43 Malta

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Currency and Payments

Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are available in all major towns. Carry some cash for smaller purchases, buses, and tips.

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Getting Around by Bus

Buses are the main public transport connecting the entire island. A single fare costs EUR 2 in winter and EUR 2.50 in summer, valid for 2 hours. The 7-day Explore Card (EUR 25 adults, EUR 7 children) offers unlimited travel. Download the Tallinja app for route planning and real-time bus updates.

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Electricity and Plugs

Malta uses Type G plugs (British three-pin) with 230V/50Hz, unlike mainland Europe. Bring a UK-style adapter. Most hotels can provide adapters, but bringing your own is recommended.

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Tipping Culture

Tipping is customary at 5-10% in restaurants for good service. If a service charge is already included, no additional tip is necessary. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest Euro is appreciated. Hotel housekeeping typically receives EUR 1-2 per day.

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SIM Cards and Connectivity

Epic (formerly Vodafone) and Go are the main mobile operators. A Go tourist SIM card costs about EUR 10 including data and calls. eSIMs from providers like Airalo are often cheaper and more convenient for short visits. Most cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.

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Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is very hot and busy. The Marsaxlokk fish market is best on Sunday mornings. Blue Grotto boat rides depend on calm seas, usually best in the morning.

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Language

Maltese and English are both official languages. Nearly everyone speaks English fluently, making communication easy. Italian is also widely understood. Road signs and menus are typically in both Maltese and English.

1

Valletta, Mdina & Blue Grotto

📍 Valletta / Mdina / Blue Grotto

Explore Valletta, the fortified capital built by the Knights of St. John, starting with St. John's Co-Cathedral housing Caravaggio's masterpiece 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.' Walk the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views of the Grand Harbour, then take a bus to the Blue Grotto for a boat ride through luminous sea caves reflecting electric blue light. In the afternoon, visit Mdina, the 'Silent City,' wandering its medieval walls and narrow limestone streets with views across the entire island.

2

Marsaxlokk & Gozo Island

📍 Marsaxlokk / Gozo

Start the morning at Marsaxlokk fishing village, famous for its colorful luzzu boats with painted Osiris eyes, and browse the Sunday fish market for fresh catch and pastizzi (ricotta pastries). Take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo island and explore the Citadel in Victoria, the Ggantija Temples (older than the Egyptian pyramids), and the red sand beach at Ramla Bay. Return to Malta in the evening and enjoy rabbit stew and ftira (Maltese flatbread) at a traditional restaurant in Sliema.

3

Comino Blue Lagoon and Sea Caves

📍 Comino

Take a boat to Comino and swim in the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon and nearby coves. Visit sea caves and cliffs by small boat, then return to Malta for a relaxed waterfront dinner.

4

Three Cities and Grand Harbour

📍 Three Cities

Explore Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua for fortified streets and quieter local life. Ride a traditional dghajsa boat across Grand Harbour and learn more about Malta's maritime history.

5

Mellieha Bay and North Coast

📍 Mellieha

Spend the morning at Mellieha Bay and then visit scenic northern viewpoints. If traveling with family, stop at Popeye Village for light activities and coastal photo spots.

6

Temples and Dingli Cliffs

📍 Southwest Malta

Visit one of Malta's megalithic temple sites to see some of the world's oldest free-standing structures. End your trip at Dingli Cliffs for dramatic sea views and a calm sunset.