Malta: Tourist & Vacation Guide

Country's codes

International phone code for Malta: +356

Standard ISO 3166-1:

3 letters: MLT

2 letters (internet domain): .MT

Digital country code: 470

Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 535

Olympic country code: MLT

FIFA code: MLT

🇲🇹 Malta Travel Guide

🇲🇹 Malta is a sun-drenched Mediterranean gem, blending prehistoric temples, Crusader history, and vibrant azure waters. From the fortified capital Valletta to the legendary Blue Lagoon, it offers a unique mix of ancient mystery, Baroque grandeur, and seaside relaxation.

🌍 RegionSouthern Europe (Mediterranean Sea)

⭐ Famous forPrehistoric temples, diving spots, crystal lagoons

📅 Best time to visitApril – June & September – October (pleasant weather, fewer crowds)

💰 CurrencyEuro (EUR)

  ✨ Why visit Malta?

  Malta offers an extraordinary density of history, with megalithic temples older than the pyramids, stunning coastal cliffs, and some of the world’s best wreck diving. Enjoy island-hopping by ferry, explore silent cities like Mdina, and experience a unique blend of Sicilian, British, and Arab influences.

Top Attractions in Malta

🏛️ St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

A Baroque masterpiece with a surprisingly plain exterior hiding a lavish interior, including Caravaggio’s largest painting and the famous marble floor of tombs.

🌊 Blue Lagoon, Comino

A dazzling bay with shimmering turquoise water and white sandy bottom — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

🏯 Mdina (The Silent City)

The ancient former capital, a fortified hilltop town of narrow, silent streets, Baroque palaces, and panoramic island views.

🏺 Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples

Megalithic temple complexes dating back to 3600 BC — among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth.

Best Places to Visit

🏰 Valletta – Fortress capital, a UNESCO site full of palaces and churches.
🐟 Marsaxlokk – Traditional fishing village with colorful luzzu boats and Sunday fish market.
⛵ Gozo – Rural sister island with the Ġgantija Temples and the iconic Azure Window site.
💧 Blue Grotto – A series of sea caves with spectacular reflective waters.
📜 Vittoriosa (Birgu) – Heart of the Knights of St. John, with fortified docks and medieval alleys.

  💡 Travel Tip: Public buses connect the entire archipelago, but for flexibility, rent a scooter or car (they drive on the left, UK style). Ferries to Gozo and Comino are frequent and affordable.

Things to Do in Malta

Dive or snorkel in the Blue Lagoon and explore underwater caves and wrecks.
Take a guided tour of the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni (book weeks in advance).
Ride a dgħajsa (traditional gondola) across Marsamxett Harbour to the Three Cities.
Enjoy Maltese cuisine: Stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew), pastizzi (ricotta pastries), and ħobż biż-żejt (Maltese bread with tomatoes and olive oil).
Watch sunset from the Dingli Cliffs, the highest point of the islands.

🍽️ Local Experience: Maltese food is a rustic Mediterranean delight. Try aljotta (garlic-fish soup), timpana (baked pasta pie), and sip a glass of local Kinnie (a bitter-orange soft drink) with a pastizz.

Travel Tips for Visitors

☀️ Summers are hot and dry — perfect for beaches; winters are mild with occasional rain.
🚢 Island hopping is easy by ferry – Gozo is quieter, Comino is tiny but stunning.
💳 Cards are widely accepted, but keep euros for small cafés and markets.
🏛️ Respect religious sites – churches are numerous and often open for visits (cover shoulders/knees).

📌 Useful Country Information

Quick Facts

Total area: 122 sq mi (316 sq km)

Population (2023 est.): ~563,000

Capital: Valletta (~6,000, metro ~480,000)

🇲🇹 Valletta: Capital City Profile

Other major cities: Birkirkara, Mosta, Qormi, Żabbar

Currency: Euro (EUR)

CurrencyRate

National name: Repubblika ta’ Malta

Language: Maltese (official), English (official)

Ethnicity/race: Maltese 95.3%, British 1.6%, other 3.1%

Religions: Roman Catholic 82.6%, Orthodox 3.6%, Muslim 3.4%, other/none 10.4%

National Holiday: September 21, Independence Day (from the UK, 1964).

Background

🇲🇹 Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean, known for its strategic naval position, prehistoric temples, and resilient Catholic culture. The islands have been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of St. John, the French, and the British.
⚔️ The Knights of Malta defended Christendom from the Ottoman Empire during the Great Siege of 1565, after which they built Valletta as a “city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
🏝️ Today, Malta is a sunny, safe, and English-speaking EU member state, famous for film locations (including “Gladiator” and “Game of Thrones”), excellent diving, and a vibrant nightlife in Paceville.
🇪🇺 Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008, maintaining a strong economy based on tourism, financial services, and digital gaming.