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Malta: 7,000 Years of History, 300 Days of Sun

Temples older than the pyramids, turquoise lagoons, and some of the best food in the Med. All on an island you can drive across in about an hour.

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The fortified city of Valletta, Malta
Valletta
Colourful fishing boats in the old harbour village of Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk
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Why Malta, Why Now

Malta is one of those places that genuinely surprises people. It's tiny, you could drive the length of the main island in about an hour, but the amount packed into that space is honestly a bit absurd. We're talking 7,000 years of history, from megalithic temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids to the fortress city the Knights of St. John built as their headquarters. The food is criminally underrated (pastizzi cost about 50 cents and they're perfect, don't argue). The water is some of the clearest in the Med.

And here's the thing. English is an official language, so communication is a non-issue, and because everything's so compact you can be standing in a 5,000-year-old temple by breakfast and floating in a turquoise lagoon by lunch. This guide covers the whole trip, budgets included, so you can plan it all in one place.

3-3.5 hrsFrom the UK
Apr-JunBest time
Maltese / EnglishMain language
Euro (EUR)Currency
90 days visa-freeSchengen
Seasons

Best Time To Visit

Malta barely does a proper winter, which is exactly why people love it. Here's how each season actually feels on the ground, so you can pick the trip you want.

Spring (Mar to May)

Warm and blooming

This is peak sweet spot territory. Mid-20s, wildflowers everywhere, and the sea's warming up without being crowded yet. Perfect for walking Valletta and Mdina without melting.

Summer (Jun to Aug)

Hot and packed

Regularly above 35C in July and August, and everywhere from the Blue Lagoon to Sliema gets busy. Book early if you're travelling this time of year, hotels fill up fast.

Autumn (Sep to Nov)

Warm sea, thinner crowds

Honestly underrated. The sea stays warm well into October from the summer heat, prices drop, and September especially is a brilliant time to be here. Rain picks up by November.

Winter (Dec to Feb)

Mild, occasional rain

Nowhere near cold, we're talking 15-16C average, but it does rain and some tourist-facing spots cut their hours. Still a solid pick if you want quiet streets and low prices.

Watch First

See Malta in 60 Seconds

Sixty seconds of fortress walls, fishing boats, and impossibly blue water. Then read on for the full story.

Malta may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it offers an incredible mix of ancient history, crystal-clear waters, and Mediterranean charm. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the fortified streets of Valletta, the stunning Blue Lagoon, dramatic coastal cliffs, prehistoric temples older than the pyramids, and picturesque fishing villages full of character. Whether you’re travelling for the sunshine, the history, or some of the clearest seas in Europe, Malta is a destination that delivers far more than its size suggests.

Malta and Gozo Road Trip + Map: A 3-Day Loop Around Both Islands
Plan In Minutes

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The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.

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Good To Know

What To Expect

The practical stuff, minus the waffle.

Capital

Valletta is the fortified heart of the country and Europe's smallest capital. Baroque churches, harbour views, and everything within a 20-minute walk.

Language

Maltese and English are both official, and around 90% of the population speaks English, so you genuinely won't struggle. Plenty also speak Italian. Try "Bongu" (good morning) and "Addiju" (goodbye).

Currency

The Euro (EUR). Rough ballpark: €10 is about £8.60 or $11.40. Rates move around, so check XE before you go.

Cards & ATMs

Most big retailers and restaurants take cards without a fuss, but keep some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips. ATMs are easy to find across the island.

Plugs

Type G, three rectangular pins, 230V and 50Hz. Same as the UK, so no adapter needed if you're coming from there. Everyone else, grab a universal adapter.

Safety

Among the safest countries in the EU. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Just watch for pickpockets in busy spots like Paceville at night, and the usual tourist-trap pricing near big attractions.

Random Useful Tip

Download the Bolt app before you land. It's cheaper than a standard taxi almost every time, and you get upfront pricing instead of haggling at the rank.

Never Ever

Don't try to drive into Valletta expecting to park, there's essentially none. Take the bus or ferry in and walk. And don't rush the Blue Lagoon, go early or you're sharing it with every boat on the island.

Right Now

Live Weather in Valletta

Straight from the source, updated as you read this.

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Detailed weather
The Guides

Malta Travel Guides

From the fortified streets of Valletta to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Everything you need to plan your trip.

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Budgets

How Much Does Malta Cost?

One of the more affordable Mediterranean destinations, especially outside peak summer. Here's a realistic breakdown, in euros with pounds and dollars alongside.

Backpacker

€50-70 / £43-60 / $58-81per day, roughly
  • Hostel dorms from €20 (£17 / $23) a night
  • Street food and supermarket cooking
  • Public buses at €1.50 a ride
  • Free beaches, churches, and city walks
See Money-Saving Tips
Most Popular

Mid-Range

€120-180 / £105-155 / $138-207per day, roughly
  • Boutique hotels or Airbnb from €60 a night
  • Restaurant lunches and harbour-side dinners
  • Mix of buses, ferries, and the odd taxi
  • Boat trips to Comino, guided tours, diving
Plan Your Budget

Upscale

€250+ / £215+ / $288+per day
  • Boutique or luxury hotels in Valletta or St. Julian's
  • Fine dining and rooftop cocktails
  • Private tours and yacht charters
  • Spa treatments, wine tastings, helicopter rides
Find Accommodation
The Numbers

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Real prices in euros, with pounds and dollars alongside. Pick a category.

Budget

Hostel dorm€20-40 / £17-35 / $23-46
Budget guesthouse€40-60 / £35-52 / $46-69
Campsite€15-25 / £13-22 / $17-29

Mid to Luxury

Airbnb apartment€80+ / £69+ / $92+
Boutique hotel€100-200 / £86-172 / $115-230
Luxury hotel€250+ / £215+ / $288+
Spend Less

Tips for Saving Money in Malta

Ten easy ways to keep a Malta trip cheap without missing the good stuff.

Bring a reusable bottle

Tap water is safe everywhere in Malta, and it saves you a fortune on bottled water over a week.

Walk the compact cities

Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities are all tiny enough to cover entirely on foot.

Get the 7-day bus pass

At €21 it pays for itself in about three days, and covers the whole of Malta and Gozo.

Eat pastizzi for breakfast

About 50 cents each from local bakeries, and honestly way better than they have any right to be.

Hit the free beaches

Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, St. Peter's Pool. All free, all genuinely gorgeous.

Visit in shoulder season

April-May or September-October gets you warm weather, cheaper hotels, and thinner crowds.

Cook a few meals

Grab supplies from Lidl or a local market. Most Airbnbs have kitchens, so use them.

Take a free walking tour

Valletta and Mdina both run solid tip-based walking tours. A great way to get your bearings.

Use Bolt instead of taxis

Regular taxis in Malta charge a premium. Bolt is almost always cheaper, and prices are upfront.

Check for combo tickets

Some heritage sites offer multi-site passes that work out significantly cheaper than paying per entry.

Transport

Getting Around Malta

Malta's small enough that you'll never be more than a 45-minute bus ride from anywhere. Here's how to get between the places.

Scooters & E-bikes

A fun option for short distances if you're comfortable on narrow roads. Rentals are everywhere in Sliema and St. Julian's.

  • Quick and easy for short trips
  • Scooters from €25/day (£22 / $29)
  • Malta's roads are narrow and drivers can be aggressive
Explore Rentals

Car Rental

Best for reaching remote beaches and exploring at your own pace. Driving is on the left, same as the UK, but roads can be interesting.

  • Full flexibility to explore
  • From €30/day (£26 / $35)
  • Parking in Valletta is a nightmare, seriously don't
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Ferries

Essential for Gozo and great for harbour crossings in Valletta. The Sliema-Valletta ferry is one of the best €1.50 you'll spend.

  • Gozo ferry is just €4.65 return
  • Scenic harbour routes
  • Limited routes beyond main crossings
Book Boat Tours

Taxis & Bolt

Traditional taxis are around but pricey. Bolt, Malta's main rideshare app, is cheaper and more reliable.

  • Bolt is widespread and affordable
  • Good for airport transfers
  • Standard taxis charge premium rates, always agree a price first
Travel Tips

Intercity Bus

Malta's bus network covers the whole island and it's cheap. Not always on time, but it gets you there.

  • Single ride just €1.50-2
  • 7-day unlimited pass for €21
  • Can be crowded in summer, schedules slip in rural areas
Find Bus Routes

Walking

Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities are compact enough to explore entirely on foot. Wear decent shoes, the streets are steep and uneven.

  • Free and the best way to see the details
  • Most tourist areas are very walkable
  • Some steep hills, especially in Valletta
Recommended Tours
Cheat Sheet

Which Is Right For You?

Exploring Valletta or Mdina

Walk it. They're tiny.

Day-tripping around the island

Grab the 7-day bus pass.

Heading to Gozo or Comino

Ferry from Cirkewwa for Gozo, or a boat tour for Comino.

Remote beaches & countryside

Rent a car for the day.

Before You Go

Quick Tips

Book Ferries for Gozo

Walk-on passengers don't need to pre-book, but cars should book ahead in summer.

Get a Tallinja Card

The reloadable bus card saves money over single tickets if you're staying 3+ days.

Skip Driving in Valletta

There's essentially no parking. Take the bus or ferry in and walk from there.

Avoid Rush Hour

7:30-9am and 4-6pm traffic is brutal, especially around Msida and Birkirkara.

Experiences

Book Tours & Tickets

Handpicked Malta experiences, powered by GetYourGuide.

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Questions

Malta Travel FAQs

The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.

Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
If you hold a UK, EU, US, Canadian, or Australian passport, no. Malta is part of the Schengen Area, so you can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport needs to have been issued within the last 10 years and stay valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave. Worth knowing: the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out during 2026, and the ETIAS pre-travel authorisation (about 7 euro, valid for 3 years) is expected to launch later in 2026 for non-EU visitors. Check the latest requirements before you book.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Very. Malta consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in Europe, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main thing to watch for is petty pickpocketing in busy areas like Paceville at night, plus the usual tourist-trap pricing near major attractions. Beyond that, you'll feel comfortable walking around at pretty much any hour.
How many days do I need in Malta?
Four to five days is the sweet spot for most people. That's enough time to explore Valletta properly, take a day trip to Gozo, visit Mdina, and squeeze in a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Want to add diving, more beach time, or just take it slower? Stretch it to a week. A long weekend works if you're happy to move fast, but you'll be rushing.
What's the best time to visit Malta?
April to June and September to October. You get warm weather (mid-20s Celsius), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. July and August run hot, regularly above 35C, and get packed with tourists. Winter (November to March) is mild but can be rainy, and some tourist-facing businesses trim their hours.
Is Malta expensive?
By Mediterranean standards, it's actually pretty reasonable. Cheaper than Italy, Spain, or Greece for most things. A backpacker can manage on around 50-70 euro a day. Mid-range travellers typically spend 120-180 euro. The big swing factor is accommodation, prices spike hard in July and August. Food's great value if you eat where locals eat, and public transport is genuinely cheap.
What's the best way to get around Malta?
Buses for most things. The network covers the whole island and a 7-day pass costs 21 euro. For Gozo, take the ferry from Cirkewwa (about 4.65 euro return as a foot passenger). For remote beaches or countryside exploring, rent a car for the day. Within Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities, just walk, they're all tiny. For anything else, Bolt beats traditional taxis on price almost every time.
Do I need travel insurance for Malta?
Yes. UK visitors can use a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for emergency treatment at public hospitals, but that doesn't cover medical repatriation, ongoing treatment, or trip cancellation. A hospital stay without proper cover can run into thousands. Get comprehensive travel insurance, it's not optional.
Can I drink the tap water in Malta?
Yes. The tap water is safe across the island. It's desalinated so it can taste slightly different to what you're used to, but it won't make you ill. Bring a reusable bottle and save yourself a pile of money on bottled water.
What language do they speak in Malta?
Maltese and English are both official languages, and around 90% of the population speaks English, so you'll have zero issues communicating. Plenty of Maltese people also speak Italian. You'll hear Maltese spoken between locals, it's a genuinely fascinating language with Arabic roots and heavy Italian and English influence.
Do I need a plug adapter for Malta?
If you're from the UK, no. Malta uses the same Type G three-pin plug. Coming from anywhere else, the US, Europe, Australia, you'll want a universal adapter. Voltage is 230V at 50Hz, same as the UK.
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