Malta Holidays

Destination highlights

Beaches of every kind

A diving hotspot

Rich with history

Spot the capital city of Valetta in a number of Game of Thrones episodes

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Beaches | Hotels | Food & drink | Nightlife | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

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What are the best beaches in Malta?

Malta’s rugged coastline isn’t short of a beach or two, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect backdrop for your seafront sunbathe.

Some of the popular Blue Flag bays are ideal if you’re travelling with kids, like Golden Bay with its weekend barbecues and beach huts selling ice creams, and Mellieha Bay with its watersports and shallow shores that stay warm even out of season. If you’re more of a swimmer than a sunbather, then Blue Lagoon should be at the top of your list. You’ll find this iconic swim spot on the remote island of Comino, and if you’re wondering just how remote it is, then this might put it into perspective - there are only five permanent residents there! However, the turquoise waters and rocky caves attract flocks of tourists all year round, so hop on a boat or a ferry and bring your camera along for the ride.

Prefer something a little quieter? St Peter’s Pool is a natural, rocky swimming pool tucked away along the Delimara Peninsula. It’s not quite as easy to reach as your standard bucket-and-spade beaches, and you won’t find any food and drink outlets nearby, but if you’re looking for a hidden gem where you can laze in peace, then this is the perfect spot to bring a picnic.

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What are the top hotels in Malta?

From high-end resorts to simple accommodation blocks, Malta has a hotel to suit every taste. Why not go all out with a loud-and-proud resort like Hotel Phoenicia, with plenty of restaurants and a gorgeous setting amongst seven acres of gardens? The five-star AX The Palace is sure to tick all your boxes if a rooftop swimming pool overlooking an urban cityscape floats your boat, and Seashells Resort at Suncrest won’t disappoint with its seafront location, sprawling swimming pool and modern design. Looking for a dreamy escape that won’t break the bank? Go sweet and simple with Luna Holiday Complex. This quaint hotel is budget-friendly without scrimping on facilities. Who said you had to pay above and beyond for a rooftop swimming pool, an on-site games room and a gym?

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What's the food like in Malta?

​You’ll find hearty favourites such as Lampuki fish pie and kapunata (Maltese ratatouille) on many a menu in Malta, but there’s plenty to sink your teeth into on this island. You can’t leave without trying pastizzi - a diamond-shaped pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas, and for a sugar-kick, it has to be qagħaq tal-għasel - a spicy, treacle-stuffed pastry that often makes an appearance at Christmas time. Vegan-friendly sweet treats are available too, such as kwareżimal - tasty cookies made simply from ground almond paste, flour, sugar, cinnamon and orange zest. Don’t worry, we’re drooling too. If party food is your thing, then you’ll love bigilla. It’s a bean paste made with garlic and parsley, usually served with bread or crackers at traditional events. Move over, hummus. There’s a new dip in town!

It won’t be hard to find a great dining spot in Malta, but for a delicious dinner that you won’t forget, we recommend Rampila. Its terrace setting overlooking Valetta and Mediterranean menu are a match made in heaven. Got the kids with you? Stop by Ta’ Nenu. It’s a family pizzeria serving Italian classics and traditional Maltese pizzas.

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Where’s the best nightlife in Malta?

From thumping beats to chilled-out cocktail bars, Malta’s night scene is well worth exploring. Party animals will love Club Havana in St. Julian’s, with a whopping six bars, two dancefloors and plenty of tunes to keep you dancing, from R&B and hip-hop to 90s faves. Don’t forget to check out Sky Club, too. It’s the largest indoor club on the island, with lively events and action-packed parties. If you prefer something a little quieter, then you’ll find plenty of laidback venues where you can relax. Café del Mar is a glamorous beach club in Qawra, offering a bar, a restaurant and a pool with live DJ sets and stunning views of St. Paul’s Islands, whilst Bridge Bar in the buzzing capital of Valetta is the perfect place to enjoy some Friday night jazz in an al fresco setting, while enjoying a glass of Maltese wine.
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What events can I go to in Malta?

With an action-packed events schedule, from open-air film screenings to lively concerts, we've picked out some of the best events in Malta that you won't want to miss during your stay.

Carnival (February) - A week-long affair with fireworks, parades, marching bands and late-night parties
Fireworks Festival (April) - An explosive celebration held over three days, with a grand firework finale held in the capital of Valetta in front of the Grand Harbour
L-Imnarja Harvest Festival (June) - Annual festivities that kick off in Buskett Gardens, with Maltese singing and dancing, traditional food and horseriding
Isle of MTV (June) - An annual music festival with free concerts and big-name line-ups in Floriana
International Arts Festival (June-July) - A cultural festival showcasing international artists and performers from theatre performers and dancers to musicians and opera singers
Jazz Festival (July) - Local and international Jazz musicians flock to Valetta for a three-day spectacle
Farsons Great Beer Festival (July-August) - Enjoy live music and sample international food and beer in Ta’ Qali National Park
Feast of Santa Marija (August) - A national holiday celebrating the patron saint of Malta, with street parties, music, dancing, a procession through the streets and a firework show to top it off
Delicata Wine Festival (August) - A celebration of the opening of the Malta grape harvest at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta
Triq Cinemoon Festival (August) - A themed film festival where international films are screened against scenic backdrops in Valetta
Malta International Airshow (September) - An exciting air show above Marsamxett Harbour with vintage aircrafts on display
Notte Bianca (October) - Valetta lights up with food stalls and entertainment, and museums, cafés and restaurants stay open late for this night-time celebration
BirguFest (October) - An action-packed event with traditional music, international bands, food stalls and a celebration where the streets of Birgu are lit only by candles
Hamrun Chocolate Festival (October) - Stalls offering hot cocoa, brownies, almond-chocolate cookies and sculptures crafted by the best chocolatiers in Malta line the streets of Hamrun
Natalis Notabilis Christmas Village (December) - German food stalls, artisan products, carol services and nativity performances take place in the town of Rabat - all to raise funds for the conservation and restoration of local heritage

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Things to do in Malta

Spot the Game of Thrones set

Although winter won’t coming to Malta anytime soon, that doesn’t mean you can’t spot backdrops from Game of Thrones across the island, such as the Azure Window in Gozo where Drogo and Daenerys’ wedding was filmed, and Valletta’s 17th-centry Fort Riscoli which you’ll recognise from the show as the Red Keep.
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Pop over to Popeye Village

Take a nostalgia trip to the colourful Popeye Village for a day of family fun by the sea, packed with activities, cartoon-style buildings, a lido with sunbeds, a Popeye museum and plenty of restaurants.
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Lose yourself at the impressive Hagar Qim

This impressive array of megalithic stone structures is a must-see site in the south of Malta, thought to date back to 3600 BC. There’s even an on-site restaurant if all that history has you feeling peckish.
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Wander along the waterfront at Spinola Bay

This picturesque bay in St. Julian’s is home to translucent blue waters, colourful boats and a variety of waterfront restaurants where you can grab a bite. Stop by for an evening stroll to catch the sunset.
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See if you can find Nemo at Malta National Aquarium

With a unique starfish-shaped structure, this aquarium is hard to miss. It features 49 tanks with around 200 different species of marine life, so you can really make a day of it.
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Admire the view from Barrakka Gardens

Set close to the Valletta capital, Upper Barrakka Gardens are a public garden with pretty fountains and plantlife, offering gorgeous views of the city, including Grand Harbour.

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What's the weather like in Malta?

Malta's Mediterranean climate doesn't disappoint, with hot, dry summers and relatively mild winters. Temperatures tend to soar in July, but this island is a magnet for warmth, making it a great destination for year-round swims.

Month	Average temp.	Sea temp.	Hours of sunshine per day
Jan	13 °c	17 °c	5 h
Feb	13 °c	16 °c	7 h
Mar	14 °c	16 °c	7 h
Apr	16 °c	17 °c	8 h
May	20 °c	19 °c	10 h
Jun	23 °c	22 °c	11 h
Jul	27 °c	26 °c	12 h
Aug	27 °c	27 °c	12 h
Sep	25 °c	26 °c	9 h
Oct	21 °c	24 °c	7 h
Nov	17 °c	22 °c	7 h
Dec	14 °c	19 °c	5 h

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Important Information about travelling to Malta

How long does it take to fly to Malta?

It takes about 3.5 hours to fly from the UK to Malta.
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What currency do they use in Malta?

The local currency in Malta is the Euro.

What's the time difference between the UK and Malta?

The time in Malta is one hour ahead of the UK.
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What language do they speak in Malta?

The official language spoken in Malta is Maltese.
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Do I need any vaccinations to visit Malta?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
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Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Malta?

An environmental tax of €0.50 per person over the age of 18, per night, is applicable to all visitors staying in hotels, B&Bs, holiday apartments, hostels, and resorts in the Maltese Islands. This charge is payable upon arrival at your accommodation and is capped at €5 per person, per stay.
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Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Malta?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Malta on the FCO website.
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Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Malta for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.