Dreaming of golden-stone cities, sparkling Mediterranean coves, and the kind of sunshine that makes you forget what month it is? Welcome to Malta – a small island nation that punches way above its weight in history, scenery, and laid-back charm.
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This Malta travel guide is packed with everything you need to plan the perfect trip, whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more (trust me, once is never enough). From prehistoric temples and to sleepy fishing villages, Malta’s got a little something for everyone.
👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger and self-confessed island addict. I’ve explored Malta in depth over multiple visits, and this guide brings together my top tips, favourite towns, must-see sights, and practical advice – all in one place.
Ready to discover Malta, Gozo, and Comino? Let’s dive in…
So, Where Exactly is Malta? 🌍
Malta is a sun-soaked island nation floating in the middle of the Mediterranean, between Sicily and North Africa. It’s actually an archipelago made up of three main islands:
- Malta (the largest and most buzzing)
- Gozo (greener and sleepier)
- Comino (tiny, wild, and home to the dazzling Blue Lagoon)
Don’t let the size fool you – this place packs in more UNESCO sites per square kilometre than almost anywhere else.
Oh, and did I mention they drive on the left, speak English, and serve great coffee?
Malta Facts: Know Before You Go 📋
⏰ Time zone: GMT +1
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🌐 Languages: Maltese & English (both official)
🔌 Plug type: Type G (UK style)
✈️ Flight time from London: About 3 hours
🚗 Driving: Left-hand side (UK-style)
Malta’s Landscape & Island Vibe🌋
Malta is a mix of rugged coastlines, ancient stone cities, and hidden swimming spots that look like something out of a postcard.
Each island has its own feel:
Malta 🏩
The main island is the heart of the action – home to the capital Valletta, buzzing towns, nightlife, and some jaw-dropping historic sites (hello, 5,000-year-old temples!). It’s rocky, sun-bleached, and always humming with energy.
Gozo 🌿
Gozo is where you go to slow down. Think rolling hills, quiet villages, and dramatic sea views. It’s got a rustic, peaceful vibe that’s perfect for a countryside escape.
Comino 💦
Barely inhabited and blissfully wild, Comino is all about crystal-clear waters, epic snorkelling, and boat days. The Blue Lagoon is famous – and yes, it’s just as turquoise in real life.
Map of Malta 📍
The Google map below shows the island of Malta. Click the blue icons to see more information about each place, or click the star to add to your own Google Maps. I will also include a map showing hotels in Malta further down in this Malta travel guide.
Getting to Malta (and Between the Islands)✈️
By Air: Malta International Airport (MLA) is the country’s only airport – and it’s well-connected to most major European cities. You can fly direct from places like London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, with airlines such as Ryanair, Air Malta, easyJet and Lufthansa.
Top tip: The airport is just a 20–30 minute drive from Valletta or Sliema, so getting into town is a breeze. I recommend Discover Cars if you need to hire a car.
By Sea: Fancy arriving by ferry? Malta has maritime links to Sicily (Pozzallo or Catania) with regular crossings. It’s a scenic way to travel, though a bit longer than flying.
Getting Between the Islands
To Comino: Boat trips to Comino’s Blue Lagoon leave from several harbours in Malta and Gozo. In summer, they’re frequent and easy to find – especially from Cirkewwa or Sliema.
To Gozo: Catch the Gozo Channel ferry from Cirkewwa (north Malta) to Mgarr Harbour – it runs every 30–45 mins and takes about 25 minutes.
🌸 When to Visit Malta
Malta is a year-round destination, but each season has its own perks.
🌺 Spring (March to May) This is one of the best times to visit – expect sunny days, mild temperatures, and wildflowers in bloom. It’s perfect for hiking, sightseeing and avoiding summer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June to August) Hot, busy, and buzzing. If you love beaches, nightlife, and festivals, this is your season – just prepare for high temps and higher prices. July and August are peak tourist months.
🍂 Autumn (September to November) Still warm enough to swim, but way less crowded. September is like a secret summer, and October is ideal for coastal walks and vineyard visits.
❄️ Winter (December to February) Cooler and quieter, but still way milder than most of Europe. You can explore cities without the crowds, enjoy festive events, and bag off-season bargains on hotels.
Towns in Malta 🌇
Each town in Malta has its own distinct flavour, from lively city vibes to quiet, hilltop charm. Here are some of the top spots worth exploring:
🏛️ Valletta: Malta’s tiny capital is a UNESCO World Heritage gem, packed with baroque palaces, cathedrals, harbourside gardens, and hidden wine bars. It’s walkable, atmospheric, and oozing with history. Valletta in One Day Itinerary | Things to do in Valletta.
🌆 Mdina: Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a magical medieval town perched on a hill. Think narrow alleys, golden stone, and barely a sound except the clatter of horse-drawn carriages.
🌺 Marsaxlokk: This colourful fishing village is all about laid-back coastal life. Come for the famous Sunday fish market, stay for a long lunch at one of the waterfront seafood restaurants. Bonus: the harbour is full of traditional luzzu boats with painted eyes.
🎤 St Julian’s: Trendy, youthful and right on the water, St Julian’s is where nightlife and beach vibes collide. Think waterfront dining, cocktails by the bay, and dancing till late in Paceville. It also has lovely spots like Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay for a quieter seaside stroll.
🏠 Sliema: Lively Sliema is a great base for exploring Malta. It has excellent shopping, buzzing cafes, a scenic promenade, and regular ferries across to Valletta. The rocky beaches are perfect for sunbathing and sunset swims.
🏞️ Birgu (Vittoriosa:) One of the historic Three Cities, Birgu is rich in maritime history and authentic local life. Walk its quiet, winding streets, visit Fort St. Angelo, or grab coffee in a peaceful piazza with Grand Harbour views.
🚣 Marsaskala: Chilled and family-friendly, Marsaskala has a lovely bay, a pretty promenade, and some low-key local restaurants. It’s a great choice if you want sea views and a slower pace.
⛪ Mosta: Home to the impressive Mosta Dome (one of the world’s largest unsupported domes), this central town is worth a detour for architecture lovers. There’s a great market too.
🌄 Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: The capital of Gozo, Victoria is a charming hilltop town with a winding old quarter and the majestic Citadel. Climb the walls for sweeping countryside views, then duck into a local bakery or museum below.
👉 Read more: Towns in Malta: Where to Go & What to Know.
Top Sights and Must-Dos in Malta 🌄
Want the short list? Here are a few things every Malta first-timer should have on their radar:
🏛️ Wander the golden lanes of Valletta and check out Caravaggio at St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
🌊 Swim or boat through the surreal turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino.
⌛️ Time-travel through the 5,000-year-old temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.
🌇 Get lost in Mdina’s Silent City charm.
🏖️ Beach-hop to Mellieħa Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha or Pretty Bay.
🏝️ Stroll the historic harbours of Birgu or take a boat tour around the Three Cities.
👉 Read more: Things to Do in Malta: Ancient Temples, Island Escapes & Mediterranean Magic.
Quick Tips for Visiting Malta 📝
✈️ Fly into Malta International Airport – It’s the only airport, and just 20–30 minutes from Valletta or Sliema.
🚗 Rent a car if you want to explore – They drive on the left, and the island is small enough for easy day trips.
🎡 Tap into history – Malta has some of the world’s oldest free-standing temples (older than the pyramids!).
🏖️ Pack swimwear all year – Even in winter, you might fancy a dip. The sea is surprisingly warm through October.
📕 Don’t forget a plug adaptor – Malta uses the British-style three-pin plug.
🍴 Try the pastizzi – These flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas are cheap, filling and very moreish.
🌞 Bring sunscreen – The Mediterranean sun is stronger than it feels, even in spring.
Must-Try Maltese Dishes🍜
Maltese cuisine you simply must try:
- Fenkata – traditional rabbit stew, often cooked in wine and garlic
- Pastizzi – flaky, golden pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas
- Lampuki Pie – seasonal fish pie with spinach, olives and capers
- Kapunata – Malta’s take on ratatouille (great veggie option!)
- Ftira – round flatbread topped with tuna, capers, olives, tomato, and more
Don’t Miss the Local Drinks 🍷
- Cisk (pronounced “Chisk”) – Malta’s refreshing local lager
- Kinnie – a bittersweet soft drink made with oranges and herbs
- Local wines – especially Meridiana or Marsovin labels
🌽 Eating Out Tips: You’ll find everything from rustic family-run trattorias to seaside seafood grills and upscale restaurants. Alfresco dining is the norm (and a total vibe), and you won’t need to look far for gelato or a cheeky cannoli.
👉 Read more: Food in Malta: 14 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Need to Try.
Hotels in Malta 🏨
Malta has a great mix of boutique stays, luxury resorts, seaside guesthouses, and charming countryside escapes.
Here are a few standout options for every style and budget:
For Classic Luxury 🏡
- The Phoenicia (Valletta) – Elegant rooms, sweeping harbour views, and impeccable service
- Hilton Malta (St. Julian’s) – Big resort feel with pools, restaurants, and a seafront location
- Westin Dragonara (St. Julian’s) – Private peninsula with sea views and huge rooms
For Boutique Charm 💕
- The Xara Palace (Mdina) – Stay inside the Silent City walls in a historic mansion
- AX Rosselli (Valletta) – Five-star style with a rooftop pool and artistic flair
- Quaint Boutique Hotels (Gozo towns) – Cosy, stylish and full of local character
👉 Looking for more hotel ideas? Check out: Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas + Hotels.
Top Tours in Malta 🎟️
Looking to make the most of your time? These tours are fun, insightful, and great value – perfect whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or beach lover:
🚶 Valletta Walking Tour: Explore Malta’s capital with a guide who brings the history, architecture and secret spots to life.
🏰 Mdina & Rabat Half-Day Tour: Wander medieval streets, ancient catacombs, and quiet courtyards in Malta’s oldest towns.
⛴️ Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk Tour: Visit this sea cave wonder and finish up with fresh seafood at Malta’s most photogenic fishing village.
🌊 Gozo Day Tour: Take the ferry and discover Gozo’s temples, cliffs, and charming countryside (plus a local lunch if you’re lucky).
🚤 Harbour Cruise: Glide past historic forts and colourful boats while learning about Malta’s naval history.
🥘 Food & Wine Experiences: From vineyard tastings to street food walks, Maltese flavours are worth the deep dive.
🧭 Top tip: Book ahead during peak season – many of these are small group tours and sell out fast!
👉 Check out:Best Malta Tours & Day Trips on Viator.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Malta 🌱
Looking to explore Malta in a way that’s kind to the planet and supportive of local life?
Here are some tips to travel more sustainably:
1. Stay local & shop small 🏠 Choose family-run guesthouses, independent cafes, and artisan shops to help support the local economy, especially in Gozo and smaller towns.
2. Refill, reuse & recycle ♻️ Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and even your own cutlery set. Tap water is safe to drink, and refill stations are popping up in popular towns.
3. Use green transport 🚶♀️ Walk, cycle or take the bus where possible. Malta’s small size makes it easy to get around without a car – and ferries between islands are scenic and fun.
4. Respect nature & heritage 🌿 Stick to marked trails, take only photos, and leave archaeological sites and beaches exactly as you found them. Many of Malta’s sights are fragile – and precious.
5. Choose eco-conscious tours 🌊 Support operators that follow eco-friendly practices, like waste-free lunches, small group sizes, and respectful wildlife viewing.
Let’s keep Malta beautiful – for the locals who call it home, and for future travellers to enjoy
Malta Travel Guide FAQs 💡
Frequently asked questions about visiting Malta.
Q: What is the best time to visit Malta?
A: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal, warm, sunny, and less crowded than peak summer.
Q: Do I need a visa for Malta?
A: If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, or many other countries, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check entry requirements before travelling.
Q: Is Malta safe for solo travellers?
A: Yes! Malta is generally very safe, and solo travellers will find it easy to navigate and welcoming.
Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: It’s technically safe, but it doesn’t taste great. Most locals and visitors opt for bottled or filtered water.
Q: What’s the best way to get around Malta?
A: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially for Gozo. But Malta also has a solid bus system and easy ferry links. I recommend Discover Cars if you need to hire a car.
Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Yes, it’s one of the official languages, and everyone speaks it fluently.
Q: What should I pack for Malta?
A: Layers for spring/autumn, sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable shoes for cobbled streets, and a UK-style plug adaptor.
Q: Are there sandy beaches in Malta?
A: Yes! Try Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, or Ramla Bay on Gozo for sandy stretches.
Q: Do they drive on the left in Malta?
A: Yes, same as the UK, Japan, and Australia.
Q: What’s the local currency in Malta?
A: Euro (€). ATMs are easy to find.
Q: Are there any etiquette tips I should know?
A: Be respectful at churches (cover shoulders), greet people politely, and try a few Maltese words – locals love it!
Quick Links for Malta.
Here are some quick shopping links to help you with your trip to Malta.
- Reserve your Malta Hotel early, before they sell out.
- Book Malta tours in advance (no payment required up front).
- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
- Remember to get a Universal Plug Adaptor before your trip.
- Check out these Malta Gifts on Amazon before or after your trip.
- Consider taking this Lonely Planet Malta Travel Guide with you.
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
Final Thoughts for This Malta Travel Guide 🧳
Malta really is one of those places that surprises you (in the best way). One minute you’re wandering through a silent, sun-drenched city that feels like a film set, the next you’re bobbing in turquoise water or eating fresh seafood by a fishing boat.
It’s compact but crammed with history, beauty, and charm. And whether you’re here for the beaches, the baroque, or just a good pastizzi, I reckon you’ll fall for it too.
Hope this Malta travel guide gave you everything you need to plan a great trip (and maybe even inspired a few detours). See you on the islands!
Related Reading 📚
Here is some further reading from the blog related to this Malta travel guide.
🏨 Where to Stay in Malta: The 7 Best Areas & Hotels in Malta
🏜️ Perfect Things to do in Valletta, Malta.
🌍 Things to Do in Malta: Ancient Temples, Island Escapes & Mediterranean Magic.
✨ Towns in Malta: Where to Go & What to Know.
😋 Food in Malta: 14 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Need to Try.
🌄 Valletta in One Day: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary 🇲🇹
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Tags: Europe, Gozo, Malta, Travel Guides
