Malta tours & holidays

There’s no bad time to visit Malta – thanks to its sunny Mediterranean climate, this island is a year-round destination. Different seasons offer different perks, so the best time to go depends on your preferences. Let's break that down.  

The sweet spot is autumn, mid-September to October. This time of year brings long days and lots of sun, but less heat, humidity and crowds. The weather is still warm and the sea is still begging to be swum in and kayaked through.  

You might think summer is the time to go since it’s an island but bear in mind it’s very hot between June and September, with temperatures averaging between 30-38°C. This is a great time to swim the day away and enjoy the nightlife when the sun dips down, but be prepared for crowds and humidity.  

The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Malta – the autumn we mentioned before and spring (March-May) are great times for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. You’ll enjoy sunny, cooler temperatures that are great for exploring ancient temples, hiking around Gozo and taking a ferry around the islands.  

Don’t cross winter off your list, though. November to February might be your moment if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly visit. Sure, December and January can be a bit rainy, but the islands are beautifully green and give a more relaxed getaway filled with hiking, sightseeing and soaking up a quieter side of Malta. 

Malta has a long and complex history shaped by its location in the Mediterranean and has been influenced by many cultures throughout the centuries, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, French and the British. The culture of modern Malta is filled with traditions, beliefs and practices that resulted from a long process of adaptation and influence from these civilisations. 

After centuries of foreign rule, Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and later joined the European Union in 2004. Today, Maltese culture is a blend of Latin European traditions with strong ties to its Sicilian and Southern European neighbours.  

Roman Catholicism plays a central role in many lives and many public celebrations are at least indirectly connected to religion.  

Roman Catholicism plays a central role in Maltese life, shaping public holidays and many community celebrations. Society places high value on family, community and mutual respect, with face-saving and honour being key social values. Traditional crafts like lacemaking and filigree remain popular, and the country has a long artistic tradition in furniture-making, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture. Sports such as football, water polo, horse racing and bocci are widely enjoyed. Malta also has a vibrant cultural scene with music, theatre and colourful festivals, including Carnival, village festas, the Malta International Fireworks Festival, the Malta Jazz Festival and Earth Garden.  

Maltese society is known for its hospitality, strong sense of community and low crime rates – qualities that contribute to its warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Things to try in Malta

Aljotta  

A hearty Maltese fish soup made with fresh fish, tomatoes, garlic and herbs. Being surrounded by the sea, you can guarantee your fish is as fresh as it gets. 

Gozitan cheese 

If you hop over to the island of Gozo, you need to try its fresh goat cheese straight from the pastures, where it’s often made in the morning. It’s creamy, tangy and delicious.  

Pastizzi 

Pastizzi are flaky, golden pastries – kind of like a croissant – with tasty fillings like ricotta cheese or mushy peas. They’re one of the most popular street food snacks on the islands for a reason.  

Bragioli  

Also known as ‘beef olives’, this dish is made with thin slices of steak wrapped around a savoury mix of ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs and herbs, then slow cooked in a rich tomato sauce. But guess what? There are no actual olives involved.  

Rabbit stew  

Known by the locals as Stuffat tal-Fenek, rabbit stew is Malta’s national dish made with tender rabbit slow-cooked for hours in a hearty tomato, red wine and garlic sauce until it melts off the bone.  

Timpana – 

A true Maltese comfort food, Timpana is a baked pie filled with pasta in a rich meat sauce all wrapped up in a golden shortcrust pastry. Think of it as a delicious mashup between a pie and a plate of baked noodles.  

Kinnie  

Kinnie is Malta’s soft drink – a bittersweet soda made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs to make a refreshing carbonated pop.  

Maltese beer 

Walking around the island, you’ll notice signs for ‘Cisk’, which is a crowd favourite lager. A crisp, easy-drinking beer perfect for sipping on in the sun.  

Malta sits right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 96 km south of Sicily, Italy. Its Mediterranean climate means the island typically sees more than 300 days of sunshine every year, making it a great destination for outdoor activities and lots of beach time.  

The geography of Malta is shaped by low, rolling hills and dry terrain with 137 km of coastline. There are sandy beaches perfect for lounging but most of the coast is rugged and dramatic with coves, natural harbours and steep cliffs. If a hike on a scenic coastal trail sounds good to you, you’ve found a great destination.  

The neighbouring island of Gozo is a bit greener, more vegetated and known for its flat-topped hills, while still having plenty of options for a good swimming spot. Both islands share the Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which results in a diverse range of flora and fauna. 

So, if you want to spend time outdoors kayaking, swimming, hiking, discovering new plants and critters and soaking up the sun, Malta’s landscape has you covered. 

1. Valletta

Malta’s capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting right on the water and filled with historic landmarks like the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens and National Museum of Archaeology. When you’re done soaking up history, hit the restaurant-lined waterfront for the freshest seafood.  

2. Victoria

Just a short ferry ride from Malta, the island of Gozo is known for its slower pace and its capital, Victoria, is known for its medieval Citadel with fortified walls. You’ll find fascinating museums in this historic city, like the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, Gran Castello Historic House and Gozo Nature Museum. Don't miss the 16th-century Old Prison, where you can still see the original sketches etched into the walls by former inmates.  

3. Ta Cenc Cliffs

Sitting on the southern edge of Gozo Island, Ta Cenc Cliffs are a great spot for a scenic coastal hike with unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. The walking trails follow right along the edge of the cliffs for sweeping views and this part of Malta is known to be quieter and more peaceful than the main island of Malta.  

4. Mdina

Mdina is Malta’s ancient walled city and was once the island's capital until the medieval period. Known as the “Silent City”, it’s a peaceful maze of narrow streets, grand palaces and panoramic views over the island. With centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine and Arab history, it’s like a living museum.  

5. Hagar Qim

This one's for the history lovers – Hagar Qim is one of the world’s oldest known religious sites dating back to around 3600 BC and is an ancient temple complex offering a glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric past.  

5. Blue Lagoon

Sitting between the islands of Malta and Gozo is little Comino, home to a famous Blue Lagoon, your camera will love just as much as you do. It’s a natural pool with clear, turquoise water perfect for swimming or snorkelling – it’s like swimming in a giant, crystal-clear aquarium.  

The official currency of Malta is the Euro (EUR). 

Major credit cards are widely accepted by stores and restaurants in Malta. However, they may not be accepted by small vendors, cafes and shops, so make sure you carry enough cash to cover small purchases, just in case.  

ATMs are found widely throughout Malta, so withdrawing cash should not be problematic in most areas.