Malta
A fortified archipelago in the Mediterranean

About Malta

Overview

Malta packs three inhabited islands, seven thousand years of history and some of the Mediterranean's clearest waters into a compact archipelago you can criss-cross in a single trip. Honey-colored fortress cities, prehistoric temples older than the pyramids, and hidden coves sit side by side with buzzing waterfront cafes and village festas. English is spoken everywhere, distances are short, and the sun shines for most of the year. It is a destination where ancient stone and turquoise sea are never more than a short drive apart.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Malta, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    VallettaThe fortified 16th-century capital built by the Knights of St John, a UNESCO World Heritage city of Baroque streets and grand harbor views.
  • 2
    St John's Co-CathedralA lavish Baroque cathedral in Valletta housing Caravaggio's masterpiece and an ornate marble-tombstone floor.
  • 3
    Hal Saflieni HypogeumA subterranean prehistoric burial complex carved from rock, one of the world's best-preserved underground temples.
  • 4
    MdinaThe hilltop "Silent City," a walled medieval town of quiet lanes, palaces and sweeping island panoramas.
  • 5
    Blue GrottoA series of sea caves on Malta's south coast famed for luminous blue water and boat trips beneath natural arches.
  • 6
    MarsaxlokkA traditional fishing village lined with brightly painted luzzu boats and a lively Sunday fish market.
  • 7
    Comino and the Blue LagoonA tiny island whose shallow, brilliant turquoise lagoon is one of the Mediterranean's most photographed swimming spots.
  • 8
    Ggantija Temples (Gozo)Megalithic temples on Gozo dating back more than 5,000 years, among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth.
Best time to travel

Spring and autumn offer the ideal balance of warm weather and thinner crowds

Malta enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with more than 300 sunny days a year, so there is rarely a bad time to visit. Spring, from March to May, brings comfortable temperatures around 18-24C, ideal for sightseeing and coastal walks before the summer rush. High summer, from June to late September, is hot and busy, perfect for beaches, boat trips and village festas but with peak prices. Autumn keeps the sea warm for swimming into October, while winter is mild, quiet and best for budget travel and cultural touring.

Mar-MaySpring shoulder season with pleasant 18-24C days, wildflowers and excellent conditions for sightseeing and hiking.
Jun-SepHot, dry peak season (often 30C+); best for beaches, swimming and village festas but the busiest and priciest.
Sep-OctWarm autumn with sea temperatures still ideal for swimming and generally the year's most settled weather.
Nov-FebMild, quiet off-season; rainiest around January-February but great value and good for cultural touring.
Good to know

Malta at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelApril-June and September-October for warm weather with fewer crowds
CapitalValletta
LanguageMaltese and English (both official)
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Entry / visaSchengen area member; many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (ETIAS pre-authorization planned)
Getting aroundCompact islands linked by buses, taxis and short car transfers; regular ferries connect Malta, Gozo and Comino
What to book

Best tours in Malta

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Malta & Gozo Discovery

The complete Maltese archipelago, the fortified capital, the Three Cities by harbour cruise, Gozo's temples and Comino's Blue Lagoon.

Classic & Cultural

Knights & Temples of Malta

A history-focused journey through the age of the Knights and Malta's prehistoric temples.

Family

Blue Lagoon Island Escape

A relaxed, family-friendly base with days out to the Blue Lagoon, Malta's best beaches and Gozo's Ramla Bay.

See all Malta programs
Why Malta

The specials

Knights of St John heritage

Malta was ruled for centuries by the Knights Hospitaller, whose fortifications, auberges and the treasure-filled St John's Co-Cathedral still define Valletta and the Three Cities.

Prehistoric temples

The islands hold some of the oldest free-standing stone structures on Earth, from Ggantija on Gozo to the mysterious underground Hypogeum.

Crystal-clear seas

With rocky coves, sea caves and the electric-blue Comino lagoon, Malta is a magnet for swimming, snorkeling and diving in exceptionally clear water.

Questions about Malta?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Malta - Wikipedia, Best time to visit Malta - Lonely Planet, Schengen area - European Commission. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.