Malta is a tiny Mediterranean archipelago sitting roughly 50 miles south of Sicily, known for honey-colored limestone streets, crystal-clear waters, and a layered history stretching back around 7,000 years, blending Phoenician temples, Arab-influenced town names, British-style driving, and Italian-leaning cuisine into one destination. Despite its small size, it packs in enough history, beaches, and culture to fill a full week without repeating a single day.
When to Visit
May, June, and September offer the best balance for a trip to Malta — the sea is warm enough for swimming without the intense heat that makes walking around cities like Mdina uncomfortable. Winter is also a reasonable option for travelers looking to avoid crowds altogether, since Malta gets year-round sunshine and is one of the sunnier spots in Europe even in the cooler months.
Getting There and Getting Around
Malta International Airport in Luqa is the country’s only airport, about 20 minutes from Valletta, served by Air Malta, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, and British Airways, with flight times of roughly 2-3 hours from most of Europe. From the airport, a taxi into Valletta or Sliema runs about €15-20, or the X4 bus covers the same route for a fraction of the cost.
Once on the island, a few options cover most needs:
- Public buses run by Malta Public Transport connect all major towns and beaches, with single fares around €1.50-2 and a 7-day unlimited pass available for heavier use
- Rental cars offer the most flexibility for reaching smaller villages and beaches, though driving is left-hand and roads can be narrow with aggressive local drivers
- Ferries connect Malta to Gozo and to Sicily, including a high-speed catamaran route to Pozzallo or Catania
What Not to Miss
Beyond the well-known beaches, a few spots stand out for their history and atmosphere. St. John’s Co-Cathedral has a plain exterior that hides a gold-leafed Baroque interior housing Caravaggio’s only signed painting. The old walled city of Mdina is worth visiting in the evening once day-trippers clear out, when its narrow alleys feel genuinely quiet. A short ferry ride away, Comino’s Blue Lagoon draws crowds for its unusually clear water, while Gozo offers a slower-paced alternative with countryside and cliffs instead of nightlife.
Budgeting for the Trip
Malta isn’t the ultra-cheap destination it once was. A weekly budget of around €400, excluding flights and accommodation, covers a reasonably comfortable trip, though travelers wanting nightly sit-down dinners with wine should plan closer to €600-700. Budget travelers can find dorm beds in Sliema or St. Julian’s for roughly $24-36 a night, and staying in towns like Bugibba or Qawra tends to offer more affordable rates with solid bus connections.
A Few Practical Things to Know Before You Go
A handful of small details make a noticeable difference once you’re on the ground:
- Malta uses Type G, UK-style plugs, so bring a universal adapter
- Tap water is safe to drink but heavily treated, and most visitors opt for bottled water instead
- Tipping 5-10% at restaurants is customary when a service charge hasn’t already been added
- Riptides are common at some beaches, so it’s best to swim only where other people are swimming and avoid secluded spots unless you’re certain conditions are safe
Join The Discussion
Have you been to Malta, or is it on your travel list? Share any tips, favorite spots, or questions about planning a trip there.
