Malta’s capital city, Valletta, showcases the island’s golden limestone architecture and historic charm.
Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, just 90 km south of Sicily.
It enjoys a fantastic climate with over 300 days of sunshine each year.
Despite its small size, Malta boasts more than 7,000 years of history and a fascinating blend of cultural influences.
Visitors can explore ancient temples, medieval walled cities, and beautiful beaches all in one trip.
This guide will help you discover the best of Malta in a practical, engaging way!
Best Places to Visit in Malta
Valletta – The Historic Capital
Valletta is Malta’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century.
It’s a compact walled city full of historical treasures.
Stroll its narrow streets to admire Baroque architecture, fortified city walls, and charming balconies.
Don’t miss St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which looks plain outside but dazzles inside with a gilded interior and Caravaggio paintings.
The Grandmaster’s Palace and the Upper Barrakka Gardens (offering a stunning harbor view and a noon-day gun salute) are other highlights.
Valletta is easily explored on foot, and you can hop on a ferry across the Grand Harbour to visit the Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua – for an even deeper dive into Malta’s maritime history.
Mdina – The Silent City
Mdina is a fortified hilltop town that served as Malta’s old capital.
Often called the “Silent City” for its peaceful, traffic-free streets (only residents’ cars are allowed), Mdina feels like a step back in time.
This walled city is home to just a few hundred people and is known for its medieval and Baroque architecture.
Wander through its narrow lanes to find beautiful palaces and churches.
Notable sights include the impressive Mdina Gate and St. Paul’s Cathedral with its ornate interior.
Mdina’s high bastion walls also offer panoramic views over the island.
In the evening, the city is beautifully lit and nearly empty – a magical experience as you absorb the history and quiet ambience.
Gozo – Rural Charm and Ancient Temples
Gozo is Malta’s smaller sister island, reached by a 25-minute ferry ride.
It is more rural and laid-back, offering a tranquil contrast to the main island.
Gozo’s landscape is dotted with farmland, vineyards, and quaint villages.
The island’s main town, Victoria (Rabat), is crowned by the Citadel, a historic fortress with sweeping views.
Gozo is also home to the Ġgantija Temples, a UNESCO-listed megalithic temple complex older than Stonehenge.
Nature lovers will enjoy Ramla Bay, a broad red-sand beach, and Dwejra Bay, where the famous Azure Window once stood (the limestone arch collapsed in 2017, but the spot is still great for diving and coastal walks).
Comino – Blue Lagoon Paradise
Comino is a tiny island between Malta and Gozo, largely uninhabited and car-free.
Despite its size, Comino attracts many day-trippers thanks to the Blue Lagoon, a picturesque bay with unbelievably turquoise, clear water.
It’s one of the most beautiful swimming spots in Malta – perfect for snorkeling and splashing around.
Comino has only one small hotel and a few residents, so most people visit on a boat tour or ferry for the day.
Besides swimming in the Blue Lagoon’s calm waters, you can hike around Comino’s rugged trails to find quiet coves or see the medieval Comino Tower.
Go early or later in the day if you visit in summer, as the Blue Lagoon gets very crowded at peak times.
It’s a slice of paradise that’s not to be missed.
(Tip: Other notable places include the Three Cities mentioned above and Marsaxlokk, a fishing village in southern Malta famous for its colorful boats and Sunday fish market. These offer additional flavors of Maltese culture outside the main tourist spots.)
Best Things to Do in Malta
Malta may be small, but it offers a long list of activities for all ages.
Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:
Discover Ancient History
Explore Malta’s prehistoric and historic sites.
The islands are home to several megalithic temples like Ħaġar Qim on Malta and Ġgantija on Gozo – massive stone structures dating back over 5,000 years.
You can also visit the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground Neolithic necropolis full of haunting chambers (advance booking required).
History continues through the ages at sites like Fort St. Elmo in Valletta (with its war museum) and the network of WWII-era Lascaris War Rooms under the capital.
Walking through these sites, you’ll literally be stepping through millennia of history.
Enjoy Beaches and Blue Waters
Spend time relaxing by the Mediterranean.
Malta offers a mix of sandy and rocky beaches with crystal-clear water.
On the main island, popular sandy spots include Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay (great for families), while St. Peter’s Pool and Blue Grotto offer dramatic rocky swimming areas.
Over on Gozo, Ramla Bay is a must for its unique orange-red sand.
And of course, experience the Blue Lagoon on Comino for Caribbean-clear waters – perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Pack sunscreen and a hat, because the Maltese sun is strong!
Take a Boat Trip
One of the best ways to appreciate Malta’s beauty is from the sea.
You can hop on a ferry to Gozo or book a boat cruise around the islands.
A harbor cruise from Sliema will take you around Valletta’s Grand Harbour and show you the fortifications from the water – a fantastic photo opportunity.
For nature lovers, a small boat tour to the Blue Grotto (a series of sea caves on Malta’s southern coast) is highly recommended in good weather.
Many travelers also enjoy day cruises that stop at Comino’s Blue Lagoon for swimming.
Whether it’s a sailing trip at sunset or a quick water-taxi across the harbor, getting out on the water is a highlight of any Malta trip.
Dive and Snorkel
Diving in Malta is world-class, attracting scuba enthusiasts from around the globe.
The water is warm and clear, with abundant marine life and interesting underwater landscapes.
There are natural rock formations, caves, and even shipwrecks (some from World War II) to explore beneath the waves.
In fact, Malta and Gozo offer some of Europe’s best all-around dive sites.
If you’re not a diver, snorkeling is easy and rewarding in spots like the Blue Lagoon, Għajn Tuffieħa, or around Comino’s coves – you’ll see plenty of fish in the transparent waters.
Several dive centers on Malta and Gozo cater to beginners and experienced divers alike, so you can try an introductory dive or rent gear.
Always follow safety instructions and be mindful of currents, but otherwise enjoy Malta’s underwater treasure trove.
Experience Local Culture
Take time to soak up Malta’s unique culture and everyday life.
A great way to do this is by visiting local markets and festivals.
For example, head to Marsaxlokk on a Sunday morning to wander the open-air market where fishermen sell the day’s catch and vendors offer local honey, produce, and sweets.
It’s also the best place to see the traditional Maltese luzzu boats painted in bright colors.
If you visit in summer, check if there’s a village festa happening nearby.
These traditional feasts, held in different towns between May and September, celebrate patron saints with parades, brass bands, fireworks, and street food – a fun, authentically Maltese experience.
You can also experience everyday culture by simply joining locals for an evening passeggiata (stroll) along promenades in Sliema or Bugibba, or by enjoying a coffee in a village square.
Maltese people are friendly, and engaging with them will make your trip even more memorable.
Food and Drink Highlights
Maltese cuisine is a hearty mix of Mediterranean flavors with Sicilian, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences.
Trying the local food is definitely a highlight of any Malta visit.
Here are some must-try foods and drinks:
Pastizzi & Ħobż biż-Żejt
These are the king of Maltese snacks.
Pastizzi are flaky, savory pastries typically filled with ricotta cheese or mashed peas – you’ll find them sold warm at small bakeries and kiosks everywhere.
They’re cheap, delicious, and addictive (don’t be surprised if you eat several!).
Ħobż biż-żejt means “bread with oil” – it’s Malta’s classic open-faced sandwich on crusty local bread, rubbed with tomato paste and olive oil, then topped with tuna, capers, olives, and more.
It makes for a perfect quick lunch or picnic item and really gives you a taste of everyday Maltese life.
Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)
The national dish of Malta is a rabbit stew, slow-cooked in red wine with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Rabbit has been eaten here for centuries and remains very popular.
You can try this rustic dish in many traditional restaurants and village eateries.
Often, the tender rabbit meat is served in a rich gravy with seasonal vegetables, and sometimes as a two-course meal (spaghetti with rabbit sauce, followed by the stew itself).
If you’ve never had rabbit before, Malta is the place to give it a try.
It’s flavorful and often said to “taste like chicken,” but with its own unique twist.
Fresh Seafood
Surrounded by the sea, Malta offers plenty of seafood.
Be sure to taste the catch of the day – popular fish include lampuki (mahi-mahi) especially in autumn, grouper, and swordfish.
One beloved Maltese dish is Lampuki Pie, a savory pie made with lampuki fish, spinach, and olives when the fish is in season.
You’ll also find delicious grilled octopus, local prawns, mussels, and seafood pasta on menus.
For a casual meal by the sea, try aljotta, a fragrant Maltese fish soup, or grab fried calamari from a beachside food stall.
For seafood lovers, a meal in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk or a seaside restaurant in St. Julian’s is a treat.
Sweet Treats
Malta has a sweet tooth, influenced by Sicilian and Middle Eastern desserts.
Don’t miss trying Imqaret, which are fried diamond-shaped pastries filled with date paste – a perfect snack while strolling (often sold at markets and festas).
You might also come across ħelwa tat-Tork, a sugary sesame-based fudge, and cannoli (yes, like in Sicily) piped with sweet ricotta.
If you visit around Christmas, look for Qagħaq tal-Għasel (honey rings) – sticky, spiced pastries traditionally made for the holidays.
Enjoy these sweets with a cup of Maltese tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Local Drinks
Wash down your meals with some uniquely Maltese beverages.
The most famous is Kinnie, a non-alcoholic fizzy drink that has a bittersweet orange and herbal flavor – Malta’s answer to cola.
It’s very refreshing on a hot day (give it a try, even if the herbal taste is unusual at first!).
Beer lovers should sample Cisk, Malta’s popular local lager that’s been brewed since 1928.
Wine has been made in Malta since ancient times; today several Maltese wineries are producing excellent wines from unique grape varieties like Gellewza (red) and Girgentina (white).
You can order Maltese wine at restaurants or even tour a vineyard.
And for something stronger, look for a digestif of limoncello or Bajtra (a liqueur made from prickly pear fruit) to cap off your meal.
Cheers (or as locals say, Saħħa)!
Transportation Tips
Getting around Malta is relatively easy, and there are several options for travelers.
Here are some transportation tips to help you navigate:
Buses
Malta has an extensive public bus network that reaches most towns and attractions on the main island and Gozo.
Buses are the most affordable way to get around (a few euros per ride), and they run frequently from hubs like Valletta and Sliema.
They are overall efficient for sightseeing trips to popular spots.
Keep in mind buses can get crowded in summer and sometimes run a bit late due to traffic.
Try to get a Tallinja Card or use contactless payment for convenience.
Also, note that some routes have reduced frequency at night.
Despite a few quirks, buses will likely be your go-to mode of transport if you’re not driving.
Driving
Renting a car can be a good option if you want maximum flexibility to explore, especially to reach remote areas or tour Gozo on your own schedule.
Rental rates in Malta are comparatively low by European standards.
Remember that in Malta people drive on the left side of the road (a legacy of British rule).
Roads are generally in decent condition, but they can be narrow and winding, especially in village centers, and traffic in urban areas like around Valletta or St. Julian’s can be busy.
Parking in Valletta is limited (consider parking outside the city and walking or busing in).
If you do drive, drive defensively – local driving style can be a bit assertive.
Also, if you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Malta.
For many travelers, driving isn’t necessary, but it can be enjoyable to explore at your own pace if you’re comfortable with the conditions.
Ferries & Boats
Being islands, Malta and Gozo are well connected by ferries.
The main car and passenger ferry to Gozo runs frequently from Ċirkewwa (Malta) to Mġarr (Gozo) and takes about 25 minutes each way.
It’s an easy and scenic trip – you pay on the return leg from Gozo.
In summer, a direct fast ferry also runs between Valletta and Gozo.
To reach Comino and the Blue Lagoon, you can take small ferry boats from Malta (Ċirkewwa or Marfa) during the day in high season.
There are also frequent harbor ferries that act like water buses: one connects Valletta and Sliema, and another connects Valletta to the Three Cities across the Grand Harbour.
These are inexpensive and offer great views during the short ride.
Lastly, traditional water taxis (dgħajsa boats) can ferry you across parts of Grand Harbour for a quaint experience.
Embracing boat travel not only gets you where you need to go, but is also part of the fun in Malta.
Taxis & Ride Sharing
White taxis are available in Malta and can be found at stands in urban areas or hailed by phone.
They are a convenient way to get directly to your destination, though more expensive than the bus.
Always agree on a fare before the ride if the taxi is unmetered (or ensure the meter is running).
A popular option is to use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, which operate in Malta and often offer better prices and ease of payment.
These services are widespread in the main tourist areas and are handy, for example, when traveling late at night or to places not easily reached by bus.
You can also hire private drivers for day tours, but for most, the bus, ferry, and the occasional taxi ride will suffice.
Walking & Cycling
In the compact historic areas, nothing beats walking. Valletta, for instance, is delightfully walkable end-to-end in about 20 minutes (though some streets are steep!).
Mdina and the Three Cities are also best explored on foot, as cars are restricted.
Wear comfortable shoes, as many streets are cobbled or have stairs.
Hiking is a joy on Gozo and parts of Malta – there are coastal trails with breathtaking views (try the Dingli Cliffs walk or Gozo’s Ta’ Ċenċ cliffs).
If you enjoy cycling or e-scooters, there are rental services and shared scooter schemes in places like Sliema and St. Julian’s.
Just be cautious in traffic if cycling, as roads can be narrow.
In cooler months, a bike ride along country roads or promenades is very pleasant.
During summer, walking or biking in midday heat can be tiring, so aim for mornings or late afternoons and carry water.
General Travel Advice
Finally, here are some general tips and information to help you travel smart in Malta:
Language
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English.
Nearly everyone speaks English fluently, so communication is easy.
Maltese is a unique language with Semitic roots (if you see words like “Merħba” on signs, that means “Welcome”).
Italian is also widely understood due to Malta’s proximity to Italy.
All signage and public information is in English and Maltese.
You won’t face a language barrier, but learning a couple of Maltese greetings (like Grazzi for “Thank you”) can delight the locals.
Currency and Money
The currency in Malta is the Euro (€).
You’ll find ATMs in all towns and at the airport, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, shops, and restaurants.
It’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases, local markets, or bus tickets (some bus routes only accept contactless cards or exact change).
Tipping in Malta is not mandatory but appreciated – usually rounding up the bill or about 5–10% at restaurants for good service is fine.
Overall, costs in Malta are moderate: cheaper than many Western European countries, though in high season prices for accommodation can spike.
If you’re traveling from outside the Eurozone, you can exchange money at banks or exchange bureaus; rates are generally reasonable.
Safety
Malta is generally a very safe place to visit.
It has a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere.
Violent crime is extremely rare.
As with any tourist destination, you should still take standard precautions: watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like busy buses or markets (especially in Valletta or Sliema) and keep an eye on your belongings at the beach.
Avoid leaving valuables visible in rental cars to prevent opportunistic theft.
If out late in nightlife areas (St. Julian’s/Paceville), be mindful of your surroundings, as petty crime can occur in any party scene.
Traffic can be a hazard for pedestrians in some busy areas, so look both ways (remember cars drive on the left!) when crossing streets.
Overall, Malta feels very safe, even at night – just use common sense as you would anywhere.
Emergency services are reachable by dialing 112.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Maltese people are known for their hospitality and family-oriented culture.
When greeting, a simple “Hello” or “Bonġu” (good morning in Maltese) and a smile go a long way.
The population is predominantly Roman Catholic, and you’ll see many churches and roadside shrines.
If you visit a church (and you should – the churches are beautiful), dress modestly out of respect (cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts).
During village festas (festivals) in summer, you’ll witness deep community pride – feel free to join the fun, but be respectful during religious processions.
Patience is appreciated; life runs at a slightly more relaxed pace.
It’s also useful to know that Maltese people value cleanliness – littering is frowned upon – and smoking is not allowed in restaurants or indoor public places.
When driving, locals often honk as a polite “thank you” if you let them pass.
Weather and When to Visit
Malta has a classic Mediterranean climate – hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Summer (June through August) is peak season, with lots of sun, temperatures often around 30–35°C (86–95°F), and almost no rain.
It’s perfect for swimming and long evenings outdoors, but expect big crowds at popular sites and book accommodations well in advance.
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal times to visit: the weather is warm (20–27°C, 68–81°F), the sea is pleasant for swimming by late spring, and there are fewer tourists.
These shoulder seasons are great for sightseeing and hiking, as it’s not too hot.
Winter (November–March) is Malta’s off-season – it’s cooler (around 15°C/59°F on average) with some rainy and windy days, but you’ll still get plenty of sunshine.
Winter is quiet and good for exploring Malta’s cultural sites without crowds (and prices are lower), though it’s generally too cool for the beach.
Whenever you visit, bring layers – a light jacket for breezy evenings, and plenty of sun protection for daytime.
Also note, Malta’s electrical outlets are the three-pronged UK type (Type G), so you’ll need an adapter for your devices if coming from a country that uses a different plug type.
Lastly, tap water is safe but many people prefer bottled water for drinking due to the mineral taste (Malta uses desalinized seawater).
Plan accordingly, and you’ll be comfortable throughout your stay.
Have A Good Trip!
We hope this guide helps you get the most out of your Malta adventure.
Malta may be one of Europe’s smaller countries, but it packs in an incredible variety of sights and experiences – all delivered with a friendly smile and under abundant sunshine.
Enjoy your trip, or as the Maltese say, Igawdu l-vjaġġ! (Enjoy the journey!)
