Malta is a sun-drenched Mediterranean island with a personality all its own – a blend of relaxed coastal living, rich history, and a surprising British twist. Thanks to its past as a British colony, you’ll find red postboxes, English-speaking locals, and people driving on the left-hand side of the road. But don’t be fooled – Malta’s soul is unmistakably Southern European, with winding cobbled streets, traditional fishing boats bobbing in harbours, and golden-hued towns that glow in the sunshine.
Despite its small size, Malta feels like a whole world in miniature. It even seems to have its own weather system – often staying dry and sunny even when storms are sweeping across mainland Europe. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s an ideal year-round escape whether you’re craving beach days, historic sites, or just a change of pace.
Just over three hours from the UK, Malta is incredibly accessible and perfect for anything from a relaxed long weekend to a full Mediterranean break. With easy public transport, English as an official language, and plenty of character-packed places to explore, from Valletta and Mdina to the stunning Blue Lagoon, it’s got all the ingredients for a memorable trip.
Just so you know, some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
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Valletta – Malta’s elegant capital is all honey-hued buildings, steep cobbled streets and sea views. Great for jazz bars, wine spots, and people-watching.
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Comino & the Blue Lagoon – Stunning island day trip destination with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
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Mdina – The Silent City. A beautiful walled town with narrow streets and a fairytale feel. Bonus: it’s quieter than Valletta and has panoramic views over the island.
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St Paul’s Bay – Great base for beaches, bars, and coastal restaurants. A good mix of local buzz and tourist-friendly spots.
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Gozo – Malta’s quieter sister island. Great for a day trip if you fancy rugged coastlines, natural arches, and a slower pace.
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Riviera Bay – A bit of a hidden gem. A small, sandy beach with chilled vibes – perfect for a low-key sunbathe and dip.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April–June): Warm but not too hot, fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing and beach time.
- Summer (July–August): Very hot and busy – great for guaranteed beach weather, but book in advance and bring all the SPF.
- Autumn (September–October): Still sunny and warm, sea is perfect for swimming, and things start to quieten down.
- Winter (November–March): Mild weather, smaller crowds, and still some sunshine – ideal if you’re not a sunbather but want a relaxing break.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Malta can be budget-friendly if you use local transport (buses are reliable and cheap) and eat at casual cafes or bakeries.
- For fancier meals or beach clubs, expect London prices.
- Valletta and St Paul’s Bay offer a good range of affordable eats and nice mid-range restaurants.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak months.
🧳Good For:
Couples looking for sunshine and seaside vibes
Foodies
History lovers
Chill beach holidays and crystal clear swimming spots
Solo travellers looking for a safe, easy getaway
Long weekenders who want to pack a lot into 3–4 days
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
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Pastizzi – Flaky pastry filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, tasty, and found everywhere.
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Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek) – Malta’s national dish. Hearty and rich, often served with wine.
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Ftira – A kind of Maltese sandwich on local bread, stuffed with tuna, olives, capers, and more.
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Bragioli – Beef olives filled with herby breadcrumbs, cooked in wine sauce.
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Kannoli – Maltese version of the Sicilian cannoli. Sweet, crunchy, and creamy.
✈️ How to Get There:
- Major airport: Malta International Airport (MLA)
- Flights from most major UK cities – London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh
- Journey time: Around 3h 15m from London
- From the airport, use the Express Bus X1, X2, X3 or X4 depending on where you’re headed – cheap, easy, and reliable
🚍 Getting Around:
- Public buses are widely available and easy to use – they connect most towns and tourist areas.
- Ferries are useful for visiting Comino and Gozo.
- You can also rent a car, but parking can be tricky in Valletta and other busy spots.
- Uber doesn’t operate here, but Bolt and local taxis are available.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
- Languages: Maltese and English – everyone speaks fluent English.
- Tipping: Around 10% is appreciated in restaurants.
- Dress code: Very relaxed, but do cover up when visiting churches or religious sites.
- Local vibes: Friendly, laid-back, and helpful. Malta is very safe and easy to navigate solo or in groups.
My Malta Highlights
I visited Malta in September, which turned out to be the perfect time to go – warm sunshine, blue skies, and just the right balance of lively and relaxed. I stayed in the area of St Paul’s Bay, a great little spot with a mix of beachfront bars and chilled vibes. There’s a decent nightlife scene here if you want it, but it’s definitely not full-on party mode – more sunset cocktails than 4am shots (which, let’s be honest, is ideal).
One of the foodie highlights was dinner at Beefbar on the Beach. Yes, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but the views were dreamy and the food was top-tier – worth the splurge for a holiday treat.
Getting around Malta is super easy thanks to the local bus network – I hopped on one straight into Valletta and took a walking tour of the city. The city itself this old-world charm with cobbled streets, limestone buildings, and an atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and explore. I stumbled across some amazing jazz bars, which felt like the perfect way to end a day of wandering.
One of my favourite day trips was out to Comino Island, where I swam in the Crystal Lagoon (yes, it really is that clear) and grabbed a cocktail in a pineapple from a little bar perched up on the rocks – big holiday energy. I also spent a few hours at Riviera Bay, a quieter, more secluded beach that’s perfect for a laid-back swim and a little sunbathing session without the crowds.
Overall, Malta was a total win – beautiful weather, easy to get around, a good mix of culture and beach time, and a seriously relaxed pace. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially to explore more of Valletta and maybe squeeze in some more island hopping!
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Malta below – from boat trips and historic walking tours to food and wine experiences.
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