r/malta • • Apr 27 '25

Visiting Malta? Start here.

478 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

214 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 • • 7h ago

Well the budget is not great..

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27 Upvotes

"Introducing the fuck tncs act of 2026- where nobody really benefits but we fuck over the foreigners at least."


r/malta • • 7h ago

Budget 2027

32 Upvotes

Clyde going hard after TCN and tourists:

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.


r/malta • • 4h ago

Malta TCN's are basically going to start becoming modern day slavery

15 Upvotes

33 euro a month for public transport, 90 euro a month if they have a car, 10 euro a day if they live in a hotel or an AirBnb, paying for child care they cannot even use, all on a 1000 euro wage.

I think the European Union will intervene at some point cause those conditions are tremendous.


r/malta • • 6h ago

Can TCNs realistically strike and stop working?

16 Upvotes

I am looking a lot of Facebook posts inciting some kind of TCN-led strike to show how Malta is without them. Can it actually happen??


r/malta • • 9h ago

Familiar?

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25 Upvotes

r/malta • • 7h ago

The budget so far: TCNs will no longer get free public transport or free childcare, must pay a €400/year "infrastructure contribution fee" and €83/month to drive a car. Did the government go too hard on TCNs, or was this a necessary measure?

14 Upvotes

r/malta • • 13h ago

Why is there so much hatred towards foreigners and immigrants? Genuinely asking.

35 Upvotes

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.


r/malta • • 10h ago

Video imtella minn Liam Cutajar "Dropship GURU" (Scam Alert)

18 Upvotes

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.

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"

Dejjem nistidnek tikuntajani fuq [978345097@protonmail.com](mailto:978345097@protonmail.com)

Kull ma sibt minghndek huma videos u ritratti bil-Malti TIBULXITJA u Website bla informazjoni ta xejn.

Fl'Ahhar mil-ahhar jien miniex student tieghek u nista nigi naqa u inqum izda inhoss li ghandi dmir niftah ghajnejn dik il-persuna ghamja.

TIFIRMAWX KUNTRATTI U TATUHX FLUS MINGHAJR MA TIEHDU PARIR MINGHAD PERSUNI LI TAFDAW.

Liam tibqax tibni kastelli fl-arja lin-nies vulnerabbli.

Link tal-video li tella Liam the "DROPSHIP GURU" - https://streamable.com/xr4qgk

Link tal-post li tellajt fuq Reddit 23/10/26 dwar Liam Cutajar -https://www.reddit.com/r/malta/comments/1xd4vwy/comment/19rog5o5q41xd/

Youtube videos about "DROPSHIP GURUS" scam.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dropshipping+gurus+exposed

Facebook qedin iwaqfulu Advertisment


r/malta • • 4h ago

Is this a start to tackling our overpopulation? Doubt

5 Upvotes

Can't this be a way to start tackling our overpopulation? TCN's start seeing it as financially impossible to continue living here or for new TCN's to come and continue to aid in our plight.

My worry is that these people will be so desperate that they continue to live here under such degrading conditions so this 'solution' will only reduce their quality of life whilst increasing Governmental coffers.

Whislt I'm sure the increase in these taxes will help locals economy (assuming good governance of those finances lol), I'm worried that the real issue (our already poor infrastructure being decimated by overpopulation) will not be tackled.

Having said all this, I highly doubt this labour government is about to genuinely start dismantling the same capitalistic machine it put in place. Maybe that's just me being pessimistic. I do feel for the TCNs who this government brought here in the first place and is now throwing them under the bus. Tourists should have been taxed much higher imo


r/malta • • 14h ago

Rabat guitar guy.

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21 Upvotes

Just in case you're here or someone knows you.


r/malta • • 2h ago

“Malta First” Budget

1 Upvotes

What are TCNs complaining about?


r/malta • • 18h ago

King Corrupto and the blame game. Joseph Muscat.

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12 Upvotes

Can't be more right on this article.


r/malta • • 13h ago

Tahsbu li l public services f Malta disastru? Jobs Plus, TM, Identity, Public Health etc..

7 Upvotes

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.

Xtahsbu?


r/malta • • 18h ago

Something to keep in mind about this €33 a month bus fee for TCNs, the government is still subsidising your transportation...

12 Upvotes

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.


r/malta • • 15h ago

Malta needs new, and more, magistrates

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9 Upvotes

r/malta • • 5h ago

Are 4-5 too much for Malta?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys! So a few of my friends and I are trying to plan a trip for mid/late July and we can't decide if Malta is actually the ideal destination.

We're all students so money is tight, especially since everything gets so much pricier in July everywhere. We don't care at all about anything fancy, just want somewhere cool where we can hang out for like 4-5 days without spending a fortune. If anyone knows roughly how much a day costs there in summer (food, getting around etc) that'd be super helpful honestly.

We've been leaning towards Malta for a while now but still have some doubts so wanted to ask people who've actually been. We're the type that likes walking around cities, checking out old streets and history and all that, not really a "lay on the beach all day" kind of group. Though if there are beaches actually worth going to we wouldn't mind chilling for a bit, and not sure if it's worth doing a day trip to Gozo too? Also since it's just us girls, feeling safe at night matters a lot to us, so if anyone has thoughts on where to stay that's both nice and safe (Valletta? Sliema? St Julian's?) please let us know.

Basically just wondering if 4-5 days are too much for Malta and how to make it worth the trip. I'm open for any tips/experiences of this type.

FOR THE MODS: Feel free to remove this if it violates some rule! :)


r/malta • • 19h ago

Finding friends 20+

11 Upvotes

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?


r/malta • • 1d ago

“Serbia's Vučić concedes election defeat to student-led protest movement”. Belgrade 2026, Valletta 2027. Possible in Malta’s electoral system if the youth/progressives band together with the goal of expelling the corrupt politicians of the two-party system and ousting the current government.

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25 Upvotes

What do you think? Cue the apathetic boomers in 3,2,1…


r/malta • • 17h ago

Good ironmongery

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4 Upvotes

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.


r/malta • • 1d ago

Taqblu li dan il gvern mohhu fil penzjonanti? Qisu l penzjonanti biss jejxu f dan l pajjiz.

21 Upvotes

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 🤦


r/malta • • 19h ago

Perit tal-gvern and a hefty tax bill

4 Upvotes

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?


r/malta • • 14h ago

iScooter iF1

1 Upvotes

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


r/malta • • 18h ago

Malta Premier League merch

2 Upvotes

Where in Valletta or Sliema I can find local football clubs’ merch?