Malta Holidays

Malta is three islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, with 7,000 years of history, water that's clearer than a freshly cleaned pair of glasses, and a main season that runs from March to November (but it's still great in Dec &Jan). Only three hours (ish) from the UK & Ireland, everyone speaks English, it's giving culture, sunshine, and good-times.

Good to Know for your holidays to Malta 2026/2027

• 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 just €3.

• 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.

Highlights of your Malta Holiday

• 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.

Been there, done that

"My favourite memory was parasailing over Malta's ocean, the water so impossibly blue it barely looked real. Just make sure you go with fully qualified instructors, no compromises on that one. For food, head straight to the fishing villages and eat where the locals eat, the seafood doesn't get fresher than that. St Julian's is your spot for a proper night out, the bar scene is buzzing. But the real highlight for me was Café del Mar - the fireworks, the music, the atmosphere out on the water. One of those evenings I genuinely didn't want to end."

- Rob Brooks, OtB Holiday Expert

Malta is perfect for you if...

• You want winter sun without a long-haul flight, because Malta is three hours away and still sitting at 17°C in December

• You want a sunshine holiday that comes with somewhere cultural, or historical to visit, because 7,000 years of temples, walled cities and harbour forts certainly gives some history

• You like the idea of everyone speaking English, because it is one of Malta's two official languages which means no language barrier, and no sense of guilt for being so monolingual

• You want a country with an abundance of sights which are genuinely worth seeing, that are also conveniently close together, because nothing in Malta is more than an hour from anything else

Malta Weather & Best Time to Visit

Malta has one of the longest seasons in the Med, and one of the mildest winters in Europe, making it a genuine year-round destination.

July and August are peak season, the islands at it's liveliest, and hottest around 32°C, with almost no rain. The sea's at its warmest (about 26°C) in August.

September and October get a lot of repeat visitors. September still gets 28°C and the sea's still very warm. October still reaches 25°C with the sea in the low twenties, so you can still swim comfortably here a month after most of the Med.

May and June run 24°C to 29°C, dry and bright, with spring energy and the sea warming.

April sits at 20°C and March at 17°C, they're some of the sweetest parts of the year for walking the coastal paths and seeing Valletta and Mdina without the heat.

November to February is Malta's winter sun season. November holds 21°C, December 17°C, and January and February both sit at 16°C. It is not beach weather, but it is lunch-outside weather, the historic sites are quiet, the walking is at its best, and Valletta at Christmas is worth the trip on its own.

Rain, when it comes, arrives in short heavy bursts between October and February and clears quickly. Malta gets around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year across all of it.

Where to Stay on your Malta holidays 2026/2027

💑 Where should couples stay in Malta?

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.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Where is the best place to stay in Malta for 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.

🎉 Where should groups stay in Malta?

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 has a wilder feel, but keep in mind there is a steep set of steps going up and down the cliff path to access - 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 only accessible by boat. The quick way is the ferry from Cirkewwa, about 25 minutes and running through the day. Or from Sliema and Bugibba it is a day cruise rather than a hop, which is a lovely way to do it but needs a full day.

• 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:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Malta for families?

• db Seabank Resort + Spa - Straight across from Mellieha Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach, with the biggest outdoor pool on the island, six restaurants and a kids' club. The one to beat if the beach is the point.

• AX ODYCY - Very well reviewed, up in Qawra with a family pool and two adults-only pools, so the grown-ups get somewhere of their own. The Malta National Aquarium is a short walk and the Bugibba seafront is round the corner.

💑 What are the best all-inclusive hotels in Malta for couples?

• Riviera Spa Resort - Adults only, on the Mellieha coast with big pools, a spa and three bars, looking out towards Gozo and Comino. The only adults-only all-inclusive on the island.

• Preluna Hotel & Spa - On the Sliema seafront with a pool overlooking the water and a spa downstairs, and the Valletta ferry a few minutes along the promenade. The only all-inclusive in Malta's smartest resort town.

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.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family hotels in Malta?

• 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.

💑 What are the best hotels in Malta for 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.

🎉 What are the best hotels in Malta for 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.

✨ What are the best luxury hotels in Malta?

• 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.

💰 What are the best value hotels in Malta?

• 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.

• Qawra Palace Resort & Spa - Seafront in Qawra with three pools, a spa, mini golf and a games room, and all-inclusive available. A lot of hotel for the money, and the Bugibba seafront and the National Aquarium are both walkable.

👉 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 €2.50 per individual journey (in summer, less in winter), or you can pick up a €27 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

• Entry - Passport holders from the UK & Ireland do not need a visa. Irish passport holders travel under EU free movement with no time limit. United Kingdom passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area, and need a passport issued less than ten years before the day they arrive and valid for at least three months after the day they leave.

• At the border - The EU's Entry/Exit System has been running since April 2026. United Kingdom passport holders now give a fingerprint and a photo the first time they enter, instead of getting a stamp. It is free, it takes a couple of minutes, and the record lasts three years. Irish passport holders are exempt. A separate travel authorisation called ETIAS is expected to follow later in 2026.

• Currency - The euro.

• Plugs - Type G, the same three-pin plugs used in the UK & Ireland, so no adapter needed from either market.

• Tap water - Safe to drink. Most of Malta's supply is desalinated seawater, which some people find changes the taste, so plenty of visitors buy bottled. Bottled water is cheap, around 50 cents for a 1.5 litre bottle.

• Vaccinations - None required.

• Environmental contribution - €1.50 per person per night for guests aged 18 and over, paid at your accommodation, capped at €22.50 per person per stay. It went up from 50 cents on 1 July 2026, so older guides will quote the old figure.

• Time difference - Malta is one hour ahead of the UK & Ireland, all year round. The clocks change on the same weekends in both, so the gap never moves.

💬 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.