Malta travel guide

Malta Tourism | Malta Guide

You're Going to Love Malta

A mix of ancient history, beaches and colorful cities, Malta will charm you as soon as you land. Walk around the city swim to a small island or visit movie sets.

What to do in Malta

1. Walk around Valletta

A UNESCO World Heritage site in itself, the capital of Malta might be small but is concentrated with history. Walk along the colorful roads, visit St John's Co-Cathedral and watch the Midday Gun Salute at the Lower Barakka Gardens.

2. Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Comino

This picture-perfect lagoon with a pure color and white sand is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and is a great base if you want to swim to the uninhabited small island of Cominetto.

3. Take a trip to the Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

These religious temples are among the most ancient on the planet, are very well preserved and can all be visited in the same day.

4. Visit the Popeye Village

Kids and adults alike will love the Popeye Village, which was built as the film set for the Popeye movie in 1980 and is now one of the major tourist attractions on the island. A small attraction park with colorful old wooden houses and fun games such as mini golf, water slides and a cinema, the whole family is guaranteed a full day of fun.

5. Go Diving at Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay in Gozo has been described as Malta's best beach, with red sand and a wide stretch to walk around or sunbathe and relax. For a bit of adrenaline, visit one of the diving centers for an experience under the sea.

1. Walk around Valletta

A UNESCO World Heritage site in itself, the capital of Malta might be small but is concentrated with history. Walk along the colorful roads, visit St John's Co-Cathedral and watch the Midday Gun Salute at the Lower Barakka Gardens.

2. Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Comino

This picture-perfect lagoon with a pure color and white sand is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and is a great base if you want to swim to the uninhabited small island of Cominetto.

3. Take a trip to the Temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra

These religious temples are among the most ancient on the planet, are very well preserved and can all be visited in the same day.

4. Visit the Popeye Village

Kids and adults alike will love the Popeye Village, which was built as the film set for the Popeye movie in 1980 and is now one of the major tourist attractions on the island. A small attraction park with colorful old wooden houses and fun games such as mini golf, water slides and a cinema, the whole family is guaranteed a full day of fun.

5. Go Diving at Ramla Bay

Ramla Bay in Gozo has been described as Malta's best beach, with red sand and a wide stretch to walk around or sunbathe and relax. For a bit of adrenaline, visit one of the diving centers for an experience under the sea.

When to visit Malta

Malta gets very crowded in the summer and has a rainy season that starts in November, so the best time to avoid the crowds while still enjoying good weather are the months of September and October.

How to Get to Malta

Entry Requirements

Citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement can enter Malta with their ID card. Citizens of any other countries will need a tourist visa. While some will be able to get one on arrival at the airport, most will have to apply for a visa prior to arrival.

Plane

The local national airline is Air Malta, which flies direct to and from destinations all around Europe and the Mediterranean. Budget flights are also available from various European destinations with airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.

Boat

Ferries are available from Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy, through Virtu Ferries, which can also accommodate cars. The ferry does not run every day and it is best to check their schedule prior to organizing your trip.

Entry Requirements

Citizens of countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement can enter Malta with their ID card. Citizens of any other countries will need a tourist visa. While some will be able to get one on arrival at the airport, most will have to apply for a visa prior to arrival.

Plane

The local national airline is Air Malta, which flies direct to and from destinations all around Europe and the Mediterranean. Budget flights are also available from various European destinations with airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet.

Boat

Ferries are available from Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy, through Virtu Ferries, which can also accommodate cars. The ferry does not run every day and it is best to check their schedule prior to organizing your trip.

Popular airports in Malta

Popular airlines serving Malta

Lufthansa
Good (7,117 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,345 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,657 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,829 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,920 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,112 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,804 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,515 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,659 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,325 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (358 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,339 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,143 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,302 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,316 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (903 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Malta

Hotels are available in all the main touristy areas in Malta; however, another very common method of accommodation is through the rental of furnished apartments.

Where to stay in popular areas of Malta

Most booked hotels in Malta

Intercontinental Malta
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
S$ 145+
Be.Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 74+
Grand Hotel Excelsior
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
S$ 149+
Qawra Palace Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
S$ 55+

How to Get Around Malta

Public Transportation

The island of Malta does not have an operating railway system, so the main mode of transportation is bus, for both short and long-distance transfers.

Bus

The bus network is Malta is extensive and covers the whole island. A one-way bus ticket will cost between approximately €1.50-3 ($1.70-3.50), depending on the season and the time of the day. If you are staying for a few days, you have the option of purchasing a weekly ticket for about €21 ($24), which allows you to travel throughout the island.

Car

Driving is a great way to explore the island and get off the beaten path, and renting a car is easy with the presence of all major car rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar. Depending on your country of origin, you might need to get an international driver's license to be able to drive. Please be aware that in Malta, cars drive on the left.

Public Transportation

The island of Malta does not have an operating railway system, so the main mode of transportation is bus, for both short and long-distance transfers.

Bus

The bus network is Malta is extensive and covers the whole island. A one-way bus ticket will cost between approximately €1.50-3 ($1.70-3.50), depending on the season and the time of the day. If you are staying for a few days, you have the option of purchasing a weekly ticket for about €21 ($24), which allows you to travel throughout the island.

Car

Driving is a great way to explore the island and get off the beaten path, and renting a car is easy with the presence of all major car rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz, Budget and Europcar. Depending on your country of origin, you might need to get an international driver's license to be able to drive. Please be aware that in Malta, cars drive on the left.

The Cost of Living in Malta

The cost of a cheap meal in Malta will cost about €15 ($17) per person, while a nicer meal will be around €30 ($34). The weekly cost of groceries is around €50 ($56). Credit and debit cards are accepted in all main and major retailers, restaurants and service providers. However, you´ll need to keep some cash on you as there are some exceptions. Services such as public transport, taxis and petrol stations are all to be paid in cash, and if you buy something from a street vendor, you will also need to pay in cash.

Popular cities in Malta