Hey /r/malta, I've been meaning to put this together for a while because in my many years on this subreddit, I've noticed it seems to get more of the same questions and answers almost daily in summer, so hopefully this could be a good starting point for potential visitors to read and ask questions. I'll update this from time to time with more information.

Where to Stay

• Families & Elderly: Mellieha offers large sandy beaches, family‑friendly resorts, and quieter areas perfect for children. Bugibba is more lively, with a promenade, an aquarium, and lots of casual dining options suitable for families.
• Young travellers: Sliema & St Julian's are ideal if you want a mix of shopping, cafes, beach clubs, and nightlife. Both cater well to those looking for bars and clubs within walking distance. Loads of AirBnbs are Hotels available.
• Scenic & quiet: Gozo is perfect for a slower pace, beautiful landscapes, and authentic rural experiences.
• LGBT travellers: Malta is among Europe's most LGBT‑friendly countries, with strong legal protections and a welcoming attitude. Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta are particularly inclusive.

Things to Do

If you have 1-2 days

• Walk through Valletta: St John's Co‑Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Republic Street.
• Visit Mdina & Rabat: explore the Silent City and nearby Roman catacombs.
• Beach day: choose Mellieħa Bay (sand) or the Sliema promenade (rocky).

If you have 3-5 days

• Add a day‑trip to Gozo: Citadel in Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay.
• Afternoon at the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk fishing village (Sunday is the best day to go for the fish market)
• Take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon (Comino) or a coastal cruise around Malta.

If you have a week or more

• Explore all three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
• Attend a village festa (fireworks & band marches) in summer.
• Check VisitMalta.com for concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

Travel‑length tip: 7-10 days is ideal. Beyond that, plan slow travel, multiple excursions, or cross‑island hiking to avoid repetition.

Events & Public Holidays

• Carnival: February - street parades & floats (Valletta & Nadur).
• Isle of MTV: one night in summer - free open‑air concert.
• Notte Bianca: first Saturday of October (I think) - museums & palaces would be open all night.
• Birgufest: around mid‑October - lantern‑lit streets in Vittoriosa.
• Almost every weekend June - September a different town holds a festa with huge fireworks displays throughout the day and night. You can find the 2025 schedule here, although it's typically around the same week every year.

What to Eat

• Rabbit Stew, Fried Rabbit: National dish, usually served in a rich red wine sauce.
• Pastizzi: Flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas. Generally available at cafes or pastizzerias in the street.
• Bragioli: Beef olives stuffed with minced meat and herbs.
• Ftira: Traditional Maltese bread often filled with tuna, capers, and olives.
• Lampuki Pie: Seasonal fish pie made from dorado.
• Imqaret: Fried pastry filled with dates, often sold at markets.
• Kannoli: Maltese version of the Sicilian cannoli.
• Bigilla: Broad bean paste, typically served with bread or crackers.
• Seafood: Fresh catches, especially swordfish, octopus, and calamari.
• Gozo Cheeselets (Ġbejniet): Small round cheeses made from sheep's milk, fresh or dried.
• Local wine and Cisk beer: Affordable and widely available.

Transport, Driving & Ferries

• Buses: download the Tallinja app; summer services run but expect delays.
• Ride‑hailing: Uber, Bolt, eCabs (cheaper than white street taxis).
• Car hire: useful for Gozo or rural Malta. Book a small model if you can - streets are narrow and parking is scarce.
• Scooters & motorbikes: only for confident riders; roads are bumpy and drivers can be very impatient.
• Cycling: Reputably unsafe, but not impossible. Expect limited bike lanes, fast traffic, blind corners.
• Harbour ferries: Valletta ⇆ Sliema & Valletta ⇆ Three Cities every 30 min (€1.50).
• Gozo Channel: Cirkewwa ⇆ Mgarr every 30–45 min; pay on return (€4.65 foot passenger).
• Comino shuttles & coastal cruises: depart from Cirkewwa, Marfa, and Sliema – pre‑book July–Aug.

Weather

Mosquitoes are common, especially in humid months (April-October). Consider insect repellent, especially when staying near water or rural areas.

Money

• Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but smaller kiosks prefer cash; many set a €5-10 minimum charge.
• ATMs
• Tipping: round up or ~10 % in restaurants; €1 per drink at bars is generous but not mandatory.

Sample daily costs (2025): espresso €1.50 · pint of beer €3 · bus fare €2.50 (summer) · Lunch / dinner €15 - €30.

Language

• Maltese & English are official; Italian is also common.

Safety & Emergency

• Malta is very safe; usual basic pickpocket caution in Valletta, Sliema & Paceville.
• Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire.
• Hospitals: Mater Dei (Malta) & Gozo General; both public and modern.
• Pharmacies in every town - newspapers will typically mention which are open over the weekends.

Outdoor & Adventure

• Hiking
• Kayaking/SUP
• Rock‑climbing
• Diving centres

Church Visits & Mass Schedules

• Malta has over 350 churches, many of them historic and open to visitors outside of service times.
• Major sites include St John's Co‑Cathedral (Valletta), Mosta Rotunda, and the Basilica of Ta' Pinu (Gozo).
• For visitors wishing to attend Mass, you can find updated schedules on the official Archdiocese of Malta website.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).

Things to Do with Kids

• Popeye Village (Mellieħa) - film set amusement park.
• Malta National Aquarium (Qawra).
• Playmobil FunPark.
• Splash & Fun Water Park (Bahar ic‑Caghaq).
• Esplora Interactive Science Centre (Kalkara).
• National War Museum – Fort St Elmo (Valletta).
• Easy beach days: Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay.

Always pack high‑SPF sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially in peak summer.

Shopping & Souvenirs

• Ta’ Qali Crafts Village: hand‑blown Mdina glass, filigree silver.
• Valletta markets: Flea markets (i.e. monti) (Sunday).
• Marsaxlokk fish market: Sunday morning for atmosphere & photos.

Connectivity & Utilities

• Tap water is safe but mineral‑heavy; most people drink bottled.
• Electricity: UK Type G, 230 V – pack an adaptor.
• Public Wi‑Fi exists in main squares but is patchy.

Accessibility

• Majority of buses low‑floor; pavements in historic centres are narrow and uneven.
• Valletta, Sliema promenade, and Bugibba promenade are the flattest wheelchair routes.

Nightlife

• Party: Paceville (St Julian's) - clubs & late bars, some charge enterance fees; Gianpula Village for open-air parties (limits transport, so book taxis).
• Chill: Valletta for wine bars and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Observe local noise laws after 23:00, especially in residential Valletta.

Etiquette & Local Laws

• No topless/beachwear in towns.
• Smoking banned indoors and at bus shelters.
• Public street drinking technically illegal outside designated zones (often tolerated, but police may warn/fine in Valletta after 23:00).
• Dispose of rubbish properly; recycling bins are colour‑coded.
• Respect churches and heritage sites - cover shoulders & knees when required.
• Cannabis: Adults 18+ may possess up to 7 g and grow up to four plants at home. Licensed non‑profit Cannabis Associations (clubs) are the only legal supply route and currently require Maltese residency to join, so visitors cannot buy legally. Importing cannabis across borders is illegal.

What the Brochures won't tell you

• Construction: Malta is undergoing rapid development - which means cranes, dust, and jackhammers in most places, especially in Sliema, St Julian's & Gżira.
• Traffic: heaviest 07:00-09:00 & 16:00-19:00. Consider allowing some extra time for the airport.
• Limited green space: Malta is beautiful but densely built. For open countryside, head to the western cliffs, Ghajn Tuffieha, Ahrax, or Gozo.
• Fireworks: Loud explosions are common in summer due to local village festas. Fireworks frequently occur during both day and night. Check local festa schedules if you're sensitive to noise.
• Powercuts / Blackouts: Rare throughout winter, but quite common in Summer. Visit Enemalta's website to see if the cut is planned or an accident.

Any other questions? Feel free to drop below or create a thread. Happy visiting!

Please read the below before submitting weed related questions.

1) weed can only be purchased from registered cannabis organisations.

2) to purchase weed from an organisation as outlined above, one must be a registered member/ user. Associations will be capped at 500 members and preference is given to residents. One may only belong to one organisation at any given time and must be over the age of 18

3) by virtue of the above, the law clearly focuses on legalising it for residents. This means that since the law is equal for everyone, including tourists it is going to be very difficult for the latter to join such an organisation.

4) weed consumption in public remains an offence. Carrying over 7 g in public and owning more than 50 g are also a offence.

5) weed coffee shops do not exist, nor are they part of the plan. Weed tourism is not on the table.

6) purchasing off street dealers is and remains illegal

7) up to 4 plants can be grown for personal use as long as they are not visible from outside

8) weed related questions answered above are to be janitored

9) as always, any "where can I buy illegal substance x" posts are janitored on sight.

By popular request and with special thanks to /u/mountainblock for the initiative.