Malta Travel Guide

A speck in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has been coveted by civilizations for centuries. Today, its fortified cities, azure waters, picturesque villages, and vibrant culture continue to captivate travellers, providing a unique blend of history, sunshine, and unforgettable experiences. Yield to the charms of Malta!

Useful information

Official language(s)

Maltese and English are Malta’s official languages, and both are spoken throughout the country.  

Flight duration

Direct flight: no direct flights from Quebec  
Connecting flight: 11h to 17h (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Malta time zone: UTC+1 
6h ahead of Quebec (EST) 
6h ahead of Quebec (EDT) 

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. It is still recommended to carry some cash for small businesses, markets, local cafés, buses, and everyday expenses.

Tips

In Malta, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5% to 10% if service is not already included. In cafés and bars, it is common to round up the bill or leave a few euros. For taxis, guides, or drivers, a small tip is also appreciated, depending on the quality of service received.

Safety

Malta  is  a  safe  destination  for  travellers.  It  is  recommended  to  take  the  usual  security  precautions  in  busy  areas.  Along  the  coast,  be  sure  to  pay  attention  to  posted  signs  and  local  instructions,  as  swimming  conditions  can  change  quickly.  Because  traffic  drives  on  the  left,  extra  caution  is  recommended  when  crossing  the  street. 

Before  any  foreign  trip, visit  the  Government  of  Canada’s  Malta  Travel  Advice  page  to  find  out  about  the  current  situation  in  the  country. 

  • Great landscape diversity, including coves, cliffs, lagoons, turquoise waters, and golden beaches.
  • More than 300 days of sunshine a year and pleasant temperatures year-round.
  • Easy to explore thanks to Malta’s small size and short distances between sites.

Keep in mind

  • Public transportation is not always on time; delays are to be expected.
  • Traffic drives on the left, which can take some getting used to.
Top pick

“Malta is a destination well worth discovering for the richness of its culture, the beauty of its landscapes, and the warmth of its people. A real gem!”

Marc St-OngeTravel Counsellor, Laval Travel Centre

Herbed Ricotta & Duck Confit Pastizzi

A true emblem of Malta, the pastizzi is elevated here with tender shredded duck confit. Beneath its golden, crispy pastry lies a creamy heart of herbed ricotta and bright citrus zest. A sunny bite that transports your senses straight to the shores of the Mediterranean! (Video in French only)

Good to know

  • Many movies and television series have been shot in Malta, including World War Z, Midnight Express, Game of Thrones, Assassin’s Creed, and Alexander.
  • Malta has relatively few sandy beaches. Instead, you will mostly find rocky coves and pebble beaches.
  • Natural sites are especially pleasant to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is at its best and temperatures are milder.

Frequently asked questions

Malta can be visited year-round, but the best times are generally from May to June and from September to October. The weather is sunny and pleasant (20°C to 28°C), making it ideal for exploring Valletta, visiting historic sites, and enjoying the sea without the summer crowds. From June to September, swimming is at its best, with warm, calm waters. July and August are livelier, but also busier and very hot (28°C to 35°C). Winter is cooler and quieter, making it well suited to cultural visits.

The bus is a practical and affordable way to get around Malta. The network offers frequent service, but it is not always on time and delays are common, so it is best to allow for some flexibility when travelling. Ferries, which also run frequently, are very useful for reaching Gozo, Comino, or the Three Cities. A car offers more freedom, but traffic can be heavy in some areas and driving is on the left.  

7 to 10 days.

This is an ideal time frame to discover Malta at a pleasant pace. It allows visitors to explore Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Gozo, and Comino while also enjoying the beaches, turquoise waters, historic sites, and Mediterranean atmosphere of the archipelago.

  • Malta Carnival, in late February or early March, mainly in Valletta and Gozo. Colourful floats, extravagant costumes, and performances bring the archipelago to life in a festive and creative atmosphere.
  • Isle of MTV, in July, in Floriana, near Valletta. This highly popular, free festival showcases pop, dance, and electronic music, along with leading international music trends, in a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
  • The festas, throughout the summer, in many villages across Malta and Gozo. These traditional celebrations combine processions, brass bands, decorations, and fireworks in a distinctly Maltese atmosphere, usually from Friday at noon to Sunday evening. One of the most popular is the Festa of Santa Marija.
  • Malta International Jazz Festival, in July, in Valletta. A well-loved event known for its waterfront setting, high-quality lineup of artists, and intimate atmosphere.
  • Notte Bianca, on the first Saturday in October, in Valletta. During this all-night celebration, the capital comes alive with concerts, exhibitions, and artistic performances in its streets, palaces, and heritage sites.