Malta Guide 2025: 15 tips for trips + transport and accommodation
Malta is a unique Mediterranean island that combines sun, history, authentic Mediterranean life and a compact size, allowing us holidaymakers to experience a large number of experiences in a short time. On your first visit, you will be impressed not only by the golden stones of the buildings, the turquoise bays and the rich cultural stories, but also by the fact that you can enjoy the sea, sights and gastronomy, so to speak, all in one day.
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Marsaxlokk – Malta
I have prepared this guide for you to provide you with an overview of key information: from the basic characteristics of Malta to the ideal dates and accommodation to practical details of transport. I will also mention the most interesting tips for trips that I recommend not to miss here.
Malta
The island of Malta lies in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea and offers holidaymakers a compact but varied holiday. Thanks to its size, “everything is close by”. The history here ranges from prehistoric temples through Arab, knightly and British traces to modern tourism.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay – Malta
Geographically, Malta combines rocky coastline with sandy bays, cities with quiet villages and bustle with quiet corners. English is commonly used here (reference to the British colony), which facilitates communication. In addition, Malta attracts with its warm sea, rich nightlife, but also with hiking, diving or trips to the neighboring islands of Gozo or Comino.
My tip: Did you know that Malta is also a popular destination for studying English? The schools here are also ideal for Business English for adults. If you are considering going somewhere to brush up your language skills, this island is a better option for me than, for example, bleak and expensive London.
Accommodation in Malta – Tips by the Sea and in the City
Malta offers a wide range of accommodation, from beach resorts to historic boutique hotels in the cities. If you long for a stay right by the sea, resorts such as St. Julian’s or St. Paul’s Bay with beach hotels, promenade, restaurants and sea views are ideal.
AX ODYCY Hotel
A great hotel for both couples and families with children.
Check availability and book your stay at the hotel HERE
For a city stay with a historical atmosphere and easy access to sights, the cities of Valletta or Mdina are a great choice. When choosing, consider whether you prefer a quieter location with access to the beach or rather a center with a rich city life.
Pergola Hotel – Malta
Pleasant city hotel with rooftop views
Check availability and book your stay at the hotel HERE
The Best Hotel in Malta for Adults Only?
A great choice for a child-free stay right by the sea is the highly rated hotel Seaview Hotel – Adults Only (Adults Only 16+) in the St. Paul’s Bay area, just a few minutes walk from the sea, with panoramic views, a rooftop pool and modern/designer furnishings.
Seaview Hotel – Adults Only 16+
Check availability and book your stay at the hotel HERE
Another option is also a highly rated hotel with panoramic sea views from the pool and great services:
H Hotel & SPA – Adults Only
Check availability and book your stay at the hotel HERE
When is the Best Time to Fly to Malta?/ Weather on the Island of Malta
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures are pleasant (~20–25 °C), the sea is already/still warm and there are fewer tourists than in the summer peak.
In the high season (July–August) it can be extremely hot, temperatures often reach 30 °C and more, and there is considerably more tourist traffic.
Riviera Beach on vacation – Malta
Winter here is mild, but rain can be more frequent during this period, so it is better to wait with your vacation until spring. If you prefer a combination of sun, sea and tranquility, then the autumn and spring months really represent an ideal choice.
Malta
My tip: Avoid vacationing in Malta in August. Most Europeans, and especially Italians, have summer vacations and holidays, and the islands are overcrowded with tourists, which also results in exorbitant prices in hotels and restaurants. We were told that some restaurants even have a seasonal MENU with different prices than for the rest of the year.
You might also be interested in:
- 15 tips for where to go to the sea in Europe in the fall
- Sirmione: a historical pearl with thermal baths in the south of Garda
- 11 tips for wellness centers in Austria
Map – Malta and Gozo
Malta: 15 Tips for Trips and Places You Must See and Experience
Golden Bay – Malta
The most famous beach on the island, which will please practically all tourists. However, if you prefer a more intimate beach atmosphere, like us, come here in the spring or autumn. During the holidays, expect it to be packed.
Ideal for a first swim and a relaxing afternoon with a drink in hand. Personally, however, we also like to walk a few meters to other bays along the coast.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
Just a few steps from the busier Golden Bay is a quiet bay surrounded by cliffs, which can be reached on a pleasant coastal trek from nearby hotels. This place is ideal for pleasant coastal contemplation.
My tip: you can even surf here off-season
Mellieħa (Għadira Bay)
The longest and most comfortable beach in Malta, which is ideal for families with children and those who want to spend long days by the sea simply relaxing under an umbrella. The water here is shallow, crystal clear and the sand is fine. Exactly the kind of beach you are looking for with children.
For my taste, the beach is too full of umbrellas. Personally, we just turned around here and I didn’t even take a picture of it, but I understand that this type of beach is ideal for many of you, and that’s why I included it in my list today.
Paradise Bay – Malta
A small bay with a name that speaks for itself. Calm water, dramatic cliffs and a view of Gozo await you here. A great place for those holidaymakers who are looking for a quiet bay with swimming without crowds, of course outside the holidays.
During the holidays, the bay is a popular place before or after trips to the islands of Comino or Gozo. By the way, there is a very pleasant restaurant here.
Gnejna Bay
Hidden among the hills and popular mainly among locals. Gnejna still feels like a natural beach, even though tourists have also learned to come here in the high season. In any case, don’t expect any hotel complexes here, and outside the holiday season, look forward to the sea and tranquility, which is not a matter of course everywhere in tourist Malta.
Blue Lagoon (Comino Island)
A legend that simply cannot be missed. The water here has such a clear color that you will want to jump out of the boat and swim in it. That kind of boat trip without which you cannot leave Malta.
Blue Grotto – Malta
A system of sea caves that will take your breath away. The cliffs here create perfect panoramas not only for photographers. I recommend going here in the morning, when the light shines through the sea into incredible shades of blue.
Dingli Cliffs
The highest cliffs of Malta and a place that is clearly visible even from the plane. Ideal for an evening walk. You will find silence, wind and breathtaking views here, which you will appreciate especially at sunset.
Popeye Village – Malta
The colorful film village built for the filming of the musical Popeye has been transformed into a popular tourist spot. This fairytale village is a paradise for photographers and children alike. It is definitely among the TOP 10 places you must visit in Malta.
Valletta – Malta
An elegant capital where history meets modern life. Narrow streets, stone balconies and cafes with sea views create an atmosphere that will absorb you not only in the main summer season. If you prefer peace and quiet, I recommend arriving in the early spring or late autumn months to enjoy the city in an intimate atmosphere.
Mdina – „the Silent City“
An ancient city on a hill where you can endlessly wander through narrow stone streets. You will be thrilled by the golden houses and the silence, which seems almost magical. The city is an ideal escape from the bustling coast.
Rabat
Mdina’s neighboring town, known for the catacombs of St. Paul and authentic cafes. Rabat shows the true face of inland Malta. You will find peace, tradition and the smell of baked bread from local bakeries. However, I didn’t find any gluten-free here. Let me know if you come across some fresh gluten-free bread.
Marsaxlokk – Malta
A traditional fishing village where the harbor boasts dozens of colorful boats “luzzu”. Come to the market on Sunday morning, choose a fresh fish and watch the local peaceful life. Photographers in particular will enjoy it.
Sliema & St. Julian’s
A modern and lively resort that never sleeps. Promenade with views of Valletta, cafes, bars and bathing piers. An ideal place if you want to combine a stay by the sea, nightlife and comfortable resorts.
Victoria (Citadella, Gozo)
The heart of the neighboring island of Gozo. An ancient fortress with panoramic views of the whole of Gozo, narrow streets and an authentic rural rhythm. I recommend it as a day trip, however, if you have more days of vacation, it is better to plan your stay on Gozo itself.
I will write a separate article about the island of Gozo with my tips.
Public Transport in Malta
The main pillar of public transport in Malta is the bus network operated by Malta Public Transport (MPT). One ride in the summer season (June–October) can be purchased for €2.50 and in the off-season for €1.50 (if you buy the ticket directly on the bus).
Tourists also have cards such as “Explore Card” or “Explore Flex” available, where, for example, a card for 7 days of unlimited travel costs €25 for an adult.
For better orientation when traveling, I recommend downloading the Tallinja App, which is the official app from the carrier, allowing you to track lines, plan a route and display live departure times.
- Buses are often referred to as “on demand”. Stand up from the stop and raise your hand so the driver knows you want to get on.
- On some busy lines or during transfers, there may be a high density of passengers. For these popular connections, it is worth planning your route in advance so that they connect you.
During the summer of 2025, changes were made to MPT connections and hundreds of new connections were added, increasing the frequency of these previously overcrowded selected lines.
Ferries to Gozo
If you want to visit the neighboring island of Gozo, use the ferry connection from the Ċirkewwa terminal in Malta to the Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. The ferry carries pedestrians and cars.
- For pedestrians, the standard one-way fare is approximately €4.65 / the journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
- For a car + driver, the current prices are approximately €15.70 (one way) in normal mode.
Ferry Malta – Gozo
Ferry frequency: during the summer the departure is approximately every 45 minutes, in the off-season the interval is longer.
Have cash ready on buses and on the ferry, but most services can also be paid contactless or by card (contactless payment can usually be used on buses).
Consider choosing the “Explore” card if you stay in Malta for 3 or more days. It may be more economically advantageous than individual tickets.
How to get to the Gozo Ferry Terminal?
- There is a direct bus connection from the airport or from larger tourist areas, e.g. line X1 or TD1 from the airport to Ċirkewwa.
- If you are planning a trip to Gozo for just a day, plan the ferry well in advance, especially in the morning there are more tourists here.
- When transporting a vehicle, order a return ticket right away to ensure a place – make sure at the car rental that you can cross by ferry – not all rentals allow it!
Malta – Car Rental
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If you are planning to explore Malta by car, be prepared for narrow roads. Locals here fold their mirrors so they can pass through the local streets at all.
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Traffic in some areas and parking near tourist locations can be more challenging.
- In Malta, driving is on the left – keep that in mind!
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Intersections and roundabouts operate according to British rules, i.e. the vehicle already traveling on the roundabout from the left has the right of way.
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If you are not used to left-hand traffic, the first few hours may be stressful, but the transport infrastructure is clear and local drivers are usually considerate.
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