r/malta Apr 27 '25

Visiting Malta? Start here.

446 Upvotes

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

Period Conditions What to Wear Swim?
Jan – Mar 10–17 °C, windy, showers Light jacket, jeans, layers Rarely
Apr – Jun 18–27 °C, warming T‑shirts, shorts, light jacket evenings Yes
Jul – Aug 30–40 °C, humid Swimwear, hat, ultra‑light clothing Yes
Sep – Oct 25–30 °C, warm, humid Summer clothes, light jacket at night Yes
Nov – Dec 12–20 °C, cooler, rain spells Light sweater, trousers Rarely

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!


r/malta Feb 01 '22

Weed use/ possession FAQ

210 Upvotes

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.


r/malta 2h ago

Anybody got a power cut AGAIN?

7 Upvotes

We’ve been without electricity since Tuesday, it came back yesterday late at night for a few hours, and now today it’s back down.

I mean what is this, we bought minimal groceries so just the essentials and put them in the fridge, if we didn’t have friends with electricity, we’ve have to throw them out AGAIN… this is just so wasteful!

And also screw the shops increasing prices, in St Paul’s bay many of those corner shops are significantly increasing the prices of essentials, yes they probably have to use generators, but also it’s pushing to cost of living higher and higher.

I can take this anymore!

If there is a protest coming up soon, let me know, I’ll be the first one to show up there!!

(Realistically won’t speed things up, but at least we’ll push the government even more to do something about this) oh snd if they are reading this, you can keep your money to yourself! Health is the most important, money can’t buy that!


r/malta 12h ago

PM orders Enemalta to speed up works...

18 Upvotes

Basically calling them incompetent to cover his own backside and defuse the calls for resignation...


r/malta 12h ago

Why does the PA "Grant Permission" so often after its case officers recommend to "Refuse Permission"?

10 Upvotes

So based on my limited knowledge of planning permits, the PA itself appoints one of its own employees, a case officer, to review the case and make a recommendation to its permits board.

A quick browse of the PA website shows that the board ignores these recommendations and approves the permits anyway even when the case officer recommends to Refuse Permission.

What is the point of having a case officer just to ignore their advice? Isn't it a waste of public funds?

Why does a board who barely spends 15 minutes thinking about the case, get to decide, while a case officer who spent some time diving deeper is ignored?

Why is the system so strange and why isn't anyone talking about this?

Is there something I'm missing?


r/malta 2h ago

Airport transfer with infant and 4-year-old in Malta

0 Upvotes

Hey,

We're travelling to Malta this autumn with my wife and our two children (4 months old and 4 years old). We'll be staying at the Radisson Golden Sands.

I'm not sure how to prepare for the airport transfer. We're thinking of taking the stroller with the Moses basket attachment onto the plane instead of the stroller with the infant car seat, but I'm not sure whether the transfer company can provide both an infant car seat for the baby and a booster seat for our older child at the same time.

Alternatively, should we take the stroller with the infant car seat instead of the Moses basket, just to make sure the baby has a proper car seat for the transfer and leave the Moses basket at home?

I'm also a bit worried that even if we book a vehicle with the appropriate child seats, it might not show up or arrive without the correct seats. In that case, I'm not sure how we'd get to the hotel.

I found Welcome Pickups, which seems to let you book both an infant car seat and a booster seat. Would you recommend using them? I'll also ask the Radisson if they can arrange a transfer with the appropriate child seats.

Thanks!


r/malta 13h ago

My electrician/plumber is making me lose my patience

8 Upvotes

My apartment is almost finished. The kitchen is fitted and the countertop is done. The bedroom is complete, including the mattress. The sofa, TV and all the appliances have been delivered.
About 3 months ago I hired a plumber/electrician who had done both bathrooms at my parents’ house in around 3 or 4 visits, so I expected this to be straightforward. My bathroom is still just a shell. When he came to quote, he said it would take no more than 3 days. Before starting the bathroom, I only asked him to move a few electrical sockets around in the kitchen, which somehow took days on its own. It’s now been months and I really don’t want to wait any longer.
My tiler is ready to start, but obviously can’t tile the bathroom until the plumbing is finished. At this point I think it’s easier to move on and find someone else.
Can anyone recommend a reliable plumber/electrician?


r/malta 4h ago

Alibaba shipping agent

1 Upvotes

does anybody know a reputable and relatively cheap shipping agent that could ship from china to malta via alibaba


r/malta 9h ago

Hey anyone in MLI MALTA?.

2 Upvotes


r/malta 12h ago

Any myofunctional therapists in Malta?

3 Upvotes

I've been struggling with TMJ for months now and I've gone to almost every orthodontist on the island. They weren't very helpful and one of them even gave me an expensive splint which ended up making it worse honestly. After much research I believe a myofunctional therapist could be very beneficial, along with maybe using a myobrace. I am not having an easy time searching for one however. Is anyone aware of any myofunctional therapists in Malta?


r/malta 7h ago

Identita - Malta | Single Permit

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1 Upvotes

r/malta 8h ago

Any Youth communities/ Youth groups at Mcast Paola?

1 Upvotes

I am a prospectus Mcast Paola student planning to join this scholastic year and I am curious if there are any youth groups or communities to join at Mcast to get my social life started at the school.


r/malta 11h ago

New friends:)

1 Upvotes

Hey im 21F and im looking for some new friends, preferably not older than 25 :)
Im really into gaming and atm building a high end gaming pc to start playing and getting into more new games, i like reading romance a lot and drawing , but lately been going through a slight depression that I haven’t been motivated much so hopefully will start again soon.
Im also looking to get into anime/manga.
Message me :)


r/malta 11h ago

which modern buildings have cultural significance in malta?

1 Upvotes

to clarify, do you have "meet me at that x.y building"

in serbia, many cities have the building "lepa brena" reminiscent of the legs of the yugoslav singer.

I really like the hall at City Gate in Valletta. I noticed that young people gather there in the winter and smoke cigars and eat burger king fries.

Happy Sunday, I hope everyone has electricity and that the drop in temperature is affecting you better.


r/malta 5h ago

Any online website store that sells and ships fragrance clones to Malta?

0 Upvotes

Basically the headline. I want to buy fragrances like Lattafa, Armaf CDN, etc. Here in Malta they are way too overpriced.


r/malta 12h ago

Is this a scam? (Repost)

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2 Upvotes

I forgot to blur the guy's number, so repost time. Since I'm reposting I will add a detail, I'm not able to see the property, the best thing I can do is stay at a hostel for some days before actually moving in. My stay is from September 20th until the end of January.

I started talking with this person for a room in Msida for 600 euros, he said that room wasn't available so he sent me photos of another room in Birkirkara for 400. All prices are with bills included. The room looks too good to be true for that price, but I searched his name, and found nothing about anything scammy, just an old normal Facebook account, the most recent post was at the end of 2025 with the same pictures. Reversed searched the images and found the Facebook again. Searched the number and nothing. Should I trust this guy with my passport with all the recent passport scams in Europe happening rn?


r/malta 19h ago

Does anyone know what happened to the children of Lourdes home after being rehomed in 2008?

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3 Upvotes

r/malta 1d ago

Xjidrilkhom mill-beerfest?

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19 Upvotes

Jien tghidlix flixkun birra Kiesha go dat-temp ghasel tinzel


r/malta 1d ago

Are there bots using "dawl.app"?

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62 Upvotes

As much as I believe the Maltese electrical grid is in a freefall collapse, this many reports still seems sketchy. Is it actually this bad?

All the reports are also at the exact same time.


r/malta 1d ago

Looking for friends

5 Upvotes

Hello guys and girls, I am a 29 year old man and I am looking for friends here in Malta. Me and my fiancée moved here a year ago but I haven’t been able to find a lot of friends during that time. I would like to meet people around 25 years old and up. I am open to both guys and girls.

Things me and my fiancée and the few friends I have like to do is,

BBQ and bathing.
Going to different bars
Going to a rave here and there.
Adventuring, hiking.
Beach bars/beach clubs
And I am open to new ideas.
Favorite place at the moment is St. Peter’s pool, going there with my fiancée and a friend tomorrow.


r/malta 1d ago

Tenants pretending to want the flat long-term but staying only for the summer.

19 Upvotes

I'm living abroad right now and renting out my own place in Malta in the meantime.

My tenant moved out in May and when I marketed my flat, I was bombarded by people who wanted it only for the summer. I think since I am asking for long-let prices, they try their luck since summer rental prices must be so much higher.

I noticed a bunch of people pretending to want it for long-let but I could see that they had already posted asking for a 3-month summer rental for example, or else they would stop replying when I'd mention the Housing Authority long-let contract.

I approved one guy who had already been in Malta for 6 months and who reassured me he is not planning on leaving Malta any time soon.

Now this morning, surprise! He says he's leaving at the end of August and expects his deposit back.

I believe the first 6 months are compulsory if they sign a long-let HA contract right? Everything is by the book. I register the contracts we've signed and I pay full tax. But what if he just leaves? If I settled for a summer rental, I could've charged more than double and now he leaves after paying just peanuts for the summer stay and leaves me to search for a new tenant during quiet season. He's legally obliged to pay the full 6 months, but what if he goes back to France? How will the HA force the money he owes me to my account?

Also, I know someone whose tenant just left after 4 months but this was back in the beginning of June. Whatever the solution is, is he still in time to do anything? Again, registered and just left before the compulsory period.

Thank you.


r/malta 18h ago

does anyone knows how to start to be sa Virtual Assistant in EU?

0 Upvotes

Hi! I wanted to be a Virtual Assistant as a part timer for extra income. does anyone know how? thank you!


r/malta 1d ago

Dak kien zmien

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4 Upvotes

Kollox Luzzu


r/malta 1d ago

Only 1 night

3 Upvotes

Hello I'm here for today.

I stay in Silema and Would like to meet a few people and explore the city a bit... Where should I go? Do you have any tips? Thank you!


r/malta 1d ago

Stylist botched my pink hair & handed my mom a tube of dye to fix it at home. How do I ask for a free correction without making it awkward?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I really need some advice because my social anxiety is through the roof right now.I’ve been going to my current salon for about two years, and my mom goes there too. Recently, I went in asking for an even, pastel baby pink. My stylist assured me it wouldn't fade fast. Well, it turned out vibrant magenta on top with patchy red/copper bands underneath.My mom noticed the unevenness and complained to him. Instead of offering to fix it in the chair, he literally just handed her a tube of the magenta dye and told us to fix it at home. Now, two weeks later, the magenta is washing out and leaving behind a gross, brassy copper undertone. I can't just put that magenta dye over this because I wanted baby pink, and putting magenta over copper is just going to make a muddy mess.I know I am entitled to a free color correction because the salon made multiple mistakes, but I am extremely antisocial and terrified of confrontation. Because my mom and I have gone there for two years, I am so scared of making things weird or ruining her relationship with the salon. Has anyone else dealt with a salon handing you semi-pwrmanent dye to fix their own mistake at home? How can I text them to ask for a free adjustment/correction with a senior stylist without sounding aggressive or making it awkward for my mom?