Travel to Malta — everything you need to know
When to go to Malta?
- April – June — Mediterranean spring : An ideal period with mild temperatures (18–25°C), the sea still cool but the vegetation in bloom. Few tourists, lower prices and none of summer's stifling heat.
- September – October — Late season : The sea stays warm (25°C) after summer and temperatures are ideal (22–28°C). The summer crowds are gone while the weather remains excellent for swimming and sightseeing.
Weather in Malta
Check the weather city by city, starting with Valletta.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 16 to 32 °C depending on the season, 48 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Malta?
Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago of three inhabited islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) whose history spans 7,000 years. Valletta, the EU's smallest capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is packed with baroque churches and palaces of the Knights of St John. Malta's megalithic temples are the oldest free-standing structures in the world, predating the pyramids of Egypt by 1,000 years.
Valletta
Valletta is the smallest capital in the European Union and one of the most fortified cities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in the 16th century, it holds an exceptional concentration of historic monuments. St John's Co-Cathedral, with its gilded baroque interiors and two Caravaggio paintings, is an absolute masterpiece.
Highlights : St John's Co-Cathedral — Maltese baroque and Caravaggio (The Beheading), Grandmaster's Palace — official residence of the President of Malta, Upper Barrakka Gardens — panorama over the Grand Harbour, MUŻA — Malta's national museum of art.
Mdina
Nicknamed the 'Silent City', Mdina is a former fortified medieval capital perched on a hill in the centre of Malta. With fewer than 300 permanent residents, its deserted alleys at nightfall create an almost magical atmosphere. It notably served as the backdrop for King's Landing in the first season of Game of Thrones.
Highlights : Mdina ramparts — panoramic views over the whole island of Malta, St Paul's Cathedral — 18th-century baroque rebuilt after an earthquake, Mdina Dungeons Museum — history of the knights and instruments of torture, Rabat — neighbouring town with early Christian catacombs.
Comino Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino has some of the clearest waters in the entire Mediterranean, with unreal turquoise and azure hues. The island of Comino, almost uninhabited, has only one hotel. The Blue Lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. In low season it takes on a paradise-like feel.
Highlights : Blue Lagoon — spectacular turquoise waters, outstanding snorkelling, Santa Marija Tower — 17th-century defensive tower on the island, Crystal Lagoon — a second, less crowded and equally beautiful lagoon, Sea caves — boat exploration of the island's limestone caves.
Megalithic Temples
Malta's megalithic temples are the oldest free-standing architectural structures in the world, dating from 3600 to 2500 BC. The temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, overlooking the sea, and those of Tarxien, all UNESCO-listed, bear witness to a mysterious and advanced prehistoric civilisation. The National Archaeological Museum in Valletta holds the precious 'Venus of Malta' figurines.
Highlights : Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples — UNESCO-listed megaliths facing the sea, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum — a unique underground prehistoric temple, Tarxien Temples — a megalithic complex right in the middle of town, National Archaeological Museum — 'Venus of Malta' and prehistoric treasures.
Travel budget for Malta
Malta is one of the most affordable destinations in the western Mediterranean. Prices are lower than in Italy or elsewhere in Western Europe, with excellent value for money on food and activities. Summer sees prices rise noticeably.
- Backpacker : 60–80 €/j — Hostel, pastizzi and local restaurants, bus, affordable sightseeing
- Comfort : 110–160 €/j — Charming hotel, good dining, water activities and sightseeing
Practical tips for travelling to Malta
- Flight from Paris : 2h30 direct flight from CDG to Malta International Airport
- Visa : No visa required — Schengen area, an EU ID card is sufficient
- Currency : Euro (€) — a very budget-friendly country for the Mediterranean
- Language : Maltese and English are official — French is little spoken, English is universal
- Electricity : Type G (British 3-pin plug) — adapter essential
- Health : European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid — good quality healthcare
- Swimming : Warm sea from June to November — outstanding snorkelling and diving
- Film : Malta has served as a filming location for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Troy
Compare Malta with other destinations