Malta is a Mediterranean island nation that has been growing in popularity among travelers. And while you have likely already heard that the country has a rich history and culture as well as crystal-clear turquoise water, you might still wonder “Is Malta worth visiting?” and what you can do while there.
I was fortunate enough to spend nearly two months in Malta, and as a result, I got to know the country and all it has to offer quite well. Thanks to this, I can answer this question for you and help you decide if the country should be your next destination. I more than enjoyed living in Malta for a short while, so my answer is a resounding “yes”.
However, that short answer does not explain why I think so, so let’s have a look at why Malta is worth visiting by looking at the pros and cons of visiting Malta.
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Pros of Visiting Malta
In recent years, around 3 million international travelers per year have visited Malta for a variety of reasons and I am inclined to believe that this quickly rising amount of travelers confirms my opinion that Malta is worth visiting. But let’s look at the biggest pros of visiting Malta so you can gain a deeper understanding of what makes this island nation worth visiting and which types of travelers will love it.
1. Malta’s History
If you love history, the answer to the question ‘Is Malta worth visiting’ is a resounding yes. After all, the Mediterranean Sea around the country is speckled with historic wrecks, with one of them dating back to Phoenician times, while many more were sunk during WWII.
But of course, you do not have to dive into the sea to see Malta’s history, as the country’s history is all around you. While walking through the capital Valletta, you are surrounded by historic buildings that were built by the Knights of St. John.
Many of them have a rich history, so I highly recommend doing a guided tour to learn all the little details that make it such an intriguing city. One of the places you have to see in Valletta is St. John’s Cathedral with its highly decorated tomb slabs.
Other historic places built by the Knights of St. John can be found in Mdina and along the coasts where you can still find some of the watch towers. And of course, they also built the Cittadella in Victoria on Gozo.
While the country’s chapter of history about the Knights of St. John is rich and intriguing, the earliest existing buildings date back to 3600 BC. Located on Gozo, the two megalithic Ġgantija temples are the second-oldest known manmade structures. As such, visiting this UNESCO World Heritage is a must if you love history. There is a museum on site where you can learn more about this period of Malta’s history.
Other neolithic sites in Malta include Ħaġar Qim and the nearby Mnajdra Temples as well as the Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni. Artifacts found at these sites can be seen at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
2. The Rich Culture
Malta is a country with many traditions and a rich culture. As such, there are many celebrations and festivals throughout the year. Many of them, have a religious connotation, but there are also food, art, and music festivals like the Malta International Arts Festival and the Malta Jazz Festival.
Surprisingly, fireworks are a large part of the Maltese culture and play a vital role in many festivities. During the times of the Knights of St. John, pyrotechnics were used to celebrate special occasions, and to this day, they are part of local festas. There are 70 parishes in Malta, so there is at least one festa with fireworks on the weekends from May to September.
Aside from that Malta also organizes the annual Malta International Fireworks Festival in late April to early May, and the fireworks displays are breathtaking. I got to see three nights of the festival from different vantage points in Sliema and right at the Grand Harbour itself, and it was fireworks displays unlike anything I had seen before. Some parts also had an accompanying drone show that only made it more stunning.
3. The Delicious Food
Malta might not be a country that comes to mind when you think of the best foodie destinations in Europe. But given that the country’s cuisine is a melting pot of other Mediterranean cuisines and North African flavors, the food can only be considered a pro of visiting Malta.
If you want to eat the most popular dishes, you have to eat Pastizzi (a pastry filled with ricotta or curried peas) and ftira, a round Maltese bread that is usually filled with fish, potatoes, capers, and olives. Gozitain ftira is different as it is more like a pizza. The Maltese cuisine also offers a lot of dishes with seafood and rabbit, but you will also find a lot of tasty meals if you are vegetarian (or a chicketarian like I am).
My Favorite Restaurants in Malta
Among all the restaurants I have eaten at while in Malta, the following are not to be missed:
Gululu — If you want to eat traditional Maltese food while looking over a bay, Gululu at Spinola is the place to go. The food is great and given how popular this restaurant is, you are well advised to reserve a table in advance.
Maldonado’s, Victoria, Gozo — This Mediterranean restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem as it is not located on one of the main streets or squares, but you should not miss out on the chance to eat here. The food is delicious and prepared with local seasonal ingredients, so eating here is a fantastic way to taste the flavors of Gozo.
If you want more restaurant recommendations, you should read my foodie guides about the best places to eat in Sliema and the best restaurants in St. Julian’s.
4. Scuba Diving
Thanks to the great visibility and a large amount of historical and scuttled wrecks, Malta has become the European wreck diving capital. No other European country offers such a wide range of wreck dives that appeal to all levels of divers. After all, there are shallow wrecks like the P31 in Comino which are accessible to new divers, and historical wrecks like the HMS Urge which rests at a depth of 108 meters.
But while it is the wrecks that draw in most divers, the underwater landscape of Malta is also full of caverns and natural arches. Hereby, you can see the most intriguing natural formations while diving all around Gozo. The famous Blue Hole is just one of many great dive sites.
And of course, the island of Comino also offers several interesting dive sites including connecting caverns.
5. Beaches & Crystal-Clear Water
Of course, scuba divers are not the only ones who benefit from the crystal-clear water and clear visibility. After all, it is also rather compelling to stay at the surface to swim or snorkel. The Blue Lagoon is certainly the most popular spot when it comes to swimming and snorkeling, but places like the Mgarr ix-Xini and Għar Lapsi are also fantastic spots that see significantly fewer crowds.
Wied Il Ghasri is another great less-visited swimming spot if you do not mind climbing up the stairs afterward.
While Malta has many cliffs and stone beaches, the country also has dream-like beaches in the northern part of the island. Hereby, I highly recommend heading to Riviera Beach and Golden Bay. Ghadira Bay is another great option that is particularly family-friendly.
On Gozo, Ramla Bay with its gold-orange sand is the most popular beach.
6. Movie Locations
If you are a cinephile, you will love Malta, as many movies and TV series have been filmed in the country. Hereby, the most commonly known series is Game of Thrones which filmed large parts of the first season in Malta. While the Azure Window, the location where Daenerys and Khal Drogo’s wedding was filmed has collapsed, there are plenty of other locations you have to see if you are a fan of the series. The Mdina Gate which served as the entrance to King’s Landing is one of them.
I have admittedly never seen a single episode but got to enjoy the country’s cinematic contributions regardless, as my favorite movie ‘Gladiator‘ was filmed in Fort Ricasoli and Couvre Port in Malta. There are many places in Malta that have previously served as filming locations, so there is bound to be a location from at least one movie or series you like.
7. Off-the-beaten Path Locations
While there are many incredibly popular spots in Malta, the country still offers plenty of rarely known spots that tend to be ignored by the majority of travelers. And while there are hidden gems to be found on the main island, Gozo is home to many more. As such, I highly recommend spending several days in Gozo instead of merely planning a day trip to the island.
Gozo is the place where people from the main island go for short weekend breaks or even on holiday – a fact that is a clear indicator that Malta’s smaller sister island has a lot to offer. There are several places with historic salt pans aside from those in Xwenji, four remaining watch towers, and even a natural arch. While the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, there is a remaining one in Wied il-Mielaħ.
But of course, the main island also has hidden gems including the Victoria Lines, a 12 km long fortification, and the Coral Lagoon near Mellieha.
8. No Language Barrier
While Maltese is the main language and you should certainly learn to say a few phrases like ‘good morning’ (bonġu) and ‘please’ (jekk jogħġbok), you do not have to worry about language barriers. After all, English is one of Malta’s official languages. Every single person I met during my time in Malta spoke English, so there were no communication issues at all.
9. Safety
Malta is a safe country, and the biggest issue tourists encounter is pickpocketing. As such, you should always be aware of where your belongings are and carry your bag in a way that prevents thieves from opening it without you noticing it. Hereby, you have to be more careful while at busy places like Valletta, St. Paul’s Bay, and party areas like Pacevilla in St. Julain’s.
Take the usual precautions and you will have a fantastic holiday free of safety concerns. During my 6 weeks in Malta, I did not experience a single situation where I felt less than safe and as such, I would even rate the country as one of the safest destinations for female solo travelers.
Cons of Visiting Malta
Even the most beautiful places are not perfect and it is important to consider the negative aspects when deciding whether or not to visit a destination. If you are a traveler, these are the relevant cons of visiting Malta:
1. Some Places are Overcrowded
While you can certainly avoid the crowds by visiting less commonly known spots, the most popular locations like the Blue Lagoon in Comino are crowded even during the shoulder season. If you visit the island during the high season, you will be hard-pressed to find a spot to relax in the sun unless you arrive early in the day.
Of course, this will be the case at all popular spots everywhere in Europe, so do not let this minor con of visiting Malta deter you from visiting the island.
What matters is that you keep in mind that some places will be overcrowded, so you are not disappointed when you do not see the nearly empty places you often see on social media.
Take the fact that some places are already too crowded as an incentive to visit this beautiful small country as soon as possible, so you can still enjoy all the hidden gems before they become popular too.
2. The Summer Heat
In Malta, summer brings about extreme heat which could spoil your vacation if your travel plans include activities like hiking. Over the course of the summer months, temperatures can rise to about 40°C with an average of 32°C in the hottest months (July and August), so even locals tend to say that summer in Malta gets too hot.
No rain and a lot of sun might be nice, but these extreme temperatures are only ideal if all you plan to do is swim in the ocean while also avoiding the intense sun during the hottest hours of the day.
3. The Traffic & Roads
If you want to explore the country by car, the traffic situation and the road conditions can be a con of visiting Malta. After all, the roads are often narrow and have tight turns. Sometimes, these narrow roads are even framed by stone walls, so it is vital to be a confident driver. It is also of advantage to rent a smaller car that still has high bottom clearance – especially, if you plan to venture off the beaten path.
Depending on where you are staying, the parking situation can also be quite difficult. While it was relatively easy to find a place to park while in Gozo, I would not have wanted to look for a parking spot in Sliema.
There also tends to be severe congestion when you drive towards the north of the main island around the weekends or on public holidays, as locals head to Gozo for a short, relaxing getaway in their own country.
As such, it will certainly take you significantly longer to drive along the sole road to Mellieha, as this is where the ferry terminal is located. Plan your schedule around this if you can. A local described the situation as “It’s Malta – you sit in traffic. It’s part of the experience”, so try to embrace it as a ‘local experience’.
4. Expensive High Season
Depending on the season, the accommodation costs in Malta fluctuate a lot, and the peak season that coincides with the summer holidays tends to be the most expensive time to visit Malta. While the costs of hotel accommodation were still quite low for European standards when I arrived in April, they already started to rise quite a bit in May, aand they further increased as summer approached. Therefore, you should take these costs into account when planning your trip to Malta.
Tips for Visiting Malta
Did this list of pros and cons of visiting Malta convince you to travel there? If so, these tips will be rather useful for you:
Book your accommodation in advance — If you want a larger selection of accommodations and the best prices, it is best to book your stay at least two months in advance. While there are some good last-minute deals, you will have to be flexible to make the most of them, so only rely on these deals if they fit your travel plans.
Use public transport — Given the narrow roads and sometimes quite interesting road conditions, driving in Malta is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers. Using public transport is an inexpensive way to get around, and there are bus stops near most major attractions.
Plan your visit during the shoulder season — If you want to spend less money on your accommodation while also avoiding the largest crowds, it is best to skip the busy summer months and visit Malta in spring and fall.
Pack for any weather — The weather in Malta tends to be good, but given that it is an island nation, the weather can change fast. Consequently, it is best to pack a windbreaker and maybe even one warmer jacket if you visit Malta in the shoulder season.
You can find more Malta travel tips here.
My 5 Favorite Things to Do in Malta
When it comes to Malta, I encourage you to visit (nearly) all the popular places and to do touristic things, but you should also include some more uncommon activities in your Malta itinerary. Hereby, the following five are my favorite things to do in Malta that most people miss out on:
Kayak to Comino
Most tourists take the ferry to Comino, but if you are up for a small adventure, you can also kayak to Comino from Gozo. It is what I did on the morning of my birthday, and I loved it. Given that boats continuously cross the channel between the two islands, I would not have done it on my own and was happy to do it with Gozo Adventures. You can book the tour here.
Starting at Hondoq Bay, you will cross the channel to the northern part of Comino and will then paddle along the coast through arches and into a small inlet. Once near the Blue Lagoon, you will have some time to explore the island.
All in all, you will be kayaking a distance of around 6 km, but if you are moderately fit, no prior experience is required.
Learn about Gozitan Wine
Malta has a wine history that dates back more than 2000 years and today, and while the main island has 5 major wine producers, there are only two wineries on Gozo. Given the size of these two wineries, you are unlikely to find the wines outside of Malta, but after tasting them, you will wish you could buy them in the supermarket.
Both wineries produce several wines, and it is incredibly interesting to learn more about what makes Gozitan wine special while touring the wineries. And of course, you also get to sample the wine at the end of the tours. While I favor white wine, I also enjoyed drinking a glass of red wine at both wineries.
You can tour the vineyard of Tal-Massar Winery in Għarb every Tuesday and Sunday, while Ta’ Mena Winery in Xewkija offers food and wine-tasting tours on Saturday. You have to book the later tour several days in advance.
Hike up the Xlendi Cliffs
I had a perfect view of the beginning of this hike from my rental apartment and have to preface this by saying that I have seen many people attempt and fail to do it, as the path up the cliffs can be rather hard to spot. However, the difficulty of spotting the right path is well worth it as you have a fantastic view of the cliffs and the surrounding area once you reach the top. You can even see the Rotunda of Xewkija in the distance.
If that sounds like a view you want to enjoy, my guide about the Xlendi Cliffs hike will help you find your way to the top.
While it is a relatively short hike, it does include scrambling, uphill walking, and steps, so you have to be moderately fit and should also not be afraid of heights.
Please only do it as a sunset hike if you have a headtorch or time it so you are back down the cliffs before the last light has faded.
Go Abseiling
Malta has a lot of cliffs and canyon walls, so of course, there are also spots that are perfect for abseiling. I went abseiling with MC Adventure at the Cat’s Arches Climbing Site in Wied Il-Għasel near Mosta and had a great time. At this location, you abseil down 40 meters so it is a great thrilling adventure. My group climbed back up via the small Via Ferrata on site, and it was the perfect combination for me. However, there are also other spots in Malta that are great for abseiling.
Stay in a Farmhouse on Gozo
Staying in a traditional farmhouse on Gozo was one of my favorite experiences in Malta, as these converted houses are both incredibly charming while also offering you a glimpse of what life on Gozo used to be like. With their thick walls built with walls from local quarries, and high ceilings on the ground floor where animals used to live, they are a unique part of the island’s history. I stayed at the Sunny Villa in Nadur and absolutely loved the days I spent there.
Where to Stay in Malta
While I lived in rental apartments for most of my time in Malta, I also stayed in hotels, a hostel, and a traditional farmhouse on Gozo. All of them were in ideal locations and I highly recommend booking a stay at all of them.
Main Island
Luxury: AX The Palace, Sliema — If you are looking for a 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool and a view of both the ocean and Valletta, AX The Palace in the heart of Sliema is the perfect hotel for you. It also has an indoor pool area with a steam sauna and is home to one of the best restaurants in Sliema.
Budget: Hostel Malti, St. Julians — This hostel that also offers private rooms in the building next door is the ideal place to stay if you want to explore Malta on a budget. Located in the heart of St. Julian’s, it is in a good location and only a short walk away from the sea. It even has a jacuzzi on the rooftop!
Gozo
Mid Range: St. Patrick’s Hotel, Xlendi — I loved using Xlendi as my base for exploring Gozo, and this hotel is the best option. Located right at the seafront, many rooms offer a fantastic view of the bay. So be sure to book a room on that side of the hotel!
Mid Range: Sunny Villa, Nadur — If you are interested in a farmhouse stay in Gozo, you have to look no further than this converted traditional farmhouse! It is an incredibly charming accommodation with a pool and can be rented on a room-by-room basis or rented as a whole. The fact that it is next to one of the best traditional bakeries only makes it better.
Malta FAQ
How much time should you spend in Malta?
There are plenty of things to see and do in Malta, and if you want to experience the bare minimum, you need at least one week. The 1-day cruise stopover that many tourists are limited to, is not remotely enough time and will not even be sufficient time to experience all the capital Valletta has to offer.
If you have more time to spare, I strongly encourage you to plan a two-week-long trip to Malta, so you can split your time between the main island and Gozo with a day trip to Comino. This Gozo itinerary will help you plan part of your trip.
What is the best time to visit Malta?
Thanks to its mild winters, Malta is a year-round destination. With 7 to 8 rainy days, November to February are the wettest months, while July and August bring about torching heat which makes these months not ideal for outdoor activities like hiking.
Therefore, the best options are March to June and September to October. These months mark the should season and you will encounter fewer crowds at popular destinations like the Blue Lagoon
Is Malta a good destination for solo travelers?
Malta is a safe destination and it is easy to get around and meet new people – as such, it is a great destination for (female) solo travelers.
Is Malta worth visiting?
While comparatively small, the country has a lot to offer, so Malta is 100% worth visiting. While exploring cities like Valletta and Mdina, you can marvel at impressive landmarks, or taste the local cuisine which has been influenced by the country’s history. Add the natural beauty of the three biggest islands and the crystal-clear water, and it is obvious that Malta is a great destination for nature, culture, and history lovers alike.
It is the ideal place to visit if you are looking for a country that offers a lot of everything in a compact space, and as such, it is even a great destination for groups with very different interests. Malta offers something for every type of traveler, and you will not regret planning a trip there.
More about Malta
If you are planning a Malta trip, you might also be interested in these travel guides:
Tal Mixta Cave
Things to Do in Mellieha
Do you think Malta is worth visiting after reading this article?
Let me know in the comments!
Do you like this list of Pros and Cons of Visiting Malta?
Then share it with a friend who wonders if Malta is worth visiting!
I never though of Malta as a scuba diving destination – but it makes complete sense! It’s good to know about summer being high prices so maybe best to avoid that time. Overall though, definitely sounds worth it to me!
The pros definitely outweigh the cons for Malta from what you’re describing!