Let me be honest: the first time I went to Malta, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I was going for a relaxing Mediterranean holiday — sunshine, beaches, and maybe a little history. But what I got was so much more.
Malta isn’t simply every other sunny island. It’s complicated, layered, complete with tiny cultural surprises that you solely notice when you forestall seeking to “sightsee” and simply begin absorbing. I’ve been back two times on the grounds of that first trip, and on every occasion, I pick up on new things.
Whilst planning your ride to Malta, it’s essential to choose the best time to go based totally on what type of experience you’re after. If you love hot beach days and lively festivals, the summer time months from June to September offer countless sunshine and vibrant local activities — even though you’ll additionally face crowds and higher fees. For a quieter, extra blissful vibe, consider traveling within the shoulder seasons (April–might also or October), while the climate remains quality, however the island is far much less busy. by means of taking a touch time to pick the pleasant time for your travel style, you’ll revel in a more non-public and fun Malta enjoy.
So if you’re planning a trip, here are 3 things I learned the hard way — and you might be glad to know before you go.
- Don’t Just “Visit” — Time It Around a Local Festa
I didn’t even know what a festa was before I went. It sounded like some kind of food market or maybe a music festival? Turns out, I was way off.
So What Is It?
A festa is a religious village feast — but calling it that doesn’t do it justice. These are huge community events with marching bands, fireworks (I mean serious fireworks), and streets so full of people that even locals take photos. You’ll see grandmas on balconies waving flags, youngsters strolling with sparklers, and the complete town sparkling under lighting and confetti.
And the best part? It’s not designed for tourists. It’s for the people who live there — which makes it feel authentic.
When and Where?
These festas happen all summer, but especially from June to September. You don’t have to go far — almost every town has one. If you can, ask your host or hotel what’s happening nearby. I stumbled into one in Zebbug, and it was wild — fireworks were going off horizontally.
➡️ My advice: Plan your trip so you’re in a small town during a festa. Skip the tourist areas that night and follow the locals.
- Don’t Waste Money on Taxis — The Bus + Ferry Combo Works Shockingly Well
Look, i get it. Taxis are tempting whilst you’re hot, worn-out, and sporting seashore tools.. But in Malta, they’ll eat your budget fast. I paid €27 for a 15-minute ride once. Never again.
Use the Tallinja Card
If you’re staying more than a couple of days, grab a Tallinja Explore Card at the airport. It’s valid for 7 days of unlimited bus rides and costs around €21. You’ll get your money’s worth in two days, easily.
And yes, the buses can get crowded. Sometimes they’re late. But if you know when to use them (avoid 8–10 AM), they’re fine — and you’ll see parts of Malta you’d miss in a cab.
But Here’s the Real Trick: The Ferries
This is one thing most tourists don’t realize. Malta’s ferry system is not just transportation — it’s an experience.
I stayed in Senglea as soon as possible and took the ferry to Valletta every morning. It cost €1.50, took 10 minutes, and the view of the town skyline from the water? Unreal. Plus, no site visitors.
➡️ Tip: In case you’re going between Sliema, Valletta, or the 3 towns, ferries are quicker, inexpensive, and more amusing than any vehicle experience.
- Go Beyond Valletta and Sliema — Visit Gozo and Mdina
You’ll hear this advice a lot: “Get off the beaten path.” But in Malta, it actually matters.
Gozo: Malta’s Sleepy Sister
Gozo isn’t fancy. It doesn’t have the nightlife of St. Julian’s or the packed beaches of Comino. however it has space, quiet, and a slower rhythm that makes you feel as you’ve stepped into any other decade.
I rented a scooter once (careful, roads are bumpy) and explored places like Ramla Bay, with its reddish sand, and Dwejra, where the Azure Window stood before collapsing. and that i had the nice sheep cheese of my life at a family-run store without a sign out of doors.
You can trap the ferry from Cirkewwa, and it runs often. completely well worth the trip.
Mdina: Silence and Stone
Mdina is known as the “Silent metropolis” — and it lives up to the name. No motors internal, barely any noise, and streets so slender you have to stroll unmarried. pass at sunset, when the lamp posts flicker on. It’s like taking walks through a dream.
One evening, I sat at Fontanella Tea lawn, ordered a huge slice of chocolate cake, and watched the sky flip purple at the back of the town walls. That memory stayed with me longer than any seashore day.
➡ ️ Backside line: Malta’s magic often hides faraway from the tourist crowds. if you only persist with the postcard spots, you’ll omit it.
Conclusion
Malta isn’t perfect. It’s crowded in summer. The roads can be chaotic. Some parts are overbuilt with construction cranes in the skyline.
But it’s additionally historical and alive at the same time. It’s a country wherein temples older than the pyramids stand beside loud nook cafes serving espresso to antique men. in case you’re curious and patient, Malta will reward you.
So don’t just “visit” Malta. Let yourself get a little lost, talk to strangers, and listen to what the island wants to show you.
