All the questions first-time visitors ask about visiting Malta, Gozo and Comino - answered by local experts.
Five days is the sweet spot for most visitors - enough to see Valletta, Mdina, Blue Lagoon and take a Gozo day trip. Three days works for a fast city break but you will miss Gozo. Seven days is ideal for a proper week-long holiday.
September and October offer the best combination of warm weather (22-28°C), warm sea (24-26°C), fewer crowds and reasonable prices. May and June are also excellent. July-August are hot and very busy. See our best time to visit guide for details.
Malta is moderately priced by Western European standards. Budget travellers: 60-80 EUR/day. Mid-range: 120-180 EUR/day. Luxury: 300+ EUR/day. Food and drink are cheaper than most of Europe, hotels are similar to Italy.
EU citizens do not need a visa. UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most non-EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. From 2025, non-EU visitors need ETIAS pre-authorisation (7 EUR, online).
Malta is very safe with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. The main concerns are pickpocketing in tourist areas and rare taxi overcharging. Walking around Valletta or Sliema at night is generally safe.
Options: Private transfer (25-30 EUR, book online in advance), official taxi (25-30 EUR fixed rate), Bolt taxi app (18-25 EUR), or bus X4 (2 EUR, 30 min). See our airport transfer guide.
Not essential for short trips. Buses cover all main sites and Bolt taxi app works well. Rent a car for 5+ days if you want to explore remote beaches, Gozo, or hidden villages. Off-airport locations are 20-30% cheaper.
Malta Public Transport runs 80+ routes. Single ticket: 2 EUR (summer) or 1.50 EUR (winter). 7-day Explore Card: 21 EUR unlimited. Buy on the bus (exact change) or at kiosks. Use the Tallinja app for schedules.
Malta drives on the LEFT (like the UK). Steering wheel on the right. This can catch out visitors from continental Europe or the US - be extra careful crossing streets.
Sliema or St Julian's are ideal for first-timers - central location, best transport links, most restaurants, and easy ferry to Valletta. Valletta itself is atmospheric but quieter in the evening.
Sliema is more relaxed with a beautiful promenade. St Julian's has more nightlife (Paceville). They are next to each other - 15 min walk. Sliema suits families and couples; St Julian's suits younger crowds.
Great for history lovers and atmosphere - staying inside the walled city is magical. However, transport out is less convenient and evenings can be quiet. Best for 2-3 nights within a longer trip based elsewhere.
Absolutely - 1-2 nights on Gozo lets you experience its slower pace, rural landscape and quieter beaches without rushing back for the last ferry. Ideal for a 7-day+ trip.
Cheapest: ferry from Cirkewwa (15 EUR return, every 30 min, 15 min crossing). Most comfortable: full-day catamaran from Sliema or Bugibba (25-45 EUR, includes sea caves). See our Blue Lagoon guide.
Yes - since 2024 you must reserve a free access slot (Morning or Afternoon) at blcomino.mt before travelling. This is separate from your ferry ticket.
Very crowded in July-August, particularly 10am-4pm. To avoid crowds: take the first ferry (8am), visit in May, June, September or October, or go late afternoon.
Euro (EUR). Cards accepted almost everywhere. ATMs common in tourist areas. Keep some cash for taxis, small cafes and the Comino ferry.
Some cash is useful. Card is accepted at most restaurants, shops and hotels. But bring 100-200 EUR cash for tips, small purchases, taxi backup and Comino trips (no ATMs on the island).
Not mandatory but appreciated. 10% at restaurants (check bill first - some include service). Round up taxis. 1-2 EUR per bag for porters. Not expected in bars or cafes.
Both Maltese and English are official languages. English is universally spoken - all menus, signs and services are in English. You will have no language issues as an English-speaking visitor.
Tap water is technically safe but tastes salty due to desalination. Most locals and visitors drink bottled water. Buy 5-litre bottles at supermarkets for the hotel room (~1 EUR).
Mediterranean climate. Summers hot and dry (25-32°C). Winters mild but rainy (12-17°C). Over 300 days of sunshine per year. Sea temperature swimmable May-November.
Summer: light clothes, swimwear, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF50, hat, walking shoes for old towns, one dressy outfit for restaurants. Winter: add a warm jacket, umbrella, layers. Modest cover-up for churches (shoulders/knees).
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