Luqa City
Town hosting Malta International Airport
A short bus ride from Malta's airport, Luqa is practical more than pretty: bakeries, mechanic shops and baroque chapels. Travelers use it as a base to reach Valletta, the harbor and island rental cars.
Luqa at a Glance#
Costs: Moderate - $90-150/day - proximity to the airport keeps accommodation and transport options varied.
Safety: Safe, busy area - low crime but expect noise and traffic near the airport.
Best Time: April-October - warmer months are best for travel and flights.
Why Visit Luqa?#
Often used as a convenient base because of Malta International Airport, this town also offers authentic local flavors. Stop by the parish church of St. Andrew during a festa, sample pastizzi at neighborhood bakeries, or make quick trips to nearby historical sites and military museums. Its working-town character and transport links suit short stays and flight layovers. Friendly cafés and small shops give a snapshot of everyday Maltese life.
Best Things to Do in Luqa#
Luqa Bucket List#
St. Andrew’s Parish Church (Luqa) - Prominent parish church in Luqa featuring an ornate façade and active community services.
Malta International Airport area - Bustling airport precinct with transport links, nearby cafés, and aviation viewing spots.
Local festas - Seasonal village festas featuring band marches, fireworks, and traditional Maltese street food.
Ta’ Kandja archaeological site - Small archaeological area with Roman-era remains and informative signage about past settlements.
Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park - Coastal walks and birdwatching opportunities in a less-visited natural area nearby.
Local craft workshops - Small artisan studios producing ceramics and lace, offering demonstrations by appointment.
Marsaxlokk fishing village - Traditional harbor village with colorful luzzu boats and a busy Sunday fish market.
St. Paul’s Bay and Valletta - Short drives to coastal bays and Malta’s capital with historical sites and museums.
Best Time to Visit Luqa#
Luqa shares Malta’s Mediterranean climate: mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Visit spring or autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists; summer is best for beachgoers.
November - February
11-16°C (52-61°F)
Cooler, occasionally rainy days are ideal for strolling historic streets, visiting churches, and avoiding high-season crowds.
March - May
13-23°C (55-73°F)
Comfortable, increasingly sunny weather - a sweet spot for sightseeing, coastal walks and outdoor cafés before summer crowds arrive.
June - September
24-32°C (75-90°F)
Hot, bright and busy; perfect for beach trips and outdoor dining but expect crowded ferries and higher prices.
Luqa's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 31°C. Moderate rainfall (548 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Luqa#
Luqa is the village that hosts Malta International Airport, so air arrivals are especially straightforward - the town is immediately adjacent to the terminal. Taxis and frequent public buses make short transfers simple.
Malta International Airport (MLA): The airport sits in the town of Luqa; it is the island’s main international gateway. Luqa village center is only a few minutes from airport terminals - a taxi to Luqa town takes about 5-10 minutes and typically costs €5-€10; many visitors simply walk or take a very short taxi to nearby accommodation. Car hire desks are at the airport.
Train: Malta has no rail network.
Bus: Malta Public Transport operates frequent bus services connecting the airport area with Valletta and other towns. Single fares are generally around €2 and journeys to Valletta take roughly 20-30 minutes depending on route; shorter local hops to Luqa village take under 10 minutes by bus.
How to Get Around Luqa#
Because the airport is in Luqa, transfers are short and straightforward. For wider travel across Malta use buses for economy or a rental car for maximum flexibility.
- Airport taxi (€5-€10) - Short taxi rides from the terminal to local hotels and Luqa village are quick and inexpensive (roughly €5-€10). Airport taxis are convenient for late arrivals or when carrying luggage.
- Public bus (Tallinja) (€2 per trip) - Malta Public Transport runs services from the airport to Valletta and other hub points; single fares are generally about €2. Buses are a low‑cost option though routes and timings can add transfer time compared with a taxi for short hops.
- Car hire (€30-€60/day) - Rental cars are available at MLA and useful for exploring Malta beyond the capital. Book ahead in high season; driving is on the left and parking in some historic towns can be tight.
- Bicycle / scooter (€10-€30/day) - Short trips around Luqa and nearby areas are possible by bike or scooter; be mindful of traffic and the island’s hilly roads in places.
- Walking - Luqa village and the airport area are easily walkable for very short distances; most travellers use walking only for immediate local errands or to reach nearby lodgings.
Where to Stay in Luqa#
Luqa / Airport area - $30-70/night
Luqa is the airport town; budget travellers will find small guesthouses and basic hotels, convenient for early flights.
Guesthouses and budget hotels (Luqa area) - Economical options near the airport
Small local hotels and B&Bs - Quiet neighbourhood, close to airport
Valletta / St. Julian’s - $80-180/night
Mid-range and boutique hotels are concentrated in Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian’s - a short taxi ride from Luqa airport.
The Phoenicia Malta (Valletta) - Classic upscale hotel near the harbour
InterContinental / St. Julian’s hotels (Malta) - Comfortable chains within short drives
Valletta / St. Julian’s - $200+/night
Luqa itself has no five-star resorts; luxury travellers stay in Valletta or St. Julian’s for full services and fine dining.
The Phoenicia Malta - Historic five-star near Valletta
Top-tier international hotels in Malta - Full-service luxury across the harbour
Where to Eat in Luqa#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Luqa’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Luqa#
Shopping in Luqa is limited to local shops, bakeries and convenience stores serving residents and travellers. For a wider range of shops, malls and souvenir outlets, travel to nearby Paola, Valletta or Sliema.
Nightlife in Luqa#
Luqa has very limited nightlife beyond a handful of local bars and eateries. For more evening options and a livelier scene, head to Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s.
