Malta Travel Tips

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Malta Quick Information 

Stop wondering where to travel next. We present to you Malta. Home to picturesque beaches, stunning coastlines, plenty of fantastic diving spots, delicious Mediterranean food, and a strong cultural heritage, Malta is a place that has something for everyone. Do you want to explore more of its culture? Or just to relax on the beach and party all night? The choice is yours. Malta has quickly become one of our favorite countries for a great holiday. After traveling and living in Malta since 2019, we’ve created this epic Malta travel guide. Find our travel tips on the best of what you can see, do, and eat in Malta.

The capital of Malta 

Valletta is the most important city and the capital of Malta, located in the South Eastern Region with beautiful sea views. With Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Modern architecture, it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the must-visit places in Malta. The city is one of the smallest capitals in Europe, so you can easily walk through it and see the beautiful sightseeing points.

Language

Malta has two official languages – Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language with lots of words of Latin origin. It sounds interesting because of the mix of Arabic, English, and Italian at all. English is also an official language because of the British possession until the Independence in 1964, and you can communicate without problems everywhere. If you can speak Italian, you can find lots of people to practise it as well.

Religion

The main religion in Malta is Catholicism, with more than 95% of the population. Interestingly, the number of churches is about 360. WOW! This small Archipelago is one of the world’s most Catholic countries. Many religious festivals take part every year, and locals organize grand celebrations which you can attend.

Currency 

Euro is the currency in Malta. Banks are open until early afternoons from Monday to Friday and until midday on Saturdays. International bank cards are accepted here – Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club, Mastercard.

Electricity socket

The electricity is 220-230V AC, but the power outlets are usually from type G. You can use your electric stuff in Malta if the standard voltage in your country is 220 – 240V (the UK, Europe, Australia, most of Asia and Africa). If it is in the range of 100 – 127V (the US, Canada, and most South American countries), you need a voltage converter in Malta. You should pack a universal travel adaptor to use all your electronic gadgets.

Malta visa

If you are from a country member of the Schengen Area, you can freely travel within the whole Schengen Zone. Citizens of the United States with a valid US passport or Canadian citizens using Canadian passports (till 01.01.2023) can travel to Malta for a maximum of 90 days. They don’t have to apply or obtain a Schengen visa for short-term tourism or business trips. Other nationalities will need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel to the country. For more information, you can check the site of Identity Malta Agency. For Coronavirus updates and requirements, the news here can come in handy.

History of Malta

Malta has a long history beginning about 6000 BC. Despite being so isolated, civilizations have flourished in Malta for thousands of years. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantine, Normans, Sicilians, British have left parts of their culture in the island’s history. Here you can find the Megalithic Temples, which are among the oldest surviving buildings in the world (3850 BC). The rule of the Order of Saint John (16th century) was characterized by art, architecture, and overall improvement. If you are interested in their history, read more about the order commonly known as the Knights Hospitaller, the Knights of Malta, the Order of Malta. They still exist and have sovereign rights and a headquarter in Rome, Italy. In addition, if you are not familiar, you can also check how the Maltese cross looks like (an essential part of the heraldic and of the phaleristics).

In the 19th century, Malta became a colony and an important naval base for the British. Since 1964 Malta has been an independent country from British rule, and it became a republic in 1974. Since 2004 Malta has been a member of the European Union, so EU members can easily travel to the country.

Safety

Yes, there are some scams here (as everywhere), but Malta is generally a safe place to go. As a tourist, you should be careful with your personal belongings, especially in hotspots such as Paceville or Bugibba. So, you could avoid pick-pocketing, which is actually rare in Malta. Be cautious in the nightlife areas, too, so you could prevent violence and stay safe (mainly in the party center Paceville). Another side you should be careful with is driving on the island. Because of the left–driving, the number of foreigners with a lack of experience driving on this side of the street, and the love of speed, traffic accidents are not rare in Malta. But don’t let this stop you from exploring Malta by car. We think that it’s definitely the best way to see the island. Just be careful. And of course, don’t travel without insurance.

Malta trip planning 

Weather

While you can visit Malta all year round, avoiding the winter season might be wise. The best time to go to Malta is Spring or Autumn if you would like to explore the island. If you decide to spend your summer holiday here, avoid the high season in July and August. It is scorching, and it is full of tourists (unless this is what you are searching for). In a nutshell, the weather in Malta is warm. You can wear a T-shirt or light jacket and shorts during the daytime of March and November. From June to September, it usually rains once or twice throughout the season. The maximum temperatures in summer reach 35-40°C (95° Fahrenheit), 25-28°C at night. On the other hand, the winter is short, and actually, it is not a real winter with temperatures over 10-15°C. In other words, Malta is a perfect place to spend the winter months (especially if you come from a cold northern country).

Transport

There are plenty of options offering direct flights to Malta, especially from airports within or close to Europe – WizzAir, AirMalta, Alitalia, EasyJet, and many more. When you are on the island, the transport from one place to the next is relatively easy in Malta and is very efficient. You can use the well-organized public transport if you want to travel cheaper. You can also use transport companies as Bolt, eCabs, Cool and travel cheaper than with taxis. You only need to download their apps. If you prefer your own kind of transportation, renting a car can help you discover every part of this beautiful island. But for visiting Gozo or Comino, you should spend some time traveling by ferry – around 25 minutes from Cirkewwa and 45 minutes from Valletta. If you are still wondering how to get around Malta, check out our article.

Budget 

It depends on you and your wishes. You can spend your holiday around for as cheap or as expensive as you want. Our experience shows that you can travel to Malta for about 70-90 EUR a day. These costs include accommodation, food, and activities being your most considerable expense. But you can do this much cheaper if you are on a budget. Or if you prefer staying in hotels and eating out in restaurants, you can expect this to be higher. For example, food is not so cheap. If you eat local street food, you can get a pastizzi (read more about the local food in Malta below) for less than a euro or the famous ftira for about 3 EUR. But eating in restaurants will be more expensive -10-15 EUR for a single dish.

What to pack for traveling to Malta

Traveling around Malta is generally easy, except for a few colder months (November – February). In winter or if you want to go to the countryside, take closed shoes, a light jacket, and an umbrella. For every season – cold or hot – the sun shines, and you don’t want to go on outdoor activities without sunglasses and a hat.

As a quick overview, here are some of our must-bring items while traveling:

– a portable water filter bottle, so we always have something to drink on hot days; 

– a sand-free beach blanket, because in Malta there are beautiful beaches you would like to visit;

– a good pair of travel shoes for our journey.

Having a light power bank with you might be a good idea, especially if you will take hundreds of photos and reels for your Instagram. Be sure to pack some food and water if you go out of the cities, too. We always try to have something sweet with us because Vlad is always hungry. And giving him some chocolate is a harmless (and easy) way to make him silent for a while… Yes, he is a very curious guy.

Malta travel tips: The best things to do

What is Malta famous for?

As mentioned, Malta has a little bit of everything for everyone. Touring the towns by foot will provide you with some stunning views, from the Mediterranean’s dramatic cliff-edge views to lush green valleys with prehistoric ruins and ancient cave chapels. The towns are small and compact, and you can easily explore them by walking, feeling the local atmosphere – this is one of our favorite things about Malta. And don’t forget to take lots of photos – to show them to your friends who can’t travel to Malta or just to make them jealous.

Below you can find our recommendations on the best things to do in Malta.

Get lost in Valletta

Let’s begin this Malta travel guide with the capital city. Valletta, The Fortress City, “A city built by gentlemen for gentlemen,” Citta’ Umilissima – these are some of the names given to Malta’s capital. This impressive fortress city grew on the rock of Mount Sciberras peninsula, near the harbors Marsamxett and Grand Harbor. There are temples, ancient buildings, museums, restaurants, shopping areas, and attractions that bring different cultures together.

PS: And actually, you can’t be lost in Valletta – all roads lead to the sea!

Explore the rest of Malta

After you’re done exploring Valletta, continue your trip towards the cities in the rest of Malta. Get the most out of the beaches in Northern Malta and indulge in a few days relaxing and swimming in the crystal sea. If you prefer historical places, don’t miss some of the finest examples of ancient cities – Mdina and Rabat. Fancy seafood? Try the most delicious Mediterranean dishes in the small fishing village of southern Malta – Marsaxlokk, while enjoying the beautiful sea view. What about a drink and a little party at night? The party centers of Malta – St. Julian’s and Paceville – are here for you.

The ancient cities of Malta – Mdina, and Rabat

These two towns are rich in history with centuries-old buildings, sightseeing, original medieval architecture, and places to take you back in time. The Silent City (Mdina) itself is something to behold and experience. Also, a point of interest is Saint Paul’s Cathedral, which is visible throughout central Malta and is the architectural heart of this elegant city. Visit The Mdina Glass workshop, where you can see skilled glassmakers creating unique and handcrafted pieces. Don’t’ miss the beautiful sunset from some of the restaurants inside Mdina (we recommend Fontanella Tea Garden and its delicious desserts…yummy). Do you want to see some rural places and the natural beauty of the island? Then go for a walk in Howard Gardens, one of Malta’s most significant public gardens between Mdina and Rabat. For something different – try this sightseeing night tour to important cities of Malta and learn more about their history.

The Three Cities 

The Three Cities – Birgu, Senglea, and Bormla, are also called Cottonera – a collective name for these medieval fortified cities, founded by the Knights of the Order of Saint John (16th – 17th century). Their history, tightly related to the Knights’ order and their location, overlooking the Grand Harbour, makes them a unique part of Malta. Between the three, you can find some truly spectacular sights. A stroll here allows you to dive into the Three Cities’ history and enjoy the beautiful yacht marina. Or you can just rest in one of the multiple cafeterias, restaurants, and wine bars in the area.

The party center of Malta – St. Julian’s and Paceville

It is your Malta area if you are looking for a modern atmosphere, luxury hotels, and entertainment venues. St. Julian’s is mostly popular among couples and groups of travelers looking for entertainment, good food, and nightlife as a vital part of their holiday. It’s also popular among singles and groups of youths for its nightlife around the Paceville area. There is also a small sandy beach St. George’s Bay, where you can chill after a party night. A lively hotspot!

Festivals and Celebrations

Malta is a country full of fests and events during the year. Therefore, planning a trip around certain celebrations and festivals could be a great experience. In Malta, the Carnival in Spring and Notte Bianca in Autumn are important events on the religious and cultural calendar that we recommend people to visit. Learn more about these colorful events all around the year so you could choose the right for you. Or go for a year and see all of them.

Explore the underwater world

Do you know that Malta is an incredible diving spot? This Archipelago is home to hundreds of reefs, caves, and ancient wrecks. In addition, Malta is well known for the shipwrecks and several shipwrecked submarines lying around its coast. Here you can find some impressive underwater geological features. Unfortunately, recently, the famous Azure Window sea arch (captured in “Game of Thrones”) collapsed in heavy storms. As a result, you can’t enjoy this beautiful landmark anymore. However, the arch’s submersion still provides a stunning spectacle for thousands of eager divers in the water. 

Known for its diverse and rich underwater marine life, Malta is a great place to learn how to scuba dive. Get PADI certified as you go diving around the Archipelago. If you are an underwater enthusiast and want to experience some of the best scuba diving sites in Malta, take day trips or do longer excursions around the island.

Explore the off-the-beaten-path places in Malta

Being a diverse country, people come to Malta for a variety of reasons. So, apart from visiting the usual places like Valletta, Mdina, and St. Julians, check out our list of unusual places to visit in Malta – Comino, Mellieha, Xemxija, and Mistra Bay. So, you can have a chance to see some breathtaking views and impressive natural attractions.

Go hiking and camping in Malta

The best time for hiking in Malta is after the first long rain following the hot summer. From November to May, you can see the Archipelago’s green fields, full of vegetables, fennel, clover, wild iris, etc. You can do excellent day hikes in Mellieha, Dingli, Ghar Lapsi, the North, the various bays, the southern coast, and Delimara Point. Gozo, by itself, is excellent for walking in nature. Don’t miss the tiny Comino, too. It’s ideal for a good day’s hiking in silence, offering fantastic sea views.

Find the best beaches in Malta

Let’s continue the travel guide to Malta with the most important thing for a summer holiday – the beaches. This small island situated south of Italy in the Mediterranean offers many beaches with crystal waters worth visiting. Most of them are rocky, but there are also some sandy beaches offering plenty of activities that could diversify your vacation. Across the Maltese Islands, there are 11 beaches in 2021 awarded with the International Blue Flag eco-label for Sustainable Development. Here are the best beaches in Malta for your summer holiday – which one will you head to first?

Explore the islands – Gozo and Comino

A trip to the islands is a must. If you want to explore beautiful untouched islands (above and below waters), add Gozo and Comino to your plan. These places are popular diving destinations and are visited by people for snorkeling day trips. Gozo is the second-largest island and is known for its rural areas, characterized by fishing, tourism, crafts, and agriculture. On the island, you can find historical sites, forts, incredible panoramas, and one of the Archipelago’s best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija. Of course, the beaches here are also impressive and less crowded than on the main island.

Comino provides beautiful landscapes and is an important nature reserve. Famous for its isolation and tranquility, the tiny island is also well known for its bird population. Your trip to Malta won’t be complete without at least a day spent admiring Comino’s crystal waters, especially in the Blue Lagoon. Don’t miss this fantastic spot – one of our favorite places in Malta!

Tours around Malta 

If traveling by yourself isn’t your thing, check out the variety of tours offered across Malta with each trip’s details and dates. There are so many exciting things to do in Malta that you can’t miss!

Malta Travel Guide: What to eat in Malta – traditional food you should try

Eating in Malta is a rich experience inspired by local produce and has similarities in flavor to neighboring countries. With traditional recipes passed on through the generations, the local Maltese food is something you need to try. As a country surrounded by the sea, fish is traditionally highly used. You should try some of the famous Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh seafood. But if you prefer beef and pork, you can also find them in a few of the most popular Maltese recipes. Vegans and Vegetarians won’t stay hungry, too. And not to forget – the Maltese know how to prepare tasty pastries and sweets… Yummy!

So, here are the most popular Maltese dishes that you must try:

Pastizzi: Fluffy pastry with specific shapes stuffed with ricotta cheese or a peas’ paste – Malta’s favorite street food.

Ftira: One of my favorite sandwiches for lunch. Ftira is flatly baked, usually portion-sized Maltese bread with a crunchy crusty outside. It’s a popular lunch option, prepared with various local ingredients as olive oil, ripe tomatoes, onions, olives, capers, fresh mint, and basil leaves. Often, you can choose from different variations made with tuna, anchovies, bell pepper, Gbejna (Maltese goat cheese), or sausages.

Fenek: In Malta, rabbit is commonly served as a dish, usually fried with spaghetti, tomato sauce, and peas as a first course. And as a stew (Stuffat Tal-Fenek) as the main dish. The stew is tomato-based and includes vegetables as onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes. The meat is so tender that it falls off the bone. You should try it!

Recommended food tours

If you’re a big foodie like us, we recommend going on a food or wine tour during your trip. The local insight of the guides is fantastic, giving you a better understanding of Maltese cuisine.

Places to stay in Malta

The accommodation options in Malta are numerous and varied. There are plenty of hotels of varying categories, farmhouses, villas, self-catering apartments, or guesthouses. During the high season in Malta, from June to September, accommodation prices can be significantly higher. Book in advance because the tourists quickly snap up the better accommodation options, and prices increase as a result. Hotels are the most popular choice together with Airbnbs. Prices vary depending on the time of booking and location. Villas are rare in Malta, but in Gozo, you can find Malta’s alternative – farmhouse – usually nicely modernized houses with outdoor pools and other amenities.

Movies to watch (filmed in Malta)

As well as being famous for its beaches, diving, and architectural sites, Malta is also a popular film location. With dramatic cliffs, stunning landscapes, and ancient buildings, it is a perfect backdrop for many films, particularly those aiming for an old-fashioned feel. The movies “Gladiator” and “Troy” present Malta’s classical charm. At the same time, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” announced a few Maltese landscapes as Caribbean beaches. “Game of Thrones” contains several scenes filmed around the capital Valletta. The fans of GoT also know that Gozo’s famous but recently collapsed Azure Window provided the backdrop for the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen with Kahl Drogo. Popeye Village, also known as Sweethaven Village, is a purpose-built film set village converted into an attraction fun park. In 2020 Jurassic World 3 was filmed in Malta. Do you like these movies? We are big fans of them (yes, without the last season of “Game of Thrones”).