First Time in Malta: Complete Guide

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I was so excited to head to Malta for the first time. My mom had gone several times when she was younger and raved about it, so when she passed, I made it my goal to experience this country myself.

I was nervous that Malta wouldn’t live up to my high (and I mean VERY high) expectations, but it surpassed all of them! Now I’m the one who gets to rave about Malta to you!

I don’t know if it’s the constant smell of the sea in the air or the friendly locals… or maybe it’s the gorgeous architecture mixed with the island’s natural beauty. Could it be the lazy day vibes or the vibrant nightlife? Whatever it is, Malta gives me all the feels.

I really hope you get something out of this guide and let me know in the comments below if you are planning a trip to Malta!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for reels of Malta and more tips for traveling around the country!

First Time in Malta: Complete Guide

Basics for Your First Time in Malta

• Continent: Europe
• Capital: Valletta
• Currency: Euro
• Language(s): Maltese and English
• Road Rules: Drive on the left (just like the UK)
• Power Plugs/Sockets: Type G, 230V/50Hz (3 pins like the UK)

Where is Malta?

Malta is actually not a single island, but a small archipelago with three inhabited islands and four uninhabited islands.

Malta is the largest island, followed by Gozo, and then Comino. You can only drive on Malta and Gozo, as Comino is more of a resort/day trip island.

Malta is located a little over 100 miles south of Sicily (Italy’s largest island) in the Mediterranean Sea.

How to Get to Malta

The only way to get to Malta is by air or by sea.

There is only one airport in Malta, Malta International Airport in Luqa, located about 15 minutes from the capital, and the cruise port is located in Valletta, right next to the ferry terminal on the Valletta Waterfront.

Malta International Airport supports several airlines with multiple direct flights around Europe. Unfortunately, if you are flying from the US, you will have a layover (but you’ll have plenty of options – London, Paris, Rome… for example).

There are quite a few Mediterranean cruises that include a day in Valletta (sometimes two), and even though I don’t feel like one day is enough to get a real taste of Malta, it’s better than nothing! *wink*

The third option is to take a ferry from Sicily to the ferry terminal in Valletta. You can grab a ferry from Pozzallo which will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The ferry (normally) runs twice a day and is run by Virtu Ferries.

Virtu also used to run a Catania to Valletta ferry a few times a week that took a little under 5 hours, but it seems they no longer run it… always check their official website for up-to-date routes and times.

So if you are still coming from Catania, it’s a 3-hour and 30-minute train journey down to Pozzallo, however, you can hop on a flight that will cost you less and takes about 45 minutes to get you to Malta!

How to Get Around Malta

Renting a car is usually the easiest way to get around any country, however, it’s not possible for a lot of people.

Malta is a very well-connected island and there are plenty of ways to get around.

The cheapest is to get around by bus, however, they will take a lot longer than you think, and once you get outside the hot spots like Valletta, Slimena, and St Paul’s Bay the buses become even more unreliable! The schedule might say a bus comes every hour, but it’s really every three. Try to avoid them if you are going long distances or want to maximize your time there.

The best way to get around Malta during your first visit is to download one of three taxi apps and take taxis around the island.

They are super cheap and VERY reliable. The apps are Bolt, Uber, and eCabs. I found Bolt to be the cheapest most of the time, with eCabs winning sometimes, but Uber was always the most expensive.

The prices do skyrocket if you are heading to a city that has a big event going on, so keep that in mind.

Where to Stay Your First Time in Malta

Depending on what kind of experience you want from Malta, depends on where you should stay.

When I was traveling to Malta for the first time, I researched every possible city and village I could use as a good base for exploring.

Valletta

This is the obvious choice, but you might be swayed because you feel it will be too expensive. DO NOT miss out on staying in Valletta. Aside from the culture and gorgeous architecture, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with cute cafes and bespoke eateries.

You can also find some good deals on apartments and Airbnbs for rent.

Valletta Maisonette: This is where I stayed, it’s on St Paul Street within walking distance of all the Valletta highlights, easy access to the fast boat to Gozo, the host is super friendly, and the house is clean!

The only issue I had with Valletta was finding restaurants that served food late. I tend to lose track of time because I’m so busy exploring, and next thing you know, I’m not getting back to Valletta until 9pm. It wasn’t easy to find places that served food after 9:30pm.

Sliema

On the opposite side of the Marsamxett Harbour is Sliema. This was the most recommended place to stay in Malta, with 80% of the people I asked telling me to stay here. I did enjoy spending an afternoon here, but I’m so glad I didn’t have to stay.

Sliema is a residential and commercial hub with lots of bars, restaurants, and shops, but where it excels in a variety of cheap eats and accommodation, it falls short in history and culture.

I’m not hating on Sliema at all; it’s still a vibrant city with easy access for exploring the rest of the island, and Valletta is only a short ferry away (unless the waters are rough, then the ferry can get canceled).

Also, if you get back late and you are feeling hungry, you won’t have an issue finding anything to eat.

Mellieha

If you are more of a beach resort kind of person and want easy access to Comino (I won’t judge if you want to go to the Blue Lagoon every day *wink*), then Mellieha is for you.

Mellieha Bay is Malta’s largest beach and one of the best places to stay if you still want easy access to the rest of the island. The Parish Church of Mellieha dominates the clifftop and is surrounded by some great restaurants and cafes.

The WWII shelters below the church are worth a visit.

Gozo

If you want a more laid-back experience of Malta, then Gozo is the way to go. Malta’s smaller island just to the north is a must-visit! You can take it one step further and stay on the island!

You can’t do the island in a day, and although no one is stopping you from taking day trips from the main island, it’s just easier to spend at least one night there to experience more of what Gozo has to offer.

Things to Do in Malta

Places to Visit

I can’t name them all, that’s for another post… but these are some of the must-visit places for your first time in Malta!

Valletta

It goes without saying that you should visit Malta’s capital.

The city is easily walkable (with a few steep hills here and there), and you can see all the highlights in one day.

The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens both give you amazing views of the Grand Harbour. There is about a 10-15 minute walk between the two. If you are visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens at noon or 4pm, you can catch the cannon being set off, and you’ll also have access to the waterfront below with the Barrakka Lift.

If you are interested in Malta’s military history, then Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum are for you. It’s also worth checking out the Lascaris War Rooms.

If you are big on architecture, don’t skip visiting the Triton Fountain, the Grand Master’s Palace, or St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Three Cities

On the other side of the harbor are the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla). You will often see the two different names come up; the name in parentheses is what the city was originally called before it played a major role in the Great Siege of 1565.

You can catch a ferry or a traditional Maltese boat from Valletta. The Three Cities are perfect if you like exploring narrow streets and chilling out at a cute cafe.

Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village on the southeast coast. The harbor is packed full of colorful fishing boats known as luzzu.

Don’t miss out on taking a boat trip around the harbor! You’ll find boat trips scattered around the harbor, all budget-friendly. Make sure you pick a trip around in a traditional luzzo!

And if you want to see this vibrant fishing village come to life, visit the fish market on a Sunday! If you can’t work it into your schedule, at least try some of the fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants around the harbor.

Popeye Village

This is the famous filming location of the 1980s cult classic, Popeye, starring Robin Williams. The film crew built an entire village in a small cove in the northwestern part of Malta. When filming wrapped, the village stayed and is now a tourist attraction.

You can walk through Olive’s house and see Popeye’s room, complete with his hammock and photo of his pop, watch the original Popeye movie, watch a recreation of the movie with live actors, explore the Robin Williams museum, climb on top of roofs, have a coffee overlooking the cove… there’s plenty to do!

And if you want more, check out my GUIDE TO THE POPEYE VILLAGE.

Your ticket also includes a free popcorn and a postcard!

Comino

Comino is a small island between Malta and Gozo. The only way to get to the island is by boat. There are consistent ferries from Cirkewwa (the main ferry port in Malta) and Mgarr (the main ferry port in Gozo).

The Blue Lagoon is the most popular destination on Comino, with it getting very busy during high season, but there are other places on the island to explore.

You can enjoy a hike around the island, which will take you about 2 hours, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at St Mary’s Bay. If you want to see Comino from a different perspective, then take one of the many boat trips around the island. You can even book a private boat tour!

Gozo

Gozo is normally described as what Malta used to be like… an untouched, rugged landscape, and not as touristy.

Gozo can only be reached by ferry, but you have a few options.

You can take the fast ferry from Valetta (which is only for foot passengers), which takes about 45 minutes. The view along the coast of the country is great, though! The fast ferry dock is right below the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

If you are driving around the island or staying up north, then you’ll want to take the bigger ferry that leaves from Cirkewwa.

I have done both, and I honestly enjoy the fast ferry from Valletta more. You’re not competing with as many people and when you arrive back at the port from Gozo in Cirkewwa, it’s complete chaos.

Here are some Gozo highlights you should take note of: (don’t worry, my Gozo guide is coming soon!)

• The Citadel
• Victoria
• Ramla Bay
• Wied il-Ghasri
• Ġgantija Archaeological Park
• Inland Sea and the Azure Window
• Xlendi
• Ta’ Cenc Cliffs

Around the coast

Malta is such an underrated beach destination and I don’t know why! There are some gorgeous beaches and swimming spots around the island.

The Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous, but with the fame comes the masses.

The lagoon is located on Comino. The easiest way to get there is from Gozo; there are boat trips and ferries back and forth throughout the day. Try to hop on the first one and you’ll enjoy those blue waters with fewer people…. at least for a little while.

Mellieha Beach is a great option for families since the bay isn’t very deep and there are plenty of facilities in the area.

Gozo has some notable beaches. Ramla Bay has soft, golden sand, Wied il-Għasri is a narrow waterway between the cliffs, leading to a very small beach, and if you want more seclusion, then San Blas Bay is for you.

If you’re not a beach bunny but still want to jump in the crystal clear waters, then St Peter’s Pool is for you. It’s more for lounging on the rocks and cliff jumping, no beach here. It’s close to Marsaxlokk, so the two can be paired together; however, it does get really busy by early afternoon.

The Popeye Village becomes a water park during the high season with massive inflatables in the water and sun beds lining the cove. There are plenty of activities for children, making this a family-friendly day out, but don’t worry, big kids will love this too!

Not trying to get your hair wet? Why don’t you take a boat trip around the Grand Harbor or take a longer excursion around Comino and Gozo.

Churches, Churches, Churches

Churches everywhere! Malta has 359 churches, almost a church for every day of the year! And they do not go unnoticed.

You won’t get around to visiting all of them during your first time in Malta, so these are my favorites you should check out.

• Rotunda of Mosta: The Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome is the third largest unsupported dome in the world and comes with a very unique history, making it one of the must-visit churches in Malta! (Check out my Mosta Rotunda Travel Guide)
• St John’s Co-Cathedral: In the heart of Valletta, this cathedral is super easy to visit AND the interior is gorgeous!
• Parish Church of Mellieha: This church commands the surrounding square, a hidden gem on the clifftops in northern Malta. The church also features in episode 2 of The Good Ship Murder, standing in for a church in Lisbon.
• Cathedral of the Assumption: This cathedral is the heart of the Citadel in Gozo. What makes this church unique is the trompe l’oeil painting on the ceiling, giving the illusion of a dome.
• Rotunda of St John the Baptist: This is Gozo’s largest church, located in one of the oldest villages on the island, Xewkija.
• Ta’ Pinu Shrine: This basilica dominates the Gozitan countryside and dates back to the 1500s, also known as the “Church of Miracles”, it’s the most important place of pilgrimage in the country.

Explore Famous Filming Locations

I can guarantee you will have heard of at least one TV show or movie filmed in Malta.

Game of Thrones is well known for filming in Mdina and the Azure Window (no longer exists) in Gozo. Jurassic World: Dominion was filmed in Valletta with dinosaurs causing chaos throughout the city.

Channel 5’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries is filmed in Gozo every season, with Sannat, Gharb, and the streets of Victoria being highlighted and The Good Ship Murder films all the land scenes in Malta.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie also chose Gozo (Wied il-Ghasri) as the backdrop for their movie, By the Sea.

Other movies filmed in Malta include The Da Vinci Code, Assassin’s Creed, World War Z, Troy, Gladiator, and most recently, Gladiator 2.

Events in Malta

Malta has a long list of events going on throughout the year.

Some are bigger than others and will draw bigger crowds, so plan your trip accordingly.

For example, Isle of MTV Malta is Europe’s biggest free music festival, with big names like Nelly Furtado, DJ Snake, and One Republic. The festival has been held in Malta for two years, so who’s to say it won’t be back next year?

Malta is a very religious country and Holy Week is a sight not to miss with processions and feasts happening every day across the country.

Every spring, Malta hosts the International Fireworks Festival, with several places around the island participating.

And for those who are into the party scene, there are plenty of club events and party boats throughout the summer.

To keep up to date with the latest events and to help further plan your visit to Malta, check out Visit Malta’s Official Website.

What to Eat and Drink in Malta

Malta’s cuisine can be seen as an eclectic mix of cultural influences throughout the country’s history, even though you’ll notice a lot of Sicilian influence.

If you visit and do not eat a pastizzi, then you didn’t visit Malta. These little flaky pastry pieces of heaven are filled with ricotta or mashed peas and are a must-eat for your first time in Malta! They are a delicious budget-friendly snack… or breakfast… yes, I ate one for breakfast, judge me *wink*.

Traditional Maltese ftira or Maltese bread is also up there. The sourdough bread has a thick crust with a fluffy interior, perfect for sandwiches! And I have had some delicious Maltese sandwiches. My favorite was in Mellieha at the Sea View Cafe, unfortunately, they don’t have a website, so you will have to Google map it!

If you are feeling brave, you can try the Stuffat Tal-Fenek, or rabbit stew. This Maltese comfort food is slow-cooked with carrots, potatoes, garlic, and herbs in a tomato and wine base. It is Malta’s national dish.

Kapunata is a traditional Maltese salad, made with tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers… I’ve also seen it served on top of Maltese bread as a snack… YUM!

You will notice a lot of pizza places, which is understandable with how close Italy is, but Malta also has their own take on pizza… and the main topping is potatoes! I didn’t try it, but if you have, let me know in the comments below!

If you are looking for a traditional Maltese drink, then you have to sample the prickly pear liqueur or Bajtra. If you want a non-alcoholic choice, try a Kinnie, which is a mix of bitter orange and aromatic herbs.

Other Tips for Your First Time in Malta

• Bring sunscreen, seems like a no-brainer, but I have to add this
• Always carry water with you or a refillable bottle
• Download the Bolt, eCabs, and Uber apps to get around
• Don’t try to plan every second of your day or do too much… Malta is the perfect country for slow travel, enjoy the vibe
• Pre-book all your tours so you don’t have to worry about it when you get there
• Check the websites of boat companies if bad weather is forecasted; some will stop running in rough waters

Are you heading to Malta? What do you plan on doing? Any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

Want more Malta? Check out my other posts!

• The Perfect 3-Day Malta Itinerary
• Discover the Popeye Village in Malta
• How to Visit the Mosta Rotunda and Mosta Dome
• Madame Blanc Filming Locations in Gozo
• The Good Ship Murder Filming Locations in Malta

Save the First Timers Guide to Malta for later!

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