Malta · Plan your trip

Plan Your Malta Trip

Everything to sort before you go – where Malta is, when to visit, what it costs, getting around the islands, and trips tailored to kids and couples.

Updated October 2026

Time needed: 3–4 days Malta, +1–2 for Gozo
Best months: May, June, September, October
Getting around: bus + ferry; car only for Gozo/beaches
Currency: Euro (€); cards widely accepted

The Valletta skyline at golden hour, with the Carmelite Church dome and St Paul's spire above the harbour, Malta

Start here – Malta, island-wide

Malta for First-Timers: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

First time in Malta? This is the orientation guide – when to go, how long to stay, where to base yourself, what a day costs and the practical basics, in one place.Read the guide

First time → read Malta for first-timers and follow the 3-day itinerary. No car → base in Sliema/St Julian’s and use buses + the Valletta ferry. Beach or Gozo focus → hire a car for those days only.

Essentials

Getting around

Who’s travelling

Common questions

01How many days do you need in Malta?

Three to four days for Malta’s highlights (Valletta, a boat day, Mdina, the south), plus one or two more for Gozo and any beach time. The 3-day itinerary is the tight version; the 7-day itinerary adds Gozo and Comino properly.

02When is the best time to visit Malta?

May, June, September and October — warm sea, long days, and none of the July–August heat or crowds. Winter is mild but the sea is cold and boat trips are limited. Month-by-month in best time to visit Malta.

03Is Malta expensive?

Mid-range by European standards — cheaper than western Europe for food and transport, similar for hotels in peak season. A realistic mid-range day is roughly €90–140 per person including a hotel. Full breakdown in is Malta expensive.

04Do you need a car in Malta?

Not for a city-based trip — buses cover the island cheaply and the Valletta–Sliema ferry is quick. A hire car earns its keep for Gozo, the beaches and the south coast; note Malta drives on the left. See getting around Malta.

05How do you get from Malta Airport to your hotel?

A pre-booked airport transfer is quickest; the X1–X4 express buses are cheapest and run to the main resort areas; taxis are metered or app-based. All three compared in airport transfers.

06Is Malta safe for tourists?

Yes — violent crime against visitors is rare; the main risks are petty theft in crowds and Malta’s aggressive driving. Detail in is Malta safe.