Malta Holidays

For active adventures, historical treasures and culinary delights, holidays in Malta come up trumps. Relax on breathtaking beaches or fill your schedule with countless attractions.

• St John’s Co-Cathedral: Gaze in awe at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, built by the Knights of Malta between 1572 and 1577. It houses a spectacular painting of John the Baptist by Caravaggio, and the Cathedral Museum.
• Day trips to Gozo and Comino: Soak up the sea breeze on a Valletta ferry ride to the shopping and café town of Sliema. Gozo and Comino are within easy day trip distance of Malta for island-hopping adventures.
• Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens: These twin gardens are a must for gorgeous views over the Grand Harbour and Valletta. Flourishing gardens, dancing fountains and timeless statues make the gardens the ideal spot to snap a picture.
• Blue Grotto Sea Caves: Get your camera ready for extraordinary blues reflecting on the white seabed and the majestic rock arch of the Blue Grotto sea caves near Wied Iz-Zurrieq on Malta’s southeast coast.
• Mellieha Air Raid Shelters: Test your mettle and journey underground to see the historic Mellieha Air Raid Shelters, which were dug by hand to protect people from bombs in WWII. Try not to get spooked by the mannequins!
• Rolling Geeks: If you think there’s a lot to see in Malta, you’re right. Tick off the major sites with a Rolling Geeks tour of the 3 cities. Their self-drive electric cars will save you the walk and tell you everything you need to know along the way.
• Set-jetting: Along with the vintage set of Popeye, which now comes complete with rides and attractions, you can visit a number of impressive film and TV locations in Malta, including scenes spotted in Game of Thrones and Gladiator.

Malta getaways transport you across 7,000 years of history. Step back in time as you explore ancient streets, majestic cathedrals and impressive archaeological sites.

• Mdina: The walled, hilltop city of Mdina provides a medieval backdrop for winding your way through narrow lanes. Visit the 17th-century Mdina Cathedral, the National Museum of Natural History and the Mdina dungeons.
• Ggantija Temples: Legend has it that Gozo’s Ggantija Temples were built by a race of giants. Dating back to between 3600 and 3200 BC, the largest of the limestone blocks are 5m long and weigh over 50 tonnes.
• St Paul’s Catacombs: Located in Rabat, St Paul's Catacombs offer a glimpse at the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta. The interconnected, Roman burial chambers feature intriguing tunnels and rock-cut tables.
• Grandmasters Palace: The centrepiece of Valletta’s Palace Square, Grandmasters Palace hides a lavish interior of frescoed ceilings, tapestries and medieval artefacts. The 16th-century structure is now home to the Maltese president.
• The Hypogeum: You’ll discover remains dating back to the Early Bronze Age at the underground Hypogeum in Paola. It’s thought that the 3 levels of interconnecting chambers were used as temples and burial chambers.
• Ghar Dalam: There’s nowhere quite as historical in Malta as Ghar Dalam, located close to Birzebbuga. This cavernous rock formation provides the earliest evidence of human life in Malta, with artefacts that date back over 7,400 years.
• Fort Rinella: Built to house the 100-tonne Armstrong gun, Fort Rinella is a historical treat with theatrical performances by costumed soldiers, fencing demonstrations and gripping skill-at-arms displays.

The warm weather extends from May well into October in Malta, so it’s almost always a fabulous time to soak up golden rays and swim in sparkling blue lagoons.

• Golden Bay: Inlets, coves and a broad, sandy stretch ensure that Golden Bay is one of Malta’s top beaches. Lifeguards are on patrol in summer and you’ll benefit from sun loungers, umbrellas and water sports facilities.
• Qawra Point Beach: Located in one of Malta’s largest resort towns, Qawra Point Beach offers views across to St Paul’s Island, sunny rocks for lazing about and a lovely promenade for romantic sunset strolling.
• Dwejra Bay: Hop on the ferry to Gozo and the geological wonder of Dwejra Bay. The natural pools and renowned cave-diving sites provide endless hours of water-based fun as well as countless photo opportunities.
• Mellieha Bay: Mellieha Bay is great for families with young children. Shallow water, umbrellas and water sports join plenty of cafés nearby for playtime snacks. There’s an inflatable water platform for the kids and Ghadira Nature Reserve is across the road.
• St George’s Beach: A short walk from the restaurant and bar district of St Julian’s, St George’s Beach is a buzzing spot to join the party at all hours. Restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours line the promenade.
• Fomm Ir-Rih: Fomm Ir-Rih is a wild, secluded paradise on a backdrop of lush hinterland. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear for underwater magic, and prepare for the steep pathway that leads to the sand.
• Ghajn Tuffieha Bay: Swim beneath a 17th-century watchtower and explore the reddish sands of Ghajn Tuffieha Bay on the island’s northwest coast. It’s just a short walk from Golden Bay – separated by a rocky headland.

Along with the beaches with inviting shallows and the famous Popeye Village, kids and big kids at heart will find plenty to keep themselves entertained on family holidays in Malta.

• Malta National Aquarium: The Malta National Aquarium features 41 tanks filled with Mediterranean fish, reptiles, insects and exotic sharks. A walk-through tunnel allows you to admire these marine marvels from all angles.
• Waterparks: Zoom down the waterslides and surf the wave pool at Splash and Fun Water Park in Naxxar. Or let the little ones loose on the colourful water features at Bugibba Water Park, including water loops, a bucket tower and cannons.
• Esplora Interactive Science Centre: With hands-on workshops, a Planetarium and well-curated exhibits for curious minds, Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara offers educational fun for aspiring Einsteins of all ages.
• Mediterraneo Marine Park: Watch the sea lions and feed colourful macaws at the Mediterraneo Marine Park. Along with meeting captivating marine species, visitors have the chance to see frogs, lizards, spiders and scorpions.
• PLAYMOBIL FunPark: Ideal if you’re travelling with small children, the PLAYMOBIL FunPark is a land of fairytales. Pirate and knight-themed zones make for imaginative but safe indoor and outdoor play.
• Falcon Archery Malta: Indulge in some friendly competition at Falcon Archery Malta. At this centre in Msida, kids and grownups alike can learn the art of traditional archery and watch demonstrations from the professionals.
• Malta 5D: Looking for a way to make Maltese history fun for the whole family? Malta 5D will have you stepping back 7,000 years with an hour-long 3D film screening with moving chairs and water sprays to keep you on your toes.

The Maltese love their food and so will you. With traditional dishes, Mediterranean cuisine and international influences to savour, foodies will have plenty on their plates.

• Fresh lampuka fish: Whether it’s grilled whole with lemon or baked in wine, fish is the star of the show on menus. Lampuka is the national fish, traditionally served in a sea of rich tomato sauce with olives, garlic and capers.
• Slow-cooked stews: It’s hard to find a restaurant that doesn’t serve the national dish of fenkata, otherwise known as rabbit stew. While tender rabbit is the star of the show here, the stew’s flavour is bolstered by locally-produced veggies and herbs.
• Local cheeses: Are you a cheese lover? Look no further than gbejna. Made from sheep, goat or cow’s milk, gbejna is a small, round ball of pure deliciousness. It’s served across the islands as a snack and can be dried, peppered or fresh.
• Stylish eateries: Superb restaurants keep you dining in style. Rampila serves Mediterranean cuisine with views of Valletta’s City Gate. Housed in a converted cellar, Rubino is a longtime favourite for authentic Maltese and Sicilian dishes.
• Market treats: From Marsaxlokk Fish Market to Ta’ Qali Farmers Market, fresh produce is always available to stuff your picnic basket to the brim. Head to Gozo’s Victoria Market early for the best choice of goodies.
• Fill your cup: Hot, sunny days call for constant thirst-quenching refreshments in Malta. During the day, sip on citrussy, bittersweet Kinnie – Malta’s favourite fizzy drink. For something alcoholic, graduate to Cisk Lager Beer or fruity girgentina wine.
• Tasty pastries: Your holiday in Malta isn’t complete without stopping for pastizzi at a local bakery or street vendor. These flaky, buttery pastry parcels are usually stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese, curried peas or chicken.

From live music performances to trendy wine bars and thumping nightclubs, Malta doesn’t snooze when the sun goes down. Pack your dancing shoes for these nightlife highlights:

• Party in Paceville: If you love to party until dawn, Paceville is St Julian’s nightlife hub. Every night of the week, bustling bars and clubs join hookah venues and friendly pubs for an energetic vibe into the wee hours.
• Gianpula Village: Check the schedule at Rabat’s Gianpula Village. This famous venue hosts various big-name events, club nights and international DJ performances. The lights and pyrotechnics are a bonus for gig-lovers.
• Festivals: You might like to time your trip to coincide with a fantastic festival. The calendar includes the Malta Arts Festival, the Valletta Baroque Festival, the Choir Festival, the Opera Festival, July’s International Jazz Festival and Isle of MTV Malta.
• Nights out in Valletta: If you’re based in Valletta, start your night with alfresco drinking and dining along the twinkling waterfront. Then, move on to the whisky and wine bars on Strait Street to take it up a notch.
• Classy casinos: If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at one of Malta’s casinos. Dress up for a night at Dragonara in St Julian’s or Oracle in St Paul’s Bay. If you win, take your euros and splash the cash at a glitzy cocktail bar on site.
• British-style pubs: For holidaymakers that are missing a taste of home, Valletta offers a number of cosy, traditional pubs where you can pull up a bar stool, sip on a frosty pint and strike up a conversation or watch the football.
• Live music: From tribute bands and open-mic nights to authentic Maltese acts, the live music offering in Malta is diverse and entertaining. We recommend the Thirsty Barber in St Julians, Hugo’s in St George’s and Skyroom in Sliema.

Couples holidays in Malta are full of magical surprises whether you’re enjoying the intimacy and romance of a vineyard tour, a sunset cruise or a waterfront dinner.

• Snap a selfie at Spinola Bay: Stroll along Spinola Bay’s picturesque promenade and dine with views of bobbing Maltese Luzzu boats. With a cosmopolitan vibe and the iconic LOVE statue, this is a popular spot for couples.
• Waterfront dining: Sip on local wines at elegant restaurants in the company of celebrities and their superyachts at the Vittoriosa Waterfront. The Sliema seafront also twinkles with city skyline views.
• Manoel Theatre: Head to the opulent Manoel Theatre – the country’s oldest national theatre – for an evening of performing arts. Your date night could play out against a backdrop of orchestral symphonies, ballet or opera.
• Island kayaking: Get up close to Malta’s most romantic landscapes from the sea with a kayak tour between Gozo and Comino. You’ll discover towering limestone cliffs, mystical hidden caves and a spectrum of marine life.
• Wineries and vineyards: Malta’s climate is perfect for growing grapes and producing wine. Go for a tasting at Tal-Massar Winery or Ta’ Mena in Gozo and even enjoy charcuterie pairings.
• Take a carriage ride: Traditional horse-drawn carriages in Malta are called karozzin. You can find stands around the Maltese islands but you’ll probably find the routes around Valletta and Mdina at night are the most atmospheric.
• Stargazing: For some of the best stargazing, head to the St. Magdalene chapel at the Dingli Cliffs with a picnic blanket. Arrive early and you can catch the sunset painting the sky orange before the scene is plunged into star-spotted darkness.

Whether it's a romantic honeymoon or an all inclusive school holiday escape, package holidays to Malta deliver activities to suit every mood. Here are our highlights:

• Fantastic value: If you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Malta, keep your eyes peeled for an all inclusive package holiday deal. With your flights, accommodation, meals and hotel-run activities covered before you even touch down, budgeting for extras is easy.
• Booking made simple: Instead of dealing with multiple components when booking your Malta holiday, secure your transport and accommodation in one go. Just search for your holiday at the top of this page and select ‘all inclusive’ as your board basis.
• Food and drink on tap: All inclusive holidays are all about indulgence from morning until night. Choose a resort with a generous food and drinks package and you can tuck into everything from breakfast buffet goodies to delicious à la carte dinners.
• Excellent activities: All inclusive hotel packages will often include activities. From water sports like snorkelling and kayaking to art sessions and games just for kids, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy throughout your stay.
• Exceptional entertainment: With an all inclusive holiday, you can look forward to nightly entertainment during the high season. Depending on the hotel, this can range from karaoke and bingo to professional music and dance performances.
• Fabulous facilities: Flawless hotel facilities on your doorstep are part and parcel of the all inclusive experience. Relax in flourishing gardens, splash and float in a choice of swimming pools, blow off steam at the gym or take 5 at the spa.
• Non-stop service: Along with dedicated restaurant and bar staff, you’ll have an animation team, housekeeping and multilingual reception staff to help with everything from transport and local recommendations to excursions.