It was a different feeling when I landed on the sun-kissed Maltese shores. This Mediterranean treasure with its turquoise water and ancient cliffs spoke of another time. Wandering into its quaint villages felt like stepping into a living postcard, where past and present waltzed in perfect harmony.
Malta, a place where every deftly jettisoned street in the cobblestones sings an aria in historical harmony, where the Jolly Roger of the sea marshal singse the helm pain steak breezes of the ancient world. This island paradise filled with ancient wonders and vibrant culture is a journey through time. From the splendour of its buildings to the vibrant geniality of its residents, Malta sings with the songs of adventure.
What has not changed is that Malta is still a fascinating place steeped in history and has a surprising amount to do for its rank as the tenth smallest country in the world. Whether it’s your first visit to Malta or simply your first visit in years, here are tips for planning your trip and seeing the best of this tiny island archipelago, both past and present.
What are the best things to do in Malta?
Malta has a lot more to it than just swimming and archeological sites. Here’s a quick list of things to do, to give you an idea of what there is to do in Malta:
- Go to a festival, such as Birgu Lights or Notte Bianco.
- Scuba dive in Gozo.
- Rock climb on Gozo or Malta’s coastal cliffs.
- Exercise in Malta’s nature: hike and explore
- Visit an archeological site such as the city of Mdina, the recently expanded Citadella on Gozo or ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim.
- Swim and lounge on a “beach.” Most “beaches” in Malta are rocky, low cliffs but there are a few you can visit with sand.
- And catch a glass of wine sitting on the steps outside one of the many ubiquitous wine bars as you explore Valletta after dark, this UNESCO world heritage site.
- Go on a boat ride to Blue Grotto or Blue Lagoon.
- Eat a pastizzi! Nothing beats a classic cheese pastizzi.
- Get drinks on a boat at Guadalupe boat bar & bistro in Sliema’s harbor.
And many also recommend the Marsaxlokk fish market. I personally don’t find it worth seeking out. Instead, dedicate a day to swimming and sunbathing at nearby St. Peter’s Pool and make a lunch or dinner reservation at a seafood restaurant in nearby Marsaxlokk, like Tartarun. If you happen to catch the market, great. If not, don’t sweat it.
What’s the best month to visit Malta?
The optimal time to travel to Malta is September and early October. It’s a bit less congested with tourists, though warm enough to swim during the day. Also, two of my favorite Maltese events, Notte Bianco and Birgu Lights Festival, take place during the early fall. But expect windy weather — particularly on Gozo.
The summer months are the busiest to visit Malta, when tourists descend on the island seeking sunshine and swimming, and my second favorite time of year to be in Malta.
Months such as late April and May are also great for visiting. The season’s starting to heat up, but the jam of tourists hasn’t hit yet.
How long should I stay in Malta?
Now, everyone goes to Malta for a weekend and that’s great, but in order to really see the whole country, it’s best to spend between 4-7 days in Malta, or at least enough time to go to Gozo as well. You could stretch it easily into a 10-day trip and slow it down a bit. If you’re spending more than 4 days in Malta, I recommend spending 1-2 nights in a traditional Farmhouse in Gozo, instead of as a day trip (the most common way to visit) to have the time to explore more of Malta’s small(er)/more rural sister.
Where to stay in Malta?
Top area: Valletta
Top hotels: Casa Ellul (luxury) and Valletta Vintage (boutique)
My favorite place to stay in Malta is its capital, Valletta. While there are also plenty of cheaper, beach front picks across the bay in St. Julians or Sliema, it’s also where most of Malta’s new construction has gone, lending it a different feel than much of the island.
Instead, enjoy a hotel Valletta to immerse yourself in Malta’s ancient history and architecture. Over the past decade, Valletta’s nightlife (previously lacking) and a selection of delectable restaurants have flourished. Valletta at night (after the bus tour cruise passengers have returned to their boats) is enchanting. One of my favorites was sitting outside bars on a set of steps, drinking cocktails and nibbling olives in an historic city. Sliema is just a 10-minute ferry ride away.
These are the best hotels in Malta:
Valletta Vintage
Location: Valletta / Birgu
Price: €80 – €349 / night (2 night min.)
Valletta Vintage’s charming group of self-serve apartments, each housed in a building over 100 years old, are a lesson in Malta by mixing the modern with the traditional. They now own six apartments scattered around Valletta and Birgu. We chose the Atelier for its Maltese balcony — how much more Valletta can you get? — but they all have apartments that make you really feel like you’re in Malta.”
They also have an apartment in Birgu, which would be an especially fun option if you’re heading to Malta in October for the completely magical, Birgu Lights festival.
Casa Ellul
Location: Valletta
Price: $200+ / night
Casa Ellul is a small luxury boutique hotel nestled among the palazzos of Valletta and it’s perhaps the hippest of Malta’s 4- and 5-star hotels. Each room is designed with artistic and thematic touches and, of-course, the usual amenities you would find in a 4-star hotel. Breakfast in their marble-tiled dining room is complimentary, and all of their staff are the sweetest and warmest people.
The Phoenicia Malta
Location: Valletta
Price: $400+ / night
I haven’t stayed at this hotel myself but it was recommended to me highly by friends who were looking for a truly decadent treat-yourself hotel stay. It’s high-end, offers great views of the Valletta skyline, and “the staff was very helpful with literally anything,” one said. I can say, though, that it’s in a great spot on the outskirts of Valletta — so while you’re a short walk from the action, you’re in a quieter one just outside the fortress walls (which, incidentally, also have a border with the hotel’s swimming pool).
Farmhouses in Gozo
Location: Gozo
To experience Gozitan culture at its best, spend a night or two in a rented farmhouse while visiting the island. Although there are some modern hotels and apartment rentals in Gozo’s larger towns, renting a farmhouse — many of which are over 500 years old — is a truly wonderful experience. Many of the farmhouses are larger and best suited for groups of travelers, but if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, there are a handful that function more like a bed and breakfast.
In terms of location: seek out a farmhouse in or around its main town, Victoria (such as in the small towns of Għarb or Żebbuġ). This will place you within a short drive from some of Gozo’s top attractions and Victoria. If you’re here for carnival, base yourself closer to Nadur.
What should I pack?
Malta — Hot in the summer, but the rest of the year is fairly mild. During fall and winter, the sea winds pick up, resulting in some wildly windy days. Whatever time of year you go to Malta, the following should be on your packing list:
- A windbreaker — even in October – April, when the island experiences gale force winds (the windiest month is January).
- An umbrella. Because rains in Malta tend to be hard and fast, it’s generally better to sit out a shower — but it’s wise to be ready always with an umbrella. Bring one that can withstand windy conditions, like the Repel Windproof Umbrella ($23).
- A swimsuit and sunscreen, any time of year.
- Sneakers. I packed a pair of “fashion” sneakers by Keds, and they were fine for light hiking and wandering around town. You really don’t need serious hiking boots for Malta.
- A light sweater for cool nights by the ocean.
How much does it cost to travel in Malta?
Malta is very affordable compared to most other European destinations. While you can technically get away with spending as little as $60 per person per day, more mid-range travelers should be allocating $100-$120 per person, per day, for food, drinks, accommodation and activities—more if you want to splurge on a stay at Casa Ellul or The Phoenicia Malta.
Of course, on budget airlines like RyanAir, you can find flights from Europe for as little as 20 euros in either direction. If you’re coming from the States, I would recommend getting a ticket to one of the above hubs (Paris, London, Dublin, Milan) and from there booking your leg to Malta independently with either AirMalta or RyanAir for the best rate.
Is it easy to get around Malta?
Yes, Malta is very easy to get around, though, surprisingly, it can take longer than expected to cross this small island due to traffic.
Busses
Last updated: 07 Oct 2023The entire bus system There was a major facelift for Valletta’s main bus terminus, with well-marked bus stops. For regular bus trips, use a card so you can easily tap on and off. Google Maps is an equally trustworthy method of determining what bus to take and when.
Car rentals and car shares
If you plan on taking an excursion to visit Gozo or the north end of Malta, then renting a car is probably your best option, although we suggest you do not get one for your entire stay in Malta. Because parking your car is tough on the streets of small Valletta or Sliema, it is more straightforward and cheaper to take a taxi from the airport to your hotel and rent a car only for as many days as you need it.
They’re a little easier to rent if you can’t make it out of the airport in Malta and don’t have a car yet is the Budget rental car station in the St. Julians Hilton. Note, they’re only open until 1pm (12:30pm on Saturdays), so plan accordingly.
For excursions to Gozo, you’ll desire a car as soon as on the island; to save cash, you can take a bus to the ferry terminal, then hire a vehicle on the Gozo aspect by way of Avis at Mgarr Harbor.
Taxis + rideshares
So, there we had Uber in Malta on the island back in 2022. There’s also a local alternative, eCabs (download: Android | iPhone). Plan accordingly: Both times we used the service it took at least 15 minutes for a car to arrive.
It is also very simple to take a classic taxi. While you can hail a cab from the side of the road, most main areas (the airport, the entrance to Valletta, etc.) will have a taxi stand. You walk up to the stand, tell them where you’re going, pay, and hand your receipt to your taxi driver.
Maltese Cuisine
Maltese cuisine is a beautiful melting pot of Mediterranean flavors and influences, resulting in a diverse array of dishes that showcase the island’s backstory and cultural roots. Some popular Maltese dishes you just need to try in order to be a local:
- Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek): Considered a national dish of Malta, this popular stew is made with rabbit, vegetables, red wine and herbs, which is all simmered together until the meat is tender and juicy. It is a robust and warming dish that highlights the island’s culinary skills.
- Pastizzi: Popular in Malta, these flaky pastries are filled with ricotta cheese (pastizzi tal-irkotta) or a spiced pea mixture (pastizzi tal-pizelli) and make a ubiquitous snack. Pastizzi – hot and fresh out of the oven, this semi-mollusc-shaped golden pastry stuffed with ricotta and traditionally served as street food – is one of the Filipino’s most favourite foods.
- Ftira: A traditional Maltese bread, ftira is a round rustic loaf typically topped with tomatoes, olives, capers, and tuna or anchovies. It can be served into a sandwich and can fit in well with many other Mediterranean dishes.
- Fenek Moqli (Fried Rabbit) There are several rabbit dishes to try in Maltese cuisine and fenek moqli is another way to eat it, marinated, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crunchy. It is crispy on the outside, but juicy meat inside.
- Bragioli: Bragioli are thin slices of beef filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, bacon, parsley and garlic, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This one depicts the Maltese affinity for flavour and for hearty, comforting food.
- Kapunata: Malta’s take on ratatouille, kapunata is a yellow dish made with the vegetables of eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives and capers, all cooked in olive oil and seasoned with herbs It’s a tasty side dish or accompaniment to meat and fish dishes.
More Malta travel tips..
Is Malta tap water safe to drink?
Yes, technically, but it’s disgusting and salty. Either bring along a travel water bottle that filters water like Grayl (albeit this may not remove the sour taste) or buy a six pack of 1.5 liter bottles of water at a corner store or supermarket. This definitely should not set you back more than 1-2 euros and is a lot less expensive than purchasing them one at a time.
Do you tip in Malta?
Tipping is not a big thing in Malta, like most European countries. In casual meals and cafè you can leave your change. For nicer restaurants, or when the service has been particularly good, 5%-10% is adequate.
Languages spoken in Malta (Maltese and English)
Maltese & English are the official languages of Malta and travelers will find it extremely easy to find their way around here using English and need not have to worry about any hurdles in terms of language. Malta was previously a British colony and is still a member of the Commonwealth, so English is widely spoken here. In fact, higher education in most institutions here is all in English so most people are at least bilingual. Some also speak Italian (especially among older generations), it being the language of neighboring Sicily and a small but significant population of Italians here, though it isn’t an official language.
There not a lot of Maltese speakers around the world, but when you arrive in Malta, locals will appreciate your interest in their language and culture. Here are some tips about basic Maltese language and cultural proprieties:
Maltese Language Basics:
Maltese and English — the official languages of Malta. English is spoken and understood widely, particularly in tourist areas.
Greetings:
Asking for greetings: “Hello”/ ”Hi/ “Hey.
Good Morning: To say good morning, you would say “Bonġu” (pronounced bon-ju).
Good Evening: To say good evening, use “Bonswa” (pronounced bons-wa).
Thank You:
Thank You: To say thank you, say “grazzi” (pronounced grat-see).
Please: “Jekk jogħġbok” (pronounced yek yo-rob-ok) is used to say please.
Basic Phrases:
Yes: “Iva” (pronounced ee-va)
No: “Le” (pronounced lay)
Excuse me: “Skuzi” (sounds like skoot-see)
Cultural Norms:
Personal Space: Maltese are appreciative of their personal space. In place of handshakes or cheek kissing in social settings
Dress Code: Modest clothing is required when entering churches or religious sites. Swimwear is limited to the beach or the pool.
Dining Etiquette:
- Tipping: Tipping is welcome but not required. A 10% tip in restaurants is standard if there is no service charge.
- Bread and Olives: Like many restaurants, at bread and olives are offered before a meal. These might incur cost as extras if consumed.
They will respect traditions: The Catholic root is strong in Malta. Be respectful of religious sites and religious customs.
When it comes to language, although English is spoken widely, making an effort to learn a few words of Maltese, like “Grazzi” (thank you), can get locals to smile.
These language basics, along with cultural norms, allow you to respect local customs and traditions, resulting in meaningful interactions and enhanced travel experiences in Malta.
Last thoughts..
Explore the Wonders of Greece: Savor the enchanting beauty of Greece, as this Mediterranean jewel beckons you with its ancient wonders, rich culture, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable adventure. Go get it, educate yourself, and await your adventure, for Malta awaits your visit with its inextricable charm and hidden compatibility.
The journey awaits, so let it unfold as the Island secrets unlock for you. When you travel to Malta, have a safe journey and may your experience be treasured e so unforgettable for your memory.
Hi, I’m Linda Milone, a travel enthusiast and safety advocate. I created Safe Travel Quest to share my passion for exploring new destinations while staying safe and informed. When I’m not planning my next adventure, you can find me researching the latest travel trends and tips. Follow safetravelquest along for practical advice and inspiring stories to help you travel with confidence.