You may not know this, but I’m a Yoga teacher and I organize retreats all over the world. My Summer Solstice retreat was in Malta, and I had the chance to spend a over a week there. Apart from my retreat work, I also looked at this tiny island country through the lens of a travel writer.
Short answer: Yes—Malta is absolutely worth visiting. But like every Mediterranean island that’s also a popular destination, it depends on how you do it, when you go, and what you expect from a tiny island that carries the weight of empires.
Malta’s Beaches are stunning
After one week zigzagging across the Maltese Islands—swimming in crystal-clear waters, climbing fortress walls, eating my weight in Maltese food, and getting gloriously lost in narrow streets—I’m convinced this small island packs more variety than places ten times its size.
If you’re debating whether to visit Malta, here’s my honest take, with tips sprinkled in the same fast-paced, sensory style I always fall back on when a place gets under my skin.
This post may contain recommendations. If you book something through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—think of it as tipping your travel buddy for good intel.
Thinking of a last miniute trip to Malta? Don’t worry, I’ve got you. I will share the top 3 tours that you can book and 3 hotel recommendatipons, so that you don’t waste time researching.
Gozo & Comino Islands, Blue Lagoon – This is a must do if you’re visiting Malta. Spend a day or half exploring the nearby islands, Blue Lagoon and other seacaves. This particular tour is for 7 hours.
Popeye Village Malta Filmset Entry Ticket – Visit the original film set of the 1980 Paramount Production musical “Popeye,” constructed in Anchor Bay in 1979 – it is super pretty.
Highlights of Malta & Mdina – this is a full day tour with lunch and includes top attractions like top attractions, including St. Cataldus Catacombs, Dingli Cliffs, Mosta Church, San Anton Gardens, and the Ta’ Qali Craft Village.
Top Malta Hotels
Riviera Spa Resort – This is where I stayed for a week and loved it. My review is at the bottom of this post.
Getting Oriented: A Pocket-Sized Archipelago with Epic Backstory
Malta Sunsets are epic
Malta isn’t just one dot in the Mediterranean Sea—it’s an archipelago: the main island (Malta), the island of Gozo, and Comino Island (plus a few teeny uninhabited specks). The capital of Malta—and the capital city of Malta—is the City of Valletta, a compact masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a bona fide UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Valletta sits on a peninsula hugging the Grand Harbour, where cannons once protected merchants and knights and now salute cruise ships and the occasional yacht that probably costs more than the entire island did in the Middle Ages.
Two things hit you right away:
Rich history, tiny footprint. From megalithic temples older than the pyramids to the Knights of St. John, Malta’s history reads like a mashup of ancient temples, sieges, and sea legends.
Official languages: Maltese and English. Translation: thankfully, very little language barrier, and a lot of delight when you pick up a few Maltese words at cafés (the friendly locals love it).
Is Malta Worth Visiting? Who Will Love It (and Why)
The Historical Valletta, Malta
If your heart beats for Mediterranean vibes, clear waters, historical sites, and stories, this is an ideal place.
History buffs can geek out over Fort St. Elmo, the colonnades of Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Silent City of Mdina, and Bronze Age mysteries like Ħaġar Qim.
If you’re chasing natural beauty and beautiful beaches, Malta has sandy beaches in pockets (hello, Golden Bay) and countless rocky coves for jumps, snorkeling, and water sports. And if your perfect day is good food + sea views + sunset walks along bastion walls… well, welcome.
Is it a must-visit destination? For me, yes—especially if you plan your days smartly.
Best Time of Year to Visit Malta
Enjoying Malta in style
Malta has a classic Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm weather in the summer months.
Average temperatures hover around “perfect terrace lunch” in spring and fall, and climb to “I live in the water now” from June to September. That’s also high season, so popular spots can feel busy.
If you prefer fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (April–May and late September–October) are your best option for sunny days and room to breathe. Winter is underrated—you’ll have plazas to yourself and the sea as a moody backdrop.
I visited Malta in June. The temperature was around 32 degrees Celsius during the day, and evenings were cool and breezy. For me, it was absolutely perfect.
Note that the Mediterranean sun is strong, so be sure to carry a hat to cover your head.
Valletta: A Small Capital with Big Drama
The City of Valletta is the easiest “yes” on the island. It’s a short walk from one bastion to the next, yet it holds some of the main attractions in Malta. This historical city reminded me of South Italy’s Lecce, another historical city.
Upper Barrakka Gardens on Yoga Day, Malta
Start at Upper Barrakka Gardens for balcony views straight into the Grand Harbour, where watchtowers look like chess pieces and the noonday gun still thunders. This is where I taught Yoga in front of 100s of people on World Yoga Day, yes, goosebumps!
From Upper Barrakka Gardens, it’s a short walk downhill to the ferry terminal for crossings to Sliema (super handy), or further to the ferry port if you’re hopping islands later.
Discovering Valletta, is Malta worth visiting
Don’t miss Fort St. Elmo, a star-shaped fortress that once anchored Malta’s defense and now anchors your understanding of Malta’s history.
Valletta’s narrow streets are lined with honey-colored limestone and bright wooden balconies and laundry hung out to dry —photogenic at every turn and blissfully compact for a lazy walking tour.
Verdict: Valletta alone makes Malta worth visiting, whether you’re here for a weekend or a week.
Mdina & Rabat: The Silent City Whispers
Mdina, the Silent City, is a walled dream: lamps, limestone, and lanes so tight you whisper without thinking. It’s one of my favorite things from the week—a place that feels staged for a period film but is totally, wonderfully real.
Enter at the main gate, roam the palazzos, and pause on the bastions to gaze toward the Mediterranean Sea. Then wander into Rabat for bakeries and cat-filled courtyards. If you love places that stir the imagination, this is a great place to let the past breathe.
Prehistory, Megaliths & “Wait, How Old?”
One of the wildest parts of Malta is how megalithic temples sit casually near bus stops and modern cafés. At Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra on the south coast, the stones glow gold at sunset and rewire your sense of time.
A guided tour adds layers to the story (how did they move these?) and leaves you awed by the ancient temples scattered across such a small island. The complexes on Gozo are older still, which is why Malta’s prehistoric sites are a UNESCO darling.
Tip: Pair Ħaġar Qim with a sunset at Dingli Cliffs. The way the rock drops into the sea here is cinematic, and the wind carries a hush that even Instagram can’t break.
The Sea Chapter: Blue-Lover’s Paradise
If the color blue had a fan club, Malta would be the headquarters. My week here was punctuated by swims, boat trip detours, and casual gasps over the water clarity.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta
Visiting Comino’s Blue Lagoon was the highlight of our trip because the water is clearer and bluer than you can ever imagine.
Blue Lagoon on Comino Island is a spectacle of crystal-clear waters—the kind that makes you forget your name and your inbox. It’s gorgeous for snorkeling and quick dips, though in the heart of the summer months, it’s no secret.
Crowded Entry area of Comino Island, Malta
The entry part of Comino Island was very pretty but too full. The water looked inviting but I couldn’t even think of stopping here in the middle of crowds for a dip. But I walked ahead for around 5 minutes and found a quieter area with umbrellas and chairs.
A day trip early or late (or visiting in shoulder season) is the best way to savor it with fewer crowds. Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, and patience for the photo ops.
Smaller island next to Comino, Blue Lagoon Malta
If you get a chance, then cross the water and visit the island in front of the blue lagoon. A lot of people swam to it but I didn’t have enough time since I had to hold space for people for the Summer Solstice ritual of our Yoga retreat.
Gozo’s Blue Hole & the Ghost of the Azure Window
On the island of Gozo, the Blue Hole is a diver’s magnet—an otherworldly shaft that opens into the open sea.
Nearby stood the Azure Window (it collapsed a few years back, which somehow adds to the myth). Even without the arch, the coast is raw and dramatic, and the snorkeling is still next-level.
Beaches of Malta – Sandy or Rocky?
Għadira Bay in Malta
Like most of the Mediterranean islands, Malta is also more rock terraces than the Maldives, but there are sandy beaches here too. Nevertheless, the rocky beaches are special too because of the clear water. But I understand that it is easier to lie down on sand than on a rock.
Għadira Bay was super sandy, and I also found a quiet corner to myself.
Golden Bay is another sandy beach that’s a crowd-pleaser—sunset-worthy and great for families.
Malta has sandy beaches too
Ghajn Tuffieha next door is moodier and, to me, even prettier. On rocky shores, ladders and flat ledges make sea entries easy, and they’re often a good place for quick swims and cliffside picnics.
Water sports like kayaking, SUP, and diving are everywhere. If you’re tempted, a guided tour is a great way to weave caves and coves into a half-day without much time lost in logistics.
Gozo in a Day: Small Island, Big Personality
Gozo is Malta’s chilled-out cousin: greener hills, slower pace, and villages that look like they exhale between church bells. It’s an easy day trip from the main island via fast ferry. Victoria (Rabat) with the Citadel is the inland anchor; coastal highlights orbit like gems: Dwejra (for the Blue Hole), Ramla Bay (red sand!), and ix-Xlendi (swim + seafood).
If you have more than a day, stay over. Watching the stars on Gozo and waking to church bells makes it feel like you’ve time-traveled—in the best possible way.
St. Julian(s), Sliema & the Modern Coast
St. Julians (yes, that spelling) and St Julian (you’ll see both) form Malta’s contemporary shoreline playground—promenades, street art, cocktail bars, and a front-row seat for the sea. It’s a great place to base if you want nightlife and easy swims. Sliema’s ferries make Valletta a breeze, and the waterfront paths are perfect for sunrise runs or lazy gelato walks.
Popular spots here fill up in high season, but the energy is infectious. And when you find a ladder into glassy water five minutes from your hotel? That’s a great time waiting to happen.
How to Get Around: Buses, Wheels, and Water
Malta, Coast, Blue Water and Buildings
Bolt or Uber: The easiest way to travel within Malta was with Uber or Bolt. They were quick, convenient, and also affordable compared to taxi prices in most European countries.
Rental car: If you want maximum freedom (sunset at Dingli Cliffs, dawn at a hidden cove), a rental car is the best way—just remember Malta drives on the left. Parking near beaches or historic centers can be tight and sometimes paid, so factor in extra cost. Also, one can get a rental car for as low as EUR 10 per day in Malta!
Public transportation: Malta’s public buses blanket the entire island and are budget-friendly. They’re a good option if you’re avoiding driving and can build some slack into your schedule.
Boats & ferries: For Gozo and Comino, ferries are straightforward; check times at the ferry terminal and ferry port signage. Crossing the harbours by boat isn’t just transit—it’s a great way to see skylines.
Good idea: Mix and match—bus for Valletta/Mdina days, car for remote coves, boat for island hops.
Food & Drink: Mediterranean Pantry, Island Personality
If you travel for food (me too), Malta is a good holiday destination on flavor alone.
Seafood Pasta with a view in Malta
Maltese cuisine is a sunny blend of Sicilian (South Italian), North African, and island traditions: fresh fish pulled from local waters, local cuisine like rabbit stew (fenek), capers and tomatoes everywhere, and good food in humble bakeries and chef-y bistros.
I was pretty happy with all my meals in Malta, for me it felt like I was experiencing the best of Medeterrian cuisine at low prices.
Try pastizzi (flaky ricotta or pea pastries) between swims, and save a seaside evening for grilled catch of the day with a carafe of local wine.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small cafés and beach kiosks.
Tours, Walks & “Don’t Miss” Moments
Valletta walking tour: Context transforms stone into stories; this is the fastest route to falling for the main attractions without missing the tucked-away corners.
Harbour viewpoints:Upper Barrakka Gardens at cannon time—touristy and still worth it.
Mdina after dark: Quieter lanes, lantern glow, fewer crowds—pure magic.
Popeye Village: A quirky film set-turned-park on a teal bay—kitschy but photogenic, especially from the cliff path above. I did not stop here, but my taxi driver did a detour and showed me this spot.
Dingli Cliffs sunset: A ritual. The sky turns apricot and the sea answers back.
Fort St. Elmo museum: The best primer on the Knights of St. John and the sieges that shaped the island.
Comino & Blue Lagoon boat trip: Yes, it’s famous; yes, it’s that blue. Go early or late.
Culture Check: Layers on Layers
Malta sits at the seam of Europe and the Middle East, and you feel that meeting of worlds in everything from balconies to bakeries.
Dive into Maltese culture via festas (village feasts), brass bands, and fireworks that would make a pyrotechnician blush. English being one of the official languages makes conversation easy; learn a couple of Maltese phrases and watch how fast doors open—friendly locals are part of the island’s charm.
Costs & Expectations
Malta has many beaches
Overall, Malta is fairly priced for the Mediterranean, but a few things nudge the budget: waterfront stays in high season, sunbed rentals at popular spots, and island-hopping extras. Having traveled in another Mediterranean island – Ibiza, just a few weeks before Malta, I was just so happy with the prices here.
Guided tour fees and equipment for outdoor activities (like diving the Blue Hole) are add-ons to plan for. If you’re strategic with timing and transit, you’ll have a good time without feeling like you’re paying resort rates at every turn.
Safety, Practicalities & Little Wins
Language barrier: Minimal. English is everywhere, signage is clear, and locals help.
Taps & sun: Hydrate, reapply sunscreen, and give yourself shade breaks—limestone reflects heat like a mirror.
Accessibility: Many old towns have steps and cobbles; wear stable shoes and pace yourself.
ATMs & cards:Credit cards widely accepted; keep cash for kiosks and buses.
Navigation: Download offline maps; some coves are more goat path than sidewalk.
Pro move: Base a couple of nights in Valletta or Sliema for culture days, then switch to Gozo or the northwest (near Golden Bay) for beachy sunsets.
One-Week Snapshot: How I Spent My Time (Steal This)
Day 1: Valletta deep dive—Upper Barrakka Gardens, Fort St. Elmo, bastion strolls, harbour ferry.
Day 2: Mdina & Rabat—Silent City lanes, cat cafés, golden-hour ramparts.
Day 3: South coast—Ħaġar Qim + Mnajdra, Blue Grotto viewpoints, Dingli Cliffs sunset.
Day 4:Comino Island—Blue Lagoon early boat, swim-nap-repeat.
Day 5:Island of Gozo—Citadel, Blue Hole, coastal wander; consider staying the night.
Day 6:St. Julians / St Julian & Sliema promenade day—swims off ladders, café-hopping.
Day 7: Beach day at Golden Bay (or Ramla Bay if on Gozo) + Popeye Village viewpoint, closing with a seafood feast of fresh fish and Maltese wine.
Shake up the order as the weather and whims dictate.
Where to Stay in Malta?
Riviera Spa Resort Malta
I stayed in a Spa Resort called Riviera Spa Resort, which was only for adults. It is on Marfa Bay in Mellieħa, so we were right in front of the water. The ferry for the Blue Lagoon goes from right here.
One of the best things about staying at Riviera Spa Resort was the food. My Yoga group consisted of vegans, seafood lovers, and one person who preferred non-spicy food. Their dinner and breakfast buffets were amazing, and we found something for everyone.
My Dinner at Riviera Spa Resort Malta
The Yoga room at Riviera Spa Resort was lovely, with a garden feel, and it also had the option of an air conditioner, as Malta is quite hot. The spa was a big hit with my group.
It is worth mentioning that our group was highly satisfied by the service at Riviera Spa Resort because they went out of their way to help us every single time. Our group was even upgraded and they got bigger rooms.
The only disadvantage of Riviera Spa Resort, according to one or two people in my group the fact that it wasn’t located in the city center. However, for me, this location was perfect because I prefer to be away from crowded city centers and closer to the beaches. It was just 2 km away from the sandy Għadira Bay and 4 km away from Popeye Village.
Tunnel from the beach from Mellieha Holiday Centre
Another amazing place I’d recommend for staying is Mellieha Holiday Centre, located right next to the sandy beach. There’s a tunnel that directly connects the hotel to the quiet part of the beach.
View from the Tunnel at Mellieha Holiday Centre
Mellieha Holiday Centre is pricier than Riviera Spa Resort and it requires a minimum of 4 nights stay in order to book. But it makes sense to consider this place for a comfortable family holiday because they have bunglows that are p[erfect for families.
FAQs I Wish Someone Had Answered Before I Came
Is Malta a good idea for summer?
If you love a summer destination with warm weather, long swim days, and lively nights—yes. If you faint at the thought of popular spots in high season, pick shoulder months for fewer crowds.
Do I need a car?
Not strictly. Public buses reach most places, and Valletta/Sliema are made for walking and ferry-hopping. But for hidden coves or efficient sunsets, a rental car is the best way—just budget time for parking and the occasional extra cost.
No. Think balance: historical sites + sea. On one morning, you can wander a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and by afternoon, you’re drifting in crystal-clear waters. That’s Malta’s superpower.
Will I have much time to explore the entire island in a week?
Plenty to see the highlights without rushing: Valletta, Mdina, south coast temples, a boat trip to Comino, and a proper day trip (or two) to Gozo. The islands are compact, but give yourself margin—Malta rewards detours.
Final Verdict: So… Is Malta Worth Visiting?
Malta – is it worth visiting
If you crave a destination where natural beauty meets rich history, where good food follows every swim, and where a fortress skyline gives way to coves of impossible blue—then yes, is Malta worth visiting is not even a question. It’s a good holiday destination for couples, solo travelers, families, and anyone who likes their trips layered: main attractions in the morning, hidden swims by noon, sunsets from bastions by evening.
Come for the Mediterranean climate, stay for the stories—from the Knights of St. John to the Middle Ages ramparts, from megalithic temples to modern boardwalks, from the hush of the Silent City to the cheers echoing over the Grand Harbour. Whether you base in St. Julians for city-sea energy or disappear to the island of Gozo for lazy afternoons, you’ll find your version of a great time here.
And when you’re floating above the Blue Hole, climbing the stairs to Upper Barrakka Gardens, or drifting across the Blue Lagoon on a boat trip, you’ll know: Malta isn’t just a popular destination—it’s one of the best places in the Med to feel ancient and alive at the same time. If you can, give yourself a week; if not, even a few days will set the hook. Either way, you’ll leave plotting your return. Because some small islands cast very big spells.
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India. I've been writing about my travels since 2015.
I love European city breaks, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, music festivals, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
