Where is Malta? Discover the position of this Mediterranean archipelago
Malta is a small island nation of barely 316 km², nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. A member of the European Union since 2004, the archipelago is made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino—along with several uninhabited islets. As a highly sought-after tourist destination, the archipelago blends turquoise waters, a mild climate, and a millennia-old heritage shaped by the Phoenicians, the Knights of St John, and the British Empire.
An Archipelago in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Lying south of the Sicilian Channel, the Maltese archipelago is only 93 km from Sicily’s south-eastern coastline, 288 km north-east of Cape Bon (Tunisia), 355 km north of Tripoli (Libya) and 948 km west of Crete.
A genuine geographic lock in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta long occupied a strategic position for controlling regional sea routes. This coveted location brought a succession of invasions, sieges and power struggles that have profoundly shaped the islands’ history and heritage.
A Highly Connected Micro-State
Reaching Malta by Air
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in Luqa, less than a 15-minute drive from Valletta. Thanks to scheduled airlines (Air Malta, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, ITA Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Vueling, etc.), the archipelago enjoys direct flights to most European capitals as well as several major cities in North Africa and the Near East.
- London – Malta : ± 3 h 20
- Paris – Malta : ± 2 h 50
- Rome – Malta : ± 1 h 30
- Berlin – Malta : ± 2 h 50
- Madrid – Malta : ± 3 h 00
- Istanbul – Malta : ± 2 h 30
- Athens – Malta : ± 1 h 55
- Tunis – Malta : ± 1 h 10
- Cairo – Malta : ± 2 h 35
- Casablanca – Malta : ± 3 h 40 (seasonal flight)
Reaching Malta by Sea
Motorists and slow-travel enthusiasts can also reach Malta by ferry. Two high-speed services operate year-round from Sicily (Italy):
- Pozzallo (Sicily) – Valletta: about 1 h 45, up to four sailings a day in peak season.
- Catania – Valletta: seasonal route, 3–4 h depending on the vessel.
A favourite Mediterranean destination, Malta welcomes numerous cruise ships that regularly call at the islands. Large ferries and liners are frequently seen in Valletta’s spectacular Grand Harbour. Meanwhile, the marinas at Msida and Vittoriosa host private yachts and sailing boats all year round.
Where Is Malta?
Frequently Asked Questions about Malta’s Location (FAQ)
Is Malta part of Italy?
No. Malta has been a sovereign state since 1964. The country has never been annexed to Italy, even though it lies just 93 km from Sicily and the two territories share close historic ties.
Which continent is Malta in?
Geographically, Malta is in Europe. The archipelago is the southern-most member state of the European Union.
Which sea surrounds Malta?
The Maltese islands are completely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, south of the Sicilian Channel and west of the Levantine Basin.
How far is Malta from the United Kingdom?
Valletta is roughly 2 090 km from London in a straight line, with direct flights taking about 3 h 15 from the UK’s main airports.
What are Malta’s geographic coordinates?
The centre of the main island lies at approximately 35.9° N latitude and 14.5° E longitude, placing Malta just north of the 36th parallel.
What time zone is Malta in?
Malta follows Central European Time: UTC+1 in winter (CET) and UTC+2 in summer (CEST). This is one hour ahead of the United Kingdom year-round (ahead of GMT in winter and of British Summer Time in summer).
How many islands make up the Maltese archipelago?
The Maltese archipelago comprises eight islands in total: Malta (the main island), Gozo, Comino, Manoel, Cominotto, Filfla, Filfoletta and the two St Paul’s islets.
Is Malta in the European Union and the Schengen Area?
Yes. Malta joined the EU on 1 May 2004 and the Schengen Area in 2007, making travel within Europe straightforward.