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The Ultimate Malta Travel Guide 2026

How to get to Malta

From the UK you can fly directly into Malta in around 3 hours. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2 and BA operate regular flights with return fares starting from approximately £100-£150 if booked a few months in advance. If you’re island hopping in the Mediterranean, ferries connect Malta to Sicily, though schedules are limited and travel times can be long.

Once you land here’s how you can get to your hotel:

Taxi – Taxis are available at the airport and a trip to St Julian’s or Valletta takes around 20-25 minutes, costing roughly €20-25

Bus – Public buses connect the airport to major towns, with tickets around €2.00-€3.50, though the journey takes longer. If you’re travelling into St Julians you can take the Airport Direct 3 bus or the TD4 if you are travelling into St Julians.

Rental Car – Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to explore hidden beaches or smaller villages. Prices start at around £15 a day for a compact day during peak season (I checked dates for June) and you can prebook it directly here or on the form below.

How many days to spend in Malta

For first-time visitors I recommend a minimum of 5 days as this allows you to explore the highlights like Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and the Blue Lagoon without feeling rushed.

If you only have 3-4 days I would recommend you focussing on the main island such as Valletta, Mdina and St Julian’s, with a possible day trip to Gozo or Comino. A full week lets you explore quieter spots, discover hidden coves and really soak up the island’s charm.

Where to stay in Malta

If you have no idea where to base yourself during your stay in Malta then don’t worry. This guide will talk through each of the key locations, what it’s best known for and a couple of hotels I would recommend for each area.

Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s historic capital and an UNESCO World Heritage site making it perfect for history lovers and those that appreciate archiecture. This location is ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to museums, restaurants and boutique shops.

St. Julian’s

St. Julian’s is the go to area for nightlife, modern restaurants and seafront activities. It’s perfect if you want a mix of relaxation and evening entertainment, with plenty of bars and restaurants along Spinola Bay. This is where I stayed at the Hilton Malta which I can definitely recommend. It has gorgeous rooms, stunning sea views and it’s right on the waterfront.

St. Paul’s Bay

St. Paul’s Bay is great location for beach lovers. The area is close to several small beaches and has a more local feel compared to the city. It’s also a practical location if you want easy access to boat tours or ferry rides.

Sliema

Sliema is Malta’s shopping and dining hub and is perfect for those who want to combine city life with the beach. Think beach front walks, boutique shopping and plenty of cafes with amazing sea views. It’s also a convenient base for ferries to Valletta or other parts of the island.

Things to do in Malta

For a full list of the best things to do in Malta, read my blog post here. Here’s an overview of some of the spots to add to your list:

How to get around in Malta

Rental Car
If you want freedom to explore at your own pace a rental car is your best friend. Roads are generally easy to navigate and having a car means you can reach more remote beaches and charming villages that buses don’t always go to. Prices start at around £15 a day for a compact day during peak season (I checked dates for June) and you can prebook it directly with Discover Cars here. But just a heads up parking in Valletta can be tricky due so make sure you plan ahead!

Buses
The island’s bus network is surprisingly reliable and connects most major Malta’s public buses connect all the major towns like Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s and Mdina. Tickets are €2.50 per ride (during summer €2 during winter) or you can grab a 7 day unlimited pass for €25 if you’re staying a bit longer. Buses are cheap and reliable but they’re slower than driving and might not get you to some of the quieter beaches.

Taxis
Taxis are perfect for short trips or airport transfers. Fares usually start at around €3.50 and the and while Uber isn’t in Malta, apps like Bolt work in major towns. For example a taxi from Valletta to St Julian’s will cost around €17, making it an easy and convenient way to get between the main areas.

Where to eat in Malta

Here’s a map with all of the sights I mentioned in this itinerary as well as hotel recommendations.

With this Ultimate Malta Travel Guide 2026 (+ 4 Day Itinerary), you’ve now got everything you need to plan your own trip. From how to get around, to the must see spots and even a ready made 4 day itinerary. Make sure you also check out my blog post on the best things to do in Malta here. I hope this post will help with your very own adventure to Malta.