Malta Holidays

Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago comprising three main islands, situated at a historic crossroads, south of Sicily and north of Libya. It’s the ultimate holiday shape-shifter, effortlessly blending thousands of years of jaw-dropping history with golden sand beaches, a massive cultural scene, and a buzzing nightlife. Because it ticks so many boxes, it serves up the perfect getaway for absolutely everyone, whether you're a couple looking for romance, a family hunting down shallow bays, a group looking for late-night bars, or a dedicated culture-seeker. Best of all, it’s just a short 3.5-hour flight from the UK. Pack your bags and get ready for a destination where the sun shines bright, and the Mediterranean vibes are served warm all year round.

Good to Know for your holidays to Malta 2026

• Hollywood of the Med - Malta’s dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient fortresses have starred as epic filming locations in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Troy.

• Soaking Up the Sun - the islands boast a brilliant Mediterranean climate, averaging over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, making it one of the brightest escapes in Europe.

• Cheap Pints: - you don't have to break the holiday bank for a cold drink here; a refreshing local Cisk lager will usually set you back very little.

• Our Top Pick to Visit - if you want the ultimate trip, head out in September. The sea temperatures are at their absolute warmest, the peak summer holiday crowds have cleared out, and you'll find much better value than in peak July or August.

• English is Everywhere - for any hesitant first-time visitors out there, rest assured that English is widely spoken across the islands, making navigating menus, signs, and chats with the locals completely stress-free.

Destination highlights

• The Blue Lagoon - a spectacular, turquoise slice of paradise tucked away on the island of Comino.

• The Silent City (Mdina) - a beautiful, car-free medieval walled town perched high on a hill, offering winding alleys and sweeping panoramic views.

• Valletta's Grand Harbour - the majestic, fortified capital city packed with Baroque architecture and breathtaking waterfronts.

• Popeye Village - built in 1980 as the film set for Robin Williams’ Popeye, it’s now a wonderfully quirky, colourful theme park sitting right over an emerald bay.

• Island Hopping Made Easy - Malta is made up of a brilliant trio of islands; the Gozo ferry runs from Cirkewwa (taking just 25 minutes with frequent daily crossings), while the tiny island of Comino can be reached by a short boat transfer from multiple handy points on the main island.

Malta Weather & Best Time to Visit

Boasting a classic Mediterranean climate, Malta is a fantastic year-round destination where the sun is almost always shining. In Summer (June – August), things really heat up with temperatures regularly soaring past 30°C, making it peak season for beach lovers and pool loungers. Spring (March – May) and Autumn (October – November) see lovely, comfortable temperature ranges hovering between 20°C and 25°C, which is absolutely ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring the ancient streets without melting. Even in Winter (December – February), things stay remarkably mild compared to home, usually averaging around 15°C, perfect for a bit of budget-friendly winter sun exploration.

If you are a big swimmer, keep in mind that sea temperatures actually peak in September, staying beautifully warm long after the summer ends. Because of this, our absolute top recommendation is to book your getaway for September or October. You’ll snap up the absolute best value for money, avoid the peak school holiday crowds, and still get to enjoy a gorgeously warm sea.

Where to Stay on your Malta holidays 2026/2027

Couples

Sliema and Valletta are the go-to bases for couples - waterfront dining, cultural access and the best five-star hotels on the island all within easy reach.

• Sliema - swanky waterfront hotels, a buzzing promenade and top-tier restaurants. Easy ferry access to Valletta and a short walk to St Julian's for evening drinks.

• Valletta - Malta's capital is all history, culture and charm. Grand architecture, epic sea views and plenty of boutique stays. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that's absolutely stunning after dark.

Families

The north coast - particularly Mellieha and Bugibba - suits families best, with Malta's biggest sandy beaches, shallow calm water and easy ferry access to Gozo and Comino.

• Mellieha - home to Malta's biggest sandy beach with shallow, calm water perfect for little paddlers. Close to Popeye Village and the Gozo ferry. The top pick for family holidays.

• Bugibba - a lively mix of budget-friendly stays, fun bars and a brilliant seafront. The Malta National Aquarium is on the doorstep in neighbouring Qawra.

Groups

St Julian's is where groups tend to land - Paceville's nightlife is on the doorstep, and the hotel-to-bar ratio is hard to beat anywhere else on the island.

• St Julian's - Paceville is Malta's nightlife hub with clubs, rooftop cocktails and late-night bars. Perfect for group holidays where early nights aren't on the agenda.

Other Malta destinations worth a look

• Gozo - Malta's laidback little sister island, a 25-minute ferry ride away. Stunning countryside, proper relaxed vibes and brilliant diving. Perfect for nature-lovers who want to switch off.

• St Paul's Bay - a mix of local charm and tourist-friendly fun with easy access to beaches, boat trips and seriously tasty seafood. The harbour is gorgeous, and there's a cracking Sunday market.

What are the best beaches to hit up in Malta?

While Malta is famous for its dramatic rocky coastlines, it secretly hides some absolute world-class swimming spots and sandy beaches if you know where to look:

• Mellieħa Bay (Għadira Bay) - the biggest sandy stretch on the main island. It features exceptionally shallow, calm water, making it the absolute gold standard for families and stress-free paddling with young kids.

• Golden Bay - easily one of the most popular beaches on the island, boasting a wide crescent of fine sand and full facilities, including sunbed rentals, beachside restaurants, and active water sports.

• Għajn Tuffieħa - a beautiful, quieter alternative to neighbouring Golden Bay that sees significantly fewer crowds. It features a wilder feel, but keep in mind there is a steep cliff path access with limited facilities—meaning it's not ideal for young children or anyone with mobility issues.

• The Blue Lagoon (Comino) - the ultimate Maltese showstopper, famous for its blindingly turquoise, pool-like waters. It is accessible by boat only, with regular ferries running from Sliema, Bugibba, and Mellieha (journey time is approximately 45 minutes).

• St. Peter's Pool - a stunning, natural rocky inlet that serves as a favourite for locals. The incredibly clear, deep green water is perfect for snorkelling and high-cliff diving.

• Ramla Bay (Gozo) - our premier Gozo representative, globally famous for its unique, rich, red-golden sand. Located on Malta's sister island, getting here requires taking the Gozo ferry from Cirkewwa (25 mins), followed by onward travel to the north of the island.

• Paradise Bay - a picturesque cove featuring very shallow, calm water that is absolutely ideal for young children and paddlers. Bonus: it's the closest beach to the Gozo ferry terminal at Cirkewwa.

• Blue Grotto Area - an honourable mention for scenery, this rocky coastal spot is world-renowned for its dramatic sea caverns, glowing mirror-like waters, and spectacular viewpoints that are perfect for a morning boat tour.

All Inclusive Holidays To Malta

Want to leave your wallet safely locked in your hotel room? Booking an all-inclusive escape to Malta means your meals, snacks, drinks, and entertainment are all sorted before you even clear airport security. It’s the ultimate way to kick back, relax, and keep your holiday budget completely intact. To help you find your slice of stress-free paradise, check out our top all-inclusive hotel picks directly below:

• db Seabank Resort and Spa - home to Malta's largest outdoor pool and six fantastic restaurants, this highly-reviewed favourite directly overlooks the gorgeous Mellieha Bay.

• Mellieha Bay Hotel - a brilliant all-inclusive choice packed with great pools, bowling, tennis, and its own nightclub, offering exceptional value for families and groups alike.

• Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa - a charming four-star property nestled in Mellieha village, featuring three pools (including a gorgeous adults-only rooftop), a kids' club, and stunning sea views.

• Paradise Bay Resort Hotel - tucked away in a peaceful, quieter location right near the Gozo ferry, boasting its own private sandy beach and three sparkling outdoor pools.

Malta Hotels 2026/2027

Malta punches well above its weight for hotels - from all-inclusive mega-resorts in Mellieha to five-star luxury in Sliema and Valletta. Here are the top picks.

Families

• db Seabank Resort and Spa - overlooking Malta's biggest sandy beach in Mellieha with six restaurants, Malta's largest outdoor pool, a kids' club and an all-inclusive package that's hard to beat. Very well reviewed with over 13,000 ratings.

• Paradise Bay Resort Hotel - on its own private sandy beach near the Gozo ferry with three outdoor pools, a paddling pool and one of the largest indoor pools in Malta. Brilliant for families who want a quieter spot.

• Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa - a four-star in Mellieha village with three pools (including an adults-only rooftop pool), a kids' club and sea views. A short drive down to the beach and close to Popeye Village.

Couples

• AX The Palace - five-star luxury in the heart of Sliema with a rooftop infinity pool, spa facilities, jaw-dropping city views and a short walk to the Valletta ferry.

• Barcelo Fortina Malta - Adults Only - an adults-only seafront escape in Sliema with a Beach Club pool area, a restaurant serving Maltese classics and an on-site spa. Kid-free downtime sorted.

• Riviera Spa Resort - Adults Only - adults-only in Mellieha with spa and fitness facilities, three bars and dining from buffet to a la carte. A proper relaxing retreat.

Groups

• be.HOTEL - slap bang in St Julian's with a nightclub on-site, indoor and outdoor pools and Paceville's entire nightlife scene on the doorstep. Walking distance to Spinola Bay and St George's Beach.

• DoubleTree by Hilton Malta - right on the Med in Qawra with an infinity pool, poolside bar, on-site casino and solid rooms. A good base for groups who want boat trips by day and a flutter by night.

Luxury

• Hotel Phoenicia - one of Malta's swankiest stays, just outside Valletta's city walls with fairytale gardens, multiple dining options and a mini golf course.

• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands - perched on a cliff overlooking Golden Bay with a 1,000 sqm spa, private beach, two outdoor pools and panoramic sea views. Five-star done properly.

• Hilton Malta - a five-star classic in St Julian's with five pools (four outdoor, one indoor), a gym, a Thai restaurant and easy access to Paceville nightlife.

Value

• Luna Holiday Complex - a budget-friendly option near Mellieha Bay with a rooftop pool, Sky Lounge and all the basics done well. Great value without the bells and whistles.

👉 See all Malta hotels

Getting there & Getting around Malta

Getting to and around the Maltese islands is incredibly simple. Flights from the UK take around 3.5 hours. Once you land at Malta International Airport, you can look forward to speedy transfer times to the island's main holiday resorts:

• Sliema / St Julian's / Valletta - 20–25 minutes

• Bugibba / Qawra - 30–35 minutes

• Mellieha - 40–45 minutes

Standard resort taxis generally range from €20–35 depending on exactly where you are staying, though using the Bolt app is a fantastic, cheaper alternative for private rides. For public transport, the local buses are an absolute bargain at just €1.50 per individual journey, or you can pick up a €21 weekly unlimited pass to explore to your heart's content. If you're fancying an island-hopping day trip, the ferry to Gozo departs from Cirkewwa, takes just 25 minutes, and runs frequently throughout the day. Don't forget, you can also easily book your resort transfers directly through On the Beach when locking in your holiday!

Malta Travel Essentials

• Visas - British passport holders can travel visa-free to Malta for stays up to 90 days, though you should check standard passport validity rules before flying.

• Currency - the local currency is the Euro (€).

• Plugs - Malta uses Type G plugs (the standard 3-pin British ones), so you don't need to pack any international travel adapters.

• Tap Water - while the tap water is technically safe to drink, it is heavily desalinated seawater, meaning most visitors prefer the taste of bottled water (which is cheap at around 50 cents per 1.5L bottle).

• Vaccinations - there are no mandatory vaccinations required for travel; standard UK immunisations are perfectly sufficient.

• Environmental Tax - a local eco-tax of €0.50 per adult, per night (capped at a maximum of €5 per person, per stay) is payable directly to your accommodation during your stay.

• Time Difference - Malta is 1 hour ahead of the UK (GMT+1).

💬 Local lingo 💬

Who says you can't sound like a total local on your Malta holidays? Drop these phrases into convo, and you might just get the best pastizzi rec going (trust us, you’ll want to know).

• Hello - Merħba

• Good morning / Hello - Bonġu (Bon-joo)

• Bye - Ċaw

• Yes / No - Iva / Le (Ee-va / Le)

• How are you? - Kif inti?

• Please - Jekk jogħġbok (Yek yoj-bok)

• Thank you - Grazzi (Frat-see)

• You're welcome - Ta’ xejn

• Health / Cheers / Goodbye - Saħħa (Sah-ha)

• How much is it? - Kemm jiswa?

• Where is the bus stop? - Fejn hi l-waqfa tal-linja?

More places to visit in Malta

• Sliema - Malta's most popular resort town. A buzzing promenade, waterfront restaurants, brilliant shopping and an easy ferry ride to Valletta. The go-to for couples and anyone who wants a stylish base.

• St Julian's - next door to Sliema with Spinola Bay's gorgeous waterfront dining and Paceville's nightlife. Home to some of Malta's best five-star hotels and the island's main club scene.

• Valletta - Malta's tiny, mighty capital. A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with grand architecture, Baroque churches, harbourside bars and some of the best restaurants on the island.

• Mellieha - the family favourite in the north with Malta's biggest sandy beach, Popeye Village nearby and the ferry to Gozo and Comino on the doorstep.

• Bugibba - a lively, good-value resort on the north coast with a fun seafront, boat trip departures and the Malta National Aquarium in neighbouring Qawra.

• Qawra - a chilled-out neighbour to Bugibba with the National Aquarium, seafront hotels and a more relaxed pace. Good for families and couples on a budget.

• St Paul's Bay - local charm meets tourist-friendly fun. A pretty harbour, a Sunday market and easy access to boat trips along the coast.

• Gozo - Malta's quieter sister island. Ramla Bay's red sand beach, the Citadel in Victoria, ancient temples and proper laid-back countryside vibes. A 25-minute ferry from the main island.