the night, but the service is sometimes suspended during winter due to storms and rough seas. Leaving Ċirkewwa with a vehicle, you only pay before your return journey coming back from Gozo.

While car rental rates are often cheaper on Gozo, any savings may be offset by the costs of the ferry, so it's worth keeping the same car if you're visiting both islands. Avoid summer weekends when locals travel to holiday in Gozo and queues to board can be long and slow-moving.

Launched in 2021, Gozo Fast Ferry provides a convenient passenger-only ferry linking Mġarr Harbour on Gozo to Valletta. Journeys take 45 minutes and you can take bicycles on board; just book ahead for one of the limited number of bicycle spaces, either on Gozo Fast Ferry's website or via their app. This service is a good option if you're planning on picking up a rental car at Mġarr Harbour or exploring Gozo by bike, e-bike or scooter. A competing service is offered by Virtu Ferries .

Bike shares and electric scooters are good for low-carbon travel

A good option for harborfront exploration around St Julians and Sliema is the Tallinja Bike  bike-sharing scheme, with 11 docking stations on Malta and three on Gozo (locations include ferry terminals and the Valletta Bus Station). Single rides cost €3 (US$3.20), and there's a discount for Tallinja Card holders. A similar service is offered by nextbike , which offers both pedal cycles and e-bikes. For short hops on an electric scooter, download Whizascoot’s app and get riding.

Longer-term bike or scooter rental is handy for more ambitious exploring, especially on Gozo's quieter roads. Along with jeeps, quad bikes and 4WD buggies, scooters, pedal cycles and e-bikes can be rented from Mġarr Tourist Services , conveniently based at Gozo's Mġarr Harbour. Based at the northern Maltese beach resort of Bugibba, Eco Bikes Malta rents out bikes and e-bikes and runs guided bike tours. For a fee, they’ll drop off bikes to wherever you are staying in Malta.

Get walking to explore Malta's historic cities

Malta is a wonderful destination to explore under your own steam, especially the heritage streets of Valletta, Mdina's hilltop walled city, and the astounding Il-Kastell citadel in the Gozitan capital of Victoria. For longer walks, many trails follow the dramatic coastlines of both Malta and Gozo.

Taxis and rideshare services are handy for city exploring

Cabs are useful for city exploring. Conventional taxis can be booked with eCabs , either online, by phone or on their app, while Malta’s leading rideshare operator – also accessible by an app – is Bolt, with good service in built-up areas.

Accessible travel in Malta

All Maltese buses have a low floor to accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with a wheelchair ramp and step-free entry. Ferries operating on Valletta Ferry Services’ two harbor routes and Gozo Fast Ferry also offer access for wheelchair users.

Note that steep and often stepped streets of Valletta can be difficult to negotiate for travelers with restricted mobility, but key galleries and attractions such as the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo , and the National Museum of Archaeology offer ramps and wheelchair access.

Why I love Valletta’s harbor ferries

Crossing Grand Harbour by ferry is one of world’s greatest urban commutes, leaving behind Valletta’s improbably compact fortified peninsula to approach the towering ramparts of Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities. Tiny dgħajsa water taxis berth next to leviathan super yachts, and narrow laneways arc away from the shelter of Dockyard Creek to reveal the quiet residential backstreets of Birgu.

You may also like: Working from home? Malta has opened applications for year-long digital nomad visas Malta offers deals to lure visitors as it opens to tourists from 38 US states Malta and Gozo's best beaches

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