Golden stone cities, prehistoric temples and clear seas
Malta is a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean, made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino. It packs fortified cities, Baroque churches and some of the oldest freestanding stone temples on Earth into a short drive. The sea is clear and good for diving and swimming from rocks. English is an official language, which makes it easy for many visitors.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
The fortified capital built by the Knights is a compact grid of Baroque streets and harbour views. The whole city is a UNESCO site.
A plain facade hides a lavish gilded interior and two Caravaggio paintings. Marble tombstones cover the floor.
An underground prehistoric burial complex carved into the rock over 5,000 years ago. Visitor numbers are strictly limited.
A walled hilltop city that was the old capital, with quiet lanes and views across the island. Rabat beside it has catacombs.
Two megalithic temples on Gozo, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids. They are part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta listing.
A shallow bay of bright turquoise water between Comino and Cominotto. It becomes extremely crowded in summer.
Two temple complexes on cliffs above the sea, aligned with the sun at solstices. A visitor centre explains the culture.
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua face Valletta across the Grand Harbour and predate it. They are quieter and full of character.
The fortified heart of Gozo's capital, with a cathedral and views across the whole island. It has been restored with a visitor centre.
Sea caves where the water glows blue in the morning sun. Small boats run from Wied iż-Żurrieq.
The highest point of Malta, with sheer cliffs dropping to the sea. A walking path runs along the top.
A fishing village with brightly painted luzzu boats and a Sunday fish market. Seafood restaurants line the harbour.
One of the best sandy beaches on Malta, backed by cliffs. Nearby Għajn Tuffieħa is quieter.
A rugged coast with the Inland Sea and dramatic cliffs where the Azure Window arch once stood. Diving here is excellent.
A red sand beach on Gozo's north coast, with Calypso's Cave above. It is undeveloped and lovely.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
The capital and best cultural base.
history, food · Open the city guideSeafront base with ferries to Valletta.
convenience · Guide comingNightlife and hotels.
nightlife · Guide comingQuiet walled city.
history · Guide comingGozo's capital.
history · Guide comingNorthern beaches.
beaches · Guide comingA traditional fishing village with a harbour of colourful boats.
seafood, village · Guide comingA northern resort with Malta's best sandy beaches and ferries to Gozo.
beach, families · Guide comingFortress cities on a deep harbour.
Valletta, Three Cities, Hypogeum
Hilltop towns and sandy bays.
Mdina, Golden Bay, Mellieħa
Temples, cliffs and fishing villages.
Ħaġar Qim, Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk
Rural, slower and greener.
Ġgantija, Dwejra, Blue Lagoon
The largest island, with the capital, historic towns, resorts and most of the sights.
Valletta, Mdina, Three Cities
Greener, quieter and more rural, with temples, cliffs and diving.
Ggantija Temples, Citadel, Dwejra
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: April to June, September to October. Warm sea and sun without the peak heat and crowds.
Gozo is quieter and greener than Malta, and the sea stays warm into October.
January. Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.
60°F daily high, 58°F average, 2.9 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
The US State Department rates Malta Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions, warning of riptides at beaches.
Buses and ferries cover the islands, though traffic is heavy.
Moderate prices, cheaper than much of Western Europe outside August.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Rules change, so check the Central Visa Unit page of Identità Malta and your own government's travel advice before you book. |
| Plugs | Type G; 230 V |
| Tap water | varies |
| Tipping | About 10 percent in restaurants is common when service is good. |
| Payments | Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for kiosks and buses. |
| Emergency | 112 |
| Etiquette | Malta is strongly Catholic and village festas are a big part of life. Greet people warmly and be patient with traffic. |
| What to wear | Cover shoulders and knees in churches. |
| Driving | On the left |
| Between cities | Buses cover most of Malta and Gozo, and a car ferry links them in about 25 minutes. Driving is on the left and roads are busy. Ride apps are widely used. |
| Main airports | MLA |
| Ride apps | Bolt, Uber |
Malta was home to a temple building culture over 5,000 years ago. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Normans followed, then the Knights of St John ruled from 1530 and built Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565. Britain took Malta in 1800, and it suffered heavy bombing in the Second World War. Malta became independent in 1964 and joined the EU in 2004.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.