r/malta Apr 27 '25

Visiting Malta? Start here.

263 Upvotes

Hey /r/malta, I've been meaning to put this together for a while because in my many years on this subreddit, I've noticed it seems to get more of the same questions and answers almost daily in summer, so hopefully this could be a good starting point for potential visitors to read and ask questions. I'll update this from time to time with more information.

Where to Stay

  • Families & Elderly: Mellieha offers large sandy beaches, family‑friendly resorts, and quieter areas perfect for children. Bugibba is more lively, with a promenade, an aquarium, and lots of casual dining options suitable for families.
  • Young travellers: Sliema & St Julian's are ideal if you want a mix of shopping, cafes, beach clubs, and nightlife. Both cater well to those looking for bars and clubs within walking distance. Loads of AirBnbs are Hotels available.
  • Scenic & quiet: Gozo is perfect for a slower pace, beautiful landscapes, and authentic rural experiences.
  • LGBT travellers: Malta is among Europe's most LGBT‑friendly countries, with strong legal protections and a welcoming attitude. Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta are particularly inclusive.

Things to Do

If you have 1-2 days

  • Walk through Valletta: St John's Co‑Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Republic Street.
  • Visit Mdina & Rabat: explore the Silent City and nearby Roman catacombs.
  • Beach day: choose Mellieħa Bay (sand) or the Sliema promenade (rocky).

If you have 3-5 days

  • Add a day‑trip to Gozo: Citadel in Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay.
  • Afternoon at the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk fishing village (Sunday is the best day to go for the fish market)
  • Take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon (Comino) or a coastal cruise around Malta.

If you have a week or more

  • Explore all three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
  • Attend a village festa (fireworks & band marches) in summer.
  • Check VisitMalta.com for concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

Travel‑length tip: 7-10 days is ideal. Beyond that, plan slow travel, multiple excursions, or cross‑island hiking to avoid repetition.


Events & Public Holidays

  • Carnival: February - street parades & floats (Valletta & Nadur).
  • Isle of MTV: one night in summer - free open‑air concert.
  • Notte Bianca: first Saturday of October (I think) - museums & palaces would be open all night.
  • Birgufest: around mid‑October - lantern‑lit streets in Vittoriosa.
  • Almost every weekend June - September a different town holds a festa with huge fireworks displays throughout the day and night. You can find the 2025 schedule here, although it's typically around the same week every year.

What to Eat

  • Rabbit Stew, Fried Rabbit: National dish, usually served in a rich red wine sauce.
  • Pastizzi: Flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas. Generally available at cafes or pastizzerias in the street.
  • Bragioli: Beef olives stuffed with minced meat and herbs.
  • Ftira: Traditional Maltese bread often filled with tuna, capers, and olives.
  • Lampuki Pie: Seasonal fish pie made from dorado.
  • Imqaret: Fried pastry filled with dates, often sold at markets.
  • Kannoli: Maltese version of the Sicilian cannoli.
  • Bigilla: Broad bean paste, typically served with bread or crackers.
  • Seafood: Fresh catches, especially swordfish, octopus, and calamari.
  • Gozo Cheeselets (Ġbejniet): Small round cheeses made from sheep's milk, fresh or dried.
  • Local wine and Cisk beer: Affordable and widely available.

Transport, Driving & Ferries

  • Buses: download the Tallinja app; summer services run but expect delays.
  • Ride‑hailing: Uber, Bolt, eCabs (cheaper than white street taxis).
  • Car hire: useful for Gozo or rural Malta. Book a small model if you can - streets are narrow and parking is scarce.
  • Scooters & motorbikes: only for confident riders; roads are bumpy and drivers can be very impatient.
  • Cycling: Reputably unsafe, but not impossible. Expect limited bike lanes, fast traffic, blind corners.
  • Harbour ferries: Valletta ⇆ Sliema & Valletta ⇆ Three Cities every 30 min (€1.50).
  • Gozo Channel: Cirkewwa ⇆ Mgarr every 30–45 min; pay on return (€4.65 foot passenger).
  • Comino shuttles & coastal cruises: depart from Cirkewwa, Marfa, and Sliema – pre‑book July–Aug.

Weather

Period Conditions What to Wear Swim?
Jan – Mar 10–17 °C, windy, showers Light jacket, jeans, layers Rarely
Apr – Jun 18–27 °C, warming T‑shirts, shorts, light jacket evenings Yes
Jul – Aug 30–40 °C, humid Swimwear, hat, ultra‑light clothing Yes
Sep – Oct 25–30 °C, warm, humid Summer clothes, light jacket at night Yes
Nov – Dec 12–20 °C, cooler, rain spells Light sweater, trousers Rarely

Mosquitoes are common, especially in humid months (April-October). Consider insect repellent, especially when staying near water or rural areas.


Money

  • Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but smaller kiosks prefer cash; many set a €5-10 minimum charge.
  • ATMs
  • Tipping: round up or ~10 % in restaurants; €1 per drink at bars is generous but not mandatory.

Sample daily costs (2025): espresso €1.50 · pint of beer €3 · bus fare €2.50 (summer) · Lunch / dinner €15 - €30.


Language

  • Maltese & English are official; Italian is also common.

Safety & Emergency

  • Malta is very safe; usual basic pickpocket caution in Valletta, Sliema & Paceville.
  • Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire.
  • Hospitals: Mater Dei (Malta) & Gozo General; both public and modern.
  • Pharmacies in every town - newspapers will typically mention which are open over the weekends.

Outdoor & Adventure

  • Hiking
  • Kayaking/SUP
  • Rock‑climbing
  • Diving centres

Church Visits & Mass Schedules

  • Malta has over 350 churches, many of them historic and open to visitors outside of service times.
  • Major sites include St John's Co‑Cathedral (Valletta), Mosta Rotunda, and the Basilica of Ta' Pinu (Gozo).
  • For visitors wishing to attend Mass, you can find updated schedules on the official Archdiocese of Malta website.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).

Things to Do with Kids

  • Popeye Village (Mellieħa) - film set amusement park.
  • Malta National Aquarium (Qawra).
  • Playmobil FunPark.
  • Splash & Fun Water Park (Bahar ic‑Caghaq).
  • Esplora Interactive Science Centre (Kalkara).
  • National War Museum – Fort St Elmo (Valletta).
  • Easy beach days: Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay.

Always pack high‑SPF sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially in peak summer.


Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Ta’ Qali Crafts Village: hand‑blown Mdina glass, filigree silver.
  • Valletta markets: Flea markets (i.e. monti) (Sunday).
  • Marsaxlokk fish market: Sunday morning for atmosphere & photos.

Connectivity & Utilities

  • Tap water is safe but mineral‑heavy; most people drink bottled.
  • Electricity: UK Type G, 230 V – pack an adaptor.
  • Public Wi‑Fi exists in main squares but is patchy.

Accessibility

  • Majority of buses low‑floor; pavements in historic centres are narrow and uneven.
  • Valletta, Sliema promenade, and Bugibba promenade are the flattest wheelchair routes.

Nightlife

  • Party: Paceville (St Julian's) - clubs & late bars, some charge enterance fees; Gianpula Village for open-air parties (limits transport, so book taxis).
  • Chill: Valletta for wine bars and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Observe local noise laws after 23:00, especially in residential Valletta.

Etiquette & Local Laws

  • No topless/beachwear in towns.
  • Smoking banned indoors and at bus shelters.
  • Public street drinking technically illegal outside designated zones (often tolerated, but police may warn/fine in Valletta after 23:00).
  • Dispose of rubbish properly; recycling bins are colour‑coded.
  • Respect churches and heritage sites - cover shoulders & knees when required.
  • Cannabis: Adults 18+ may possess up to 7 g and grow up to four plants at home. Licensed non‑profit Cannabis Associations (clubs) are the only legal supply route and currently require Maltese residency to join, so visitors cannot buy legally. Importing cannabis across borders is illegal.

What the Brochures won't tell you

  • Construction: Malta is undergoing rapid development - which means cranes, dust, and jackhammers in most places, especially in Sliema, St Julian's & Gżira.
  • Traffic: heaviest 07:00-09:00 & 16:00-19:00. Consider allowing some extra time for the airport.
  • Limited green space: Malta is beautiful but densely built. For open countryside, head to the western cliffs, Ghajn Tuffieha, Ahrax, or Gozo.
  • Fireworks: Loud explosions are common in summer due to local village festas. Fireworks frequently occur during both day and night. Check local festa schedules if you're sensitive to noise.
  • Powercuts / Blackouts: Rare throughout winter, but quite common in Summer. Visit Enemalta's website to see if the cut is planned or an accident.

Any other questions? Feel free to drop below or create a thread. Happy visiting!


r/malta Feb 01 '22

Weed use/ possession FAQ

210 Upvotes

Please read the below before submitting weed related questions.

1) weed can only be purchased from registered cannabis organisations.

2) to purchase weed from an organisation as outlined above, one must be a registered member/ user. Associations will be capped at 500 members and preference is given to residents. One may only belong to one organisation at any given time and must be over the age of 18

3) by virtue of the above, the law clearly focuses on legalising it for residents. This means that since the law is equal for everyone, including tourists it is going to be very difficult for the latter to join such an organisation.

4) weed consumption in public remains an offence. Carrying over 7 g in public and owning more than 50 g are also a offence.

5) weed coffee shops do not exist, nor are they part of the plan. Weed tourism is not on the table.

6) purchasing off street dealers is and remains illegal

7) up to 4 plants can be grown for personal use as long as they are not visible from outside

8) weed related questions answered above are to be janitored

9) as always, any "where can I buy illegal substance x" posts are janitored on sight.

By popular request and with special thanks to /u/mountainblock for the initiative.


r/malta 4h ago

What's the most bizarre situation you've encountered recently?

31 Upvotes

I'll start. Got stuck in a queue behind two Americans confronting a bemused cashier, who were demanding to know where the bottled water had come from.

This was in Hamrun btw. We only drink brake fluid here


r/malta 13h ago

Ta’ Qali Park

45 Upvotes

Now they ruined Ta’ Qali with sand and gravel and the idiotic monkeys are clapping and saying prosit u grazzi.

We never learn.


r/malta 1h ago

is there a quiet neighborhood

Upvotes

i've been living a little over 2 years in malta, and I haven't found a quiet spot yet. is there a quiet village, especially with no/rare fireworks? it's 10pm and I have been hearing fireworks all day here in Kirkop. I work shifts goddamit. anyone can recommend a quiet village please please?


r/malta 10m ago

Club music bil-malti?

Upvotes

Is there a place for maltese club music?


r/malta 2h ago

How do you meet and network with Writers/Playwrights here?

2 Upvotes

Title self explanatory. I've tried to find any groups like on facebook and have had zero luck. Writers Malta seemed to be my best bet, but it seems to be inactive as of around last year. I'm a newbie writer and just want to talk to other people about writing, hear their thoughts and make some friends in a field I really enjoy partaking in.

I hear there's a big scene for indie film making and music, but I hear nothing for writing.

Are there events I'm missing? Am I missing something obvious? Any and all help appreciated. Thanks.


r/malta 12h ago

Government debt hits 'all-time record' high of €11.16 billion

Thumbnail
timesofmalta.com
13 Upvotes

Nothing to see here. Just keep posting prostit on Facebook.


r/malta 7h ago

Is it safe to leave personal belongings on the beach while swimming?

5 Upvotes

I’ll be visiting Malta for the 1st time this year.
I also plan on going to the beach and swimming for around let's say an hour at a time. My concern is about leaving stuff unattended.

I’m planning on bringing only the essentials (towel, phone, wallet), but I’m still a bit nervous about theft specifically of my personal documents that I need to travel back.

Has anyone here tried bringing a small portable safe/lockbox to the beach? Is it effective or overkill?

Any further tips on how to keep belongings safe while enjoying a long swim are also welcome!
Thank you for your time and feedback!


r/malta 3h ago

St Julian's festa

2 Upvotes

Hello! We're in Malta for the first time and really enjoying it here. We'd like to go to see the procession in the St Julians Festa but I'm struggling to work out where and when it's taking place. Can someone help please? We're going to watch the fireworks, but is there anything else we should look out for? Grazzi!


r/malta 6h ago

DLS sixth form

2 Upvotes

Has anyone been called by DLS sixth form to notify about acceptance?

If you're willing to share, subjects chosen and points gained would be appreciated.


r/malta 7h ago

drug tests

2 Upvotes

in maltese sorry foreign friends

mela issa ha jibdew jaghmlu drug tests bara ta xorb.Jaghmlu sew imma allura jien jekk npejjep nofs joint qabel norqod ghax minghajra ma norqodx nkun ghadni minix tajjeb biex nsuq biex immur a xoghol?Jekk ninqbad nista nehel meta ta quddiemi li jkun qed isuq filghodu lanqas jaf xinhu jigri meta ta quddiemi ikun fuq il mobile u ma jkunx jaf fejn hu sejjer meta tal bolt jew wolt lanqas ikun jaf fejn ha jmur umbghad jaqalak min gewwa?Jew l accidants issa kolla ha nippuntawom lejn il haxixa u ma nwahhlux fl alcohol ghax forsi noqorsu lil xi hadd!


r/malta 3h ago

Is it safe to leave my bike in valletta for some time?

0 Upvotes

Chained up of course. I'll leave it there for a few days. Is that safe?


r/malta 54m ago

Activity recommendations forGozo other than "sightseeing"?

Upvotes

Are there interesting things to do? I came here today evening and tomorrow will be visited by 2 nice ladies I met yesterday in St Julien. I'm really not the sightseeing guy ("oh cool, another church. Like everywhere in Europe") and prefer actually doing some activities. It doesn't seem like there are any beach volleyball places (why not?) for example. What fun stuff that isn't just "stand there and look at stuff" can you recommend? Nice bar? Minigolf? I'm staying at Victoria. Also a good thing would be a nice place to just sit and talk.

I originally only decided to spend some days here because I wanted some peace and quiet and basically do nothing, just read my books and go for a run, but book reading is not really a sensible option when you get visited by two beautiful Latinas now, is it? We'll definitely be going to Ramla Bay, but I'd just like some additional options.


r/malta 1h ago

What is so bad about Epic?

Upvotes

I've been using Epic for a couple of months now both for mobile and home Internet and so far I haven't had any issues so far as I could tell. A couple of friends also use Epic and never complained. Could you enlighten me on what is so bad about Epic? Maybe when my contract expires I'll switch to Go or something g.

Thanks in advance!


r/malta 5h ago

Can you make BBQs in Ta' Qali?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking for a place where i can have a bbq (with charcoal) in the centre of the island. With or without permit. Is it possible in Ta Qali or nearby?


r/malta 10h ago

Film camera repair in Valletta?

2 Upvotes

Hi, we are here in Valletta until Thursday Sept 4. We have a minolta srt 101 needing a repair. Any suggestions? Thank you


r/malta 7h ago

Sixth Form: JC vs SAC

1 Upvotes

Which sixth form is better... Junior College or St. Aloysius? I'd appreciate if students can share their experiences, positive and negative. I'm having a hard time deciding between the two.


r/malta 7h ago

Mellieha catching an Uber/Bolt at 7 AM?

0 Upvotes

Hello guys,

I am currently on a holiday in Mellieha. Sadly our holiday ends on Monday. Our plane will take off about 9AM.

My question is, will it be possible to catch an Uber/Bolt on monday at 7AM?

So far catching Uber/Bolt is really easy, but I am afraid about the really early hours, because if we can’t catch any then we can miss our flight easily.

Also, as far as I know we can schedule a ride in Uber and Bolt as well, but to be honest, I,ve never used this option before, so I don’t know which option should be better on Monday 7AM morning.


r/malta 8h ago

Watching the national regatta

1 Upvotes

I'll be in Valletta when the national regatta is happening on Sep 8th. Where's the best spot to sit and watch some of the action? Is it a full-day thing?


r/malta 1d ago

SicilyByCar car rent scamtree

45 Upvotes

(for tourists)

We rented 2 cars at the airport upon arrival from them, my bad i wasnt checking the reviews. The scam happened to us so far is that they sort of pushed us to sign contracts that covered everything, except road assistance, and the second day the car they provided stopped working, so we had to call the road assistance company, which is one guy in a towtruck basically. The guy arrived, did something with the battery of the car, told us it was our fault, because we left the light turned on, and threatend us, that if we do not pay him 215 euros, our contract is cancelled, we get nothing back, and he takes the car as well. We payed, drove the car back, and asked them what kind of a service is this. They told us arrogantly, that once you drive a car out, it is your responsibility if it stops. As an answer I made a try in front of them - also recording that on video - that if you turn the car off, it turns everything off automatically, to prevent the battery to drain, so us being in fault was impossible. Okay they said, write an email for refund then. We know what that means...

Im furious.


r/malta 1d ago

Saw these weird floating things while snorkeling in Gozo (video)

18 Upvotes

Today I went snorkeling in the Inland Sea (Gozo) and it’s the first time I’ve seen “those floating things.” What are they? You can clearly see them in the video, but I have no idea what they are.


r/malta 12h ago

Want to rent a car in Sicily , any suggestions?

0 Upvotes

Hey all!

First time heading to Sicily not using my car, can you suggest which rental companies that are reasonable and if better go direct with them or through a website? Also normally people say do do full coverage insurance when you are there is this something that applies to Sicily aswell?

Landing Catania Airport.

Thank you all!


r/malta 12h ago

Recommendations Malta

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I've got some friends visiting in September and October and I'm looking for recommendations of wholesome activities we can do that don't involve boats.


r/malta 2h ago

Girls trip to malta

0 Upvotes

Hi! I’m looking for some recommendations. Me and two friends (all 19, F) are staying in Sliema for a week. We’re definitely party people and want to check out some good bars to pregame at—preferably cheap ones—before heading to clubs. I’ve read about places in Paceville like Havana and Sky Club, but are those worth it? Or are there better spots you’d recommend? We’re into pop/“white girl music,” so anything along those lines would be great. Are there any outdoor clubs that are open at night? And what about beach bars or outdoor spots during the day?

We’d also love to see some of the more beautiful parts of Malta—are there any hidden coastal spots you’d recommend? Maybe beaches with whiter sand or caves by the water where we could spend a day?

We’re also planning to spend a day in Valletta for sightseeing. I read that the Sliema–Valletta ferry is the best way to get there—does that sound right? Any restaurant recommendations in Valletta that are good but still budget-friendly (we’re students, so not looking for anything too pricey, lol)?

thanks in advance:)


r/malta 1d ago

Yet another GREEDY landlord Bustard!

Post image
94 Upvotes

Watch the whole Video for this PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8MEXbcYJWA&t

This PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA) Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/robert.borg.1004/

This PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA) Facebook adverts for his Apartment https://www.facebook.com/groups/2229585657298737/user/100000105911793/

MaltaToday Article for this PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA).
https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/136737/watch__tenants_recount_tales_of_abuse_aggression_and_racism_by_former_landlord

What People are saying about this PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA - https://www.facebook.com/maltatoday/posts/pfbid02B8qwpDFMWsPyhNE4kmRDgGtANRaRsREk3Bwfh2WVH7HWNyVrcmBcKKqDfmfhVdUcl

Times of Malta Article for this PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA).- https://timesofmalta.com/article/abusive-landlords-not-oneoff-tenants-union-call-landlord-licencing.1115382

NewsBook Article for this PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA).-https://newsbook.com.mt/jitolbu-lill-gvern-jintervjeni-biex-jitwaqqfu-l-abbuzi-mis-sidien-tal-kera-kriminali/

This PIECE of SHIT (ROBERT BORG from MELLIEHA) removed where he works, posts and photos from his Facebook profile.


r/malta 1d ago

Suggestions needed - Child-friendly city/village

7 Upvotes

Hi! We are a family of 3 who has been living in Malta for almost 3 years. We recently became parents, and currently live in Birkirkara. We are finding it very hard to navigate around Birkirkara with a pram (although we bought a very light one). There is a lot of noise and commotion. Thus, we are now on a hunt to move to a more child friendly location (more walkable, that there are some coffee places, playgrounds, that it is quiet, and that finding parking doesn't take ages). We know that we won't find perfection, and that we will need to make compromises, but we would like to get some suggestions.

Thank you!