Malta

Malta may be small, but it packs three main islands into one destination: Malta, Gozo, and the tiny Comino. Most visitors base themselves on Malta Island, then take day trips to the others. For a lively base, look at Sliema, St Julian’s, or Gżira for seafront promenades, easy bus connections, and plenty of restaurants. For history and quieter evenings, Valletta or the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) are excellent.

Malta uses the euro (EUR), and English is widely spoken alongside Maltese, so getting around and ordering food is straightforward. Summer (June–September) is hot and busy, perfect for swimming and boat trips; shoulder seasons April–May and October bring pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Before you land, set up a Hello eSIM so your phone connects as soon as you touch down at Malta International Airport — handy for checking bus timetables or your hotel address without hunting for Wi‑Fi. Use Hello’s trip planning tools to save places like the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Mdina, and the Blue Lagoon, so you have a loose structure for your days without over-planning.

Malta’s compact size makes it easy to explore, but traffic can be heavy around popular areas. The backbone of public transport is a network of buses radiating from Valletta; they’re affordable (around €2 per ride, slightly more at night) and cover most major sights. Buy tickets from the driver or top up a contactless card, and allow extra time during peak hours.

For flexibility, ride-hailing apps and traditional taxis are widely available, useful after late dinners in St Julian’s or when buses are infrequent. Ferries are a scenic way to move between Valletta and Sliema or the Three Cities, and the Ċirkewwa–Gozo ferry runs regularly, with foot passenger tickets costing just a few euros.

If you rent a car, remember that driving is on the left, and streets in historic areas like Mdina can be narrow. Parking is often tight near waterfront districts.

With a Hello eSIM, you can check real-time bus routes, ferry schedules, and walking directions without worrying about roaming charges. Save your routes with Hello’s trip planning so you can hop from Valletta’s bastions to Gozo’s countryside and Comino’s Blue Lagoon without logistical stress.

Maltese cuisine blends Mediterranean and North African influences, so expect hearty, flavourful meals. Try rabbit stew (fenkata), pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), ħobż biż-żejt (crusty bread with tomato, tuna, and olives), and fresh seafood along the coast. A simple lunch of pastizzi and coffee might cost €3–5, while a sit-down dinner with wine can range from €20–35 per person (roughly US$22–38).

For budget-friendly eats, look for bakeries and casual spots in Valletta, Sliema, and local villages. Open-air markets like Marsaxlokk on Sundays are great for fresh fish and local snacks.

To keep track of spending, use Hello’s budget tracking feature in euros, so you can see how much you’re putting toward food, transport, and activities. When sharing meze plates or a bottle of Maltese wine with friends in Spinola Bay, Hello’s expense splitting makes dividing the bill painless, even if some people had dessert and others didn’t.

Tap water is generally safe, but many residents prefer bottled due to taste. House wine carafes can be good value, and local beers like Cisk are refreshing on a hot evening.

Malta’s history stretches back thousands of years, and you feel it everywhere. Start at Valletta, a UNESCO-listed capital built by the Knights of St John, with highlights like St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Harbour views from Upper Barrakka Gardens, and the waterfront cafes. Wander the silent streets of Mdina, the old fortified city, for sunset light on honey-coloured stone. Prehistoric sites such as Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, and the Tarxien Temples showcase megalithic structures older than the pyramids, while the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum offers an underground glimpse into ancient rituals (book well in advance).

Locals are generally warm and welcoming, and many festivals revolve around village feasts (festas), with fireworks, processions, and band music. Dress modestly when visiting churches, especially during services.

To navigate museum opening times, festa dates, and bus routes, staying online helps. Activate a Hello eSIM before your trip so you land with data ready to use. Mark key sights with Hello’s trip planning tools, and rely on in-app maps and notes rather than paper leaflets. With constant connectivity, you can book last-minute harbour cruises, restaurant tables in Birgu, or diving trips off Gozo while you’re already out exploring.