Things To Do
in Malta
Malta is a sun-drenched archipelago in the central Mediterranean, famed for its dramatic limestone coastlines and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It comprises the main islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, each offering a distinct mix of history, culture, and scenery. The fortified cities of Valletta, Mdina, and the Three Cities tell a rich story dating back to the Knights of St. John, while the coastline delivers world-class diving, pristine beaches, and golden harbors.
English is widely spoken alongside Maltese, making it easy for visitors to navigate, eat, and engage with locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Malta International Airport and take a taxi to your accommodation in Valletta. After checking in, enjoy a traditional Maltese breakfast at a local café. Spend some time strolling through the narrow streets, taking in the baroque architecture that defines the capital city.
Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to stunning artwork and intricate marble tombstones. Next, head over to the Upper Barracca Gardens for panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Pause for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, savoring local dishes like rabbit stew.
As the sun sets, join a guided walking tour to explore Valletta’s historic fortifications and hidden gems. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant, trying dishes such as pastizzi and lampuki pie. Finish your day with a peaceful stroll along the Grand Harbour promenade.
Head to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, and wander through its quiet, winding streets. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral, admiring its stunning interior and impressive dome. Don’t miss the panoramic views of the island from the bastions overlooking the countryside.
Explore the neighboring town of Rabat, where you can visit the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha's, rich in history and intrigue. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling some traditional pastries. Afterward, visit the Roman Villa for a glimpse of ancient Malta.
Return to Valletta and relax at your hotel before dinner. Opt for a waterfront dining experience or explore the vibrant street food scene. Wrap up your evening with a visit to a local bar for some live music or traditional Maltese folk performances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $40-70 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi (1 mile / short ride) | $8-15 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5 liter) in a bar | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and UNESCO-listed sites
- Crystal-clear waters and excellent diving
- Wide English-speaking environment and friendly locals
- Compact size makes day trips easy
- Delicious Mediterranean-influenced cuisine
- Seasonal crowds, especially in summer
- Limited large beaches and some rocky coastlines
- High summer prices in peak areas
- Narrow roads and limited parking in busy towns
- Hypogeum requires advance booking (space is limited)
- "Bongu" - Hello / Good morning
- "Kif inti?" - How are you?
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jekk joghgbok" - Please
- "Iva" - Yes
- "Le" - No
- "Kemm tiswa?" - How much is this?
- "Jien nitkellem ftit Maltese" - I speak a little Maltese
- "Fejn hu l-banju?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Malta
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic overlook with sweeping views of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.
A Baroque interior filled with gilded details and Caravaggio masterpieces; a must for interior photography.
Medieval streets and waterfronts framed by fortified walls—great for atmospheric harbor shots.
Sea caves and turquoise waters ideal for dramatic sea and landscape photography.
Cliff-top vistas over the Mediterranean, especially magical at sunset.
Golden-hour photography through narrow lanes of the Silent City with ancient stone and warm light.
Crystal-clear lagoons and shallow reefs with crystalline water ideal for long-exposure and reflection shots.
Food in Malta
Malta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Flaky pastry pockets filled with ricotta or mushy peas, widely available and perfect as a snack.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked rabbit with garlic, white wine, and thyme—one of Malta's iconic dishes.
Seasonal fish pie made with lampuki (mahi-mahi) and olives, often enjoyed in coastal towns.
A Maltese flatbread sandwich stuffed with tomatoes, cheese, olives, and tuna.
A garlicky green bean dip served with crusty Maltese bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Sunday morning market in Marsaxlokk with fresh catches, grilled seafood stalls, and lakeside atmosphere.
A lively market in the capital offering fresh produce, baked goods, and street bites.
Casual bites including pastizzi, ftira, and local snacks from bakeries and snack bars.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove hats and speak softly in sacred spaces.
A simple greeting such as 'Bongu' (hello) or 'Bonjour' in Maltese-English areas is appreciated; English is widely understood.
Politeness and hospitality are valued; tipping is customary but not obligatory; queue patiently at markets and bus stops.
Safety
Tipping in Malta
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service charge isn’t included. For cafes and bars, rounding up or leaving a euro or two is common.
Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is handy for small vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and busy waterfronts. Expect crowds at popular beaches and sites; carry water, wear sun protection, and plan boat trips early.
Warm seas and pleasant temperatures continue into early autumn; sea conditions remain good for swimming and diving with fewer crowds.
Milder than continental Europe but cooler and wetter with occasional storms. Coastal walks are refreshing, and city sightseeing remains enjoyable indoors.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hiking, photography, and outdoor dining.
Malta at Night
Hiking in Malta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic stroll through historic walls and countryside near the inland towns.
Coastal paths along Malta's highest sea cliffs with expansive sea views.
Rugged coastal scenery on Gozo with dramatic rock formations.
Airports
How to reach Malta by plane.
Located in Luqa, it’s the main gateway to the islands with frequent domestic and international flights and easy road access to Valletta (about 15-20 minutes by car or bus).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous populations with a strong sense of culture and history; bilingual in Maltese and English.
A mix of long-term residents and short-term travelers attracted by culture, climate, and the sea.
Various nationalities including Britons, Italians, and Northern Europeans living on the islands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular aquatic sport with a strong local club scene.
Widely followed across communities with local leagues and matches.
World-class sites across Malta and Gozo attract divers of all levels.
Ideal climate and coastal winds support various sailing activities.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Malta offers vegetarian-friendly options like pasta, vegetable stews, beans (bigilla), grilled vegetables, and cheese pastries. When dining out, ask for dishes without meat or with a vegetarian alternative; many restaurants can adapt traditional plates.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malta.