Malta packs in a wealth of experiences: the three fortified cities, the Blue Lagoon caves on Comino, the Dingli Cliffs, the nightlife of St Julian's and Paceville, and the rural charm of Gozo. You can tour the island in a week, and low-cost flights make it incredibly affordable.
📅 Best time to visit
May to October for sea and sun. September is the perfect month (warm, fewer tourists, warm sea). Winter is mild (15°C) but can be windy.
🏛️ Why visit Malta
🍽️ Local cuisine
Pastizzi (pastries filled with ricotta or peas), rabbit stew (the national dish), ftira (Maltese pizza), ħobż biż-żejt (bread with tomato and oil), lampuki (local fish) and kinnie (a local soft drink).
🗺️ Neighbourhoods to explore
Valletta for Baroque culture. Sliema for shopping and restaurants. St Julian's and Paceville for nightlife. Mdina for the "Silent City". Gozo for nature and relaxation.
✈️ How to get there
Malta Airport (MLA) is in the centre of the island, 20 minutes from Valletta by bus. Malta is small: everything is reachable within 40 minutes by car at most.
💡 Practical tips
- Buses are the cheapest way to get around but slow — rent a car for maximum freedom.
- The Blue Lagoon on Comino is stunning but extremely crowded: arrive early on the first ferry.
- The Tallinja Card is the weekly pass for unlimited bus travel.