Planning a trip to Malta? Whether you’re visiting for the crystal-clear waters, rich history, or vibrant culture, having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. This Malta travel guide brings together the most useful links for tourists — from transportation and top attractions, to event listings, and local tips.
Bookmark this page for quick access to everything you need to explore Malta with ease and confidence.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for travel services I use and love, such as experiences and hotel bookings. If you click and make a booking, I may receive a small commission which helps support this site. This does not affect the price you pay.
🚍 Transport
- Malta Public Transport – bus routes, schedules, Tallinja card info.
- Bolt – affordable taxis – download the app.
- eCabs – local taxi service with app.
🚢 Ferries
- Valletta Ferry Services – ferry crossings from: Sliema to Valletta and Valletta to the three cities.
- Gozo Channel – ferry crossing from Cirkewwa, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo.
- Comino Ferries – ferry crossing from Marfa, Malta to Comino.
- Virtu Ferries or Ragusa Xpress – ferries to Sicily.
For more details on getting around the islands, check out my full guide to getting around Malta.
🌞 Weather
- Malta International Airport Weather Forecast – most accurate weather forecast.
- Whichbeach – helps you find the best beach in Malta / Gozo / Comino based on real-time wind, weather, and sea conditions.
🇲🇹 Valletta
Malta’s capital, is a charming mix of history, culture, architecture, shops, bars, and restaurants. It overlooks two harbours—one of them, the Grand Harbour, is among Europe’s most stunning. Here are a few must-dos:
- The Malta Experience – an engaging audio-visual show that brings Malta’s history to life.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens – enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour; cannons fire at 12 PM and 4 PM from Monday to Saturday.
- St John’s Co-Cathedral – enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour; cannons fire at 12 PM and 4 PM from Monday to Saturday.
- Join a free walking tour.
- Or take food walking tour instead – combine sightseeing with sampling authentic Maltese flavors. Make sure to go hungry!
🇲🇹 Mdina & Rabat
Explore Mdina and Rabat for a deep dive into Malta’s rich heritage. Wander Mdina’s quiet, narrow streets, take in the sweeping views from the bastions, enjoy cakes at Fontanella or evening pizza, platters, and wine at their wine bar, Vinum, and don’t miss St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat for a glimpse into the island’s early Christian past.
- For an even richer experience, consider the Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour inc. Catacombs. This 2.5-hour tour includes entry to St. Paul’s Catacombs (normally €6) and costs just €25, offering a guided experience that brings the history to life.
🇲🇹 Malta’s Megalithic Temples & Hypogeum
Malta’s megalithic sites, such as Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Ġgantija (on Gozo), and the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, are some of the oldest and most remarkable structures in the world. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer fascinating insight into early religious practices and community life on the islands. You can visit them on your own or as part of a guided tour:
- Heritage Malta – book tickets independently for self-guided visits.
- Only 80 visitors are allowed to enter the Hypogeum each day, in groups of 10 per hour. It is essential to book as soon as your travel plans are confirmed to secure your spot, as early as 2-3 months in advance.
🇲🇹 Other Great Tours
Some must-see spots like Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, and Dingli Cliffs offer a true taste of Malta but can be tricky to reach by public transport. If you have a rental car, check out this guide on visiting them independently. Short on time?
- 5-hour Vintage Bus Tour – covers all the highlights making it one of the best-value tours in Malta.
The Three Cities are another must-see addition to your Malta itinerary. You can explore them independently from Valletta; here’s how.
- Alternatively, you can join a half-day guided tour to the Three Cities that includes transfers and a boat ride, all for an excellent price. The tour also takes you to places like the Gardjola Gardens.
🚢 Visit Gozo
Malta’s smaller and more traditional sister island, offers a slower pace of life, scenic landscapes, and a sense of authenticity. It’s the perfect escape from busy Malta and deserves a couple of days to truly enjoy its charm, coastal views, and ancient sites like the Ġgantija Temples.
If you’re short on time, a day trip still gives you a taste of local life. For the best experience, explore Gozo’s hidden gems by quad bike or buggy tour; ideal for reaching off-the-beaten-path villages and scenic spots.
And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the Gozitan ftira, a local twist on pizza. Head to Mekren or Maxokk bakery and try one with Maltese sausage and cheeselets; you won’t be disappointed!
- From Malta: Guided Quad Tour of Gozo – this tour covers Gozo’s top spots; Sanap Cliffs, Wied il-Mielaħ, Xwejni Salt Pans, and more. It’s a fun, adventurous way to explore. Transfers to and from Malta, a swim stop at the Blue Lagoon, and dinner are also included, making it excellent value for money.
- From Malta: Guided Buggy Tour of Gozo – if you’d rather not drive yourself, this is the ideal tour. You’ll ride in modern, comfortable buggies—far better than the old, worn-out jeeps still circling the island. Sit back and relax as you’re chauffeured around Gozo’s top sights, with lunch and round-trip transfers from Malta included. It’s a smooth, stress-free way to explore.
- Gozo to Comino Guided Kayak Tour – now this is my kind of adventure! I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it—but only if you’re staying overnight in Gozo. The tour starts from Hondoq Bay, so you’ll need to get there either by car or using Bolt, which works well in Gozo too.
🚢 Comino Boat Tours
As a local, I’ve tried nearly every boat tour; budget, premium, and everything in between. While private charters are more personalized, these are the shared tours I recommend.
Want to skip the daytime crowds? Head out after 5 PM (June – September), you’ll enjoy a quieter experience and catch a stunning sunset. Win-win!
- From St. Paul’s Bay: Cruise to the Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon – my favourite tour, read why here.
- From St. Paul’s Bay: Cruise to the Blue Lagoon & another bay in Malta – combines a beach stop in Comino & Malta (or Gozo – weather dependent).
- From Sliema: Full day tour to Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon & an option stop in Gozo – if you’re staying in Sliema and don’t want to travel to St. Paul’s Bay, this is the best boat tour available.
Planning to explore Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon—hiking, camping, or discovering its quieter beaches? Check out my blog post on how to experience it all independently. For the best experience, visit outside the peak season (May to September).
🚢 Other Boat Tours in Malta
- From Sliema: Cruise around Malta’s harbours & creeks – a fantastic way to see Malta’s two natural harbours. The Grand Harbour, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful in Europe. You’ll cruise past historic forts, creeks, the Three Cities, and scenic coastlines while learning about Malta’s rich history.
- Marsaxlokk & St. Peter’s Pool coastal boat tour – Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village in the South of Malta, and it’s especially worth visiting on Sundays for the vibrant Sunday market.
- Blue Grotto Boat Service – at Wied iż-Żurrieq, you can hop on a boat tour to visit the breathtaking Blue Grotto caves, famous for their vivid blue waters and striking rock formations. Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children, available only on site and payable in cash.
⛪️ Churches
Malta is full of stunning churches—359 churches across Malta and Gozo—many of which are architectural masterpieces with deep historical and cultural significance. Here are some of the best churches to visit in Malta and Gozo:
- St John’s Co-Cathedral – in Valletta, home to Caravaggio’s “the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”.
- Mosta Rotunda (Dome) – one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.
- Ta’ Pinu National Shrine in Gharb, Gozo – a well-known pilgrimage site with stunning views, free to visit. It’s famous among locals for reported miracles and features an impressive collection of votive offerings.
Please remember to dress modestly when visiting churches; cover shoulders and avoid short shorts or skirts.
Local Feasts
Summer in Malta is all about village feasts; lively celebrations held every weekend in honour of patron saints. Streets are decorated with lights and banners, local bands play in the streets, and food stalls line the squares. As night falls, fireworks displays lighting up the skies, a true Maltese tradition that adds magic to those warm Summer nights.
- Maltese Calendar of Feasts in Malta and Gozo – this calendar lists all the village feasts across the islands. While the main feast day is typically on a Sunday, festivities often begin a week in advance. The biggest fireworks display is always held on the day before the feast, typically on a Saturday.
🏖️ Sandy Beaches
The best sandy beaches in Malta are in the North—here’s my personal ranking. All are accessible by public transport and offer amenities and water sports. If you’re driving, go early, parking fills up fast, especially on weekends.
- Mellieħa (Għadira) Bay in Mellieħa – Malta’s largest sandy beach with shallow waters.
- Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera) Bay in Mgarr – golden-red sand, dramatic cliffs, 187 steps to reach the bay, great for sunsets & Malta’s only surf spot, surfing lessons here.
- Paradise Bay in Cirkewwa – small beach, turquoise waters, scenic.
- Golden Bay in Mgarr – second largest sandy beach in Malta, golden-red sand.
- Armier and Little Armier in Mellieħa – popular with locals, these beaches offer stunning views of Comino and are the perfect starting point for exploring the Coral Lagoon. Book a kayak here and set off on your own adventure.
🌊 Rocky Beaches
Although Malta is famous for its sandy Northern beaches, its rocky shores are just as beautiful; featuring crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and smaller crowds. Most are reachable by public transport, but amenities can be limited or absent. Here are my favourite rocky beaches and swimming spots in Malta:
- Anchor Bay in Mellieħa – it’s best paired with a visit to Popeye’s Village next door, where admission includes amenities and even a fun inflatable assault course in the sea; a fun day (or half-day) out.
- Għar Lapsi l/o Siggiewi – a naturally formed swimming pool, famous for it’s 40 meter cave, a beloved swimming spot with locals.
- Manoel Island in Gzira – stunning views of Valletta, a 10-15 minute walk from the Gate, free shuttle service offered on weekends and public holidays between July and September.
- Tigne Point in Sliema – stunning views of Valletta, a popular spot for evening gatherings.
- The Baths of Sliema in Sliema – a series of square pools which have been carved into the rocks along the coast. Located below Surfside restaurant.
- St. Peter’s Pool in Marsaxlokk – natural rock formation, deep water, popular for cliff jumping, the crowdiest rocky beach.
🏨 Need accommodation in Malta? Check out my top picks for where to stay across the islands.
🍕 Looking for great places to eat? Here’s a list of my favourite cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Happy Travels! x
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Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for travel services I use and love, such as experiences and hotel bookings. If you click and make a booking, I may receive a small commission which helps support this site. This does not affect the price you pay.
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