Discover Malta
Explore Malta's historic cities, crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, charming villages and unforgettable Mediterranean experiences.
Malta Travel Guide
Malta is a compact Mediterranean destination where ancient history, golden limestone cities, beautiful swimming spots and island adventures come together. The Maltese Islands include Malta, Gozo and Comino, giving travellers plenty to explore on one holiday.
Malta is ideal for travellers looking for sunshine, historic cities, Mediterranean beaches, excellent food, diving, boat trips and a destination that works equally well for a short break or longer holiday.
- Capital: Valletta
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Languages: Maltese and English
- Known for: History, beaches, diving, Gozo and Comino
- Ideal for: Couples, families, beach holidays and city breaks
- Main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino
Best Places to Visit in Malta
Malta may be small, but its different towns and islands offer very different experiences. From historic Valletta and Mdina to the beaches of Mellieħa and the quieter landscapes of Gozo, there is plenty to discover.
Valletta
Malta's capital is filled with historic streets, impressive fortifications, churches, museums, restaurants and harbour views.
Best for: History, culture, couples and city breaks.
Gozo
Gozo offers a quieter island atmosphere with dramatic coastline, countryside, historic villages and beautiful outdoor experiences.
Best for: Nature, relaxation and island escapes.
Comino & Blue Lagoon
Comino is famous for the Blue Lagoon and its exceptionally clear Mediterranean waters, making it a popular boat-trip destination.
Best for: Swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
Mdina
Known as the Silent City, Mdina is a beautiful fortified town filled with narrow lanes, historic buildings and impressive views.
Best for: History, architecture and photography.
Mellieħa
Northern Malta is a great choice for beaches, swimming, coastal scenery and easy access to Gozo and Comino.
Best for: Beaches, families and relaxed holidays.
Marsaxlokk
A colourful fishing village known for traditional boats, waterfront restaurants, seafood and a relaxed Mediterranean feel.
Best for: Seafood, local atmosphere and photography.Best Things To Do in Malta
Explore Valletta
Walk through the historic capital, explore its churches and museums, and enjoy views across the Grand Harbour.
Visit the Blue Lagoon
Take a boat trip to Comino and enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the famous turquoise waters.
Discover Mdina
Wander through the atmospheric streets of Malta's ancient fortified city and discover its historic architecture.
Explore Gozo
Visit the Citadel, discover coastal landscapes and enjoy the slower pace of Malta's sister island.
Enjoy Malta's Beaches
Spend time swimming, relaxing and enjoying Malta's sandy beaches, rocky coves and clear Mediterranean waters.
Go Diving
Malta is a popular diving destination with clear visibility, underwater caves, reefs and wreck sites.
Best Maltese Food to Try
Maltese cuisine combines Mediterranean ingredients with influences from the islands' long and varied history.
Pastizzi
A classic Maltese pastry usually filled with ricotta or seasoned peas and perfect for a quick snack.
Fenek
Traditional Maltese rabbit prepared in different styles and regarded as one of the country's signature dishes.
Ftira
Traditional Maltese bread often served with tomatoes, tuna, olives, capers and other Mediterranean ingredients.
Gozitan Cheese
Try local Gozitan cheese and other traditional island products during your visit.
Fresh Seafood
Seafood is particularly worth trying in coastal villages such as Marsaxlokk.
Kinnie
Malta's distinctive bittersweet soft drink made with orange and aromatic herbs.
Which Part of Malta Should You Visit?
| Area | Best For | Holiday Style |
|---|---|---|
| Valletta | History, culture and restaurants | City break |
| Mdina & Central Malta | Historic sites and sightseeing | Cultural holiday |
| Mellieħa | Beaches, swimming and coastal scenery | Family & beach holiday |
| Sliema | Waterfront, restaurants and shopping | Modern coastal stay |
| Gozo | Nature, countryside and relaxation | Quiet island escape |
| Comino | Blue Lagoon and boat trips | Day trip |
| Marsaxlokk | Fishing village atmosphere and seafood | Relaxed day trip |
Getting Around Malta
Public Buses
Malta has an extensive bus network connecting many of the main towns and tourist areas.
Car Hire
Renting a car can be useful for exploring beaches, villages and quieter parts of the islands.
Ferries
Ferries are useful for travelling between Malta and Gozo and for selected harbour crossings.
Boat Trips
Boat trips are one of the best ways to reach Comino, explore the coastline and enjoy Malta from the sea.
Taxis & Transfers
Taxis and private transfers are convenient for airports, hotels and journeys where public transport is less practical.
Walking
Valletta, Mdina and many historic areas are especially enjoyable to explore on foot.
Malta Holiday Budget
| Travel Style | Accommodation | Food & Activities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels & simple hotels | Local cafés, buses and free attractions | Backpackers & short breaks |
| Mid-range | 3–4 star hotels | Restaurants, excursions and boat trips | Couples & families |
| Luxury | Premium hotels & resorts | Fine dining, private boats and experiences | Luxury holidays |
Malta offers options for different budgets. Travelling outside the busiest periods, using public transport and choosing local restaurants can help keep costs under control.
10-Day Malta Itinerary
| Days | Where | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Valletta | Explore the capital, historic streets, churches, museums and Grand Harbour. |
| Day 3 | Three Cities | Discover Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua and enjoy the historic harbour atmosphere. |
| Day 4 | Mdina & Rabat | Explore the Silent City and surrounding historic attractions. |
| Day 5 | Mellieħa | Enjoy the beaches and explore northern Malta. |
| Day 6 | Comino | Take a boat trip and spend the day around the Blue Lagoon. |
| Days 7–8 | Gozo | Explore the Citadel, coastline, villages and countryside. |
| Day 9 | Marsaxlokk | Visit the fishing village, enjoy seafood and explore the surrounding coastline. |
| Day 10 | Malta | Relax, enjoy a final swim or explore more of Valletta before departure. |
Malta Travel Tips
- Book popular hotels early during the busiest summer periods.
- Wear comfortable shoes for Malta's historic streets and stone pavements.
- Carry water and sun protection when sightseeing during hot weather.
- Allow extra travel time during busy periods.
- Consider visiting Gozo for a quieter side of the Maltese Islands.
- Check boat and ferry schedules before planning island day trips.
- Try traditional Maltese food such as pastizzi and ftira.
- Visit popular swimming spots early during peak summer periods.
- Use public transport if you do not want to drive.
- Combine historic attractions with swimming and coastal experiences.
Malta Holiday Phrasebook
Useful Maltese for hotels, restaurants, buses, shopping and everyday holiday moments. English is also an official language in Malta, but a few Maltese words can be a friendly addition to your trip. Search below or choose a category, then tap a phrase to hear it using a Maltese voice when one is available on the visitor's device.
Language note: Maltese and English are Malta's official languages. Pronunciation spellings here are approximate. Browser speech support for Maltese varies by device; if no Maltese voice is installed, the audio may use the closest voice the browser provides.
Malta Travel FAQ
What is the best place to visit in Malta?
Valletta is one of the best places to start, especially for history, culture, architecture and restaurants. Mdina, Gozo and Mellieħa are also excellent choices depending on whether you prefer sightseeing, nature or beaches.
What is Malta famous for?
Malta is famous for its historic cities, ancient archaeological sites, Mediterranean beaches, crystal-clear waters, diving, beautiful coastline and the islands of Gozo and Comino.
Is Malta a good holiday destination?
Yes. Malta is an excellent holiday destination for beach holidays, sightseeing, couples, families, diving, food and short Mediterranean breaks. Its compact size also makes it easy to combine several attractions in one trip.
How many days do you need in Malta?
Five to seven days is a good amount of time to experience Malta's main attractions. Around 10 days allows you to explore Valletta, Mdina, the beaches, Gozo and Comino at a more relaxed pace.
What are the best beaches in Malta?
Some popular beaches include Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. Comino's Blue Lagoon is also famous for its clear turquoise water and is one of Malta's most popular swimming and boat-trip destinations.
Is Malta expensive?
Malta can suit different budgets. Prices depend on the season, accommodation and location. Staying outside the busiest areas, using public transport and eating at local restaurants can help keep costs lower.
What food is Malta famous for?
Malta is known for traditional dishes and snacks such as pastizzi, ftira and rabbit dishes. Visitors should also try fresh seafood, Gozitan cheese and Kinnie, Malta's distinctive bittersweet soft drink.
Is Malta good for families?
Yes. Malta is a good choice for families, with beaches, swimming, boat trips, sightseeing and activities suitable for different ages. Mellieħa and other coastal areas are particularly popular for family holidays.
Is Malta good for couples?
Yes. Couples can enjoy romantic walks through Valletta and Mdina, coastal restaurants, sunset experiences, boat trips and relaxing days in Gozo or Comino.
Can you travel around Malta by car?
Yes. Hiring a car is a convenient way to explore beaches, villages and quieter areas of Malta. However, buses, ferries, taxis and boat services are also available, so a car is not essential for every holiday.
Ready to Discover Malta?
From Valletta's historic streets to Gozo's dramatic coastline and Comino's crystal-clear waters, Malta offers a Mediterranean holiday packed with history, sunshine, food and unforgettable experiences.
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