There are some essential Malta things to know which you won’t find in guidebooks. For example, you shouldn’t visit in summer, and the island has a huge traffic problem.

But there are a lot of good things about Malta, too.

In this post, I share my honest travel advice for the island, and you’ll either love me or hate me for it (or both!).

So, here are the main things to know before visiting Malta.

Key facts about Malta

First off, let’s look at some important Malta things to know:

• It’s actually an archipelago, made up of three islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.
• It has two official languages: Maltese and English.
• The capital city is Valletta, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It’s predominantly Catholic, and home to 365 churches.
• It’s a member of the European Union and the currency is the euro.
• Malta has a rich history, having been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St. John, French, and British.
• Driving is on the left side of the road, a legacy from British rule.

Not-so-pleasant things about Malta

Like any other place, Malta has an ugly side.

So, here are some unpleasant Malta things to know. Being prepared for the following scenarios will help you avoid disappointment, and plan a safer and more enjoyable trip.

Summers are hell

My main Malta travel advice: don’t visit in summer!

Soaring temperatures, humid nights, overcrowded beaches, rowdy EFL students, short tempers — you get the picture.

During the summer months, popular spots like Valletta and Mdina are packed with tourists. Plus, using public transport can be a hassle, with long queues at bus stops and crowded buses.  

The best time to visit Malta is from October to May. If the weather’s nice, you can still go for a swim, and the beaches will be nearly empty.

And, you’ll be able to travel around the island more easily, without battling long queues and dense crowds.

Some beaches are overrated

They might look like paradise in pictures, but Maltese beaches are often ruined by litter and sewage leaks in the summer months.

Plus, they’re teeming with deckchairs, noisy families, and jellyfish.

Don’t despair though – you can still go for a peaceful swim if you’re visiting Malta in summer.

Quieter swimming spots include Mgiebah Bay (Mellieha), Gnejna Beach (Mgarr), or San Blas Bay (Nadur, Gozo).

Malta is not exactly eco-friendly

Malta’s environmental matters have always been put on the back burner. Illegal dwellings dot the countryside, and unsuspecting trespassers risk being assaulted.  

During the bird hunting seasons (autumn and spring), some areas are taken over by hunters, who can become aggressive if they feel they’re being watched (some hunters shoot at protected species).

So, when trekking in Malta and Gozo, steer clear of areas marked “RTO” (Reserved to Owner) and avoid men carrying guns — though that should go without saying!

It’s noisy and dirty

Malta is undergoing rapid urban development, with construction happening all over the island.

If you’re staying in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Sliema, or St. Julian’s, expect a lot of noise from ongoing building projects.

Additionally, the streets can be very dirty. Even though rubbish is collected daily, you’ll still find litter on the pavements (and lots of dog poo!).

There are too many cars on the island

Malta’s roads are extremely congested, with over 400,000 vehicles squeezed into an area of just 316 square kilometers.

Expect traffic jams at almost any time of day. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and arrive at your destination early.

Parking is another major issue, especially in Sliema, St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay, and Bugibba. If you plan to rent a car, consider booking a hotel with its own parking facilities to avoid the stress.

It’s not as cheap as you might expect

Okay, this might be a bit subjective, depending on the standard of living in your country.

However, Malta is not a budget destination compared to other Mediterranean spots, like Greece and Portugal (I have visited both).

Accommodation prices can be high, especially in Valletta and Sliema.

Eating out isn’t cheap, either. Expect to pay around €15-25 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant.

Fortunately, public transport is quite affordable. The day fare for a bus ticket is €2.00 in winter, while in summer it’s €2.50.

Great things about Malta

Right, it’s not all gloom and dog poo. Here are some amazing things about Malta!

Almost everyone speaks English

One of the best things about visiting Malta is the lack of language barriers. Malta is a bilingual country, and a large percentage of the population is fluent in English.

You’ll also find that people are very helpful. If you get lost while driving in Malta, there’s always someone who’s ready to help — you just need to roll down your window!

Malta is relatively safe

Malta is a very safe country. However, you’ll still need to take some precautions.

Pickpocketing is common in crowded places like Valletta. You’ll also want to keep a close eye on your belongings while traveling on busy buses.

My main Malta safety advice for women: avoid traveling alone at night. Unfortunately, street harassment is very common, particularly in areas like Paceville/St. Julian’s and Bugibba.

If you’re heading to the beach, watch out for dangerous currents and jellyfish. Also, avoid leaving your bags unattended.

If you’re driving, plan your route and take your time — many drivers in Malta are reckless and short-tempered!

Maltese food is divine

Just like any other Mediterranean country, Malta is blessed with a climate that yields a variety of crops throughout the year. Many local dishes are prepared with fresh seasonal produce.

Must-try dishes include rabbit, octopus stew, tuna steaks, and beef olives.

You’ll also want to try popular street foods such as pastizzi (small pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas) and mqaret (deep-fried pastries filled with date paste).

For a traditional meal, head to the main town square in Mgarr. The streets around the church are lined with restaurants that specialize in Maltese cuisine.

The Maltese are social creatures

We love a good conversation… and a good argument. Also, we’re loud.

You’ll likely see people having a heated discussion in the street, or just communicating from one balcony to another.

Some might even stop the car in the middle of the road to chat with a friend who happens to be walking past.

It’s steeped in history

Malta is a treasure trove of historical sites and architectural wonders.

With a history dating back over 7,000 years, the island is home to some of the world’s oldest free-standing structures. These include the Hagar Qim Temples in Malta and the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo.

Meanwhile, Valletta is packed with stunning Baroque palaces and churches.

Its 16th-century fortifications remain largely intact, and from the Upper Barrakka Gardens you can enjoy panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.

There’s also Mdina, a medieval citadel with gorgeous winding streets and an impressive cathedral. It is believed to have been first settled by the Phoenicians around 700 BC.

And in Rabat, you’ll find the ruins of a Roman villa and a network of catacombs used during Punic, Roman and Byzantine times.

There’s always a party

Malta is a country that loves to celebrate. Throughout the year, the island hosts numerous festivals, religious feasts (festas), and cultural events.

Each village has its own festa, dedicated to its patron saint, featuring fireworks, processions, and band marches.

Notte Bianca, Carnival in Valletta, and the Isle of MTV concert are just a few of the major events that attract locals and tourists alike.

Yes, it does rain in winter

You’re probably thinking: why is this a good thing?

Well, it’s great for the island, especially since the weather gets drier every year.

Malta has a Mediterranean climate, but winters (November–February) can be wet and windy. Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts, so always carry a small umbrella or rain jacket.

However, there are still plenty of things to do in Malta when it rains. Visit the museums in Valletta, explore the catacombs of Rabat, and indulge in a hearty meal in Mgarr.

Malta is easy to explore

Malta’s small size makes it easy to explore in a short amount of time. Having said that, I still recommend spending a full week in Malta.

Public transport is good for traveling between main cities. From Valletta, you can get a bus to almost any town or village.

If you want to visit Gozo, there’s a ferry every 15, 30, or 45 minutes (depending on the time of day).

Malta things to know: a summary

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Here’s a summary of the main Malta things to know:

• Summers are too hot, and beaches are crowded and dirty during this time.
• There are too many cars on the island, so expect heavy traffic.
• Places like Bugibba and St. Julian’s can be very noisy and dirty.
• Eating out isn’t cheap and accommodation can be pricey.
• Malta is easy to explore by bus.
• The island is steeped in history, and you need a full week to explore the main sites.
• There are many events and festivals throughout the year.
• It does rain in winter.
• The food is amazing!
• Malta is relatively safe, but keep an eye on your belongings when at the beach, and if you’re a woman avoid walking alone late at night.

Are there any other things you want to know about Malta? Ask away in the comments!