Malta Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer warm weather, fewer crowds, and calm seas ideal for swimming and sightseeing. July–August is hot and busy, while winter is mild but quieter with some seasonal closures.

Currency

Euro (EUR); credit cards are widely accepted, but carry small change for buses, market stalls and rural shops.

Language

Maltese and English (both official; English is commonly used for services, signage and tours).

Getting around

Malta has an extensive public bus network connecting Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's and many towns; frequent ferry services link Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities. Renting a car is useful for exploring Malta’s rural sites and Gozo, but expect narrow roads and left-side driving.

Culture & etiquette

Maltese are warm and polite—greeting shopkeepers and saying thank you is appreciated; dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites. Tipping of around 5–10% in restaurants is customary if service is good.

Country highlights

Valletta

A UNESCO World Heritage capital with Baroque architecture, St. John's Co-Cathedral and panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Mdina

The silent, walled 'Silent City' offering medieval streets, narrow alleys and views over the island from bastions.

Blue Grotto & Dingli Cliffs

Dramatic sea caves and coastal cliffs ideal for boat trips, photography and sunset vistas.

The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua)

Historically rich harborside towns with fortifications, maritime museums and authentic cafés.

Gozo

A quieter island with Ġgantija megalithic temples, scenic Ramla Bay and rural hiking routes.

Comino & the Blue Lagoon

Crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling on day trips from Malta.

What to eat

Pastizzi

Flaky pastry pockets typically filled with ricotta or mushy peas—an essential Maltese snack.

Fenkata (rabbit stew)

Traditional slow-cooked rabbit in wine and herbs, a Maltese national dish often served in local restaurants.

Lampuki pie

Seasonal fish (dorado) baked in a pie with vegetables and herbs, popular in autumn fishing season.

Ħobż biż-Żejt

Rustic Maltese bread rubbed with tomato paste, olive oil and fillings like tuna or capers—a classic sandwich.

Imqaret

Sweet deep-fried date pastries commonly sold at markets and festas.

Insider tips

Buy a Tallinja card for cheaper and easier bus travel across Malta and Gozo.
Book popular attractions like the Hypogeum and ferry crossings to Gozo in advance, especially in high season.
Carry a reusable water bottle—tap water is drinkable and refill stations are available in towns.
Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and steep steps in historic towns like Mdina and Valletta.
If driving, allow extra time for narrow roads, traffic in Sliema/St. Julian's, and limited parking in older towns.

Cities in Malta

Valletta🇲🇹 Malta

Fortress city of sunlit Baroque streets

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Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Malta?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa; many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays—check current Schengen rules as Malta is part of the Schengen Area.

How safe is Malta for solo travelers?

Malta is generally very safe with low violent crime; standard precautions for pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas apply.

Can I use public transport to visit Gozo and Comino?

Yes: ferries from Cirkewwa reach Gozo year-round, and seasonal boats or organized day trips run to Comino's Blue Lagoon.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes—English is an official language and is commonly used in business, signage, menus and by most locals, making communication easy for English speakers.