Malta

What awaits travellers in Malta?

The distances are small: from Valletta to Mdina it's about 12 km, to Marsaxlokk in the southeast just under 13 km. Travellers without a rental car can cover almost the entire country by bus, ferry and on foot; only Gozo requires the ferry from Cirkewwa.

This page summarises regions, best time to visit, entry requirements, health and the main sights, together with guidance from the FDFA, the Federal Foreign Office and the BMEIA (as of September 2026).

Sources: Wikipedia · UNESCO World Heritage Centre

What kind of destination is Malta?

Its history spans from the temple builders more than 5,000 years ago through Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Normans to the Knights of the Order of St John, who received the island in 1530 and founded the fortress city of Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565. From 1800 to 1964 Malta was a British colony; it has been independent since 1964 and a republic since 1974.

From this British heritage, left-hand traffic, red telephone boxes, fish and chips alongside pastizzi, and English as a second official language have all remained. At the same time the culture is strongly Catholic: church towers dominate almost every townscape, and village feasts (festa) with fireworks are part of everyday life from May to September.

Malta is thus a destination for short to medium-length trips: four to seven days are enough for Valletta, Mdina, the southeast and a day on Gozo; anyone diving or wanting to spend longer on the beaches extends their stay. For a long-haul trip covering great distances Malta is not well suited — the whole country lies within a good hour's drive of itself.

Sources: Wikipedia · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria

Which regions and islands of Malta are worth visiting?

Valletta

The fortress city, founded from 1566 by the Knights of the Order of St John on the Sciberras peninsula, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and is considered one of the most densely built-up capitals in the world in terms of cultural monuments. Highlights include St John's Co-Cathedral with works by Caravaggio, the Grandmaster's Palace, the bastions with views over the Grand Harbour, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Sliema and St. Julian's

The coast opposite Valletta is the tourist hub: a waterfront promenade, shopping centres, hotels and, in St. Julian's/Paceville, the island's nightlife. A ferry connection takes travellers across the harbour to Valletta in just a few minutes, year-round several times a day, every 15 minutes at peak times.

Mdina and Rabat

The car-free 'silent city', surrounded by high walls, was Malta's capital until the era of the Knights. Narrow alleys, the Cathedral of St Paul, and the view over the island from the bastions make Mdina a contrast programme to Valletta; the neighbouring town of Rabat is home to the Catacombs of St Paul.

Marsaxlokk and the southeast

The fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colourful Luzzu boats is known for its Sunday market at the harbour. Nearby are the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, high above the sea, as well as the Blue Grotto, a series of sea caves explored by small boats.

Gozo

The second-largest island is more rural, greener and quieter than Malta. Victoria (Rabat) with its Citadel is the capital; in Xagħra lie the Ġgantija temples, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza. The ferry from Cirkewwa to Mġarr runs around the clock, year-round, with a crossing time of around 25 minutes and intervals of 30 to 45 minutes, down to 15 minutes at peak times.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

The small island between Malta and Gozo has hardly any permanent residents; its draw is the Blue Lagoon, a bay of turquoise, shallow water. In high season boats bring day-trippers from several harbours; anyone seeking quiet comes early in the morning or outside the summer months. A coastal path leads from the landing point to quieter bays such as the Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Cave, where far fewer boats anchor.

Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Wikipedia · Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com) · Valletta Ferry Services · Gozo Channel (Operations) Ltd

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Malta has around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and is considered one of the sunniest countries in Europe. The swimming season essentially begins in May and runs into October; water temperatures stay pleasant into November.

Valletta, Sliema/St. Julian's and Gozo (Victoria) over the course of the year

Average daily highs and lows, and monthly rainfall. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station LUQA (6 km, 91 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station LUQA (6 km, 91 m), auf 8 m umgerechnet. Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020. Temperaturen: Mittel der täglichen Höchst- und Tiefstwerte 2010–2024 der Station LUQA (30 km, 91 m). Niederschlag: NASA POWER, Monatsmittel 2001–2020.

At the height of summer, daytime highs climb above 32 °C, and even by the sea it often stays above 22 °C at night. Most village feasts (festa) with processions, music and fireworks take place from May to September, which further tightens accommodation availability in the towns concerned.

According to the Federal Foreign Office, stormy weather with strong winds can occur occasionally from October to April; rainfall is concentrated in the months from October to January. Spring and autumn are best suited for city tours, walking and the temple sites without the burden of heat.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com) · Federal Foreign Office, Germany

What do you need to enter Malta?

• Switzerland: an identity card or passport is sufficient, no visa needed for tourist stays; as a Schengen state, no separate border controls apply to other Schengen countries.
• Germany: passport, temporary passport, identity card, temporary identity card or children's passport; according to the Federal Foreign Office, other travel documents may be expired for no more than one year.
• Austria: passport or identity card, both must be valid for the duration of the trip; unaccompanied minors need a travel authorisation from a parent or guardian, according to the BMEIA.
• Other nationalities: different rules apply; the Maltese embassy or immigration authority in the destination country is authoritative.

Because Malta belongs to the Schengen area, personal checks are dropped at the border with other Schengen states; on direct flights from outside the Schengen area, passports are checked as usual. Proof of onward travel is generally not required, but airlines may impose their own requirements on the validity of identity documents.

Sources: Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Wikipedia

What vaccinations and health precautions do you need for Malta?

Malta has a European medical standard with public and private hospitals, the largest being Mater Dei Hospital near Msida. According to the BMEIA, a social security agreement exists with Austria, and the European Health Insurance Card is recognised; travel health insurance with repatriation cover is nonetheless advisable.

In high summer, sun and heat protection are the biggest concerns: high UV levels and little shade in Valletta and at the temple sites. A hat, sunscreen and enough drinking water are especially important on excursions to the megalithic temples, where there is hardly any shaded seating.

Anyone diving – visitmalta.com counts more than 120 dive sites around Malta, including wrecks and caves – should bring valid diving insurance and plan ascent and descent times carefully because of possible flights on the same day.

Sources: healthytravel.ch, Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria · Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

How safe is Malta for travellers?

The Federal Foreign Office notes that, by EU comparison, Malta is relatively strongly affected by organised crime in theft and burglary offences, warns against unattended drinks in bars and clubs, and cites strict drug laws: even possession of small quantities can be prosecuted, and in serious cases life imprisonment can result.

Foreign nationals without residence in Malta must, according to the Federal Foreign Office, settle fines for breaches of local regulations electronically on the spot; in individual cases this can be followed by deportation.

Malta lies in a seismically active zone; the Federal Foreign Office also notes that, especially in autumn and winter months, severe storms up to 'medicanes' (Mediterranean hurricanes) can occasionally occur. According to the BMEIA, street lighting outside the centres is often poor at night.

Sources: Federal Foreign Office, Germany · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA), Austria

How do you travel to Malta and get around the islands?

According to FlightConnections, Malta International Airport's longest nonstop flight is to New York JFK, around 7,380 km and about 10 h 34 min, served by Delta. Year-round there are numerous nonstop connections from Europe, including Rome, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich; the busiest routes run via Rome-Fiumicino and London-Gatwick.

On the main island, the public bus network from Valletta covers practically every locality; schedules are denser at peak times, otherwise thinner. For Gozo a rental car is worthwhile because the bus network there is less dense. Mdina and the Citadel of Victoria are largely closed to car traffic.

For domestic journeys within the EU/Schengen area, a passport or identity card is sufficient; on ferry trips to Gozo usually only the return journey (from Gozo to Malta) is charged.

Sources: FlightConnections · Gozo Channel (Operations) Ltd · Valletta Ferry Services

What money do you need in Malta and how do you pay?

Because Malta is a euro country, currency exchange is not needed at all for travellers from the eurozone; travellers from outside pay with their credit or debit card or withdraw euros from a local ATM. Foreign currency fees from your own bank should be checked before the trip.

In tourist centres such as Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian's and Mdina, cards are accepted practically everywhere. On Gozo and in smaller villages, some cash is worthwhile for markets, kiosks or the Sunday market in Marsaxlokk.

Ferries, buses and most museums accept card payment or contactless systems; for the public bus a rechargeable Tallinja card is recommended, available from kiosks and at the airport.

Sources: EUR-Lex, European Union · Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

Where is the best place to stay in Malta?

Sliema and St. Julian's lie on the lively coast opposite Valletta, with a waterfront promenade, restaurants and short walks to the ferry; St. Julian's/Paceville is also the centre of the island's nightlife. Those who prefer it quieter choose Balluta Bay or the more southerly Msida.

In Valletta itself, the restoration of many historic townhouses has led to a growing number of small boutique hotels; they sit right in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, often without a lift due to the historic fabric of the buildings. On Gozo, traditional farmhouses with their own pool are common, mostly outside the centres and most practically reached with a rental car.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

What do you eat in Malta?

Pastizzi filled with ricotta or peas are sold cheaply for takeaway on practically every street corner. In the fishing village of Marsaxlokk you can buy fresh fish right at the harbour and have it prepared at one of the restaurants; lampuki (dorado/mahi-mahi) is a local speciality in autumn.

Ftira, a round flatbread topped with tuna, capers, tomatoes and olives, is a typical street-food lunch. Dessert includes cannoli with ricotta filling, Sicilian in character, as are many of the wines from Malta's and Gozo's own vineyards.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

What culture and festivals shape Malta?

The festa is the most important local celebration: statues of saints are carried through the streets, churches are lavishly decorated, and fireworks are a fixed part of the evening programme. For travellers this means full streets and sometimes closed access roads in the relevant town on festa weekends.

Historically, the Order of St John continues to shape Valletta's townscape to this day; St John's Co-Cathedral displays two works by Caravaggio, who lived in Malta in 1607/08. Carnival in February and Holy Week before Easter with processions are further important dates in the religious calendar.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com) · Wikipedia

Which experiences in Malta are especially worthwhile?

UNESCO World Heritage: Valletta and the megalithic temples

Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the city of Valletta (since 1980), the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a Neolithic necropolis hewn into the rock, and the megalithic temples of Malta (1980, extended 1992) – including Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra and Tarxien on Malta as well as Ġgantija on Gozo. The Ġgantija temples on Gozo, at around 5,500 years old, are considered among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. Day tickets for the Hypogeum are strictly limited and should be booked early.

Diving and snorkelling

Around Malta, Gozo and Comino, visitmalta.com counts more than 120 dive sites, from caves and sheer walls to deliberately sunk wrecks. The Blue Hole at Dwejra on Gozo and several wrecks off the coast are among the best-known spots; visibility of over 20 m is not uncommon in summer.

Boat trips and grottoes

The Blue Grotto in the southwest of the main island is a series of sea caves explored by small boats from the morning onwards, calmest when there is little wind. The Blue Lagoon of Comino is the country's most photographed bay; those wishing to avoid the high-season crowds come early in the morning or in the shoulder-season months.

• Valletta: bastions, Grandmaster's Palace, St John's Co-Cathedral with Caravaggio paintings.
• Mdina: car-free old town, view over the island from the bastions.
• Marsaxlokk: Sunday market, colourful Luzzu fishing boats.
• Ġgantija (Gozo): the world's oldest free-standing temple complex.
• Dwejra (Gozo): coastal landscape, formerly home to the now-collapsed Azure Window.

Sources: UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

How do you travel responsibly in Malta?

• Travel to the Blue Lagoon and the temple sites early in the morning or outside high season to avoid overcrowding.
• In Valletta and Mdina, get around on foot or by bus rather than by rental car — many old town alleys are closed to cars anyway.
• When diving or on boat excursions, look for certified operators that do not damage reefs and wrecks.
• Use water sparingly: Malta has almost no freshwater sources of its own and relies heavily on seawater desalination.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

Which countries can be combined with Malta?

Sicily is reachable from Malta by short flight or by the seasonal fast ferry and offers an immediate cultural link – from the Knights through Norman architecture to the shared Mediterranean cuisine. For a longer route, a combination with Rome or the southern Italian mainland is a good fit.

Those wanting to travel further often combine Malta with a flight to Greece or Cyprus; both island nations have similar summer temperatures and their own, but comparable, temple and coastal landscapes.

Sources: FlightConnections

Who is Malta suited for, and who less so?

Malta is well suited to short trips of four days to two weeks, to history enthusiasts, divers, and travellers who want to be mobile even without a rental car – buses and ferries cover the whole country.

Malta is less suitable for anyone seeking great distances, untouched nature, or quiet, little-visited beaches: the island is densely populated, and the well-known bays are well filled in high season. Those seeking quiet are better off heading to Gozo or travelling in the off-season.

Sources: Malta Tourism Authority (visitmalta.com)

Worth combining

• Italy
• Greece
• Cyprus