Your Complete Malta Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Beaches, Places to See & Things to Do

Craving sunshine, sea views, and Mediterranean charm? Malta is calling — and it’s wildly underrated.

This Mediterranean gem is packed with history, stunning coastlines, and some of the best weather in Europe. Malta offers a fascinating blend of cultures, thanks to its strategic location between Europe and Africa — think British red phone boxes, Arabic-inspired architecture, and Italian-style cuisine. From crystal-clear beaches and ancient temples to luxury resorts, charming villages, and a buzzing nightlife scene, this island truly has it all. Whether you're into lazy beach days or exploring UNESCO sites, this guide has everything you need to plan your perfect Malta getaway.

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a year-round destination. That said, the best time to visit is from April to June or September to early November. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny without the intense summer heat or crowds. July and August are peak tourist months, great for beach lovers, but can be quite hot and busy. Winter is mild and quiet — perfect if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler sea temperatures.

Tips for Visiting Malta

Rent a car: If you want to make the most of your trip and see hidden gems beyond the main cities, renting a car is the way to go. Malta is small, but public transport can be slow and limited in rural areas.

Book in advance during peak season: Accommodations and beach clubs fill up quickly in summer, so plan ahead.
Carry cash: While cards are widely accepted, small local shops and buses may prefer cash.
Wear comfy shoes: The historic streets (especially in Mdina and Valletta) are beautiful but often uneven.
Stay hydrated: Malta gets hot, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. Always have a water bottle with you.

Where to Stay in Malta: Best Hotels by Budget

Malta has options for every traveller — from cute budget-friendly stays to jaw-dropping waterfront resorts. Here's a breakdown by budget:

Budget-Friendly (£)

Socity Hotel – Chic, central, and affordable — perfect for explorers.
Tabot & Bons – Cosy vibes and great for solo or couple travellers.
Mosta Stays by Zzzing – Stylish serviced apartments with good local connections.

Mid-Range (££)

IKYK Hotel – Young, modern, and close to Paceville nightlife.
Pergola Hotel – Great views and spa access — value for money.
Solana Hotel – Rooftop pool and walking distance to beaches.
Palazzo Violetta – Gorgeous boutique stay in Sliema.
Riviera Spa Resort – Relaxed and peaceful, with spa perks.
Verdi St. George’s Bay – Beach and clubs just steps away.
Mosta Dome B&B – Ideal if you want something central and charming.

Luxe Picks (£££ and up)

Casa Asti – Sophisticated boutique hotel in Valletta.
Be.Hotel – Trendy and right in the middle of the action.
Salini Resort – Tranquil sea views and lush pools.
Corinthia St. George’s Bay – Dreamy seafront location.
Londoner Hotel – Polished comfort in a great location.
Palazzo Castagna – A heritage stay with timeless elegance.
Hilton Malta – You know the name — 5-star with epic views.
Radisson Blu Resort – Classic resort with a sleek upgrade.

Must-See Places in Malta

If you're even slightly into history, Malta will blow your mind. But even if you're just here for the aesthetics and views? You’ll fall in love. Add these stops to your list:

The Red Tower – Iconic lookout spot with panoramic views.
Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens – Photo heaven in Valletta.
St. Barbara Bastion – Quiet, romantic streets with epic harbour views.
Is-Suq Tal-Belt Market – Foodie central.
Gardjola Gardens – Another beautiful viewpoint worth the stop.
Birgu Waterfront – Historic, atmospheric, and oh-so-strollable.
Munxar Window – Nature’s architecture on show.
St. Peter’s Pool – Cliff diving and sunbathing spot near Marsaxlokk.
Blue Grotto – Boat ride into neon-lit caves? Yes, please.
Mdina Old City Fortress – Step into a silent, medieval fairytale.
Tarxien Temples, Mnajdra, and Hagar Qim – Prehistoric and powerful.
St. Dominic's Priory – Game of Thrones fans, take note.

Best Beaches in Malta

Malta's beaches are pure magic — think golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and aquamarine water. Here are the ones you have to visit:

Ghadira Bay – Family-friendly with calm, shallow waters.
Paradise Bay – Tiny, dreamy, and true to its name.
Golden Bay – Perfect for sunset watching.
Riviera Beach – Tucked away and peaceful.
Qarraba Bay – A bit of a hike, but worth every step.
Fond Ghadir Beach – Natural rock pools and locals’ favourite.

Beach Clubs to Chill In Style

When you want a bit of boujee beach energy, head to these clubs for sunbeds, cocktails, and those Ibiza-style vibes:

Cafe del Mar – Sunset views, infinity pool, and good music.
Aqualuna – Chic, social, and seaside cool.
Beefbar on the Beach – Luxe dining with beach access.
The Reef Club – Stylish crowd and chill soundtrack.

Unmissable Things to Do

Don’t just lounge — Malta is made for adventurers, foodies, and culture-lovers. Here's what not to skip:

Boat trip to Comino – Turquoise water + Blue Lagoon = unforgettable.
Anchor Bay – Snap that view of Popeye Village.
Meet the cats of Gnien Indipendeza Park – A quirky, wholesome detour.
Dinner on St. Lucia’s Stairs – Romantic, delicious, and very Maltese.
Saluting Battery in Valletta – Daily cannon fire with a view.
Marsaxlokk Open Market – Local seafood, crafts, and charm.
Dive to see shipwrecks – Malta’s underwater history is wild.
Visit Megalithic temples – Older than the pyramids.
Go clubbing in Paceville – It’s wild (in a good way).

Best Restaurants in Malta

Maltese cuisine is a rich mix of Mediterranean flavours, with influences from Italy, North Africa, and Britain. Fresh, local ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and herbs play a key role in Maltese cooking, offering simple but delicious dishes.

A staple snack is pastizzi, a flaky pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. Rabbit stew (fenek) is Malta’s national dish, prepared with wine, garlic, onions, and herbs, offering a rich, hearty flavour. Bragioli (beef olives) are another traditional dish, where beef is stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and bacon, and simmered in a tomato-based sauce.

Maltese food also showcases fresh seafood, with lampuki (Mahi Mahi) frequently appearing in dishes, often grilled or in a pie. The influence of Sicily is evident in arancini (stuffed rice balls), a tasty treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Sweets like imqaret, date-filled pastries, and kanoli, a traditional Sicilian dessert, are common and reflect Malta's close ties with its Mediterranean neighbours.

The island’s cuisine also boasts influences from the British colonial era, particularly in the love for tea, scones, and pastizzi with a cup of coffee or tea.

Maltese cuisine is a true reflection of the island’s diverse history, offering a wonderful blend of flavours, whether you’re snacking at a local bakery or dining by the sea.

Food is a huge part of the experience — here’s where to treat your taste buds:

Forty Fishes (£, St. Julian’s) – Fresh seafood in a cool setting.
Peppino’s (££, St. Julian’s) – Laid-back Italian with killer views.
Two Buoys (££, St. Julian’s) – Creative fusion and brunch faves.
Bocconcino (££, Sliema) – Local and delicious.
Chophouse (£££, Sliema) – Fancy steak night, anyone?
Taste (££, Valletta) – A cosy and stylish spot, known for its modern take on traditional Maltese dishes.
Noni (£££, Valletta) – Michelin-starred and worth the splurge.
Ortygia (££, Valletta) – Rustic Sicilian flavours.
La Pira (£, Valletta) – Family-run, hidden gem.
Focacceria Dal Pani (£, Valletta) – Focaccia dreams come true.
Enchante (££, Senglea) – Senglea-based and romantic.
Yana’s (££, Rabat) – Home-style cooking in the heart of Rabat.
Ta’Futti (£, Rabat) – Vegan-friendly and cosy.

Cafés & Bars You’ll Love

Whether you want a chilled morning or late-night wine, Malta’s café scene is full of gems:

The Bridge Bar – Live jazz with a view? Yes please.
Piadina Caffe – Quick bites + coffee + charm.
Caffe Cordina – Grand, classic, and full of character.
Il-Baxa Cafe – Trendy, artsy, and full of locals.
Is-Serkin – For late-night pastizzi cravings.
Fontanella Tea Garden – The cake, the views, the vibes.

Malta is a rare gem where you can swim, hike, eat, explore ancient sites, and party—all in one trip. Whether you're after culture, chill beach days, or a bit of everything, you'll leave already planning your return.

I also recommend leaving a few days to explore Gozo — it's a must-visit with its own unique vibe, stunning landscapes, and charming villages.

Save this guide for your Malta trip planning — and tag me if you go! I'd love to see your adventures.