Discover the Best of Malta in Summer
Last Updated: Jan 04, 2024
Reading Time: 9 minutes
By: Shaun
If you’re planning a summer vacation in the Mediterranean, then why not consider visiting Malta? This beautiful island country is known for its sunny weather, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and laid-back culture. Malta is the perfect destination for travellers who want to enjoy the best of both worlds: relaxation and adventure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best things to do and see during the summer months, from its breathtaking beaches to its historic sites and festivals. So prepare your bags, put on your sunscreen, and let’s discover the best Malta has to offer over the summer months.
Balluta Bay | Image by Anton Zelenov on Wikimedia Commons
Swim and relax in Malta’s Beaches
Well, this is the most obvious one, as Malta is famous for its stunning beaches, and during the summer, they’re full to the brim with activity. Many of the most popular beaches have been awarded the renowned Blue Flag certification.
This award honours beaches that have been demonstrated to be clean, safe, and environmentally friendly. The Maltese Red Cross provides lifeguard services on these Blue Flag beaches.
The Maltese islands have a long list of beaches you can explore, but we’ve handpicked a few here for you.
Mellieha Bay
Mellieħa Bay | Image by Mboesch on Wikimedia Commons
Mellieha Bay, or “l-Għadira” as it is known in Maltese, is the largest sandy beach on the islands and is located in the northern part of Malta. It’s a great spot for families with children, as the water is shallow and calm. There are also plenty of water sports activities available, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Golden Bay
Located on the northwest coast, Golden Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. It’s too a very popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay | Image by DXR on Wikimedia Commons
Located on the island of Gozo, Ramla Bay is a stunning red-sand beach with clear blue waters. It’s a great spot for snorkelling and diving, as there are plenty of underwater caves and reefs to explore. There are also some cafes and snack bars nearby.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon | Image by Ruben Holthuijsen on Flickr
Last but not least is the Blue Lagoon, which is situated between Comino and Cominetto islands and is famous for its blue and crystal-clear waters. It is considered by many to be one of the top beaches on the islands and definitely worth a visit.
Be warned that the Blue Lagoon can get very crowded due to its popularity; however, this should not deter you from making a visit.
Explore Malta’s Historical Sites
Malta has a rich history and is home to many historical sites and monuments. Here are some of the must-see attractions:
Valletta
Valletta Ariel View | Image by Public Domain Pictures from Pexels
Valletta, which is the country’s capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. It is home to numerous museums, cathedrals, and palaces, as well as the lovely Upper Barrakka Gardens, which provide spectacular views of the Grand Harbour.
Mdina
The old capital, Mdina, is a fortified city located in the centre of the island. Mdina is also known as the “silent city” due to its peaceful atmosphere. It’s home to many historic palaces and churches, as well as the Mdina Dungeons, where visitors can learn about the city’s dark past.
The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni
The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a unique underground temple dating back to prehistoric times. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta and one that should not be missed.
Gozo
Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is just as rich with history as the main island. A day trip to Gozo is a must for any tourist making their way to the Maltese islands. The Ġgantija megalithic temples as well as the Citadel are two highlights not to be missed.
Go diving
Dwejra Inlet Sea | Image by Rune E on Flickr
The Maltese islands are a paradise for divers. With their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, it’s no wonder that the islands are a top destination for scuba diving.
Some of the top diving spots include the Blue Hole, the HMS Maori wreck, and the Santa Maria Caves. If you’re new to diving, don’t worry, as there are plenty of diving schools on the island that offer beginner courses.
Experience the Nightlife in St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s is one of Malta’s liveliest towns, known for its bustling nightlife scene. The area is home to numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it the perfect place to let loose and have fun. Paceville, located in the heart of St. Julian’s, is Malta’s party hub and is especially popular with young travellers.
With its wide range of venues and events, there’s something for everyone in St. Julian’s.
What festivals happen in Malta in the summer?
Throughout the year, one can find a wide variety of festivals that one can participate in. The range of festivals organised is so vast that it’s impossible not to find something to your liking. Here are some highlights:
Isle of MTV
Isle Of MTV
The Isle of MTV is a music festival that takes place on the Granaries in Floriana, just outside of Valletta. The festival is free to attend, features performances by some of the biggest names in music, and has become one of the biggest events in Malta.
The concert is usually held in late June or in July, with the details for the 2024 edition still to be announced.
The Malta Jazz Festival
The Malta Jazz Festival is an annual event that takes place in July in Valletta and has become a well-anticipated event every year since its inception in 1991.
In 2024, it will be a 6-day event between July 8 and July 13. The festival features many local and international jazz musicians performing in an open-air setting. The festival attracts jazz enthusiasts from all over the world, and it’s highly recommended if you love jazz music.
The Marsovin Summer Wine Festival
Marsovin Summer Wine Festival
The Marsovin Summer Wine Festival is a celebration of Maltese wine organised by one of country’s leading wineries, Marsovin. The festival takes place in Valletta, in the amazing setting of the Hastings Garden. The festival features a wide selection of wines that Marsovin produces, as well as delicious food and live music performances by many local artists.
The festival is held in July, and with your entry ticket (usually around €20), you get the whole amount in tokens, which you can then exchange for a taste of wine, food, or even an entire bottle. With the ticket, you get a wonderful glass, which you can keep as a souvenir.
The Farsons Beer Festival
Concert at the Farsons Beer Festival
The Farsons Beer Festival is an annual event that takes place at Ta’ Qali. It’s a celebration of beer, food, and live music organised by the renowned Farsons Brewery, which produces the much-loved Cisk, Hopleaf, and Blue Label beers. The festival, however, also features a range of international beers and special brews created just for the festival.
The festival is held in late July through early August and provides a great opportunity to experience the local music scene with performances from top and emerging pop, rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal artists.
The Earth Garden Festival
Earth Garden
The Earth Garden Festival is a celebration of environmentalism and sustainability. The festival will take place in Ta’ Qali between June 6 and 9, 2024.
While Earth Garden is primarily a music festival, there is much more than simply music. Aside from live performances by local and international artists, there are retreats, workshops, yoga, massages, an ethnic market, and an amusement park for all ages.
The Delicata Wine Festival
The Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens | Image by Kristina Paukshtite from Pexels
Delicata is another major winery in Malta, and they too hold their own celebration of their wonderful produce. The Delicata Wine Festival is held in the stunning Upper Barakka Gardens, which provide spectacular views of the Grand Harbour.
The festival is held in August, with a Gozo edition being held in Nadur a few weeks later.
Glitch Festival
Glitch is a house and techno festival, and since its first edition in 2016, it has earned a good reputation internationally for its top-notch organisation. So if you are looking for some of the top artists performing at pool or boat parties, look no further than Glitch Festival.
This year, the festival will take place between the 13th and 16th of August and will feature performances from an impressive list of artists, including Bonobo, Charlotte de Witte, Richie Hawtin, Helena Hauff, and Marcel Dettmann.
Attend a village festa
Mosta Village Feast | Image by StefanM76 on Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking to experience some of the Maltese traditions, then make sure you attend a village festa. Each town in Malta has a patron saint, and during a weekend in summer, the town organises a festa (feast in Maltese) to celebrate its patron saint.
Every week during the summer months, you will find a number of towns that will organise their festa and while the celebrations usually last for a week, they reach their peak during the weekend.
During the week, the town’s streets and buildings are decorated with banners, lights, and statues of patron saints. On Sunday or during the day, when the activities reach their peak, a procession of the statue of the patron saint is held through the village streets, accompanied by a brass band playing lively music.
Finally, no Maltese celebration is complete without fireworks, and during these festas, you will get a chance to see ample ground and air firework displays.
Conclusion
Malta is a small island with a big personality, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see during the summer months. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore ancient temples, or dance the night away, Malta has something for everyone.
Follow our guide to discover the best of Malta in summer and make the most of your Mediterranean getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some lesser-known places to visit in Malta during the summer?
Some lesser-known places to visit in Malta during the summer include the island of Comino, the Dingli Cliffs, and the Ta' Qali Crafts Village.
What is the weather like in Malta during the summer?
The weather in Malta during the summer is typically hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F), although it can easily go over 40 °C (104 °F) on some days.
What are the best day trips to take from Malta during the summer?
Some of the best day trips to take from Malta during the summer include visiting the neighbouring island of Gozo, exploring the Blue Grotto and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, or taking a boat tour around the island.
What are the best accommodations for families visiting Malta during the summer?
Some of the best accommodations for families visiting Malta during the summer include the Dolmen Hotel Malta, the Paradise Bay Resort Hotel, and the Seashells Resort at Suncrest.
What are the best water parks or amusement parks to visit in Malta during the summer?
Some of the best water parks and amusement parks to visit in Malta during the summer include the Splash & Fun Water Park, the Mediterraneo Marine Park, and Popeye's Village.
What should I pack for my summer vacation in Malta?
As the weather will be hot, pack lightweight clothing such as shorts and t-shirts, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear for enjoying the beaches and swimming. It's also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or indoor air conditioning.
