Malta holidays

Beach bums: Malta’s brimming with stunning coastal resorts and picturesque beaches, like those at Golden Bay, which are just perfect for relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. For a change of scene, catch a boat to nearby Comino island for a dip in the picturesque Blue Lagoon.

History buffs: Immerse yourself in Malta’s colourful history in the UNESCO-listed capital city, Valletta. You’ll find the famous St John’s Cathedral here, which dates from the 16th century. Or, explore the ancient walled town of Mdina and an array of quaint fishing villages.

Get-up-and-go types: There’s always plenty to enjoy in Malta! Like deep-sea diving in the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Qawra; scaling cliffs, rock formations or the challenging Mellieha Cave on a climbing adventure; dancing the night away in St Julian’s; and cycling your way around Gozo island.

Language: Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta. Italian is also widely spoken, and many modern Maltese words have their roots in Italian.

Currency: The currency used in Malta is the Euro (€). Cash machines are generally easy to find, especially in the cities, but be aware that your card issuer may charge you a fee to withdraw cash using your credit or debit card.

Local time: Malta is 1 hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Malta International Airport. Sliema and St Julian's are 30 minutes away, the transfer to Qawra takes 45 minutes, while St. Paul's Bay and Bugibba are 50 minutes away.

Flight time from the UK: The flight time to Malta is 3 hours.

Tourist Information: Take a look at Visit Malta for more Malta tourist information.

Local tax: You’ll have to pay a small Environmental Contribution tax of €0.50 per person, per night. It’s capped at €5 per stay, and is payable at your accommodation. Children under 18 don’t have to pay the tax.

Visa / health: Before your Malta holidays, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta for visa and health recommendations, plus more travel advice about your trip.

Holiday destinations related to Malta:

• Bugibba
• Qawra
• Sliema
• St Julians
• St Pauls Bay

By bus: It’s simple to get around Malta by bus, as there’s an extensive network on both the mainland and Gozo.

By ferry: Regular ferries run between the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, meaning you can visit them all with ease.

By car: Everyone drives on the left-hand side here, so British drivers will feel right at home. You can book a hire car before you go, or arrange it at one of the many car-hire outlets around the island; just make sure you pack your licence.

By water taxi: Get across Valletta’s Grand Harbour by the traditional Maltese boat called a dghajsa (pronounced "dye-sa"). It’s a great way to see some of the sights!

Carnival: February is carnival time in Malta, with five colourful days of lively parades, fantastic costumes, and dancing in the streets of Valletta. The fun continues after dark at the island’s nightlife hotspots, such as St Julian’s.

Holy Week and Easter: Expect religious processions and plenty of feasting in the days around Easter. The sombre feel of Holy Week (including Maundy Thursday’s tradition of praying in seven churches) is replaced with celebrations on Easter Day.

Festa: Summer’s the time for a big party! Every village and town celebrates its own patron saint’s day with a ‘festa’; another excuse for music, dancing and fireworks. They kick off in the last week of April with the feast of St Publius in Floriana.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, you will need a passport to travel to Malta. Make sure you don’t get caught out by the EU rule changes since Brexit! For a start, everyone on your booking will need to check the validity carefully. You can find all the info you need about Malta passport requirements on the FCDO website.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens going on holiday to Malta don’t need a visa. If you’re unsure whether or not this applies to you, it’s best to check with the Maltese High Commission.

For more Malta visa information, read the current travel advice from the UK government website.

Should I get travel health insurance?

It’s always best to have comprehensive health and travel insurance for any holiday, including to Malta. For starters, your insurance should cover the cost of emergency medical treatment if you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, but check your policy before you travel so you’re clear on what is and what isn’t covered.

We also recommend checking whether or not your insurance will cover you for any activities you’re planning for your holiday, especially any ‘extreme’ sports such as diving or caving. It’s definitely worth upgrading your cover if they’re not included, as any accidents could result in expensive treatment or even the costs of getting you home.