How to Plan a Trip to Malta
Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA) and base yourself in the Sliema or Valletta area to minimize transit times. Spend at least 5 days to cover the main island's history and take a ferry to Gozo for a slower pace.
- Choose your base. Stay in Valletta for walkability and history, or Sliema/St. Julian's for better public transport connections and nightlife. Avoid Mellieħa if you want to be near the cultural sites, as it adds 45 minutes to every bus trip.
- Master the bus system. Download the Tallinja app. Buy a 'Tallinja Explore' 7-day card for €21; it gives you unlimited bus travel. Do not rely on taxis as they are expensive and traffic in the Valletta bottleneck is constant.
- Plan your ferry crossings. Take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo (Mgarr). It runs every 45 minutes. You only pay on the return leg from Gozo. If you want to visit Comino, book a small boat from Cirkewwa or Marfa, not the large tourist cruisers.
- Time your site visits. Visit Mdina at sunrise or after 6:00 PM to avoid the massive day-tour crowds. Go to the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum only if you have booked tickets online at least 3 months in advance—they sell out instantly.
- Do I need to rent a car?
- No. Driving in Malta is chaotic, parking is scarce, and the bus system reaches almost every corner of the island efficiently.
- Is English widely spoken?
- Yes, English is one of the two official languages of Malta. You will have no communication issues.