Malta is not just another destination for me. It is a lovely island where I have had the privilege of living in the past, and to which I make sure to return every year to soak up its unique atmosphere once again.
I fell in love with Malta almost immediately – thanks to the fascinating history of the knights, the yellow stone that shines like gold at sunset, and the fact that such a small island hides an enormous wealth of experiences.
The goal of this guide is not to be just another grocery list, but to reveal to you my “secrets” – the ones that only those who truly live there know – and to give you the most up-to-date information for 2026, so that you feel at home from the first moment.
Flights to Malta: How to get there and how to save?
The biggest change in the skies of Malta in recent years is the closure of the legendary “Air Malta” and its replacement byKM Malta AirlinesThe new company inherited the planes and slots, but operates on a more efficient model. The flight from Israel takes only about 2.5 hours – making Malta a perfect destination for a long weekend.
As of today, the situation with direct flights from Israel (Ryanair/Wizz) can be volatile. If you want “peace of mind,” my recommendation is to consider a short connecting flight via Rome or Athens. This may make the journey a little longer, but adds stability – and you can also combine a “trip within a trip” with a night in Italy.
Please note that the landing is at Luqa International Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from Valletta (depending on traffic jams, which are tough).
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Where to sleep in Malta? Personal and updated recommendations
One of the most common mistakes travelers make in Malta is choosing an accommodation area that doesn't match the nature of their trip. The island is small, but traffic jams make getting between areas a nightmare. Here's my rule of thumb:
- For couples and history buffs: Valletta or The Three Cities. Romantic, quiet at night, and close to all the museums.
- For families and shopping: Sliema. Comfortable promenade, fast ferries to Valletta, and lots of accessible restaurants.
- For nightlife (or if you are 20): St. Julian's. If you want a quiet night's sleep, stay away.
🏆 My top 3 in Malta
The complete guide to accommodation
A comprehensive overview of all accommodation areas in Malta and their suitability for your type of trip.
Accommodation in Valletta
Wake up in an open-air museum. The most beautiful hotels within the walls of the capital city.
Accommodation in Sliema
The ideal combination of a spectacular promenade, convenient shopping malls and excellent transportation accessibility.
📅 Calendar of events and festivals for 2026
Malta knows how to party, and in 2026 the schedule is as packed as ever. Beyond the big festivals, every village in Malta celebrates its own “Festa” in the summer – a celebration of a local saint with fireworks, parades and street food. Here are some dates to mark:
| a month | Main event | Why should you? |
|---|---|---|
| January (8-25) | Baroque Festival in Volta | Classical music in historic halls like the Manuel Theater. A tremendous cultural experience. |
| February (13-17) | Carnival | Huge colorful parades, giant puppets and street parties in Valletta and Benador (Gozo). |
| March (31) | Freedom Day Flotilla | Traditional rowing competition in the Grand Harbour. A spectacular spectacle from the fortifications. |
| April (end of the month) | International Fireworks Festival | The sky above the harbor is painted with fire. The Maltese are world-class pyrotechnics champions. |
| October (3) | Notte Bianca (White Night) | All museums and palaces in Valletta are open for free into the night with street performances. |
Cities, routes and activities not to be missed
Malta is an open-air museum. You'll find a historical relic on every corner, but the trick is to combine history, adventure, and scenery. Valletta is of course the first must-see – a European capital of culture that requires at least a full day of wandering.
The mysterious underground temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the island's most incredible experiences. But there's a catch: the number of daily visitors is very limited. Tickets must be booked at least 3 months in advance.If you arrive at the box office on the day of your visit, the chance of getting in is slim to none.
Don't miss St. John's Cathedral in Volta (it looks ordinary from the outside, but it's pure gold inside), and the Grand Master's Palace, whose massive renovation was recently completed and spectacular new parts have been opened to the public.
Day trip to Volta
Everything you need to see in the City of Knights in one day of magical wandering.
The magical Mdina
The “Silent City” and the ancient capital. A journey back in time to the Middle Ages through narrow alleys.
What to do in Malta?
The list of the most recommended attractions that I have carefully filtered for you.
Hot recommendation: Mdina at sunset
Mdina, the ancient capital, is called “the silent city” and rightly so. Most tourists arrive in the afternoon, which is a mistake. Try to get there in the evening, when the groups leave. Get lost in the alleys, and grab a table at the famous Fontanella cafe. Yes, the chocolate cake there is a cliché, but between us? It is an insanely delicious cliché, and the view from the terrace is simply breathtaking.
⚓ Cruises and sailing around the islands
Seeing Malta from land is one thing, but seeing it from the sea is a whole other opera. The wind in your hair, the deep blue and the view of Valletta’s massive fortifications from below – it’s an experience that simply cannot be missed. A cruise to the “Blue Lagoon” in Comino is a must, but keep in mind that it gets very crowded in the summer.
👟 Guided tours in Malta
It is highly recommended to take a guided tour with a good local guide, not only to save valuable time on travel and fuss, but mainly to enrich the trip with small and spicy stories about the parades, the Great Siege, and World War II.
- Remains (Naxxar): Don't miss Palazzo Parisio, a palace with spectacular gardens that feels like a miniature Versailles.
- Hagar Qim: A must for history buffs – a megalithic temple older than the pyramids! The view of the sea from there is breathtaking.
- Gozo for advanced users: Look for Wied il-Ghasri, a narrow, winding stream channel that flows into the sea and creates an amazing natural swimming pool.
The Three Cities: The Hidden Diamond
Many are content to look at them from the glittering gardens of Valletta, but the “Three Cities” (Vittoriosa/Birgo, Sangla and Cospicua) are the real deal. This is where the Knights first settled, and here you’ll really feel the history, without the crowds of tourists of Valletta.
Don't take the bus! Take the small ferry from Valletta to Birgu. The short cruise across the large harbour is an experience in itself. When you arrive, get lost in the alleys of Birgu and don't miss the Inquisitor's Palace – A creepy and fascinating place that most tourists skip, which is a shame.
Culinary and Restaurants: Eat Like a Maltese (and the 2025 Michelin Update)
The flavors of Malta
Maltese cuisine is a delicious melting pot of Italian, Arabic and French influences. It is “comfort” food, rich in local ingredients and satisfying carbohydrates.
- Pastizzi: The king of the streets of Malta. Crispy puff pastry (very!) filled with ricotta cheese or pea puree. Costs pennies and fills a corner of hunger.
- Rabbit stew (Rabbit / Fenek): The national dish that you must try once, usually in a wine and garlic sauce.
- Bragioli: “Meat Olives” – Beef stuffed with a rich red wine sauce.
Malta has become a serious culinary destination. Restaurant The GV At the 1926 Hotel Le Soleil, she received a Michelin star, joining the star-studded team that includes ION Harbour (Crazy view of the harbor), Under Grain (Elegance in Volta) andNoni (Modern Maltese cuisine). If you are a foodie, don't count on luck – book a place two months in advance.
Recommended restaurants
Where is it really worth eating? A list of my favorite restaurants in Volta and Sliema.
The depth of Maltese cuisine
The stories behind the island's dishes and culinary traditions.
Car rental in Malta: Driving on the wrong side of the road
The question I get asked the most is: “Zvi, is it worth renting a car in Malta?” The answer is “yes, but.” In Malta, they drive on the left (inherited from the British), and it requires concentration. At first it feels strange, but my experience shows that after half an hour you get used to it.
A car is essential if you want to get out of the main cities and discover hidden beaches or remote villages. Public transportation is cheap, but in the summer the buses are full and don't always stop.
Important tip: Stick to the Full-to-Full fuel policy to avoid paying unnecessary fees, and note that the alcohol limit for driving in Malta is very low (0.8g/l) – so if you drink, take Bolt.
Useful information for the independent traveler
Transportation and getting around on the island
As someone who lives on the island, I can tell you that transportation in Malta has improved dramatically, but it still requires planning. Here are some tips from the 2025 winter schedule:
- Express lines (TD): Look for the TD13 line to get from Sliema to Volta quickly. They cost a little more but save a lot of time.
- Taxi apps: Bolt and eCabs work great and are significantly cheaper than street taxis.
- Ferries: The most fun and efficient way to cross between Sliema and Valletta, or between Valletta and the Three Cities.
Ideal weather and time to visit
Malta is sunny 300 days a year, but summer (July-August) is very hot and humid. The best seasons are spring (May-June) and autumn (September-October), when the sea is still warm (about 24 degrees in October) but the evenings are pleasant. In winter, beware of the north-easterly “Gregale” wind, which can be gusty.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
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How many days should you spend in Malta?
Do I need a visa for Malta?
Everything I wrote about Malta
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Thank you very much! Excellent article that fills us in on the details. We are planning a summer vacation in Malta and I was happy to read about things we didn't know. Looking forward to the delicious food too 😉
Hi
Thanks for the interesting article.
After landing, which city should you go to if you are traveling for five days?
I would choose Bolta.