Plan The Ultimate Travel Trip to Malta and Gozo

Last Updated: Jan 27, 2024
Reading Time: 19 minutes
By: Shaun

Malta is a small island nation located around 90 kilometres (60 miles) south of Sicily. It is a nation with a rich history, stunning scenery, and a diverse culture. Whether you want to explore ancient temples, dive into crystal-clear waters, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife, Malta has something for everyone.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your ultimate trip to Malta, including when to go, where to stay, what to see and do, how to get around, and many other tips and tricks that will prepare you for your stay in Malta and Gozo.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this post is intended for informational purposes only. While we have made every effort to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy.

Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk and should be confirmed with the authorities in your country of origin for the most up-to-date information. Thank you for your understanding.

When is the best time of the year to visit Malta?

Valletta from the sea | Image by Bengt Nyman on Wikimedia Commons

Malta has hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The best time to visit Malta depends on what you want to do and see. Here are some pros and cons of each season:

Spring (March-May): Spring is a great time to enjoy the pleasant weather, the blooming flowers, and the Easter festivities. It’s also a good time to avoid the crowds and high prices of the peak season. However, some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed, and the sea may be too cold for swimming.
Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit Malta, especially for beach lovers and sun seekers. You can expect sunny days, warm temperatures, and plenty of festivals and events. However, you’ll also have to deal with crowds, traffic, and higher prices. It can also get very hot and humid, so make sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn is another good time to visit Malta, as the weather is still warm and sunny but less crowded and cheaper than summer. You can also enjoy the harvest season with fresh fruits and vegetables, wine festivals, and cultural events. However, some attractions may start to close or have shorter hours, and the sea may get cooler, even if it would still be rather pleasant in early Autumn.
Winter (December-February): This period is considered low season in Malta, which means fewer tourists, lower prices, and more availability. You can also experience the Christmas and Carnival celebrations, which are very lively and colourful. In winter, the weather can be unpredictable, and you can easily get several days of rain and strong winds. As with any other off-peak season, some attractions may be closed or have limited hours, and the sea will be too cold for swimming but great for scuba diving.

What to See and Do in Malta

Wied Iz-Zurrieq | Image by Andy Miccone on Flickr

Whether you are coming as a group of friends or a family with kids, Malta has a lot to offer travellers of all interests and ages. You can fill your itinerary exploring its rich history, culture, and religion, admiring its stunning landscapes and architecture, or having fun with its outdoor activities and entertainment options. Here are some highlights that should not be missed:

Visit Valletta: Built by the Knight of St. John, Valletta is the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, with baroque buildings, fortifications, churches, and gardens. Some of the highlights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Master’s Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, National Museum of Archaeology, and Manoel Theatre. From Valletta you can take a short boat ride across the charming grand harbour to visit the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua (known also in Maltese as Birgu, L-Isla, and Bormla respectively).
Explore Mdina: Mdina is an ancient walled city on a hilltop in the center of Malta. It was once the capital of Malta and has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians. It’s known as the Silent City because of its peaceful atmosphere and narrow streets. Some of the attractions include St Paul’s Cathedral, Palazzo Falson, Mdina Dungeons, and Bastion Square.
See the Megalithic Temples: Malta has some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to 3600 BC. These are the megalithic temples, which are impressive monuments built by an ancient civilization. There are seven temples on Malta and Gozo, each with its own unique features and designs. Some of the most famous ones are Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ggantija, and Ta’ Hagrat.
Enjoy the Beaches: Malta has some amazing beaches for all tastes and preferences. You can find sandy beaches, rocky beaches, secluded beaches, and lively beaches. Some of the best beaches in Malta are Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, St Peter’s Pool, Ghajn Tuffieha, Blue Lagoon and Paradise Bay.
Discover Gozo: Gozo is the second-largest island in Malta, with a more rural and relaxed vibe. It’s a great place to enjoy the natural beauty, the historical sites, and the local culture. Some of the things to do in Gozo are visiting the Citadel, exploring the Azure Window, diving in the Blue Hole, hiking in the Ta’ Cenc cliffs, and tasting the Gozitan cheese.
Experience the Nightlife: Malta has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with something for everyone. You can find clubs, bars, pubs, live music venues, casinos, and cinemas.
Learn about the History: Malta has a long and fascinating history, with influences from various civilizations and cultures. You can learn about its past by visiting its museums, monuments, and heritage sites. Some of the places to visit are Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Fort St Elmo, St Paul’s Catacombs, Għar Dalam Cave, and Inquisitor’s Palace.
Taste the Cuisine: Malta has a delicious and diverse cuisine, with influences from Mediterranean, Arabic, Italian, and British cuisines. You can find a variety of dishes, from seafood to pasta to pastries. Some of the specialties to try are rabbit stew, ftira (flatbread), pastizzi (cheese or pea pastries), timpana (baked macaroni), and imqaret (date cakes). Some of the best places to taste the local cuisine and produce can be found in Mġarr and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Where to Stay in Malta?

The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz

Malta is an archipelago, with the three main islands being Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Each island has its own charm and attractions, so you’ll need to decide which one suits your preferences and budget. Here are some suggestions for where to stay on each island:

Malta

This is the largest and most developed island in Malta, with a variety of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels, as well as apartments and guesthouses. Some of the best areas to stay in Malta are:

Valletta: Valletta is Malta’s cultural hub, with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and events. Valletta is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the main attractions and deeply immerse yourself in the country’s long history.
Sliema: This is a modern and trendy area on the east coast of Malta, with a long promenade along the seafront. It’s a popular place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Sliema is a good place to stay if you want to have easy access to Valletta by ferry or bus.
St. Julians: This is a lively and vibrant area a stone’s throw away from Sliema. It is full of nightlife options and is home to Paceville, the main party district in Malta, where you’ll find clubs and bars to dance the night away.
Mdina: This is an ancient walled city on a hilltop in the centre of Malta. It’s known as the Silent City because of its peaceful atmosphere and narrow streets. Mdina just as Valletta is another good place to stay if you want to experience the history and charm of Malta.
Mellieħa: Mellieħa is a great option to stay in the north of Malta, especially if you want to be close to the best beaches on the island. It is also very close to the ferry terminal that takes you to Gozo.

Gozo

Gozo is the second-largest island of the Maltese islands, with a more rural and relaxed vibe. It’s known for its natural beauty, with green hills, rugged cliffs, and beaches. It’s also a great place for diving, hiking, and exploring historical sites. Some of the best areas to stay in Gozo are:

Victoria: This is the capital city of Gozo, also known as Rabat. It’s a small and charming city, with a citadel, a cathedral, a market, and museums. Victoria is a good place to stay if you want to be close to the main services and amenities on the island.
Xlendi: This is a picturesque fishing village on the south coast of Gozo, with a bay surrounded by cliffs. It’s a popular place for swimming, snorkelling, and boating. Xlendi is a good place to stay if you want to enjoy the sea and the scenery.
Marsalforn: This is a lively seaside resort on the north coast of Gozo, with a long promenade and a sandy beach. It’s a good place for dining, nightlife, and water sports. Marsalforn is a good place to stay if you want to have fun and meet other travellers.

Comino

This is a small and largely uninhabited island situated between Malta and Gozo. The island has only one hotel and a few bungalows, but it’s famous for its Blue Lagoon, a turquoise bay with crystal-clear water. While Comino is a good place to stay if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the nature, keep in mind that the Blue Lagoon area gets very crowded over the summer months, and there are no shops or other facilities on Comino.

How long should I plan to stay in Malta?

If you are planning your first holiday to Malta, then you should plan on staying for a week, with one day dedicated to the island of Gozo. This will allow you plenty of time to tour the many historical sites while also relaxing on the islands’ beautiful beaches.

How to Get Around in Malta and Gozo

Mgarr Gozo | Image byPete Linforth from Pixabay

Malta is a small country, so there are no long distances to travel, but it is large enough that you cannot just walk to every part of the islands; therefore, you definitely need to plan to use some form of transportation. You have several options depending on your budget and preferences, which we will cover below.

By Bus: Public transport in Malta uses exclusively buses, which are the cheapest and popular way to get around Malta. The bus service covers most of the islands and has regular service throughout the day; however, this can get very busy during the summer months, so you have to allow ample time to get to your destination. You can buy tickets on board or use a prepaid card called Tallinja. The fares range from €1.50 to €3, depending on the season and time of day.
By Ferry: The ferry is a fast and scenic way to get between Malta and Gozo or between Valletta and Sliema. There are regular ferry services that operate throughout the day. The fares range from €1.50 to €4.65, depending on the route and duration.
By Taxi: The taxi is a convenient and comfortable way to get around Malta. You can find taxis at designated stands; however, these taxis might be relatively expensive. A cheaper option is to use ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, or eCabs.
By Car: The car is a flexible and independent way to get around Malta and is the preferred method of transportation used by the locals. There are many car rental companies in Malta, ranging from major international chains to local independent operators. Just like anywhere else, when renting a car, be sure to compare prices and check the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, such as the cost of insurance, the fuel policy, and any additional fees.

Driving in Malta and Gozo

Malta is an old British colony, and probably the most lasting remnant of British rule is the fact that in Malta, you drive on the left side of the road. While British visitors will immediately feel at home, this can be challenging for those who are used to driving on the right.

Malta’s dense population is also reflected in the fact that there are more than 400,000 cars registered on the islands, which makes travelling and parking a challenge at any time of the day. However, as we already mentioned above, moving around by car, especially in more rural areas, is the most time-efficient way to get around.

Navigating the roads is easy, as Google Maps or similar navigational applications do a good job of planning a route for you; however, keep an eye on the direction signs on the roads, as the app might not be updated with the latest changes or with any road works in progress.

Finally, while using a bike is a great way to avoid traffic and the hassle of finding parking, many roads are not equipped with dedicated cycling lanes, so you need to share the road with other vehicles.

Getting to Malta

The best way to reach Malta is by flying to the Malta International Airport, located on the south of Malta. Direct flights are available from many major European cities via a variety of carriers, which operate regular flights from several locations.

If there is no direct flight, your best bet is to pass through Frankfurt in Germany or Heathrow or Gatwick in London, as regular flights operate to and from these airports. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Pozzallo or Catania in Sicily.

Once you arrive, it is very possible to take the public transport system to get to your accommodation, but it will probably require you to change a number of buses and will not leave you too close to your hotel. This can be quite uncomfortable, especially when you need to carry your luggage; hence, we suggest you book a ride to and from the airport, unless you are planning to rent a car, which you can pick up at the airport as well.

Entry Requirements

Passport | Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay

Malta is a member of the Schengen Area, so if you are travelling from another country that is also part of the Schengen Area, you will not pass through passport control when you land in Malta. If you are travelling to Malta from outside the Schengen Area, you will have to pass through passport control, where, depending on your citizenship, you might also need to present a valid visa.

For citizens of many countries, like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, you can travel to Malta with just a valid passport as long as you intend to stay for less than 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period. If you are from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, you might be required to apply for a visa, so check with your local authorities before your travels.

Independently of your citizenship, when you will be travelling to Malta, we always strongly suggest that you be in possession of a passport that has at least six months of validity left and has a few blank pages in it.

COVID-19 Restrictions

As of the time of writing, there are no entry restrictions related to COVID-19 when you land in Malta, except for travellers from mainland China, who should present a negative rapid test performed no less than 48 hours before arrival. We strongly suggest you check if there are any requirements prior to your flight.

Plan your itinerary in advance

It’s good to plan your days in advance to make the best use of the time you spend in Malta. Many of the sites in Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina, and Rabat are all within walking distance, so catching a bus or taxi to and from your accommodation would be enough, and you would not need to rent a car for that day.

However, for sites in the west and south of Malta and Gozo, it’s best to rent a car. The most popular sites can be reached by bus, but it can take much longer than expected, and many buses might pass by your stop full. Taxis will get expensive soon, so these days, it’s best to plan on having a car on hand.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to deal with the notorious traffic and parking in Malta, you can always book yourself on one of the many tours available.

Currency

Euro coins and banknotes | Image by Avij on Wikimedia Commons

Malta adopted the euro in 2008, and Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted. You will not have a problem paying with a credit card at your hotel or restaurant. However, many smaller businesses, street hawkers, and food kiosks might only accept cash or credit cards if the value of the transaction is greater than 10 or 15 euros. So it is always advisable to have some cash on hand.

There are many ATMs from which you can withdraw cash, but some might charge a very high fee. It is best to withdraw money from an ATM operated by one of Malta’s two major banks, which are Bank of Valletta and HSBC. You can find an ATM for one of these banks in every town and village.

Tipping in Malta

There is no rule on tipping, but tipping is customary and almost expected for anyone who has been of service to you. This includes taxi drivers, bus drivers, tour guides, etc.

In restaurants, if paying in cash, it is customary to add around 5 to 10% to the bill before rounding it up to the nearest 10 or 5 euros. If paying by card, it is best to pay the exact amount by card (or add a small amount) and leave the tip in cash to ensure the tip goes to the staff and not to the restaurant owner.

Service charges are not common in Malta, but some establishments add a service charge on top of your bill. So make sure to check if a service charge has been added, and if so, then tipping is not required.

Language

English is the second official language on the islands, together with Maltese; therefore, if you are having no trouble reading this guide, you should have no issue communicating while in Malta.

Along with English and Maltese, many locals have learned a third language, with many opting to learn Italian, but it’s not uncommon to meet people who speak (or have a basic understanding of) German, French, or Spanish as well.

What to wear when in Malta?

During the summer months, temperatures can go as high as 35–40 °C, so ensure that you pack a hat and light clothing. It’s very important to apply sunscreen if you plan to stay outside for a long time. This is available at a variety of locations throughout the islands; however, it is preferable to shop for it or obtain it from a supermarket to prevent being ripped off.

It is also very important to stay hydrated. Tap water is OK to drink, but bottled water tastes much better and is cheaper to buy, especially from supermarkets. If you plan to visit a church or a house of prayer, you will not be allowed in if you are wearing a sleeveless shirt, a too-short skirt, or shorts.

The temperature in winter hovers around 10–15 °C, though the high humidity and gale-force winds make it feel much colder. If you are visiting during the winter months, it is highly recommended that you dress in layers so that you can drop a layer or two if you get some nice sunny days.

Food

Pastizzi | Image by Charles Haynes on Wikimedia Commons

Maltese cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern flavours, reflecting the island’s geographical location at the crossroads of several major civilizations. However, as Malta has become more cosmopolitan over the last few decades, you can now find a restaurant for pretty much any cuisine in the world.

Prices vary widely depending on if you are after a casual or a more fine dining experience; therefore, it is good to shop around in the area, with many restaurants displaying their menus at the door.

To complete your stay in Malta, be sure to try some of the island’s traditional dishes. Fresh seafood is a staple, with dishes like lampuki pie, fried calamari, and grilled octopus. Malta is also famous for its hearty meat dishes, like the traditional rabbit stew, and its delicious sweets, like the qagħaq tal-għasel (honey ring). If you have to try a single thing from the Maltese cuisine, then it should be the traditional pastizzi shown above.

Mobile phone service coverage

There are three mobile phone operators in Malta: Epic, Go Mobile, and Melita. Between these three, Malta has excellent coverage on 3G, 4G, and even 5G networks. We always suggest checking with your mobile phone operator back home to see which of these networks you can roam on and what the cost of roaming is.

Alternatively, all the networks provide prepaid cards, which can give you more bang for your buck. You can find shops for all 3 networks at the Malta International Airport, in Sliema, St. Julians, or Valletta.

Electricity supply

British UK Plug and Socket | Image by Ukpluggerrr on Wikimedia Commons

Another reminder that Malta used to be a British colony is the fact that Malta uses British electrical sockets, which are physically incompatible with the Euro plugs used in the rest of Europe.

Fortunately, Malta uses the same 220V/50 Hz electrical system as continental Europe, so all you need is an adapter that accepts Euro plugs (or whatever plug you need) and fits into a British BS 1363 / Type G socket.

As always, stay safe

Life Guard | Image by Manfred Richter from Pixabay

Malta is considered a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate and friendly, welcoming locals. However, as with any travel destination, it’s a good idea to take precautions to protect your belongings. Keep an eye on your valuables and avoid leaving them unattended; do not trust anyone, especially on public transportation.

Most places in Malta are very safe during the day until the early evening; however, try to avoid walking alone late at night, especially in touristic areas like Sliema, St. Julians, and St. Paul’s Bay.

One last piece of advice is to not leave any valuables unattended on the beach. Beach thefts are common during the busy summer months, so take only what is essential and try not to swim so far that your items are out of sight. If the beach has lifeguards, then try to keep your belongings close to their station. The lifeguards are not policemen or responsible in any way for the safety of your belongings, but it might lower your chance that your items are targeted by robbers.

Conclusion

Malta is a stunning island nation with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural scenery. Whether you’re interested in exploring the capital city of Valletta, the megalithic temples, or just relaxing on the beaches, there is something for everyone in Malta.

So start planning your ultimate trip to Malta today and experience all that this beautiful island nation has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the emergency number in Malta?

The emergency number in Malta is 112.

Which are the best airlines to fly to Malta?

Air Malta and Ryan Air operate regular flights from Malta to several destinations in Europe and North Africa.

Can you drink tap water in Malta?

Tap water is safe to drink in Malta; however, as it is produced by reverse-osmosing sea water, the taste might put you off. Alternatively, bottled mineral water is widely available from shops and costs around 1.20 EUR for a 500-ml bottle.

Can you drink alcohol in public in Malta?

Alcohol in Malta is cheap and widely available, but consuming it in public spaces can lead you to a fine of 70 EUR.

Can you visit Malta by public transport?

In Malta, the only public transport available is by bus, and the service reaches most parts of the island. However, make sure you are not in a hurry, as it is very common for the bus to be full when it gets to your stop, be late, or just not show up at all.

Is there much nightlife in Malta?

Malta is renowned for its nightlife and party culture, with Paceville and the wider St. Julians area being the entertainment capital of the islands.

Does Malta have good hospitals?

Malta has an excellent health service with various public and private hospitals. When travelling to Malta, visitors from EU member states should be in possession of a valid European Health Insurance Card, but it is always recommended that you purchase traveler's medical insurance.