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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 or my guide to where to stay without a car .

I stayed at Slimiza Suites in Sliema (unfortunately, its rating dropped recently) . Higher-rated options in Sliema include Marea Boutique Hotels , Seafront Duplex Penthouse , 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 and boat trips 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 card at the ticket office or machines next to the bus terminal (see all sales points here ). If you want to save money, this is a great way.

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 !

Did you find my Malta travel guide helpful? Pin this post for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!

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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Your Trip to Malta: The Complete Guide

• Best Time to Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Malta International Airport Guide
• Best Hotels
• Top Things to Do in Malta
• Top Things to Do in Valletta
• Best Museums
• Adventurous Things to Do in Malta
• 48-Hour Itinerary
• Must-Try Food
• Best Restaurants

Malta, or the Republica of Malta, is an island nation in the central Mediterranean, located between Sicily and North Africa. It includes the main island of Malta (home to the capital city, Valletta), the smaller island of Gozo, and the tiny, barely populated island of Comino. Over the millennia, Malta's strategic position has made it a prized possession of civilizations, kingdoms, and regional powers seeking to control trade in the Mediterranean. As a result, Malta has a fascinating history, with influences of Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish and British cultures, among others—seen especially in its historic cities.

Malta is also known for the waters that surround it—the Mediterranean Sea around Malta and its associated islands is clear, deep, and very popular with divers and snorkelers. For Europeans, Malta is a quick island getaway for warm weather, beaches, and history.

Planning Your Trip

Here are some basics for planning your trip to Malta.

Best Time to Visit:  Summers in Malta are hot, dry, and crowded, as July to September is peak season. To avoid the crowds but still be relatively sure of warm but not hot weather, the best time to visit is in the late spring to early summer, from April to June. By May, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

Language:  The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. The former is a Semitic language with its roots in the Arab-Sicilian domination of Malta in the Middle Ages. Italian is also widely spoken on the island. Why most Maltese speak the Maltese language among themselves, you'll find that most also speak English, especially in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Currency:  Malta is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency  . No other currencies are accepted.

Getting Around:  Malta has an efficient public bus system that connects to the airport, cruise port, and most cities, towns, and tourist sites, including on Gozo. If you decide to rent a car, keep in mind that Malta adheres to British driving rules, meaning cars have their steering wheels on the car's righthand side, and driving is on the lefthand side of the road. Taxis are numerous and easy to find. Motor scooter and bicycle rentals are popular ways to get around, and a water taxi service carries passengers across Valletta's Grand Harbour.

Travel Tip:  Malta is small but densely populated and congested. In high season and at morning and evening rush hour, expect to spend some time sitting in traffic.

TripSavvy / Linda Strauta

Things to Do

Visitors to Malta mostly come for three reasons: history, the sea, and a fun, resort-like feel. You might pass a vacation here by visiting historical and archaeological sites one day, and beaches and swimming spots another. If you have the chance to get out on the water in a boat, whether it's a ferry, kayak, or chartered sailboat, don't miss it. In the evenings, the lively alleys of the capital city of Valletta are lined with open-air restaurants and bars.

Here are a few sights and activities not to be missed:

• Visit historic cities and sites. Valletta, the fortified capital city of Malta, dominates the Grand Harbour. The 16th-century city was built by the Knights of Malta in high Baroque style and has a well-preserved historic center. The fortress city of Mdina was built by the Arabs in the 11th century and served as Malta's capital until the 1500s. The Megalithic Temples of Malta, including Ħaġar Qim and four others, are the oldest free-standing stone structures globally   and a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site. For some perspective: they predate the pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, and Ireland's New Grange.
• Get in the water. The islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino are ringed by dramatic rocky coves with stunningly clear water and a few sandy beaches. Top sandy beaches include Golden Bay Beach and red-hued Ramla Bay on Gozo. For swimming and snorkeling, On tiny Comino, the aptly named Blue Lagoon is famous for its otherworldly turquoise waters. On Malta, St. Peter's Pool has huge rock slabs for sunning in-between jumping into blue-green waters. From the beautiful swimming cove at Għar Lapsi, you can catch a boat to the Blue Grotto, the most famous of the many sea caves carved into the shorelines of Malta and Gozo.
• Party into the night. Malta is a party destination, attracting young and old revelers to dine out, drink and socialize at top spots all over the island. In Valletta's Old Town, narrow, steep alleyways are lined with bars and restaurants that buzz with activity from early evening. In the combined area of Sliema, St. Julian's, and St. George's Bay, modern luxury hotels, beach resorts, and shopping, dining, and entertainment complexes draw revelers from across Europe and beyond.

For more on things to do in Malta, check our articles on the Most Adventurous Things to Do in Malta and the Top Things to Do in Malta .

What to Eat and Drink

As with Maltese history and culture, Malta's cuisine has been greatly influenced by the many cultures that ruled the islands over thousands of years. Most prevalent is the Italian influence—there are Italian restaurants and pizzerias all over Malta and Gozo. But the cuisine also has elements of French, Greek, Arabic, Spanish and British cooking. Rabbit is among the most popular dishes in the country, prepared any number of ways but most often in a stew, called stuffat tal-fenek . Pastizzi are savory pastries filled with peas or a ricotta mixture. Another only-in-Malta dish is ftira , a flatbread that is either stuffed with savory ingredients or served like a pizza, with cheese, vegetables and often, sausage or other meat. Lampuki pie is a local fish pie baked with potatoes, mint, and capers.

Both red and white wines are developed in Malta. White wines are crisp and dry, and include Chardonnay, Vermentino, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc. Syrah and Merlot are two of the most commonly found reds on the island. Cisk is the local craft beer, and you'll find bartenders mixing up a range of international cocktails, including the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz.

Where to Stay

Where you base your stay in Malta depends largely on your interests. Keep in mind that the island is small and can be easily traversed by rental car or bus. Valletta, the capital city, has several important sights, is close to the airport, has a range of accommodation options, and is a good hub for exploring the rest of the country. Sliema, St. Julian's, and St. George's Bay have the largest concentration of luxury hotels, though there are less expensive options here as well. Families and couples come here for the beaches, and the younger crowd hits nearby Paceville for the nightlife. Quiet Mellieħa is favored by those who want to spend the majority of their time at the beach. Gozo is also much quieter and lower-key than the busiest parts of Malta and draws an older crowd looking for total relaxation and lots of time in the sun and sea.

Getting There

Small, easily navigable Malta International Airport (MLA) is the country's only airport. While there are no direct flights between Malta and the U.S., the airport is well-connected to Europe, the Middle East, and Russia. Air Malta, Alitalia, RyanAir, EasyJet, and Wizz Air are among the carriers with the most frequent flights in and out. The airport is about 10 kilometers from downtown Valletta and is connected to Valletta and the rest of the island by bus or taxi.

Gozo is only reachable by ferry or private boat, or charter. Ferries depart about every 30 minutes from the port at Ċirkewwa, on the northern tip of Malta, for the 25-minute ride to Gozo. Vehicle, foot, and bike passengers are welcomed on board.

Culture and Customs 

Malta ranks only behind Romania as the most religious country in Europe. And despite its reputation as a European party destination, its population is devout, with a wide majority identifying as Roman Catholic and attending mass regularly. When entering any church, be sure that your shoulders and chest are covered and that your legs are covered from the knees up—this goes for all genders.

In restaurants, tip about 5-10 percent of the bill. If a service charge has been added, you don't need to tip, though a euro or two extra for good service is always appreciated.

Money-Saving Tips

In terms of vacation costs, Malta falls right about in the middle of the rest of Europe—cheaper than destinations like Paris and Venice, but more expensive than Eastern Europe, for example. Here are a few ways to save money on your vacation to Malta:

• Buy the Malta Pass. If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in one day or a few days, the Malta Pass is a good investment. It includes admission to more than 35 top attractions, plus a sightseeing bus to get around on.
• For meals, go casual. The Maltese snacks of ftira and pastizzi are cheap, handheld meals in themselves. They're sold, along with tasty sandwiches and pizza, just about everywhere, especially near beaches and other destinations where tourists gather.

European Union, The euro as the official currency, 2020

UNESCO, Megalithic Temples of Malta

Related Articles

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Malta Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 14, 2024

Malta is a popular summer destination for Europeans but, for almost all non-Europeans, it’s mostly ignored for other places in Europe .

While the country has seen a surge in tourism in the last few years (those British retirees were on to something!), it’s still pretty under the radar for most people.

Those folks are missing out. I loved my time in Malta . The tiny island nation boasts friendly people, ancient medieval towns and castles, warm weather, awesome food. and charismatic cities.

Owing to its unique position between Africa and Europe, Malta offers visitors an interesting cultural blend. As you explore, you increasingly notice the Italian, English, and North African elements in the food, language, culture, and architecture.

To top it all off, it’s relatively cheap compared to mainland Europe and the beaches and seafood here are excellent.

This travel guide to Malta will help you plan an epic and affordable trip there.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Malta

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in malta.

1. Explore Valletta

For Europe’s smallest capital, Valletta packs a big punch: it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 300 monuments. There’s plenty to see here! Walk the fortifications, wander around St. John’s Co-Cathedral, visit the history museum and the National War Museum, admire the plethora of churches, and dine out on the historical waterfront. Don’t miss the catacombs that were turned into a secret military base during World War II and the Cold War. One of the best things to do though is to just to stroll the narrow roads and alleys and let yourself get lost. If you want to take a guided walking tour of Valletta , they last about 3 hours and cost 20 EUR.

2. Wander Mdina

Mdina is a fortified city and served as the original capital of the country. Like Valletta, it has a beautiful cathedral to visit and lots of old backstreets and passageways to explore. Be sure to visit the nearby catacombs and ancient Roman houses while you’re here. Don’t miss the Knights of Malta museum if you want a quirky and outdated experience (I don’t think this museum has been updated in decades but it’s fun). There’s also the Dungeons Museum where they have recreated scenes from Malta’s long history (note: some of the scenes depict episodes of torture and crucifixion). Admission is 5 EUR. To learn more about the city, take a walking tour of Mdina . They last two hours and cost 18 EUR.

3. Hike a coastal trail in Gozo

The coastal trails in Gozo offer a few different routes around the island for anyone looking for some exercise and stunning panoramic views. All of the walks combine getting back to nature with a bit of exploring history as they take you through some amazing flora and fauna as well as charming towns and villages. If you can only do one, hike from Marsalforn to the (sadly now gone) Azure Window. Keep your eyes peeled for all the traditional salt pans in Xwejni that have been used to harvest salt over the centuries. Other great hikes to check out are the Xlendi Tower, which takes you to an seaside tower that was built in 1650 and the Ras in-Newwiela trail that ends and a stunning stretch of white cliffs overlooking the sea.

4. See the Tarxien Temples

Located near Valletta, this complex is made up of 4 megalithic structures. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 3150 BCE. The temples were used for rituals, which may have included animal sacrifices and cremations and some of the walls still have prehistoric artwork on them including bas-relief sculptures and friezes depicting animals and spirals. While mostly ruins and rubble, it’s one of the best ways to learn about the history of the island. Admission is 6 EUR and the Tarxien Temples App has audio guides you can use to navigate your way around. You can also splash out on a private archeology tour if you really want to learn more.

5. Relax on the beach

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to schedule some time for the beaches. Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, and Peter’s Pool are all great places to soak up some rays. The water in Malta is super clear and a brilliant turquoise. Paradise Bay and Armier, on the northern tip, also offer gorgeous views of the island of Gozo. If you have time to get there, the beaches in Gozo are beautiful and don’t get quite as busy as the main beaches in Malta. There’s not always much shade so take plenty of sunscreen and water (although most have at least one place you can buy drinks and snacks). Whichever beach you go to, be sure to arrive early so you can beat the crowds.

Other Things to See and Do in Malta

1. attend the carnival.

Malta has been throwing its own version of Carnival every February for over 500 years! Celebrations are held all around the island during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, with parades, dancing, and costumes. Much of the population heads to Gozo for the weekend, so be sure to plan ahead as public transportation during that time can be a nightmare (more so than usual). Book your accommodation in advance because everything fills up!

2. Cruise around the island

If you want to get a different view of the island, take a ride around the coast. Tours usually stick to a certain region of the island and the more expensive trips include lunch. They cost from 20-30 EUR, last between 4-8 hours, stop off at a few beaches, and highlight some of the many shipwrecks around the country. Get Your Guide has a great full-day tour that covers all the highlights and gives you three hours of free time to explore on Gozo, if you want to go beyond the beaches.

3. Explore the Citadel

This fort was built by the British in Rabat/Victoria (this is the Rabat on the island of Gozo, not to be confused with Rabat on the main island of Malta). Known as the Cittadella or the Castello, it was built in the 16th century, though fortifications that have been found in this spot go back over 2,000 years (the area was settled in the Bronze Age). Inside, you can see the Cathedral of Gozo and the Bishop’s Palace, along with other historic buildings throughout the winding streets. Some of the damage you’ll see on the structures was actually from Napoleon’s troops in the 18th century, though a fair amount is due to the exposure to the elements. It’s free to enter and explore, with lots of little shops hidden down the alleys. For 5 EUR, you can check out the Visitors Center, the Nature Museum, the Gozo Archaeology Museum, Gran Castello Historic House, and the Old Prisons. The fort offers a great view of the city and surrounding area, making it a good place to come at sunset.

4. Go diving

Malta is surrounded by a plethora of shipwrecks that make for some great diving expeditions. The water in many places is incredibly clear so you have excellent visibility as you explore. Some of the most popular dive sites are the Um El Faroud oil tanker (it was sunk intentionally to act as a reef), the Double Arch cave in Gozo, and the Blue Hole (also in Gozo). You can also dive to see the fallen Azure Window (a famous rock formation that collapsed in 2017). A two-dive package starts around 90-120 EUR per person.

5. Hit the road

Most tourists who visit Malta never stray far from Valletta. If you want to really see the country, rent a car. There are lots of remote places to explore in Malta and a car gives you the freedom to do so. Considering the island is so small, you can just spend the day exploring the aging and battered towns that dot the island . You can find car rentals for as little as 20 EUR per day so it’s an affordable choice if you want to get away from the crowds and see the country beyond Valletta.

6. Relax in the Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens

I love these gardens. Located in Valletta, on the southern side of the peninsula, they overlook the harbor and make a great place to watch the comings and goings of people and boats. They were created in 1661 as the private grounds for some of the knights that resided here. They were opened to the public in 1824 and are a relaxing nook of the city. Bring a book or a snack, grab a spot on a bench, and watch the world go by. The gardens are full of palm trees and there are different flowers and plants around based on the season. You’ll also see fountains and shaded spots to relax. Don’t miss the Siege Bell Memorial, which was built in 1992 to commemorate the 7,000 people who lost their lives during the Siege of Malta in World War II (the bells chime daily at noon).

7. Explore St. Paul’s Catacombs

Located near Mdina, these underground tunnels were used by the Romans as cemeteries up until the 4th century (and possibly as late as the 7th century). They were built in the 3rd century and are composed of over 30 different areas, 20 of which are open to the public. The entire network of underground passages covers 2,000 square meters. In one of the chambers, you’ll an ornate alter and the two large halls have pillars carved to look like columns. In the Middle Ages, the catacombs were used for religious worship, though they later just became storage areas until their re-discovery in the 1980s. They are an amazing thing to see. I loved them. Don’t miss them! Admission is 6 EUR.

8. Visit the Hypogeum

This is one of Malta’s most popular historical attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hypogeum was carved over 5,000 years ago and was an ancient temple/burial site in the Neolithic Age (over 7,000 bodies have been found here). It’s really cool and the displays provide lots of detailed descriptions and context. The halls, rooms, and passages were carved into three levels from the limestone under the city. In some of the chambers, you can see remaining frescos and other artwork carved into the rock. It is so popular during the summertime (and into the autumn) you need to book your tickets up to four weeks in advance. Admission is 35 EUR and includes a guided tour. It’s one of the best-preserved historical sites in the country and worth every penny. Don’t skip it! It’s just 15 minutes south of Valletta by car.

9. Visit the Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is situated between Comino and Cominotto (i.e. between the main island and Gozo) and is the most iconic beach in the country because of its pristine white sand beach and turquoise water, which is some of the clearest in the world. It can get incredibly busy here on the weekend, so be sure to come early to stake out a good spot. There is a regular ferry service from Malta, however, if you want to visit from Gozo you need to take a private boat. It takes about 45 minutes to drive to the ferry from Valletta. Half-day catamaran trips to the Blue Lagoon costs from 25 EUR.

10. See the Marsaxlokk fish market

This market happens every Sunday morning. It’s a bit touristy and gets quite crowded but it’s the best place to buy fresh fish. You can find lots of other items such as fresh produce, honey, and other local goods here too. There are plenty of restaurants around (though you should expect to pay tourist prices here). Marsaxlokk is on the southern tip of the main island, about 25 minutes away from Valletta by car.

11. Explore Popeye Village

What started out as the film set for the quirky 1980 Popeye musical starring Robin Williams is now a large tourist attraction. You can explore the village, watch a documentary about its creation, and even play mini-golf. There are actors dressed as characters from the film walking around and interacting with visitors. This is a fun place to go if you’re traveling with kids. You can take boat rides, watch a silversmith demonstration, and bounce around on water trampolines. When the weather is warm, they offer boat rides around the area. Off-peak admission is 15 EUR while peak-season admission is 24 EUR.

12. See the Gozo Salt Pans

Lining the coast of Gozo, these salt pans have been in use for over 350 years. The traditional methods of harvesting salt have been passed down for generations, and even to this day you can find locals engaged in harvesting the crystals. There is salt for sale in shops all around the island (it’s a great souvenir to take home).

13. Visit the Three Cities

Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua trace their origins back to the Middle Ages and have been inhabited more or less since people arrived on the island. The Three Cities were also the original home of the Knights Hospitallers (a Catholic military order known as the Knights of Malta) and feature a lot of wonderful architecture and history. They aren’t as visited as other destinations on the island so it can be a good way to get away from the crowds. They’re just across the water from Valletta. Half-day tours of the Three Cities cost 36 EUR.

How to Stay Safe in Malta

Malta consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is rare, though it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you. Petty theft can still occur so always keep your valuables tucked away and be mindful of your things while on crowded public transportation or while swimming at the beach.

When swimming, make sure you only swim in areas where there are other swimmers around. Riptides are common so it’s best to avoid secluded beaches unless you can be sure that it’s safe. Never swim when the sea is rough and never swim alone.

Drivers in Malta are on the aggressive side so take extra precautions when crossing roads, cycling, or renting a car. When taking a taxi, always wear your seatbelt.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). There are a lot of helpful solo female travel blogs on the web that can give you specific tips and information about a place that I can’t.

If you’re out hiking in the spring or autumn, be aware that it is hunting season (just for small birds).

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Scams here are very rare here but you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Malta

While hostels aren’t plentiful, you can find them around Valletta. There’s a lot of budget hotels too. Here are some of my recommended places to stay:

• Inhawi Hostel (St. Julian’s)
• Two Pillows Boutique Hostel (Sliema)
• Corner Hostel Sliema (Sliema)
• Tritoni Valletta Boutique Hotel
• Ddream Hotel

Malta Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 20-60 EUR per night (double during summer)
• Budget hotels – 65 EUR per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 25 EUR per night
• Airbnb apartments – 60-80 EUR per night (50-100% more during summer)
• Street food – 1-7 EUR
• Sit-down restaurants – 35 EUR
• Casual take-out places – 15 EUR
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 9.50 EUR
• Beer – 4 EUR
• Glass of wine – 3-6 EUR
• Cappuccino/latte- 2.50 EUR
• Bottled water – 1.50 EUR
• Groceries for a week – 30-50 EUR

Malta Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 55 eur per day.

On a backpacker budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, and use public transportation to get around. You’ll need to limit your drinking and stick to free or cheap activities like hitting the beach and visiting museums.

Midrange – 135 EUR Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or budget hotel. You’ll still need to cook most meals and eat out occasionally at cheap fast-food joints. You’ll be able to enjoy a few drinks, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities like boat tours or museum visits.

Upscale – 245 EUR Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you’ll be able to drink as much as you’d like, eat out for all your meals, rent a car to get around, and do more activities like scuba diving and visiting Popeye Village. This is just the ground floor for luxury though!

Malta Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Malta is one of the more affordable destinations in Europe but, during the summer months, it gets really expensive. To help you stick to your budget, here are some money-saving tips and tricks for visiting Malta:

• Visit during the off-season – Malta (or at least Valletta) gets crowded in the summer and prices tend to rise (cruises stop here). If you want to save money and have a less hectic visit, visit during the off-season.
• Cook your own meals – While restaurants aren’t overly expensive, eating out every day adds up. Try cooking your own meals to save some money. There are plenty of small shops and larger supermarkets (like Lidl) where you can grab basic staples for cheap.
• Avoid supermarket produce – A lot of produce at the supermarket is imported (and thus more expensive). Search out local vendors who sell their produce at the side of the road or at small stalls in town. It’s cheaper and fresher!
• Get a tallinja transit pass – The tallinja card can save you money on bus trips, if you want to explore beyond the major cities of the island. While a single trip is 2.50 EUR you can get a 24-hour pass for 6 EUR. There’s also a 7-day pass for 25 EUR. You can also buy twelve single trips for 21 EUR which saves over buying each one individually.
• Get the Malta Pass – This tourism card provides free entry to Malta’s top 40 attractions, making it worthwhile for anyone who plans on visiting a lot of sites. It also includes a free sightseeing bus (which is worth 20 EUR itself). You can get a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass for 50 EUR, 80 EUR, or 100 EUR respectively. Buy it online before you go for the best price.
• Take a free walking tour – There are a few tour companies in Valletta, such as Colour My Travel , who offer free 1.5-hour walking tours. You get to explore the area and learn about the local culture, history, and architecture from a local expert. It’s a great introduction to Malta and definitely worth doing. Just be sure to tip!
• Redeem hotel points – You can sign up for a hotel credit card and use the points you earn toward accommodation when you travel. Most cards come with at least 1-2 free nights when you sign up, which can help you save a lot. Here’s a post that will help you get started with hotel credit cards . If you start earning points now, you’ll have plenty for your trip.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis in Malta are not cheap. Avoid them as much as possible. If you do need to use them, get the eCab app. It ensures you get a reputable and reliable taxi (they are good for short distances while taxis are likely cheaper for longer journeys).
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink (though it tastes a little off). Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

How to Get Around in Malta

Public transportation – Public buses go pretty much everywhere in Malta (albeit not regularly). A single fare is 2.50 EUR during the day and 3 EUR at night. You can also purchase a pass with 12 trips for 21 EUR. Just keep in mind that they fill up fast so you might have to stand for your trip. They also can be infrequent and pass by stops without warning if they’re full, so if you are taking the bus make sure you have lots of extra time!

In addition to the public buses, there are also hop-on/hop-off buses that have different routes around the country. These routes cover all the major sites on both islands (Valletta, St. Julian’s, Popeye Village, the former Azure Window, etc.). A day pass for a single route starts at 25 EUR with Hello Malta or 28 EUR with City Sightseeing. I’d skip this and just use the public bus.

Ferry – The ferry to Gozo costs 4.65 EUR and takes 25 minutes. Be sure to arrive in advance as it fills up fast. The ferry from Malta to Italy takes less than 2 hours and costs 50-80 EUR (depending on the time of year) EUR for a one-way ticket to Sicily.

Bike – You can rent bikes for around 15 EUR per day, though I’d be extra careful cycling outside of Valletta. Drivers here are aggressive and the roads are quite narrow.

Taxi – Taxis start at 5 EUR and cost around 2 EUR per kilometer. There are no Uber or Lyft here but you can download the eCab app as an alternative. It’s usually cheaper than taxis for short distances. However, if you’re on a budget, it’s best to just avoid taking them.

Flying – Flights from Malta to and from mainland Europe can be found for as little as 45 EUR if you book early. Ryanair is the most budget-friendly airline that flies to Malta so they are your best choice if you’re on a budget. Flights to and from Morocco and North Africa can be found for as little as 55 EUR per person (again, if you book early and are flexible). There are no domestic flights around Malta.

Car rental – Car rentals cost between 20-25 EUR per day for a small car. Just keep in mind that the cheapest rentals are manual transmissions so you need to be able to drive stick if you want to get around. The drivers here are also very aggressive and tend to see the rules of the road as suggestions rather than laws. Renters need to be at least 21 years old.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Malta is not recommended, simply because people just don’t stop. If you do want to try your hand at it, check out Hitchwiki for tips and information.

When to Go to Malta

The best time to visit Malta is from June to August. The weather is the warmest then, with daily temperatures around 31°C (88°F). Not surprisingly, this is also the busiest time of the year so expect crowds and higher prices.

In August, as in much of Europe, many locals leave for their own summer holidays. A lot of shops and restaurants close, which can crowd the remaining places even more. But the weather is perfect and most tourist attractions stay open. If you choose to visit during the busy summer months, the Mediterranean Food Festival happens in August. This event features cuisines from around the world with cooking competitions, talks about sustainability, and displays by local artists. In late July and early August, you can also check out the Farsons Beer Festival, which is a totally free to enter. There’s plenty of live music, food, and beer.

The shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer a nice compromise of decent weather and fewer crowds. Expect temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Carnival is a major spring even and has been celebrated in Malta for more than 500 years. During the week leading up to Ash Wednesday (about seven weeks before Easter), there are masquerade competitions, parades, parties, and masked balls. In late April and early may there’s the Malta Fireworks Festival. There are incredible fireworks displays and competitions that happen over the course of these two to three weeks. In the fall, the island of Gozo puts on the Festival Mediterranea. This is a celebration of the arts that have been a part of Gozo’s culture for more than 7,000 years. There are operas, symphonies, poetry readings, and so much more.

The winter in Malta is chilly, with temperatures dropping to 10-15°C (48-60° F) — sometimes colder. Aside from attractions closing for Christmas, everything is open though some bus schedules change to reflect the lower number of visitors in the country. In short, it’s a perfect time to visit as long as you aren’t looking to hit the beach and don’t mind some windy sweater weather.

Malta Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Malta Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Malta travel and continue planning your trip:

How to Visit Malta on a Budget

Malta: The Country of Half-Neglected Buildings

Europe Travel Guide

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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

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Destination Daydreamer

19 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Malta

We just returned from a family trip to Malta , and it was suuuuch a dreamy holiday. We traveled as a small family (4-year-old & 1-year-old) and it was absolutely perfect. Although we traveled as a family, Malta is the ideal destination for any type of traveler.

Malta is a small, Meditteranean island nation located just south of Italy and east of Africa. It’s known for crystal clear blue water, gorgeous rocky cliffs, beautiful historical cities, and friendly locals.

We started our trip to Malta with 3 nights on Gozo and finished it with 4 nights in Malta . We were so, so happy that we chose to spend multiple nights on Gozo and we wish we would have stayed there even longer (although, we were glad we had so much time to spend on Malta as well- it’s all just so great).

This post is to help you with all of the things you need to know before you take a trip to Malta- my top Malta tips that we wish we had known before our visit to Malta!

If you are looking for more information about visiting Malta as a family, check out my two guides: 23 Amazing Things to Do in Malta with Kids and 23 Amazing Things to do in Gozo with Kids .

*There are affiliate links in this post.  Read my  privacy/disclosure policy  to learn more.

Is Malta Worth Visiting?

Yes, yes, definitely yes. Malta is absolutely gorgeous with so many different things to see and do. You can choose to visit beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking rocky coves, or stunning old cities.

You can take guided boat tours , delicious food tours , and even full-day trips around the island .

Or you can rent a car (like we did) and cruise the island at your own pace. It’s a great way to really take in the beauty of this Mediterranean destination (plus we took a boat tour ).

If you’re traveling with kiddos- no worries because Malta is perfect for families too (we were there with our two young kids)!

19 Things You Need to Know Before Planning a Trip to Malta

1. the country of malta is made up of 3 main islands.

First things first- you’ll want to get acquainted a bit with Malta’s geography so that you know how and where to spend your time. Malta is comprised of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is the largest main island where the airport and the largest cities are located (plus many other beautiful places).

Gozo is the second largest island and is just a short, 25-minute ferry ride from Malta. It’s much quieter and less visited than Malta (however, it definitely needs to be on your Malta itinerary).

Comino is the smallest of the three islands. It has very little infrastructure on the island, but it is where the famous Blue Lagoon is located (more on that later).

2. The Water on Malta is so, so, so blue

If you’ve seen any photos of Malta, then you’ve seen how blue the water is. I was pretty hesitant to get my hopes up about the blueness of the water (we’re looking at you, photo filters). But as soon as I saw the water in Malta for the first time I was pleasantly surprised that it actually WAS crazy blue.

The most famous blue-water spot in Malta is the Blue Lagoon which is located on the small island of Comino. There are a few different ways to get to the Blue Lagoon. You can either take the ferry from either Cirkewwa Malta or Gozo to the Blue Lagoon or you can book a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon . The boat trips often include snorkeling, time anchored in other pretty coves, and more.

There are private boat trips to the Blue Lagoon , sunset cruises to the Blue Lagoon , and powerboat trips to the Blue Lagoon (plus loads of other trip choices- you can check them all out on Viator or read my guide to the Blue Lagoon ).

Keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon can get crazyyyy crowded so I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning (like 9 am) or much later in the day (like 5 pm).

However, the Blue Lagoon is by far not the only blue water in Malta. You’ll find gorgeous blue water almost everywhere- try visiting Ramla Bay, Ghar Lapsi, Riviera Bay, or St. Peters Pool (or pretty much any other beach/cove).

3. The Best Time of Year to Visit Malta is May-June or September-October

If you want great swimming weather but don’t want to be melting in the Malta heat, I recommend visiting Malta from May-June or September-October. During these months you’ll see high temps in the mid-70°s F-low 80°s F.

We visited in June and had days with temperatures between 76°- 83° F and it could not have been better. It was always plenty warm to swim and it was just getting to the point where some days felt a bit too hot (however, a dip in the water immediately cooled us down).

I would not have wanted to be there when the temps were any higher. If you visit in July or August, you’ll definitely get higher temps reaching into the 90°s (plus you get more crowds). I don’t know why you’d want to battle crowds and get roasted by the Malta sun in July and August- just visit a different month.

4. Lodging in Malta Can be Quite Affordable

Compared to European cities like London or Amsterdam you get SO much more bang for your buck in Malta. We found a gorgeous 2-bedroom Airbnb on Gozo with amazing views and a pool for just 200 euro per night and we stayed in a simple (but new) 2-bedroom Airbnb on Malta for only 70 euro per night.

There are many different hotels and vacation rentals in Malta from basic rentals to 5-star hotels. You’ll be able to find what you need no matter the type of traveler you are.

5. Spend 7 Days in Malta to Really See Most of the Main Attractions

I’ve read so many short Malta itineraries that really miss the vast majority of the beautiful things to see and do on Malta. It breaks my heart that someone can leave Malta without realizing how many gorgeous places there are.

Because of this, my top recommendation would be to take your time in Malta and spend a week traveling and relaxing on both the islands of Malta and Gozo. If you don’t have a week- then try for five days.

If you don’t have time for five days, then spend at LEAST three full days. Trust me, you’ll thank me later (and be sure some of that time is spent on Gozo).

6. Both English and Maltese are the Official languages of Malta

Something that makes traveling in Malta a little easier is that English is one of the official languages (along with Maltese). You’ll hear locals speaking both English and Maltese together and pretty much all signs/grocery store items are in English.

Thankfully, you can easily get by with only English in most places you visit in the world these days. However, sometimes it’s just nice to be surrounded by English and not have to worry about doing any translating.

7. Malta is a Great Place to Travel with Kids

We traveled to Malta with our 4-year-old and our 1-year-old and it was absolutely amazing. The people were very kind and helpful and our kids couldn’t get enough of all of the different water and beach activities. Our 4-year-old even wandered through Valletta with us (sans stroller) and she had a blast.

If you’re headed to Malta as a family, be sure to check out my guide to visiting Malta as a family: 23 Amazing Things to in Malta with Kids + Top Tips, Itinerary & Map . I also have a Gozo-specific guide: 23 Amazing Things to do in Gozo with Kids .

We opted to not bring a stroller to Malta as we have previously done when we visited Amsterdam with kids or Paris with kids . Instead, we let our 4-year-old walk and brought our baby carrier for our 1-year-old.

Since the vast majority of our activities in Malta were playing at different beaches we had no need for the stroller. And Valletta was a manageable enough city that our 4-year-old was able to walk on her own (a stroller really would have been quite difficult in Valletta anyway).

Our 4-year-old talks of how this was the best trip she’s ever been on (and she’s been on a lot of trips😅). If you do Malta right- your family will have a total blast.

I don’t think she’s had more fun on vacation than she did in Malta. It even beat out our trip to Disneyland Paris (which was also fun, just in a different way).

8. Booking a Rental Car is the Best Way to Explore Malta

You’ll find guides that suggest that Malta can be navigated via bus (which I don’t doubt). However, we booked a rental car for our time in Malta and I’m so happy we did. We had so much freedom to travel wherever and whenever we wanted on the island.

And dare I say one of the best parts was being able to get into an air-conditioned car rather than walk in the heat to the bus stop? Okay, that probably wasn’t the best part of a rental car but it’s definitely a perk.

And if you’re planning to travel to Malta as a family, I definitely recommend a rental car. Our kiddos took so many naps in the car and used that quiet time to recharge for our next activity.

We used Economy Bookings for our car rental and saved hundreds of dollars. I’m not usually one for booking through a third party, however, this was our second time finding a killer deal on Economy Bookings and after a first great experience, I just had to take advantage again.

I recommend searching over a course of a few days on Economy Bookings because the prices seem to fluctuate. As soon as you find a great deal you need to book immediately before it disappears.

9. You Drive on the Left Side of the Road in Malta

Something that comes as a shock to many Americans is that you drive on the left side of the road in Malta (with the steering wheel on the right side of the car). This is because Malta was once under British rule and so the driving is the same as what you will find in the UK.

Driving on the left definitely takes some getting used to. Plus, the drivers in Malta are very confident drivers who navigate small, bumpy roads at quick speeds. If driving (even in ideal conditions) is scary or difficult for you, you may consider taking the bus in Malta.

10. Be Sure to Visit the Island of Gozo During Your Trip to Malta

If you don’t remember, the country of Malta is made up of three main islands. The largest island is Malta (where the airport is and the largest cities), the next largest is Gozo and the third island is Comino (which is barely inhabited).

Many people visiting Malta totally skip Gozo and that’s a huge mistake. Gozo has some of the best things to do in Malta and it’s much, much quieter. We talked with a few locals who live on Malta but have second homes on Gozo where they spend their weekends and/or winters. It’s definitely the place where locals go to relax (it’s incredible).

If you only have time for a day trip to Gozo, that will have to suffice. There are many different guided day trips to Gozo if you are worried about logistics. You can choose from full-day guided jeep tours , full-day quad/ATV tours , or even tuk-tuk tours of Gozo.

Booking a guided day trip to Gozo may be a great idea to make the most of your time on Gozo.

However, I recommend spending at least 1-2 nights on Gozo. We spent three nights on Gozo followed by four nights on Malta. However, we wish we would have reversed that and done four nights on Gozo and three nights on Malta.

You can easily get to Gozo via two different ferry routes:

• Cirkewwa to Gozo ( 25 minutes-suitable for both cars and pedestrians)
• Valletta to Gozo (45 minutes-suitable only for pedestrians)

I recommend booking a car to explore Gozo and Malta, however, I have heard the bus routes are decent if booking a car is not an option for you.

11. Malta Has Many Famous Filming Locations

If you’re someone who loves to visit filming locations, then Malta is the place for you. The list of movies/shows filmed in Malta goes on and on.

Some of the most popular films and shows filmed in Malta include Jurassic World, Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Troy, Count of Monte Cristo, and The Da Vinci Code.

There is even a film set left over from the live-action, 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams (it’s a fun place to go as a family). You can check out this list of films/shows filmed in Malta to see if there are others that are of interest to you.

12. A Boat Trip Will Probably Be a Highlight of Your Holiday Malta Holiday

You definitely need to ensure you get out on the water during your trip to Malta. There are loads of different boat trips you can book ahead of your trip to Malta. The most common boat trip is to visit the Blue Lagoon and the area around it (which I’ll go into more detail below).

But you should also be aware that there are many other, shorter boat trip options to various sites in Malta and Gozo. A must-do on your list should be The Blue Grotto. There are also many boat trips that leave from Marsaxlokk to St. Peters Pool or a very short boat trip through a tunneled cave on Gozo from the Inland Sea.

But here is some more info on the boat trips to the Blue Lagoon. There are full-day boat trips on large boats with slides , private boat trips or spacious catamaran boat trips . You can even book a relaxed kayak trip that visits the Blue Lagoon (among other stops).

We visited the Blue Lagoon on this private boat trip and a second time by taking the ferry from Cirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon . If you want to not be bothered by other passengers and you want the experience of jumping from your boat to snorkel, then a private boat trip is for you.

If you want a full-day excursion chilling on a boat, visiting multiple sites and having additional add-on experiences as an option, then you’ll want to book a full-day boat trip like this one .

However, if you just want to get to the Blue Lagoon and pass some caves on the way (while going in one cave) then the ferry option is for you.

13. Be Sure to Keep Some Cash on Hand

We quickly realized that we needed to keep cash (euro) on hand during our Malta holiday. Many places accept cards- but there are plenty of places that only accept cash.

Not only do some small food trailers only accept cash, but my husband went to a bakery that surprisingly only accepted cash. We made a couple of stops at different ATMs during our trip and had no problem after that.

14. The Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto are Two Different Places in Malta

When I was researching things to do in Malta, I kept hearing about the Blue Lagoon and the Blue Grotto. It wasn’t until much later that I realized I was mixing up the two and thinking they were the same place. Yes, both places feature gorgeous blue water, however, they are two different locations.

The Blue Lagoon:

You’ve heard about the Blue Lagoon many times by now in this post. The Blue Lagoon is a large area of aqua-blue water located on the small island of Comino. There is a very small, white sand beach at the Blue Lagoon, a slab of rock with umbrellas for rent, and various other rocky areas you can perch to enjoy the views.

There are toilets and food vendors at the Blue Lagoon and it can get VERY crowded. If you want any space at all to yourself, I highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning (9 am) or later in the evening (5 pm).

You can get to the Blue Lagoon either via a ferry from both the island of Malta and Gozo or you can book a guided boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and surrounding areas (which is a very popular thing to do).

The Blue Grotto:

The Blue Grotto is another must-see destination on Malta and it’s located on the southern end of the island. It’s a network of multiple caves with some of the most beautiful blue water on Malta. You can buy tickets for a 20-25 minute boat ride to ride through the caves and see the beautiful area (I highly recommend).

There is also a viewpoint you can see from the main road which overlooks the largest cavern called Blue Grotto (which the area is named after). I would not say the viewpoint is a replacement for the boat ride through the caves, but it’s a great addition to your visit to the area.

15. There’s A Lot of History to See in Malta

If you’re a history buff, there is definitely a lot for you to see in Malta. The previous capital city of Mdina was first built and fortified in 700 BC. Today it’s a lovely, peaceful place to stroll through.

In Malta, you will also find a megalithic temple site (dating back to 3600 BC 😱), an ancient citadel, and even WWII historical sites. You can also visit the Museum of Archaeology in Valletta or use their site to learn more about things to see in the area.

16. Malta is a Huge Scuba Diving Destination 

You can’t be anywhere near the water without seeing various scuba diving tour groups . There are even scuba diving experiences created for first-timers in Malta that you can book. What a perfect place to try scuba diving for the first time if you’ve always wanted to.

There are 100+ dive sites in Malta with one of the most popular sites being The Blue Hole on Gozo. The Blue Hole is a 15-meter-deep hole created from wind and water in a natural rock formation and is a must-visit scuba diving destination.

17. You May Want to Bring Water Shoes for the Beaches

One top tip for visiting Malta is to bring along a pair of water shoes-you’ll thank me. Many of the beaches have areas of what I’d called river rocks which can be super hard to walk on without shoes.

My husband and I both brought our Teva sandals so we could easily keep them on to wear in the water. For our kids, we brought along more traditional water shoes to wear in the water (which was pretty much a necessity for them).

18. There are Both Sandy Beaches and Beaches Surrounded by Stone in Malta

Something that I loved about Malta is that you can find both long, sandy stretches of beach AND beautiful rocky coves that are swimmable. There are red sand beaches, white sand beaches, coves surrounded by cliffs for cliff jumping, and coves suitable for families.

Some of our favorite swimming experiences were actually not at the long sandy beaches (there’s something nice about not cleaning up an entire family covered in sand 😅). But no matter which you prefer, you’ll be able to find the type of beach for you in Malta.

There are also a few beaches with large, inflatable obstacle courses in the water which can be a great way to mix up your beach days. Or you can take a boat trip to a new beach as another great way to mix up your beach days.

19. Ftira and Pastizzi are Some of the Yummy Local Maltese Foods You Need to Try

We always like to try a few local foods whenever we visit a new place and Malta has some yummy ones to try. Our favorites were the potato and cheese ftira (which is sort of like a pizza, but not really) and the mashed pea or ricotta pastizzi (which is a type of savory puff pastry).

We also tried Kinnie which is a very popular, local soda. It’s created with bitter oranges and wormwood and you definitely get that herby taste coming through strong. Kinnie wasn’t our favorite, but it was fun to try! Especially since you’ll see so many advertisements for it during your time in Malta.

And those are all of the things I think you need to know before your first trip to Malta! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions- I’ll be sure to get back to you. Have a great trip!

Check out these other posts, I know you’ll love them:

• 23 Amazing Things to in Malta with Kids + Top Tips, Itinerary & Map
• 5 Different Ways to get to the Blue Lagoon in Malta + Things to Know Before you Go
• 23 Amazing Things to do in Gozo with Kids + Places to Eat, Where to Stay & a Map

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The Ultimate Guide to the Isle of Skye with Kids: 21+ Things to Do & Top Tips

The Perfect 7-Day Malta Itinerary

Last Updated on January 15, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Though the island nation is incredibly small in size, planning out the perfect Malta itinerary can be a bit of a difficult task when considering all of the amazing things to do in this beautiful Mediterranean country.

While Malta may seem small (it is!), that doesn’t mean that it lacks amazing things to do and see and travellers could easily fill over two weeks on the Maltese archipelago and not get bored. If you don’t have an endless amount of time to devote to your trip, however, you can do and see quite a bit in just one week.

If you’re wondering where to go in Malta in one week, make sure to follow this itinerary in order to have the best trip to Malta possible!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Malta?

It’s true, Malta is small, but don’t let this fool you into thinking that there isn’t much to see or do. The truth of it is actually quite the contrary and it is why many potential visitors wonder how many days to spend in Malta.

While you can cover a lot of ground in a short stretch of time, I wouldn’t recommend spending less than one week if you genuinely want to get the most out of your Malta trip.

Spending a full 7 days in Malta will allow you to explore its lovely cities and visit the myriad historical and UNESCO World Heritage Sites while also giving you enough time to relax in the Mediterranean sunshine and experience the stunning coastline with its crystal clear waters.

Getting To & Around Malta

As a Mediterranean island nation, the most likely (and straightforward) way to get to Malta is by plane. The Malta airport is located about 20 minutes from the capital of Malta, Valletta, and they serve a number of airlines across countless destinations both in Europe and internationally. It is possible to book a private airport transfer here.

You can also reach Malta by ferry from nearby Sicily with regular routes from cities like Catania or Palermo .

Once in the country, it’s easy enough to get around Malta using the extensive bus and ferry system, however, it may be tricky to organise if you happen to be staying on Gozo or outside of Sliema or Valletta on the main island of Malta where there are fewer connections. There are lots of areas to stay in Malta where it may be more practical to have your own vehicle.

If you want a lot of flexibility and ease of getting around, then consider renting a car. There are lots of car hire options in Malta and it’s a great way to see the country! You can browse car hire options here.

For those who do not want to bother with getting around independently, you can easily get to many places in Malta via organised day tours such as to Gozo. This, however, will end up being the most expensive option out there.

7 Days in Malta Itinerary

Day 1 – sliema.

Malta’s largest city of Sliema is the perfect place to base yourself on the island. A stone’s throw away from the historical capital of Malta, Valletta, Sliema is also incredibly well connected in terms of public transport with most buses passing through the city.

But while it seems like more and more people are basing themselves here, fewer people are really taking the time to get to know it. That is why I recommend spending the first day of your seven-day Malta itinerary in Sliema.

There are a number of things to do in Sliema and it’s a great place to get your bearings and really start enjoying your Malta holiday. Begin by having breakfast and a coffee at one of the trendy cafes that the city boasts. Take a couple of hours to have a leisurely stroll along Sliema’s seafront promenade, maybe taking the time to swim in the harbour.

As the sun begins to set, take advantage of a happy hour deal and enjoy a drink at a seaside cafe. End your day with a great local meal at Ta’Kris , one of the best restaurants in Sliema.

Where to Stay in Sliema

Mr Todd Hotel – This small hotel is located in the heart of Sliema and only a stone’s throw from the swimming areas that line the promenade. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms on offer, 24-hour check-in, and a free breakfast included in the room rate.

Quisisana Apartments – If you’re looking for a different sort of accommodation, then these centrally located apartments can be a great choice. Centrally located in Sliema, they have a range of flats on offer that are all fully furnished with everything you may need.

Two Pillows Hostel — If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then you can’t go wrong with this boutique hostel. The first hostel in Malta, this place offers clean and comfortable rooms (both dorm and private), a great location in Sliema, and a friendly and helpful staff.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Sliema!

Day 2 – Valletta and the Three Cities

On the second day of your one week in Malta trip, it’s time to explore the lovely Maltese capital city of Valletta . A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this diminutive city is very much on the up and up as tourism goes and is one of the places to visit in Malta that you cannot miss.

I’d recommend trying to get an early ferry (they leave every thirty minutes from the Sliema terminal) to beat the crowds and the heat that can accumulate later in the day.

Walk along the city walls to the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities and take the time to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral and marvel at its impressive facades and collection of paintings by Caravaggio.

Pop in for lunch at Submarine, where you can get a fresh, made-to-order sandwich for a good price before catching the ferry to the Three Cities.

Spend your afternoon exploring the three small adjacent cities of Cospicua (Bormla), Vittoriosa (Birgu), and Senglea (L’Isla). Honestly, the best thing to do in all of the Three Cities is to get lost in their beautiful winding alleyways and enjoy the lovely traditional Maltese architecture.

Catch the ferry back to Valletta in the evening and enjoy a nice cocktail at Cafe Society before enjoying a delicious meal on the rooftop terrace at Rampila .

Valletta is very small and therefore doesn’t have a lot on offer when it comes to accommodation. A far better solution would be to base yourself in Sliema and visit Valletta from there, it’s easily accessible within a few minutes by ferry or bus.

Where to Stay in Valletta

Domus Zamittello Hotel – Located in the middle of lovely Valletta, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring this compact city. Situated within easy reach of the top sites and the ferries, there are several great rooms and breakfast available daily.

The Saint John – This hotel is excellent for those after a luxury stay in Valletta. Boasting countless opulent rooms to choose from, it’s perfectly located for exploring the town and the island and has a number of plush amenities for guests to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Valletta!

Day 3 – Marsaxlokk and Southern Malta

On the third day of your seven days in Malta, it’s time to venture further out on the island and explore the fishing village of Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-SASH-lock) and the highlights of Southern Malta.

Start your day the way the Maltese do — with a swim in the harbour! After you’ve had a shower and a pastizzi for breakfast, catch the bus and head to Marsaxlokk! While it may not look far on the map, the bus can take close to an hour if you factor in traffic.

This small fishing village has a great street market and a famous fish market that runs on Sundays (try to get there early if you’re visiting on that day!) that can be fun to browse, but it also has some of the best seafood on the island.

Next, head to the nearby St. Peter’s Pool. It is a bit of a hike to reach it, but the views are lovely and it can be a good way to work off all of that food! If it’s too hot you’re not up for a hike, many taxis will take you there for about €10-15.

This is an awesome place for cliff jumping if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, but keep in mind that it can get quite busy at weekends so you might not find the perfect spot to bask in the sun if you don’t get there early.

This is also a great day to book a tour of the UNESCO-listed Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, as it’s en route to this area. Just keep in mind that they only allow a finite number of people in per day so it’s necessary to book months in advance .

Day 4 – Gozo

After spending three days on Malta, it’s time for a change of scene. This is why the fourth day sees you heading to the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago — Gozo!

While Gozo is often considered a day trip there are quite a few things to do on the island and it offers a refreshing change of pace from the busy island of Malta.

To get to Gozo, hop on the bus to Cirkewwa and catch the ferry to the island. You can also drive – it is a car ferry.

They leave roughly every 45 minutes and the journey only takes about half an hour. Gozo is quite small, so it doesn’t matter too much where you might want to stay, but I would suggest basing yourself in its capital of Victoria.

Located in the centre of the island, it has the best bus connections to everywhere else you might want to go.

Spend your first day in Gozo exploring Victoria (Rabat) and its wonderful walled Citadella. After you’ve admired the views and maybe visited a couple of beautiful churches, it’s time to get to know a little bit more about Gozo’s up-and-coming wine scene.

There are a couple of vineyards to choose from, but I would especially recommend going for a tour and tasting at Tal Massar Winery. For such a small vineyard, the wines they produce are truly exquisite.

End your day back in Victoria with a wonderful dinner at the wonderful Maldonado Bistro , where their delicious meals and great atmosphere are impossible to disappoint.

Where to Stay in Gozo

The Duke Boutique Hotel – Located in Victoria, the biggest city on Gozo, this boutique hotel is an excellent place to base yourself on the island. They have a range of rooms available (all with air conditioning) and a free breakfast is included in the nightly rate.

Private Rental – Gozo has a range of fantastic private rentals such as this historic farmhouse with a pool and this beautiful sea view apartment .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Gozo!

Day 5 – Gozo

On your second day on Gozo, it’s time to get out on the water! There are many options available to do this and it just depends on your own personal preferences! If you just want to spend a lazy day at the beach, I would recommend spending a few hours on the beautiful golden sands at Ramla Bay.

If you want to see as much of the archipelago as possible during your Malta itinerary, however, it is well worth going on a boat tour . We spent a wonderful day sailing between all three islands, stopping at countless swimming and snorkelling spots along the way.

No trip is complete without spending time on the islands of Gozo and Comino and this is one of the best things to do in Malta, so of course it is included in this itinerary.

If a full-day sailing trip isn’t quite your cup of tea, Gozo is also quite well-served for quick boat rides to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino. If you intend to go here, however, it is worth noting that it gets very busy later in the day so it’s best to get there early.

Alternatively, you can spend this day exploring more of what the island of Gozo has to offer. Head to Xwenji Salt Pans to see how natural Gozitan sea salt is made or enjoy some of the beautiful beaches on the island while basking on the golden sands of Ramla or the quiet beach at Xlendi.

You could also take in some of the oldest Neolithic structures standing today (they’re older than the Pyramids of Giza!) at the Ġgantija Temple.

Day 6 – Mdina and Rabat

On day six of this itinerary for 7 days, it’s time to head back to the main island of Malta and explore the beautiful medieval walled city of Mdina and its adjacent town of Rabat!

Catch the ferry back from Gozo and spend your afternoon discovering the wonderful city of Rabat. The town is small and walkable, but the back alleys and architecture are lovely. It is also well worth taking the time to explore the catacombs of St. Paul’s Cathedral — they are just as bizarre and eerie as they sound!

Spend your evening in gorgeous Mdina, which actually served as a filming location for the first season of HBO’s Game of Thrones .

Pop in for a glass of wine and a sharing platter from Fontanella Wine Bar while watching the sunset from their roof terrace. After the sun has set, take some time to wander around Mdina. After the day-trippers leave, the city retains a peaceful elegance and it will be clear why it is nicknamed “The Silent City.”

Where to Stay in Rabat/Mdina

Adelphi Boutique Hotel – Located in the centre of Rabat and only a five-minute walk from the walled city of Mdina, this small hotel is a great place to stay. They have a few clean and comfortable rooms available and a free breakfast included.

Point de Vue – If you want to stay in the charming walled city of Mdina, you can go wrong with this hotel. Ideal for those with a higher budget looking for a bit of luxury, this hotel has a number of clean, spacious, and air-conditioned rooms available, a full hotel bar, and an excellent free breakfast each morning.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Rabat!

Day 7 – Northern Malta

Spend the final day leisurely exploring the north of the island. While this is where the majority of Malta’s resorts lie, it is also where the most beautiful sandy beaches are. So why not spend your last day on Malta lazily soaking up the rays on Golden Bay beach?

If you want to do something a bit more active to let your seven days in Malta go out with a bang, then go for a long walk along the stunning Dingli cliffs! And if you’re dying to get back out on the water still, it can be well worth taking a boat trip to explore the beautiful Blue Grotto and stare in awe at Malta’s amazing geology.

End your day back in Mdina with a casual dinner at one of the many great restaurants and maybe a gelato from the delicious Fior Di Latte.

Malta is an incredible destination with a number of things to do. While seven days is a great amount of time to spend on this wonderful archipelago, one could easily spend more and not get bored. Take your time to get to know this island nation and I assure you that you will not be disappointed.

Are you planning to visit Malta? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

A Guide To Mdina & Rabat, Malta

A Guide to Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool, Malta

10 Tips For Planning a Trip to Malta

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi Maggie, Thank you for giving out such a detailed description of your experience. I am planning a 7 day trip to Malta from the Netherlands . I had a couple of questions and would appreciate it if you could answer and help me out. 1. Do you suggest starting the trip from Valletta or ending it there ? 2. Would you suggest staying at just Valletta and cover the entire island by renting a car or would you suggest we can spend 3 night In Valletta and 2 In Gozo ?

Hi Gayathri, the itinerary written above is a great outline on how I would suggest spending 7 days in Malta 🙂

Thank you so much for your informative article. We are visiting Malta this week and will be using your suggestions. Luckily, we have a hotel booked in Sliema. Also, we now know that we need to take some warm clothes with us! Maggie

Happy you found the article helpful! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hi Maggie Many thanks for your tips and experience. I’ ve read from other blogs, there are a lot of transportation issues with buses, and despite short distances, you can waist a hell of a lot of time for only a few km. Is it the case at the end of March? I’m currently planning a 11 days in Malta, from 28th of March, 2021. Many thanks for your advise. Rgds. Mike

Hi Mike, thanks for your comment! It’s true that in the busier months, buses can get full in Malta quite quickly and the drivers won’t stop to pick up other passengers. I’m not sure if this will be as big of a problem in March (my gut says no), but it is definitely something to be aware of. Regardless, we’ve really had only pleasant experiences with the Maltese bus system.

Hi Maggie Thanks for interesting tips – very useful. We plan a holiday in Malta from Australia. What time of year would you recommend ?

Hi Chris, thanks for your comment! Personally, I think that mid-late September is the best time to visit Malta — the majority of the tourist crowds have dissipated, the weather is perfect and the water is at its warmest of the year. However, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Malta 🙂 Hope you have a great trip!

Hi Maggie, Thank you for your article. I’m thinking about 1 week in Malta in the second half of February. We want to see as much as possible. Do you think this term is suitable because of the weather? Thank you.

Hi Divan, I think 1 week in Malta in February sounds like a great idea! The weather will be warmer than anywhere else in Europe, however, the water will still probably be too cold for swimming, so be aware of that! Hope you have a great time 🙂

Dear Maggie, I really liked this page and your description. Thank you fo rmaking such a nice page. I live in Zurich. Because of some last min changes, I am now planning to visit Malta from 24th dec to 2nd Jan. I have few questions : a. Do you recommend to stay at different places? I thought to have the hotel at one place, and then, then go around. b. Is it worth staying 1 night at Gozo. ? c. Is Malta closed during christmas time , 24th, 25th , 26th dec? d. Any new year party venue suggestions?

Best Regards, Abhishek

Hi Abhishek, to answer your questions: a. I recommend finding 1 or 2 places to stay throughout your time there. Malta is small so it’s easy enough to get around from just one base. b. I think that Gozo is worth a night, however, you can see a lot of it if you only want to visit for a day trip, as well. c,d. I’ve never been to Malta over Christmas and NYE so I can’t speak on these issues, unfortunately. Hope you have a great trip!

I’m planning to stay 10-14 days to get a good look at the Knights Templar architecture, the other medieval historically significant forts. A sail around the island and to Gozo seems like a very nice way to get a sailors view as in ancient days. I’ve been reading about the history class of Malta and now reading about a travelers experience I’m eager to go. Late March because I think it will be very nice. Thank you for the vivid descriptions.

Hope you have a great trip, Maribeth!

Thanks Maggie for this very informative article. We have planned a seven day trip to Malta and would be following most of your itinerary. How are charges for public transport? Or renting a car would be a better option? We are also planning to skip three cities near Valletta and have more time at north Malta. How does this sound?

Hey Vivek, glad you found the itinerary useful! Public transport in Malta is frequent and affordable and you can use it to get most anywhere you need to go on both Malta and Gozo. We relied solely on the bus network while there and never felt as if we needed to hire a car. As for the Three Cities, they are beautiful and worth a visit, however, if you’re more interested in spending time by the beaches in the north of Malta, go ahead and do that! Hope you have a great trip!

Do you suggest moving around cities each day or staying in one city and doing day-trip using public transport?

Hey Angus, depending on how long you are planning on staying in Malta, I would generally recommend limiting your stay to one or two towns on the island and a couple of nights on Gozo. Malta is small and it’s easy to get around. The easiest place to base yourself on Malta would be in Sliema, which is close to all the transport links. You can get to most places on the main island within an hour on public transport. Hope this answers your question!

Thank you so much for this Maggie; we’re off to Malta for a week at the end of June so I’ll be following this itinerary closely!

So glad I could help! Hope you have a great trip 🙂 We absolutely loved Malta and can’t wait to go back!

Hello Maggies, I wish you see this question before end of the day, if I am going to follow the exact above travel itinray , how many hotels do I have to book ? can I book the whole 7 days in Sliema and move around between these cities, or do I have to book in Gozo starting from day 4 till end of the trip, please help as I can’t visualise it properly

Generally, I would recommend to book 3 different hotels for this trip. 1 in the Sliema/Valletta area, 1 on Gozo and 1 in the Mdina/Rabat area

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Malta » 10 Must-Knows When Travelling to Malta For the First Time

10 Must-Knows When Travelling to Malta For the First Time

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Great Tips for Travelling to Malta For the First Time!

Lots of people ask “is Malta worth visiting?” and we think the answer is absolutely! From the rocky beaches to exploring the famous capital, Valletta, Malta is an fascinating country that is great for all travel styles. 

That said, there are a few things to know about Malta before you visit and knowing these things can make your trip go as smooth as possible.

Eric visited Malta on a trip and explored basically the whole country so we love talking about Malta and have written quite a few Malta travel articles. Let’s travel to Malta!

Table of Contents

General Information About Malta

Malta is country made up of a whole bunch of islands (an archipelago) with the three main ones being Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The country has played a HUGE role in shaping (and we’re not exaggerating here) written human history.

There are temples on Malta that are 5000 years old and considered the oldest freestanding structures remaining on earth.

The island has been ruled by basically everyone in the region at one point or another, had real medieval knights, was a British colony, played a significant role in both World Wars, and is now a member of the European Union. So, there is a TON of amazing history to learn about when you visit.

That said, the country is TINY.  You can basically drive end to end on the main island in like an hour (without traffic congestion).

Valletta, the capital city, is the smallest European capital by land area, and the whole country is only about 450,000 people total. Other larger centres are Sliema, St Julian’s, Bugibba, and Victoria, the capital of the island of Gozo.

Weather in Malta

If you want the sunshine, Malta is, admittedly, the place to go. Malta averages over 300 sunny days a year – which is among the highest rates in all of Europe.

The best time for weather to visit Malta is June through to August when the temperatures are around 25-27 degrees Celsius. Having said that, this season is super busy so consider travelling in the shoulder season in April or May before the rush of summer.

Eric went there in April and it was still hot enough to swim and sunbathe. Plenty hot. The other shoulder season is September to November BUT these months can see more rain so just a heads up.

You can go in the winter months but it’s cooler and many resorts and attractions are closed down for the season. As a general tip, wear sunscreen and stay hydrated – but we cover more Malta safety tips further down.

Visa Information to Visit Malta

If you are travelling to Malta for tourism, you should think about if your passport requires a travel visa or not to get into the country. Malta is located in the Schengen Zone of Europe.

The Schengen Zone is an area in continental Europe (plus a few other island countries) of 26 countries that allow free movement between them once you’re in any of them.

Most major non-European passports (Canadian, America, Australian, etc) follow the Schengen “visa-free rules” of staying in the Zone for 90 days within a span of 180 total days.

So most short trips to Malta are probably covered if this is you. BUT always check the visa restrictions for your passport with your country’s government/embassy before leaving!

If you need a visa for the Schengen Zone, you will have to apply beforehand. Malta is also in the EU so all Europeans can just show up no problem.

Paying and Tipping In Malta

The currency that is used in Malta is the Euro. You can find cash machines at banks or money exchanges in larger centres and touristy areas. If you do pay in cash, try to have smaller bills – 50 Euro notes or smaller.

The major credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment (Eric bought aloe gel for a sunburn at a tiny stand and they had a card machine) but have a bit of cash available just in case for purchases made on the beach or in a small market.

If you are eating out or taking a cab, tipping in Malta is at a standard 10% but you can go a bit higher for excellent service.

Plugs/Electronics Used in Malta

As a former British colony, the plugs used in Malta are Type G – or the three prong style used in the UK and NOT in mainland Europe. The voltage used is 230 volts.  

That means if you’re coming from North America or other parts of Europe, you will need an adapter for your style of plug. Most electronics you’ll be bringing along can handle a range of voltage from 110 to 240 V and it’ll say on the label.

If your electronic isn’t compatible for a 230-volt plug (most should be, but check) then you’ll need BOTH a converter AND an adapter. Buying a travel adapter that handles different voltages can save you some worry.

You can find an adapter like that here.  It even includes USB ports for charging smaller electronics (cameras, phones, etc).

Getting To/Around Malta

Malta has one major airport ( Malta International Airport ) and that is the main way in and out of the country. You can take the ferry from like Italy but this isn’t common. 

As for getting around once you are there using public transportation, you take the bus. There are no trains on Malta so don’t expect to hop on a train between cities. It’s the bus or you are walking!

Public Transportation in Malta

As for the bus around Malta, they are green and you cannot miss them. Our advice is to hang on tight if you are standing. The buses are safe and not always on time (this is “Malta time” which we explain below in the culture section).

They always do come, just be prepared to arrive early to the bus stop cause it might be early – and be prepared to wait longer cause it might be late! This is also season depending and route dependent. In short, the bus is a great option if you aren’t in a hurry.

There’s the  official website of Malta Transportation  – they offer a variety of passes and show you the routes and timetables.

Ferry Crossing to Gozo

Since Malta and Gozo are two separate islands, you have to take the ferry to Gozo to check it out. We have now written a very detailed guide on taking the ferry from Malta to Gozo (and back) which you should check out if you have questions.

In short, the ferry port is in Cirkewwa – which is at the north end of the main island of Malta. The ferry takes you to Mgarr Harbour in Gozo.

You can check here for the Gozo ferry schedule and ticket prices . It’s pretty easy to figure out once you are there. Eric did that and just hopped on the next ferry!

Private Car/Taxi Hire

There are also private car hires and taxis on Malta which are quite common since there is no other option besides the bus or your own rental car (see below).

There are official white taxis around the island. Just make sure they are using the meter during your trip.

If you are heading anywhere major, there is usually a flat fee – like from the airport to literally any of the major cities/towns. You can learn more about those  flat fees here  at the Airport Website.

If you are into the idea of a car hire, there are private cars or “black cars”. These cars can be cheaper than taxis and they usually get arranged through a hotel reception or a simple call.

Eric had his hostel arrange a black car pick-up from the airport and it was so simple and cheap for three people. A popular way to arrange these is through  eCabs .

Driving in Malta + Renting a Car in Malta

While on the topic of getting around Malta, you can also drive. If you are planning to drive while in Malta, you should know that – like in the UK, Australia, New Zealand – driving is done so on the left.

Again, thank the former British rule for this! Eric found drivers to be a little impatient in the centres but once you got out into the open country it’s fine.

The major roads are well kept but there are tons of little side paths to beaches, view points, etc that are rugged and just stone/dirt roads. Drive them at your own risk.

Renting a car is not uncommon in Malta and you can do that right from the airport. However, the Rule of Thumb for renting a car in Malta is rent one if you are a confident driver and you know the route.

If this is your first time renting a car, DON’T start in Malta. You can  compare rental car prices in Malta here , if needed.

Safety in Malta

Generally, Malta is a very safe European country. Of course, all places come with their risks.

Crime rates are pretty low in Malta but petty crime – like pick-pocketing – does happen in touristy areas. Just be sure to watch your belongings when in larger crowds/markets and you should be fine.

If you are near the coastal regions, be careful hiking along the cliff edges. Flip flops won’t do it on loose rocks – you need a good hiking shoe like Lisa has .

If you are swimming, follow the swimming codes for beaches or do what the locals are doing if you are just going in off the rocky shoreline. Currents can be dangerous in the winter and never swim alone.

Speaking of rocky, the rocks to enter the ocean in places can be very slippery and sharp so watch your footing as you enter/exit using the rock ledges. Cliff jumping can be very dangerous since you may not be able to judge the water’s depth.

When it comes to sun safety, always wear sunscreen or stay covered with a hat/umbrella. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the hot days. We always have our water bottles with us in our reliable day pack and they are always full!

Staying hydrated is important – even if you are in the shade. Locals even avoid the sun at mid day since it’s just that hot.

Speaking of water, you can usually drink the tap water in Malta BUT always ask if you are unsure. Most people still just buy bottled water or have a filter system in their home.

Hotels usually have a system in place (bottled or filter) and will let you know the proper course of action. Again, just ask your host if you are unsure.

Speaking English in Malta

If you’re travelling to Malta,  you should know that there are two official languages: Maltese and English. English is the second-most spoken language so you shouldn’t have a problem conversing with locals.

You will definitely find English in all touristy areas and larger towns/centres in the country. Members of the older generation might be the ones who are not comfortable speaking English, however.

That said, (fun fact) – Italian WAS an official language so there are people on the island who can converse in Italian, and even French, to a lesser degree.

If you are reading this, though, you are likely an English speaker. Go with that – but don’t be afraid to learn a few basic Maltese words.

Maltese History & Culture

The Maltese people (especially the older generation) are strongly religious. As a whole, the country is a reserved and modest place (with a few exceptions – going out on the town in Paceville..).

Because of the reserved culture, topless sunbathing/swimming is illegal in Malta. So if you do that and are used to that – it’s “tops on” for ladies in Malta.

Along with that, make sure you are respectful when you travel and visit places. If you are visiting religious sites (churches), be sure to be dressed/covered appropriately.

Shoulders covered and closed toes shoes are recommended. Basically don’t visit a church in a tank top and flip flops.

As for Maltese culture, “Malta time” is a thing. Basically, going back to talking about the buses – the country moves at a more relaxed pace.

This laid back atmosphere can be infuriating to “go go go” North Americans so it’s always nice to step out of your bubble and enter into a completely different culture. Just go with the flow and you will be fine.

The food is wonderful with fresh produce available all over the country. Given the location in the Mediterranean, seafood is fresh and abundant. Definitely try the seafood.

You can learn about the historic fishing culture if you head to Marsaxlokk for the famous Sunday Fish Market .

Related Articles

If you’re planning a trip to Malta, have a look at some of our other articles as well:

• Plan Your Perfect Malta Itinerary from 3 to 10 Days
• Things to Do in Malta’s Capital City Valletta
• Places to Visit in Malta
• Sightseeing on Gozo
• Where to Stay in Malta
• Where to Stay on Gozo
• Must-Knows When Taking The Ferry from Malta to Gozo

And there you have it  – 10 things you should think about before travelling to Malta! We love Malta – and think that it’s a great country that many people should experience once in their lifetime.

We’re always happy to share our travel knowledge  about a place – but Malta is extra cool! We can’t wait to return soon and write all about our experiences again.

As always, Happy Malta Waddling!

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

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Home » Malta Itinerary

Malta Itinerary: A Travel Guide’s Pro Plan for up to 7 Days

Are you considering a trip to Malta? Or have you already decided to go and wondering how to spend your time there with an organised itinerary?

You’ve come to the right place!

Seven days in Malta is more or less the perfect amount of time to spend in this small island nation. When you have a full week in Malta you’ll have enough time to explore the major highlights at an easygoing pace. Malta has a rich history, natural beauty, and local culture and village life, so there’s plenty to see and do.

In this guide, I’ll help you with the ultimate Malta itinerary for one week. I’ve perfected it after having helped thousands of travellers plan their trips.

As part of my advice, you can also slot in a few optional day plans. That way you can personalise your itinerary and still enjoy a great trip.

Let’s get started!

How to spend one week in Malta

For one week in Malta, I’ve found that this carefully crafted itinerary is the best way to spend your time.

You can find the locations covered on this handy map.

Day 1: Valletta (blue) Day 2: Comino & Blue Lagoon (yellow) Day 3: Exploring Gozo Island (orange) Day 4: Mdina, Rabat and surroundings (green) Day 5: Floriana and The Three Cities (red) Day 6: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk and Megalithic Temples (purple) Day 7: Mellieħa and surroundings. (khaki)

A full week in Malta allows you to find a good balance between:

• Discovering its rich, unique history
• Enjoying the country’s natural beauty by the sea, in the quieter West side of Malta, as well as in Gozo
• Getting a taste for local culture and villages in Malta, away from tourist hotspots.

I’ve combined these three elements in the plan below and paced them in a way that makes sense to most.

About this Malta itinerary

Hi! My name is Edward, and I’m a tourist-turned-local with Maltese roots. I’ve experienced Malta as a tourist and know the country inside out now that I’ve lived here for a number of years now.

On Malta Uncovered I help travellers like yourself make their trip to Malta a memorable one.

Last year, I helped over a million readers of this site (and my guidebooks) plan their trip. Based on their feedback, I’ve carefully crafted a few itineraries for visiting Malta:

• 7 Days or one week in Malta (this guide)
• How to spend 4 or 5 days in Malta
• How to spend 3 days in  Malta .

In this particular guide I’ll help you determine the best travel plan for you and your loved one(s). However, at the end of this page you can find references to other guides on my site. They cover topics like where to stay, whether to rent a car or not, and more. So when you’re ready, there’s a lot more you can learn here before you visit Malta.

In the section Practical advice for planning your Malta trip (click/tap to jump there), you’ll find guides on:

• Where to Stay

How to get around in Malta and Gozo

• The best time to visit Malta
• … and more.

You’ll find a few links to recommended tours and services within this guide. I will earn a small commission if you book via these links, but:

• It makes no difference to the price you pay
• It never affects my recommendations. I genuinely want you to have a memorable trip to Malta.

If that’s all fine with you, I greatly appreciate your support!

My Malta Itinerary for 7 days

Day 1: valletta.

Valletta is Mallta’s capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That’s right, the whole city is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In my opinion, it’s a must to include on any Malta itinerary.

This majestic fortified city is more or less an open-air museum full of age-old buildings. Built in the Baroque style, it has many churches, museums, squares, gardens, and more. Founded by the Knights of Malta in the 17th century, it’s surrounded by fortifications. Steeped in history, Malta’s capital has a lot of stories to tell.

Even though it’s one of the tiniest capital cities in Europe (just 0.8 km2 or 80 ha.), you can easily spend three full days there. In fact, in my Valletta guidebook , you can find walking routes and itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days in the city.

For most people visiting Malta for the first time, though, one full day is enough to get a good feel for the city.

Valletta – quick facts

• Everything is easy to reach on foot. Some streets have a lot of shallow steps, though, so that can be challenging for some people.
• The centre is pedestrianised, so don’t expect busy, traffic-filled roads
• Inhabited by less than 6,000 people. It’s a place of work for many locals and a popular destination for tourists. Still, not as crowded as you might expect from a capital. The busiest parts are Republic Street and Merchants Street.
• The city has streets laid out with a grid of long streets. There’s also an intricate system of underground tunnels and reservoirs.
• Valletta was heavily bombed during World War II, and several scars still show today.

Valletta in 1 Day: My DIY walking route

• The city of Valletta is surrounded by tall bastions and has a few key entry points. Start at City Gate , which is a stone’s throw away from the main bus terminus and the large MCP parking garage. Valletta’s City Gate is the main entry point to the city and leads you into Republic Street.
• At the site of the former Royal Opera Theatre (to your right), head up the road towards Castille Place and its Auberge de Castille . Built by the Knights, it’s the Office of the Prime Minister nowadays.
• Next, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This is a great little spot to grab a coffee and a snack while enjoying the tranquillity of the gardens. You can take in the views of Grand Harbour behind the arches but don’t get a fright if you’re there at noon or 4 pm. The historic guns of the Saluting Battery fire at those times!
• Visit Saint John’s Co-Cathedral as your next stop. This is the jewel of Valletta, arguably of Malta as a whole. Despite its sober exterior, the interior is absolutely stunning. You can get there by heading into Zachary Street (a much better option than the busy Merchants Street). You can find the visitors’ entrance to the cathedral around the corner on Republic Street.
• The next stop is the Grandmaster’s Palace, its State Rooms and Armory. This beautiful palace in the heart of the city was the seat of power for the Knights. It used to house the Parliament of Malta more recently. It’s used for ceremonial purposes nowadays. The halls and stately rooms are beautifully designed, and its Armoury gives you a glimpse of armour and weapons from the period of the Knights.
• Make your way to another historical beauty next: La Sacra Infermeria (also referred to as Knights Hospitaller). This was the Knights’ Hospital and medical education centre for centuries. Its impressive long ward hall is the main centre of attraction. You’re offered a tour in combination with a short history show at The Malta Experience. To save time, I recommend going for the “ Reliving La Sacra Infermeria ” option. That’s a self-guided Augmented Reality tour using a mobile/tablet app. An entertaining option for families with kids as well.
• Right across the road, your next stop is Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum . The restored fort at the tip of Valletta’s peninsula was of major importance in the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The museum displays several interesting and historically significant items, including the George Cross. King George VI awarded this medal to the people of Malta towards the end of WWII. During the war, the brave locals endured and resisted years of relentless bombing.
• Walking South, visit the Siege Bell War Memorial next. This monument commemorates the fallen during WWII and rings at noon daily.. You can then enjoy a break at the Lower Barrakka Gardens , which is nearby.
• Finish the day by walking down the colourful balcony-lined Lvant Street , followed by a view of Victoria Gate . Consider having dinner at one of my recommended restaurants in Valletta to finish your day.

Tips for Day 1

• You’ll need comfortable walking shoes for this day. Everything is within short walking distance in this small capital city, but you’ll be on your feet most of the time.
• Have lunch at Nenu the Artisan Baker (143 St Domnic Street) to get a taste of local food.
• Many guides suggest combining The Three Cities with Valletta on a single day. From my experience (and that of my readers), that’s a lot of distance to cover, and you won’t get the most out of your day. Valletta deserves a full day of its own because there’s so much of interest to see there alone.
• John’s Co-Cathedral can get crowded. Go early in the day to get the best experience here.

Sightseeing recommendations

If you plan on visiting multiple museums on your trip, consider getting a Heritage Pass from iSeeMalta . You can save on multiple entrance fees with this combo pass.

Prefer taking a guided tour? These are a few great options to consider:

• Join a 3-hour Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour and have a local guide take you past several highlights of the city. On the way you can enjoy several samples of traditional Maltese food from the best eateries in town.
• Take this half-day Valletta walking tour (group) with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. It covers some of the key stops covered in my route above.

Day 2: Comino & Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is a small bay on the island of Comino and is known for its crystal clear azure-coloured shallow water. It’s probably the #1 summer destination for tourists as a result and a must-visit on a trip to Malta for most visitors.

However, be warned: It can get _very_ busy here in summer.

How to get to the Blue Lagoon

• Go DIY , take a long bus ride and a ferry to get there (lots of time wasted, not recommended, especially in summer)
• Book a private boat tour to avoid the crowded shoreline in summer. I highly recommend this provider .
• Take a standard boat tour to the Blue Lagoon (options below), which often combines other sites at Comino, like the Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s Sea Caves.
• The Beaches and Bays catamaran is a great option from Buġibba
• This private boat tour operator gives you a lot of flexibility with custom routes. (Highly recommended!)
• Summer: Blue Lagoon and Quad Bike tour of Gozo OR Blue Lagoon and Tuk Tuk tour of Gozo (Highly recommended!)
• Winter: Quad bike Tour of Gozo OR Tuk Tuk Tour of Gozo , both with pass-by of Comino/Blue Lagoon (weather permitting).

Recommended standard Blue Lagoon tours

• The Spirit of Malta catamaran is by far the best option – Lunch is included and the catamaran is spacious
• Standard tour , great for families with kids
• Sunset tour by catamaran at a quieter time of day (recommended!)

Visiting Comino

Comino Island itself is small but has some charming places to visit on foot. However, I’d only advise exploring the island from October to April/May, as there aren’t many trees to find shade under during the year’s hottest months.

You’ll also need to wear a pair of sturdy walking shoes.

Although you can take the ferry, most day trips and boat tours that stop at the Blue Lagoon allow you to get off and wander around. You will have to be back at a specific time for the return journey.

Some of the highlights on Comino are:

• The beautiful Crystal Lagoon Bay is around the corner from its more famous sibling
• Santa Marija Bay and its cave
• Santa Marija watchtower , built by the Knights.

Day 3: Exploring Gozo Island

Gozo is Malta’s smaller sister island that can be reached easily with a short ferry ride from Ċirkewwa (North of Malta) or Valletta (fast ferries).

Unlike the main island of Malta, this little Mediterranean island is quieter, and life there is still a little more easygoing. Gozo is less of a tourist hotspot but very popular to visit among the Maltese for long weekends or summer breaks.

If you’re spending just a week in Malta, you should at least spend one day there as part of your itinerary. It’s a really unique experience and a combination of raw nature at its best, paired with local culture and interesting places to visit.

Highlights of Gozo

These are some of the best points of interest to visit Gozo on your third day:

• The centrally located “capital” of Victoria (also referred to as Rabat by the locals) and its Cittadella or Citadel on top of the hill.
• Dwejra and its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Inland Sea and Fungus Rock . It’s also the site of the former Azure Window (an iconic rock formation that collapsed into the sea in 2017). For Game of Thrones series fans: This was a filming location for the first season.
• The Xwejni salt pans on the northern coastline, between Żebbuġ and Marsalforn. These salt pans were hewn into the rock in a pattern of shallow basins and are still used to mine salt from the sea.
• The stunning Ramla Bay , with its red sandy beach and raw natural surroundings. You can get great views of the bay from Tal Mixta Cave , which offers wide-open views of the bay.
• Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine is an iconic landmark and one of the most sacred places of worship in Gozo
• The seaside resorts of Marsalforn Bay and Qbajjar , with a variety of seafood restaurants and peaceful sea views.
• Xlendi Bay in the South, with its commanding cliffside, watchtower and rocky bathing area in a quiet part of the island.

Tips for Day 3

• Seasonality: Gozo is an all-year-round destination. Whether you travel to Malta in January or July, it still makes sense to put it on your trip plan. In rare cases in winter, ferry services may be suspended, but any booked tours offer free cancellation.
• Wied il-Mielaħ is a window-shaped rock formation at the seaside to the North of the village of Għarb. It’s a great example of natural beauty, and makes for a great hike, drive or ride to get to.
• Sanap Cliffs on the South of Gozo are at a higher altitude and are worth visiting on a hike, to admire this scenic area.
• Daħlet Qorrot is a small bay to the North of the village of Qala and is a local’s favourite. This pebbly beach is home to a few fishermen but makes for a great spot to swim and snorkel.

Recommended tour options

If you’re interested in visiting most of the above highlights of Gozo, I highly recommend the following (tried-and-tested!) tours, operated by the same provider that gets glowing reviews.

These tours are all-inclusive , with transport to/from your place of stay as well as lunch included.

• Tour Gozo by Tuk Tuk – Explore Gozo on a guided tour on brightly coloured Tuk Tuks that seat up to 6 passengers and are driven by local experts.
• Tour Gozo by Quad Bike – This is a more adventurous option, with high-powered Quad Bikes that seat a driver and passenger. You’ll be following a lead driver who will guide you on a tour of Gozo.

Day 4: Mdina, Rabat and surroundings

Mdina and Rabat are neighbouring towns in the Southwest of Malta. They are popular destinations on most visitors’ itineraries, and for good reason.

This location has deep roots in history, from early settlers to the Romans and, eventually, the Knights of Malta.

Rather than just visiting Mdina, I recommend spending time in Rabat. That way, you can balance the touristic side with local village life and culture to explore.

Mdina: Exploring The Silent City

Nicknamed The Silent City, this small (tiny) town is surrounded by tall bastions and a moat. Visiting this town really takes you back in time. It’s full of ages-old buildings, narrow winding alleys and a few interesting museums, chapels and churches to visit.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is located at the heart of Mdina, and its bell tower can be seen from miles away – an iconic feature of the skyline at night.

Did you know? Mdina’s main gate featured in the first season of Game of Thrones

These are the highlights of Mdina to visit on your fourth day:

• St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the heart of the town, with its square Pjazza San Pawl in front. Visit the cathedral and consider its museum if you’re interested in exhibits of religious art and objects.
• Palazzo Falson (The Norman House) is one of the best preserved Medieval-era buildings in Mdina. It was built (in its current form) in 1495 and occupied by the first Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, Philippe Villiers de L’Isle-Adam. It’s a museum that showcases all sorts of collections, including paintings, furniture, timepieces, weapons and more.
• Visit the National Museum of Natural History if you’d like to learn more about the history of local flora and fauna. The 18th-century palace itself is also worth admiring, for the modest €5 entrance fee.
• Head to the observation deck to get commanding views of Malta from the bastions.

Rabat and the surrounding area

Situated right on the doorstep of Mdina, Rabat is a small town that offers a good opportunity to get a taste of local life. Once you’ve finished exploring Mdina, head to Triq San Pawl at the nearby roundabout to enter Rabat.

These are a few recommended places of interest to explore:

• Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs and its museum to explore some of the underground catacombs (burial places) that date back to Roman times.
• As in many villages, most local life centres around the Parish Church of Saint Paul .
• Next door, you can find the Wignacourt Museum , named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. It houses a collection of art and religious artefacts as well as an underground grotto . St. Paul’s Grotto is said to have been the temporary home of St Paul while he was shipwrecked in Malta. St. Paul is said to have introduced Christianity to Malta in around A.D. 60.
• Beyond Rabat, there are a few outdoor places to explore on foot, though you’ll need a car or cab ride to get there. The first is Buskett Gardens , one of the few woodland areas in Malta planted by the Knights to serve as a hunting ground. The second is Dingli Cliffs , which lies just beyond the small village of Dingli. Here, you’re at the highest point of the Maltese islands at around 253 metres above sea level. It’s a great spot to walk in nature and take in the panoramic views, but only if you’re going around by car. If not, it’s not worth catching a bus for.

Tips for Day 4

• There are two side gates through which you can enter Mdina: The Greeks Gate and Gharreqin Gate . You can find them by entering the moat around Mdina from near the Domus Romana museum. The moat itself is nowadays a garden in recent years, and you can walk towards the East to explore the garden and views.
• Visit a hidden gem – St. Roque’s Chapel . This little unassuming chapel is beautiful from the inside, especially its painted dome.
• Grab a bite to eat at Xara Trattoria AD1530 (great location, good food) and visit Fontanella for dessert if you have a sweet tooth! Curious about trying typical local snacks? Head over to is-Serkin (Triq San Pawl, as you enter Rabat) to sample a few fresh pastizzi . Choose between these ricotta cheese or pea-filled pastries (or try them both).

• Take a 2.5-hour walking tour of Mdina and Rabat  that will take you past the highlights of both places, led by an experienced local guide.
• The Mdina & Malta highlights tour is a great option for a group tour to the Silent City and some of its surrounding areas, including Dingli Cliffs, the St. Paul’s Catacombs, San Anton Gardens and more.

Day 5: Floriana and The Three Cities

Floriana and The Three Cities offer a combination of history/heritage as well as local village life and culture. Each can be covered on foot for roughly half a day. This part of your itinerary is estimated to take 3 hours in Floriana and another 3-5 hours in the Three Cities.

Floriana is located on the doorstep of Valletta and is a bit of a hidden gem with the right walking route. It’s the best place to start your day since it’s a short walk away from Valletta’s bus terminus.

• Floriana is home to several landscaped gardens, and one of my favourites is the Msida Bastion Historic Garden. It’s a great spot to enjoy morning views of the surrounding areas. You’ll need to walk down the road past the Grand Hotel Excelsior to get there. Head to Sa Maison Garden next, heading towards the South.
• Walking past several fortifications make your way to Port des Bombes . This landmark formed part of the Floriana Lines, an outer defensive perimeter for Valletta. It was one of few entryways as a gate but is nowadays an arch on a major arterial road.
• Walk in the direction of Valletta and follow a turn to your left towards Knisja ta’ Sarria (small church). Next, follow Triq Sarria until you reach Piazza San Publiju (square), also referred to by the locals as il-Fosos. The large circular stones on this square cover gigantic storage silos built by the Knights to preserve food and other precious goods. The imposing Parish Church of Saint Publius is also definitely worth a visit.

Cross the road of St. Anne Street (carefully – use the zebra crossing!) and make your way down the Valletta Waterfront . At the harbourside, former storage facilities for sea trade are now used by restaurants and shops. It’s a great place to grab lunch on one of the (shaded) outdoor terraces.

The Three Cities

This cluster of harbourside villages is made up of three neighbouring harbour towns. Senglea ( Isla ), Cospicua ( Bormla ) and Vittoriosa ( Birgu ) are together called The Three Cities. They’re located just a stone’s throw away from Valletta, across Grand Harbour. The latter was the first location for the Knights of Malta to settle before Valletta even existed.

You can easily reach the Three Cities by taking a short (7 minutes – I timed it!) ferry ride from Valletta. Reach the ferry by following the seafront from Valletta Waterfront and getting to Fort Lascaris. The departure point is indicated as Valletta – 3 Cities Ferry on Google Maps.

You’ll arrive at Bormla to start your walk around the area.

This is my suggested route:

• Start your tour at Senglea by crossing the small bay over the bridge and heading up the seafront following Xatt Juan B. Azopardo . That way, you can enjoy the harbour views and get a glimpse of the sea-facing side of town. You can then head to the end of the small peninsula to reach the Gardjola Gardens and its iconic Gardjola “sentry box” (small watch tower).
• Follow Portu Salvu, then Triq il-Vitorja, to head down the fortified entrance to Senglea. Stop at the La Vincitrice Band Club for a quick drink, view the Knisja Maria Bambina (church) and view the old city gate, that forms part of St. Michael’s Bastion.
• Walk down Triq San Pawl and take a left turn onto ix-Xatt Ta Bormla to head back into Bormla. View the local church, steps and little squares while you follow the road Fuq San L-inkurunazzjoni to take you to Birgu. While Bormla offers a few places of interest they take quite a bit of time to explore. Consider visiting Bir Mula Heritage Museum (local history) and old fortifications, they take quite a bit of time to explore.
• Instead, head to the main gate of Birgu, straight into the narrow streets of this small fortified town, referred to as il-Colacchio . Head to the Inquisitor’s Palace or Maritime Museum for some local history. Then make your way to the West-facing waterfront to reach Fort St. Angelo. This is one of the original fortifications that existed before the Knights landed in Malta.
• Finish your day with dinner at Tal-Petut (local cuisine) or Don Berto (at the waterfront).

Tips for day 5

• Bring water and snacks with you. There will be stops to eat along the way, but especially Floriana doesn’t offer a lot of food options for on-the-go.
• Part of the fun of this day is to wander around and take everything in at your own pace. You can follow each location, but finding your own way around can be very rewarding . It’s hard to get lost, especially with Google Maps in your pocket.
• For Kids: The Esplora Interactive Science Center is located close to Bormla, roughly 20-minute walk away or a quick 5-minute cab ride.

• Join this well-reviewed 2-hour Three Cities walking tour and have Chris, an experienced local guide, show you around its narrow streets, harbourside views and historical landmarks and enjoy a short boat trip on a traditional boat.
• You can also take this guided tour of The Three Cities to get a deeper understanding of the area. It’s a half-day morning tour, which you can follow by visiting Floriana afterwards.

Day 6: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk and Megalithic Temples

Southern Malta is often less explored since most of the tourist destinations are located in the North. Nevertheless, exploring this part of the country on a 7-day trip to Malta is a great idea.

The Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a sea cave South of the village of Żurrieq, which has been a popular tourist destination for a very long time. The reason is its magical beauty caused by sun rays reflecting off the white sandy sea bottom inside the dark cave, creating bright blue hues.

You can reach the spot by bus (routes 74 and 201), and walk down to the sea to hop on to one of the small boats that take you inside the cave on a short boat ride. It’s very much worth it, but only if you can combine it with another outing (i.e. one of the below).

The town of Marsaxlokk, located on the southeast coast of Malta, is known as one of the few remaining traditional fishing villages. It has a small harbour lined with various brightly-coloured fishing boats (called the luzzu with its iconic painted eyes at the front.

Although it’s quite touristy, the fisherman’s character is still alive, and the seafront is lined with good seafood restaurants to dine at. On Sundays, it’s a popular destination for a Sunday lunch out, while the Sunday market attracts bargain hunters.

The Megalithic Temples

Malta’s Megalithic Temples are some of the oldest freestanding man-made structures worldwide. They’ve taught us a lot about early civilisations in the Maltese islands, their practices, values and religion.

Even though more temples exist in Malta, seven of them are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you’ve visited the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta, the temples themselves add a lot of context to what you would’ve seen there.

The two temples of Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim are the most convenient options on a 7-day trip. They offer a great visitors’ centre full of insightful information.

A visit here is easy to combine with the Blue Grotto, being located only a short drive (or bus ride – same routes) away.

Tips for Day 6

• The Għar Dalam cave is a prehistoric cave in the South of Malta where various archaeological discoveries were made. Most notably, bone fragments from several extinct species of animal, including dwarf elephants, hippos and giant swans. It’s not a destination big enough to deserve a spot on this itinerary but makes for an enjoyable outing with kids.
• One of Malta’s Megalithic Temples is located underground and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Tarxien . If you plan on renting a car on your visit to Malta, this is a great alternative to Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim. However, buy tickets online well in advance!
• When you visit the Blue Grotto, it’s worth taking a short walk up the road to where the bus stop is. You can get off the main road there and snap a picture of the cave entrance from above .
• Beaches: In the area to the East of Marsaxlokk, you can find St. Peter’s Pool and Kalanka Bay . Two hidden gems are rocky beaches frequently visited by the locals. Don’t expect polished sandy beaches; they’re for people who are comfortable in raw nature.

There aren’t many options for tours to this part of the island. Consider these options but keep in mind that these tours are organised on separate days.

• The Full-day Temple tour (Fri mornings) covers all three of the above destinations. It takes you to the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk, as well as the Ħaġar Qim and Għar Dalam cave (more info below)
• The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk combo tour (half-day – mornings) is organised on Sundays only. It takes you to both spots with enough time to explore each at your own pace.
• If you’d like to visit the Megalithic Temples on a separate morning, have a look at this half-day Temple tour (Sat mornings). You’ll visit the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples, as well as the Għar Dalam cave.

Day 7: Mellieħa and surroundings

Mellieħa is a village in the North of Malta, in a fairly quiet part of the island, surrounded by nature and beaches.

Although it’s a popular tourist resort, it has a unique character and still has a traditional Maltese community and strong local culture. I highly recommend adding it to your Malta itinerary on your final day, as it’s a fairly quiet spot to relax before heading back home.

In Mellieħa, visit:

• The Parish Church at the main square, as well as the chapel to the side of the church. This is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa , with its beautiful courtyard and arches.
• Cross the road and make your way to the Our Lady Of The Grotto shrine , which is a small underground religious site. Pass through the small gate on the side of the road and follow the steps down to the cave.
• A bit further up the road, you can visit the local Air Raid Shelter . Used regularly during World War II, it gives you a glimpse of what those dark days were like for the local population.

Apart from the village itself, there are a few places in the surrounding area I recommend:

• Beaches: Golden Bay Beach and Għajn Tuffieħa (to the West), Anchor Bay, with its film set and theme park of Popeye Village, Mellieħa Bay (the largest sandy beach in Malta) and Armier Bay Beach and White Tower Beach (up North from Mellieħa Bay).
• Hike down to Slugs Bay (on the opposite side to Armier Bay) for a swim. Explore the Coral Lagoon (a large opening in the rock at the northernmost tip of the main island of Malta).
• Visit the St Agatha’s Tower (also known as the red tower) overlooking Mellieħa Bay. Discover part of the local fortifications and enjoy the wide-open views.

Explore some raw nature starting from Selmun Palace (to the southeast of Mellieħa) all the way down to Imġiebaħ Bay – a secluded sandy beach.

Swap Day (Option 1): Malta and Gozo at Sea (Summer)

To add some flexibility to your trip, these are a few swap-day options you can consider.

One of the most beautiful features of the Maltese islands is the sea. In spring/summer, taking a boat trip to discover the islands on the sea is a popular pastime. You can take a day trip from places like Sliema and Buġibba.

These are a few options I highly recommend:

• If you don’t mind the higher price, you can get a lot of value from taking this private boat trip around Gozo and Comino , which is fully customisable. You can enjoy the sights and swimming spots at some of the most beautiful bays at your own pace, and in peace. The Blue Lagoon and/or Crystal Lagoon at Comino are popular spots to visit on such trips.
• Departing from Sliema, this boat trip is a popular option: the Round Malta Day Cruise . As the name suggests, you’ll spend the day 8+ hours exploring the coastline of Malta. Lunch and drinks are included, and it really is an awesome day out, getting good reviews consistently.
• Setting sail from Bugibba, taking the Beaches and Bays catamaran is a similar day trip, but with a twist. It’s focused on bays to the West of Malta Island and at Comino. The boat is spacious, and the optional BBQ lunch is well worth it.

Swap Day (Option 2): Winter hike

If you’re planning a trip to Malta in the off-season, why not enjoy the greener countryside on (mostly) sunny days?

There are several areas that are worth exploring on foot, for example:

• The area around Selmun Palace and Mistra Bay , up North, has a large number of unpaved roads and paths to follow, past pretty bays and landscapes.
• Head over to Xemxija (outskirts of St. Paul’s Bay) and discover the Xemxija Heritage Trail , which leads you to a small woodland area called Miżieb. You’ll find remains of a Roman road, an ages-old Carob tree and several old apiaries for beekeeping. The views and tranquillity are very enjoyable indeed.
• In the vicinity (close to the village of Manikata), you can visit the Il-Majjistral Nature & History Park . This is a protected area with untouched nature and beautiful hidden bays to discover along the way. You can walk towards the North and head to Anchor Bay and its Popeye Village for a great photo opp at sunset too! If you prefer taking a dip in the sea, Golden Bay Beach is nearby and easy to walk to as well.

Itinerary Tips

• The time of year (and weather conditions) can impact your trip plan , especially when it comes to activities by the/at sea. Whenever you need to change plans on specific days consider one of the alternative options I provide in this guide. The summer season usually starts in May and often continues well into October, while November through to April is considered to be winter. Both spring and autumn are usually short-lived.
• This itinerary assumes that you’ll have a full week in Malta, not including arrival/departure days. If you’re booking flights for 7 days (where the first and last days are usually dedicated to travel), have a look at my 4/5-day itinerary instead. You can also mix and match days from the itinerary above. Remember to pace yourself, however : Three long days of walking won’t be ideal for most.

Practical advice for your week in Malta

Everyone has their personal requirements for planning a trip. The same goes for accommodation, timing, whether to book a rental car or not and more.

In this section, I give you the basics and refer you to my full guides on each topic to learn more.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment below or contact me , and I’ll be happy to help!

What’s the best time of year to visit Malta?

The best time of year to visit Malta for sightseeing is generally around April-June and October/November. At this time of year the weather is warm but not swelteringly hot. The downside is that weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable.

If I had to narrow it down to two ideal months, it’s usually June and October that win : Warm enough to swim, not too hot to go sightseeing.

Between July and September, it’s full-on summer in Malta, and heatwaves are common. Humidity usually comes into play around mid-August and lasts well into September.

Where to stay in Malta for 7 days?

Where to stay in Malta for 7 days depends on a few factors. How much sightseeing do you want to do? At what time of year do you want to go? Are you looking to rent a car while there?

If you want to spend a week in Malta for sightseeing, Valletta and Sliema are good options, although the former can be pretty expensive to stay.

For a more balanced stay between sightseeing and enjoying the beaches, staying in St. Paul’s Bay , Buġibba , or Qawra can be a good option. Public transport connections are good, and accommodation is reasonably priced in the area.

If you don’t plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, Mellieħa and Gozo Island are more peaceful places to stay.

What are the best hotels in Malta? Where should I stay?

In these guides, I’ve listed the best options for various locations, and I offer recommendations on where in Malta to stay here .

• The 25 Best Malta Hotels reviewed
• Best Luxury Hotels in Malta and Gozo
• Best Valletta hotels
• Best Mellieħa Hotels
• Best St. Paul’s Bay Hotels
• Best Buġibba hotels
• Best Qawra hotels
• Best St. Julian’s Malta Hotels
• Best Sliema Hotels
• Best Gozo Hotels

These are the main options to get around in Malta and Gozo to consider while planning your holiday:

• The main mode of public transport  is the bus , which is cheap and can take you all over the Maltese islands. It isn’t always reliable though, and sometimes overcrowded and slow.
• Renting a car gives you the most flexibility. However, the busy centre of Malta (outwards of Valletta) is notorious for traffic congestion. Vacant public parking spots can also be hard to find. I would only recommend against a car rental if you’re looking to stay in St. Julian’s or Sliema. The only exception is if your accommodation of choice offers private parking.
• Using an on-demand taxi service like Uber, Bolt, or eCabs can be very convenient but can get pricey quickly. €10-20 Trips are common (depending on distance and demand).
• Hop-on/hop-off buses are available both in Malta and Gozo, but they don’t offer a great experience.
• Bike rental , either from dedicated shops or Tallinja bike, is an option. Just keep in mind that most of Malta’s roads are not designed with cyclists in mind. It can be outright dangerous to cycle on certain roads.

How many days do I need in Malta?

The number of days you need in Malta depends on how much sightseeing you’d like to do. For most people, 5-7 full days or a short week in Malta is enough for a first visit.

There’s a lot to see and do, so it’s pretty easy to plan a Malta itinerary with 5-7 days’ worth of exploring and day trips. Some people prefer balancing out sightseeing with a few lazy days at the beach or pool and book 10 or 14 days in Malta.

Are 7 days in Malta enough?

7 Days in Malta are enough for most people on their first visit to the Maltese islands. A week in Malta will allow you to see the main highlights and have a few chill days at the beach or on a boat trip for the day.

Are 2 weeks in Malta too long?

Two weeks in Malta may be too long if it’s your first visit. Many people choose to return and spend more time, but not everyone falls in love with Malta and may find that two weeks is too much time to spend visiting Malta for the first time.

Do you have any questions?

Leave a comment at the end of this page or contact me , and I’ll help you as best I can!

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

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Can I travel to Malta? Rules and restrictions explained

What do the travel rules mean when going to Malta from the UK, and is Malta open to visitors? Here’s what we know.

What are the travel restrictions when returning from Malta?

Since March 2022, Brits returning to England do not need to take any tests, quarantine or fill out a passenger locator form , regardless of vaccination status. There are no legal Covid-related requirements concerning international travel to Wales, although the government still advises would-be travellers to remain cautious, taking a lateral flow test before visiting vulnerable family members or if they feel unwell. 

Scotland and Northern Ireland's travel rules for people arriving from abroad also ended at 4am on Friday 18 March 2022. 

What are the entry requirements for Malta?

UK citizens and residents over 12 should present proof of full vaccination to enter the country. Travellers must have received their second vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Malta. The NHS Covid Pass letter or the digital app version is accepted as proof. To be considered fully vaccinated, you must have had the primary schedule of jabs, with the most recent dose administered in the past three months, or had a primary schedule plus a booster which was administered in the past nine months.

Children between the ages of five and 11 can travel while accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or legal guardians. Children must show evidence of a negative PCR test, dated within 72 hours before arrival. Children under five do not need a test. 

Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to provide evidence of a PCR test dated within 72 hours before arrival, and quarantine for 14 days on arrival at an officially-designated quarantine hotel.

Since May 2022, visitors have not been required to fill out Malta's equivalent of a passenger locator form ahead of entering the country, and travellers will not be required to wear a face mask when accessing the majority of public places and events.

Remember: things could potentially change quickly if Covid cases rise in Malta. For now, if you're planning a trip, we recommend booking with a flexible policy and investing in travel insurance with Covid cover for extra peace of mind.

Where to go : Valletta is home to some of the most in-demand hotels in Europe. Options include the newly opened Iniala Harbour House , created from four historic townhouses overlooking the Grand Harbour, and the equally grand Cugó Gran Macina , whose rooftop swimming pool has spectacular views over the ancient city. Alternatively, stay in one of the smaller hotels on St Ursula Street in Valletta's old town, such as Palazzo Consiglia.

What to do : After months without travel, you might just want to soak up the feeling of being on a warm beach again, and Malta is an ideal place to simply stretch out on the sand. Alternatively, see below for 10 more editors' tips on what to do in the country.

Like this? Now read:

10 amazing things to do in Malta

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Warnings and insurance

Before you travel.

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see  general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see  general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about  safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and  get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out  more about  FCDO  travel advice .

Follow and contact  FCDO  travel on  Twitter ,  Facebook  and  Instagram . You can also sign up to  get email notifications  when this advice is updated.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Malta travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: August 7, 2024 16:48 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, malta - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Malta.

Back to top

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, occurs. Thieves could target tourists, particularly in crowded public areas such as:

• markets, particularly those of Valletta and Marsaxlokk
• public transportation hubs and facilities, particularly the main bus routes between Valletta Paceville, San Ġiljan and Sliema (lines 13, 14, 15, 16)
• hotel lobbies
• bars and nightclub areas of Paceville, San Ġiljan and Sliema
• restaurants, patios and outdoor cafés
• tourist sites and attractions

While travelling:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID at the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• at the beach, bring only the essentials and keep valuables out of sight
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• don’t leave any luggage or valuables in the vehicle, even in the trunk
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be wary of unsolicited offers or advice from strangers

Violent crime

Although violent crime is rare, physical attacks, including sexual assault and rape, do occur.

Be particularly vigilant in nightlife areas such as Paceville, where excessive alcohol consumption and large crowds can sometimes lead to disagreements and confrontations.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime occurs. Criminals may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unsecured websites
• Use sound judgment when posting information on social media
• Be particularly vigilant when contacting or meeting individuals known over the internet
• Never click on suspicious links asking for your banking information in an email or text message

Rentals agencies

There are reports of apartment rental scams and difficulties when seeking reimbursement for a security deposit. When dealing with apartment or car rental agencies:

• only rent from reputable companies
• read the rental contract thoroughly
• request an inventory of the furniture
• take photos as proof of pre-existing damage and ensure they are mentioned on the contract
• avoid providing full prepayment

Overseas fraud

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly in Valletta.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Water activities

Many beaches in Malta are supervised and enforce excellent safety procedures.

The main warning flags used in Malta are:

• Green: calm waters, you can swim
• Yellow: agitated waters, swim with caution
• Red: dangerous waters, don’t swim
• Blue/violet: contaminated waters or presence of dangerous species, don’t swim

Tidal changes and strong winds can cause hazardous currents and riptides.

Coral, urchin, jellyfish and other aquatic life found along the coasts can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on.

• Always obey warning flags at beaches
• Ask local authorities about the presence of dangerous species and immediately seek medical assistance if you get hurt
• Wear reef shoes to protect yourself against stone and coral cuts or urchin stings
• Keep a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion and falling rocks
• Don’t dive into unknown waters, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the capacity of your boat
• know and respect the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all activities on the water
• keep a safe distance from areas reserved for certain activities such as snorkeling
• carry a marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Hunting season

Specific dates for the hunting season are determined by the government in the lead-up to the season. It generally runs from the spring until the fall.

If you travel to rural areas during this period:

• make yourself aware of hunting areas
• remain in designated camping areas
• don't wander onto private property where hunting is legally permitted

Road safety

Traffic drives on the left.

Road conditions vary across the country. Narrow, winding, congested and sometimes poorly maintained roads may pose hazards. Heavy rains regularly cause flash-flooding.

Drivers may not respect traffic laws or follow safe driving practices. They may not always yield to pedestrians or bicycles. While illegal, double parking is common.

Public transportation

A bus system connects the main cities. Buses are reliable but are sometimes overcrowded, particularly during summer months. You can use the Tallinja official app to confirm the routes and schedules.

There are ferries connecting:

• Cirkewwa and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Sliema
• Valletta and Cospicua
• Valletta and the island of Gozo
• Valletta and Pozzallo, Sicily, Italy

Weather conditions can lead to cancellations or delays, particularly on ferry lines to and from Gozo.

• Pay attention to pre-departure notices from your carrier
• Always reconfirm departure schedule before heading to the port

Taxis are generally safe and widely available. Ridesharing services are also available.

Taxi fares are regulated and mandatory. They may be prepaid at authorized taxi booths or calculated using a taxi meter.

Useful links

• Schedules and routes - Malta public transport
• Tallinja app - Malta public transport
• Gozo channel ferry - Gozo Channel
• Taxis and Electric Mini Cabs - Transport Malta

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Maltese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

• Schengen area

Malta is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.

If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Business visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period Student visa: not required for stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Visa and immigration services - Identity Malta

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health services are excellent.

Payment, even for emergency services, may be requested in advance when private insurance cannot be confirmed.

In the event of a major accident or illness, medical evacuation to another European country may be necessary if the treatment required is not offered in Malta.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Judicial proceedings

Judicial proceedings are usually lengthy in Malta due to long pretrial investigative periods. If you are involved in judicial proceedings in Malta, be aware that:

• you may be subject to lengthy detention periods before your trial
• you may be denied bail
• obtaining free legal aid can be complex and slow down the process
• unpredictable delays may occur before trial and between hearings

Things to Know About Justice in Malta - Ministry for Justice

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Malta are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Malta to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Malta authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Malta.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Malta, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Malta.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Malta, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Maltese court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Malta to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Recreational and commercial flying of drones is regulated.

You must register your drone to use it in the European Union. If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

• Civil drones - European Union Aviation Safety Agency
• Use of drones - Transport Malta

Beach etiquette

Certain activities, items and behaviours are prohibited on Malta’s beaches. Make sure you are aware of the regulations.

If you fail to comply, you may be fined.

Code of Conduct for Malta’s Beaches - VisitMalta

You may drive up to one year with a valid Canadian driver’s licence. However, you should still carry an international driving permit.

• The Highway Code of Malta - Government of Malta
• More about driving in Malta  - European Commission
• More about the International Driving Permit

The currency of Malta is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains and seasonal storms can cause severe flooding and landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• Weather alerts - Malta international airport
• Civil protection department - Government of Malta

Earthquakes

Malta is located in an active seismic zone. However, earthquakes are rare.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Albania, Malta, San Marino

For emergency consular assistance, call the consulate of Canada in Malta, in Valletta, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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What is the plug for Malta? Before you travel, check the information below to make sure your electronic devices are compatible with the outlet type and voltage.

Electrical Summary

Plug Compatibility: Type G

Voltage: 230V

Frequency: 50 Hz

Can North Americans use Electronics in Malta without an Adapter?

No! North Americans will need an adapter for the outlets and a transformer for the voltage when traveling to Malta . North Americans device plugs will not work with the outlet types in Malta . Also, the voltage in Malta is different from North American voltages.

Can Europeans use Electronics in Malta without an adapter?

Europeans do not need a transformer when traveling to Malta . T he voltage in Malta is the same as in Europe. However, most Europeans will need a travel adapter when traveling to Malta .

What Outlet does Malta Use?

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Type G plug sockets have three rectangular pins and a grounding pin. These plugs are typically used with devices that have a voltage of 230V.

Is it safe to drink water in Malta?

We recommend always packing a filtered water bottle when traveling:

Travel Essentials

Be sure to check our list of travel essentials before your trip!

Recommended Travel Essentials

Should I get travel insurance when traveling to Malta?

It is generally recommended to get travel insurance when traveling to a different country. Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, or other travel-related mishaps.

Travel insurance can cover various expenses related to your trip, such as medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage or personal belongings, and other travel-related expenses.

Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to carefully review the policy details, including the coverage limits, exclusions, and any applicable deductibles or copays. You should also make sure that the policy covers any activities or destinations that you plan to participate in or visit during your trip.

Travel Summary

One of the most popular attractions in Malta is the capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Baroque architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views of the sea. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, cathedrals, and palaces, or simply enjoy a coffee in one of the charming cafes.

Another popular attraction is the ancient city of Mdina, also known as the “Silent City.” This walled city dates back over 4,000 years and features narrow streets, stunning views, and impressive architecture.

Malta is also known for its beautiful beaches, with the picturesque Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay being two of the most popular. Visitors can relax on the sandy beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters, or take a boat tour around the island.

The country is also home to a rich and diverse culture, with a mix of European, North African, and Middle Eastern influences. Visitors can sample local cuisine, which features a mix of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, or attend cultural festivals and events.

For those looking for outdoor adventure, Malta offers plenty of options, including hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. Visitors can also explore the many caves and grottoes around the island or take a jeep tour through the rugged landscape.

Overall, Malta is a destination that offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s a perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing Mediterranean vacation that is both educational and awe-inspiring.

Traveling to another country? Check out our Countries page for more info.

Why Malta should be your next idyllic vacation

10 of the best places to go in Europe in autumn

Aug 21, 2024 • 10 min read

Autumn is a top time to explore some parts of Europe, including the wonderful Spanish city of Seville. Anibal Trejo/Shutterstock

The beauty of traveling in Europe  in autumn is the variety of experiences on offer. Hit the beach on sunny southern islands, hike through forests rich in autumnal tones, or wander the streets of major cities ⁠— without all the summer crowds. The fall also summons some of the continent’s greatest flavors, with harvest season delicacies showing up in markets and on menus, whether in rustic Italian trattorias or high-end Nordic restaurants. In short, you can’t go wrong. Here are some of the best places to travel in Europe in the fall. 

1. Seville, Spain 

Best for a city break 

Autumn? Pah! Seville hits temperatures in October that many European cities would be proud of in summertime – think highs of 26°C (79°F). Indeed, fall is ideal for sightseeing: the steaming heat has abated but it’s still warm enough for T-shirt walks along the Guadalquivir River and evenings spent hopping between alfresco tapas bars. There’s much to see , starting with the Real Alcázar , the astonishing royal palace complex, with its Mudéjar architecture and glorious gardens. Then there’s the world’s largest Gothic cathedral with its commanding bell tower, the exquisitely tiled mansion of Casa de Pilatos and some excellent museums. Indeed, don’t miss the Museo del Baile Flamenco , where you can learn all about this passionate, flamboyant dance and catch a live performance.

When to go at a glance: March to May and October – warm, pleasant; June to September – baking hot; November to February – mild.

2. Dodecanese, Greece 

Best for last-minute island-hopping

Early autumn is awesome in the Dodecanese : this is when you’ll find the southeasterly island group offering largely good weather, lower prices, warm seas and fewer visitors, as well as plenty of facilities that haven’t yet shut for winter (though that will start in November). The diverse Dodecanese is perfect for hopping, with good interisland ferry connections (including to nearby Türkiye ) and a network of small boats serving smaller islands so you can mix up towns, beaches, historic sites and offbeat hangouts; this archipelago has both islands that see hordes of holidaymakers and specks that see barely a soul. Rhodes is the biggie, but interesting islands on which to linger include spectacular pebble-beached Symi (an easy trip from Rhodes); tiny, eco-pioneering Tilos, which strives to run on renewable energy; authentic Karpathos , which has managed to retain its strong traditional culture in the face of tourism (don’t miss Olymbos, the hilltop village that’s like a living folklore museum); and little-known Astypalea, with its quiet coves, castle-topped capital and vine-filled valleys.

Planning tip:  Start in Rhodes, which has an airport. Alternatively, the ferry from Athens to Rhodes takes 16–18 hours. Hop northwards from Rhodes towards Patmos, the northernmost of the Dodecanese. Allow at least a week, two if you can.

When to go at a glance:  May to June and September to October – sunny, warm, services open; July to August – hot, busy; November to April – cool, closed up, fewer ferries.

3. Umbria, Italy

Best for seasonal foods 

Autumn fruitfulness doesn’t come more marvelously mellow than in Umbria . Tuscany’s lower-key neighbor is beautiful and bounteous in this season and the perfect place for a food-filled break . Its rolling hills and walled hill towns like Orvieto , Amelia and Narni are bathed in golden light and free of crowds. Its tables are overspilling with incredible local produce : lentils, beans and mushrooms, chestnuts and black truffles, bright saffron and olio novello (new oil) from the olive harvest. A range of cacciagione (game) dishes fill the menus, including cinghiale (wild boar) and fagiano (pheasant). And the grape harvest is in full swing, making it a fascinating time to follow the wine routes of the Strada del Sagrantino, visiting vineyards and medieval villages for tastings. And then there’s the chocolate. In November, Umbria’s provincial capital Perugia hosts Eurochocolate, a celebration of all things cocoa – not least Baci, the choc-hazelnut confection that hails from the city. 

Planning tip:  For a lovely rural base, stay in an agriturismo , self-catering accommodation within working farms.

When to go at a glance: April to June and September to October – pleasant weather, uncrowded; July to August – hot, busy; November to March – chilly.

4. Montenegro 

Best for hiking

Don’t pack away the hiking boots just yet – thanks to their southerly latitude, the mountains of Montenegro remain open and awesome for ambling until November. And what mountains: the highest are within UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park , a cluster of dark, serrated summits (of which 48 soar to over 2000m/6065ft) scattered with pine forest, lush meadows and glittering glacial lakes, and home to all manner of wildlife, from birds to bears; there’s also good walking amid the peaks and primeval forests of Biogradska Gora National Park . Coastal high points such as mounts Orjen and Lovćen offer sweeping views of the Adriatic – mix hikes here with dips in the azure sea, which remains beautifully inviting throughout October, and is wonderfully crowd-free. A week’s walking could include an ascent of Rumija, on the south coast; hiking in the Kučka Krajina range near capital Podgorica ; admiring the fall colors around Mt Bjelasica in Biogradska Gora; and varied trekking in Durmitor , with the chance to stand atop Bobotov Kuk (2523m/8277ft), the country’s highest peak.

When to go at a glance: April to June and September to October – warm, less crowded; July to August – hot, busy; November to March – cold, skiing possible.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark 

Best for cool dining options

Achingly cool Copenhagen is the epicenter of both Scandi design chic and the New Nordic food revolution – nowhere is food more creative, sustainable or seasonal than here, whether it be in Michelin-starred kitchens or farm-shop cafes, so dive into the autumnal bounty. As well as wandering the fall-fiery gardens at Rosenborg Slot , viewing Viking treasures at the Nationalmuseet and enjoying amazing art at nearby Louisiana , be sure to eat well. Start at Torvehallerne KBH , Copenhagen’s mouthwatering food market, which serves up everything from organic porridge to splendid smørrebrød (open sandwiches). Make reservations well in advance for hot culinary tickets such as Kadeau . Then take a foodie walking tour to find out where locals get their coffee and pastries , and graze Nørrebro, the city’s most multicultural neighborhood , where hip boutiques sidle up next to craft-beer bars and cool cafes. Finish at Kødbyen, the city’s Meatpacking District, to drink like a Dane. 

When to go at a glance: April to May and October – quieter, cooler; June to September – sunny, lively, busy; November to March – chilly (Christmas markets run through December).

6. Scottish Highlands

Best for wildlife and autumnal scenery 

A swirl of mist, moorland glowing in the dawn light and, perhaps, the anguished bellow of a stag angling for a fight – late-autumn mornings in the Scottish Highlands are an atmospheric affair. Indeed, travel there in the fall and you might catch the red deer rut, when the males joust with their impressive antlers to secure control over the females. Whether you explore by 4WD or on foot, it certainly adds an extra frisson to the already breathtaking lochs, glens and moors. And while it might be chilly, tourist season is over, making it a good time for quieter sightseeing: Stirling , Eilean Donan Castle , Glen Coe, Fort William . Warm up with a wee dram, and tuck into fantastic seasonal food: Scottish oysters and lobster, and plentiful pheasant, grouse and other game.

Planning tip:  Many attractions close over winter. Some shut at the end of September, but many – such as Dunrobin Castle  and  Strathnaver Museum – are open until the end of October. Check before visiting.

When to go at a glance: April to May – quiet, in bloom; June to August – warmest, long days, midges; September to November – fall colors, deer rut; December to March – cold, snow possible.

Best for a mix of island and city break

Tiny Malta has a lovely Mediterranean climate – it’s still toasty warm in November when much of Europe shivers. Indeed, with temperatures around 21°C (70°F) and seas holding on to the last of the summer’s heat, hitting the quiet beaches of sister-isles Gozo and Comino remains viable. Combine lazing around in the mild climes with some sightseeing – Malta’s small size means you can pack a lot in while also taking it easy. Spend time exploring UNESCO-listed capital Valletta and the walled former capital Mdina, known as the "Silent City", a fascinating collection of churches, museums and medieval alleyways. Visit the ancient underground burial chambers of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and the clifftop prehistoric temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra . Walk along the Dingli Cliffs, take a boat ride to the Blue Grotto and kick back on the beach at Golden Bay. Finish with a day trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon , a preternaturally sapphire sea pool, overcrowded in summer but serene off-season.

When to go at a glance : April to June and October to November – warm, uncrowded; July to September – hot, dry, busy; December to March – cool.

8. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain 

Best for sunshine

Tenerife has long welcomed sunseekers year-round – average daytime temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F) as late as November. Realistically, this is the only place in Europe where you can plan a beach holiday so late in the year. The big tourist resorts are in the south; better to head north instead, perhaps to the historic town of Puerto de la Cruz or the beaches around Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago in the west. If you can drag yourself off the beach, you’ll find the weather ideal for walking. At 3718m (12,199ft), Mt Teide is Spain’s highest peak and the world’s third-largest volcano; it’s a challenging five-hour hike (or a short cable-car ride) up to its snowy summit. But the island has a varied array of trails – including routes through the northwest pine forests, ridge walks among the laurels of the Anaga Mountains and the traverse of spectacular Masca Gorge – and excellent infrastructure for trekkers, with a good bus network and plentiful accommodation.

Planning tip:  Microclimates can be dramatically different even in adjacent valleys. If you don’t like the weather in one spot, shift a few miles and you’ll likely find sunshine.

When to go at a glance: March to May – warm, wildflowers; June to September – hot, sunny; October to November – warm, uncrowded; December to February – mild, snow possible on Teide.

Best for fall colors

October is a last-gasp chance to wander Latvia’s wonderful wild places in warmish weather: the days are still a reasonable length, winter winds haven’t started to blow and fall colors are at their best. Head to Gauja National Park , where you can admire medieval castles and misty waterways set against a sea of yellow-gold trees; there are hiking trails aplenty, from short leaf-peeping strolls to long routes along the Gauja River. Alternatively, head to Ķemeri National Park to strap on a pair of bog shoes and tramp through this unique environment; in autumn, the birding is brilliant. Both parks are within easy reach of capital Rīga , whose handsome UNESCO-listed Old Town is worth exploring at any time. You can also taste the seasonal bounty of mushrooms, berries, fish and game available at local restaurants. 

When to go at a glance: April to June – warming (cruise season May to September); July to August – hot, busy; September to October – mild, quiet; November to March – cold, snowy. 

10. Burgundy, France 

Best for wine lovers and cycling enthusiasts

Life’s pretty red and white in Burgundy – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to be precise, the two grape varieties that dominate France’s most venerable wine region, where viticultural heritage stretches back centuries to Roman occupation. Explore Burgundy’s rolling hills in vendange (grape harvest) season, when you’ll also enjoy ideal conditions for pedaling Le Tour de Bourgogne (Tour of Burgundy). This cycling circuit comprises some 800km (500 miles) of voies vertes (traffic-free greenways), canal towpaths and quiet country lanes linking the region’s most alluring attractions: Dijon ’s medieval core, Beaune ’s spectacular Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices , the ancient monastic complex of Abbaye de Fontenay , and the châteaux of Ancy-le-Franc and Tanlay . If the full circuit is too long, pick a subsection: perhaps part of the flat 240km (149-mile) leg along the Canal de Bourgogne, or the 206km (128-mile) stretch of the Canal du Nivernais between Auxerre and Decize. For a wine-centric section, tackle the Voie des Vignes route between Beaune and Santenay (just 22km/14 miles), or simply pootle off among Burgundy’s vine-striped hillsides.

When to go at a glance: April to May and October – cooler, quieter; June to September – reliably warm; November to March – cold, wet.

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This tiny island has the best beach in Europe. Did your favorite make the top 10?

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Travelers love flocking to Europe to relax and recuperate at one of its many beaches .

It's no wonder why. Europe's diverse coastline is full of natural beauty, from the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged cliffs of the Atlantic coast. These beaches are set against the backdrop of charming coastal villages and host iconic European beach clubs (Aperol Spritz, anyone?).

To help travelers find the perfect beach for their next Euro-trip, U.K.-based travel insurance comparison site Quotezone ranked Europe's most popular beaches, considering factors such as sea and air temperature, calmness of the water, TripAdvisor reviews and average cost to visit the destination (including food, drink and an overnight stay). The beaches spanned beloved destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy but also included lesser known locales such as Slovenia.

"Anyone planning a vacation to Europe should be sure to visit these beauty spots featured in our index, especially our top three hidden gems Cyprus, Malta, and Slovenia," CEO and travel insurance expert at Quotezone, Greg Wilson, told USA TODAY in a statement.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Can't make it to Europe? Try Montreal for its European flair

Read below to find the best beaches in Europe.

10. Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica, France

Located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of mainland France, Corsica offers beaches comparable to the Caribbean with Plage de Palombaggia is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Think crystal-clear water, soft white sand and secluded coves. The beach scored the 10th spot on the ranking for is gentle waters and having over 3,300 five-star reviews. However, visiting the beach won't come cheap. Plage de Palombaggia is the most expensive beach on the ranking, costing €233 (about $259.73) for an overnight stay with food and drink.

9. Bournemouth Beach in Bournemouth, England

Tucked beneath cliffs, the sprawling Bournemouth Beach has been voted the top beach in the U.K. on TripAdvisor, offering rare warm waters for the country, a bustling pier and calm waters. Visiting the beach will be a bit costly for visitors – the beach is the second-most expensive on the index – clocking in at an average of €180 (about $200) for a one-day stay.

8. Playa de Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Spain

Spain's Canary Islands are idyllic, offering diverse beaches made of black or golden sand. Playa de Maspalomas on the island of Gran Canaria is well-known for its lighthouse, rolling dunes and warm waters earned it a spot on QuoteZone's index. Surrounded by restaurants and hotels, visiting the beach will cost, on average, €151 (about $168).

7. Praia da Falesia in Algarve, Portugal

One of Portugal's most famous beaches, Praia da Falesia is worth the hype. The beach has an array of natural beauty on display – from sandstone cliffs to bright blue water – but also offers a lot to do. Visitors can check out the tide pools at low tide, swim or surf. Visitors can expect to pay around €137 (about $152) for a one-day stay.

6. La Pelosa Beach in Sardinia, Italy

Located on the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is a picturesque escape for travelers, and its beaches are no different. La Pelosa Beach's tranquil waters and white sands have made it so popular that you need to book your visit in advance, which will cost €3.50 (about $3.90). Staying near the beach is pricey, costing about €166 (about $185).

5. Zlatni Rat in Bol, Croatia

Translating to "Golden Horn," Zlatni Rat is a famous triangle-shaped beach on the Croatian island of Brac that extends into the ocean. As the tides and swells change, the beach also shapeshifts. Besides how stunning the beach is, it's also relatively inexpensive to visit, coming in as the second-least expensive beach locale on the index. For food, drink and a one-night stay, the average price is €96 (about $107).

4. Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece

Crete is beloved by travelers, and Elafonissi Beach is one of the Greek island's famous beaches. Depending on the season of your visit, you may encounter the iconic pink sand, but year-round, the beach is beautiful with calm azure waters. However, the beach isn't exactly tranquil, and gets quite crowded as the day goes on. To visit, the average cost is €184 (about $205).

3. Portoroz Beach in Portoroz, Slovenia

Nestled against the Adriatic Sea, Portoroz Beach is a gorgeous pebble beach fronting Portoroz's resort area, so you can take a break from the sun and stroll the promenade. The beach is also the cheapest on the index, costing €93 (about $103) on average for a one-day stay.

2. Mellieha Bay Beach in Mellieha, Malta

Not only is Mellieha a sheltered bay that provides gentle and warm waters, but it's also the largest sand beach in Malta, making it the perfect place for families. The beach scored high on the index for its warm temperatures and water. Visitors can rent sunbeds, swim, kayak and more. To visit, it will cost €117 (about $130) on average.

1. Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Earning the top spot on the index is the picturesque Nissi Beach in Cyprus – and rightfully so. The beach seemingly has it all: warm weather and water temperatures, and calm waters since it's located in a bay, has. In the near distance is a small island, adding to the natural beauty of the beach. "This destination ranked in the top spot across all factors, including water and air temperatures, waves, value for money and the number of 5-star reviews left by visitors," Wilson said. To visit for one night, it will cost approximately €103 (about $114).

Summer In Malta 2025

Join us for an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Island of Malta (St Julians). 4 days & nights of sun, fun & frolics.

Date and time

Saint Julian's

Refund Policy

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Theme Party (Thursday 29th May)

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Open Bar Boat Party (Friday 30th May)

10:00 PM - 4:00 AM ( +1 day )

Theme Party (Friday 30th May)

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Theme Party (Saturday 31st May)

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Waterpark Excursion (Sunday 1st June)

Theme Party (Sunday 1st June)

About this event

Summer in malta, 29th may - 2nd june 2025.

Themed Parties / Pool Parties / Boat Parties / Excursions

Join us for our 4th edition, an unforgettable experience on the beautiful Island of Malta (St Julians). 4 days & nights of sun, fun & frolics. We have a selection of top DJs covering all music genres to keep you entertained over this fun-packed holiday. Book now and get ready for SUMMER IN MALTA 2025.

TICKET TYPES:

Hotel & wristband.

• 4* Hotel & SILVER Wristband | 4* Hotel for 4 nights Bed & Breakfast. The Silver Wristband includes 7 Events (6 X Theme Parties & Waterpark Excursion).
• 4* Hotel & GOLD Wristband | 4* Hotel for 4 nights 4* Hotel for 4 nights Bed & Breakfast. The Gold Wristband includes all 8 Events (6 X Theme Parties, Waterpark Excursion & Open Bar Boat Party), Q Jump to all Events, Goodie Bag.
• 3* Hotel & SILVER Wristband | 3* Hotel for 4 nights Bed & Breakfast. The Silver Wristband includes 7 Events (6 X Theme Parties & Waterpark Excursion).
• 3* Hotel & GOLD Wristband | 3* Hotel for 4 nights Bed & Breakfast. The Gold Wristband includes all 8 Events (6 X Theme Parties, Waterpark Excursion & Open Bar Boat Party), Q Jump to all Events, Goodie Bag.

WRISTBAND ONLY

• SILVER Wristband | The Silver Wristband includes 7 Events (6 X Theme Parties & Waterpark Excursion).
• GOLD Wristband | The Gold Wristband includes all 8 Events (6 X Theme Parties, Waterpark Excursion & Open Bar Boat Party), Q Jump to all Events, Goodie Bag.

We have 2 hotel options; both are ideally located in St Julian’s Paceville, in the heart of the action and walking distance to most of the club night venues.

You can extend your stay at the hotels, you'll be able to request this using the booking form after making initial booking.

4* Hotel (EXCLUSIVE TO SUMMER IN MALTA) Bed & Breakfast

Room Types:

STANDARD ( 2 Large Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed)

Occupancy - 1 or 2

• Air Conditioning
• Flat Screen TV
• Private Bathroom
• Coffee/Tea Maker
• Free Bottled Water
• Local meal delivery service
• In Room safe and air conditioning.

Additional Nights

• Single Use - £130 +bf per night
• Twin/Double - £65 +bf per person per night.

SUPERIOR BALCONY ( 2 Large Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed)

• Single Use - £150 +bf per night
• Twin/Double - £75 +bf per person per night.

SUPERIOR BALCONY WITH SPA BATHTUB ( 2 Large Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed)

• Spa Bathtub
• Single Use - £160 +bf per night
• Twin/Double - £80 +bf per person per night.

TRIPLE ROOM WITH SPA BATHTUB (1 Double Bed & 1 Sofa Bed)

Occupancy - 3

• £60 +bf per person per night.

EXECUTIVE SUITE (1 King Bed )

• Outdoor Spa Bathtub
• Separated Bedroom
• Single Use - £200 +bf per night
• Twin/Double - £100 +bf per person per night.

Hotel Facilities:

• Rooftop Infinity Pool
• Indoor Swimming Pool
• Sun beds, Mats and Parasols
• Spa (Sauna, Steam Room)
• Rooftop Bar
• 24 Hours Reception
• Check In Time: 15:00 Check Out Time: 11:00

3* Hotel Bed & Breakfast

STANDARD ( 2 Single Beds OR 1 Double Bed)

• Soundproofed
• Hypo-Allergenic Bedding
• Blackout Curtains
• Single Use - £100 +bf per night
• Twin/Double - £50 +bf per person per night.

COMFORT TRIPLE ROOM ( 2 Single Beds/1 Double Bed & 1 Sofa Bed)

Occupancy - 2 or 3

• Twin/Double - £60 +bf per person per night.
• Triple - £40 +bf per person per night.
• Infinity Swimming Pool
• Extensive sun terraces with Sun beds, Mats and Parasols
• Nightclub/Lounge

If booking your own accommodation, St. Julians Paceville is where the majority of the club events will take place, so will recommend in and around that area. Other areas not too far via Uber are St Julian’s Bay, St George’s Bay, Gzira, Sliema.

Get the best flights at: https://www.skyscanner.net

Malta (MLA). The Malta International Airport, also referred to as the Valletta Airport, is the only airport in Malta.

Your pass/package doesn’t include transfer. A taxi’s from the airport to St.Julians or Griza is roughly between €13-20.

[email protected]

More info , Full Terms/Conditions, Refund Policy & FAQs: https://summerinmalta.com/terms-conditions/

• Malta Events
• San Giljan Events
• Things to do in St. Julian's
• St. Julian's Festivals
• St. Julian's Travel & Outdoor Festivals

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