Malta – Travel Guide
Malta, a Mediterranean gem, beckons travelers with its historic sites, stunning coastline, and vibrant culture. The capital, Valletta, captivates with its UNESCO-listed cityscape, including St. John`s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour. The ancient megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra showcase Malta`s prehistoric heritage. The Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino offers crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Malta`s charming villages, traditional festas, and delicious cuisine make it a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike.
All about Malta
Malta FAQ
What is Malta known for?
Sun, sea, and beautiful beaches are all things Malta. However, there`s so much more to Malta than golden sands and blue waves, but it`s undeniable that Malta`s beautiful coast is one of the Mediterranean`s most stunning landscapes.
Firstly, Malta`s dramatic cliffs, stunning landscapes, and ancient buildings has been the backdrop for many major movie productions. Game of Thrones, Gladiator and Troy are just a few of the major big names in Hollywood which make Malta famous for film locations. `Pirates of the Caribbean` franchised also passed off a few Maltese landscapes as Caribbean beaches.
Malta is also famous for its interesting history with some of the oldest structures in the world. The country is home to the world’s oldest temples. The temples of Imnajdra or Ggantija are much older than Macchu Pichu of Peru or the Pyramids in Egypt. They are prehistoric and go back to thousands of years. The temples of Malta are all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Malta`s capital city of Valletta and the prehistoric Hypogeum are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Malta is a diving and snorkeling hotspot! The Maltese islands (Malta, Comino and Gozo) are rich with crystal sea waters. Besides its beaches all along the coast, the Blue Lagoon is famous worldwide.
The beautiful weather is another reason Malta gets its fame. To know Malta is to know it`s warm climate and quantity of sunny days. Malta produces 300 days of sunshine on average!
Lastly, Malta is famous for its food, with cuisine that is so varied from anywhere else in the world. While you`re touring Valletta, be sure to try a ricotta filled filo-pastry Pastizzi. Ideally, this should be washed down with a can of Kinnie, which is a local soft drink made with chinotto bitter oranges and a special blend of herbs and spices. For dinner, you should try the rabbit, which is a Maltese specialty, especially when slowly cooked with onions and wine. If you still have room, Imqaret, or fig cakes, are a delicious sweet snack that you can find on every street corner.
What are the best places to visit in Malta?
Malta’s palm-tree fringed landscape is dotted with picturesque hilltop towns, peaceful seaports, colorful old fishing villages, and natural attractions. The capital of Valletta is an ideal base to explore the Island of Malta. Tourists will appreciate Valletta`s array of hotels, restaurants, historical sites, and cultural events.
Across the harbor, Sliema has less culture but more entertainment options and caters to students on school breaks. The Island of Gozo is the best choice for relaxing beach vacations. And although Gozo is less developed than Malta, the island has plenty of cultural attractsion: a fortified medieval city, Victoria; a seaside resort, Maralforn; and the most important archaeological site of the Maltese Islands, Ggantija Temples, dating back to around 3500 BC.
Comino Island is the other island that makes up the Maltese Islands. It is a very small (and very peaceful) island situated between Malta and Gozo. The island is inhabited by only a handful of people and is a great stop for a day trip of hiking and exploring.
While in Malta, take some time discovering the elegant capital, Valletta. It is easy to navigate and bounded by two harbors: the Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbor. The heart of the city is Saint John`s Co-Cathedral, a 16th century church built by the different Orders of the Knights.
Take some time exploring the Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history. Another historical attraction worth visiting just outside the Mdina ramparts is the town of Rabat. Some other highlights on the main island of Malta you won`t want to miss: Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a Neolithic Cult Site; Prehistoric Tarxien Temples; The Blue Grotto; Dingli Cliffs; Golden Bay Beach; Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay Beaches; The Seaside Charm of Mellieha; Hagar Qim Temples, A Prehistoric Megalithic Site; Mnajdra Temples of the Maltese Bronze Age; Siggiewi, a Traditional Maltese Village; The Country Village of Zebbug; Family Fun Times at Popeye Village, and so much more!
How many days should I spend in Malta?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Malta?
Taxis: The islands are small so taxis are affordable and the most common means of getting around. Watch for an official white taxi car and make sure they turn on the meter.
Public Transport: Public transport is reliable and goes to most tourist destinations. If you think you`ll use it regularly, you can grab a 12-trip card for about15 euros.
Ferry: To get from Malta to the other two islands, Comino and Gozo, you`ll need to go by ferry. During most of the year, the ferries leave at least once per hour and it takes less than 30 minutes.
Walking: Both Malta and Gozo Island have Coastal Walks. These are paths you can take to walk around the entire island. The routes and terrain vary, but if you are up for it, this is a great way to see lots of different views!
For more information, check out Getting Around Malta.
What is the currency of Malta?
The currency of Malta is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city. For more detailed information, consult our guide by clicking here Tipping in Malta.
Do people speak English in Malta?
Most natives speak Maltese, and nearly 90% speak English, while another 50% also speak Italian. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas. We suggest you get a good English-Maltese guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Malta
Malta really is a superb year round destination with more than 300 days of sunshine every year, but without knowing the weather, what the crowds will be like, or when the festivities, holidays and major events will take place, it can be difficult to decide on when to visit.
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What the best time will be for you depends on why you`re traveling and what type of Malta holiday you`re looking for.
One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Malta is the weather and how hot you would like it to be while you`re there. One of the great things about this small island nation is that the climate is generally terrific as it does not suffer from extreme temperatures. It typically is warm with a pleasant sea breeze that helps prevent the heat to become too overwhelming. However, there are variations in the temps you will want to note, the summers are usually dry and warm with the temperatures around the mid 80`s, and the highest temperatures in July. Winter temperatures drop to around mid 50`s to 60`s with January as the coldest month, as well as an increase in rainfall at this time, although there is not much rainfall in Malta year round. Here is a guide to help you better understand when might be the most enjoyable time for your chosen activities while you are in Malta.
April – May
Spring is considered one of the shoulder seasons and a slower tourism season. The weather is cooler than the peak temperatures of summer with temperatures hovering around 70F and 80F. For a quieter, sunny holiday April and May are the months to go. This is just before peak season offering warm weather, lighter crowds and access to all the attractions. Spring is also a great time to catch some excellent annual events.
Events and Festivals
– Malta World Music Festival (late May)
– Malta International Fireworks Festival (April)
June – August
The islands are hottest in the summer months (June – August), when rain is rare and temperatures regularly reach the high 80`s F with 12 hours of daily sunshine. The summer months are also the time of year when most of the feasts (or festas) take place, where towns honor their patron saint with street parades and firework displays. This is the busiest season for tourism in Malta, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual. Also, the island can get quite crowded in the summer. For a busy holiday in the sun then the peak months of June and July would be an excellent choice where you can enjoy fun in the sun amongst the other holiday makers.
Note: There is a famous shut-down in Malta during August, this means that some of the smaller family-run restaurants and other businesses won`t be open at all. This lasts for around a week before the 15th of August and a week following that date.
Events and Festivals
– L-Imnarja harvest festival (end of June)
– Ghanafest 3 day festival in Buskett Gardens (mid-June)
– Isle of MTV (end of June)
– Malta International Arts Festival (late June to mid-July)
– Malta Jazz Festival (July)
– Feast of Sant Marija (August 15)
September – November
If you`re looking for a cooler, quieter holiday then September or October is the best time. The end of September will still enjoy some heat, but it is likely to be fresher than the summer months cooling further into October. This is a particularly great time for a walking holiday as the lower temperatures make it perfect for this kind of activity without feeling stifled in the heat.
Fall daily highs range from 67° – 86° F, which feels very nice given the humidity and wind. The sunlight hours dip to seven hours during October and there is an added chance of rain. Though during October the weather can be stormy, with torrential downpours, they rarely last long; and sea temperatures (for water sports and diving) are still good as late as November, having had the whole of the summer `sun`.
Events and Festivals
– Birgufest, celebration of culture and art in Birgu (October)
December – March
In the winter months of December to March visitors will find better value flights and accommodations (outside of Christmas and New Year). The temperatures are mild, generally in the 60`s F, and between the wind and average hours of sunshine (around 5 to 6 daily) it can make the climate chilly. This is typically the wettest time of the year. The winters can be somewhat inconsistent, one year the weather remains relatively sunny, the next you could be unlucky with cloudy and rainy weather. It can be a bit of a gamble to go in the winter months.
It won`t be warm enough to swim unfortunately, but there are still plenty of things you can do in Malta in Winter. We will admit, there are more things to do in summer, but it all comes down to your personal preference. Don`t expect to go ice-skating or mountain skiing in Malta, but if you visit in the winter months, there are many activities such as museums, Popeye Village, off-road adventures, bike riding and hiking, horse riding, just to name a few.
Events and Festivals
– Mediterranea (mid-October to mid-November)
– Christmas (December 25)
– Carnival centered around Valletta (late Feb/early March)
Tipping in Malta
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In the Republic of Malta tipping is also customary, and a part of their culture, but it is not compulsory. A gratuity of between 5% and 10% is typical (and considered generous) whenever good service has been provided. However if a service charge has already been included in the bill, a tip is not necessary.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Euros?
The official currency of The Republic of Malta is the euro, written EUR. Once you`re here you`ll need to use the Euro.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
In general it is customary to tiparound 5% – 10%. However, if a service charge is already included, then a tip is not necessary. If you are extremely satisfied with the service you receive, you can always tip extra at your discretion.
When ordering drinks at the bar you will not be expected to tip.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
A service charge of 10% is common at hotels. You should also tip service staff at the hotel that is helpful at the hotel, such as concierge, valet, bell man, etc. For bell boys/porters, 1 to 2 Euros per bag is sufficient. A small tip for housekeeping is also greatly appreciated and should be about 2 to 3 Euros per day. You may wish to provide a small tip for room service as well, if you use it during your stay.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping cab drivers is not expected in Malta, but they will not refuse if you do tip them. Leaving a tip (around 10% or round up) is always a good idea, especially if the driver is helpful and provides you with recommendations.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tipping tour guides is expected in The Republic of Malta. Typically tour guides should receive a tip that is 10% of the total cost of the tour. You should tip drivers half the amount that you tip the guide. However, you are not obligated to, but you can always tip a little extra if you had an exceptional experience.
Spas: Is a tip required?
If you are a guest at a spa, you should tip between 5% – 10%. Make sure to check your bill to see if a gratuity is already included. You can always tip based on how satisfied with the service you received and adding a few extra Euros will always be well received.
Final Thoughts:
Remember while tipping is not obligatory, it is best to follow what the locals do, which is usually 10% gratuity. Tipping in Malta is similar to tipping traditions in the rest of Europe. However tipping customs vary depending on the service. Service provides generally expect that most tourists will tip and possibly tip more than they need to.
Top cities in Malta
What to expect while traveling
