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InternationalTravel.ai > Malta

Malta

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Neolithic temples, Mediterranean diving, Fortified harbors, Limestone cliffs

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (Malta Public Transport, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: EU/EEA citizens enter visa-free with valid ID or passport. US, Canadian, Australian, and most Western passport holders receive 90-day visa-free entry for tourism. Non-EU visitors should confirm current entry requirements; Malta applies Schengen rules. No e-visa system; entry is stamp-on-arrival at airports and ports.

Malta comprises three inhabited islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—spanning 316 square kilometers in the central Mediterranean. Visitors explore Valletta's fortified streets and harbor views, dive into crystalline waters around the Blue Lagoon and Comino, and hike coastal cliffs at Dingli and Ta' Ċenċ. The archipelago features Neolithic temples predating Stonehenge, medieval citadels in Mdina and Rabat, and WWII history across Grand Harbour. Regional cuisine emphasizes rabbit stew (coniglio), pastizzi pastries, and fresh seafood in waterfront villages like Marsaxlokk. Limestone landscapes dominate; rocky beaches and natural pools characterize the terrain. Gozo's Xlendi Cliffs and Ta' Pinu basilica draw pilgrims and hikers. Summer heat and winter mildness shape seasonal rhythms across the islands.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Malta

Weather: Malta experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 28-32°C (82-90°F) from June to September, while winter temperatures average 8-15°C (46-59°F) from December to February. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, with very little precipitation during summer. The islands enjoy approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, making it one of Europe's sunniest destinations.

Festivals: Festa season (village patron saint celebrations July-September), Malta Jazz Festival, Valletta Film Festival, Notte Bianca

Best Destinations for Kids: Popeye Village in Anchor Bay features colorful film-set buildings and boat rides. The National Aquarium in Qawra displays Mediterranean marine life. Splash and Fun Water Park near Naxxar offers pools and water slides for younger children.

Hidden Gem: Mtaħleb, a fishing village on Malta's south coast, remains quieter than Marsaxlokk while offering authentic harbor views, waterfront restaurants, and access to nearby coastal caves and swimming spots without cruise-ship crowds.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Budget accommodation ranges from €25-40 nightly in guesthouses outside Valletta; mid-range hotels €50-80. Meals at local restaurants cost €8-15 for mains; pastizzi and street food €1-3. Public buses connect all islands for €2 single journeys or €26 weekly passes. Ferry between Malta and Gozo costs €4.65 one-way. Supermarket groceries and self-catering reduce daily costs to €30-50 per person.

Accessibility: Valletta's narrow streets and steep terrain present challenges for wheelchair users; cobblestones and stairs dominate the capital. Public buses have wheelchair lifts on newer vehicles, though older buses lack accessibility features. Accessible hotels and restaurants concentrate in Sliema and St. Julian's; coastal areas and temple sites often lack ramps or accessible facilities.

For the Solo Traveler: Malta is safe for solo travelers; petty theft in crowded areas is the main concern. Public transport and walking enable independent exploration; English is widely spoken. Solo visitors gravitate toward Valletta's social hostels, Sliema's waterfront cafes, and Gozo's quieter villages. Women travelers report feeling secure in populated areas; late-night solo walks in isolated regions warrant caution. Small island size makes navigation straightforward.

Planning a 1 Week Stay: Spend 2-3 days in Valletta exploring the capital's fortifications, Grand Harbour, and museums. Dedicate 2 days to Gozo for Xlendi Cliffs, Ta' Pinu, and Dwejra's coastal formations. Add 1-2 days to Mdina and Rabat for Neolithic temples and medieval architecture. Reserve final days for diving around Comino's Blue Lagoon or beach time in Mellieha Bay.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: Week one: Valletta, Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua), and Grand Harbour history. Week two: Gozo's villages, cliffs, and diving sites. Week three: Mdina, Rabat, Mosta Dome, and inland temple sites at Tarxien and Ħaġar Qim. Week four: Explore Mtaħleb, Marsaxlokk, Dingli Cliffs, and lesser-visited coastal regions like Ghallis or Fomm ir-Riħ; add diving or snorkeling day trips around Comino and Cominotto.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: The Count of Monte Cristo, Gladiator, World War Z

Popular Foods: Maltese cuisine reflects a blend of Mediterranean influences. Popular dishes include pastizzi, which are savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas, and rabbit stew, known locally as stuffat tal-fenek. For dessert, the traditional sweet called kannoli, tube-shaped crispy pastry filled with a ricotta mixture, is a favorite.

Unusual Eats: Ġbejniet is a traditional Maltese cheese made from sheep's milk, often served dried or peppered, which might be unusual for visitors. Another unique item is bigilla, a thick pate made from mashed beans and garlic, which can have a very strong taste.

Popular Sports: football, water polo, horse racing

Popular Teams: Valletta FC (football), Sliema Wanderers (football), Neptunes WPSC (water polo)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Malta, it is important to show respect during religious occasions and in places of worship, as the country is predominantly Roman Catholic. Dressing modestly in such settings is expected. It's also considered impolite to refuse food or drink when offered by a host, as Maltese people take pride in their hospitality.