Guide: Malta

Malta's pleasant climate attracts tourists all year round: in summer the temperature does not rise above +30 degrees, and the coldest month is January with a minimum temperature of +15. The period from June to October is an ideal time for sunbathing and swimming in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the island, because it warms up to +25 degrees, and the probability of changing plans due to rain is practically zero. For lovers of active rest Malta is good from October to May — it is the most comfortable time to get acquainted with the sights of the country, without languishing from the heat.

How to get from Europe to Malta

Malta is easy to get to from almost any European country: the island is connected by direct flights to dozens of cities thanks to Ryanair, Wizz Air, Air Malta, Lufthansa, ITA Airways, Air France and others. The flight usually takes between 1 and 3 hours depending on the point of departure. Ticket prices start from about 20-40 euros one way for early booking, which makes the trip affordable even for budget travelers.

All tourists arrive at Malta’s only airport, Luqa, located five kilometers from the capital and occupying the former RAF Luqa military air base. From the airport, it is easy to reach any city in Malta by taxi, bus, or rental car. To get to or from the airport to Malta’s resorts, look for buses marked X: X1, X2, X3, X4, X7.

Where to stay

The main attraction drawing visitors to Malta is the stunning Mediterranean Sea along the country’s coastline. Here you will find both sandy and rocky beaches, framed by dramatic cliffs in shades of white, pink, and red.

Valletta

The main resort of Malta is its capital, Valletta. There are no sandy beaches in the city; instead, stairways are provided for access to the sea from the rocky shore. Valletta is ideal for strolling and leisurely dining, but for a classic beach holiday, we recommend heading to other resorts in Malta.

Gozo Island

This is a destination for a relaxed getaway and an excellent place for diving. Gozo boasts two beautiful red-sand beaches — Ramla and San Blas — as well as plenty of spots for swimming along its rocky coastline.

Comino Island

The third-largest island of the Maltese archipelago, Comino is home to only a few farming families. It attracts visitors with its coves, reefs, and crystal-clear waters. The island is famous for the Blue Lagoon, a bay with white sand and striking turquoise water.

You can book a hotel in Malta with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

St. Julian’s

St. Julian’s is one of the most popular tourist towns in Malta. The most picturesque spot here is Spinola Bay. Along the coast of St. Julian’s you will find the rocky St. Andrews Beach and the sandy beach of St. George’s Bay.

Bugibba and Qawra

Bugibba and Qawra are among the most popular resorts in northern Malta. The coastline features well-equipped rocky beaches, while the most famous sandy beach is Perched Beach, known for its excellent infrastructure.

Mellieha

The Mellieha resort is set on a hill, at the foot of which lies Malta’s longest sandy beach with a gentle and convenient entry into the sea. Mellieha Bay has a soft sandy seabed and is an excellent choice for families with children.

Sliema

This is Malta’s most prestigious resort, offering numerous hotels, upscale shops, and well-equipped rocky beaches. The rocky coastline with limestone slabs along Sliema’s shores is especially popular during the hot summer months. The most popular beaches in Sliema include Qui-Si-Sana, Għar id-Dud, Fond Għadir, and The Exiles.

Transportation

The following options are worth using to travel between cities:

Bus

The country's transformed transport system has recently upgraded the bus depot, so tourists are welcomed by comfortable air-conditioned buses that try to keep to the schedule. Also between Malta and the island of Gozo there is a transport connection, which will significantly help to save money on travel. But you should know that despite the unified transportation system, tickets on these islands are not interchangeable and should be bought separately. A day pass will cost 1.5 euros. Bus tickets can be purchased from vending machines, bus stations and directly from the driver.

Ferry

There is a ferry between the islands of Malta and Gozo which costs €4.7. From Malta you can also travel to Sicily, which is a three-hour ferry ride away.

Rent a car

This is one of the most convenient modes of transportation for travelers. But don't forget the left-hand traffic on Malta's winding roads, the dangers of driving on mountainous terrain, and the narrow streets in the cities. Renting a car at the airport for a week you can grab a Kia Picanto for 60 euros or a Nissan Juke for 170 euros for a week. Gasoline and diesel costs €1.3/liter. Most parking lots are free.

Motorbike

A 4-wheel motorcycle adapted to Malta's mountainous terrain will cost €45 for 3 hours.

Cabs

Electric cabs are available in Valletta and are environmentally friendly.

Best sights in Malta

Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is located on the tiny island of Comino between Malta and Gozo. The island is virtually uninhabited. The most beautiful photos from a trip to Malta are secured in this place. The shimmering turquoise waters and white sand of the Blue Lagoon create an ideal place for relaxation and snorkeling.

Marsaxlokk

Just a short distance from Valletta lies the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Visitors are welcomed by a vibrant and colorful market, traditional fishing boats, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for leisurely strolls.

Spinola Bay

Spinola Bay is located in one of Malta’s most colorful resorts — St. Julian’s. It is the highlight of the town, adding a special charm to the resort’s panorama. The perfect time for a walk along this beautiful bay is at sunset.

Mdina

This is an ancient walled city founded as early as 700 BC. Its fortifications were expanded by Arab rulers and the Normans, but over time the city fell into decline. Today, visitors are drawn to its historic buildings that have largely remained untouched by modern reconstruction.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto complex is a chain of sea caves with shimmering blue waters. The site can be reached by boat, and swimming in the crystal-clear bay is highly recommended. Scenes from the film Troy starring Brad Pitt were filmed here, making it a must-visit location for movie fans.

Popeye Village

The village was built as a film set for the musical about the sailor Popeye. Today, visitors can meet the main character, enjoy attractions, and watch colorful costume shows.

Food

Maltese cuisine is often described as poor man’s food — simple dishes made from inexpensive ingredients. It emerged from a blend of European and Arab culinary traditions. Must-try dishes include the ricotta-filled pastry Pastizzi, the traditional fish soup Aljotta, flatbread with garlic and tomatoes Ftira, vegetable soup with cheese and egg Soppa ta’ L-Armla, baked pasta with meat sauce Timpana, tender stewed rabbit Fenek, and the hugely popular Maltese dessert of deep-fried pastry rings filled with ricotta and candied fruit, Kannoli.

Budget travelers in Malta can save money by eating at local eateries, where prices are lower than in tourist-oriented establishments. A familiar option is McDonald’s, where a hamburger costs around €1 and a Big Mac about €3.80. Grocery shopping is another good alternative, especially since Malta is home to well-known budget supermarket chains such as Lidl Malta and Carrefour.

Street food lovers may find options limited, as it mainly consists of pizza, buns, and pastries. Prices range from €0.30 to €3. Coffee vending machines are also rare; those lucky enough to find one can expect to pay around €0.60–0.80 for a coffee. In Valletta, we recommend stopping by The Submarine (Triq il-merkanti 42, Il-Belt Valletta) for an affordable bite. The menu includes fish sandwiches and burgers, sandwiches with salmon, cream cheese, arugula, and balsamic sauce, and more. Sandwich prices start from €3.50, with waiting times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes.

In Valletta, The Submarine (Triq il-merkanti 42, Il-Belt Valletta) is also a great choice for a quick and budget-friendly meal. The menu features fish sandwiches and burgers, salmon sandwiches with cream cheese, arugula, and balsamic sauce, and more. Sandwiches start at €3.50, with an average waiting time of 10–30 minutes.

Fans of beautiful desserts can indulge their sweet cravings in local pastry shops, where pastries cost from €3, a slice of cake from €5, and macarons from €1.80 each. Malta’s streets also offer a wide selection of gelato sold by the scoop at around €1 per ball, with portions notably larger than in many other European countries.

One of the most elegant places with a luxurious interior in Valletta is Caffe Cordina (Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1114), boasting a 175-year history. Housed in a historic palazzo, the café features tea rooms, a pasticceria, a gelateria, and a summer terrace. During the rule of the Knights of St. John, the premises served as the order’s treasury; later, they became the hall of the Grand Hotel, and today Caffe Cordina is one of the city’s most famous cafés, renowned for its exquisite desserts. Excellent sweets can also be found at Mint, Dolci Peccati, and Cara’s Cafe.

Restaurant menus typically offer soups from €3.50, meat dishes from €9, grilled meats from €8, traditional Maltese specialties from €12, and breakfasts of bacon and eggs with a cup of coffee from €3 per serving. Bottled wine in restaurants starts at around €8.

For an authentic Maltese dining experience, the Beati Paoli restaurant (240, St Paul St, Valletta) is a great choice, serving generous portions of rabbit prepared according to a traditional “grandmother’s” recipe, pasta with sea urchin roe, homemade pasta with sauce, and other national dishes. In Valletta, we also recommend Dimitri Cafe, Noni, Palazzo Preca, and Rubino for local cuisine.

Shopping

Shops in Malta generally operate from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and until 8:00 pm on Saturdays, with a midday siesta. However, some stores remain open seven days a week due to the high number of tourists. The town of Sliema is considered a true paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

As gifts for friends and family, consider bringing home local wine and goat cheese Ġbejniet. Maltese sun-dried tomatoes and honey, priced at around €6, are also popular souvenirs.

Entertainment

The most popular activities in Malta are sea excursions: a cruise around the Grand Harbour near Valletta, ferry trips to Gozo from €10 return, visits to Comino, and even a day trip to Sicily. Water activities include diving from €45, which can be enjoyed year-round in Malta. Traditional Maltese dance performances cost from €45, while tandem paragliding flights start at €60.

Nightlife

Party lovers will always find something to do in Malta. The island is famous for its open-air parties! Most of Malta’s nightclubs are located in St. Julian’s. The most well-known clubs include Twenty Two, Havana, Uno Village, and Gianpula Village.