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An ornate historic gate and limestone buildings in Valletta, Malta
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Malta

Malta

Sunlit stone cities and clear water

Last reviewed: 3 September 2026

Recommended stay
2–4 days
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October
Airports
MLA
Photo by David Payne · Unsplash

Malta at a glance

Malta is a compact Mediterranean island of fortified stone towns and clear water. Valletta, St John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Three Cities, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Gozo and Comino sit in areas a short ride apart, with ferries and buses covering the rest.

Quick information

Recommended stay2–4 days
Best time to visitApril to June and September to October
AirportsMLA
Budget travelAccommodation and ferry days drive costs most strongly. Check prices shortly before your trip instead of relying on a fixed estimate.

Shoulder months suit Valletta, Mdina and harbour walks without peak heat. Summer is swimming weather; Hypogeum and midday fortifications need an early start and shade.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Malta Public Transport bus and Airport Direct

Public buses from the stop just outside the terminal, including the Airport Direct express routes

Standard public-transport fareTransport

Must-see sights

Valletta
St John’s Co-Cathedral
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Valletta streets, St John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens.
  2. Lunch: Pastizzi or ftira from a Valletta bakery.
  3. Afternoon: Three Cities ferry or a slower harbour walk.
  4. Evening: Valletta or Sliema waterfront dinner.
Itineraries

Best areas to stay

  1. Valletta

    A walkable UNESCO capital of stone streets, with steep hills that are tricky with luggage and lively evenings.

    Best for

    First visits, harbours and museums

  2. Three Cities

    Cottonera

    Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua face the Grand Harbour.

    Best for

    A quieter harbour stay with a ferry to Valletta

  3. Sliema / St Julian's

    Sliema

    Hotels and promenades; expect a short ride to the fortified core.

    Best for

    A seafront stay with buses into Valletta

  4. Gozo

    Useful for Victoria, cliffs and a ferry crossing back to Malta.

    Best for

    A slower island stay

Approximate budget

  • Budget

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Simple rooms, pastizzi, walking and buses; excludes travel to Malta.

  • Mid-range

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Comfortable room, restaurants, ferries and selected museums.

  • Comfort

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Harbour or Gozo stays, frequent dining, private transfers and reserved visits.

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