Malta holidays

The cost of a holiday in Malta can vary depending on a number of factors such as the time of year, the type of accommodation, the activities you plan to do, and your spending habits.

Compared to other destinations in Europe, Malta can be considered relatively affordable. In terms of accommodation, there are a variety of options available, ranging from budget-friendly Malta holidays to luxury hotels with all the bells and whistles. And you can always add extra value to your vacay by choosing an All Inclusive deal - that’s your three main meals covered! 

Speaking of food, Malta’s culinary scene is not to be missed. Street vendors and quaint local eateries tend to be reasonably priced. Although you’ll still find an abundance of fine dining spots should you want to splash your cash. 

Overall, Malta holidays can be a cost-effective holiday destination if you plan your trip carefully. It’s also worth noting that if you travel to Malta during shoulder season, between April and June or September and November, you’ll tend to save a few bob on your getaway.

Malta holidays in 2025 and beyond can be anything from a swift four-night city break to a two-week sun-seeking escape. But we’d recommend a minimum of four to seven nights. That leaves plenty of time to explore the capital of Valletta, the ancient city of Mdina and the pre-historic temples of Hagar Qim. Longer stays will give you chance to discover the neighbouring islands of Gozo and Comino, renowned for their jaw-dropping beaches and natural beauty. And don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate its exciting diving scene!

Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta. Italian is also widely spoken in Malta, with many modern Maltese words derived from Italian.

Start preparing for your holiday to Malta with these essential Maltese words and phrases:

1. Yes: “Iva” (pronounced ee-va / ee-wah)
2. No: “Le” (pronounced leh)
3. Please: “Jekk jogħġbok” (pronounced yek yoh-jbok)
4. Thank you: “Grazzi” (pronounced grat-see)
5. Good morning: "Bongu" (pronounced bon-ju)
6. Good evening: “Bonswa” (pronounced bon-swaa)
7. How are you?: "Kif inti?"(pronounced keef int-ee)
8. My name is... : "Jien jisimni…" (pronounced yien yee-sim-ni…)
9. Where is the bathroom?: “Fejn hi l-kamra tal-banju” (pronounced fen-hee-cam-rah-tal-ban-yoo)
10. Goodbye: “Saħħa” (pronounced sah-ha)

Malta and Spain have similar climates, but Malta tends to be slightly warmer than most parts of mainland Spain.

In the summer months (June to September), Malta has an average temperature of 26-32°C, while Spain sits at around 22-28°C. Travelling during winter? Holidays to Malta in December to February tend to be the milder option with 12-18°C averages. Unlike Spain which can see lows of 6°C and highs of 16°C. 

That being said, the temp can vary significantly depending on the region/island you visit. The Spanish Canary Islands, for example, are a year-round sun magnet with toasty 20°C conditions even in its coldest months.

From city sights to laid-back beach vibes, there’s really no bad place to stay in Malta. But to help narrow down the type of holiday you want, we’ve handpicked a few of our faves… 

• Valletta: The capital city of Malta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture and historical attractions. It's a great base for exploring the island, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

• Sliema and St. Julian's: These neighbouring towns are popular with holidaymakers for their range of accommodation styles, from affordable Malta beach holiday retreats to lavish 5 star numbers. There's also plenty of eateries whipping up local delicacies, cocktail bars, and shops. Plus, you’re just a 20-minute drive from Valletta when you need a dose of culture. 

• Mellieha: Located in the north of the island, Mellieha is a quieter town with a beautiful sandy stretch and easy access to the ferry to Gozo.

• St. Paul's Bay: Malta family holidays are something else, making this town a must for your tribe! It's next door to family-friendly attractions such as the Malta National Aquarium and the ancient city of Mdina.

• Gozo: If you're looking for a more laid-back and rural experience, you could consider staying on the nearby island of Gozo. It has a slower pace of life, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

April to June and September to November are considered the best times to visit Malta if you want to beat the crowds and bag yourself a bargain break. Not to mention it’s still warm and sunny with averages of 20°C. If you prefer beach days and lazy sunbathing stints, then the summer months of July and August welcome you with highs of 32°C. 

December to February are milder than many other parts of Europe, so don’t rule out Malta holidays in the winter months! Especially if you’re interested in the cultural and historical side of Malta.

Although generally safe to visit, be mindful of these five do's and don'ts to make the most of your Malta holidays:

DO:

• 🌞 Seek shade between 11am - 3pm in the sizzling summer months
• 🫗 Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, especially when swimming and outdoors
• 👀 Stay aware of your belongings, especially in crowds
• 🌊 On Malta beach holidays, avoid strong currents by paying attention to the flag system;
  
  🟢 Green = calm waters, safe to swim
  🟡 Yellow = moderate surf, requires caution
  🔴 Red = Dangerous currents, swimming not recommended
  🔴🔴 Double Red = Extreme danger, swimming strictly prohibited
  🟣 Purple = Jellyfish or other marine hazards
  🔴🟡 Red over Yellow = Designated lifesaving boundary
   
• ⛪ Dress respectfully when visiting churches
   

DON'T:

• 🏊‍♀️ Swim in rough waters
• 👟 Forget to pack comfortable walking shoes, especially if you're planning on exploring Malta's historic sites and cobblestone streets
• 🚌 Rely on Malta's bus schedules - they can be unpredictable
• 🍧 Forget to ask how much something costs before you buy it from a street vendor
• 🎁 Buy "Made in Malta" souvenirs without checking their origin first

100%! Offering a wide range of activities, from theme-parks to educational excursions to chilled days at the beach, Malta family holidays cater to all ages and tastes.

Start your Malta adventure with these top kid-friendly activities:

1. Popeye Village theme park in Mellieħa
2. PLAYMOBIL Fun Park in Birżebbuġa
3. The Rainforest Cafe in St. George's Bay
4. Malta National Aquarium in St Paul's Bay
5. National Museum of Natural History in Mdina
6. Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara

Yes! Ranking as one of the best European holiday destinations for LGBTQ+ rights, Malta has become a top pick for LGBTQ+ travellers. Legalising gay marriage in 2017 and passing other progressive laws, Malta holidays are made for those seeking adventure, sunshine and a welcoming LGBTQ+ scene. With numerous bars, clubs and events catering to the LGBT+ community, add Malta to the top of your European rainbow map!

Although generally safe to visit, always make sure you're aware of the latest travel advice on entry requirements, visas, passports and health information before booking your holiday in Malta.