Why Visit Malta
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's most underrated destinations. This tiny archipelago, just 316 km² in size, packs an extraordinary punch with 7,000 years of history, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and some of Europe's best diving.
Here's what makes Malta special:
- Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Valletta, prehistoric temples, and the underground Hypogeum
- Year-round sunshine - Over 300 sunny days per year with mild winters
- English-speaking - One of two official languages, making travel easy
- Compact size - See the main island in a day, yet enough to fill two weeks
- Diverse experiences - History, beaches, diving, nightlife, food, and adventure
- Film locations - Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and countless other productions
Whether you're a history buff, beach lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Malta has something for everyone. This guide covers everything you need to plan the perfect trip.
Best Time to Visit Malta
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The best time to visit depends on your priorities.
🌸 Spring (Apr-Jun)
Best overall. 20-28°C, wildflowers blooming, fewer crowds. Perfect for sightseeing and hiking.
☀️ Summer (Jul-Aug)
Peak season. 30-35°C, crowded beaches, highest prices. Great for swimming and nightlife.
🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Excellent choice. 22-28°C, warm sea, fewer tourists. Ideal for beaches and sightseeing.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar)
Mild and quiet. 12-18°C, occasional rain. Best prices, perfect for cultural attractions.
📅 Key Events & Festivals
- Carnival (February) - Colourful parades in Valletta and villages
- Holy Week (March/April) - Dramatic Good Friday processions
- Village Festas (June-September) - Fireworks, music, and traditional celebrations
- Malta Jazz Festival (July) - International acts in Valletta
- Notte Bianca (October) - Valletta's arts and culture night
How to Get There
Malta is well-connected by air, with some ferry options from Sicily.
✈️ By Air
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport, located in Luqa, about 20 minutes from Valletta. It serves:
- Air Malta - The national carrier with routes across Europe
- Ryanair - Budget flights from many European cities
- easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, British Airways - Various connections
Flight times: 2-3 hours from most European cities, 4-5 hours from the Middle East.
⛴️ By Ferry
Virtu Ferries operates a high-speed catamaran between Malta (Valletta) and Sicily (Pozzallo/Catania). The crossing takes 90 minutes to Pozzallo or 4 hours to Catania.
Where to Stay in Malta
Malta offers accommodation for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels. Location matters - here are the best areas:
🏛️ Valletta
Best for: History lovers, culture seekers, first-time visitors
Stay in a converted palazzo in Europe's smallest capital. Walk everywhere, dine at rooftop restaurants, and soak up 450 years of history. Limited parking but excellent bus connections.
🌊 Sliema
Best for: Shopping, seafront walks, good restaurants
Modern and cosmopolitan with a long promenade, plenty of shops, and easy ferry access to Valletta. Good mid-range hotel selection. Rocky beaches for swimming.
🎉 St Julian's & Paceville
Best for: Nightlife, young travellers, beach clubs
Malta's party capital with clubs, bars, and restaurants. Spinola Bay is charming, while Paceville gets rowdy at night. St George's Bay has a sandy beach.
🏝️ Gozo
Best for: Relaxation, nature, rural charm
Malta's quieter sister island offers farmhouse stays, untouched countryside, and a slower pace. Ideal for a few days or as a base for nature lovers. Requires ferry transfer.
Getting Around Malta
Malta is small but getting around requires planning. Here are your options:
🚌 Public Buses
The Tallinja bus network covers most of Malta with Valletta as the main hub. Affordable and reliable, though can be crowded in summer.
- Single ticket: €1.50 (winter) / €2.00 (summer)
- 12-trip card: €15 (valid 1 month)
- Explore card: €21 (7 days unlimited)
For detailed routes and tips, see our Malta Bus Guide.
🚕 Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Bolt is the go-to app (like Uber), offering affordable rides with upfront pricing. Traditional taxis are available but more expensive. eCabs is a reliable local company.
Learn more in our Malta Taxi Guide.
🚗 Car Rental
A car offers maximum flexibility, especially for hidden beaches and Gozo exploration. Note that Maltese drive on the left, roads are narrow, and drivers can be aggressive.
See our Malta Car Rental Guide for tips and recommendations.
⛴️ Ferries
Essential for island-hopping:
- Gozo Ferry - 25-minute crossing from Cirkewwa, runs every 45 minutes. See Gozo Ferry Guide
- Comino Boats - Various operators from Cirkewwa, Sliema, and Bugibba. See Comino Ferry Guide
- Sliema-Valletta Ferry - Quick harbour crossing, more scenic than the bus
For a complete overview, see our Getting Around Malta Guide.
Top Things to Do in Malta
Malta's compact size means you can pack a lot into your trip. Here are the highlights:
🏛️ Explore Valletta
The entire capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss St John's Co-Cathedral (Caravaggio masterpieces), the Upper Barrakka Gardens (noon cannon salute), and the ancient streets.
See our Valletta Attractions Guide for the full experience.
🏰 Discover Mdina
The "Silent City" is Malta's ancient capital. Wander car-free medieval streets, enjoy stunning views, and escape the crowds at dusk.
Plan with our Mdina Guide.
🗿 Visit Prehistoric Temples
Malta's temples are older than the pyramids. Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ggantija (Gozo) are UNESCO sites. Book the underground Hypogeum weeks in advance.
Learn more in our Malta Temples Guide.
🏝️ Day Trip to Gozo
Malta's sister island offers rural charm, the Citadel, beautiful beaches (Ramla Bay), and excellent hiking. Worth at least a full day, ideally overnight.
Plan with our Gozo Day Trip Guide.
💎 Swim at Blue Lagoon
Comino's famous turquoise lagoon is spectacular but crowded in summer. Go early or in shoulder season for the best experience.
Details in our Blue Lagoon Guide.
For the complete list, see our Malta Attractions Guide.
Food & Dining in Malta
Maltese cuisine blends Mediterranean influences with unique local traditions. Here's what to try:
🥟 Must-Try Dishes
- Pastizzi - Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas (€0.50 each)
- Ftira - Maltese flatbread with tomatoes, capers, olives, and tuna
- Rabbit (Fenkata) - The national dish, stewed or fried with garlic
- Lampuki - Fresh dolphinfish, seasonal (September-November)
- Ġbejna - Local sheep's cheese, fresh or dried
- Imqaret - Date-filled pastries, deep-fried and delicious
For the full guide, see Best Maltese Food.
💰 Eating Budget
- Budget: €5-15 per meal (pastizzi, ftira, pizza)
- Mid-range: €15-35 per meal (trattorias, casual restaurants)
- Fine dining: €50-100+ per person
For budget-friendly options, see our Cheap Eats Malta Guide. First-time visitors should check our First Timer's Food Guide.
Beaches & Swimming
Malta offers diverse coastal experiences, from sandy beaches to dramatic rocky shores.
🏖️ Top Sandy Beaches
- Mellieha Bay - Malta's largest, shallow and family-friendly
- Golden Bay - Popular, great facilities, stunning sunsets
- Ramla Bay (Gozo) - Distinctive red sand, dramatic setting
- Paradise Bay - Small and scenic, near Gozo ferry
🤿 Best for Snorkelling
- Blue Lagoon (Comino) - Crystal-clear turquoise waters
- St Peter's Pool - Natural swimming pool, excellent visibility
- Ghar Lapsi - Local favourite, calm and clear
Explore all options in our Best Beaches Malta Guide.
Day Trips from Malta
🏝️ Gozo
Malta's rural sister island deserves at least a full day. The ferry takes 25 minutes from Cirkewwa. Explore the Citadel, swim at Ramla Bay, and enjoy slower island life.
See our Gozo Day Trip Guide.
💎 Comino & Blue Lagoon
The tiny island between Malta and Gozo is famous for its turquoise lagoon. Boat trips run from several points. Go early to beat the crowds.
See our Blue Lagoon Guide.
🇮🇹 Sicily
Just 90 minutes by fast ferry to Pozzallo, Sicily makes an excellent day trip. Explore Ragusa, Syracuse, or the south coast.
See our Malta to Sicily Ferry Guide.
Practical Tips
💡 Essential Malta Tips
- Language: Maltese and English are both official. Everyone speaks English.
- Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted, but carry cash for small purchases. Check live rates on HUBFX, and use Revolut or Wise travel cards to pay in your own currency.
- Electricity: UK-style 3-pin plugs. Bring an adapter.
- Water: Tap water is safe but tastes salty. Most people buy bottled.
- SIM Cards: Vodafone, GO, and Melita offer tourist SIMs at the airport and in town.
- Sunday: Many shops close. Plan accordingly.
- Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees for churches.
- Sun Protection: Malta's sun is strong. Use SPF 30+ and stay hydrated.
🏥 Health & Safety
Malta is very safe. Healthcare is excellent (EHIC/GHIC cards accepted for EU citizens). The main concerns are:
- Sun exposure - Stronger than you expect
- Sea conditions - Some beaches have strong currents
- Driving - Local drivers can be aggressive
🍽️ Explore More on HubpyMalta
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Malta?
The best time to visit Malta is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), crowds are manageable, and prices are reasonable. Summer (July-August) is peak season with hot weather perfect for beaches but very crowded. Winter (December-March) is mild and ideal for sightseeing with lower prices.
How many days do you need in Malta?
We recommend 5-7 days for a comprehensive Malta experience. This allows 2-3 days for Valletta and surrounding areas, 1-2 days for Gozo island, and time for beaches and activities. A quick 3-day trip is possible but will feel rushed. Two weeks is ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
Is Malta expensive to visit?
Malta is moderately priced by European standards. Budget travellers can manage on €50-70 per day, mid-range visitors should expect €100-150 per day, and luxury travellers €200+ per day. Accommodation is the biggest expense. Public transport is cheap (€1.50-2 per ride), and local food is affordable.
Do I need a car in Malta?
A car is not essential in Malta. The public bus network covers most attractions, and taxis/Bolt are affordable. However, a rental car offers more flexibility, especially for reaching hidden beaches and exploring Gozo. Note that Maltese drive on the left and roads can be narrow and chaotic.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Malta is one of the safest destinations in Europe. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft is uncommon outside busy tourist areas. The main safety concerns are strong sun exposure, rough sea conditions at some beaches, and aggressive driving. Healthcare is excellent with both public and private options.