Malta
A stone island in the middle of the Mediterranean, holding temples older than the pyramids and a fortress city built by knights.
Icons
The whole island is limestone, so buildings and cliffs share one colour.
- A natural harbour ringed by fortificationsGrand HarbourValletta
A deep harbour with walls facing each other across it, fought over repeatedly in Mediterranean history. Upper Barrakka Gardens take in the whole of it.
- A cathedral floored in gravestonesSt John’s Co-CathedralValletta
A baroque church whose floor is paved with the tombstones of knights. A large Caravaggio hangs in the adjoining oratory.
- A walled town almost without carsMdinaCentre of the island
The former capital, where only residents may drive inside the gate, which keeps it quiet. Its nickname is the Silent City.
- Sea caves lit blue from belowBlue GrottoSouth coast
Small boats run a circuit of caves beneath the cliffs. Trips are cancelled when the sea is rough, so mornings are the safer bet.
- Where the arch used to standDwejra, the former Azure WindowWestern Gozo
The famous stone arch collapsed in a storm in 2017 and now lies underwater. Divers still come for exactly that reason.
- The old towns across from VallettaThe Three CitiesSouth side of Grand Harbour
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua face Valletta across the water. The quickest way over is a small ferry.
World Heritage
Prehistoric temples, an underground tomb, and the capital.
- A fortress city designed by an order of knightsCity of VallettaValletta
A sixteenth-century planned grid, still inside its walls. It is built on a slope, so the stepped streets test your legs.
- Megalithic temples older than the pyramidsMegalithic Temples of MaltaMalta and Gozo
Hagar Qim, Mnajdra and Ggantija on Gozo are listed together. Some are now sheltered under canopies for protection.
- A tomb cut three levels downHal Saflieni HypogeumPaola
A prehistoric space carved into rock, with daily visitor numbers strictly capped for conservation. Book a long way ahead.
Where to go
Two main islands and one small one.
- VallettaThe capitalEastern Malta
Small enough to circle in half a day, with the sights packed close. Every bus route branches from here.
- Sliema and St Julian’sWhere the hotels and nightlife areNorthwest of Valletta
Plenty of hotels and restaurants, with frequent ferries to Valletta. The part of the island that stays up late.
- GozoThe slower second islandThe sea to the northwest
Half an hour by ferry, with farmland and cliffs. Better as an overnight than a day trip.
- CominoThe Blue LagoonBetween the two islands
A tiny island with almost no residents, famous for the colour of its water. Boats and crowds fill it at midday in summer.
- MarsaxlokkFishing villageSoutheast coast
The harbour is packed with traditional boats painted with eyes on the bow. A fish market runs on Sunday mornings.
When to go
Summer is long and hot; winter rarely drops below freezing.
- SpringMarch to MayThroughout
The fields are green and it is the best walking weather of the year. The sea is still cold.
- SummerJune to SeptemberThroughout
Hot, dry and at peak season. There is almost no shade at midday, so carry water and a hat.
- AutumnOctober to NovemberThroughout
The sea holds its warmth, so swimming is still on. The rains begin.
- WinterDecember to FebruaryThroughout
Mild but windy, with frequent rain. Few visitors, so the sites are yours.
Before you go
English is an official language, which makes everything easier.
- EntrySchengen short stay, visa-free for Korean passportsThroughout
Up to 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. The European travel authorisation scheme is being phased in, so check official guidance before you leave.
- LanguageMaltese and English, both officialThroughout
English works everywhere, which makes Malta one of the easiest countries in Europe to get around in. Maltese is a Semitic language written in Latin script with heavy Italian borrowing.
- DrivingOn the leftThroughout
A legacy of British rule. Roads are narrow and parking is hard, so buses are usually the easier choice.
- Getting aroundBuses are the only public transportThroughout
There is no railway, so it is buses and ferries. Routes radiate from Valletta, so a short hop between neighbouring villages can mean going the long way round.
- MoneyEuro, cards widely acceptedThroughout
Most restaurants and shops take cards. Village markets may still want cash.
- Emergency number112Throughout
The pan-European number reaching police, ambulance and fire, with English available. The same number reaches sea rescue.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.