Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Malta
Before I left to study abroad in Malta back in 2008-2009, I knew next to nothing about this Mediterranean island. After a year, I learned that Malta is full of history, unique geological features, celebrations, and its own set of quirks that make this underrated destination well worth the visit. In 2019, almost 10 years after leaving, I finally made my way back to Malta and found that a lot had changed. It seemed to have gotten a lot more hip since I left (or maybe I’m the one who changed? Who knows.) Valletta got a facelift and new gate to the fortressed city. Several archaeological sites, like the Citadel in Gozo, have expanded. And, sadly, the Azure window collapsed.
What hasn’t changed is that Malta remains a fascinating place full of history and packs in a surprising amount of things to do, considering it’s the tenth smallest country in the world. Whether it’s your first time to Malta, or just your first time in awhile, here are tips to help plan your trip and see the best of this tiny island archipelago, both old and new.
Malta travel guide
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What are the best things to do in Malta?
Wied il-Għasri in Gozo
There’s much more to Malta than swimming and exploring archeological sites. To give you an idea of what there is to do in Malta, here’s a quick list of things to do:
Attend a festival, like Birgu Lights or Notte Bianco.
Scuba dive in Gozo.
Go rock climbing on Gozo or Malta’s seaside cliffs.
Hike and explore Malta’s nature
Visit an archeological site like the city of Mdina, the recently expanded Citadella on Gozo, or ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim.
Swim and hang out on a “beach”. Most “beaches” in Malta are rocky, low cliffs, though there are a handful of sandy beaches you can visit as well.
Explore Valletta after dark and enjoy a glass of wine while sitting on the steps outside one of the many wine bars in this UNESCO world heritage site.
Take a boat tour to Blue Grotto or Blue Lagoon.
Eat a pastizzi! A classic cheese pastizzi is the best.
Have drinks on a boat at Guadalupe boat bar & bistro in Sliema’s harbor.
A lot of people will also recommend going to the Marsaxlokk fish market. In my opinion, it’s not worth going out of your way for. Instead, spend the day swimming and sunbathing at nearby St. Peter’s Pool and book a lunch or dinner reservation at a seafood restaurant in Marsaxlokk, like Tartarun. If you happen to catch the market, cool. If not, don’t sweat it.
💡Tip: Get even more details in my complete guide to things to do in Malta.
What’s the best month to visit Malta?
Malta in October
The best time to visit Malta is from September and early October. It’s less packed with tourists, but still warm enough to swim during the day. Also, early fall is when two of my favorite events in Malta happen: Notte Bianco and Birgu Lights Festival. However, be prepared for windy weather — especially on Gozo.
The summer months are the most popular to visit Malta, when visitors flock to the island for sunshine and swimming, and my second favorite time of year to be here.
Late April and May are also good times to visit. The weather is beginning to warm up again, yet the influx of tourists hasn’t arrived yet.
💡Tip: Read more details in my in-depth guide to the best time to visit Malta.
How long should I spend in Malta?
While many travel to Malta for a quick weekend getaway, it’s best to spend 4-7 days in Malta to explore the entire country, especially if you want to also visit Gozo. You could easily extend it into a 10-day trip and take it at a more leisurely pace. If you stay for more than 4 days, I’d suggest staying 1-2 nights in a traditional Farmhouse in Gozo, rather than visiting as a day trip (which most people do) so you can have time to see even more of Malta’s smaller, more rural sister.
Where should you stay in Malta?
Top area: Valletta
Best hotels: Casa Ellul (luxury) and Valletta Vintage (boutique)
My favorite place to stay in Malta is its capital, Valletta. Although you will also find lots of affordable, beachfront options across the bay in St. Julians or Sliema, it’s also where most of Malta’s new development has gone up, giving it a different ambiance than the rest of the island.
Instead, fully immerse yourself in Malta’s ancient history and architecture with a hotel Valletta. Over the past 10 years, Valletta’s nightlife scene (which was lacking) and selection of delicious restaurants has grown. Valletta after dark (and after the cruise passengers have gone back to their boats) is a truly magical experience. Sitting outside bars on a set of steps, drinking cocktails and snacking on olives in a historic city was a highlight for me. Sliema is only a 10 minute ferry ride away.
The best hotels in Malta include:
Valletta Vintage
Location: Valletta / Birgu
Price: €80 - €349 / night (2 night min.)
Book Now: Valletta Vintage
Valletta Vintage’s charming collection of self-serve apartments, all of which are housed in buildings over 100 years old, embody Malta’s essence by combining elements of old and new. They currently have six apartments across Valletta and Birgu. We stayed in the Atelier because of its Maltese balcony— how much more quintessential Valletta can you get? — but all of their apartments truly make you feel like you’re in Malta.
They also have one apartment in Birgu, which would be a fun option if you’re traveling to Malta in October for the completely magical, Birgu Lights festival.
Casa Ellul
Location: Valletta
Price: $200+ / night
Book Now: Casa Ellul
A small luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Valletta, Casa Ellul is perhaps the hippest of Malta’s 4- and 5-star hotels. Each room is uniquely designed with thematic and artful touches and, of course, comes with the usual amenities you’d expect from a 4-star hotel. Breakfast in their marble-tiled dining room is included, and their entire staff is incredibly warm and welcoming.
The Phoenicia Malta
Location: Valletta
Price: $400+ / night
Book Now: The Phoenicia Malta
I personally have not stayed here but it comes highly recommended from several friends who were looking for a truly decadent treat-yourself kind of stay. It’s luxurious, has incredible views of the Valletta skyline, and “the staff went out of their way to help with literally anything,” one said. I can attest, however, that it’s in an excellent location on the edge of Valletta—meaning you’re a short walk away from the action but in a quieter area just beyond the fortress walls (which, as it happens, also border the hotel’s swimming pool).
Farmhouses in Gozo
Location: Gozo
Book Now: booking.com or VRBO
For a classically Gozitan experience, rent a farmhouse for a night or two while staying on the island. While you can find modern hotels and apartment rentals in Gozo’s bigger towns, staying in a farmhouse—some of which are more than 500 years old—is a truly unique experience. Most farmhouses are bigger and best for groups of travelers, but if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, there are a few that operate more like a bed and breakfast.
As for location: look for a farmhouse in or around its main town, Victoria, like in the small towns of Għarb or Żebbuġ. This will put you within close driving distance to some of Gozo’s main attractions and Victoria. If you’re visiting for carnival, stay closer to Nadur.
What should I pack?
Summer temperatures in Malta are hot, though the rest of the year can be quite mild. In the fall and winter, sea winds pick up, making for incredibly windy conditions. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to pack the following on a trip to Malta:
A windbreaker, especially in October - April when the island can see gale force winds (January is the windiest month).
An umbrella. Rains tend to be hard and fast in Malta, so it’s usually best to wait out a shower instead but you should still be prepared with an umbrella. Pack one that can stand up to windy conditions, like the Repel Windproof Umbrella ($23).
A swimsuit and sunscreen, no matter the time of year.
Sneakers. I brought a pair of “fashion” sneakers by Keds, and they worked fine for light hiking and exploring around town. You don’t really need intense hiking boots for Malta.
A light sweater for cool evenings by the ocean.
Is it expensive to travel in Malta?
Compared to most other European destinations, Malta is very affordable. Although you could spend as little as $60 per person per day, more mid-range travelers should budget $100-$120 per day, per person for food, drinks, accommodation, and activities—more if you want to splurge on a stay at Casa Ellul or The Phoenicia Malta.
Flights from Europe can be as low as 20 euros each way on budget airlines like RyanAir. If you’re coming from the United States, I’d suggest booking a ticket to a hub like Paris, London, Dublin, or Milan, then booking your leg to Malta with AirMalta or RyanAir separately for the best price.
Is it easy to get around Malta?
Yes, it’s easy to get around Malta, although it can take longer than expected to traverse this tiny island thanks to traffic.
Busses
The entire bus system is new and updated. Valletta’s main bus terminus got a major facelift with well-marked bus stops. If you plan on taking the bus often, get a card to easily tap on and off. Google Maps is also a reliable way to figure out what bus to take and when.
Car rentals and car shares
Renting a car is your best option if you want to travel to Gozo or the north end of Malta, but not necessary for your entire stay in Malta. Since parking your car is difficult on the streets of tiny Valletta or Sliema, it’s easier and cheaper to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel, then renting a car just for the days you need it.
One of the easiest places to rent a car outside of Malta’s airport is from the Budget rental car station at the St. Julians Hilton. Keep in mind that they’re only open until 1pm (12:30pm on Saturdays), so plan accordingly.
For trips to Gozo you’ll want a car once you’re on the island, but you can save money by taking a bus to the ferry terminal and renting a car on the Gozo side through Avis at Mgarr Harbor.
Taxis + rideshares
As of 2022, Malta now has Uber on the island. They also have a local equivalent called eCabs (download on Android or iPhone). Both times we used the service, we had to wait at least 15 minutes for the car to arrive so plan accordingly.
Taking an old school taxi is also very easy. Although you can flag down a taxi on the side of the road, most major areas (the airport, the entrance to Valletta, etc.) will have a taxi stand. Approach the stand, tell them your destination, pay, then hand your receipt to the taxi driver.
Other Malta travel tips
Can you drink the water in Malta?
Technically, yes, but it tastes terrible and salty. Either pack a travel water bottle that filters water like Grayl (though this still may not get rid of the salty taste) or pick up a six pack of 1.5 liter bottles of water at a corner store or supermarket. This should cost you less than 1-2 euros and is far more cost effective than buying them one-by-one.
Do you tip in Malta?
Like most places in Europe, Malta isn’t big on tipping. For casual meals and cafes, leaving your change is enough. For nicer restaurants, or when the service has been exceptional, a 5-10% tip is enough.
What language do they speak in Malta?
Maltese and English are both official languages in Malta and travelers will find it very easy to get around using English, and have no need to worry about language barriers. Malta was formerly a British colony and still part of the Commonwealth, and English remains prevalent here. In fact, most higher education institutions here are all in English so the majority of the population is bilingual, at least. Some people also speak Italian (especially among older generations), thanks to neighboring Sicily and a small but present Italian population here, though it is not an official language.
📍Instantly save all of my recommendations as a Google Map List
Save time adding all of my Malta recommendations to your Google Map—I’ve already done it!
Purchase this curated Google Map List to help plan your trip and seamlessly access all of my top restaurants, hotels, and things to do on a Malta vacation directly from your phone, tablet, or computer.
This Malta list includes 60+ recommendations such as:
The best restaurants and cafes
Hotel recommendations
Attractions and things to do
Valuable insights and tips for each place
This article was originally published in 2020 and regularly updated to keep all recommendations and information up to date. It was most recently updated on February 2, 2024.
