Travelling and exploring Malta and the Maltese islands from a locals point of view 🇲🇹
Living in Malta my whole life and being an avid traveller, I have constantly sought out the best places to go throughout the year in order to have a good time and admire Malta's beauty. 
In this guide I share all the great spots in Malta that are well known but also the local spots that don't attract as many tourists but offer a great insight into Malta and the Maltese Islands. 


Gozo, Malta

Maltese Islands, Malta

Comino, Malta

Malta

Valletta, Malta

Malta & the Maltese Islands 🏝️ 


Malta Public Transport Bus Route Timetable



	Malta Bus Journey Planner - Malta Public Transport


Valletta Ferry Services

Gozo Ferry Timetable

There are many ways to get around the islands such as renting a car, public transport, Uber, or by ferry. 

If you are renting a car, you can do so by booking a car in advance and picking it up from the airport. However, bear in mind that some people may view driving in Malta as its only flaw due to the traffic that can form there, and the lack of parking, so you may prefer to use another means of transport.

Uber has just arrived in Malta so you may use Uber for transport, the prices are fairly trip and the average wait time for an Uber is 2-5 minutes. Along with Uber, Bolt is a popular taxi app offering similar prices and wait times. 

Using the bus can be frustrating as the trip may take some time to get from place to place, and the buses aren't always on time. I have linked the Maltese Transport bus routes and journey planner to help you get from A to B, but Google Maps will also give you this information if you find it easier as some of the bus stops have strange names! 

When travelling by bus, the bus fare is €2 for a 2 hour ticket, or you can get a Tallinja card which offers cheaper bus fares. These can be purchased at the airport when you arrive or in the bus terminal in Valletta. There are different types of Tallinja cards which are shown on the website (I have linked this here too), each will cater for different needs so you can see which one will work for your trip. You can also use the Tallinja app to add money onto your card. 

As for getting between the islands there are ferries to use. I have linked the ferry service from Ċirkewwa, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo (car and passenger ferry) and from Valletta, Malta to Mgarr, Gozo (high speed, ferry). The ferries are reliable and run on time but I would be aware that in the Summer, particularly Santa Maria week in mid-August, the ferries to Gozo may be exceptionally busy with a large wait time. The ferries have different fares for if you are a passenger or taking a car, and you will pay for the passenger / car ferry on your return to Malta. 

Should you plan on going to Comino, I have published the link for this ferry too, but you can also get there through tourist boats that stop off in Comino and Gozo. 

Valletta to Gozo Highspeed Ferry

Malta Public Transport - Tallinja Cards

Comino Ferries - Schedule & Pricing

A ferry service is also available for getting in-between Sliema, Valletta and the Grand Harbour Marina, I have added the link for the schedule for these ferries. They run very frequently between the locations for a cheap price of €2 just at slightly different schedules for summer and winter. I recommend this method of travel if going between these locations as it is cheaper, more reliable and fun. 

5. "Pastizzi" is a must try local snack. It is a flaky, savory pastry filled with either mushy peas or ricotta cheese. You will either love them or hate them but they are a must in the lives of locals. 

Facts about Malta and the Maltese Islands...

1. The Maltese currency is Euro and the islands are viewed as moderately expensive compared to other tourist destinations. 

2. Malta is a very safe island, as are her sister islands. I have lived there my whole life and have never had any issues, nor do I know anyone to have any issues. In fact, growing up on the island has perhaps made me a bit too trusting. 

3. Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe with an average of nearly 3,000 hours of sun per year (2957, to be exact).

4. Malta's national dish is rabbit stew! The locals refer to the dish as “stuffat tal-fenek,” and it is prepared with tomato, red wine and garlic sauce. Rabbits are actually not indigenous to Malta but were brought there by the Phoenicians and were quickly hunted by locals. 

6. Maltese is the national language of Malta however most people speak English. Maltese is actually quite a hard language to learn and when you hear it you might understand why. Visiting Malta as an English speaker will bring you no problems for getting around and making friends. 

7. Malta is often known as the "Hollywood of the Meditteranean" due the amount of films and TV series that have used Malta to shoot their content. Some well known films and series shot in Malta are Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Captain Phillips, World War Z and more. 

8. Valletta is the smallest capital city in the EU with a population of 5,964 (in 2023) and the land spans less than 1 km²! Valletta was also chosen to be the European Capital of Culture for 2018. 

9.  Malta was the most bombed country in World War 2 due to it's central location in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta sustained over 150 days and nights of bombing attack during the war. 

10. Malta has a population of 535,064 (2023) and is 316 km², whilst Gozo has a population of 39,287 (2021) and is 67 km². 

Touring the islands is made easier by multiple guides and business that offer a variety of trips. For example the famous "Hop On Hop Off" bus tours offer regular trips around the islands with multiple routes. 

"Hello Malta" are another popular touring company with a variety of activities to book as a way to see the islands. 

Malta Hop On Hop Off Buses

Hello Malta Tours; Affordable Malta Tours Packages 

Blue Lagoon

Għajn Tuffieħa Tower

Malta - Singita Miracle Beach

Singita Miracle Beach

Il-Qarraba View Point

Il Corsaro

Blue Grotto

Carmen's Bar and Restaurant 

Marsaxlokk Open Market

Munchies Mellieha Bay

 Grand Harbour Marina

Valletta

Pastaus

Elephant Shoe

The Harbour Club

La Bottega

Guadalupe boat bar & bistro'

Paradise Exiles

The Bridge Bar 

San Blas Kiosk

Porticello Restaurant

Azure Window and Inland Sea


The Phoenicia Malta

Corinthia Palace Malta

The Taproom 

Gracy's Arts & Supper Club

Tal-Mixta Cave

Xlendi Bay

The Villa Bologna Restaurant - Better Than Best

The Villa Bologna Restaurant 
 

Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa, Gozo

The Gomerino Hotel

The Embassy Valletta Hotel

The Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge Valletta

Café del Mar Malta

Sliema Marina Hotel

Mdina

Bottega Frawli

The Village Boutique & Spa

one80 

Babel Bistro

View point

Carmen's Bar and Restaurant

Vittoriosa Yacht Marina

Bridge Bar

Azure Window (collapsed natural arch)

Taproom Valletta

The Villa Bologna Restaurant

Hotel Ta' Cenc & Spa

one80 St.Christopher Str. Valletta

Great description of places, not overloaded and places on there look great. Layout easy to follow and can’t wait for my trip now!

Malta & the Maltese Islands 🏝️

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