Malta travel guide for first-time visitors

For a first trip to Malta, plan 4–7 nights: a base in or near Valletta for the capital, Mdina and the Three Cities, plus a day or two on Gozo and a boat trip to Comino. Check entry rules for your passport on official sources, use buses or a driver to get around, and book the Hypogeum well ahead.

For timing, see the best time to visit Malta, and for budgets read what a trip to Malta costs. Our Malta destination page lists every place we cover.

Who Malta suits

Malta suits history lovers, couples, families and anyone wanting a short, sunny break without long transfers. English is an official language, which makes it easy for first-time travellers. It is less suited to those looking for long sandy beaches — the coast is mostly rocky, with a handful of sandy bays.

Entry and visa overview

Entry rules depend on your nationality. Malta is part of the Schengen area, where visa-exempt visitors can usually stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period; others apply through Malta's Central Visa Unit. UK government advice notes border officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.

• ETIAS: as of November 2026, the official EU ETIAS site says the system is not yet operating and no applications are collected. The EU will announce the start several months beforehand; the fee will be EUR 20. Use only europa.eu sites.
• EES: since 10 April 2026, non-EU short-stay visitors have fingerprints and a photo registered at the border instead of passport stamps. It is free, but allow extra time.
• Passport validity: UK advice for Schengen countries asks for a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond departure; check what applies to your passport.

Airport, money and essentials

Getting around

Malta Public Transport runs buses across Malta and Gozo; you can pay on board in cash or by contactless card, and travel cards such as the 7-day Explore Flex suit longer stays. The Gozo Channel ferry crosses from Ċirkewwa in the north to Mġarr on Gozo. Ferries also link Valletta with Sliema and the Three Cities. Traffic can be heavy, so a private driver or taxi app is useful for day trips; if you plan to drive yourself, UK advice points to checking local road rules first.

Suggested routes by trip length

Our Malta & Gozo Island Break follows the 7-night pattern, and Valletta Boutique Luxury is a short, stylish city stay.

Where to stay

Valletta suits travellers who want history on the doorstep and quiet evenings; Sliema and St Julian's have more restaurants, seafront promenades and nightlife, with a short ferry hop to the capital. Mdina and the nearby town of Rabat are peaceful but less convenient without a car. On Gozo, Victoria is central and the coastal villages are good for swimming and diving. Families often prefer a resort with a pool, as many of Malta's swimming spots are rocky.

Etiquette and culture

• Malta is largely Catholic; cover shoulders and knees in churches, including St John's Co-Cathedral.
• Beachwear belongs at the beach — cover up in towns and villages.
• Village festas are community events; join in respectfully and expect road closures and fireworks.
• A few Maltese words, such as grazzi (thank you), are appreciated, though English is spoken everywhere.
• UK advice notes that smoking cannabis in public is illegal and attracts a fine, even though home use is legal for residents.

Health and safety

Malta is generally safe, but UK advice reports pickpocketing on crowded summer buses between Valletta and St Julian's, as well as bag snatching and theft from parked cars. Lifeguards patrol most beaches in summer using a flag system; heed warnings about currents. Summer heat is strong, so carry water and sun protection. Read the UK Foreign Office advice for Malta or your government's equivalent, and take travel insurance.

Practical tips

• Book the Hypogeum weeks ahead — visitor numbers are tightly limited.
• Visit the Blue Lagoon early in the day, or in May, June or September, to avoid the busiest boats.
• Valletta is hilly with many steps; pack comfortable shoes.
• Expect an eco-contribution to be added to your hotel bill.
• Sunday mornings at Marsaxlokk are lively with the fish market.

Frequently asked questions

Want your first Malta trip shaped around your interests? Use our Malta planner and a specialist will tailor the hotels, ferries and day trips.

Sources

1. Identità (Government of Malta) — Central Visa Unit
2. European Union — ETIAS official website
3. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
4. European Commission, Migration and Home Affairs — Entry/Exit System (EES)
5. GOV.UK — Foreign travel advice: Malta
6. Malta Public Transport — Fares and tickets
7. Malta International Airport — official site