Why Travel to Malta?
Malta is an overlooked Mediterranean gem. This tiny archipelago (316 km², smaller than the city of Paris and its suburbs) packs an extraordinary density of treasures that defies its size: megalithic temples older than the Egyptian pyramids, medieval fortresses of the Knights of the Order of Malta, turquoise waters, golden cliffs and flavourful Mediterranean cuisine.
With 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 300 days of sunshine per year, 7,000 years of history and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, Malta is the ideal destination for a short break or extended weekend from Europe. It's also one of the best diving destinations in the Mediterranean.
Malta's Must-Visit Places
Valletta, the Knights' Fortress
Valletta, a UNESCO site and 2018 European Capital of Culture, is one of the smallest capitals in the world but also one of the most heritage-dense. St John's Co-Cathedral (a Baroque masterpiece with a marble floor of Knights' tombstones and two Caravaggio paintings), Fort St Elmo, the Upper Barrakka Gardens (spectacular Grand Harbour views), the Grandmaster's Palace and steep streets lined with colourful wooden balconies create a cinematic setting.
Mdina, the Silent City
Mdina is Malta's former capital, a fortified medieval city perched on a hill. Nicknamed the 'Silent City' (cars are banned), it offers narrow lanes, Norman palaces, St Paul's Cathedral and panoramic views across the entire island. Game of Thrones fans will recognise King's Landing. Rabat, its twin town, houses the catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha.
Gozo, the Island of Calypso
Gozo is Malta's quieter, more rural little sister. The Ġgantija temples (the oldest in the world, 3,600 BC), the Citadel in Victoria (360° panorama), the Marsalforn salt pans, Xlendi Bay, Calypso's Cave (Odyssey mythology) and spectacular diving sites (Blue Hole, Inland Sea, Cathedral Cave) make Gozo a world apart. The pace is slower, nature wilder, authenticity preserved.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Comino is the smallest of the three inhabited islands (3.5 km²), virtually deserted. The Blue Lagoon is Malta's iconic image: a cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters between Comino and Cominotto. Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds (tour boats flock in between 10am and 4pm). The Crystal Lagoon (south side) is less crowded and equally beautiful.
The Megalithic Temples and Historic Sites
Malta's megalithic temples (Ħagar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Ġgantija on Gozo) date from 3,600 to 5,600 BC — older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a unique Neolithic underground temple, carved on 3 levels 11 metres deep. Visits are limited to 80 people per day — book weeks in advance online.
Routes and Itineraries in Malta
Malta is tiny (27 km long by 14 km wide), making it easy to see everything. You can drive across the island in 45 minutes.
- Express Weekend (3 days): Valletta (1 day) → Mdina + megalithic temples (1 day) → Blue Lagoon + Gozo (1 day). The essentials in a weekend
- Full Stay (5–7 days): Valletta (2 days) → Mdina/Rabat (1 day) → Temples + Hypogeum (1 day) → Gozo (2 days: Citadel, diving, hiking) → Comino Blue Lagoon (1 day)
- Diving: Blue Hole and Inland Sea (Gozo), Um El Faroud and HMS Maori wrecks, Santa Maria Caves. Malta is a top 5 Mediterranean dive destination
- Game of Thrones Trail: Mdina (King's Landing), Fort Ricasoli, San Anton Palace, Blue Grotto, Gozo (Azure Window — collapsed in 2017 but the site remains spectacular)
Getting Around Malta
Malta is small and easy to get around. The bus network covers the entire island from Valletta. Car rental is practical for exploring at your own pace. Check out our travel experiences to plan your stay in Malta.
- Bus: Malta Public Transport. Ticket EUR 1.50 (2h), 7-day card EUR 21. All lines go through Valletta. Decent daytime frequency
- Car: rental from EUR 15–25/day. Drive on the left (British heritage). Narrow roads, difficult parking in Valletta
- Ferry: Gozo Channel (Ċirkewwa – Mġarr, 25 min, EUR 4.65 return). Boats to Comino from Ċirkewwa or Mġarr (EUR 10–15 return)
- Bolt / Taxi: Bolt (equivalent of Uber) works well. Regular taxis: negotiate the price upfront or use the eCabs app
- On foot: Valletta is entirely walkable. So is Mdina. Gozo is great for hiking (spectacular coastal paths)
Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Malta Cost?
Malta is an affordable destination for a eurozone country. Budget EUR 50–120 per person per day (USD 55–130) depending on your travel style. The country is significantly cheaper than Italy or France for comparable quality.
- Accommodation: hostel EUR 15–30, Airbnb EUR 40–80, hotel EUR 60–150, luxury hotel EUR 150–300+. Gozo is 20–30% cheaper than Malta
- Food: pastizzi (local specialty) EUR 0.50–1, local restaurant EUR 10–18, fine dining EUR 25–50. Ftira (Maltese bread) and rabbit are must-tries
- Transport: bus EUR 1.50/ride, car rental EUR 15–25/day, Gozo ferry EUR 4.65 return, Comino boat EUR 10–15 return
- Activities: museums EUR 5–12, Hypogeum EUR 35 (book ahead!), dive EUR 40–80/outing, Blue Lagoon cruise EUR 20–35
- Tip: Malta uses the euro — no exchange fees. Low-cost flights (Ryanair, easyJet, Air Malta) from European cities are often EUR 30–80 return if booked in advance
When to Visit Malta?
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with 300 days of sunshine per year. The best time is spring (April – June) and autumn (September – November): pleasant temperatures (20–28 °C / 68–82 °F), warm sea, fewer tourists than summer.
Summer (July – August) is hot (32–35 °C / 90–95 °F), dry and very touristy — the Blue Lagoon is packed. Winter (December – February) is mild (12–16 °C / 54–61 °F) with some rain, but the sea is too cold for swimming. However, it's the perfect time to visit historic sites without the crowds.
Recommended Itineraries in Malta
Extended Weekend (3–4 days)
Day 1: Valletta (St John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Fort St Elmo, Strait Street for the evening). Day 2: Mdina and Rabat (Silent City, catacombs) → Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra (megalithic temples at sunset). Day 3: Ferry to Gozo (Citadel, Ġgantija, Blue Hole for divers) or Blue Lagoon excursion to Comino.
Full Stay (7 days)
Days 1–2: Valletta in depth (museums, co-cathedral, Three Cities by water taxi). Day 3: Mdina, Rabat, Dingli Cliffs. Day 4: Megalithic temples (Ħagar Qim, Mnajdra, Hypogeum if booked). Days 5–6: Gozo (Citadel, Ġgantija, Ramla Bay, diving, coastal hiking). Day 7: Blue Lagoon (early morning), Marsaxlokk (fishing village, Sunday market).
Malta Off the Beaten Path
Beyond the main sites, Malta hides treasures. The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) across from Valletta offer an authenticity the capital has sometimes lost — medieval lanes, Fort St Angelo, spectacular views. Marsaxlokk (a fishing village with colourful luzzu boats, Sunday market, fresh fish) is the authentic Malta.
The Dingli Cliffs (Malta's highest cliffs at 250 m, spectacular sunsets), the Blue Grotto (sea caves with blue reflections, visited by rowboat) and the Marsalforn salt pans on Gozo (natural geometric patterns) are all worth the detour. For another Mediterranean island, explore our Greece guides. Find all our destinations.
Formalities and Practical Information
Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. EU citizens need only a valid ID card or passport. No visa, no formalities, no currency exchange (eurozone). Non-EU visitors should check visa requirements for the Schengen Area.
- Documents: valid ID card or passport (EU/Schengen). No visa needed for EU citizens. Non-EU: check Schengen visa requirements
- Currency: euro (EUR). No exchange fees. Credit cards accepted everywhere except small rural shops on Gozo
- Time zone: CET (UTC+1/+2), same as Central Europe. Direct flights from major European cities: 2–3h
- Languages: Maltese and English (both official). English is spoken everywhere — Malta is a popular destination for language courses
- Health: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid. No vaccinations required. Watch out for the sun in summer (SPF50+ essential)
- Driving: on the left (British heritage). Narrow roads. Buses, Bolt or e-bikes are good alternatives
