Bonġu
Welcome to Malta
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
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!
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).
Add where your leaving from, add Malta in the Going to field, add your Check-in and Check-out dates, hit search and find the perfect flights for you. Don't leave your travel arrangements to chance. Put them in hands you can trust with Expedia.
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!
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.
While 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. We have something here for everyone. All conveniently displayed on a easy map to quickly find exactly where you want to stay. Enter where your going, the dates, hit search and find the perfect place to stay.
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
Lampuki Pie: Fish pie with seasonal lampuki—fresh and flaky. Gululu in St. Julian’s (€12/$13 USD).
Bigilla: Spicy broad bean dip with bread—perfect snack. Ta’ Rikardu in Gozo (€4/$4.20 USD).
Timpana: Baked pasta in pastry—carby comfort. Diar il-Bniet in Dingli (€10/$11 USD).
Qagħaq tal-Għasel: Honey rings—sweet and sticky. Village feasts sell them cheap (€2/$2.10 USD).
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: 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!
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.
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.
Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your Malta Trip
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.
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.
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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