Malta holidays

Malta holidays

Deals from £163 per person

What’s Malta like for a holiday? Well, this Mediterranean island may be small, but you can expect your holiday to Malta to be jam-packed. From beautiful beaches and historic sights to cosmopolitan harbour towns and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone, making it a real hidden gem.

Things to do
Malta’s rich history means it has a culture all of its own, and you’re going to want to experience as much of it as you can. Do as the locals do and snack on pea or ricotta pastizzi (savoury pastries), tuck into fenkata (rabbit stew), and drink a splash of the prickly pear liqueur, Bajtra. Book your holidays to Malta in summer and you could find yourself at one of the island’s lively festa street parties or letting your hair down at a music festival, such as Annie Mac’s Lost & Found. Don’t miss the chance to see a Maltese marching band, too – just one of this characterful island’s distinctive quirks.

Places to stay

You’ll find the island’s longest sand spot at Mellieha Bay, on the northern coast. And the db Seabank Resort & Spa places you just a flip-flop’s throw from its Mediterranean waters. While Golden Bay hugs the northwestern side of the island, hiding away some of Malta’s top toe-sinking beaches. 

Over to the southeast, the large, buzzing resorts of Qawra and Bugibba are tucked side-by-side in St Paul’s Bay. Here you’ll find the perfect combo of chic city setups and All Inclusive delights. And the db San Antonio Hotel & Spa is one of them! From its glitzy pool scene to its seven restaurants and four fancy bars! 

Or, surround yourself with historic culture in Malta’s small but elegant capital, Valletta: it’s filled with narrow streets and bordered by dramatic fortifications. The rocky shores north of the capital are home to the classy resorts of Sliema and St Julian’s. And for a taste of rural peace, book your holiday to Gozo, Malta’s little sister island.

More travel guides
We also have travel guides available for destinations, including, including: Bugibba | Qawra | Sliema | St Julian's | St Paul's Bay | Valetta

 

Map of Malta

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16-30°C

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Malta’s a good all-year destination. With glorious sunshine in summer and warm winters, it’s perfect for sightseeing – and relaxing.

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Malta International Airport (MIA) is in easy reach of every resort on the main island. Visit our Extras page to book your transfers or hire car before your holiday, or you could catch one of the regular buses.

Malta is best for...

Beach bums: Malta’s brimming with stunning coastal resorts and picturesque beaches, like those at Golden Bay, which are just perfect for relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. For a change of scene, catch a boat to nearby Comino island for a dip in the picturesque Blue Lagoon.

History buffs: Immerse yourself in Malta’s colourful history in the UNESCO-listed capital city, Valletta. You’ll find the famous St John’s Cathedral here, which dates from the 16th century. Or, explore the ancient walled town of Mdina and an array of quaint fishing villages.

Get-up-and-go types: There’s always plenty to enjoy in Malta! Like deep-sea diving in the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Qawra; scaling cliffs, rock formations or the challenging Mellieha Cave on a climbing adventure; dancing the night away in St Julian’s; and cycling your way around Gozo island.

Fast facts for Malta

Language: Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta. Italian is also widely spoken, and many modern Maltese words have their roots in Italian.

Currency: The currency used in Malta is the Euro (€). Cash machines are generally easy to find, especially in the cities, but be aware that your card issuer may charge you a fee to withdraw cash using your credit or debit card.

Local time: Malta is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Malta International Airport. Sliema and St Julian's are 30 minutes away, the transfer to Qawra takes 45 minutes, while St. Paul's Bay and Bugibba are 50 minutes away.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Malta is 3 hours.

Tourist Information: Take a look at Visit Malta for more Malta tourist information.

Local tax: You’ll have to pay a small Environmental Contribution tax of €0.50 per person, per night. It’s capped at €5 per stay, and is payable at your accommodation. Children under 18 don’t have to pay the tax.

Visa / health: Before your Malta holidays, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta for visa and health recommendations, plus more travel advice about your trip.

Holiday destinations related to Malta:

Getting around Malta

By bus: It’s simple to get around Malta by bus, as there’s an extensive network on both the mainland and Gozo.

By ferry: Regular ferries run between the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, meaning you can visit them all with ease.

By car: Everyone drives on the left-hand side here, so British drivers will feel right at home. You can book a hire car before you go, or arrange it at one of the many car-hire outlets around the island; just make sure you pack your licence.

By water taxi: Get across Valletta’s Grand Harbour by the traditional Maltese boat called a dghajsa (pronounced "dye-sa"). It’s a great way to see some of the sights!

Events in Malta

Carnival: February is carnival time in Malta, with five colourful days of lively parades, fantastic costumes, and dancing in the streets of Valletta. The fun continues after dark at the island’s nightlife hotspots, such as St Julian’s.

Holy Week and Easter: Expect religious processions and plenty of feasting in the days around Easter. The sombre feel of Holy Week (including Maundy Thursday’s tradition of praying in seven churches) is replaced with celebrations on Easter Day.

Festa: Summer’s the time for a big party! Every village and town celebrates its own patron saint’s day with a ‘festa’; another excuse for music, dancing and fireworks. They kick off in the last week of April with the feast of St Publius in Floriana.

Malta safety and security

Do I need a passport?

Yes, you will need a passport to travel to Malta. Make sure you don’t get caught out by the EU rule changes since Brexit! For a start, everyone on your booking will need to check the validity carefully. You can find all the info you need about Malta passport requirements on the FCDO website.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens going on holiday to Malta don’t need a visa. If you’re unsure whether or not this applies to you, it’s best to check with the Maltese High Commission.

For more Malta visa information, read the current travel advice from the UK government website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

It’s always best to have comprehensive health and travel insurance for any holiday, including to Malta. For starters, your insurance should cover the cost of emergency medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, but check your policy before you travel so you’re clear on what is and what isn’t covered.

We also recommend checking whether or not your insurance will cover you for any activities you’re planning for your holiday, especially any ‘extreme’ sports such as diving or caving. It’s definitely worth upgrading your cover if they’re not included, as any accidents could result in expensive treatment or even the costs of getting you home.

 

Malta weather

When’s the best time to go?

A small country south of Sicily, the island of Malta has a rich history, beautiful architecture and a sunny, Mediterranean climate that’s perfect for summer beach holidays or winter sun breaks. With our Malta travel advice, you’ll be able to pick the perfect time of year for your Maltese holiday.

Visit Malta in the summer and you’re practically guaranteed uninterrupted sunshine, with temperatures averaging around 27°C in July, sometimes even hotter in August. This is also a great time of year for swimming, snorkelling or surfing when the sea is pleasantly warm and averages around 17°C.
Malta is also a popular winter sun destination for sightseeing or activity breaks (it’s a hotspot for climbing enthusiasts) and you’ll find temperatures even in January rarely drop below 13°C, perfect weather for exploring the cities and towns. Just be aware that November and December are also the rainiest months!

What should I pack?

Malta is known for its sunshine, and it can be especially strong in summer, so make sure your packing list includes sun cream, a hat and sunglasses. Don’t forget your swimwear and a cover-up for lazing on the beach or by the pool.

You’ll also want to take some comfortable shoes if you’re planning on sightseeing in Mdina, the ancient capital, and Valletta, the modern capital, as well as your camera – there are some amazing monuments and museums.

If you’re going to be visiting any of Malta’s famous churches or other religious places, make sure you pack some modest clothing such as jeans or light trousers and something to cover your shoulders with, as Malta is a Roman Catholic country.

Malta is still quite warm during the winter, but it’s a good idea to have a light jacket or waterproof for rainy days or cooler evenings. A small travel umbrella may also come in handy.

Best hotels in Malta

Popular Malta holiday resorts

Places similar to Malta to visit

FAQs
FAQs
Is Malta cheap for a holiday?

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

How many days in Malta is enough?

Holidays to Malta 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 diving scene!

Is Malta warmer than Spain?

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's sits at around 22-28°C. Travelling during winter? December to February in Malta tends 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.

Where is the best place to stay in Malta?

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 beach retreats to lavish 5 star numbers. There are 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: This town is a must for families! It's next door to 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.

What is the best time of year to go to Malta?

April to June and September to November are considered the best times to visit 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 the winter months! Especially if you’re interested in the cultural and historical side of Malta.