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Holidays to Malta mix laidback island living with buzzy urban nightlife. Think dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and a big festival scene.
Plenty of picks
From Medieval towns to prehistoric temples and a network of catacombs, Malta will keep you busy on the sightseeing front. The star of the show is Valletta, with its fortified Grand Harbour, Grandmaster’s Palace and labyrinth of secret tunnels. Or, just a short boat trip off Malta’s north coast you’ll find two islands – Gozo and Comino. Tiny Comino has a big beachy rep, thanks to its Blue Lagoon, while Gozo is a top destination for divers.
Sunbathing scenes
Malta isn’t big on sandy beaches, although it does have the Blue Flag Mellieha Bay up in the north. Instead, we present… St Paul’s Bay. If sand isn’t your thing – it does get everywhere tbh – this hotspot is a string of platforms where you can sunbathe by the water. Think of the suncream application, no shaking out your towel every 30 minutes – the appeal is pretty strong. And, the rocky shore of Qawra is amazing for watersports, as well as beach clubs in summer like Café del Mar.
City life
The pace of rural life in Malta might be slow and serene, but the cities are fast-paced and exciting. St Julian’s and Sliema have great shopping, bars and restaurants, while nearby Paceville is famous for its clubs, casinos and is a popular pick with the LGBTQ+ community.
Popular destinations in Malta
The capital is enclosed by impressive bastion walls, giving it that Medieval feel with beaut Med views. It’s all old style, with wooden balconies and stone buildings, perfect for pretty walks in between museum visits, and the music and arts scene is thriving, too.
This town in the St Paul’s Bay area is nice and close to Bugibba – where tours depart to Gozo and Comino – and Salina for daytrip options, and ideal if your primary pick is sunbathing. The prom stretches all the way from Qawra to St Paul’s Bay for a sunny stroll and an ice cream.
This small town in the north is known for its gorg beach and the Parish Church of Mellieha is just as pretty, too. It’s one of Malta’s rare sandy spots, so the main POA is beach days and cocktails at the seafront bars with live music.
The prom along here is two kilometres long if you fancy a seaside walk or run at sunset. There’s a ferry to connect you to Valletta but this is the best place for shopping in Malta. There are some lovely old streets and gorg views to take in, and Blue Flag beaches here, too.
Bugibba is connected to St Paul’s Bay and Qawra, with a man-made sandy beach. Its Cirkewwa port is ideal to connect you to Gozo and Comino for some island daytrips, and the nightlife is buzzing. In summer, Nine Lives is a good beach club that does yum all-you-can-eat sushi.
Top Malta holiday deals
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Liverpool John Lennon - 7 Nights - Room Only
Based on 2 Adults - 8 April 2025
Valentina Hotel
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Liverpool John Lennon - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
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Liverpool John Lennon - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
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London Southend - 7 Nights - Room Only
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Why pick a holiday to Malta?
MADE FOR WALKING
COOL COASTLINE
ISLAND DAYTRIPS
FESTIVAL VIBES
Your guide to Malta
To start with, these are Malta’s main sights you won’t want to miss…
- Valletta – As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Malta’s capital features Baroque architecture and landmarks like St John’s Co-Cathedral, decorated with Caravaggio paintings – ft. the famous one depicting the beheading of Saint John the Baptist – and golden interiors. The Grandmaster’s Palace showcases over 5,000 suits of armour, then the Upper Barrakka Gardens have panoramic harbour views, and you can catch the daily cannon salutes.
- Blue Grotto – A series of sea caves near Zurrieq, which you can get to by boat. The turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations are stunning – the best time to visit is in the morning, when the sunlight hits just right.
- Mdina – Known as the ‘Silent City’, there are no cars allowed in this Medieval walled town. You can explore narrow alleys, palaces and St Paul’s Cathedral. The views are also lovely from its bastions, and you might recognise some parts from Game of Thrones.
History nerds, your holiday to Malta will deffo feature trips to these places.
- Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) – Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, these fortified cities are a bit quieter than the capital but still full of history. Highlights include the Maritime Museum and waterfront dining with views of Valletta’s skyline.
- Ggantija Temples – A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Gozo Island. It’s among the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating all the way back to 3,600–3,200 BC – that’s even before the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge.
- Hypogeum –The Hypogeum is an underground complex dating back to around 4,000 BC and is one of the oldest prehistoric sites on the island. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so popular, you’ll want to lock in your tickets months in advance to guarantee a visit.
- Tarxien Temples – The Tarxien Temples are a complex of four megalithic structures that were built between 3,600 and 2,500 BC, back in the Neolithic times. They’ve been beautifully preserved and so complete our round-up of the top temples to visit.
Malta might not be the sandiest pick, but there are still a few beachy spots, and its islands are a good shout for sunbathing days.
- Golden Bay – You never would have guessed… it’s known for its golden sand and clear blue waters. So, naturally, it’s a popular pick for swimming, sunbathing and chilling by the sea.
- Mellieha Bay – With its shallow waters and sandy shore, Mellieha Bay is ideal for families and snorkellers. It’s got Blue Flag status, too.
- Ramla Bay in Gozo – This beaut beach on the island of Gozo has red sand for a change, making it a must-visit for travellers looking for something a bit different.
- Qawra point – A popular rocky beach with clear waters that are great for snorkelling and other watersports.
Have you really been on holiday to Malta if you don’t buy something to bring back and prove it?
- Boutique shopping – Malta’s capital, Valletta, is a shopper’s paradise, with streets lined with boutiques, jewellery shops and craft shops. Republic Street and Merchants Street are the main shopping areas, where you’ll find international brands, as well as local designers. Valletta’s also the best place to buy traditional Maltese lace, handcrafted filigree jewellery and artisan glass from renowned local brands like Mdina Glass and Valletta Glass.
- Malls – In Sliema, The Point Shopping Mall is the largest shopping centre in Malta, home to top international fashion brands like Zara, Calvin Klein, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger. You can also shop electronics, beauty products and home décor, and there are cafés and restaurants where you can take a break. There’s also the Plaza Shopping Centre – a smaller mall, still with your classic fashion, beauty and lifestyle places.
- The high street – Sliema’s Bisazza Street and Tower Road are the go-to spots for shops like Mango, Pull & Bear and Michael Kors.
It’s not just about Valletta – Malta has loads of places in daytripping distance.
- Gozo Island – Accessible by ferry, Gozo’s Citadel and Azure Window – collapsed but still iconic – show off the island’s rugged landscapes. As Malta’s quieter sister island, it has a more laidback vibe and is rich in historical sites, including the UNESCO-listed Ggantija Temples, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids. And, beachy people will love Ramla Bay, known for its distinctive golden-red sands.
- Comino Island – This tiny, largely uninhabited island is home to the Blue Lagoon, one of the most famous swimming spots in the Mediterranean. You can also explore Santa Marija Bay for a quieter beach or discover the island’s sea caves and cliffs, which are great for kayaking and diving. There are no cars and only a few buildings here, so Comino feels like a proper remote paradise.
- Dingli Cliffs – Rising 253 meters above sea level, these dramatic limestone cliffs gatekeep some of the best panoramic views in Malta, especially at sunset. Walk along the cliffside paths, take in the fresh sea air and you can spot the distant, uninhabited Filfla Island. This area’s also home to the Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, perched at the highest point in Malta, as well as the mysterious Cart Ruts at Clapham Junction – the twin you didn’t know London’s Clappy J needed – which adds a bit of historical intrigue to your visit.
If your holiday features little ones in need of constant entertainment, then hit up these spots…
- Splash & Fun Water Park, Naxxar – This park features wave pools, waterslides and a lazy river, as well as trampolines and bumper cars. It’s designed for all ages, with relaxed sunbathing areas, too.
- PLAYMOBIL FunPark, Hal Far – As expected, this place combines indoor and outdoor areas where kids can play with Playmobil sets and pirate adventures. It’s ideal for families with children under 10, and a decent and affordable option that’ll keep them busy for a good 2-3 hours.
- Popeye Village – Originally the film set for the 1980 ‘Popeye’ movie, this theme park has boat rides, water trampolines and character meet-and-greets with Popeye and Olive Oyl.
Traditional Maltese cuisine features fish, stews and different stuffed pastries.
- Fenek – A Maltese delicacy, AKA rabbit. It’s often prepared as a stew (stuffat tal-fenek) or pan-fried (fenek moqli). The stew features rabbit simmered in a tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs
- Pastizzi – A popular savoury pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas that are the perfect street food. It’s a bit like a Cornish pasty and super cheap.
- Lampuka – The national fish of Malta, also known as dorado or mahi-mahi. It’s freshly caught throughout autumn and can be cooked and served in loads of different ways.
- Ftira – A traditional Maltese sandwich.
Malta is a great shout for some unique wine tasting and the beer’s not bad either.
- Kinnie – Kinnie is Malta’s most famous soft drink, loved by both the locals and the tourists. It’s a bittersweet, orange-flavoured soda made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs.
- Cisk – Cisk (pronounced ‘Chisk’) is Malta’s most popular beer, first brewed back in 1928. It’s a refreshing, pale lager with a light, crisp taste, perfect for Malta’s warm climate. Cisk has expanded its range to include variations like Cisk Excel (a low-carb beer), Cisk Pilsner, and flavoured versions like Cisk Chill with lemon or berry flavours.
- Maltese red and sparkling wine – Malta has a long history of wine-making, and Gellewza is one of the island’s most unique grape varieties. This indigenous red grape is used to produce rich, fruity red wines as well as Gellewza Frizzante, a sparkling wine that’s light and refreshing.
Holidays to Malta are ideal to combine with a festival abroad, and there are plenty of nightlife picks in Valletta.
- Paceville, St Julian’s – If you’re looking for a wild night out, Paceville in St. Julian’s is the place to be. It’s Malta’s main nightlife district, packed with bars, nightclubs, casinos and late-night restaurants. The area attracts a mix of locals, tourists, international students and is a popular LGBTQ+ pick, making it a lively spot every night of the week. Most venues have free entry, so it’s easy to bar-hop, too.
- Strait Street, Valletta – For a more stylish and sophisticated nightlife scene, Strait Street in Valletta is the perfect destination. It was once known as Malta’s red-light district, but this narrow street has now transformed into a vibrant hub for wine bars, jazz clubs and cocktail lounges, with a nice, old-world charm.
- Festivals – Isle of MTV is a festival that’s taken place in Malta every year since 2007, with acts like RAYE and Nelly Furtado – and it’s completely free! Look out for the line-up announcement and plan a trip to go in July. You can stay in Valletta and travel into the festival in Floriana because then there are after-parties back in Paceville. Malta Jazz Festival is also held in Valletta in July, so you can tick off two events.
Malta’s public buses are affordable and cover most of the island, including popular tourist spots. A single ticket costs around €2 in summer (€1.50 in winter) and is valid for two hours. Tallinja Cards offer better value if you’re staying for a few days or more, though.
Renting a car is great if you want flexibility to explore at your own pace, although traffic can be heavy and parking is competitive in Valletta and Sliema.
Taxis are available but can be expensive. There are also apps like Bolt and eCabs that are cheaper and more convenient – prices will just vary depending on demand and distance.
Many areas, like Valletta, Sliema and Mdina are easy to explore on foot.
Ferries connect Valletta to Sliema and Valletta to the Three Cities (Cospicua, Senglea, Vittoriosa). Ferry services also run to Gozo and Comino, with multiple operators and prices are pretty reasonable at around €2-€5 per trip.
Why we love Malta
Popular holiday types
Pick a hotel that’s nice and central in Valletta, and you can pop back as much as you like for the included food and drink so you stay within budget while sightseeing – it’s already paid for after all. Or, go for a seaside spot with a nice pool set-up, and you never have to leave.
Malta is a relatively cheap holiday pick, so if you can lock in a good last-minute deal, it can be a real win for your budget. Keep an eye on our deals pages and sign up to our emails to be the first to know when our prices drop.
Pick a hotel that’s nice and central in Valletta, and you can pop back as much as you like for the included food and drink so you stay within budget while sightseeing – it’s already paid for after all. Or, go for a seaside spot with a nice pool set-up, and you never have to leave.
Malta FAQs
The best time to visit Malta is April to June or September to October when the weather is warm, but the crowds aren’t as big as in the peak summer months. If you love hot weather and a lively atmosphere, then July and August are ideal.
If you travel with an EU, UK, American, Canadian or Australian passport, you can visit Malta visa free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
This information is correct at the time of writing. Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for small shops, buses and rural areas.
Tap water is safe but has a distinct taste. Many locals and tourists prefer to drink bottled or filtered water.
It’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites and, as Sunday is a family day, it’s quite common for a lot of shops to be closed. Tipping isn’t obligatory here, but it’s always appreciated and anywhere from 5-10% is standard.
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Malta travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Malta but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Malta using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. If you’re travelling to the EU and you apply for a card now, you’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. This entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. For the latest health and safety info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/health
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