If you’re looking for Malta travel tips, you’ve come to the right place.

As a native, I love sharing my honest advice with visitors. For example, while Malta is often marketed as a sun and sea destination, you don’t want to visit the island in summer.

Also, the Blue Lagoon may seem idyllic in photos, but in reality it’s hell on earth.

In this post, I share my top tips for visiting Malta, including where to stay, what to do, and what to avoid. So, let’s dive right in.

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Quick facts about Malta

Before diving into my Malta insider tips, here are some key facts to know:

• Language: Maltese and English
• Currency: Euro
• Capital city: Valletta
• Population: Around 519,000
• Electricity: 230 Volts, 50Hz, 3-pin plugs
• Driving side: Left
• Religion: Roman Catholicism

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My top Malta travel tips

Okay, here are my insider tips for visiting Malta and Gozo.

1. Visit the island between October and May

A popular summer destination, Malta is chockablock with people between June and September. It’s also extremely hot during these months.

The best time to visit Malta is from October to May, when the streets are quieter and the temperatures milder.

This means you can explore the main attractions without having to seek refuge from the heat (and the crowds) every five minutes.

If you’re a beach lover, you can still go for a dip in the sea on a beautiful day (we get plenty of them in spring and autumn).

You might even have the whole beach to yourself!

2. Explore Malta beyond the beaches

There’s more to Malta than the gorgeous beaches you see on social media.

For instance, did you know that the country is home to some of the oldest standing structures in the world?

The Megalithic Temples of Malta date back to the 4th and 3rd millennium BC, while the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is one of the most fascinating and unique places in the world.

Meanwhile, the capital Valletta is packed with architectural gems, including Baroque palaces and churches that house priceless artworks.

Make sure to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Museum of Archaeology, and Fort St. Elmo.

The ancient city of Mdina is another must-see. This is one of the most popular attractions in Malta, so you’ll want to get there before 10am to avoid the crowds.

Interesting buildings in Mdina include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Casa Gourgion, and Palazzo Falson.

While you’re in Mdina, you’ll want to visit St. Paul’s Catacombs in neighbouring Rabat. These burial chambers were used during Punic, Roman and Byzantine times in Malta.

I also recommend visiting Birgu, a historic town on the Grand Harbour with quaint streets. Birgu is home to the impressive Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

3. Stay in a traditional Maltese village

Many tourists stay in Sliema, St. Julian’s or St. Paul’s Bay. These towns are brimming with hotels, restaurants, and bars, so as you can imagine, they get a little chaotic in the summer.

If you want a more tranquil holiday, choose a hotel or guesthouse in a traditional Maltese town.

For instance, Palazzo Bettina in Birgu is a boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century palace, with a rooftop pool and stunning views over the harbour.

Meanwhile, Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse is a gorgeous Maltese townhouse in the heart of Rabat: a great base for experiencing local culture.

Another good location is the fishing village of Marsaxlokk in the south of Malta. You can stay at a guesthouse close to the seafront and watch local fishermen at work.

For example, Quayside is a self-catering accommodation housed in a renovated 19th century building. You can buy fresh seafood from the Marsaxlokk fish market and cook it at the apartment.  

4. Pack waterproof clothes

Contrary to popular belief, it does rain in Malta. And when it does, it’s biblical.

Rain in summer is highly unlikely, but we do get some apocalyptic storms in autumn and winter (normally they only last a day or two). ​

The weather in Malta tends to be unpredictable in winter. One minute you’re soaking up some sun and the next you’re dashing for the nearest shelter.

So, you’ll want to carry a jacket with you, even if you wake up to gorgeous skies!

5. Indulge in local food

Maltese cuisine is divine. From popular snacks like pastizzi to hearty meals like pork stew, there are many delicious dishes to try.

If you’re a meat eater, make sure you treat yourself to a fenkata – a traditional rabbit meal.

Meanwhile, seafood lovers can indulge in a variety of fish dishes, including fried lampuki, octopus stew, stuffed squid and baked tuna steaks.

Many restaurants in Malta serve large portions with a complimentary side of bread.

For authentic Maltese cooking, look for small family-run restaurants in towns like Mgarr, Marsaxlokk and Rabat.  

6. Expect bus delays

Malta’s public transport is not very efficient. Expect long delays, packed buses, and crowded bus shelters when travelling to Valletta, Sliema, Bugibba, Mellieha and Cirkewwa.

Also, orderly queues are almost non-existent in Malta, so you might have to push your way onto the bus.

7. Drive carefully

Hiring a car is the best way to get around the island. However, driving in Malta requires stamina.

There are a lot of reckless and impatient drivers on the road, so drive very carefully and expect to be honked at (for driving at a reasonable speed or following traffic laws!).

Driving through the countryside is less stressful, but you will encounter several roads in bad condition and large potholes.

Also, some of the paths are narrow and two-way, so it’s always a good idea to honk when you approach a bend.

8. Be prepared for long traffic jams

Malta has a major traffic problem. There are just too many cars on the island and public transport is not a popular option among locals (even though it’s free).

Many arterial roads are busy throughout the day, not just during rush hours. Traffic is a lot worse when it rains, and some areas are prone to flooding. 

If you’ve booked a tour or activity, try to get to your destination early. A 30-minute drive can easily turn into 2-hour journey.

Likewise, make sure you leave for the airport at least three hours before your flight.

9. Spend two days in Gozo

Gozo may be a third of the size of Malta, but there’s plenty to see and do on the island.

Many tourists visit Gozo on a day trip and end up rushing through the main attractions. So, I highly recommend spending two days exploring Gozo at your own pace.

There’s the old citadel of Rabat (Victoria), the 5,000-year-old temples of Ggantija, the beautiful Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, and many other beautiful attractions.

If you want to get off the beaten path in Gozo, you can walk along the rugged coastline, go for a swim at a secluded beach like San Blas, and explore the island’s picturesque hamlets like Xewkija.

10. Expect a lot of noise and dust

Malta’s ever-growing construction industry has turned touristy places like St. Paul’s Bay, Sliema and St. Julian’s into overpopulated concrete jungles.

Sadly, traditional buildings are constantly being demolished to make way for large apartment blocks or new hotels. You can find a construction site on almost every street in Sliema and St. Paul’s Bay (and that’s not an exaggeration).

11. Be wary of the sea

While Malta has some stunning beaches, the sea can be dangerously unpredictable. Each year, several people lose their lives after being swept away by strong waves or currents.

Only swim in designated swimming areas and don’t get too close to the shore when the sea is rough.

Also, avoid jumping off cliffs or walking along cliff edges. Malta’s coastline is battered by violent waves in winter, which cause fissures in the rocks that often lead to parts of the cliffs collapsing.

Worried about jellyfish? The kinds of jellyfish you find in Maltese waters are not dangerous, although their sting can be very painful. They’re normally pinkish so they’re a bit easy to spot.

You’ll also want to watch out for sea urchins when swimming in rocky bays.

12. Avoid Paceville like the plague

Paceville is often promoted as the perfect place for a great night out, but it’s really not.

Picture an overdeveloped and congested area brimming with grubby nightclubs, deafening music, rowdy groups, and intoxicated people.

In short, Paceville is a hellhole. ​

If you want to enjoy a bottle of wine in a less chaotic setting, spend the evening bar-hopping through Valletta.

Some of my favourite Valletta wine bars include:  

• Trabuxu: This wine bar on Strait Street is housed in a 400-year-old vaulted cellar. It is known for its wide selection of wines and delicious cheeses.
• Gugar: This friendly and colourful bar is the perfect place to unwind with a nice drink. This bar also houses a tiny library and art gallery, and serves many vegan snacks.
• San Paolo Naufrago: Mingle with locals at this traditional Maltese cafe, which serves a variety of snacks, including wraps and salads. You can chill out on the steps outside or just enjoy the bar’s cosy atmosphere.

You’ll also find some really nice wine bars in Rabat and Birgu.

13. Make a note of the bird hunting seasons

Bird hunting is a popular ‘sport’ in Malta and it’s actually legal, despite being a threat to certain bird species.

Illegal hunting is a common crime. Every year dozens of protected birds are shot.

If you’re visiting Malta during the bird hunting season and you’re planning to go hiking, you must take a few precautions. Quite often, unsuspecting hikers are assaulted by hunters for trespassing on privately-owned land (often marked as RTO – restricted to outsiders).

Stick to marked hiking trails and well-trodden paths and you should be okay.

14. Don’t bother going to Comino in summer

Comino’s Blue Lagoon looks like paradise in photos, but you’ll likely be disappointed when you get there.

In summer, boatloads of tourists descend on Comino every ten minutes, and swimming in the Blue Lagoon feels more like being in an overcrowded hotel pool.

Comino is not worth visiting in the peak of summer, unless you’re willing to skip the Blue Lagoon and hike across the island instead (although it might be too hot for that).

15. Explore rural Malta

Despite its lack of green areas, Malta is still a great place for hiking. The island has a range of easy to challenging walking trails running along the coast and cutting through the countryside.

If you really want to experience Malta beyond the guidebook, go for a walk in Dingli, Majjistral Nature Park (Mellieha), Bingemma, and Wied Babu (Zurrieq).

16. Visit Mdina in the evening

Mdina is one of the most popular attractions in Malta. This fortified city has a long and colourful past, and is known for its quaint alleys and beautiful old buildings.

Throughout the day, Mdina is teeming with people. Coaches packed with tourists stop off outside the gates and the streets become clogged with big groups on guided tours.  

I highly recommend visiting Mdina in the evening, when it’s quieter. Moreover, the citadel is simply magical at night and it’s the perfect setting for a romantic date.

However, if you want to have dinner there, try to book a table at least a day in advance. Some of the restaurants in Mdina are very popular among locals.  

17. Head south

With the exception of Marsaxlokk and Hagar Qim Temples, many places in the south of Malta remain well off the tourist radar.

Once you’ve visited Valletta and Mdina, take a trip to the Three Cities – Birgu, Isla and Bormla. Situated along the Grand Harbour, these places are packed with history and charm.

Spend an afternoon walking through the quiet streets of Birgu. You can visit the Inquisitor’s Palace and the beautiful Sicolo Norman House, enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in the square, and take in stunning views of the harbour from the promenade.

While you’re in Birgu, head to neighbouring Bormla and pop into Bir Mula, an old house that has been turned into a museum of social history.

If you head further south, you’ll find the seaside town of Birzebbuga. This place is home to Ghar Dalam, the oldest prehistoric site on the island, where hundreds of animal bones (sone belonging to extinct species) were found.

After Ghar Dalam, take a walk along the Birzebbuga promenade. You might stop for a swim in Pretty Bay, or enjoy a nice drink at one of the cafes on the coast.

18. Support local farmers

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Malta produces a wide variety of crops. If you want to try some local fruits and vegetables, visit the Farmers Market in Ta’ Qali.

In some towns, you can even find farmers selling fresh fruit and veg from their trucks.

For a real taste of Maltese cuisine, I recommend Farmers Snack Bar in Mgarr. This restaurant is run by a farmers co-operative and serves traditional dishes prepared with ingredients supplied by local growers.

You can also learn more about local agriculture by visiting Vincent’s Eco Estate, where you also get to try organic and locally grown products.

19. Attend a local event

Malta never sleeps. Cultural festivals, concerts, and pyrotechnic shows take place throughout the year.

If you’re visiting Malta in summer, try to attend one of the many village festas. The feasts held on Santa Maria (15 August) are among the most spectacular.

Some village feasts also take place in winter and spring, including the Feast of St. Paul in Valletta (10 February), the Feast of St. Joseph in Rabat (19 March), and the Feast of St. Publius in Floriana (April or May).

In February, Carnival celebrations fill the streets of Valletta with music, flamboyant costumes, and colourful floats.

Other not-to-miss events include Notte Bianca (October), Earth Garden (June), Birgu by Candlelight (October/November) and the Mgarr Strawberry Festival (April/May).

20. Avoid walking alone at night

Malta is a relatively safe, but street harassment is common. As a woman, I’ve never felt safe walking alone at night.

If you’re travelling to Malta solo, you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings when staying out late, especially in places like Paceville, St. Julian’s, and Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay.

If you don’t want to walk home, there are different ride-hailing companies that you can use, including Bolt, Uber, and eCabs.

21. Dedicate an entire day to Valletta

Many tourists visit Valletta in the morning before heading to the next stop on their itinerary. However, you’ll want to spend a full day in the capital city.

Built in the 1500s, Valletta is home to numerous palaces and churches. The entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and if you only spend a few hours here, you’ll barely scratch the surface.

Must-see places in Valletta include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, The Museum of Archaeology, Fort St. Elmo, The Grandmaster’s Palace, and The Upper Barrakka Gardens.

You’ll also want to enjoy a coffee and snack at Cafe Cordina on Republic Square, or Manouche on St. John’s Square.

22. Be aware of local laws

It’s always a good idea to read up on local laws when traveling to a new place. Malta has some specific rules that you’ll need to be aware of:

• Walking around shirtless can get you fined. Also, nude bathing is forbidden in Malta (unless you go to the nudist beach in Mgarr).
• In some locations, including Paceville and St. Paul’s Bay, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public areas.
• It is prohibited to have barbeques on sandy beaches (though there’s a designated BBQ area in Golden Bay).

Additionally, you’ll need to be mindful of protected flora and fauna.

23. Avoid visiting Gozo on public holidays

Maltese people tend to flock to Gozo on public holidays. If a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, many families visit Gozo on a long weekend break, resulting in long queues for the ferry.

Plus, many restaurants and hotels in Gozo will be fully booked, and the roads will be clogged with cars.

Therefore, you’ll want to avoid visiting Gozo on the following public holidays:

• August 15
• December 8 and 13
• September 8
• June 7 and 29
• March 19 and 31

Additionally, Gozo tends to be really busy during Carnival weekend. The Nadur Carnival is a popular event among locals, where you’ll find people dressed in all sorts of satirical and grotesque costumes.

24. Do not visit Marsaxlokk on Sunday

Marsaxlokk is a quaint fishing village in the south of Malta. Its waterfront is lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes, and the bay is dotted with colourful boats.

On Sundays, the village hosts a fish market, and as a result, it becomes swarmed with people — mostly tourists, not locals.

This is largely because many travel agencies organize group tours to Marsaxlokk on Sundays. Additionally, many mainstream guides recommend visiting on a Sunday, when in truth, it’s actually the worst time to go.

Let’s face it: the fish market is meant for locals, not tourists. There’s little point in visiting on a Sunday, like the majority of tourists, if you’re not planning to buy fresh fish.

I recommend heading to Marsaxlokk on a weekday, when it’s much quieter and you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the seafront. It will also be easier to get a table at your preferred restaurant.

25. Visit Malta for a full week

And my final Malta travel tip: spend a full week here!

Many tourists mistakenly think there isn’t much to see on such a small island. However, Malta will surprise you.

It has a history that dates back at least 5,000 years, with ancient temples, medieval cities, and a rich tapestry of cultures.

From the prehistoric Ħaġar Qim temples to the vibrant streets of Valletta, there’s no shortage of fascinating sites.

Add to that the stunning beaches, scenic countryside, and lively festivals, and you’ll quickly realize that a few days simply aren’t enough to experience everything Malta has to offer.

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Frequently asked questions about Malta

So, I’ve shared my top tips for Malta, but you might still have some questions. Let’s answer them!

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Recommended Malta tours and activities

Looking for the best tours of Malta and Gozo? Here are my top picks.