Malta Travel Guide

A note on geography: Malta is not part of Italy. The Republic of Malta is a sovereign island nation located in the central Mediterranean Sea, roughly 93 km south of Sicily and 290 km north of Libya. It joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008. If you were searching for a place called 'Malta' within an Italian region, no such administrative division exists — the nearest reference point is the Sicilian coastline.

Malta comprises three inhabited islands: Malta (the largest), Gozo, and Comino. Despite covering just 316 square kilometres in total, the archipelago holds one of the highest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage Sites per square kilometre in the world, including the Megalithic Temples — some of the oldest freestanding structures on Earth — and the walled capital Valletta.

The islands have been shaped by a remarkable succession of rulers: Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St John, the French, and the British all left lasting marks on the architecture, language, and culture. This layered history makes Malta rewarding even for short visits.

Malta's compact size is deceptive. Within a short drive or ferry ride, travelers can move between a baroque capital city, prehistoric temple complexes, cliff-top citadels, turquoise lagoons, and quiet fishing villages. English is an official language, which eases travel logistics considerably for anglophone visitors.

Visas

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of Identity Malta (Maltese immigration authority) well before your trip for current requirements.

Health

No vaccinations are specifically required for Malta beyond those recommended for general European travel. Tap water is technically safe but has a high mineral content; many residents and visitors prefer bottled water. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all international visitors.

What to pack

• Sun protection (SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses) year-round — UV intensity is high even in spring and autumn
• Modest clothing for visiting churches and temples; bare shoulders and shorts are often not permitted inside
• Comfortable walking shoes — Valletta and Mdina involve significant cobblestone walking
• A light jacket for evenings, even in summer, if you plan boat trips

Currency and payments

The euro is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Valletta, St Julian's, Sliema, and tourist areas. Card payments are broadly accepted, though smaller village shops and some ferry services may prefer cash. Verify locally.

By air

Malta International Airport (MLA), located near Luqa in the centre of the main island, is the sole international airport. It handles direct flights from many European cities, as well as connections from the Middle East and North Africa. The airport is well served by major European carriers and low-cost airlines. Check current routes and schedules directly with airlines or on the airport's official website, as services vary seasonally.

By sea

Ferry services operate between Malta and several Sicilian ports (notably Pozzallo and Catania) and Genoa. Journey times and seasonal availability vary considerably. Operators and schedules change; verify current services on official ferry operator websites before booking.

There are no passenger rail connections to Malta — the island is surrounded by sea and its own internal railway was decommissioned over a century ago.

On the main island of Malta

Public buses operated by Malta Public Transport cover most of the main island and are the most affordable way to get around. Valletta is the central hub. Routes and schedules are available on the Malta Public Transport official website. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (including eCabs and Bolt) operate widely. Rental cars are available but traffic congestion and limited parking in urban areas can be challenging.

Between islands

Gozo Channel Line operates regular ferry services between Ċirkewwa (northern Malta) and Mġarr (Gozo). The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes. Schedules run frequently throughout the day; verify current timetables on the operator's official website. Comino is accessible by smaller private ferry services operating seasonally — confirm locally.

Getting around Gozo

Gozo is smaller and quieter than Malta. Rental cars, scooters, and bicycles are popular options. Bus services exist but are less frequent than on the main island.

Valletta on foot

Valletta is a small, walkable city. However, it is built on a peninsula with significant elevation changes. Valletta's free lift (elevator) connects the lower bus terminus area with the upper city entrance — a practical option for those with mobility considerations.

History and heritage

• Valletta — Europe's smallest EU capital and a UNESCO World Heritage City. Key sites include St John's Co-Cathedral (home to Caravaggio's The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist), the Grand Master's Palace, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens with views over the Grand Harbour.
• Megalithic Temples — Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and Tarxien are among the world's oldest freestanding structures, predating Stonehenge and the Pyramids. All are UNESCO-listed. Check opening hours and admission fees on the Heritage Malta official website before visiting.
• Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — An underground prehistoric burial site in Paola, also UNESCO-listed. Entry is strictly limited by timed ticket; book well in advance through Heritage Malta.
• Mdina — The former medieval capital, known as the 'Silent City.' Car-free (with exceptions) and atmospheric, particularly in the early morning before tour groups arrive.
• Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua (the Three Cities) — Historic fortified towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta; less visited than Valletta and worth the ferry or short drive.

Nature and outdoors

• The Blue Lagoon, Comino — A famous turquoise lagoon that becomes very crowded in peak summer months; visit early morning or in shoulder season for a more peaceful experience.
• Dwejra, Gozo — Dramatic coastal scenery including the Azure Window collapse site (the arch fell in 2017), Fungus Rock, and the Inland Sea.
• Diving and snorkelling — Malta's clear waters and numerous wrecks make it one of the Mediterranean's top dive destinations. Several dive operators are based across the islands; verify credentials and availability locally.
• Gozo's countryside — Rural walking paths, valley trails (lunzjati), and cliff-top routes offer a quieter side of the archipelago.

Maltese cuisine reflects the island's crossroads history, drawing on North African, Sicilian, and British influences. The diet is Mediterranean in character — fresh seafood, olive oil, garlic, capers, and seasonal vegetables feature prominently.

Local dishes to try

• Pastizzi — Flaky savoury pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas; sold at pastizzerias island-wide and considered an unofficial national snack
• Fenek (rabbit) — Braised or fried rabbit is a traditional centrepiece of Maltese cooking, particularly in family restaurants and at village festas
• Aljotta — A light, garlic-heavy fish soup
• Gbejniet — Small sheep or goat's milk cheeselets, served fresh or cured with pepper or sea salt
• Hobz biz-zejt — Bread rubbed with tomato paste, drizzled with olive oil, and topped with tuna, capers, olives, or vegetables; a common lunch option

Drinks

• Kinnie — A locally produced bitter soft drink flavoured with bitter oranges and wormwood; widely available
• Maltese wines — Local wine production is modest but growing; Marsovin and Meridiana are among the established producers. Quality varies; exploring local restaurant lists is the best approach.
• Craft beer — A small but active local craft beer scene has emerged; look for local brands in bars in Valletta and St Julian's.

Restaurant hours, prices, and availability shift significantly between peak season (June–September) and the quieter winter months. Reservations are advisable for popular restaurants in Valletta and Gozo during summer.

Emergency numbers

Verify current emergency numbers through official Maltese government sources before travel. In EU member states the pan-European emergency number 112 connects to emergency services.

Electricity

Malta uses Type G plugs (the same three-pin rectangular system used in the UK) at 230V/50Hz. Travelers from continental Europe and North America will need an adapter.

Internet and mobile

Mobile coverage is good across the main island and most of Gozo. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, and public spaces in Valletta. EU roaming rules apply for travelers from EU member states; others should check data roaming costs with their provider or purchase a local SIM.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in restaurants (typically rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service). Verify what is customary locally as practices vary.

Opening hours

Many shops and some businesses observe a midday closure, particularly outside tourist hubs and in summer. Government offices, heritage sites, and some attractions may have reduced hours on Sundays and public holidays. Always verify opening hours directly with the venue or on official websites before visiting.

Malta is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Violent crime rates are low by European standards. Standard urban precautions apply — be aware of your belongings in crowded areas, particularly in Valletta's bus terminus and busy tourist sites.

Sea safety is important for swimmers and divers. Currents can be strong around the headlands and in channel passages between islands. Swim at designated beaches where lifeguards are present, and heed all posted warnings. Check sea conditions before boat trips or open-water swimming.

Summer heat can be intense. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid extended outdoor activity during the hottest midday hours (roughly noon to 3 pm) in July and August.

For the most current travel advice, check the official travel advisory issued by your country's foreign ministry before departure.

Malta is predominantly Roman Catholic, and religion remains a visible and meaningful part of everyday life. Village festas (patron saint feast days) are lively community celebrations held throughout the summer, featuring band marches, fireworks, and street decorations. Visitors are generally welcome to observe but should do so respectfully.

Dress modestly when entering churches and chapels — covered shoulders and knees are typically required. Many churches provide disposable coverings at the entrance for visitors who need them.

Maltese is a Semitic language written in a Latin script, unique in Europe. While English is an official language and widely spoken, making an effort with a few words of Maltese (such as grazzi for 'thank you') is appreciated.

The Maltese tend toward a relaxed pace of life. Meal times, particularly lunch, can extend significantly. Patience and flexibility will serve travelers well when dealing with local businesses and services.