Malta is an island country in Europe, forming an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and North Africa. Thanks to its strategic position, Malta has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times, and conquered by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, the Sicilians, and the French, and lastly by the British in 1814. The invaders and intensive trading across the region left material and cultural heritage on the islands, but the Maltese and their language remain unique in many ways.
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Malta is the smallest member of the European Union by population, with only half a million people, but also by area, making it the fourth-most densely populated country in the world while being the tenth-smallest. Despite its diminutive size, Malta is an important freight trans-shipment point, financial centre and tourist destination. Although small, Malta has a vast and rich history, with evidence for habitation going back to the Neolithic era (5th millennium BC).
The island of Malta is pretty densely populated and there is no rail transport of any kind, so expect crowded streets no matter how you try to get around. On the plus side, distances are relatively short and bus fares are low compared to Western Europe. Malta has been known for its potpourri of vintage buses of all brands and bodies, with additional unique custom decorations added. Those have mostly been retired (yet many remain preserved purely as antiques), and the bus system is operated using modern, air-conditioned buses. The bus network across the islands of Malta is operated by Malta Public Transport.
Mdina. The ancient capital of Mdina, also known as the Silent City, rests at a high point in the heart of the island. Surrounded by the scenic town of Rabat, this fortress is one of Malta's finest jewels, boasting architecture, history and a quality cup of coffee with a splendid view. Mdina gets very peaceful and romantic in the evenings when the day trippers leave. (updated Jul 2026) Valetta. Valletta is similar in that it boasts a rich history, only being the modern capital, it is very much alive and much more modern, serving as both a shopping area during the day and offering an array of museums and cultural sites.
The island has been described as an open-air museum by some; one is unlikely to run out of things to see during a visit to Malta. Each township has its own unique sights to offer if one pays close enough attention. In spring and summer, the island is perfect for water sports and beach activities. Hiking - Hiking in the countryside offers a taste of rural Malta, especially if trekking along the coast of Gozo. Swimming - The island is surrounded by a limited number of beaches. They get crowded in the high season, so keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Distinctly Maltese cuisine is hard to find but does exist. The food eaten draws its influences from Italian cuisine. Most restaurants in resort areas like Sliema cater largely to British tourists, offering pub grub like meat and three veg or bangers and mash, and you have to go a little out of the way to find 'real' Maltese food. One of the island's specialities is rabbit (fenek), and small savoury pastries known as pastizzi are also ubiquitous. The Maltese celebratory meal is fenkata, a feast of rabbit, marinated overnight in wine and bay leaves. The first course is usually spaghetti in rabbit sauce, followed by the rabbit meat stewed or fried (with or without gravy).
Despite being a small island, there are many different beer brands to try: Simonds Farsons Ċisk (Farsons) are the main brewery in Malta and are based in Ħamrun. Malta is mainly known for Ċisk: Ċisk (pronounced "chisk"). The main local beer, a premium lager (4.2% by volume), is very reasonably priced by UK standards. It has a uniquely sweeter taste than most European lagers and is well worth trying. (updated Dec 2023) Other local beers, produced by Farsons are: Blue Label Ale. (updated Dec 2023) Hopleaf. (updated Dec 2023) 1565. (updated Dec 2023) Lacto (milk stout). (updated Dec 2023) Shandy. A typical British mixture pre-mixture of equal measures of lager and 7-Up.
Malta is generally considered safe. However, visitors to Paceville at night should exercise caution. Due to Malta being a major Mediterranean port, sailors with shore leave tend to become quite rowdy after long voyages. As well, the advent of low-cost air travel coming to Malta has brought an influx of teenagers from across Europe enjoying short cheap weekend breaks in the sun. Although most public parking lots are free in Malta, parking attendants will importunately extort tips from you calling them "donations". They will make you think it's obligatory telling you that everyone does it.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Malta typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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