8 Best Practices (and 5 Mistakes to Avoid) for a Successful Stay in Malta

Obviously, if your vacation dates to Malta are already set, the question is no longer relevant and you can move straight to the next section. However, if your dates are still flexible, it’s important to know that seasonality in Malta is very pronounced, both in terms of climate and pricing.

The high season in Malta runs from early June to late September. Prices, especially for accommodations, as well as temperatures, reach their peak in July and August.

If you’re flexible with your dates, favor the low or shoulder season. October, April, and May are the ideal compromise for a trip to Malta. During these months, temperatures are pleasant (still around 30 degrees in October), and prices are significantly more affordable.

Also note that temperatures very rarely drop below 10, or even 15 degrees, even during December or January. If your interest in Malta is primarily cultural, winter is the ideal season for sightseeing. On the other hand, if you’re more drawn to the festive and beach side, the summer months are the way to go.

Malta is a member of the European Union, part of the Schengen Area and uses the euro as currency. If you are a citizen of the EU or Switzerland, a simple ID card or passport will suffice to enter Malta. Just make sure to check your document’s expiration date.

Another important yet often forgotten (and free) formality is to travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It must be requested at least 14 days before departure from your health insurance provider.

The card is available to all citizens of EEA member states and Switzerland. It ensures access to medical care in Malta under the same conditions as a local resident. It often means you won’t need extra travel insurance.

In case of a serious medical issue in Malta, go directly to the emergency room of the Mater Dei Hospital in L-Imsida. A good address to save just in case.

Mater Dei is a public hospital known for its quality of care, and treatment will be free if you have your European Health Insurance Card.

Dates and paperwork done, now let’s talk about flights to Malta.

Malta is a very popular destination and has an international airport—small, with only two terminals, but international nonetheless.

The airport handles nearly 8.9 million passengers per year. That means plenty of options—over 20 airlines and connections to more than 30 countries.

The national airline is called KM Malta Airlines. It offers pricing similar to low-cost carriers.

If you’re looking for a flight, don’t overthink it—just use Skyscanner. It lets you compare all possible flight combinations to Malta at a glance.

One last note: don’t look for Malta’s airport in Valletta (the capital). The city is a walled fortress; Malta’s airport is actually located in Luqa, right in the center of the island.

Accommodation is usually the main part of the budget for a trip to Malta. There’s a lot to say, so let’s keep it short.

If you’re coming to Malta for a short vacation, don’t take unnecessary risks—book via an online platform.

Book on Booking or Expedia for hotels, and on Abritel or VRBO for apartments.

Our advice to avoid disappointment: always check the hotel rating on Booking. If it’s below 7, it usually means the hotel is run-down, noisy, or party-focused. Skip it.

A quick tip: if you’re looking for peace and quiet, absolutely avoid staying within 100 meters of Paceville’s nightlife street (Triq Santa Rita). The bass from clubs is intense and affects nearby hotels.

If you’re planning a longer stay (more than a month), renting is probably better. But be very cautious if booking directly with a landlord outside a platform—there are many scams on the island.

Golden rule in Malta: never pay a deposit without visiting the apartment. Always ask for a receipt and take a photo of the landlord’s ID (they’ll likely ask the same of you—it’s standard).

Our tip for long-term housing: book a budget hotel or youth hostel for a few nights, then go visit apartments in person. Most listings for apartments and flatshares are on Malta’s Facebook Marketplace.

Tip #1: Avoid staying in Valletta.

People often assume the capital is the liveliest place—but not in Malta. Valletta is beautiful, but not ideal to live in. It’s mostly pedestrian, has few shops (besides tourist stores), no supermarket, and becomes very quiet at night. A must-visit, but not a place to stay.

Tip #2: Stay just outside Saint Julian’s to save money.

The most popular (and expensive) hotel area in Malta is Sliema-Saint Julian’s. But remember—Malta is only 27 km long by 14 km wide. It’s easy to get around by bus or car. If you stay a bit farther out—like Saint Paul’s Bay or Mellieha—you’ll pay up to 50% less for similar quality.

The island of Malta is both small and well connected, so getting around is easy. Gozo, the sister island, is a bit less accessible, so ride-hailing services are often more convenient there.

A bus ticket will cost you 1.5 or 2 euros (depending on the season) and is valid for 2 hours. You can get a ticket directly from the driver or buy a preloaded card at one of the island’s card vending points.

Also note that buses are free in Malta for residents and long-term students. If you’re staying for a longer period, make sure to request your card upon arrival.

If buses aren’t your thing, just download one of the three ride-hailing apps available on the island (UBER, BOLT or eCabs).

If we had to recommend one, go with BOLT. They have a slightly larger fleet than the others, and the app also lets you rent electric scooters, available all over the island.

Malta offers tons of activities to suit every taste and interest.

Our advice: choose and book your activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting during high season. Most popular activities can be booked directly on Viator or GetYourGuide.

If you’re visiting Malta for just a weekend or a few days, you’ll need to be selective. Here are our top picks:

Take a guided tour of Valletta with a local guide (some are available in French). Discovering Valletta is a must—but to truly appreciate it, you need to understand the Knights of Malta, the Great Siege, and the history behind every corner. You can use an audio guide, but a group tour with a local guide is best.

Visit the Blue Lagoon by boat. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also stunning. The best way to experience it is by boat—ideally with a tour that includes nearby coves.

Explore the second island: Gozo. It’s a must-see trip that requires a full day. You’ll need to take the ferry from Ċirkewwa. Getting around can be tricky, so we recommend joining a Tuk Tuk tour or quad bike excursion to make the most of it.

Traveling to Malta usually means packing light, as the climate is hot from June to October, mild in March, April, and May, and pleasant from November to February.

So avoid overpacking. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in winter and often reach 35–40°C in summer. Major brands are also present in Malta (Decathlon, Zara, Intersport, etc.), so if you forget something, you can easily get it locally.

Still, here are a few essentials to pack before you go:

Flights, accommodation, activities, packing—everything’s sorted. Now that you’re on the ground, here are a few common-sense rules to avoid unpleasant surprises:

A basic rule often overlooked by travelers. In general, anything frowned upon in France, Belgium, or Switzerland is also frowned upon in Malta.

Be polite to locals and visitors alike (even if they’re not always polite to you). Follow the rules, be patient, don’t litter, avoid noise pollution, etc.

Malta is also a deeply religious and politically engaged country. People are either red camp or blue camp—rarely in between. Avoid bringing up religion, politics, and especially corruption in conversations.

It’s simple: a solid red flag means dangerous swimming zone (usually due to rough seas), and a solid purple flag means presence of (very) stinging jellyfish. In both cases, postpone your swim.

Small detail: a yellow and red flag means a monitored swimming area—go ahead, it’s safe.

Jellyfish are a real nuisance that can ruin your stay. Malta often experiences jellyfish blooms. Some species (Mauve Stinger, Portuguese Man o’ War, Moon Jellyfish) cause severe stings and leave burn-like marks that can last for years. Not the kind of souvenir you want.

Don’t worry—jellyfish warnings are clearly posted on guarded beaches. But stay vigilant every time you swim, especially in remote areas.

Tap water quality in Malta has improved a lot in recent years, but as a precaution, avoid drinking it. It’s free of bacteria and technically safe, but has a strong chlorine taste and smell. Plus, building pipes aren’t always in great shape. Drinking a lot can lead to stomach issues.

Prefer bottled water, labeled “Still Water” or “Table Water” for flat water, and “Natural Water” for mineral water.

Be careful in hotels offering meals or breakfast—water or juice machines often use unfiltered tap water.

Most businesses in Malta accept cards, but it’s still good to have some coins and small bills for little purchases and emergencies.

To wrap up, here are the 5 most common mistakes travelers make in Malta—these can really affect your trip if you’re not careful.

The worst way to start your trip is with a white taxi—Malta’s local taxis. Drivers are often rude or sketchy, and stories of scams and overcharging are everywhere.

Avoid white taxis whenever possible. If you must use one, agree on a fare before the ride.

Every year, thousands of travelers turn into lobsters—or stereotypical sunburned Brits—after just a few days. UV levels in Malta are high: protect yourself, especially if you’re with children. Be extra cautious in mid-season—UV rays remain strong.

During your stay, check the UV index and don’t go out without a hat in summer.

ATMs are everywhere—in streets and hotel lobbies—but only use them if absolutely necessary. They’re not always secure, and most apply 3–5% withdrawal fees.

If you need to withdraw cash, use BOV or HSBC ATMs—they don’t charge fees. A quick Google search will show you the nearest one.

Along Malta’s seafronts, you’ll see many street vendors selling boat tours to Gozo or the Blue Lagoon—some more pushy than others.

A few are legit, but many are tourist traps. If you’re looking for a tour, book via Viator. It won’t cost more, and reviews give you a good idea of what to expect.

Paceville, Malta’s nightlife district, is a hotspot for wild partying among 17–30-year-olds. It’s one street packed with open clubs, cheap alcohol (72 shots for €24), and deafening music—a playground for shady behavior.

There’s rarely a night without some sort of incident in Paceville. Here’s how to stay safe:

Heads up: the Maltese are big on “Name and Shame”. So unless you want to end up featured in Lovin Malta’s Human Interest section, be cautious and keep it classy if you party in Malta’s most infamous street.