r/malta Apr 27 '25

Visiting Malta? Start here.

443 Upvotes

Hey /r/malta, I've been meaning to put this together for a while because in my many years on this subreddit, I've noticed it seems to get more of the same questions and answers almost daily in summer, so hopefully this could be a good starting point for potential visitors to read and ask questions. I'll update this from time to time with more information.

Where to Stay

  • Families & Elderly: Mellieha offers large sandy beaches, family‑friendly resorts, and quieter areas perfect for children. Bugibba is more lively, with a promenade, an aquarium, and lots of casual dining options suitable for families.
  • Young travellers: Sliema & St Julian's are ideal if you want a mix of shopping, cafes, beach clubs, and nightlife. Both cater well to those looking for bars and clubs within walking distance. Loads of AirBnbs are Hotels available.
  • Scenic & quiet: Gozo is perfect for a slower pace, beautiful landscapes, and authentic rural experiences.
  • LGBT travellers: Malta is among Europe's most LGBT‑friendly countries, with strong legal protections and a welcoming attitude. Sliema, St Julian's, and Valletta are particularly inclusive.

Things to Do

If you have 1-2 days

  • Walk through Valletta: St John's Co‑Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, Republic Street.
  • Visit Mdina & Rabat: explore the Silent City and nearby Roman catacombs.
  • Beach day: choose Mellieħa Bay (sand) or the Sliema promenade (rocky).

If you have 3-5 days

  • Add a day‑trip to Gozo: Citadel in Victoria, Dwejra Bay, Ramla Bay.
  • Afternoon at the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk fishing village (Sunday is the best day to go for the fish market)
  • Take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon (Comino) or a coastal cruise around Malta.

If you have a week or more

  • Explore all three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
  • Attend a village festa (fireworks & band marches) in summer.
  • Check VisitMalta.com for concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

Travel‑length tip: 7-10 days is ideal. Beyond that, plan slow travel, multiple excursions, or cross‑island hiking to avoid repetition.


Events & Public Holidays

  • Carnival: February - street parades & floats (Valletta & Nadur).
  • Isle of MTV: one night in summer - free open‑air concert.
  • Notte Bianca: first Saturday of October (I think) - museums & palaces would be open all night.
  • Birgufest: around mid‑October - lantern‑lit streets in Vittoriosa.
  • Almost every weekend June - September a different town holds a festa with huge fireworks displays throughout the day and night. You can find the 2025 schedule here, although it's typically around the same week every year.

What to Eat

  • Rabbit Stew, Fried Rabbit: National dish, usually served in a rich red wine sauce.
  • Pastizzi: Flaky pastries stuffed with ricotta or mushy peas. Generally available at cafes or pastizzerias in the street.
  • Bragioli: Beef olives stuffed with minced meat and herbs.
  • Ftira: Traditional Maltese bread often filled with tuna, capers, and olives.
  • Lampuki Pie: Seasonal fish pie made from dorado.
  • Imqaret: Fried pastry filled with dates, often sold at markets.
  • Kannoli: Maltese version of the Sicilian cannoli.
  • Bigilla: Broad bean paste, typically served with bread or crackers.
  • Seafood: Fresh catches, especially swordfish, octopus, and calamari.
  • Gozo Cheeselets (Ġbejniet): Small round cheeses made from sheep's milk, fresh or dried.
  • Local wine and Cisk beer: Affordable and widely available.

Transport, Driving & Ferries

  • Buses: download the Tallinja app; summer services run but expect delays.
  • Ride‑hailing: Uber, Bolt, eCabs (cheaper than white street taxis).
  • Car hire: useful for Gozo or rural Malta. Book a small model if you can - streets are narrow and parking is scarce.
  • Scooters & motorbikes: only for confident riders; roads are bumpy and drivers can be very impatient.
  • Cycling: Reputably unsafe, but not impossible. Expect limited bike lanes, fast traffic, blind corners.
  • Harbour ferries: Valletta ⇆ Sliema & Valletta ⇆ Three Cities every 30 min (€1.50).
  • Gozo Channel: Cirkewwa ⇆ Mgarr every 30–45 min; pay on return (€4.65 foot passenger).
  • Comino shuttles & coastal cruises: depart from Cirkewwa, Marfa, and Sliema – pre‑book July–Aug.

Weather

Period Conditions What to Wear Swim?
Jan – Mar 10–17 °C, windy, showers Light jacket, jeans, layers Rarely
Apr – Jun 18–27 °C, warming T‑shirts, shorts, light jacket evenings Yes
Jul – Aug 30–40 °C, humid Swimwear, hat, ultra‑light clothing Yes
Sep – Oct 25–30 °C, warm, humid Summer clothes, light jacket at night Yes
Nov – Dec 12–20 °C, cooler, rain spells Light sweater, trousers Rarely

Mosquitoes are common, especially in humid months (April-October). Consider insect repellent, especially when staying near water or rural areas.


Money

  • Euro (€). Cards widely accepted but smaller kiosks prefer cash; many set a €5-10 minimum charge.
  • ATMs
  • Tipping: round up or ~10 % in restaurants; €1 per drink at bars is generous but not mandatory.

Sample daily costs (2025): espresso €1.50 · pint of beer €3 · bus fare €2.50 (summer) · Lunch / dinner €15 - €30.


Language

  • Maltese & English are official; Italian is also common.

Safety & Emergency

  • Malta is very safe; usual basic pickpocket caution in Valletta, Sliema & Paceville.
  • Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire.
  • Hospitals: Mater Dei (Malta) & Gozo General; both public and modern.
  • Pharmacies in every town - newspapers will typically mention which are open over the weekends.

Outdoor & Adventure

  • Hiking
  • Kayaking/SUP
  • Rock‑climbing
  • Diving centres

Church Visits & Mass Schedules

  • Malta has over 350 churches, many of them historic and open to visitors outside of service times.
  • Major sites include St John's Co‑Cathedral (Valletta), Mosta Rotunda, and the Basilica of Ta' Pinu (Gozo).
  • For visitors wishing to attend Mass, you can find updated schedules on the official Archdiocese of Malta website.
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).

Things to Do with Kids

  • Popeye Village (Mellieħa) - film set amusement park.
  • Malta National Aquarium (Qawra).
  • Playmobil FunPark.
  • Splash & Fun Water Park (Bahar ic‑Caghaq).
  • Esplora Interactive Science Centre (Kalkara).
  • National War Museum – Fort St Elmo (Valletta).
  • Easy beach days: Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay.

Always pack high‑SPF sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, especially in peak summer.


Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Ta’ Qali Crafts Village: hand‑blown Mdina glass, filigree silver.
  • Valletta markets: Flea markets (i.e. monti) (Sunday).
  • Marsaxlokk fish market: Sunday morning for atmosphere & photos.

Connectivity & Utilities

  • Tap water is safe but mineral‑heavy; most people drink bottled.
  • Electricity: UK Type G, 230 V – pack an adaptor.
  • Public Wi‑Fi exists in main squares but is patchy.

Accessibility

  • Majority of buses low‑floor; pavements in historic centres are narrow and uneven.
  • Valletta, Sliema promenade, and Bugibba promenade are the flattest wheelchair routes.

Nightlife

  • Party: Paceville (St Julian's) - clubs & late bars, some charge enterance fees; Gianpula Village for open-air parties (limits transport, so book taxis).
  • Chill: Valletta for wine bars and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Observe local noise laws after 23:00, especially in residential Valletta.

Etiquette & Local Laws

  • No topless/beachwear in towns.
  • Smoking banned indoors and at bus shelters.
  • Public street drinking technically illegal outside designated zones (often tolerated, but police may warn/fine in Valletta after 23:00).
  • Dispose of rubbish properly; recycling bins are colour‑coded.
  • Respect churches and heritage sites - cover shoulders & knees when required.
  • Cannabis: Adults 18+ may possess up to 7 g and grow up to four plants at home. Licensed non‑profit Cannabis Associations (clubs) are the only legal supply route and currently require Maltese residency to join, so visitors cannot buy legally. Importing cannabis across borders is illegal.

What the Brochures won't tell you

  • Construction: Malta is undergoing rapid development - which means cranes, dust, and jackhammers in most places, especially in Sliema, St Julian's & Gżira.
  • Traffic: heaviest 07:00-09:00 & 16:00-19:00. Consider allowing some extra time for the airport.
  • Limited green space: Malta is beautiful but densely built. For open countryside, head to the western cliffs, Ghajn Tuffieha, Ahrax, or Gozo.
  • Fireworks: Loud explosions are common in summer due to local village festas. Fireworks frequently occur during both day and night. Check local festa schedules if you're sensitive to noise.
  • Powercuts / Blackouts: Rare throughout winter, but quite common in Summer. Visit Enemalta's website to see if the cut is planned or an accident.

Any other questions? Feel free to drop below or create a thread. Happy visiting!


r/malta Feb 01 '22

Weed use/ possession FAQ

210 Upvotes

Please read the below before submitting weed related questions.

1) weed can only be purchased from registered cannabis organisations.

2) to purchase weed from an organisation as outlined above, one must be a registered member/ user. Associations will be capped at 500 members and preference is given to residents. One may only belong to one organisation at any given time and must be over the age of 18

3) by virtue of the above, the law clearly focuses on legalising it for residents. This means that since the law is equal for everyone, including tourists it is going to be very difficult for the latter to join such an organisation.

4) weed consumption in public remains an offence. Carrying over 7 g in public and owning more than 50 g are also a offence.

5) weed coffee shops do not exist, nor are they part of the plan. Weed tourism is not on the table.

6) purchasing off street dealers is and remains illegal

7) up to 4 plants can be grown for personal use as long as they are not visible from outside

8) weed related questions answered above are to be janitored

9) as always, any "where can I buy illegal substance x" posts are janitored on sight.

By popular request and with special thanks to /u/mountainblock for the initiative.


r/malta 10h ago

Massive shout out to James Ryder

58 Upvotes

€25K (and counting!) raised to buy a generator for abandoned and/or sickly cats. And in less than 24 hours.

Seeing this generosity coming from people with a platform whilst others shirk off responsibility genuinely bumped up my faith in humankind. Gigantic kudos to James and all who donated ❤️


r/malta 9h ago

Why people here ALMOST NEVER use indicators on roundabouts???

22 Upvotes

Seriously, USE THEM! ↔️

And it's not only on roundabouts! People just stop in front of you and aggressively turn.

It's annoying having to guess where the car is going, and even dangerous. Why such a laziness/negligence??


r/malta 7h ago

Has everyone gotten their electricity back?

15 Upvotes

Saint Paul’s bay on the 35hr of no electricity, this is brutal, all items in the fridge and freezer went bad, no electricity to charge phones, everybody in our block is getting less than 5hrs of sleep with this heat and it’s horrible. Surely this can’t be safe.

Honestly at this point the government can keep their compensation fee, health is more important and this is horrible, they should stop hotels from accessing the general power and use their generators, and maybe urge those with solar to use it if possible.

Now the issue is, when this doesn’t affect your you overlock this, you may scroll past such a post and not really care, but when it does affect you, like it is right now, it’s horrible and that’s only how one can understand the feeling of it, and by no means do I wish anybody to experience this.

The worst part is that many places in St Paul’s already have it back on apart from some streets. Do they just not care about us? Ene Malta has their map of outages down at the moment, their site just returns CSS and their call support team just says the same exact script each time, they ask some information to make it seem they are helping, but at the end just tell you to wait. Hey at least if they said like we have scheduled works at x time on your road, at least it would be more relieving, but who knows how long this will last, could be weeks.

And worst of all is that St Paul’s never showed up as an outage on their map, and same goes for other regions, I have a strong feeling that they simply hide all their real outages and just show one that is soon going to be fixed and post it. I spoke with many different people experiencing similar outages yesterday and around 2hrs of being displayed on their map, it was resolved, not the case for St Paul’s bay. Had their map showed all outages, it would be all red and that would cause the public to panic, so I’m sure at this point they are hiding it not to show the reality of it.

Again, we don’t need their compensation, what is that going to do, but some groceries again if even. But health is way way more important and we need something NOW, now weeks or months later. Later people might forget how bad this all was and be happy with a lower compensation, where as if the same compensation would be given now, people would be mad.

Personal suggestions for fixes:

  • large hotels switch to solar or generators, they have the funds and space for this, so what’s the issue here, during these peaks might as well use them

  • find, keep it off during the day, but at least at night, when people need to rest, allow some for AC, people won’t be using as many devices such as TVs at night, and at least you protect the health and let people rest, and also cables won’t get AS hot; why they won’t do this, well because probably they prefer working at night, and I don’t blame them, but we are over 35hrs with no electricity and at this point they either forgot or gave up…


r/malta 12h ago

[ToM] How???? Explain to me how tf this shit show caught enemalta by surprise

24 Upvotes

Article

Booming economy, increase in population over the years and to boot 3 years ago the same thing happened.

What in the everlasting fuck have they been doing. Not fit for the position they hold (yes including minister). My god the incompetence.

Then there are the PN. These absolute twats are shouting for compensation - fuck off and fix the damn problem, stop trying to make yourself look good. Stop opposing and actually do something for the good of the people. I don't know how i don't claim to be an expert in this field but im sure both sides have their so called experts (fml).

A genuine shout out to the enemalta people out playing whack a mole in this heat.


r/malta 6h ago

I created a site that might be useful during the current electricity crisis

Thumbnail dlam.mt
9 Upvotes

Hey, I put this together a few days ago with the initial aim of giving users an easier way to keep up with the current electricity supply challenges. At first I relied on the official Enemalta feed for unplanned and planned outages. It soon became clear that for some reason many outages were not being mapped on the Enemalta site, so I added functionality that allows users to submit reports about ongoing disruptions.

I hope it's useful, feedback and requests for improvements and/or features welcome.


r/malta 12h ago

Il-Partit Libarista hexa lil Malta.

19 Upvotes

Tghid x'tghid, jekk izzomm ma' partit politiku u tiddefendih akkost ta' kollox, anke meta hu korrot, inkompetenti jew hazin int liba, u haqqek min jghajrek Libarista.


r/malta 33m ago

Malta: The whole Island should be a UNESCO World Heritage site and its being DESTROYED.

Upvotes

Hi everyone,

For some background, my Grandmother is Maltese and my dad was born there so I feel very connected to Malta, especially growing up hearing my Grandmas fond memories as a child (even though it was during WW2 and they were being obliterated by the Nazis - she still remembers it so beautifully). For this reason I do have a sense of strong Maltese pride despite being born in Australia.

I always thought I'd end up relocating to Malta permanently, now I have recruiters telling me not to bother as it's so overcrowded . Which feels extremely unfair given I have Maltese heritage. Now I just feel like another expat coming to make locals lives hell.

I was absolutely shocked the Maltese people voted in the same government again recently who are doing this to the Island. I think they want to turn it into Hong Kong or Dubai something. It's a disgrace. The whole Island should be a Unesco World Heritage site and its being DESTROYED.

The history of Malta has a substantial historical relevance to the entire western and even Arab world and it needs to be preserved. I don't understand how the leaders of the country can do that to their place of heritage without a thought about what is being lost. It makes me want to cry.


r/malta 13h ago

Rewwixta?

21 Upvotes

Hello Malta meta se tqumu minn fuq il loki u tifthu ghajnejkom??

Hi Malta when tf are you going to wake up and open your eyes??

Malta is a narcissist's paradise. It's no wonder the island attracts literal shit from all over the world when the locals act like goats, getting wasted and treating politics like a football match🙈😂


r/malta 19h ago

PROSIT MINESTRA 🍋🍋🍋

Post image
45 Upvotes

r/malta 11h ago

A user friendly and accurate rental site which is free

Post image
10 Upvotes

Hi everyone. We're a small team behind MyRent.mt, a site built to reach people from other countries who are planning their move to Malta and already searching for a place.

I'm posting because we receive a good number of apartment requests from abroad (emails and texts from people actively looking), but we don't have enough listings to match them. So if you're a landlord or agent with a property that may be harder to sell here on Facebook, you're welcome to put it on MyRent.mt too.

It's completely free, your clients don't need to register for anything, and you can promote your agency or private business at no cost. Add your contact number and that's it.

We are open for any suggestion and feedback. We are trying to keep this website as transparent and feedback friendly.


r/malta 1h ago

A TCN IN MALTA WANTS TO STUDY PART TIME.

Upvotes

Hi! I am a tnc living in malta with a single work permit for 2 years. I wanted to study a course in Mcast just a short course. I was wondering if I can study here for free? is there any way please? thanks!


r/malta 8h ago

Low voltage problem

3 Upvotes

Writing here to see if anyone went through a similar situation. I’ve recently purchased property and the power went out in the area last night.

Went to check out the property today and the voltage was either above 200 or dropping to 5 in a few seconds. After switching off the main so as to not fry my appliances I contacted both enemalta and the previous owner about the issue.

The owner has no recollection of the voltage ever playing up this badly, enemalta confirmed that there is a known voltage problem in my area and they’re working on it.

Has anyone gone through anything similar and managed to solve it please? I’m not expecting miracles, especially in these terrible conditions we’re currently in, but I’m worried that this issue will never be properly addressed, resulting in damage to my property. Would appreciate any tips from anyone who has gone through something similar, or suggestions on how to push for this issue to be resolved.

I would also like to thank the enemalta workers who I’m sure are working tirelessly to get electricity back to localities. It’s overall very worrying that the government (irrelevant of which party is in power) did not intervene with extra measures during the colder months to ensure to the best of their ability that this would not happen again.


r/malta 3h ago

I need a apartment or a house for 2 people me and my friend we need 2 separate rooms near st Julian’s for under 1000 euros

0 Upvotes

We’re international students coming to do our studies in Malta the only issue we have left is the place we searched on sites and web etc even the university accommodation isn’t available we need to fly by September could you all plz help to find a place with such specification and we’re looking for friends in the age range of 20 and above. Thanks for reading help us out.


r/malta 7h ago

What would it take for Malta to really fix the distribution problems?

2 Upvotes

Ok so let’s for the sake of this argument imagine that this incomplete bunch is replaced by honest people who knew what they’re doing. They foresee that with the population growth and climate change the electricity problem is going to keep getting worse and worse.

Supply aside, what would they have to do to improve the distribution? Does it involve digging up all the roads and changing/increasing cables over who knows how many years? Is there a better way that would cause less disruption?


r/malta 12h ago

Research about mental health services in Malta

5 Upvotes

Hi, I'm Kay, a lecturer/ researcher at the University of Malta. I'm currently carrying out research on the experiences of people accessing mental health services in Malta (via a GP, psychiatrist, NGO, hospital etc) - ideally in the past 3 years. If you've gone through the process and feel okay to share your thoughts and experiences, please consider taking part in my study - it involves in an interview with me.. I'm looking to talk to as many people as possible to identify gaps/needs and how we can improve it. If you're interested, please dm me or send an email to [email protected].. Cheers 😊


r/malta 16h ago

Is it normal to find the worst customer service in every office of Epic? Even for a question, always bad attitude!

10 Upvotes

r/malta 21h ago

Id this national emergency (energy crisises)

24 Upvotes

I was thinking how after national disasters governments around the world provide for basic needs. I didn't sleep for two nights, I'm overheating, it seems I'm on a survival mode. I changed all my day to day plans, I'm becoming a danger to myself and others because of sleep deprivation.Do you think the government should provide chill areas and beds for sleeping in for example air-conditioned schools for the ones affected.


r/malta 12h ago

Water in our -1 basement

5 Upvotes

We have a garage and it has a basement below it, we are getting water coming in from the roadside where the wall meets the ground, its coming out in several places. We do not have water or electricity in the garage so not coming from us. Water Services came and took a sample and told us sewage, told us to get hold of the health department, they came and took another sample and that was 4 weeks ago now. What are we suppose to do?Who is responsible for finding out where it is coming from and repairing it? I got hold of one of those water leak companies and they said it not worth it as would have to test the entire street and will be expensive. What are we suppose to do? We want to fix up this garage and basement and turn it into something as its large and in a prime area of Sliema but cant do anything until we get it dry.


r/malta 15h ago

Cospicua

8 Upvotes

Monday, we had no internet at all in the morning thanks to Melita, then after it was fixed around 5/6pm electricity issue became around 9-10pm , was fixed around 11pm but went off again, had to sleep with no fan and lost alot of sweat which is honestly just terrible, it came back around 10;30

Then again the same day the electricity went off at 6:30pm and haven't been on since

No discount at the electricity bill at all? After all this, + all the food the is going to waste

This is unadaptable, hope we get some justice

Note, for everyone living with similar experience please do proper hydration while we survive in this type of situation, water is not enough drink sport drinks and fruits like watermelon, and eat some salt with food, coconut water and milk is also good, and mineral water is good as well


r/malta 6h ago

Setting up a Malta company as a consultant

1 Upvotes

Setting up a Malta fiscal unit as a solo non-dom ; 3 different CSPs are giving me conflicting answers

Context: EU citizen, relocating to Malta, solo consultant with a single overseas client (six-figure USD income, ~10–15 invoices/year). Planning a Malta trading company, tax resident but non-domiciled. I've gotten quotes from three different corporate service providers and their advice genuinely conflicts on a few points. Would love input from anyone who's actually done this, not just sales pitches.

  1. The big one: as a non-dom Malta tax resident who is the SOLE individual shareholder of a single Malta trading company, can I claim the 6/7 tax refund directly in my own name, with no holding company at all? Two firms strongly implied I need a holding (Malta or foreign) for the refund/dividend to be "clean" at my level; general online sources suggest non-domiciled shareholders can claim it directly. Has anyone actually done this as an individual (not through a holding) and gotten paid?

  2. If a foreign holding company IS needed, do CFC rules bite if I (as the Malta-resident, controlling individual) keep profits inside that foreign holding without distributing? One firm flagged this as a real risk, another didn't mention it at all.

  3. Audit costs for a fiscal unit (2 companies + consolidation): quotes ranged from ~2,200 EUR to 6,000 EUR for what's genuinely a tiny operation (single client, one employee, no inventory). Which is more realistic in practice?

  4. Can the 6/7 refund actually be received on a Wise/Revolut Business (or personal) account, or does the CFR require a traditional Maltese bank account?

  5. For a company incorporated in H2, does the extended first financial year (running to the following Dec 31, with tax/audit pushed out ~2 years) apply the same way to a single-company structure as it does to a fiscal unit?

  6. Real-world Identità/eResidence timelines, official guidance says ~30 working days, but has anyone experienced it dragging on much longer, and if so why (which documents tripped people up)?

Any first-hand experience appreciated — trying to cut through provider sales pitches before I commit to a structure.


r/malta 11h ago

WorldView-2 50-cm High Resolution Satellite Imagery - Geometric Agricultural Fields by Valetta, Malta

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3 Upvotes

r/malta 23h ago

Unbelievable 🤣🤣🤣

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22 Upvotes

💣‼️💥 We all know what the situation is like, and I know that some people may not agree with me, but I am simply trying to help us cope during this heatwave and the ongoing power cuts.
For families of four or six, perhaps we could try staying together in one room and switching on only one air conditioner. We can also manage without televisions for a while. At least by doing our part and using less electricity, we may help reduce pressure on the system and avoid further overloads and power cuts.
Even with street lighting, instead of switching on four lamps, perhaps only two could be used.
I do not know what else can be done, but this situation is truly depressing.
Please share so we can spread the word.

Posted this in English as well


r/malta 13h ago

Monster hunter

3 Upvotes

Anyone play any monster hunter?

Any of the newer titles, got bored of playing 100hrs on each solo. Looking for some fellow hunters!

If so dm me so we can maybe set up a discord or smthn!

Grazzi l ahwa