Malta

The perfect place where to experience the Mediterranean culture, Malta will conquer you with its ancient history, lively culture, and great landscapes.
Malta is the perfect place where to experience the Mediterranean culture! Here you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crystal blue sea while feeling the warm sun on your skin. If you love history, you cannot opt for a better place!

Malta is the perfect place where to experience the Mediterranean culture! Here you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crystal blue sea while feeling the warm sun on your skin. If you love history, you cannot opt for a better place! Entering Malta is like entering a living museum! The country has plenty of forts and citadels to offer and many historical sites. You will fall in love with the beige color of its ancient houses burned by the sun! Not enough? Travel during the summer months to experience the ‘fiesta a traditional celebration held in every village where you will find plenty of good food, music, and even fireworks! Do you need more excuses to come here? English is one of the two national languages and everyone will be able to understand you. You don’t even have to apply for a Visa! What are you waiting for?

 

Deep blue hole at the world-famous Azure Window in Gozo island – Mediterranean nature wonder in beautiful Malta – scuba divers swimming to the adventure water cave
Valletta, Malta – Boats at the ancient walls of Valletta from the bayside by the morning sun.

Malta is an archipelago nation situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The country is made up of several little islands, however, the three main ones are Malta, where 90 percent of the population lives, Gozo and Comino. Malta is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, about 50 kilometers away from Sicily. The capital, Valletta, is located on the Eastern North side of Malta and is considered by UNESCO the most historically concentrated area in the world! If you love history then you cannot miss Fort Sant’ Elmo situated in the capital of the country! Make sure to also visit Fort Sant’ Angelo not too far from Valletta. The island of Gozo is also full of historical sites. If you happen to go there, don’t miss Victoria citadel. Some of the other main cities of the country are Qormi and Birkirkara. Malta is the perfect place to go snorkeling and you will find not only a wonderful sea but also great rocky coastlines!  The archipelago is mainly made up of gentle hills, steppes, and grasslands. 

Aerial drone view Comino, Malta Blue Lagoon to enjoy the clear turquoise water with clear blue sky and boats in summer

The weather in Malta is hot. The archipelago enjoys wonderful Mediterranean weather all year round. During the winter months, temperatures are around 10°C to 12°C. During the summer, the climate ranges between 23°C to 32°C. Precipitations are rare and concentrated in the winter months, from October to March. However, being an archipelago of islands situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the country is quite windy all year round! The best period to Malta is in the spring or autumn when there are not too many tourists and the weather is warm but not too hot. 

Typical street food from Malta. Pies with stuffing.

Most people will say that the national dish of the country is pastizzi. You probably never heard of it, but pastizzi is a must if you’re coming to Malta! Pastizzi is a savory pastry filled up with either ricotta cheese or curried peas. It can be eaten at any time of the day and you will be able to find it all over the country. Apart from pastizzi, Maltese people eat tons of pasta, because of the proximity of Malta to Italy, and meat, especially rabbit. Fenek, rabbit meat, is among one of Malta’s best dishes. Maltese people also enjoy fish, such as sea bass as well as seafood, such as octopus. If you want to try a typical dessert, don’t miss the Maltese ice cream!

Victoria, Gozo, Malta: A young woman dressed up for carnival, performing in the streets of Victoria Gozo which happens to be a tradition in Malta.

If you don’t know what to wear in Malta remember that smart casual clothes are always a good option. During the winter, bring a few pairs of jeans with a simple t-shirt and you’ll be alright. During the evening, however, temperatures drop, so don’t forget a light sweater or a jumper! During the summer months, the weather gets very warm, so pack a pair of shorts instead of long jeans. Remember that if you want to visit churches you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees. Also bring a warm sweater with you when visiting underground places, such as catacombs, as here temperatures are significantly lower even during the summer months. Don’t forget some dive shoes as most of the coastline is rocky. Lastly, remember to pack a fancy outfit if you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife that the country has to offer! Here people like to dress to impress when partying! 

Euro banknotes and coins in front of the national flag of Malta

The official currency of Malta is the Euro. The country is not extremely expensive but has average Western European prices. You can expect to spend around 40for an Airbnb in a city close to Valletta, however, in the capital, prices are way more expensive, and you won’t be able to find anything for that price. An average Airbnb in Valletta will cost you around 80, almost double! If you’re traveling cheap you can opt for a hostel. A night in a dormitory will usually cost around 25 to 30. Food is slightly cheaper. A full day of eating out will cost you around 35and you may expect to spend around 14for a dinner, way cheaper than many other European countries. Transportation will cost around 19per day but remember that taxis are way more expensive than public transport. 

Valletta, Malta,  a traditional Maltese water taxi (dghajsa) taking tourists from Valletta Grand Harbour to Fort St Antonio in Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. Maltese is an incredibly original language as it consists of a mix of Arabic, Italian and English. Most people here are bilingual, so you won’t have difficulties communicating, especially in the capital! However, you are still free to learn a few Maltese words as this is always appreciated by the local population! 

Valletta, Malta: Grand Parade in front of The Grand Master’s Palace – a historical re-enactment of Maltese Order of the Knights of St. John military parade and Valletta Fort inspection

Ninety per cent of the Maltese population considers itself Catholic and religion plays an important role in the country. If you want to get to know the Maltese culture, there is no better opportunity than the Maltese ‘fiesta. During the summer months, every village in the country hosts a local celebration in honour of their patron saint. The Festa lasts for a day but the celebrations can start days before the actual date. The day starts with a march in the morning while in the evening the statue of the celebrated saint is brought outside of the church where it’s normally located and carried around the city. You will find plenty of alcohol and fireworks to illuminate the night sky. Confetti and balloons are also launched from the roofs of houses. 

Malta is also famous for its jewellery as it is among the best countries in the world making silver and gold filigree jewellery. Malta is a safe country and criminality is at very low levels. The most popular sports in the archipelago are bocce ball, water polo and horse racing. Lastly, remember that there is only one airport in the whole country situated on the island of Malta, so if you want to visit the other islands you will have to take a ferry.

Maltese Passport with a coat of arms and Maltese Text

Malta is in the Schengen area and therefore traveling here should be easy. You won’t be required a Visa unless you’re staying for longer than 90 days in a period of 180 days. However, on your arrival, you may be required to use separate lanes from EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. The local authorities may stamp your passport on entering and you may be asked to show a return ticket and proof that you have enough money for your stay. Also, make sure you have a passport with at least six-month validity on the day of arrival.

Adapter for type G socket 

 

Maltese use the Type G plug outlet. Malta operates on a 230V supply voltage and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

Why travel to Malta?

Malta is the perfect place where to experience the Mediterranean culture! Here you will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the crystal blue sea while feeling the warm sun on your skin. If you love history, you cannot opt for a better place! Entering Malta is like entering a living museum! The country has plenty of forts and citadels to offer and many historical sites. You will fall in love with the beige color of its ancient houses burned by the sun! Not enough? Travel during the summer months to experience the ‘fiesta a traditional celebration held in every village where you will find plenty of good food, music, and even fireworks! Do you need more excuses to come here? English is one of the two national languages and everyone will be able to understand you. You don’t even have to apply for a Visa! What are you waiting for?

 

Deep blue hole at the world-famous Azure Window in Gozo island – Mediterranean nature wonder in beautiful Malta – scuba divers swimming to the adventure water cave
Location and Geography
Valletta, Malta – Boats at the ancient walls of Valletta from the bayside by the morning sun.

Malta is an archipelago nation situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The country is made up of several little islands, however, the three main ones are Malta, where 90 percent of the population lives, Gozo and Comino. Malta is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, about 50 kilometers away from Sicily. The capital, Valletta, is located on the Eastern North side of Malta and is considered by UNESCO the most historically concentrated area in the world! If you love history then you cannot miss Fort Sant’ Elmo situated in the capital of the country! Make sure to also visit Fort Sant’ Angelo not too far from Valletta. The island of Gozo is also full of historical sites. If you happen to go there, don’t miss Victoria citadel. Some of the other main cities of the country are Qormi and Birkirkara. Malta is the perfect place to go snorkeling and you will find not only a wonderful sea but also great rocky coastlines!  The archipelago is mainly made up of gentle hills, steppes, and grasslands. 

Climate and weather
Aerial drone view Comino, Malta Blue Lagoon to enjoy the clear turquoise water with clear blue sky and boats in summer

The weather in Malta is hot. The archipelago enjoys wonderful Mediterranean weather all year round. During the winter months, temperatures are around 10°C to 12°C. During the summer, the climate ranges between 23°C to 32°C. Precipitations are rare and concentrated in the winter months, from October to March. However, being an archipelago of islands situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, the country is quite windy all year round! The best period to Malta is in the spring or autumn when there are not too many tourists and the weather is warm but not too hot. 

Cuisine
Typical street food from Malta. Pies with stuffing.

Most people will say that the national dish of the country is pastizzi. You probably never heard of it, but pastizzi is a must if you’re coming to Malta! Pastizzi is a savory pastry filled up with either ricotta cheese or curried peas. It can be eaten at any time of the day and you will be able to find it all over the country. Apart from pastizzi, Maltese people eat tons of pasta, because of the proximity of Malta to Italy, and meat, especially rabbit. Fenek, rabbit meat, is among one of Malta’s best dishes. Maltese people also enjoy fish, such as sea bass as well as seafood, such as octopus. If you want to try a typical dessert, don’t miss the Maltese ice cream!

Clothing and Dress
Victoria, Gozo, Malta: A young woman dressed up for carnival, performing in the streets of Victoria Gozo which happens to be a tradition in Malta.

If you don’t know what to wear in Malta remember that smart casual clothes are always a good option. During the winter, bring a few pairs of jeans with a simple t-shirt and you’ll be alright. During the evening, however, temperatures drop, so don’t forget a light sweater or a jumper! During the summer months, the weather gets very warm, so pack a pair of shorts instead of long jeans. Remember that if you want to visit churches you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees. Also bring a warm sweater with you when visiting underground places, such as catacombs, as here temperatures are significantly lower even during the summer months. Don’t forget some dive shoes as most of the coastline is rocky. Lastly, remember to pack a fancy outfit if you’re planning to enjoy the nightlife that the country has to offer! Here people like to dress to impress when partying! 

Currency
Euro banknotes and coins in front of the national flag of Malta

The official currency of Malta is the Euro. The country is not extremely expensive but has average Western European prices. You can expect to spend around 40for an Airbnb in a city close to Valletta, however, in the capital, prices are way more expensive, and you won’t be able to find anything for that price. An average Airbnb in Valletta will cost you around 80, almost double! If you’re traveling cheap you can opt for a hostel. A night in a dormitory will usually cost around 25 to 30. Food is slightly cheaper. A full day of eating out will cost you around 35and you may expect to spend around 14for a dinner, way cheaper than many other European countries. Transportation will cost around 19per day but remember that taxis are way more expensive than public transport. 

Language
Valletta, Malta,  a traditional Maltese water taxi (dghajsa) taking tourists from Valletta Grand Harbour to Fort St Antonio in Birgu (Vittoriosa)

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English. Maltese is an incredibly original language as it consists of a mix of Arabic, Italian and English. Most people here are bilingual, so you won’t have difficulties communicating, especially in the capital! However, you are still free to learn a few Maltese words as this is always appreciated by the local population! 

Culture
Valletta, Malta: Grand Parade in front of The Grand Master’s Palace – a historical re-enactment of Maltese Order of the Knights of St. John military parade and Valletta Fort inspection

Ninety per cent of the Maltese population considers itself Catholic and religion plays an important role in the country. If you want to get to know the Maltese culture, there is no better opportunity than the Maltese ‘fiesta. During the summer months, every village in the country hosts a local celebration in honour of their patron saint. The Festa lasts for a day but the celebrations can start days before the actual date. The day starts with a march in the morning while in the evening the statue of the celebrated saint is brought outside of the church where it’s normally located and carried around the city. You will find plenty of alcohol and fireworks to illuminate the night sky. Confetti and balloons are also launched from the roofs of houses. 

Malta is also famous for its jewellery as it is among the best countries in the world making silver and gold filigree jewellery. Malta is a safe country and criminality is at very low levels. The most popular sports in the archipelago are bocce ball, water polo and horse racing. Lastly, remember that there is only one airport in the whole country situated on the island of Malta, so if you want to visit the other islands you will have to take a ferry.

Passport & Visa
Maltese Passport with a coat of arms and Maltese Text

Malta is in the Schengen area and therefore traveling here should be easy. You won’t be required a Visa unless you’re staying for longer than 90 days in a period of 180 days. However, on your arrival, you may be required to use separate lanes from EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. The local authorities may stamp your passport on entering and you may be asked to show a return ticket and proof that you have enough money for your stay. Also, make sure you have a passport with at least six-month validity on the day of arrival.

Electricity & Plugs
Adapter for type G socket 

 

Maltese use the Type G plug outlet. Malta operates on a 230V supply voltage and the standard frequency is 50Hz.

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