Why go to Malta
Malta packs seven thousand years of history into an island you can drive across in about 45 minutes. Prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, a walled capital built by the Knights of St John, honey-coloured limestone towns and warm sea, all within a short bus ride of each other. English is an official language, so logistics are painless, and flights from most of Europe are short and often cheap outside July and August.
It is not a wilderness escape. The coast between Sliema and St Julian's is a wall of apartment blocks, and traffic is genuinely bad. But step a few streets back, or go early in the morning, and the place becomes a lot more charming.
What to see in Malta
Valletta
The capital is compact, walkable and steep. Walk Republic Street end to end, then drop into the side streets, where laundry hangs from wooden balconies. St John's Co-Cathedral looks plain outside and ridiculous inside, with a gilded interior and Caravaggio's Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. The Upper Barrakka Gardens give the best view over the Grand Harbour, and the saluting battery fires at midday and 4 pm.
Mdina and Rabat
The old capital, known as the Silent City, sits on a hilltop with almost no cars allowed inside. Come early or after the day-trippers leave, around sunset, when the lanes feel properly empty. Just outside the gate, Rabat has the catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha and a very good pastizzi stop.
The Three Cities
Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua face Valletta across the Grand Harbour. Birgu has the best atmosphere, with a marina, Fort St Angelo and narrow lanes that feel lived in rather than polished. The cheap local ferry from Valletta is also a decent harbour cruise.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the temples
The Hypogeum is an underground Neolithic complex in Paola, and visitor numbers are tightly limited, so book weeks ahead in season. Ħagar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast are easier to visit and sit above a dramatic sea drop. Tarxien Temples are closer to Valletta.
Marsaxlokk
A fishing village in the southeast, full of painted luzzu boats. The Sunday market is lively but crowded, so a weekday lunch by the water is calmer.
Dingli Cliffs and the Blue Grotto
Dingli Cliffs are the island's highest point, best at sunset with a jacket on. The Blue Grotto boat trips depend on calm seas and morning light, and they are short and a bit touristy, but the water colour is real.
Gozo
Quieter, greener and slower. Climb the Citadel in Victoria, see the Ġgantija temples, swim at Ramla Bay or around Xlendi, and visit Dwejra, where the Azure Window collapsed in 2017 but the coast is still striking.
Comino
The Blue Lagoon is stunning and often packed. Go early, or late in the afternoon, or skip it in peak summer.
Things to do
- Swim and snorkel: Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa Bay and the rocky coves around Gozo are all good.
- Dive: Malta and Gozo are among the most popular diving spots in the Mediterranean, with wrecks, caves and clear water.
- Take the harbour ferry from Valletta to Sliema or the Three Cities for a cheap sea view.
- Catch a village festa in summer, with brass bands, fireworks and plenty of nougat.
- Walk the cliffs near Dingli or the coast around Mellieħa in spring, when it is cooler.
- Go out in Paceville if you like loud clubs. If not, a quiet drink in Valletta or Birgu is better.
How many days and a suggested route
Three days covers the highlights, five is comfortable, and a week lets you add Gozo properly and spend some time at the beach.
- Day 1: Valletta on foot, with the Upper Barrakka at noon and a harbour ferry in the evening.
- Day 2: Mdina and Rabat in the morning, Dingli Cliffs at sunset.
- Day 3: Three Cities, then Marsaxlokk for a late fish lunch.
- Day 4: Gozo by ferry, covering Victoria, the Citadel and a swim.
- Day 5: Temples in the morning, beach in the afternoon, or Comino if the weather is calm.
When to go
April to June and September to October are the sweet spot. It is warm enough to swim from late May, and the sea is warmest in September. July and August are hot, often above 30°C, with peak crowds and prices. Winters are mild, around 14 to 16°C, but wet and windy at times. Fine for sightseeing, not for beaches. Easter has dramatic processions, and Carnival in Valletta falls in February.
Where to stay
- Valletta: atmospheric, best for history lovers, quiet at night and often pricier. Good boutique conversions in old townhouses.
- Sliema and St Julian's: the practical base, with lots of restaurants, buses and ferries. St Julian's, especially Paceville, is noisy at night.
- Birgu and the Three Cities: calmer and more local, with fewer options but great character.
- Mellieħa and Bugibba: resort areas near beaches, handy for families and for the Gozo ferry.
- Gozo: farmhouses with pools, ideal for a slower stay.
Budget travellers will find hostels in St Julian's and Sliema. Mid-range hotels are plentiful there too. Upper-end options include restored palazzos in Valletta and large hotels along the coast.
What to eat and where
Start with pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, sold for under a euro in most places. Crystal Palace in Rabat is a classic stop. Ftira, Maltese bread, is stuffed with tuna, capers and olives. Stuffat tal-fenek is a slow-cooked rabbit stew, the national dish. In autumn, look for lampuki (dolphinfish) pie. Try imqaret, date-filled fried pastries, with coffee, and wash it all down with Cisk lager or the bittersweet soda Kinnie.
For fish, Marsaxlokk's waterfront is the obvious choice. In Valletta, Caffe Cordina on Republic Street is good for a coffee and pastry in a grand setting. Many of the best meals are in small local places in the villages, so ask where the locals go.
Getting from the airport and getting around
Malta International Airport is in Luqa, in the south. Direct buses connect to Valletta, Sliema and other hubs for a couple of euros, and take roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis have fixed fares and cost around €20 to €30 to most central areas. Apps like Bolt and eCabs also work.
The public bus network covers most of the island and is cheap, but it is slow and can be crowded in summer. Ferries run between Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities, and the Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa takes about 25 minutes, with the fare charged on the way back from Gozo. Comino boats leave from Ċirkewwa and other points. Driving is on the left, and roads can be narrow and busy, so renting a car makes sense only if you want to reach remote beaches or stay in Gozo.
Rough daily budget
- Budget: about €60 to €80, with a hostel, bus travel and cheap local food.
- Mid-range: about €110 to €160, with a decent hotel, restaurant dinners and some entry fees.
- Comfortable: €200 and up, with boutique hotels, boat trips and better restaurants.
Prices rise noticeably in July and August, so shoulder season gives better value.
FAQ
Is Malta good for a short break?
Yes. Three or four days is enough for Valletta, Mdina and a beach or Gozo, and the island is small enough that nothing is far away.
Do I need a car?
Not really. Buses, ferries and taxis cover most places. A car helps for remote beaches, but traffic and parking are a headache.
Can I swim in Malta in spring or autumn?
From late May to October, comfortably. In April the sea is still chilly, while September and October are warm.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes. English is an official language alongside Maltese, and you can manage everything in English.
Is Malta expensive?
It is cheaper than much of Western Europe, especially for food and local transport. Accommodation in summer is the main cost.
Photo: This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Z · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Guide updated 21 Oct 2026