Malta

Malta rewards travellers who slow down between its headline sights. Begin in Valletta, where honey-coloured limestone streets lead to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and waterfront cafés. Allow time for the Three Cities across the harbour, especially Birgu’s quiet lanes and fortified waterfront. For a very different mood, visit Mdina late in the afternoon, when its stone alleys become wonderfully atmospheric after day-trippers leave.

Malta’s history is layered rather than confined to museums. The Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples reveal a prehistoric past, while the National Museum of Archaeology helps put the islands’ ancient monuments in context. Book popular attractions ahead during summer and keep a light scarf or shawl for churches, where modest clothing is expected.

Use Hello’s trip planning tools to group nearby sights into practical days rather than zigzagging across the island. A Valletta day can include the Three Cities; another can combine Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs. Start early for cooler walks, then leave the evening for a leisurely harbour dinner.

Malta is compact, but traffic and narrow roads can make journeys take longer than the map suggests. Public buses are useful for Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and many central attractions. A standard daytime journey costs €2 in winter and €2.50 in summer, with the ticket valid for two hours and allowing transfers, according to Malta Public Transport. Night and certain direct services cost more.

For short harbour crossings, ferries between Valletta and Sliema or the Three Cities are often more scenic and less stressful than travelling around the waterfront by road. To reach Gozo, the passenger ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr takes about 25 minutes; a walk-on return fare is commonly listed at €4.65. Check sailing conditions before planning a boat excursion to Comino, as wind can disrupt schedules.

A rental car gives flexibility for remote beaches, temples and cliff viewpoints, but driving requires patience: roads can be busy, parking is limited and Malta drives on the left. For many visitors, buses and occasional taxis work better. Use Hello’s Hello eSIM, activated before landing, for live maps and transport updates without roaming charges.

Maltese food is generous, rustic and shaped by Mediterranean, Sicilian and North African influences. Begin with a warm pastizz, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta or curried peas. For a fuller snack, try ftira, a ring-shaped sourdough topped or filled with tomatoes, tuna, olives, capers and local cheese. Ħobż biż-żejt, Maltese bread rubbed with tomato and finished with olive oil, is another excellent light lunch.

For dinner, look for stuffat tal-fenek, slow-cooked rabbit braised with wine, garlic and vegetables. Seafood lovers should try aljotta, a fragrant fish soup, while vegetarians can seek out bigilla, a broad-bean dip usually served with bread and pickles. Order a glass of local wine or a bottle of Kinnie, Malta’s bittersweet citrus soft drink.

In Valletta, smaller streets around Old Bakery Street, St Lucia Street and St Paul Street offer casual restaurants, where a substantial main course may cost around €14–€16. Share starters and settle the bill easily with Hello’s expense splitting feature, particularly useful when a group is sampling several dishes.

Malta’s coast is made for swimming, boat trips and sunset walks, though its most beautiful spots are not always sandy. Mellieħa Bay is one of the easiest beaches for families, while Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa offer broader stretches of sand and striking views. Near Comino, the Blue Lagoon is famous for intensely clear water; visit early or late in the day if you want a calmer experience.

Gozo feels greener and quieter than the main island. Explore the citadel in Victoria, swim at Ramla Bay and consider a coastal walk near Dwejra. Pack sturdy shoes for rocky paths, reef-safe sunscreen, water and a hat—shade can be scarce, and the Mediterranean sun is strong even when a sea breeze makes it feel mild.

Keep a little flexibility in your itinerary for weather. Boat tours depend on sea conditions, and popular swimming areas can become crowded in peak season. Track daily spending in euros with Hello’s budget tracking feature, remembering to allow for sun-lounger hire, ferry tickets, snacks and occasional taxi rides. A reusable bottle is useful, especially on long sightseeing days.