Fortified cities, clear Mediterranean water and island history
Malta Travel Guide
Explore Malta through UNESCO-listed Valletta, Gozo, St. Julian’s, Mellieha and nearby coastal communities. The islands combine prehistoric temples, Knights of St. John history, diving, beaches and a distinctive Maltese-English cultural identity.
- Valletta and Grand Harbour
- Gozo and Comino
- Prehistoric temples
- Diving, beaches and festas
Essential travel information
All About Malta
Find practical information about Malta, Gozo, seasons, transportation, euro currency, official languages and tipping customs.
Malta FAQLearn what Malta is known for, where to visit, how long to stay and what travelers should expect.
What is Malta known for?
Malta is known for prehistoric temples, fortified cities, the legacy of the Knights of St. John, clear Mediterranean water and a dense concentration of historic sites.
The archipelago also offers diving, festas, coastal walks, Gozo’s rural landscapes and English-speaking travel convenience.
What are the best places to visit in Malta?
Valletta is an excellent cultural base, while coastal resort towns and Gozo provide different experiences within short distances.
How many days should I spend in Malta?
About 7-10 days gives time for Valletta, coastal Malta and Gozo. A shorter 4-5 night trip can focus on Valletta plus one resort base.
Tripmasters vacation packages are customizable, allowing travelers to select nights, hotels, transportation and activities in each destination.
What currency is used in Malta?
Malta uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted, and cash remains useful for small purchases and buses or casual services where applicable.
Do people speak English in Malta?
Maltese and English are both official languages. Italian is also widely understood, making Malta one of Europe’s easiest destinations for English-speaking travelers.
Best Time to Visit MaltaCompare the seasons according to weather, visitor demand and the experiences you want to prioritize.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
April-May and September-October are excellent for sightseeing and walking. Summer is hot, dry and busiest, while winter is mild but windier and wetter.
December – February
Winter
Cities remain active while coastal and island destinations are quieter. Mountain regions can receive significant snow.
Best for: Museums, cultural travel, winter cities and mountain sports.
March – May
Spring
Temperatures become comfortable, landscapes turn green and visitor demand remains below the summer peak.
Best for: Historic cities, countryside, hiking and shoulder-season travel.
June – August
Summer
Long days and warm to hot weather bring the busiest travel period, especially on coasts and islands.
Best for: Beaches, festivals, island travel and long sightseeing days.
September – November
Autumn
September often retains summer warmth, while October and November become progressively cooler and less crowded.
Best for: Food and wine, quieter cities, late-season coast and cultural travel.
Tipping in MaltaUnderstand gratuities in restaurants, hotels, taxis and guided tours.
Is tipping customary in Malta?
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A modest gratuity is common for good service when it is not already included.
Which currency should I use?
Use euros for routine payments and gratuities.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
Around 5-10% is appropriate for good table service if service is not included.
Hotel staff
A few euros may be offered for luggage, housekeeping or exceptional assistance.
Taxi drivers
Rounding up the fare is customary but not mandatory.
Tour guides
A small discretionary gratuity is appreciated after a strong excursion.
Check restaurant bills for service and avoid treating gratuity as a mandatory fixed percentage.
Getting Around MaltaCompare buses, ferries, taxis and rental cars; Malta has no railway.
What is the best way to travel around Malta?
Public buses reach most visitor areas, while ferries link Malta, Gozo and Comino and also provide useful harbor connections. Malta drives on the left.
What should I verify before traveling?
- Drive on the left
- Do not expect train or metro service
- Check Gozo/Comino ferry times before day trips
- Allow extra traffic time around Valletta and resort areas
- Reserve major prehistoric sites when required
- Use buses or ferries when parking would add unnecessary complexity
A car is optional rather than essential: buses, ferries and taxis can cover a large share of a Malta vacation.
Fortified city, islands and resort gateways
Top Destinations in Malta
Tripmasters currently highlights Valletta, Gozo Island, St Julians and Mellieha, with Sliema and St Pauls Bay as additional destinations.
Malta’s capital
Valletta (Malta Island)
Valletta is a UNESCO-listed fortified capital of limestone streets, grand churches, museums and harbor views.
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Grand Harbour
- Fort St. Elmo
Maltese Islands
Gozo Island
Gozo is Malta’s quieter sister island, known for the Citadel, rural villages, beaches, diving and Ggantija temples.
Explore Gozo IslandNortheast Malta
St Julians (Malta Island)
St Julian’s is a major hotel, restaurant and nightlife center around Spinola Bay and the northeastern waterfront.
Explore St Julians (Malta Island)Northwest Malta
Mellieha (Malta Island)
Mellieha offers a hilltop town, some of Malta’s largest sandy beaches and convenient access to Gozo and Comino ferries.
Explore Mellieha (Malta Island)More Destinations in Malta
Continue exploring cities, islands and regional vacation destinations currently represented by Tripmasters.
Prepare for your vacation
What to Expect While Traveling
Review Tripmasters guides covering flights, accommodations, transportation and sightseeing so you can understand each component of your Malta vacation.
Before departure
Air Travel
Review check-in, baggage, airline schedules, connections and other preparations for international and European flights.
Accommodations
Hotels
Understand hotel categories, room arrangements, check-in procedures and services commonly encountered during a vacation.
Independent travel
Rental Cars
Review rental requirements, vehicle collection, insurance and practical considerations for road travel in Malta.
Local connections
Transfers
Learn how airport, hotel and station transfers work and what to verify before meeting a transportation provider.
Rail transportation
Train Travel
Malta has no railway; use this general guide only if your broader European itinerary includes rail before or after flying/ferrying to Malta.
Activities and experiences
Sightseeing Tours
Review meeting points, vouchers, schedules and practical details associated with booked excursions and activities.
Continue exploring destinations, regions and practical travel information across Europe with Tripmasters.
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