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Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Malta

Upper Barrakka Gardens, Malta
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Mdina, Malta
Mdina

City guide

About Malta

The island nation of Malta lies in the central Mediterranean, roughly eighty kilometres south of Sicily. The sun-drenched archipelago unites over seven thousand years of civilization with golden limestone bastions, deep azure sea coves, and a rich culture fusing Italian, British, and North African influences.

The capital, Valletta, built by the Knights of Saint John following the Great Siege of 1565, stands as one of the most concentrated historic fortified cities in the world. Between the painted wooden balcony galleries, the colossal ramparts overlooking the Grand Harbour, and the quiet medieval stone corridors of Mdina, Malta is an open-air historical stage.

Best time to go
April through June and September through November offer ideal weather: clear blue skies, pleasant temperatures between 20 and 26°C, and excellent conditions for both sightseeing and swimming. In autumn, the sea stays warm enough for water sports into November. July and August are hot and dry (often topping 32°C). Winters are remarkably mild (15 to 17°C) and green.
From the airport
Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa is located 8 kilometres southwest of Valletta. Direct express bus routes (X1, X2, X3, and X4) and regular urban services (lines 71 and 72) reach the Valletta bus terminal at the Triton Fountain in roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Official fixed-rate taxis cost between 15 and 20 euros.
Getting around
Malta operates a comprehensive island-wide public bus network connecting almost all coastal bays, villages, and ferry terminals. Fast passenger ferries connect Valletta with Sliema and The Three Cities in roughly 10 minutes. Regular roll-on roll-off ferries connect to the sister island of Gozo from Cirkewwa, alongside high-speed catamarans departing directly from Valletta.

What to see in Malta

  • Valletta and St. John's Co-CathedralThe fortified 16th-century capital, housing a cathedral with a plain fortress exterior that hides a gilded baroque interior containing marble tombstones and Caravaggio's masterpiece 'The Beheading of Saint John'.
  • Upper Barrakka GardensA colonnaded public garden set atop the highest bastions of Valletta, providing sweeping vistas across the Grand Harbour and the historic Three Cities, with ceremonial daily cannon salutes.
  • Mdina (The Silent City)The walled ancient hilltop capital of honey-colored stone lanes, noble palazzi, and baroque bastions providing sweeping views across the island.
  • The Blue Lagoon (Comino)A world-famous sheltered cove of crystalline turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto, easily accessible via passenger day boats from Malta and Gozo.

Neighbourhoods

  • VallettaThe historic baroque citadel of stepped alleys, colorful timber gallarija balconies, rooftop wine bars, and noble residences.
  • The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)The maritime fortified settlements facing Valletta across the Grand Harbour, celebrated for quiet cobblestone lanes, yacht marinas, and ancient forts.
  • Sliema and St. Julian'sThe modern commercial coastal strip north of Valletta, known for seaside walking promenades, open-air cafes, shopping, and nightlife around Paceville.

Food and drink

Grab warm pastizzi from a street pastizzerija: diamond-shaped flaky pastry parcels stuffed with ricotta or spiced mushy pea puree. Savor stuffat tal-fenek, a traditional rabbit stew slow-simmered in red wine, garlic, and tomato. Taste ftira: a crusty ring-shaped Maltese sourdough bread filled with tuna, capers, olives, and tomato paste. Wash it down with a chilled Kinnie, a distinctive bittersweet local herbal soda.

Questions about Malta

Which side of the road do you drive on in Malta?

Traffic drives on the left in Malta, a legacy of over 150 years of British colonial rule. Electrical sockets also follow the standard British three-pin rectangular configuration (Type G).

How easy is it to visit the neighboring island of Gozo?

Very easy. Fast passenger catamarans leave Valletta harbor directly for Gozo in 45 minutes, or you can take the continuous 25-minute car and passenger ferry from Cirkewwa at the northern tip of Malta.

Month by month breakdown

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