Travelling in Malta
Malta is a small Mediterranean archipelago where in a few days you can combine a Baroque fortified capital, prehistoric temples, clear water for swimming and diving, and the slower island of Gozo. Distances are short, English is an official language and the climate is mild for much of the year.
When to go
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable: warm days, fewer crowds and, in autumn, sea water that stays warm after the summer. July and August are hot, sunny and busy, ideal if your priority is the sea. Winter is mild and quiet, good for Valletta, Mdina and coastal walks, though windy days can stop boat trips and diving.
Where to go
Valletta
The fortified capital is compact and walkable: St John's Co-Cathedral with its gilded interior and Caravaggio's Beheading of Saint John, the Upper Barrakka Gardens above the Grand Harbour, Baroque streets with wooden balconies and evenings around Strait Street.
The Three Cities
Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, Birgu, Senglea and Bormla are older and quieter, with Fort St Angelo, waterfront promenades and narrow lanes. A short crossing on a traditional dgħajsa boat is the classic way to arrive.
Mdina and Rabat
Mdina, the old walled capital on a hill, is a silent maze of honey-coloured stone with its cathedral and views over the island. Next door, Rabat has the catacombs of St Paul and St Agatha and bakeries known for pastizzi.
Gozo
Greener and slower than Malta, Gozo is a short ferry ride away. Visit the Citadel in Victoria, the Ġgantija temples, the cliffs and Inland Sea at Dwejra, the red sand of Ramla Bay and the fishing inlet of Xlendi.
Comino and the Blue Lagoon
The tiny island between Malta and Gozo is known for the Blue Lagoon, a channel of turquoise water over white sand. It gets crowded at midday in summer; arrive early or late, or explore the island's quieter coves and walking paths.
Marsaxlokk and the south
Marsaxlokk is a fishing village with colourful luzzu boats and seafood restaurants on the harbour. Nearby are the sea caves of the Blue Grotto at Wied iż-Żurrieq and the cliff-top temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.
What to do
Prehistoric temples
Malta's megalithic temples were built thousands of years before the Egyptian pyramids. Ġgantija on Gozo, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast, and the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, which must be booked well in advance, reveal a remarkably early island culture.
Diving around Gozo and Comino
Clear water and good visibility make the islands a diving destination for every level. Popular sites include the caves and arches around Dwejra, the reefs off Comino and several wrecks deliberately sunk as artificial reefs. Many centres offer beginner courses.
Sandy beaches in the north-west
Much of the coast is rocky, with swimming from ladders and flat rocks, but the north-west has sandy bays: Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, backed by cliffs, and the wide, shallow Mellieħa Bay, popular with families.
Maltese cooking
Try pastizzi filled with ricotta or peas, ftira bread with tuna, capers and tomatoes, stuffat tal-fenek rabbit stew, fresh fish in Marsaxlokk and Gozo's small ġbejniet cheeses. Lampuki pie is the autumn speciality, when the fish is in season.
Cliffs and coastal walks
The Dingli Cliffs drop steeply into the sea on Malta's west coast, and Gozo has walking paths between Dwejra, Xlendi and the salt pans of Xwejni. Spring is the greenest time, with wildflowers covering the fields and terraces.
The Grand Harbour by boat
Take the lift from the Upper Barrakka Gardens down to the water and cross to the Three Cities by ferry or dgħajsa. Harbour cruises pass the bastions of Valletta, Fort St Angelo and the creeks of Senglea, best in the late afternoon light.
Practical tips
- Traffic drives on the left, and roads can be congested; buses cover both islands, and ferries link Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities.
- English and Maltese are both official languages, so signs, menus and everyday conversations in English are normal everywhere.
- The Gozo ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr runs throughout the day; a car is useful on Gozo, where buses are less frequent.
- Most swimming spots are rocky: water shoes help, and in summer bring a hat and plenty of water, as shade is scarce.
As a couple, family or with friends
Malta suits short group trips: Valletta and Mdina for couples, Mellieħa or Gozo for families, and boat days to Comino for friends. Staying in two bases, one on Malta and one on Gozo, works well for a week. In Gata you can save ideas and decide together where to stay on each island.
Save ideas and stays and decide as a group with the Gata app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Malta?
Four or five days cover Valletta, Mdina, the south and a day trip to Gozo and Comino. With a week you can stay a few nights on Gozo, dive or walk the coast, and enjoy the islands at a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Spring and autumn offer warm weather and fewer crowds, and in autumn the sea is still warm. Summer is the best time for the beach but very hot and busy. Winter is mild and quiet, good for sightseeing, though boat trips depend on the weather.
Is it worth staying on Gozo?
Yes, if you have more than a few days. Gozo is greener and quieter, with farmhouses for rent, good diving and coastal walks. Staying overnight lets you enjoy places like Dwejra, Ramla Bay and the Citadel without the day-trip crowds.
Do you need a car in Malta?
Not necessarily. Buses reach most of Malta and ferries cross the harbour, though traffic slows things down. A car or taxi is useful for beaches and the south, and especially on Gozo, where public transport is more limited.
