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Europe / Southern Europe

Malta

Knights' fortresses, azure lagoons, and 7,000 years of history. Valletta's baroque streets and Gozo's slower island pace. As part of Southern Europe in Europe, Malta suits travelers drawn to beachside, historic, and islands. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Malta

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

Valletta

Valletta pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southern Europe route through Malta.

Mdina

Mdina pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southern Europe route through Malta.

Gozo

Plan at least a full day in Gozo to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southern Europe route through Malta.

Hypogeum

Hypogeum pairs well with nearby highlights on a Southern Europe route through Malta.

What it is known for
facts
  • Valletta fortified baroque capital
  • Hypogeum underground Neolithic temple
  • Blue Lagoon swimming off Comino
  • Mdina silent city on a hilltop
  • Pastizzi flaky pastries with ricotta or peas
key City
name
Valletta
label
Capital
why
Knights of St. John built this grid of golden-stone streets, with harbor ferries to the Three Cities and Sliema.
Places to visit
  • area
    Valletta
    attractions
    • name
      St. John's Co-Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Upper Barrakka Gardens
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Buy day tickets on-site or online 3-7 days ahead on busy weekends.
    • name
      Grand Master's Palace
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Fort St. Elmo
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
  • area
    Mdina
    attractions
    • name
      Mdina Gate
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      St. Paul's Cathedral
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Palazzo Falson
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Mdina Dungeons
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Gozo
    attractions
    • name
      Azure Window Site (Dwejra)
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ggantija Temples
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Citadel of Victoria
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Ramla Bay
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Blue Lagoon
    attractions
    • name
      Blue Lagoon (Comino)
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Crystal Lagoon
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Santa Marija Caves
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Comino Tower
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
Itineraries
  • title
    Malta Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Valletta
    • Mdina
    • Gozo
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Valletta
    • Full day discovering Mdina
    • Full day discovering Gozo
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Valletta
      description
      Land in Valletta, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Malta trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Mdina
      description
      Dedicate the day to Mdina: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Gozo and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Gozo visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Malta
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Valletta
    • Mdina
    • Gozo
    • Blue Lagoon
    • Hypogeum
    highlights
    • Cover Valletta and Mdina
    • Explore Gozo
    • Explore Blue Lagoon
    • Explore Hypogeum
    best For
    Balanced sightseeing and relaxation
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Valletta
      description
      Land in Valletta, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Malta trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Mdina
      description
      Dedicate the day to Mdina: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Gozo
      description
      Dedicate the day to Gozo: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Blue Lagoon
      description
      Dedicate the day to Blue Lagoon: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Hypogeum and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Hypogeum visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Malta Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Gozo
    • Blue Lagoon
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Gozo
    • Coastal day in Blue Lagoon
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Gozo
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Gozo.
    • day
      2
      title
      Blue Lagoon and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Blue Lagoon, visiting Blue Lagoon (Comino), Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Caves before you depart Malta.
  • title
    Malta Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Valletta
    • Mdina
    • Gozo
    • Blue Lagoon
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Valletta
    • Rural stop: Mdina
    • Rural stop: Gozo
    • Rural stop: Blue Lagoon
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Valletta
      description
      Reach Valletta, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Mdina countryside
      description
      Explore Mdina at an easy pace: Mdina Gate, St. Paul's Cathedral, Palazzo Falson with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Gozo countryside
      description
      Explore Gozo at an easy pace: Azure Window Site (Dwejra), Ggantija Temples, Citadel of Victoria with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Blue Lagoon and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Blue Lagoon, stopping at Blue Lagoon (Comino), Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Caves before heading home.
  • title
    Malta Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Valletta
    • Mdina
    • Gozo
    • Blue Lagoon
    highlights
    • Must-see: St. John's Co-Cathedral
    • Must-see: Upper Barrakka Gardens
    • Must-see: Mdina Gate
    • Must-see: St. Paul's Cathedral
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Valletta
      description
      Start in Valletta with St. John's Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Grand Master's Palace, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Mdina monuments
      description
      Focus on Mdina's tourist favorites: Mdina Gate, St. Paul's Cathedral, Palazzo Falson with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Gozo monuments
      description
      Focus on Gozo's tourist favorites: Azure Window Site (Dwejra), Ggantija Temples, Citadel of Victoria with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Blue Lagoon landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Blue Lagoon, including Blue Lagoon (Comino), Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Caves, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
April through June and September through October deliver ideal Malta weather for Valletta baroque streets, Mdina silent city walks, and Gozo diving without August furnace heat. Spring wildflowers cover Dingli cliffs; autumn seas stay warm for swimming.
typical Weather
Valletta Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct: highs 20-28°C (68-82°F), lows 14-20°C (57-68°F), 20-40 mm rain. Gozo similar. Sea 20-24°C (68-75°F) May-Oct. Jul-Aug highs 32°C (90°F).
details
  • Aug peak heat and beach crowds; many locals holiday.
  • Shoulder May and Oct ideal for hiking and diving.
  • Dec-Feb mild (15-18°C / 59-64°F) but some pools close.
  • Carnival (Feb) and festa season (summer) add cultural color.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Winter off-season delivers Malta's lowest Valletta and Gozo rates when beach tourism stops and heritage sites remain accessible at discounted hotel prices.
details
  • Valletta boutique hotels discount 35-45% in Jan-Feb.
  • Gozo farmhouses cut winter rates sharply.
  • Diving operators offer off-season promotions.
  • Ryanair fares to Malta cheapest in winter months.
most Expensive
period
Aug
summary
Mediterranean August peak fills Malta when British and European holidaymakers pay premium rates for island beach holidays and festa season events.
details
  • Sliema and St. Julian's hotels premium in Aug.
  • Gozo accommodation scarce during peak summer weeks.
  • Village festa season adds demand pressure in summer.
  • Car rental rates spike in peak holiday weeks.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Malta International Airport in Luqa serves Valletta and the islands.
airports
  • name
    Malta International Airport
    code
    MLA
    location
    Luqa
    distance From Center
    8 km (5 mi) southwest of Valletta
    transfer Note
    X4 bus and taxis reach the capital
Getting around
overview
Maltese use public buses across the islands; ferries link Malta and Gozo; no rail network exists.
trains
    ferries
    • name
      Gozo Channel Ferry
      description
      Car and passenger ferry between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr.
      ticketing
      Buy tickets at terminal kiosks or online.
    • name
      Valletta Ferry Services
      description
      Harbor ferries linking Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities.
      ticketing
      Pay at ferry terminals or use Tallinja card.
    subways
      public Transit
      • name
        Malta Public Transport
        kind
        public
        description
        Bus network covering Malta and Gozo routes.
        ticketing
        Buy Tallinja cards or pay cash on board.
      ride Share
      • name
        Bolt
        kind
        rideshare
        description
        Ride-hailing across Malta.
        ticketing
        Book via Bolt app.
      • name
        eCabs
        kind
        taxi-app
        description
        Local taxi app serving Malta.
        ticketing
        Book via eCabs app.
      Currency
      code
      EUR
      name
      euro
      symbol
      €
      note
      Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender throughout the euro area.

      Convert your travel budget ↗

      Visas & official entry links
      Local customs
      summary
      Malta is Mediterranean, Catholic, and densely historic, with British driving and EU norms. Valletta and Mdina expect modest church dress. Summer festa fireworks and village feasts are loud community pride.
      customs
      • Church bells and festa bands dominate summer weekends.
      • Coffee is lingered over in pastizzerias.
      • Drive on the left as in the UK.
      dos
      • Dress modestly at St. John's Co-Cathedral and rural chapels.
      • Use bonġu and grazzi in Maltese shops when possible.
      • Tip 5 to 10 percent if service charge is absent.
      • Book Blue Lagoon boats early in peak season.
      • Respect no-swim zones near historic harbors.
      donts
      • Do not wear beachwear in Valletta churches and streets.
      • Do not assume quiet nights in festa season villages.
      • Do not touch frescoes or restricted altar areas.
      • Do not fly drones over airports and Valletta harbor without permits.
      • Do not block narrow Mdina lanes for photo setups.
      Useful travel phrases
      language
      English
      phrases
      • english
        Please
        local
        Please
        pronunciation
        PLEEZ
      • english
        Thank you
        local
        Thank you
        pronunciation
        THANK yoo
      • english
        Yes
        local
        Yes
        pronunciation
        YES
      • english
        No
        local
        No
        pronunciation
        NOH
      • english
        How much?
        local
        How much?
        pronunciation
        how MUCH
      • english
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        local
        Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
        pronunciation
        wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR
      • english
        Where is the airport?
        local
        Where is the airport?
        pronunciation
        wair iz thee AIR-port
      • english
        I need help
        local
        I need help
        pronunciation
        eye need HELP
      • english
        I need a hospital
        local
        I need a hospital
        pronunciation
        eye need uh HOS-pih-tul
      • english
        Call the police
        local
        Call the police
        pronunciation
        kawl thuh puh-LEES
      Longer stays
      visa Summary
      U.S. citizens may visit Malta visa-free under Schengen rules for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Residence programs include employment permits, the Global Residence Programme, and Malta Permanent Residence for investors meeting financial thresholds. Malta adjusts investment and residence criteria regularly, so verify with Identity Malta before applying.

      Practical tips.

      • Use the Tallinja card or buy bus tickets in advance because cash fares on Malta Public Transport are higher than card fares.
      • Book Blue Grotto boat trips before noon when sea conditions are calmer and color is brightest.
      • Carry euros in cash for village festas and beach kiosks that may not accept cards on busy summer nights.
      More travel tips ↗

      Locate Malta.

      Location map of Malta

      Before you go.

      Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Malta ↗