Malta Travel Guide 2026
Fortified cities, Blue Lagoon swims, and 7,000 years of history packed onto a Mediterranean island you can cross in an hour.
Search flightsWhy Malta
Malta punches far above its size — Valletta’s fortified old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, the Blue Lagoon off Comino is one of the clearest swimming spots in the Mediterranean, and the island’s history stretches back further than Stonehenge. English is an official language, which makes it an easy, low-friction European trip.
What to know before you go
Malta is an EU and Schengen member using the euro. Most Western passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days under standard Schengen rules. The island is small enough that a base anywhere works for day-tripping.
Best time to visit
April-June and September-October are ideal — warm enough to swim, without July-August’s peak heat and cruise-ship crowds in Valletta.
Getting there
Malta International Airport is well connected across Europe, especially on budget carriers, making it an easy weekend or week-long trip from most European cities.
Getting around
Buses connect the main towns reasonably well for an island this size, but a rental car or scooter makes reaching Comino’s Blue Lagoon and the quieter Gozo island much easier.
Where to stay
Valletta or Sliema for walkability and history; Gozo (a short ferry away) for a quieter, more rural side of Malta worth at least one night.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is excellent island-wide given Malta’s small size — essentially no dead zones.
Travel insurance for Malta
Standard Schengen-destination coverage works fine; add water sports cover if diving or snorkeling around Comino is part of the plan.
Everything else for your trip
Flights
Compare fares across airlines. Find the cheapest day, route, and fare class for your trip.
Search flightsHotels
One search across every major booking site. Same room, different prices — pick the lowest.
Compare hotelsCar Rental
Compare rental companies at your destination before you land. No counter surprises.
Find a rentalTaxis & Transfers
Pre-book an airport transfer. Fixed price, driver waiting, no haggling on arrival.
Book a transferTravel Insurance
Compare policies and coverage before you need one. Medical, cancellation, adventure.
Compare policieseSIM
Get mobile data the moment you land. No SIM counter, no roaming charges.
Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Malta
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Swimwear and sun protection for the Blue Lagoon
- Comfortable shoes for Valletta’s fortified old town
- A light layer for evening sea breezes
- Universal power adapter (Type G sockets)
Nice to have
- Snorkel gear for Comino’s clear waters
- A light rain jacket for shoulder-season visits
- Sunglasses — the Mediterranean glare is strong
- Cash for smaller Gozo island shops
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Malta Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style. Your total will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $25 | $60 | $150 |
| Food | $15 | $30 | $60 |
| Local transport | $5 | $12 | $25 |
| Activities | $6 | $15 | $38 |
| Total / day | $51 | $117 | $273 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Valletta’s Grand Harbour and St. John’s Co-Cathedral (UNESCO)
- Mdina’s silent walled old capital
- Blue Lagoon, Comino
- Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni (book far ahead — limited daily entries)
- Gozo island day trip
Culture & Etiquette
Malta’s history as a British colony left a lasting mark — driving is on the left, plugs are UK-style, and English is an official language alongside Maltese, making it unusually easy for English-speaking travelers. Catholicism remains culturally significant; modest dress is expected in churches.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Eurozone travelers need no exchange at all. From GBP/USD, bank ATMs in Valletta and Sliema are reliable and fair; avoid airport and hotel-desk exchange, which typically carry a noticeable markup.
Been here? Rate your currency-exchange experience below to help other travelers.
Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: G (UK-style 3-pin rectangular)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.