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Malta Holidays

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Holidays in Malta: sun, sea and history

There's a good reason so many people choose holidays in Malta. This small Mediterranean archipelago is a real all-rounder, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, a fascinating history that predates the pyramids, and a coastline dotted with dramatic cliffs and welcoming bays. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly beach break, a deep dive into ancient culture, or lively nights out, you'll find it all on these islands.

Explore Malta's historic cities and towns

Malta's unique history is visible everywhere, from its grand cities to its quiet towns. The architecture tells a story of the many cultures that have shaped the islands over the centuries, creating a character you won't find anywhere else.

Valletta

Malta's capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, and it's easy to see why. The city is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, built by the Knights of St John. You can wander through its grid of charming streets, visit the impressive St John's Co-Cathedral to see its ornate interior and a world-famous Caravaggio painting, or take in the panoramic views of the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Mdina

You can step back in time in Mdina, the island's former capital. Known as the 'Silent City', this fortified medieval town is a peaceful maze of narrow, winding streets. A walk through Mdina feels like you're exploring a living museum, with its ancient walls and well-preserved palaces and chapels offering a quiet escape from the modern world.

Sliema and St Julian's

For a more modern pace, head to the coastal towns of Sliema and St Julian's. Sliema is known for its wide promenade, which is perfect for a stroll with views across to Valletta, and it's also a major hub for shopping. Nearby, St Julian's offers a mix of sandy spots like Balluta Bay and the vibrant nightlife of Paceville, where you'll find a huge selection of bars and clubs that stay open until the early hours.

Malta's best resorts and bays

With its long coastline, Malta offers a beach or lido for every type of holiday. From large, sandy shores with plenty of facilities to secluded coves perfect for snorkelling, you're never far from the water.

Mellieha Bay

Malta's largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay is a firm favourite, especially for families. Its shallow, calm waters are great for children, and its Blue Flag status means it's clean and safe. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a variety of cafes and non-motorised water sports providers.

St Paul's Bay

This large bay in the north of the island has grown to include the popular resorts of Bugibba and Qawra. It's a bustling area that has something for everyone. You can spend the day at the local water park, relax on the rocky beaches, or explore the Malta National Aquarium. In the evening, the area comes alive with a great choice of pubs, restaurants, and bars.

Gozo and the Blue Lagoon

A short ferry ride from the main island takes you to Gozo, Malta's smaller, greener sister island. The pace of life is slower here, making it ideal for relaxing walks and bike rides. Gozo is also home to the ancient Ggantija Temples, which are older than the pyramids of Egypt. Between Malta and Gozo lies the tiny island of Comino, home to the famous Blue Lagoon – its clear, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

A taste of Malta

Maltese food is a delicious blend of Mediterranean influences, with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients. You'll find rustic, hearty dishes alongside fresh seafood and tasty snacks.

Local dishes

Don't leave without trying some local specialities, such as:

  • Stuffat tal-fenek: a slow-cooked rabbit stew considered the national dish
  • Lampuki pie: a popular fish pie, especially in the autumn
  • Pastizzi: savoury pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas

Local drinks

Malta produces its own unique wines and spirits that you won't find widely available elsewhere. Be sure to sample:

  • local wines made from the native white Girgentina and red Ġellewża grapes
  • a Maltese spritz, a refreshing cocktail made with a local cactus liqueur called bajtra

Culture and festivals in Malta

Malta's cultural calendar is packed year-round. In summer, the islands host a number of major music events. The Malta International Jazz Festival brings world-class musicians to Valletta, while Isle of MTV is one of Europe's largest free open-air pop concerts. Throughout the year, traditional village feasts, or 'festas', celebrate local patron saints with processions, music, and impressive firework displays.

With its rich history, striking coastline, and lively culture, Malta offers a memorable holiday for everyone.

Need to know

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Capital
Valletta
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Language
Maltese
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Currency
Euro
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Time zone
GMT+1
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Flight Time
2hrs 50mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Malta

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Malta

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      Your questions answered

      Malta is packed with history and it’s an extraordinary destination for any history buff. With so many influences from conquerors over the centuries, the architecture is a unique blend inspired by Italy, France, North Africa and Great Britain. Gozo is home to the Ggantija Temples, older even than the Egyptian pyramids, and Malta itself is packed with castles, palaces and churches. The Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta allows you to walk through the political history of the island, a good starting point for anyone trying to get a hold on Maltese history.
      Some people escape to Malta for months in the winter, taking advantage of the warmer temperatures and easy, slow pace of life. But if you’re looking for a quick getaway, the capital Valletta makes a good base for a weekend packed with history, beautiful views and fine restaurants. A week or more means you’ll have time to really explore the little island, with days to hop over to Gozo to hunt out the wrecks and reefs beneath the waves.
      Malta is a Catholic country but there are no specific dress codes on the island. In churches and cathedrals, it is respectful to cover your shoulders and legs down to your knees but, otherwise, you must dress for the climate. In the winter, you’ll need warm clothes for the evenings and early mornings but you can still expect to spend many of your days not needing much more than shorts, skirts and T-shirts. Bring an umbrella, though, as there’s a fair chance of rain showers in the winter.
      Being such a small, manageable island makes it ideal for family holidays. There are no lengthy car trips to endure and life on Malta centres around being outside. Resorts such as Mellieha Bay, Sliema and St Julian’s are most popular with families, with access to vast beaches with great facilities. Many of the museums have interactive exhibitions for kids and, in the summer, there’s a water park with a huge range of water features and fun activities. Hire bikes, go horse riding or take a ferry ride to explore the island and its beautiful sea.
       
      Plenty. Swish casinos and packed-out nightclubs are easy to find, and Malta’s festival schedule has truly cemented its party status in recent years.
      Beautiful Malta is worth visiting all year round, though the best time to go is during the spring to early summer months. The weather at this time is typically warm and only sees a couple of rainy days each month. Average temperatures in spring reach highs of 20℃ in the day with average lows of 12℃ in the evening. This time of year also sees several events like the International Fireworks Festival, Malta International Arts Festival and The Harvest Festival of L-Imnarja.
      The hottest, and indeed the busiest, month in Malta is August, when you can expect temperatures to sit around 30°C with sunshine for 11 hours a day. July is almost as hot. Malta is warmed by the sirocco winds from the Sahara, and it’s humid all year round.
      Malta boasts a wealth of great beaches offering crystal-clear waters and soft sands. Mellieha Bay in the north is one of Malta’s largest beaches and is popular with families due to its many nearby bars and restaurants. Offering beautiful unspoilt views, Golden Bay is an ideal spot for visitors searching for a more relaxed environment to soak up some sun. For those looking for a bit of snorkelling, a visit to the secluded Paradise Bay is a must.
      Malta’s food is famous for being a rich blend of seasonal Mediterranean cuisines. The country is perhaps best-known for caponata, a dish similar to ratatouille but with a rustic Maltese influence. Fish caught from the surrounding waters are also popular, especially when eaten as lampuki, otherwise known as fish pie. Malta is also famous for its savoury snacks. Pastizzi, a pastry filled with peas or ricotta cheese, and qassatat, a pastry baked with cheese, peas and spinach, can both be found in many a Maltese bakery.
      Offering a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of great dining options, Malta makes an ideal destination for holidaying couples. The charming village of Mellieha has a wealth of traditional Maltese character and is just a short journey on foot from Mellieha Bay. Offering unspoilt views and plenty of walks taking in the distinctive white cliffs, the small fishing village of Marsaxlokk makes an ideal option for those who want some alone time. However, couples looking for a more lively holiday should visit the capital of Valletta. The city is home to several stylish hotels, while the many bars down its baroque-styled streets make a great way to spend an evening.
      Malta offers several holiday resorts for those looking to stay on the island. The coastal resort of Sliema is one of the island’s most popular and offers plenty of shops, restaurants and family-friendly activities. Nearby St. Julian’s has several luxury hotels, as well as bustling bars and casinos. The resorts of St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra are also a favourite with tourists and, due to growth, these once separate villages have now evolved into one. Here visitors can enjoy a popular waterpark, welcoming restaurants and lively nightlife.
      While Malta in October might not have the temperatures and the amount of sunlight as the spring and summer months, it’s still a popular time to go. Average temperatures during this period are around 22℃ with highs of up to 25℃. Visitors can expect some cloudy weather and light breezes, while there is an average of 11 days of rain during the month. However, because of this, Malta is typically quieter than during its peak season, making it the ideal time to visit for those planning to avoid the crowds.