Visiting Malta on a Budget: Tips and Tricks
Last Updated: Aug 04, 2023
Reading Time: 10 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a popular destination for travellers who want to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand, as well as explore the ancient temples, fortresses, and churches that dot the landscape.
But visiting Malta doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With some planning and smart choices, you can experience this amazing country without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll share some travel tips on how to visit Malta on a budget, covering everything from flights and accommodation to food and attractions.
How to get to Malta cheaply
Valletta Sunset from Senglea shore | Image by Giuseppe Milo from Pexels
One of the biggest expenses when travelling to Malta is the flight. Depending on where you’re flying from, the airfare can vary significantly. To save money on your flight, here are some things you can do:
- Compare different airlines and booking sites. Use tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to find the best deals and options for your dates and destination. You can also set up alerts to be notified when prices drop or change. Make sure to also check out the Ryanair or Air Malta website, which operates flights to and from Malta to many destinations around Europe.
- Look for low-season deals and discounts. Malta is a year-round destination, but it gets more crowded and expensive in the summer months (June to August). If you can, try to avoid peak season and travel in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is still pleasant (some might argue even better) but the prices are lower.
- Consider alternative airports and transport options. Malta has one international airport; however, if you are travelling from Italy, it might be cheaper to drive to Pozallo in Sicily and take the ferry from there. Just make sure to factor in the extra time and cost of travelling between airports.
How to find affordable accommodation in Malta
Sliema Waterfront | Image by Mike McBey on Flickr
Another major expense of travelling to Malta is accommodation. Hotels can be quite pricey, especially in the main tourist areas like Valletta, Sliema, or St. Julian’s. To save money on your accommodation, here are some things you can do:
Choose an Airbnb over a hotel
An Airbnb is not only cheaper than hotels but also offers a great way to meet other travellers and get local tips. You can find options all over Malta, with prices starting as low as €20 per night.
Stay off the beaten path
Avoid the most touristic areas of Sliema, St. Julians, and Valletta. Malta is a small country, so you don’t have to stay in the centre of the action to enjoy it. You can find cheaper accommodation in less popular or more rural areas, such as the south of the island, Gozo (the second-largest island of Malta), Buġġiba or Qawra. You can also stay in smaller towns or villages that are close to the main attractions, such as Mdina, Rabat, or Mosta.
Book in advance or use last-minute offers
Booking the accommodations for your trip in advance can help you secure the best deals and availability, especially if you’re travelling during peak season or holidays. However, if you’re flexible and adventurous, you can also try to find last-minute offers on sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, or Lastminute.com. You might be able to score a bargain on a hotel room that would otherwise go empty.
How to eat and drink on a budget in Malta
Pastizzi | Image by Charles Haynes on Wikimedia Commons
Food and drink are another important part of travelling to Malta. Malta has a diverse and delicious cuisine, influenced by its Mediterranean neighbours and its colonial past. In Malta, however, you can find an establishment that caters to any cuisine imaginable, but eating out in Malta can also be expensive, especially if you go to restaurants that cater to tourists. To save money on food and drink, here are some tips and tricks.
Avoid restaurants in the main tourist areas
The Maltese like to flock to restaurants with abundant portions and reasonable prices, so if you see a place full of locals, you probably find yourself at a hidden gem known by the locals.
Find food kiosks
If you want to avoid restaurants, you can find a lot of kiosks and bakeries where you can get something on the go. You will find many of these throughout the day, as many locals like to get their lunch from these establishments.
Try the food at the Pastizzi shops
Malta’s famous pastizzi can be bought from the myriad of pastizzerias you find around the islands. These outlets do not only sell pastizzi; you can also buy other types of foods like pies, qassatat, and baked rice or pasta. Definitely not for the healthy eaters out there, but definitely cheap.
Cook your own food
If you have access to a kitchen in your accommodation, you can save a lot of money by cooking your own meals. You can buy fresh and cheap ingredients from local markets, such as the Marsaxlokk fish market or the Is-Suq Tal-Belt in Valletta. You can also buy snacks and drinks from supermarkets such as Lidl, Pavi, Pama, Smart, or Scotts.
Drink tap water
Tap water in Malta is safe to drink, but it might have a slightly salty taste due to the desalination process. If you don’t mind the taste, you can drink tap water and save money on bottled water.
How to get around Malta without breaking the bank
Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr
Transportation is another aspect of travelling to Malta that can affect your budget. Malta is a small country, but you cannot just walk everywhere. The Maltese prefer to get around by car, but renting one can be an expensive option. Here are some tips to save you some money:
Use public transport as much as possible
[Public transport] in Malta consists mainly of buses and ferries, which cover most of the island and are quite cheap. Unfortunately, they do tend to get rather crowded and unreliable during the busy summer months, so make sure you leave ample time to get to your destination.
Do not rent a car for your entire stay
Most attractions in Valletta, The Three Cities, and Mdina are all accessible by walking once you get there, and there is enough to do to fill a day or a big part of it at any location. On these days, you can take the bus or a taxi to get to and from your accommodation. You can then rent a car only when you need to visit Gozo or the south or west of Malta.
Not all taxis are the same
In Malta, you can use a number of ride-sharing services like Uber, Bolt, and eCabs. These tend to be cheaper than the white taxis that you find at taxi stands. If you use a white taxi, you can haggle a bit over the price with the driver, but make sure you do so before you depart.
Get a bus pass
If you plan to use public transport frequently, then buy a weekly or monthly pass for buses and ferries. You can buy these passes online or at any bus or ferry terminal. They are valid for 7 or 30 days from the date of purchase, and they allow you to hop on and off any bus or ferry within Malta and Gozo.
How to enjoy free or cheap attractions in Malta
Birgu Waterfront | Image by Bellina 09 on Wikimedia Commons
Malta has a lot of attractions to offer, from historical and cultural sites to natural and scenic ones. You can easily spend a fortune on entrance fees and tickets, but you can also enjoy many of them for free or cheap. Here are some things you can do:
Visit museums, churches, and historical sites on free days
Plenty museums, churches, and historical sites in Malta have free admission on certain days, for example, during the Notte Bianca event, which usually takes place on the first Saturday of October.
Explore natural wonders and scenic views
Malta is blessed with stunning natural beauty, from its rugged coastline and sandy beaches to its green valleys and rocky hills. You can explore these natural wonders and enjoy the scenic views for free or cheaply.
Join free walking tours or cultural events
Another way to enjoy Malta’s attractions is to join free walking tours or cultural events that are organised by locals or volunteers. You can learn more about Malta’s history, culture, and traditions, as well as meet new people and have fun. Some examples are Colour My Travel, which offers free (or cheap) walking tours in Valletta, Mdina, Birgu, and others.
Lookout for free events
Many events get organised around the islands with a free or very cheap entrance fee. One of the best examples is the Isle of MTV concert, which brings to Malta some of the most popular international stars for a free concert that is held in Floriana (just outside of Valletta).
Explore Valletta and Mdina
Mdina Blue Door | Image by Arne Dahl on Flickr
Valletta, which is Malta’s capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While many museums and sites require you to purchase a ticket, there is a lot to see for free, like the beautiful views from the Upper Barrakka and Hastings Gardens.
Mdina, on the other hand, is Malta’s old capital, a small fortified city full of charm. It is definitely worth the trip to get lost in its narrow streets and admire the views from Bastion Square.
Look for online vouchers and coupons for tours and experiences
One of the best ways to save money on activities and entertainment in Malta is to look for online vouchers and coupons that offer discounts or deals on tours and experiences. You can find these vouchers and coupons on sites like DealToday or MaltaDeals4U. You can also check the social media pages or websites of local businesses that offer tours and experiences, as they might have special offers or promotions.
Take advantage of student, senior, or group discounts
Another way to save money on activities and entertainment in Malta is to take advantage of student, senior, or group discounts that are available for certain tours and experiences. For example, Heritage Malta, the organisation that operates many museums and historical sites in Malta, offers reduced prices for students and senior citizens.
Hike in the winter, swim in the summer
Choose activities like hiking, swimming or sunbathing which will cost you absolutely nothing. If you are visiting off-peak season during the summer months, the low fare to take the ferry to Comino and swim in the Blue Lagoon is absolutely worth it.
Conclusion
Malta is a wonderful country that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, you’ll find it in Malta. But visiting Malta doesn’t have to be expensive. With some planning and smart choices, you can visit Malta on a budget and still have a great time. Here are some of the main tips we’ve shared in this article:
- Compare different airlines and booking sites to find cheap flights to Malta.
- Choose an Airbnb over a hotel to find affordable accommodation in Malta.
- Avoid restaurants in tourist traps and try kiosks and pastizzerias to eat and drink on a budget in Malta.
- Use public transport or walk instead of taxis to get around Malta without breaking the bank.
- Visit museums, churches, and historical sites on free days to enjoy free or cheap attractions in Malta.
- Look for online vouchers and coupons for tours and experiences to save money on activities and entertainment in Malta.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you’re ready to book your trip to Malta, don’t forget to check out our website for the best deals and offers. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to visit Malta on a budget?
The answer to this question depends on your travel style, preferences, and duration. However, as a general guideline, you can expect to spend around €50–€70 per day on average, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Of course, you can spend more or less, depending on how you manage your budget.
When is the best time to visit Malta on a budget?
The best time to visit Malta on a budget is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is still pleasant but the prices are lower than in the summer (June to August). You can also find more deals and discounts on flights, accommodations, and activities during these seasons.
What are the best places to visit in Malta on a budget?
Malta has a lot of places to visit on a budget, but some of the most popular are Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and Marsaxlokk, where you can explore their many streets and gardens free of charge.
What are the best things to do in Malta on a budget?
Malta has a lot of things to do on a budget, but some of the most fun and enjoyable ones are snorkelling, hiking, and visiting museums, churches, and historical sites, which come with a moderate ticket price.
