Malta: Things to Do, Best Places and My Favourite Beaches

Malta is a lovely choice if you want to extend your summer, with sea temperatures averaging around 24°C in October. I lived and worked here, and I keep coming back. These are my favourite things to do in Malta, from evening walks in Valletta to rocky swimming spots, sandy beaches and local food. I have also included Gozo, which deserves far more than a rushed day trip.

Malta can work well with children, although sandy beaches are less common than on some other Mediterranean islands. Choose your base carefully, for example near Għadira Bay on Malta or Ramla Beach on Gozo. Keep reading for the local details that made our trips special.

Things to do in Malta: quick links

• Valletta
• Mdina
• Three Cities
• Marsaxlokk
• Ħaġar Qim
• Beaches
• Comino and Blue Lagoon
• Gozo

Before you travel to Malta

• We have been booking our hire cars through Discover Cars for years. Look for an offer with free cancellation and check the deposit and insurance terms.
• Book a Blue Lagoon boat trip ahead of time and check its departure point. There is an app discount further down this guide.
• Reserve your Blue Lagoon access separately if your boat operator does not arrange it. You need a booking and QR code to go ashore.
• Check bus connections in the journey planner.
• Download the Tallinja app for local bus information.
• The Explore Adult – 7 Day card costs €25 for Malta and Gozo. It covers day and night buses and selected special services, but excludes tallinja Direct. Explore Flex is a separate product, with a seven-day bus option listed at €27.
• Explore Child – 7 Day costs €7 for ages 4 to 10 inclusive. Children under 4 travel free. We could not find the child card during our trip and were repeatedly told that children did not pay, except by the driver on the airport journey. Follow the published age bands when buying your tickets.
• Check the Gozo Channel timetable, especially for an early or late crossing.
• The fast ferry from Valletta takes about 45 minutes to Gozo. Standard one-way fares are €7.50 for adults and €3 for children aged 4 to 10, with children aged 3 and under travelling free. There are also routes from Sliema and Buġibba, with different fares. See Gozo Highspeed fares.
• Arrange travel insurance that covers your trip and is available to residents of your home country.
• Budget for the Eco-Contribution of €1.50 per person per night, capped at €22.50 per person per visit, for guests aged 18 or over when the visit starts. This applies to visits beginning on or after 1 July 2026.
• Pack swimming goggles, sun protection and, if your plugs need one, a Type G adapter. For flights, see my toiletries packing guide.

Useful things to know about Malta

• Drive on the left.
• Tap water is drinkable, but some of it is desalinated and the taste is not to everyone’s liking. Many visitors prefer bottled water.
• Malta uses the euro, and cards are accepted in most places.
• Watch out for jellyfish when swimming.
• Try Kinnie, the local bittersweet orange drink, instead of your usual cola.
• Sockets are Type G, the same shape as in the UK. Bring an adapter if your plugs are different.
• English and Maltese are official languages. Buses cover much of the islands, while a car gives you more flexibility.

Why visit Malta?

The turquoise water around Gozo reminds me of the Caribbean. For me, Malta is a great place when I need a proper dose of sunshine, blue skies and vitamin sea. Summer brings plenty of that, and you can combine a beach break with historic streets, harbour views and short trips between the islands. You do not have to spend every day on the same beach.

Malta also works for a shorter break if you have limited time off. Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA) and choose your base around what you want to do, rather than simply picking the busiest resort. One thing I find less appealing is the driving: traffic can be pushy, and you drive on the left. A confident driver helps, but buses and ferries make a car-free trip possible too.

From the airport, Airport Direct buses connect to the main visitor areas. TD4 serves Valletta and the Gozo fast ferry, TD3 serves Sliema and St Julian’s, and TD1 continues to Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa for the Gozo car ferry. Single fares are €3, or €3.50 on TD1. Check the Tallinja app for your arrival time.

Malta weather: when to go

I would avoid peak season, especially August, when the islands get busier with summer holidaymakers, including many visitors from Italy. My choice would be early June, when it is warm, crowds are smaller and the village festas are in full swing. Gozo has also worked well for us in early summer. Autumn still offers warm weather, but we found it busier than expected and missed the festas we had hoped to see. Some celebrations continue into September, so check the calendar below. Next time, I would also consider May. If you would like an island holiday with bigger mountain walks and volcanic scenery, compare Malta with Tenerife, where we combined beaches with Anaga and the landscapes below Teide.

Month	Average daytime high	Average sea temperature
January	15.7°C	17°C
February	15.7°C	16°C
March	17.4°C	16°C
April	20.1°C	17°C
May	24.3°C	19°C
June	28.8°C	22°C
July	31.7°C	26°C
August	32°C	27°C
September	28.6°C	26°C
October	25°C	24°C
November	20.8°C	22°C
December	17.1°C	19°C

Where to stay in Malta

Many visitors head straight to St Julian’s and Sliema. They are too busy for my taste, particularly the nightlife area of Paceville, which attracts plenty of young English-language students. I prefer places such as Birżebbuġa and Pretty Bay, where you can swim and stretch out on a sandy beach. We stayed at Water’s Edge, an average hotel with a view over the bay. I got up early for sunrise and went for a swim.

We look for accommodation through Booking. Enter your dates, compare the location as well as the price, and look at recent guest reviews before deciding. I prefer a rate with free cancellation when it is available, especially while the rest of the trip is still taking shape. Check the deadline and conditions on the particular room you choose.

Staying in Valletta

We spent our final night before an early flight in Valletta. Prices were higher, but we wanted time to explore properly and enjoy the city after the day visitors had returned to hotels elsewhere. The House in Old Mint Street felt romantic, and we did not need to arrange an in-person meeting to check in. We drove around the road along the city’s edge and found a free parking space at the far end, then walked into town. Check the signs and Valletta access charges before following the same approach.

Staying on Gozo

Stay at least one night on Gozo. I have found prettier accommodation and better value there, with plenty of places offering pools and breakfast. We spent a whole week at Arzella Apartments in Xlendi. Swimming from the rocks is lovely, and with the children we also made use of the small beach and took bus trips. A neighbouring venue had a newly opened rooftop pool that we could use when buying food or drinks. That was separate from our apartment, so check the venue’s own access conditions if it interests you.

The Gozo Channel ferry runs at night as well as during the day, with the crossing taking about 25 minutes. Standard return fares are €4.65 per adult, €15.70 for a car up to 5.3 metres long with its driver, and €1.15 for a child aged 3 to 12. You pay on the way back from Gozo, rather than when leaving Malta. Buses reach the ferry terminal from Valletta and the airport. We have taken the airport connection ourselves.

Malta and Gozo accommodation map

Once you have chosen an area, use the map to compare accommodation across Malta and Gozo. Enter your travel dates to see what is available and check the position of each property before booking. Being near a beach, a bus stop or a ferry terminal can matter more than saving a few euros on the room, especially if you are travelling without a car.

Getting around Malta and Gozo

Both Malta and Gozo are manageable without hiring a car. There is an extensive bus network, and we have taken bus trips with the children too. Use the journey planner and the Tallinja app to work out your connections. Leave room in the day for travelling between places, rather than trying to fit every beach and town into one outing.

For more flexibility and less time spent on connections, you can hire a car. We compare rental prices here too, and Sicily by Car came out best for us on one trip. Remember that Malta drives on the left. Check the rental company’s licence, age, deposit and insurance requirements for your circumstances before booking, especially if your licence was issued outside the EU.

You can take the Gozo Channel ferry with a rental car or as a foot passenger. It runs between Ċirkewwa on Malta and Mġarr on Gozo, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. Check the ferry timetable for your day, including overnight departures. Tickets are paid for on the return journey from Gozo. If you are bringing a hire car, check that the rental agreement allows it.

Below, I have split my favourite places into beaches and swimming spots, towns and sights, and a separate section on Gozo. You can mix them according to the weather and how much time you have. My Malta video gives you a feel for the island too. The commentary is in Czech, but the footage is useful whatever language you speak.

Malta beaches and swimming spots

Għar Lapsi

Swimming at Għar Lapsi is one of my favourites. Bring swimming goggles so you can see the fish.

Pretty Bay

If you want a sandy beach, Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa is a good option for a swim.

Golden Bay and Riviera Beach

Have a look at Golden Bay, although it feels too touristy for me. Locals recommended the neighbouring Riviera Beach, also called Għajn Tuffieħa.

Ġnejna Bay

We swam at Ġnejna Bay on a Sunday. There was seaweed and it was packed with local families, but that was how we discovered Malta’s version of a weekend cottage escape.

In the Czech Republic, a weekend cottage usually means a village or somewhere near a forest. Here, the Maltese version is right on the beach. Along one side of Ġnejna Bay, little garage-like rooms cling to the cliff in several tiers. Families use them as a base, bring out tables and boats, and settle in by the sea. It was a lovely glimpse of local life beyond the usual sightseeing stops.

Fomm ir-Riħ

Fomm ir-Riħ, near Mġarr, looked beautiful from above. We never actually made it down to the beach because we could not find the route, and by early evening we no longer felt like driving around looking for it. If you want to walk down, check the current access route before setting off. My recommendation here is based on the view, rather than a swim we managed to have.

St Peter’s Pool and Kalanka Bay

The famous St Peter’s Pool can get crowded. Go a little farther to Kalanka Bay, which was almost empty when we went and every bit as beautiful. Xrobb l-Għaġin is another place I liked for swimming in this part of Malta. These rocky swimming spots offer a different experience from the sandy beaches, so choose according to the sea conditions and who you are travelling with.

Coral Lagoon

On the way to or from Gozo, stop at Coral Lagoon, a hole in the rock with the sea at the bottom. People jump from the cliffs here, but I would not do it. Access from the sea by boat may be possible depending on conditions. There is also a campsite nearby and a bay beside it where you can go for a swim.

Places to visit in Malta

Valletta

My favourite way to enjoy Valletta is simply to walk, especially towards evening. We stayed overnight so we could experience it after the day visitors had gone back to their hotels outside the centre. Make time for the streets as well as the big sights. One of the main attractions is St John’s Co-Cathedral, home to paintings by Caravaggio.

The Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua

The Three Cities are Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla). Walk around Senglea and Birgu, and consider nearby Kalkara too. There are lovely lanes, rows of houses with colourful balconies and rewarding views across to Valletta. In Senglea, I liked the idea of a drink at the waterfront bar right at the tip of the peninsula. I do not know its name.

Manoel Island

Manoel Island is another place for views of Valletta across the water. Check which areas are accessible when you arrive. The route past the former military hospital towards the far end brings you opposite the capital. It is a useful addition if you enjoy seeing the city from different angles, rather than only walking its streets.

Ħaġar Qim

Visit the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim, which date to before 3000 BC. I would also include the caves at Għar il-Kbir. There was even snow there when we went!

Mosta

If you enjoy catacombs, look into Ta’ Bistra near Mosta. Opening is limited, and we managed to miss it, so check Heritage Malta’s opening information before going. In Mosta itself, the huge church looks particularly good lit up in the evening. For dinner, I recommend Mellows Café, which makes a handy stop while you are in town.

Mdina

Mdina, Malta’s former capital, is enclosed by city walls. It is a good place to slow down and wander through historic lanes, with Rabat right next door if you want to extend your visit. You can find more information on the Mdina council website. I would treat the two towns as a natural pairing when planning your time inland.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a fishing village with a harbour full of colourful luzzu boats. Combine a walk along the waterfront with swimming around St Peter’s Pool or Kalanka Bay, which I describe above. That gives you a mix of village life and time by the water in southern Malta, without having to choose between a sightseeing day and a beach day.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is near Wied iż-Żurrieq on Malta’s southern coast. Small boats take visitors to the sea caves, but sailings depend on the weather and sea conditions. You can combine it with the nearby temples of Ħaġar Qim. Keep the boat trip flexible so you are not relying on a sailing that may not be possible on the day.

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs rise above Malta’s western coast. Come for sea views and a coastal walk, rather than planning a swim directly below the cliffs. They make a different kind of stop from the bays and beaches elsewhere in this guide. Allow time to enjoy the view before moving on, and stay back from the cliff edge.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino and the Blue Lagoon are very touristy, although I understand why you would still want to see that turquoise water. You can combine Comino with Gozo on a full-day boat trip if you prefer to have the transport organised. Check the departure point and how much time the itinerary gives you on each island. A boat tour is convenient, but it is different from staying on Gozo and exploring at your own pace.

To go ashore at the Blue Lagoon, arrange a free reservation and QR code through the official booking website. The published time slots are 08:00 to 13:00, 13:30 to 17:30 and 18:00 to 22:00. Follow the time on your issued reservation. The access booking and a paid boat trip are separate things, so check whether your tour operator arranges the reservation or whether you need to do it yourself.

My favourite places on Gozo

We also stayed near Għarb in accommodation with a pool. In the evening, we walked to Rangers Bar, which had a rooftop terrace overlooking the illuminated churches nearby. A generous salad and a glass of Gozitan wine made a lovely end to the day. Moments like that are why I recommend spending a night or more on Gozo, rather than only seeing it between ferry departures.

Gozo beaches and swimming spots

We needed a swim as soon as we arrived on Gozo. Beyond Qala, which has a lovely square, you will find the small beach of Ħondoq ir-Rummien. There were large jellyfish, which did not cause us any trouble, but that does not mean all large jellyfish are harmless. The water was wonderfully clear and our swimming goggles came in handy. You can also hire a kayak to explore the surrounding bays when conditions allow.

Ramla Beach is spacious compared with many of the other beaches, with distinctive deep orange sand. After swimming, you can continue along the northern route and eat in Marsalforn, or head inland to the family-run Tal-Furnar in Xagħra. We had the place to ourselves at lunchtime. There was an original oven for bread and pizza, and they served their own wine. The owner had inherited the place from his father, who had inherited it from his grandfather. It began as a bakery and became a restaurant too. We ate very well.

Wied il-Għasri is one of Gozo’s most photogenic inlets. The swimming was beautiful, followed by a proper workout climbing back up the steps. I was also stung here by a small white jellyfish. That did not stop me enjoying the place, but it is a reminder to watch what is in the water and avoid jellyfish rather than judging them by their appearance.

On the southwest side of Gozo, head to the fishing village of Xlendi. Give it plenty of time, because for me this is the loveliest place on the island. Climb the hill above the village for views, then follow the coast south around the bay towards Xlendi Tower. That is where I would stop for a swim, provided the sea is calm.

We do not usually return to the same spot the next day, but we came back here. The water was so clear that we could see fish without even putting our heads under. Add the view of the cliffs, sunset on one visit and sunlight falling on the rock on the next, and you will understand why. Along the shore are salt pans where seawater evaporates, some completely white with salt.

Before leaving Gozo, fit in one more swim at Mġarr ix-Xini, another lovely little sheltered-looking inlet. Choose your swimming spots according to the actual sea conditions on the day.

Walks and sights on Gozo

I will not pretend every day needs to be a major hike, but a little walking is good. After breakfast, we followed the Stations of the Cross uphill from Ta’ Pinu Basilica, near Għarb. Make time for Victoria, also called Rabat, and its citadel too. For something much older, visit the Ġgantija temples in Xagħra, which date to before 3000 BC.

Village festas in Malta and Gozo

A festa is a local celebration in honour of the patron saint of a town or village church. The streets are decorated, stalls appear and music fills the town. There is usually a procession on the final day, often a Sunday. It is a chance to experience a place celebrating together, rather than simply visiting its church as another sightseeing stop.

A group of strong men carries the saint’s statue out of the church on their shoulders and through the streets. The procession can last a couple of hours, accompanied by music, traditional costumes and local residents, before fireworks and lively celebrations finish things off. It is quite an experience. Before booking your trip, check the festa calendar and choose your dates and accommodation so you can attend one.

What to eat in Malta on a budget

When I worked as a waitress in Malta, I did not have much money. I lost quite a bit of weight despite eating rather unhealthily at pastizzerias. These bakeries often sell through a counter facing the street, and they are where you should try pastizzi, one of Malta’s cheapest and most filling snacks. The flaky pastries commonly contain ricotta or peas. Traditionally, the pastry is made with lard, so it is rich rather than light. If you get hungry while exploring, a pastizzeria is a good place to stop.

Another Maltese favourite is ricotta ravioli. I paid €8 for a generous plate, the kind of portion that takes some finishing. If you prefer meat, try rabbit, one of Malta’s best-known traditional dishes. I paid around €15. Malta’s proximity to Italy shows in the food, with pizza and pasta widely available, from simple places to more expensive restaurants. Personally, I would rather choose ravioli, rabbit, octopus or mussels.

For something to drink, try Kinnie, Malta’s bittersweet soft drink flavoured with bitter oranges. I find it really refreshing. Cisk beer is decent too, and if you prefer wine, try Caravaggio. These are easy little ways to taste something local alongside your meal, whether you are stopping at a simple café or sitting down for dinner.

Jellyfish and swimming in Malta

I have encountered different jellyfish around Malta, including some that caused us no trouble and a small white one that stung me at Wied il-Għasri. I feel more relaxed with swimming goggles because I can see what is around me. Size and colour do not reliably tell you whether a jellyfish is harmless, so keep your distance. Check the conditions at the beach before getting in, especially at rocky swimming spots.

Malta travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Malta?

I would allow at least four or five days for a first visit. If you want Gozo, Comino and time on the beaches as well, give yourself a week. We have spent a whole week on Gozo alone.

When is the best time to visit Malta?

My choice would be early June for warm weather and village festas. Early summer also works well for Gozo, while September and October are good months for extending your summer. I would avoid August if possible.

Can you explore Malta without a car?

Yes. Malta and Gozo both have buses, and ferries connect the islands. We have managed bus trips with the children too. A car gives you more flexibility and can save time, but it is not essential.

Is Malta expensive?

It depends heavily on when you travel and where you stay. We found Valletta more expensive. Travelling outside peak season, using buses and eating at pastizzerias can help keep costs down. Compare accommodation alongside flights before choosing your dates.

Where are the best beaches in Malta?

For sand, try Pretty Bay or Riviera Beach, the beach locals recommended next to Golden Bay. I enjoyed Għar Lapsi and Kalanka Bay for swimming. With children, also look at Għadira Bay and Ramla Beach on Gozo. Check local access and sea conditions before setting out for rocky coves.

Can you swim in Malta in autumn?

Yes, the sea retains its summer warmth, averaging around 26°C in September and 24°C in October. Wind and rain are still possible. Whether you can comfortably swim on a particular day depends on the weather and the conditions at your chosen beach.

How do you get from Malta to Gozo?

Gozo Channel connects Ċirkewwa and Mġarr and carries cars as well as foot passengers. Gozo Highspeed is another option for foot passengers from Valletta, Sliema or Buġibba. Check the timetable and weather before travelling.

Do you need a plug adapter in Malta?

Malta uses British-style Type G sockets. If your plugs are already Type G, you do not need a plug adapter. Otherwise, bring the appropriate adapter and check that your device supports the local 230V supply. A plug adapter does not convert voltage.

Would I go back to Malta?

I know I will return to Malta when I need another dose of sunshine and sea. May is tempting for my next trip. You can watch my Malta video for more of the scenery. It focuses on Malta itself, while the Gozo section above gives you my favourite places on the neighbouring island.

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