Comprising a small limestone archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, almost midway between Sicily and Tunisia, the Republic of Malta is one of Europe’s legendary island getaways. Its strategic position linking North Africa and Europe made it a prized holding for millennia. These mere 122 square miles have seen a vast roster of occupiers and colonizers, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British. It was fiercely fought over during the Second World War.
Nowadays, it’s just as prized for its rich history and heritage sites, a fascinating blend of cultures and plenty of sun-kissed Mediterranean loveliness. Drenched in mythological significance—the island of Gozo, The Odyssey suggests, might have been the home base of the nymph Calypso who so entranced Odysseus—the country continues to cast an undeniable spell.
The three settled islands of the archipelago are Malta itself (the largest), slower-paced Gozo and, in between, pint-sized Comino which is host to the famous Blue Lagoon. The islands feature multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the capital of Valletta and a lineup of remarkable megalithic stone temples. Offerings such as world-class diving, snorkeling and boating and some swoony beaches, are only some of the attractions drawing tourists from all around the world to these destinations. Delve into the ins-and-outs of a getaway to the heart of the Mediterranean in our Malta travel guide.
The Basics of Malta
- Time Zone: Central European Time/Central European Summer Time
- Languages: Maltese (Semitic language derived from a blend of Arabic and Sicilian) & English (official); Italian is also widely spoken
- Currency: Euro
- Climate: Classic Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters bringing the bulk of yearly rainfall. Annual mean temperature in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.
Getting Around Malta
- Bus: Malta Public Transport bus routes are available on Malta as well as Gozo. These are overall the most efficient for sightseeing day trips to specific popular destinations.
- Rental Car: Malta entices with comparatively low rates for rental cars compared to many other destinations in Europe. Having your own wheels is ideal for venturing deeper into the Maltese countryside, visiting smaller towns and villages, the most flexible beach-hopping and exploring Gozo. Be prepared for narrow roads and for busy and slightly harrowing traffic and tricky parking in Valletta and other larger urban areas. An International Driving Permit (available through AAA) is required for visitors from non-EU countries.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Cabs and rideshare services are good for getting around larger urban hubs.
- Passenger Ferry: Passenger ferry services connect Valletta with destinations such as Sliema and the Three Cities and provide transportation between Malta, Gozo and (in the summer) Comino.
- Water-Taxi: Traditional Maltese water-taxis (dgħajsas) carry passengers across the Grand Harbour from Valletta to the Three Cities.
- Bicycle/Electric Scooter: Bicycle and scooter-share services as well as rental bikes, e-bikes and scooters are widely available on both Malta and Gozo.
- Walking/Hiking: Valletta, Mdina and many other Malta towns are delightfully walkable, while Gozo offers extensive—and often dazzlingly scenic—walking/hiking paths.
Top Things to Do in Malta
From historical (and prehistoric) sightseeing to seaside sunbathing and underwater explorations, Malta offers an absolute feast of pleasures for the globe-hopper. Here are only some of the best things to do when visiting Malta.
Explore Malta’s UNESCO-Listed Prehistoric Sites
A treasury of prehistoric ruins compose the most enigmatic sightseeing destinations in Malta. Perhaps the most celebrated is the vast subterranean Neolithic necropolis called the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, discovered on a hilltop above the Grand Harbour in 1902. This multi-level labyrinth of underground chambers and passages has yielded many buried skeletons and a massive repository of artifacts, such as the famed “Sleeping Lady” figurine, viewable at the National Museum of Archaeology.
The Hypogeum is only one of a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites dating from prehistoric Malta. Others include some of the stunning Megalithic Temples of Malta, including the Ħaġar Qim and Ġgantija stone complexes on Malta and Gozo, respectively.
Tour Valletta and the Three Cities
The Maltese capital, founded by the Knights Hospitaller during the 1565 Great Siege of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features centuries-old fortifications and remarkable architecture. Notable landmarks include the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Easily toured on foot, Valletta also includes such draws as the Upper Barraka Gardens, Triton Fountain and the World War II-era Lascaris War Rooms and War HQ Tunnels. Listen for the twice-daily ceremonial firings of the cannons at the Saluting Battery and take a ferry or water-taxi ride across the stunning Grand Harbour to visit the fortified Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua.
Take Advantage of R&R and Adventure Along the Coastline
From Malta’s Golden Bay to Ramla Beach in Gozo and Comino’s fabled Blue Lagoon, some of the best beachfronts in the Mediterranean await you in the Republic of Malta archipelago—enhanced by the legendarily clement year-round climate. The enticing sands and limestone headlands, set against sparkling-clear water, form the backdrop for arguably Europe’s all-around best diving and snorkeling. You can also enjoy the stunning seaside scenery by strolling along the vibrant Sliema Promenade, taking the breathtaking Xlendi Walk along Gozo’s cliff-edged coast, or watching an unforgettable sunset from the rugged Dingli Cliffs, Malta's highest point.
Sightsee Your Way Around the Walled City of Mdina
Settled since at least Phoenician times, the fortified city of Mdina in Malta’s interior uplands long served as the citadel capital and today offers some of the country’s most impressive historical architecture. Landmarks worth seeing here include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Municipal Palace and the Mdina Gate.
Join the Party at the Maltese Carnival
Carnival celebrations take many distinctive forms all around the world and the homegrown version manifested by the Maltese Carnival very much holds its own as a top-draw twist on this traditional Christian soirée leading up to Ash Wednesday. Valletta serves as the epicenter for the country’s Carnival revelry, defined by lavish floats and wild costumes, but Gozo’s Nadur Carnival is also well worth seeking out.
Where to Stay in Malta
From charming, intimate resorts to grand luxury hotels, Malta offers a wide array of top-notch accommodations. Below, as part of our comprehensive Malta vacation guide, you can explore several recommended hotels covering a variety of locations.
The Phoenicia Malta
- Address: The Mall Floriana FRN 1478 MT
- Amenities: 132 rooms & suites; multiple restaurants & bars; on-site spa and fitness center; indoor & outdoor pools
- Best For: Luxury, views, spa & wellness, on-site dining
The Phoenicia Malta serves as one of the finest luxury hotels in the country with an Art Deco legacy dating back to the 1930s and ‘40s. It has hosted such illustrious guests as Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Alec Guinness and Oliver Reed. Many original flourishes (including glamorous tiled floors) are retained within the upgraded and renovated interior, bright with its whitewashed walls and plentiful natural Mediterranean light. The location alone, set outside Valletta’s City Gate with views out to the Grand Harbour, recommends the Phoenicia, also notable for its dining (as at Contessa and The Bastion Pool Bar & Restaurant) and the treatments and relaxation available at the Phoenicia Spa & Wellness facility.
Ibis Styles St Pauls Bay Malta
- Address: The Mall Floriana FRN 1478 MT
- Amenities: 65 rooms with king-size beds; restaurant & pool bar; outdoor pool; free Wi-Fi
- Best For: Rates, nearby attractions
A stone’s throw from the Mediterranean, the Ibis Styles St Pauls Bay Malta nestles you within the Buġibba district of St. Paul’s Bay, with easy access not only to the seashore but also to such attractions as the Malta National Aquarium and the megalithic Buġibba Temple. Other highlights include the grounds’ gardenscape and the rooftop pool and its dreamy vistas.
Labranda Riviera Hotel & Spa
- Address: Marfa Bay, Limits of Mellieha, MLH02
- Amenities: 355 rooms & suites; four restaurants & three bars; on-site spa; two outdoor seawater pools
- Best For: Views, on-site dining, spa & wellness
Labranda Riviera Hotel & Spa, overlooking Marfa Bay with views of Comino and Gozo, offers some incredible Malta sightline opportunities. Guests can relax in one of the outdoor seawater pools and enjoy a diverse range of dining options at the Mirasol, Osteria Tropea and Byblos Lebanese restaurants. For drinks, the Lobby Lounge Bar, Comino Sunset Bar and Lookout Bar & Grill provide delightful settings.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands
- Address: Golden Sands Bay, Mellieha, MLH 5510
- Amenities: Multiple swimming pools, including adults-only and children’s pools; fitness & wellness center; on-site restaurant; private beach
- Best For: Location, on-site amenities
Set along the beachfront of Golden Bay Beach, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands offers premier accommodations amid beautiful coastal scenery, within shouting distance of the ferry terminal for Comino and Gozo. The on-site restaurant offers some of the standout Indian dining on the island, while the fitness and wellness center encompass everything from a 24-hour gym to a sauna, steam room, hammam and whirlpool.
Where to Eat in Malta
One of the main reasons to visit Malta is to indulge in its diverse and flavorful cuisine. The island’s rich history, shaped by various cultures and nations, is reflected in its local dishes, which feature influences from Tunisian, Italian and French traditions. Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Malta also offers an abundance of fresh seafood, no matter the restaurant's culinary focus. Here's a guide to some of the best dining spots on the island.
Paranga Restaurant
- Address: InterContinental Malta, St. Julian’s, STJ3310
- Price: $$$$
- Best For: Sicilian cuisine & fresh seafood
Sicilian cuisine is not to be missed in Malta and one of the best places to experience it is Paranga Restaurant, the seaside restaurant at the InterContinental Malta hotel. The Sicilian-Mediterranean dishes here come enhanced by fresh, locally caught seafood.
Radici Malta
- Address: 58 Melita St., Valletta, Malta, Vlt1110
- Price: $$$
- Best For: Ambience, wine list
Radici Malta is a great place to go in the Maltese capital for solid, beautifully plated Italian-Mediterranean cookery: everything from fried calamari and fresh-caught dishes to excellent risotto and porchetta. The warm, tranquil atmosphere invites you to linger, with a well-curated wine list being its own draw.
Gracy’s Arts & Supper Club
- Address: 113-114 L’Hostel Verdelin Archbishop St., Valletta, VLT 1444
- Price: $$$$
- Best For: Location, romantic ambience
Gracy’s Arts & Supper Club, located in the 17th-century Palazzo Verdelin on St. George’s Square in Valletta, features a refined menu with strong French and European influences. The diverse offerings range from oysters and cauliflower fritters to Steak Tartare, Rabbit Croquettes, rack of lamb and Cucumber Gazpacho. Notably, the menu also includes excellent vegetarian options alongside its classic Old World meat dishes.
Elba
- Address: Tul Il-Kosta, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Naxxar, 9038
- Price: $$
- Best For: Wine & cocktail list, service, ambience
Set in the scenic coastal town of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Elba specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a strong Italian tone, with hand-crafted pasta and pizzas among the menu offerings. A classy ambience, sweeping wine list and solid service also help set this eatery apart.
Amami Food Bar
- Address: Campus Hub, University of Malta, Msida, MSD 2080
- Price: $$
- Best For: Asian cuisine
East Asian cuisine may not be among the better-known strands in Malta’s diverse gastronomic web, but Amami Food Bar on the University of Malta campus, with a strongly Japanese-inflected menu, has distinguished itself among the country’s standout restaurants nonetheless. Here you can try fabulous sushi, poké bowls, udon noodles, savory pancakes, wok dishes, raw-bar delights and other delicacies.
Best Time to Visit Malta
Malta’s exceptionally balmy Mediterranean climate makes it a year-round tourist getaway, but there are definitely high, low and shoulder seasons when it comes to vacationing.
Let’s begin by considering the climate. In general, summers are hot and dry, autumns are comfortable with increasing rainfall, winters are mild and rainy and springs are pleasant and typically dry. August is the hottest month, with average highs around 90°F. February, though the coldest month, remains mild, with highs averaging around 60°F and lows in the upper 40s.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best time to get outside and explore in Malta, taking advantage of mild, sunny weather to hike scenic island trails, visit historic sites such as the Megalithic Temples and indulge in walking tours (self-guided or otherwise) of Valletta, Sliema, Victoria and other cities and towns.
Summer is Malta’s peak tourism window, with the warmest sea temperatures on average in Europe and long, hot, sun-dazzled days drawing throngs to beaches. There are festivals aplenty this time of year, from widespread weekend festas to such big-name happenings as Malta Music Week, the Malta Arts Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival and the Glitch Festival.
What to Pack for Malta
Traveling to Malta on a typical getaway, you’re going to want to pack for that strong, subtropical Mediterranean sunshine, with sun hats, sunscreen and sunglasses among the essentials. Along with those beach-friendly flip-flops, its recommended to bring sturdy walking shoes for navigating cobblestones streets, winding stairways and clifftop hiking trails.
Be mindful of Malta’s conservative slant, even as you pack for the Mediterranean sands: To comply with local etiquette, you’ll want to cover up when visiting churches and cathedrals.
Malta uses Type G electrical outlets, so depending on where you’re visiting from and what electronics you’re bringing, you’re likely going to need a plug adapter and portable chargers.
At present, travelers from the U.S. as well as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and European Union countries don’t need a visa to enter Malta. You do need a valid passport and one whose expiration date is at least 90 days after your planned departure date.
Visitors to Malta from non-European Union countries, including the United States, need an International Driving Permit to drive in the country. Given how much flexibility a rental car gives you here, it’s a good idea to secure one, which you can do through AAA.
Plan Your Trip to Malta with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Malta today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.