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Bonġu
Welcome to Malta
Welcome to Malta
History, Sun, and Mediterranean Magnificence
History, Sun, and Mediterranean Magnificence
Malta, a tiny archipelago in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a captivating gem that punches way above its size. With just 316,000 residents across its main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino—it’s a place where ancient temples predate the pyramids, medieval cities whisper tales of knights, and turquoise waters beckon with postcard-perfect beaches.
Whether you’re exploring Valletta’s golden streets, diving into the Blue Lagoon, or savoring a pastizzi on a sun-drenched terrace, Malta offers a timeless escape that’s equal parts history lesson and island paradise.
Best Flights to Malta this year
Best Flights to Malta this year
Malta’s only international gateway is Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa, 8 km from the capital, Valletta. Here’s how to get there:
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. We recommend their service to any of the main European hubs, Rome (FCO), London Heathrow (LHR), Munich (MUC), and Frankfurt (FRA) Their European-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Rome flights range €30–€150 ($32–$160 USD, 2–3 hours) with Ryanair, Air Malta, or easyJet—direct options abound.
From the U.S.: New York or Chicago to Malta costs $500–$1,000 (12–15 hours) via Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Delta, typically with one stop.
From Asia: Singapore or Dubai flights run $600–$1,200 (14–18 hours) with Emirates or Turkish Airlines—always a layover.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Malta is $1,000–$1,600 (24–28 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Qatar Airways—one or two stops.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) and holiday peaks spike prices—book 3–4 months early. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can save €50–$150. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) balance warm weather and better fares—watch for spring sales!Malta Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: Taxis from MLA to Valletta cost €15–€25 ($16–$26 USD)—pre-book via Expedia (#affiliate-link) for ease. The X4 bus to Valletta is €2 ($2.10 USD, 25 minutes).
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free (Schengen Area); others need a Schengen Visa (€80/$85 USD, apply at vfsglobal.com).
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Top Places to Stay in Malta
Top Places to Stay in Malta
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Malta offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Coastal apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Malta now!
Use Agoda to help ensure you're getting the best deals available. Perhaps you'll even find a hidden gem of a property that might not be available elsewhere. Book Now!
See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Malta
Malta’s compact size means you’re never far from the action.
Budget travelers can bunk at Inhawi Hostel in St. Julian’s ($30–$60/night) or Two Pillows Boutique Hostel in Sliema ($40–$80/night).
Mid-range options like Palazzo Violetta in Sliema ($100–$180/night) offer charm.
Luxury shines at The Phoenicia Malta in Valletta ($250–$500/night) or Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Gozo ($200–$400/night) with its serene vibes.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
With everything from Luxury Resorts & 5-star Hotels to local Boutique Backpackers.
All conveniently displayed on a easy to use map. Helping you quickly find exactly where you want to stay.
Enter where your going
Add your check-in and check-out dates
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Best Local Food in Malta
Best Local Food in Malta
Malta’s cuisine is a hearty mash-up of Mediterranean flair and island soul—think rustic dishes with a kick of history.
Pastizzi: Flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or peas. Grab one at Crystal Palace in Rabat (€0.50/$0.55 USD).
Rabbit Stew (Fenek): Slow-cooked, rich, and iconic. Ta’ Kris in Sliema nails it (€15/$16 USD).
Ftira: Maltese bread topped with tomatoes, tuna, or capers. Is-Serkin in Rabat (€5/$5.30 USD).
Traditional Maltese Dishes to Try
Traditional Maltese Dishes to Try
Lampuki Pie: Fish pie with seasonal lampuki—fresh and flaky. Gululu in St. Julian’s for the best we've found (€12/$13 USD).
Bigilla: Spicy broad bean dip with fresh baked bread—perfect snack. Ta’ Rikardu in Gozo is the place to go (€4/$4.20 USD).
Timpana: Baked pasta in pastry—carby comfort food at its best. Diar il-Bniet in Dingli (€10/$11 USD).
Qagħaq tal-Għasel: Honey rings—sweet and sticky. Great for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Village feasts sell them cheap (€2/$2.10 USD).
Best Restaurants in Malta
Best Restaurants in Malta
Noni (Valletta): Modern Maltese with a Michelin nod (€40+/$42+ USD mains).
Ta’ Philip (Gozo): Wood-fired rustic eats (€20/$21 USD mains).
Tartarun (Marsaxlokk): Seafood straight from the boats (€25/$26 USD mains).
The Harbour Club (Valletta): Chic dining with harbor views (€30/$32 USD mains).
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Grassy Hopper (Valletta): Plant-based Maltese twists (€12/$13 USD).
Balance Bowl (Sliema): Fresh vegan bowls (€10/$11 USD).
Staying Connected in Malta
Staying Connected in Malta
Best eSIM Providers for Malta
Stay online with an eSIM—Vodafone, GO, and Melita cover Malta with reliable 4G/5G. Airalo’s “Malta” plan (5GB for $15, 10 days) suits short trips; Ubigi’s options (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) flex for longer stays. Public Wi-Fi’s spotty—don’t count on it!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Malta and the Mediterranean, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Malta
Best Attractions in Malta
Must-Do in Malta: Unmissable Experiences
Malta’s small footprint hides a treasure trove of wonders—here’s your hit list, rich with detail.
Explore Valletta
Why: Europe’s smallest capital, a UNESCO gem packed with baroque beauty.
Details: Free to wander; St. John’s Co-Cathedral entry €15/$16 USD, open 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (closed Sundays). Allow 2–3 hours.
Tip: Catch sunset at Upper Barrakka Gardens—views for days.
Swim the Blue Lagoon
Why: Crystal-clear waters off Comino that scream paradise.
Details: Ferries from Ċirkewwa (€10/$11 USD return, 25 minutes). Go early to beat crowds.
Tip: Bring snorkel gear—fish galore.
Visit Mdina
Why: The “Silent City”—medieval vibes and panoramic views.
Details: Free entry; 9 AM–5 PM for St. Paul’s Cathedral (€5/$5.30 USD). Takes 2 hours.
Tip: Dusk strolls feel like stepping back in time.
Tour Ġgantija Temples
Why: Older than Stonehenge—5,500-year-old marvels on Gozo.
Details: Entry €10/$11 USD, open 9 AM–5 PM. Ferry to Gozo from Ċirkewwa (€4.65/$5 USD return).
Tip: Pair with a Gozo salt pan visit.
Boat to Blue Grotto
Why: Sea caves with electric-blue hues near Wied iż-Żurrieq.
Details: Boat trips €8/$8.50 USD, 20 minutes, weather permitting.
Tip: Morning light makes it pop—photo gold.
Stroll Marsaxlokk
Why: Fishing village with colorful luzzu boats and a chill vibe.
Details: Free; Sunday fish market starts 7 AM. Budget €15/$16 USD for lunch.
Tip: Fresh seafood here is unreal.
Dive Malta’s Waters
Why: Wrecks and reefs make it a diver’s dream.
Details: Beginner dives from €50/$53 USD with operators like Dive Systems.
Tip: Book ahead—sites like the Um El Faroud wreck fill fast.
Check out our Malta collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Malta
Protecting Your Trip to Malta
From bustling markets to rocky trails, mishaps can happen—think pickpockets or a twisted ankle (€100+ USD for minor care). Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 adventure. World Nomads fits explorers; Allianz keeps it simple.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Malta
Practical Tips for Malta
Best Time to Visit: Spring (Apr–May) or autumn (Sep–Oct)—warm, less crowded; summer’s hot, winter’s mild.
Getting Around: Buses with a Tallinja card (€2/$2.10 USD/ride); car rentals €20–$40 USD/day—drive on the left!
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards widely accepted, cash for small buys.
Pack: Sunscreen, hat—Malta’s sun is fierce year-round.
Malta Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Malta Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Marsaxlokk’s Sunday Fish Market: Skip Valletta’s crowds for this harbor village—locals haggle over octopus (€5/$5.25 USD/kg) till noon. Free—try aljotta soup (€3/$3.15 USD) at nearby stalls. 2 hours; bus 81 from Valletta.
Day Trip to Comino’s Crystal Lagoon: A 30-minute boat from Ċirkewwa (€15/$15.75 USD round-trip) hits this turquoise cove—quieter than Blue Lagoon. Snorkel free—half-day; summer’s warmest. Book via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
T’Anna Mari in Mgarr, Gozo: Ditch Mdina’s cafés for this bakery—lampuki pie (€4/$4.20 USD) draws farmers till 7 PM. Near Ggantija Temples—chat Maltese history over tea (€1/$1.05 USD).
Why It’s Worth It: Marsaxlokk’s fishy buzz, Comino’s clear waters, and Gozo’s rustic pies trade Malta’s icons for Mediterranean soul.
Malta Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Malta Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A firm handshake with “Bongu” (Good morning) or “Hello”—Maltese are chatty and proud. Cheek kisses emerge with trust.
Dress: Casual for Valletta cafés (jeans, polos); modest for St. John’s Co-Cathedral—cover shoulders, knees (shawls rentable, €1/$1.05 USD).
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Say “Grazzi” (thank you)—it warms vendors. Chat history—locals love Mdina tales over pastizzi (€0.50/$0.53 USD).
Don’t: Tip much—10% (€2/$2.10 USD on €20) in restaurants; taxis round up (€10 to €12). Don’t climb ruins—Gozo’s Ġgantija risks €100/$105 USD fines.
Respect: Keep beaches tidy—littering irks islanders. Avoid loud talk in churches; Malta’s faith runs deep.
Festival Highlights
Festa Season (June–September): Village saints’ feasts—fireworks and band marches. Buy nougat (€2/$2.10 USD) from stalls to join the cheer.
Carnival (February): Costumed parades in Valletta—dance with kids for Maltese glee.
Blend In: Use “Sahha” (cheers)—it fits pub toasts. Stroll slowly in Mdina; haste feels foreign. Share rabbit stew (€10/$10.50 USD) at feasts—food bonds locals.
Let the Good Times Roll in Malta
Let the Good Times Roll in Malta
Malta is a spellbinding destination for travelers craving a potent mix of history, sun-soaked shores, and culinary delights. Whether you’re wandering ancient streets, diving into turquoise depths, or tasting the island’s rustic flavors, Malta delivers memories that linger. By booking smart flights, picking the perfect stay, savoring local eats, and exploring its iconic and hidden gems, you’ll unlock the magic of this Mediterranean jewel.
Planning your Maltese getaway is a breeze with the right resources. Whether you’re securing flights, choosing a hotel, or staying connected with an eSIM, this guide has you covered. Don’t forget travel insurance for that extra peace of mind. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and adventure of Malta this season!
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