8 best practices (and 5 mistakes to avoid) for a successful holiday in Malta.

Of course, if your holiday dates are already set, you can skip this and move directly to the next point. However, if you haven’t decided on dates yet, it’s essential 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 accommodation, as well as temperatures, peak during July and August.

If you are flexible with your dates, aim for the low or mid-season. October, April, and May are ideal months for a holiday in Malta. During these times, temperatures are pleasant (they still approach 30 degrees in October) and rates are much more affordable.

Also note that temperatures rarely drop below 10, or even 15 degrees, even during December or January. If your interest in Malta is primarily cultural, winter is the perfect time to visit. However, if you’re more into the festive and beach scene, the summer months are preferable.

Malta is a member country of the European Union, part of the Schengen Area, and uses the Euro as its currency. If you are a European or Swiss citizen, a simple ID card or passport will suffice to enter Malta. If you are a British citizen (United Kingdom), you do not need a visa if your stay does not exceed 90 days. Simply make sure to check the expiry date of your document.

Another essential yet often overlooked formality is to travel with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This should be requested at least 14 days before your departure from your health insurance fund to be covered for healthcare in Malta. For British citizens, the card is now called the “Global Health Insurance Card” (GHIC) and also allows for free healthcare in Malta.

The card is available for all nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) member states and Switzerland. It ensures you access to medical care if needed during your trip to Malta, under the same conditions as a locally insured person. This often exempts you from taking out additional travel insurance.

Mater Dei is a public institution recognized for the quality of its care. Treatment will be free if you have your European Health Insurance Card or the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for British citizens.

You’ve sorted out the period and formalities, but what about the flight to Malta?

As Malta is a very popular destination, it boasts an international airport, albeit small with only two terminals, but still international.

The airport welcomes nearly 6 million travelers each year. Hence, there are plenty (more than twenty) of airlines and multiple connections to over 30 countries.

For your information, the national airline is called Air Malta. Its pricing is similar to low-cost carriers. However, note that its name will change in March 2024 to KM Malta Airlines.

Lastly, a small detail, don’t search for Malta’s airport in Valletta (the capital). The city is a fortified citadel behind walls; the Malta airport is located in the town of Luqa, right in the middle of the island.

Accommodation usually makes up the main part of the budget for a trip to Malta. There’s a lot to say on this topic, so let’s keep it brief.

If you’re visiting Malta for just a few days or weeks, avoid unnecessary risks and choose an online booking platform.

Our advice to avoid any disappointment: always check the rating of the hotel you’re considering on Booking. If the score is below 7, it means the hotel is either unclean (old or damp), poorly soundproofed, or a party hotel. In all these cases, look elsewhere.

A small recommendation: if you’re looking for tranquility, absolutely avoid accommodations located within 100 meters of Paceville’s nightlife street (Triq Santa Rita). The bass from the clubs’ music is so strong that it affects all nearby hotels.

If you’re considering a longer stay (more than a month), it might be more economical for you to rent. However, be very cautious if you’re thinking of booking accommodation directly with an owner outside of a platform, as there are many scams on the island.

The golden rule in Malta is to never pay a deposit without visiting the apartment first. Always ask for a receipt for your deposit and take a photo of the owner’s ID (they will also take a photo of yours, it’s a common practice).

The island of Malta is both small and very well served, so you will find it easy to get around. Gozo Island is a little less well served, so it’s often more convenient to use a VTC on Gozo.

A bus ticket will cost you 1.5 euros or 2 euros (depending on the season) and is valid for 2 hours. You can buy a ticket directly from the driver or purchase a preloaded card from one of the Card Distributors on the island.

Also note that the bus is free in Malta for long-term residents or students. If you are planning a long-term stay, consider ordering your card upon arrival.

Finally, if buses are really not your thing, simply download one of the three VTC apps available on the island (UBER, BOLT, or eCabs).

If we had to recommend just one, we would advise you to use the BOLT app. Its driver fleet is slightly larger than the other two companies, and the app also offers the option to rent electric scooters, available all over the island.

There are truly many activities available in Malta, capable of satisfying all your desires and interests.

Our advice, select and book your activities in advance, especially if you’re planning a trip during peak season. The majority of the island’s popular activities are available and can be booked directly on Viator.

If you’re planning to come to Malta for a weekend or a few days, you’ll inevitably have to make choices. So, if you had to pick just a few activities, here’s our advice:

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

Therefore, avoid over-packing. Temperatures will not drop below 10 degrees in winter and often hover around 35 to 40 degrees in summer. Many major brands are also present in Malta: Decathlon, Zara, Intersport, etc. If you forget something, you can easily find it there.

However, if you were to prioritize some items to pack in advance, we advise you to include in your suitcase:

Flight, accommodation, activities, suitcase – everything is planned. Now, when you are there, there are some common-sense rules to follow to avoid setbacks:

A common-sense rule, but sometimes overlooked by travelers. In general, anything that’s forbidden or frowned upon in France, Belgium, or Switzerland is also in Malta.

Be courteous with the locals and foreigners, even if they’re not always in return. Respect the rules, be patient, don’t litter, avoid noise pollution, etc.

Malta is also a very devout and practicing country. The Maltese are highly polarized: either the red or blue camp, but rarely in between. Keep this in mind during your conversations and simply avoid topics related to religion, politics, and, the most taboo of all, corruption.

It’s simple: an entirely red flag indicates a dangerous swimming area (generally rough seas), an entirely purple flag indicates the presence of very stinging jellyfish. In both cases, postpone your swim.

Jellyfish are undeniably a nuisance that can ruin your stay in Malta. There are often invasive episodes of tentacled cnidarians. Some jellyfish in Malta (Mauve stinger, Portuguese man o’ war, Moon jellyfish) are very stinging and can leave burn marks that can remain visible for several years. It’s definitely not the kind of souvenir you want from your vacation.

Rest assured, the presence of jellyfish is generally well indicated on supervised beaches, but always be vigilant during each swim, especially in isolated areas.

The quality of tap water in Malta has improved over the years, but as a precaution, it’s best not to drink it. While it doesn’t contain bacteria and is theoretically potable, it often has a strong smell and taste of chlorine, and the plumbing in Maltese buildings isn’t always in good condition. Drinking it in large amounts might give you stomach aches.

Opt for bottled water, which you’ll find under the names “Still Water” or “Table Water” for non-carbonated water, or “Natural Water” for mineral water.