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Travel guide

Malta holidays: a travel guide for UK visitors

A sun-baked archipelago of golden stone, Knights’ fortresses and turquoise coves — Malta packs millennia of history into a compact, English-friendly Mediterranean stop.

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Why visit Malta

Few places hold so much history in so small a space. Malta sits at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, and everyone has left their mark — Phoenicians, Romans, the Knights of St John, and the British, whose legacy means English is spoken everywhere. The fortified capital, Valletta, is a UNESCO-listed gem of honey-coloured stone, while the silent former capital of Mdina and the temples of Ġgantija, older than the pyramids, lie a short drive away. Add the lazy charm of sister island Gozo, sheltered swimming coves and reliable sunshine, and Malta makes a rewarding cruise call and a relaxed short break.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) bring warm, comfortable weather ideal for sightseeing and swimming, before and after the intense heat of high summer. July and August are hot and busy, while the mild winters make Malta a pleasant year-round destination for history and walking.

Top things to do in Malta

  1. 1

    Explore fortified Valletta

    The Grand Master’s Palace, St John’s Co-Cathedral with its Caravaggio, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour make Malta’s walled capital a superb day ashore, much of it within steps of the cruise quay.

  2. 2

    Step back in time at Mdina

    The hushed, walled “Silent City” of Mdina, Malta’s medieval former capital, offers golden-stone palaces and sweeping views across the island from its ramparts — a short and atmospheric excursion.

  3. 3

    Discover Gozo and the blue coves

    A short ferry from the main island, Gozo’s temples, citadel and quiet villages, along with sheltered swimming spots like the Blue Lagoon, reward those who venture beyond Valletta.

The cheapest Malta holidays right now

Lowest lead-in prices first, from live availability. Open one for its dates, and book directly with its operator.

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Malta travel questions

Do they speak English in Malta?
Yes. English is an official language of Malta alongside Maltese and is spoken everywhere, a legacy of British rule. Signs, menus and services are all readily available in English, making it especially easy for UK travellers.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm, comfortable weather for sightseeing and swimming and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are hot and busy, while the mild winters suit history and walking holidays.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Malta?
No. UK passport holders can visit Malta without a visa for tourism and stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
What currency does Malta use?
Malta uses the Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted across the islands, though a little cash is handy for small cafés, markets and the Gozo ferry.
Do I need a travel adaptor for Malta?
No. Malta uses the same Type G three-pin sockets at 230V as the UK, another legacy of British rule, so British travellers need no adaptor.
Which side of the road does Malta drive on?
Malta drives on the left, the same as the UK — yet another British legacy. Roads are narrow and busy, so many visitors prefer taxis, buses or organised excursions to driving themselves.
Is Malta expensive to visit?
Malta offers reasonable value, generally cheaper than much of Western Europe for meals and transport. Prices rise in peak summer, but day-to-day spending stays modest, and a cruise call keeps costs contained.
How many hours ahead is Malta compared with the UK?
Malta is one hour ahead of the UK, on Central European Time, with clocks changing on the same dates so the one-hour difference holds all year.
Is Malta safe for tourists?
Malta is a safe and welcoming destination with low crime. Ordinary care with valuables in busy areas is all that is needed, and the islands are well used to visitors.
What can you see in Malta in one day from a cruise?
A day ashore comfortably covers Valletta on foot, with time for either the medieval Silent City of Mdina or a harbour cruise. Gozo is feasible with an early start, but most one-day visits focus on the main island.

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