Looking for a complete Malta travel guide with everything in one place? This post covers all the tips you need for an unforgettable trip.

Planning a trip to Malta might initially feel simple. It’s a small island country, and when you first look at it on a map, it’s easy to assume you can fit everything into a few busy days. The reality is quite different. Malta may be small, but it’s packed with historic cities, beach clubs, boat trips, hidden swimming spots, coastal hikes, and hidden-gem islands, covering all of this can easily fill an entire week.

 

The biggest mistake is trying to do everything.

One day you’re rushing through Valletta and The Three Cities, the next you’re squeezing in Mdina, Gozo, Comino, and a beach. Do you see where this is going? You’ll leave feeling like you spent more time going from place to place than actually enjoying them. Anyhow the transport system in Malta makes it hard to plan too many cities in one day, something I didn’t realize when planning to visit Malta. Hence this guide.

 

This guide is the version I wish I had when I was planning my own trip.

Keep reading for the inside scoop on where to stay, how to choose the right base, the best things to do, the best beach or pool clubs, and how to structure a 3, 5, or 7-day Malta itinerary that is balanced, memorable, and realistic.

More importantly, I’ll help you leave room for the things that ended up becoming some of my favorite memories: cruising through the ocean on a private boat, long lunches overlooking a sky pool, a night out in St Julian’s, sunset walks, and that feeling of not rushing anywhere.

Where to Stay in Malta + Hotel Recommendations

While planning for Malta, it’s best to book your hotel early, especially if you’re visiting in spring or summer. From what I observed while researching for my trip, the hotels in Valletta were more expensive and got sold out faster, but hotels around St Julian’s and Sliema were more reasonably priced. I booked really late, so my only option was in Sliema.

In reality, I preferred the vibe in St Julian’s to Valletta, and would recommend staying here as a base. It’s also in between most of the major areas people visit, so it’s easy to plan day trips from here without needing to constantly change hotels.

Stay in Valletta if…

…you want to be surrounded by history, colourful balconies, and walkable sights, and you don’t mind paying a bit more for location.

• The Embassy Valleta Hotel – sea view rooms with jacuzzis, terraces, and within 5 minutes walking from major attractions.
• San Karlu Hotel – reasonably priced boutique hotel option within walking distance of the ocean.

 

Stay in St Julian’s if…

…you’re looking for fun and activity. Think day & night beach clubs, rooftop bars, shopping streets, jetskis, and lots of energy.

St. Julian’s is where Malta comes alive. It’s fun, social, and great if you enjoy nightlife movement, but it can feel a bit loud if you prefer peace and quiet. Best part is that it’s only about 15–20 minutes from Valletta by car or bus, so it’s perfect for day trips.

If I were to choose again, this is where I’d base myself for most of the trip.

• ME Malta – great location in the heart of St Julian’s, with a rooftop pool and spectacular sea views.
• Westin Dragonara Resort  – waterfront property with direct beach access, indoor and outdoor pools, a beach club, and a casino. Everything you could possibly want in a luxury resort.

 

Stay in Sliema if…

…you want sea views, a long promenade for evening walks, and an easy ferry connection to Valletta without being in the middle of nightlife. My top choice here is AX The Palace – they claim they give you a celebrity treatment, who doesn’t want that?

I stayed at a newer hotel in Sliema – Regional Hotel by NEU Collective, it had really big rooms with balconies, restaurants around, and a grocery shop right beside it, and the location was perfect for connecting to everywhere I wanted to go to – Valleta, ferry for Gozo & Comino, and St Julian’s (I actually walked here). The only minor downside is that it wasn’t right in the middle of the action.

 

Stay in Gozo if…

…you don’t mind being away on an island, and want a slower trip with hikes, quieter beaches, and calmer evenings. If you have more time, you can split your holiday with a few (2) nights in Gozo and the remaining nights on Malta mainland.

 

 

Essentials Before Travelling to Malta

Before your trip make sure to arrange these small things that will make your Malta holiday a lot easier;

• eSIM or local data – If you already have an EU SIM, you’re fine. If not, getting an eSIM before you arrive will save you from hunting for Wi‑Fi in the middle of planning boat rides and booking a beach club.
• Cash – Carry some euros for small cafés, markets, and local shops that don’t always take cards.
• Travel adapter – Malta uses the UK‑style Type G plug with three rectangular pins, so check if you need an adapter. I needed one.
• Sunscreen & sunglasses – Malta’s sun is strong, especially in summer and you’ll need it when you go swimming.
• Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking on hills, steps, and old stone streets more than you think.
• A good attitude – Things can run on island time sometimes like the buses, ferries, busy restaurants, so a bit of patience will make your trip feel much better.

 

How to Get into Malta

By Air

Most travellers arrive through Malta International Airport, the main gateway into Malta. There are regular flights within Europe, parts of Africa, and the Middle East, which makes it easy to add Malta onto a multi‑country trip.

If you’re combining Malta with other European cities, it’s worth checking both budget airlines and full‑service airlines especially from not so popular airports. I traveled on a direct flight from Brussels, instead of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and saved $300 on my flight ticket. 

 

By Ferry

You can also take a ferry from nearby Italy, especially from Sicily. It’s a slower but very scenic way to arrive, especially if you enjoy sea views. If you’re prone to seasickness, just keep in mind that the sea can be choppy at certain times of year, so check conditions before you book.

 

Getting Around Malta (From the Airport to Your Hotel and Exploring)

From the airport, taxis are the quickest option, and ride‑hailing apps like Uber and Bolt work in most areas. Within the country itself, using the public transport buses are the cheapest option (€2 for 2 hours), especially if hopping between cities. You can pay as you go by purchasing a ticket directly from the bus driver, or use a prepaid flex travel card (€27 for 7 days). The official Malta public transport website has all the information you need for tickets, however I found the buses to be quite crowded, unpredictable, and time consuming with the multiple stops, so I mostly used Uber/Bolt.

I highly recommend renting a car if you want full freedom to explore beaches and small towns at your own pace (there’s a car ferry to get you across islands). If you’re renting a car, keep in mind that within the main cities like St Julians, the traffic can be diabolical, and outside the main cities, you have to drive on narrow roads. Note that Malta drives on the left hand side. If you’re not comfortable driving on the left, you can still see a lot using a mix of buses, taxis, and organised tours.

For Gozo and Comino, you’ll be using ferries and small boats. There are 2 options. The most popular one being the main Gozo Channel ferry that leaves from Ċirkewwa on the north of the main Malta island and gets to Gozo within 25 minutes. A less popular, but efficient option from Valleta is the Gozo High Speed Ferry which cuts out the time you’ll spend commuting to Cirkewwa, and takes 45 minutes. From Gozo or Cirkewwa, you can also find boat trips to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

 

Save this for your next read: Best Vietnam travel tips for first time travelers.

 

Things to Do in Malta

Earlier I shared how there’s a lot to do in Malta, and the best thing about this is how it makes every activity feel completely different. One moment you’re on a boat heading to Comino, 4 hours later, you’re done with your boat cruise and riding on a horse carriage into the city gates of Mdina, and watching the sunset paint the stone buildings golden orange.

Here are some of the top things to do across Malta:

 

1. Spend a full day exploring Valletta.

Valletta deserves more than a quick stop. Start with Tritons’ Fountain at the City Gate and slowly make your way through the capital. Visit the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Try to time it so you can watch the famous cannon firing ceremony at 12noon or 4 pm.

Then leave the main streets and wander the side alleys instead. You’ll find colourful balconies, doors, and tiny corners that are ridiculously picturesque, and you can easily spend hours just clicking away. When it gets too hot, go for ice cream at Cremilla, then slow down properly with a drink on the step terraces, and and people watch those around you.

At the end of the day, watch the sunset across Marsamxett Harbour from near St Paul’s Pro‑Cathedral, or take a short ferry ride over to the Three Cities and watch the light change from the other side of the water.

 

2. Visit a local market (Marsaxlokk Fish Market)

If you want to see a more local side of Malta, head to Marsaxlokk. This colourful fishing village is famous for its traditional boats and Sunday fish market, where locals and visitors browse everything from freshly caught seafood to local products and souvenirs. Go early (8–9am) if you want to see the full seafood display before it sells out and the day gets too hot. After you’re done walking the stalls, sit at one of the seafront restaurants for lunch and watch the Luzzu boats bobbing in the water.

 

3. Take a boat trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.

If there was one experience that made me stop and think, “Okay, Malta really is that beautiful,” it was seeing Comino from the water. Photos don’t quite prepare you for the colour of the sea.

Trust me when I say a boat day is non‑negotiable in Malta. Book a boat tour that takes you to Comino and the Blue Lagoon, and ideally one that also stops at smaller coves instead of just dropping you in the most crowded spot. You can get private and shared boats to Comino from Gozo or from Ċirkewwa on the main island. Personally, I saw the boats leaving from Ċirkewwa as more modern and comfortable, so that’s where I chose to start my tour. I found a private boat through GetYourGuide and would happily recommend it. You can book via the link below:

Malta Private Boat

 

I had such a great experience, and the owner of the company even spoke some Pidgin english to me, which immediately made me feel more seen as a Nigerian traveller.

 

5. Island‑hop to Gozo for a day or a few nights.

 

The pace in Gozo slower, this is where you will breathe. Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa and either visit as a long day trip or spend a couple of nights to slow down properly. Start at the Citadel in Victoria for a quick history moment and panoramic views, then make your way towards Ramla Bay and Tal Mixta Cave.

Go early to Tal Mixta if you want that undisturbed viewpoint, as its no longer the hidden gem it used to be. The cave opening frames the red‑gold sand of Ramla Bay perfectly, almost like someone cut a window into the rock. From there, you can either hike down towards the beach if you’re up for a 30‑minute-ish walk on uneven paths, or drive back down and take the easy route.

Spend time at Dwejra Bay for coastal walks, natural rock formations, and sunset views. The area is also popular with divers because of the underwater landscape. Xwejni Salt Pans are also worth a quick stop to see the salt pools carved into the rock.

6. Visit Mdina, the Silent City (and nearby Rabat).

Mdina is called the Silent City, but I like to think of it as the golden city because of the colour of the stone walls. Walk through the medieval streets, it gets quiet once you leave the main entrance.

Have a slow meal on a terrace overlooking the countryside, I was at Coogi’s and loved it, a few meters away you’ll find this picture perfect Blue Door. When you’re done, wander into nearby Rabat for churches, cafés, and a slightly more lived‑in feel.

You’ll see horse carriages around Mdina too. If you choose to take one, treat it as a short, nostalgic moment rather than a “tour with commentary”, or skip it and just keep walking if animal‑related attractions aren’t your thing.

Either way, Mdina and Rabat together make a perfect half day activity.  There are small‑group tours that handle transport and give you context while you walk through the city.

 

6. Visit Popeye Village (Popeye Island)

For something a bit more playful, especially if you’re travelling with children or you love film sets, there’s Popeye Village near Mellieħa. Originally built as a film set for the 1980 Popeye movie, it has now become one of Malta’s most recognisable attractions. It’s not a “must” for everyone (especially if you have a shorter itinerary), but it can be a fun half‑day if you’re already in the area. To see this small theme‑park‑style attraction, you can either:

• • Pay to go inside and enjoy the full experience (shows, small rides, swimming in season), or
  • Simply view it from above if you just want the photo and the view without spending a whole day there.

 

7. Have a beach or pool club day

After all the walking and exploring, it’s nice to have one “do nothing” day built into your trip. For easy sandy‑beach relaxing, especially if you’re travelling with friends or family, Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay are great options. Mellieħa Bay in particular is known for soft sand and shallow, calm water, so it’s an easy choice if you’re not the strongest swimmer or you’re travelling with kids.

If you prefer a beach or pool club setup with reserved sunbeds, food, and cocktails, look for options around St Julian’s and the nearby coastline. You can:

• • Pick a beach club where you pay for a lounger and minimum spend, then spend the whole day swimming, reading, and people‑watching.
  • Try a hotel rooftop pool day pass if you want more of a city‑meets‑sea view vibe. I went to FLO skypool, it is lowkey and has a great vibe. If you go there, make sure to have their summer salad. Lekker!

 

8. Take a St Paul’s Bay catamaran or sunset cruise

If you like the idea of being on the water without a full‑day tour, but still want sunshine, music, swimming, and being surrounded by open water, consider joining a catamaran cruise around St. Paul’s Bay.

Many tours sail up the northern coast, stop near the Blue Lagoon or other bays for a swim, and then bring you back as the sun sets. Some are adults‑only with bar service and a more chilled vibe, which is nice if you’re travelling with friends or as a couple and want an evening that isn’t “clubbing” but still feels special.

For ease, this sunset cruise gives you four hours on the water, swim stops, and Blue Lagoon views without the daytime chaos, you just show up, grab a drink, and let the crew handle the rest.

 

9. Enjoy the nightlife in St Julian’s

As the sun goes down, St. Julian’s comes alive. If you’re in the mood for a night out, St Julian’s is the obvious spot. There are beach clubs, rooftop bars, casual pubs, and more chaotic party streets, all within walking distance of each other, so you can choose your level of fun (or chaos, wink wink!).

You don’t have to go full club mode to enjoy it, if you’re based there, you can dip in and out of the nightlife without having to worry about late‑night transport.

 

10. Walk the seafront promenade in Sliema (bonus points for beach‑front yoga)

Not every memorable travel experience needs an admission ticket. One of my favourite slower activities in Malta was simply walking along the Sliema promenade, all the way to St Julian’s. The marina stretches for miles, offering uninterrupted sea views, cafés, restaurants, swimming spots, and plenty of places to stop for coffee or gelato.

Two real gelato spots along this route that I recommend are Rivareno and Cremilla (yes there’s one around Sliema too :D). If you’re travelling at a slower pace, and enjoy walking, the promenade is a beautiful way to start or end your day. You can sneak in a sunrise or sunset walk, or even do beach‑front yoga before the day fully starts. Then grab coffee and just sit for a while watching people and waves instead of rushing to the next thing.

 

Beaches, Beach Clubs, and Pool Clubs

Malta’s beaches come in two types: soft sandy bays and rocky swimming spots. If you’re after an easy beach day with facilities nearby, head to Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay, both are popular sandy beaches and great for families or anyone who just wants a relaxed day by the water. For a more secluded feel, go to Għajn Tuffieħa. The beach sits below a long staircase and is surrounded by cliffs and greenery, so it feels a little wilder and less developed than the busier spots.

 

If you want that famous clear blue water where you can literally see the bottom, take a boat to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. And if you don’t mind skipping the sand altogether, St. Peter’s Pool near Marsaxlokk has some of the clearest water on the island and is perfect for swimming and cliff‑jumping if you’re confident in the water.

Tip: Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa both face west, so they’re some of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.

 

If you prefer a beach or pool club setup, think of it like this: Beach clubs usually give you direct access to the sea with sunbeds, music, and food, while Pool clubs feel more like a hotel rooftop with pools, loungers, DJs, drinks, but no sand.

Some beach and pool clubs I recommend are:

• Flo Skypool
• Café del Mar Malta
• Infinity by Hugo’s
• Cabana Club Malta
• Noma Island

 

Before you read on, bookmark this link: 13 unforgettable places to visit in Vietnam

 

 

How to Plan Your Malta Itinerary (3, 5, or 7 Days)

One mistake people make with Malta is thinking, “It’s small, so I can see everything”. You really can’t, and you’ll enjoy it more if you plan for some downtime or relaxing.

3 Days in Malta

If you’re short on time, 3 days is enough to tick off some of Malta’s biggest highlights. I’d focus on Valletta, Mdina, and either a beach day or a boat trip to Comino (a half day for each also works).  It will be a faster paced holiday, but you’ll still leave with a good feeling of the island.

 

5 Days in Malta

For most people, 5 days is the sweet spot. You can explore Valletta properly, visit Mdina & Rabat, take a Comino boat trip, and spend a day in Gozo, with a little beach or pool club time, some wandering and good food in between. This is the length I’d recommend if it’s your first time and you want a mix of “see a lot” and “actually rest”.

 

7 Days in Malta

With a week, you’re going to be way more relaxed. You can still do Valletta, Mdina, Comino, and Gozo, St Paul’s bay, St Julian’s, but you also have space for quieter beaches, repeat visits to places you love, and slow mornings where you don’t need to rush anywhere.

 

 

Malta Packing List

Malta weather is mostly warm. Summer essentials like light clothes, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are a must because the sun stays strong most days. However it does get windy and cold in the evenings outside of peak summer, so having a summer jacket is highly recommended.

Let’s not forget beachwear and a good book for when you’re relaxing. If you plan to explore a lot (you probably will), then sturdy walking shoes are important; you’ll use them more than you think.

Don’t forget a travel adapter, the outlets mostly used here is the Type G socket.

If you’re visiting in shoulder season, add one pair of trousers or jeans and a light knit for the evenings. A pair of water shoes is also useful if you plan to swim at rocky spots like St. Peter’s Pool.

 

 

Malta Travel Tips

It is not a conventional country to travel to, so you don’t find a lot of information on this online, but it’s the small things that will make or break your Malta trip.

• Carrying cash helps with small cafés and local shops that don’t always take cards.
• Buy a bus travel pass if you plan to spend multiple days here.
• Ride hailing apps tend to be more expensive around peak period. I’m talking of surges from $7 to $18, so plan accordingly.
• Boat rides from Comino to Gozo somehow cost more than Cirkewwa, and for older boats. Or if you want a fancy boat when renting, go to Cirkewwa.
• You don’t need to rent a private boat, you’ll find many shared tours or ferries to comino.
• Most beach/pool clubs will have a full day and half day pass, if you’re looking to spend less, go around midday.
• In peak season like summer, you need to prebook at least one day ahead for your boat tour.
• Also, sunscreen is non‑negotiable, Malta sun doesn’t play at all, especially in summer.
• A lot of beaches are rocky, so pack water shoes.
• If you’re visiting during peak season, book your accommodation early because the good spots go fast.
• And please wear comfortable shoes; those old city streets in places like Valletta are beautiful but full of steps and slopes.

 

If you’re planning a Mediterranean trip, this is your sign to add Malta to your list and experience it for yourself. Start planning now, and don’t forget to save or share this Malta travel guide with anyone who’s planning to travel or visit Malta.

When you’re ready to zoom out again and decide if Malta is the right fit for your next trip, read my Malta destination guide for the full overview of the country, vibes, and different areas.