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).
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!
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.
We foreigners work hard, contribute to the economy, and pay our taxes. Many of us aren’t even eligible for the same benefits as citizens, yet we still do our part.
Of course, like in every community, there are a few bad apples. But why should the actions of a few define how the rest of us are treated?
Most of us are simply trying to build better lives, work honestly, and contribute positively to the countries we now call home.
So why is there so much hatred towards us?
I’m genuinely asking because I really want to understand. I’d love to hear different perspectives on this.
Liam, ma ntikx tort li taghmel video b'referenza ghall-post ta Reddit. Hija normali taghmel hekk. Fil-fatt dan huwa ezattament dak li jaghmlu hafna scammers jichdu kollox. RED FLAG kibret iktar issa.
Easy Money u Get Rich Quick mhumiex fin-natura tal-universe. Meta xi hadd iwieghdek flus facli u malajr ghandek dejjem tistaqsi x'hemm verament wara dawn il-weghdiet.
Illum il-gurnata nafu bizzejjed dawn it-tip ta nies li joqoghdu juru supercars u hajja mimlija lussu biex ovjament jimpresjonawk.
Dan qed jghid li ghamel hafna flus bid-dropshipping fi zmien qasir u qed joffri korsijiet biex jghallem lilek kif taghmel bhalu.
Imma l-mistoqsija hi semplici. Jekk qed jaghmel daqshekk flus bid-dropshipping ghalfejn ghandu bzonn ibiegh korsijiet biex jghallem lil haddiehor? Kif Liam ghamel il-miljuni fi ftit zmien bid-Dropshipping?
Ittella Videos u Ritratti fuq is-Social Media bis-supercars u l-lussu mhumiex prova ta success specjalment meta tkun qijed tghamel riklam ghal xi servizz tieghek stess. Nafu bizzejed x'jista jkun hemm wara dan it-tip ta marketing.
Wara daqxejn ta investigazjoni li ghamilt u qijed inkompli nghamel sibt hafna "RED FLAGS"
Jien cert 100% li inti Liam qed tghamel xi haga qarrieqa u mandiex dubji ta xejn li inti mintiex honest imma ejja neghju li jien zbaljat filkas mhux problema Liam Jekk inti genwin, qalbek daqsek twajba u sibt il-Golden Ratio tal-flus nistidnek tkun diplomatiku u torina il-fatti veri u mhux supercars, Dubai, HandBags, Arloggi u paroli.
Lest li jekk torini bil-fatti li verament dak li qed tghid huwa minnu u ma hemm xejn qarrieqi u illegali mhux biss inhehhi dawn il-posts izda inwassal il-kelma li inti "DROPSHIP GURU" u sibt il "GOLDEN RATIO TAL-FLUS"
Tourists staying in hotels will have to pay €8/night, capped at €64 per person. Tourists staying in a short-let rental (Airbnb or similar) must pay €10/night, capped at €80 per person. The new rates kick in on January 1, 2027.
Cruise liner tourists will also have to pay to visit Malta for the first time: There will be a €10/person fee introduced for such visitors. The fee will not apply to cruise liner passengers who board their cruise in Malta.
Tourists must pay €5 to go to Comino. Tourists will also be charged higher rates when catching the Gozo Fast Ferry (€10.50, up by €3 per passenger) or Gozo Channel (€11 per passenger, up from €4.65, or €22 for a vehicle and driver instead of €15.70).
Malta added 106,000 foreign workers in the past decade, he notes. Adult TCNs will have to pay a new €400/year fee, dubbed an “annual infrastructure contribution”. That will apply to both new applicants and those renewing their permit, and new workers applying to come to Malta will now be charged an €800 permit application fee (up from €600). There will also be increases in other Identita permit fees.
TCNs will no longer be eligible for free public transport. TCN drivers are to be charged a monthly €83 fee to keep their category B or B1 licence.
No free childcare for TCNs without long-term residency.
For people arguing about the change, I would like to point out that apart from not applying to long term residence, many can attest to the fact that before, when the bus used to cost 50 euros a month for students and would cost some 1.50 per 2 hours, it was still a loss maker.
Dejjem listess ping pong ball igibuk. Inkompetenza tal ufficjali jew abbandun fil logistika?
Ideja tieghi: Bini wiehed centrali li fkull sular jkollok dipartiment. Allinqas jekk ha tibatni dipartiment iehor bqajt flistess binja mhux trid taqsam malta.
How do people make friends not from work? I recently moved back to malta after living abroad for a bit (24F Maltese) and since I am still looking for a job, I am yearning for maltese contact from friends.
I have friends from my ex job but most are busy all the time and have their own life and it’s normal to drift off after not working together anymore.
I enjoy anime, playing games such as fortnite, working out at the gym and would really like to go to events such as Comic Con, Playcon with someone and not alone.
Where can I find similair nerdy friends at this age?
Hi, I went to my local ironmongery and also checked online at homemate, but neither has wood insert nuts. They're usually m6. I also need nice m6 brass washers and bolts, again, I can only find steel. I would take stainless, but would prefer brass.
Anyone know where I can buy these? Happy to drive anywhere, just let me know if you've bought them and know that a certain place sells them.
Thanks!
EDIT for update:
Grima Ironmongery on triq naxxar in San Gwann sells them. SS bolts though, no brass one unfortunately.
Tajjeb li zzid l penzjonijiet imma mhux meta ghandek nies ma jidkarawlekx taxxa, toqod tifrah li se taqbadhom u ma jinqasamx kollox ugwali. Skont il hardcore voters ux.
dawk li jkunu xtraw post u jaqsmuwhom bl interessi jghajdlek tajnik 1k fis sena ajdli int xz ha taghmel b 1k.
Nahseb 1k fis sena tawhom lil anzjani kemm ilhom fil gvern. U tigux tajdu li ax qabel ma kien jaghti xejn u dal bullshit ta. 2026 edin nejxu mhux fit 2000s
il malti x jaghmel imbad jghid ha niprova niftah xi haga ar rasi
Malewwel 35% taxxa u l barrani bic cicri it taxxa.
jejdlek andek l grants - burokrazija assoluta - il burokrazzija tija lil barrani mela lil malti! Kumpanija tal miljuni tiflaha l burokrazija ghax hekk biss xgholom. Kollox bil maqlub 🤦
Anyone have experience with tax bill relating purchases of property. For context got into a promise of sale few years ago. Due to serious health issues could not enter sale, issue cleared and I bought said property. Paid taxes related to the sale. Received a letter from perit tal gvern and substantially increased the value of my property because of the significant time lapse between pos and sale. Intend to appeal. Any pointers/ experiences?
I recently saw someone driving an ekick scooter model iScooter iF1. It looks sturdy and was interested in buying one. Anyone knows someone selling them in Malta or where are you ordering it from? Thanks a lot. Or a similar iScooter brand model at least. Thanks
Went to visit there today with my daughter and she discovered that if you stray from the walkway in a catacomb, you can find a path to the neighbouring catacomb. Essentially descend one catacomb and come out from a different one. Really cool experience, but probably not how they are meant to be experienced.
I recently read that free public transport may no longer be available for third-country nationals who do not have long-term residency status, while Maltese.
As a TCN living and working in Malta, this feels discriminatory to me.
I understand that the government wants to reduce public spending and that transport subsidies come at a significant cost. However, many of us work legally, pay income tax, social security contributions, VAT, rent and contribute to the Maltese economy every day.
If the goal is to encourage the use of public transport and reduce traffic congestion, shouldn't the policy apply equally to all residents using the system? 😔😔😔
Title: I'm 19 and don't know how to flirt or get a girlfriend. Any advice?
I'm a 19-year-old guy, and I don't have a problem talking to women, but I'm only good at small talk. I don't really know how to flirt or take things beyond a friendly conversation.
I'm a pretty big dude, and I'd say I have a somewhat attractive face. Some women find me attractive, others don't, and that's completely fine.
I'd like to get a girlfriend, but honestly, I don't know where to start. How do you go from casually talking to a woman to showing her you're interested in her romantically without making things awkward?
Im just gonna post my opinion here, no, it wont change anything. TCNs working in Malta will still need to go from Point A to Point B in some way, so they will still prefer paying for the bus instead of getting a car (which getting a car would be a worse alternative as it would clutter the streets even more)
