Malta is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories.
Cooler, wetter days set in. November brings more rain, quieter beaches and low-season prices. December to February stays mild and unsettled with holiday weekends busier in December; pick Valletta and Grand Harbour for sheltered sightseeing.
History is compact and easy to reach, so you can see a lot without long travel days. Most first trips split time between Valletta and the Grand Harbour area, Mdina and Rabat, and a few days on Gozo and Comino. Summer is simple beach weather, but the Blue Lagoon can feel packed.
Why Visit Malta?#
Small distances mean you can mix city history, prehistoric sites and clear-water swims in one trip. Malta also works well for short breaks, with Valletta and the harbour towns as a practical base.
Walkable old cities. Wander Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina for dense, walkable history. Climb Valletta’s bastions for Grand Harbour views and explore Republic Street cafés and specialist shops.
Prehistoric temples. Visit Ġgantija on Gozo and the Ħaġar Qim temples on Malta for megalithic sites older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. Pair Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra with the nearby limestone cliffs and coastal walks.
Blue Lagoon day. Take a boat trip to Comino’s Blue Lagoon for shallow, clear water for snorkelling and lounging. Go early or late in summer, and add a stop at Santa Marija Bay on Gozo for quieter swimming.
Diving and wrecks. Dive WWII wrecks, tunnels and drop-offs, with operators based around St. Paul’s Bay and Marsaxlokk. Gozo and Comino are also popular for guided dives.
Cliffs and coast. Do sunset walks at Dingli Cliffs, and plan a stop at the Blue Grotto for dramatic coastal scenery. On Gozo, Wied il-Mielaħ Arch and Mgarr ix-Xini are good for quieter sea views.
Local festas. If you catch a village festa, expect processions, fireworks and street food. They run through summer, and they are a lively counterpoint to museum days in Valletta and Mdina.
Things to Watch Out For#
Pickpockets. Petty theft happens in crowded tourist areas and on buses.
Roads. Roads are narrow and busy, so drive defensively.
Sea hazards. Rip currents, swell and rocky entries make some swims risky.
Summer crush. June to August is busy, with peak accommodation prices.
Blue Lagoon. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is extremely crowded in high summer.
Who Is Malta For?#
Backpackers
Hostels in St. Julian’s and Valletta plus cheap buses work best for short hops.
Adventure Seekers
Gozo and Comino offer wreck diving, sea-kayaking and cliff scenery with short transfers.
Party Animals
Paceville in St. Julian’s is the nightclub hub, especially in summer.
Nature Buffs
Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Grotto and Comino’s marine reserve pack scenery into small distances.
What you need to get in#
Malta is part of the Schengen Area, and many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays under Schengen rules, typically up to 90 days in any 180-day period. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can travel with ID cards, while non-EU visitors should check Schengen visa requirements with Maltese or Schengen consulates.
EES checks
Since April 2026, non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo on first entry.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the duration of stay, and you should check airline expectations before travel.
ETIAS (pending)
ETIAS, a €20 online pre-travel authorisation, is due to start in late 2026.
COVID or health requirements can change, so verify with official sources before travel. If you are planning a longer stay as a remote worker, Malta offers a digital-nomad residence option.
When to go#
The short answer is April to May and September to October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds than summer.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| June to August | Warm, dry and sunny, with busy beaches. | Expect peak accommodation prices and high visitor numbers. |
| April to May, September to October | Pleasant temperatures and better value on lodging. | Good for sightseeing and comfortable outdoor activities. |
| November to March | Cooler and wetter, with fewer tourists. | Some coastal services reduce schedules, and storms happen. |
Comino’s Blue Lagoon is extremely crowded in high summer, and often calmer from September through May.
The classic trips and what they cost#
Most first trips follow a simple loop: Valletta and the Grand Harbour area, then Mdina and the south, then Gozo and Comino. You can do it without a car using buses and ferries, and add taxis for late nights or tight days.
| Trip | Route |
|---|---|
| 7 days | Valletta (base), Three Cities, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk, Gozo (Ġgantija, Victoria), Comino (Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon) |
| 14 days | Valletta and Sliema, Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk, Gozo (Victoria, Dwejra area, Ramla Bay), Comino snorkelling, Mellieħa Bay |
| 3-4 weeks | Valletta and Sliema, Gozo base, Comino multi-day, south coast (Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim, Marsaxlokk), Mellieħa or Bugibba, festas and diving courses |
Budget travellers often spend about €45-65 a day, while mid-range trips run about €90-145 a day. A comfort style is about €105-175 a day, depending on how many taxis and tours you add.
For Comino’s Blue Lagoon, go early or late in summer to dodge the worst crowds.
Malta in a nutshell#
- Capital: Valletta, and most first trips also use Sliema and St. Julian’s as bases.
- People: About 522,000 people, with Roman Catholicism officially and over 90% (2006 est.). More in [Malta demographics].
- Language: Maltese and English are both official, and English is widely understood in tourism and business.
- Money: [Euro (EUR).] Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and some buses.
- Daily budget: Typical daily spend is €55-125 ($60-140), with Valletta and Sliema pricier.
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, using Type G (three-pin British) plugs. See [Malta plug types].
- Driving: Traffic keeps to the left, and roads can be narrow and congested.
- Emergencies: Dial 112 for police, ambulance and fire. More on the [Malta emergency page].
Don't forget to bring#
Type G adapter
Malta uses Type G (three-pin British) plugs at 230V, 50 Hz. Pack an adapter if you are not coming from a Type G country.
Church clothes
Dress modestly for churches and religious events, especially during festas. Cover shoulders and knees, and take off hats inside.
Water shoes
Some swim spots have rocky access points and platforms. Water shoes make entries easier and safer.
Small cash
Cards are common, but some buses and small vendors need cash. Carry small change for bus tickets and markets.
Sun kit
High season is warm, dry and sunny. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses for long coastal days.
Waterproof bag
Coastal trips and boat days are a highlight, but spray happens. Use a waterproof bag for phones and wallets on boats.
Good to know before you land#
- Buses: A single ticket is valid for two hours including changes, and prices vary by season and night routes.
- Ferries: Gozo Channel Line runs Ċirkewwa to Mġarr frequently, and you pay only on the return from Gozo.
- Tipping: Not obligatory, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated.
- Church etiquette: Avoid sightseeing during Mass, and be respectful during processions at festas.
- Driving: Traffic drives on the left, and older-town streets can be tight and poorly lit.
- Sea safety: Swim at lifeguarded beaches, obey flags, and avoid cliff-jumping.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Malta guides#
First time in Malta FAQs#
Is Malta safe for first-time visitors?
Yes. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft, narrow roads and coastal hazards are the main risks.
Do I need a visa for Malta?
Malta is in the Schengen Area, and many nationalities enter visa-free under Schengen short-stay rules. Non-EU visitors should check the Schengen requirements that apply to their nationality.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
April to May and September to October are the easiest months for a first trip, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. June to August is the busiest and most expensive season.
How many days do I need in Malta?
About a week is enough for Valletta and the Three Cities, Mdina, plus time for Gozo and Comino. Two weeks lets you slow down and add more beach and dive days.
How much does Malta cost per day?
Typical daily spend is about €55-125 ($60-140), depending on area and travel style. Backpacker budgets are about €45-65 a day, and comfort travel is about €105-175 a day.