Turquoise water, golden stone buildings, and churches that rise high above the rooftops. Malta has a kind of magic you feel the moment you arrive. It’s a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, with a big mix of history, culture, and sea life packed into every corner.
You’ll find ancient cities like Valletta and Mdina, where every street feels like a movie set, and tiny fishing harbours where the boats are as colorful as the sunsets. But Malta isn’t just about looking pretty. It’s also a place for diving into clear blue water, exploring sea caves, and floating above shipwrecks.
Malta actually has three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Each with its own vibe, all worth a visit.
Want to plan your trip? Take a look at our Malta guides and start mapping out your own island adventure.
The best time to visit Malta is in spring (April to early June) and autumn (late September to November). The weather is warm but not too hot, the sea is perfect for swimming, and the island isn’t packed with tourists. It’s a great time to explore the cities, take boat trips, or just sit by the water with something cold to drink.
Summer (July and August) is hot and busy. If you love beach days, boat parties, and long nights outside, you’ll enjoy it. Just be ready for high temperatures and lots of people, especially in popular spots.
Winter (December to March) is mild and quiet. You won’t be sunbathing every day, but it’s still nice for walking around, visiting historical sites, and enjoying Malta without the crowds. Some days are rainy, but overall it’s a calm, easygoing time to go.
The official currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR), and you can pay by card in most places, especially in restaurants, hotels, and shops. That said, smaller cafés, beach kiosks, or village markets might still prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you, also handy for tips.
ATMs are easy to find in towns, tourist areas, and at the airport, but in more remote spots or on smaller islands like Gozo and Comino, it’s best not to rely on them. Better to withdraw what you need in advance.
The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English. You’ll hear both spoken everywhere, and all signs, menus, and public info are in English too. Italian is also pretty common, thanks to Malta’s location and TV channels, and some locals speak a bit of French or German, especially in tourist spots. Getting around and chatting with people is easy, even if you don’t speak a word of Maltese.
Malta is generally very safe and a popular destination for travelers. The atmosphere is relaxed, locals are friendly, and crime rates are low. Most visits go smoothly without any issues.
Like anywhere, petty theft can happen in crowded areas, so it’s smart to keep an eye on your stuff. Solo female travelers usually feel safe and comfortable, even when exploring on their own, especially during the day and in well-lit areas at night.
Tap water in Malta is technically safe to drink, but it doesn’t taste great. It’s desalinated and can have a salty or chemical flavour. Most people, including locals, stick to bottled water for drinking. It’s easy to find in any shop. Brushing your teeth with tap water is totally fine, and ice cubes in restaurants and hotels are generally made from filtered water, so no need to worry there.
Malta is a Catholic-majority country with a relaxed and modern vibe, especially when it comes to clothing. There’s no dress code, and people generally wear what they like.
For women: shorts, dresses, and swimwear are totally fine. Just bring something to cover up if you're visiting a church or religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered in those places out of respect.
For men: T-shirts, shorts, and swimwear are all good. Just keep the shirtless look to the beach or pool. In towns and villages, it’s more common to dress casually but not overly revealing.
Malta is part of the European Union, so if you have an EU mobile plan, you can usually use your data, calls, and texts just like at home with no extra roaming charges. Super convenient.
If you're coming from outside the EU, it’s a good idea to check with your provider first. To avoid high costs, you can grab a local SIM card at the airport or in town, or use an eSIM from, for example, Airalo to stay connected without the hassle.
In Malta, haggling isn’t really a thing. Prices in shops, cafés, and markets are usually fixed, and it’s not expected that you bargain. If you're shopping for souvenirs or local crafts at a small stall, you might be able to ask for a small discount, but only if it feels natural and friendly.
For things like food, drinks, or transport, the price is the price. So no need to brush up on your negotiating skills before you go.
Tipping in Malta isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated, especially in the service industry.
In restaurants, leaving around 5–10% of the bill is common if a service charge isn’t already included. In cafés or more casual spots, just rounding up or leaving some coins is perfectly fine.
For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare works well. Hotel staff and tour guides don’t expect tips, but if you’re happy with the service, a few euros is always a nice gesture.
In Malta, the power plug type used is Type G, the same as in the UK. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
If you're coming from a country that uses a different plug type, you’ll need an adapter. Most hotels and accommodations have standard sockets, so it’s a good idea to pack one just in case.
The time zone in Malta is GMT+1 in winter and GMT+2 in summer.
