Malta
Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean archipelago with a lot to offer. Think clear blue waters, golden stone towns, quiet beaches, and ancient sites around every corner. With over 300 days of sunshine each year and a unique mix of cultures, Malta is perfect for a relaxed city break or a sunny island escape.
Weather in Malta
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
For sightseeing and cultural events, the shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, perfect for exploring historical sites and attending festivals. Summer provides hot, sunny weather, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, though it’s the peak tourist season. Winter is the low season, offering lower prices and fewer tourists, though some attractions may have limited hours.
Map of Malta
Common Phrases
Hello
Hello
Thank you
Grazzi
Cheers
Evviva
Yes / no
Iva / Le
Practical Information
When is the best time to visit Malta?
For sightseeing and exploring towns, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
For beach holidays, the season runs from June to September, with July and August being the hottest and busiest.
Winter is mild but can be windy and rainy, better for quiet getaways than beach days.
Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
Malta is part of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date.
What is the currency in Malta and how do payments work?
Malta uses the Euro (€). Card payments (including contactless) are widely accepted, especially in shops, hotels, and restaurants. Still, carrying some cash is useful for small purchases, local kiosks, and bus tickets. ATMs are easy to find.
What are the typical travel costs in Malta?
- Accommodation:
- Budget guesthouses: from €40
- Mid-range hotels: €80–€150
- Luxury hotels: €200+
- Meals:
- Local cafés and bakeries: €5–€10
- Casual restaurant meal: €15–€25
- Seafood dinner: €25–€45 per person
- Transport:
- Bus ticket: €2 in summer / €1.50 in winter
- Car hire: from €25/day
- Ferry between islands: €5–€10
- Drinks:
- Coffee: €1–€2
- Beer: €2.50–€4
- Wine: €3–€5
How do you get around Malta?
- Public buses: The main form of transport, with a wide network covering both Malta and Gozo. Tickets are cheap and easy to buy on board or via app.
- Car hire: A good option if you’re staying outside Valletta or want to explore at your own pace. Drive on the left.
- Ferries: Regular services run between Malta and Gozo, and between Valletta and Sliema/Three Cities.
- Taxis & ride apps: Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing service on the islands.
Health, safety, and vaccinations
- Vaccinations: No special vaccines are needed for Malta. Stay up to date with standard jabs.
- Safety: Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe. Use common sense, especially in busy areas.
- Emergency number: 112
- Pharmacies: Easy to find, well-stocked, and offer advice.
- Tap water: Safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled water due to taste.
What is Maltese cuisine known for?
Hearty and Mediterranean, with influences from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. Here are some key dishes to try:
- Pastizzi: flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas
- Fenek: traditional rabbit stew, often cooked with wine and garlic
- Hobz biz-zejt: crusty bread rubbed with tomato and topped with tuna, olives, and capers
- Aljotta: fish soup with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs
- Timpana: baked pasta pie with meat sauce and a pastry crust
- Lampuki pie: made with seasonal fish (dorado)
- Bigilla: dip made from mashed broad beans and garlic
- Kapunata: Malta’s version of ratatouille
- Kannoli: crisp pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta
- Imqaret: date-filled pastries, often sold warm at markets
- Pastizzi: Delicious flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, often enjoyed as a snack.
- Rabbit Stew: A traditional Maltese dish, seasoned with garlic and wine, served with pasta or potatoes.
- Bragioli: Beef olives filled with a mixture of meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, slow-cooked in tomato sauce.
- Lampuki Pie: A savory pie made with fresh fish, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing Malta’s fishing heritage.
- Kinnie: A popular Maltese soft drink, made with bitter oranges and aromatic herbs.
What should I know about Maltese culture and etiquette?
- Greetings: A handshake is typical; locals are warm and polite.
- Dress code: Casual but respectful — dress modestly when visiting churches or rural villages.
- Meal times: Lunch is around 1–2 PM, dinner starts from 7 PM.
- Language: Both Maltese and English are official; most locals switch easily between them.
- Public holidays: Major holidays include Easter, Christmas, and the feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck (10 February). Many villages also host festas with fireworks in summer.
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected.
- Restaurants: Round up or leave 5–10% if service isn’t included
- Cafés and bars: Leave small change
- Taxis: Rounding up is polite
What type of power plug do I need in Malta?
Malta uses Type G plugs (the same as the UK).
Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
If you’re travelling from outside the UK or Ireland, bring an adapter.
What are some fun facts about Malta?
- The entire country could fit into London 18 times
- Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet
- Game of Thrones filmed parts of season 1 in Mdina and the Azure Window (now collapsed)
- Malta has over 365 churches — one for every day of the year
- The Ġgantija temples in Gozo are older than the pyramids of Egypt
- Malta’s traditional boats, luzzu, often have eyes painted on them for protection at sea