Is Malta safe?

Yes, Malta is a safe country.

However, there are some dangers you need to watch out for, like street crime and road hazards. Which is why I decided to write this guide to staying safe in Malta.

My aim is not to paint a scary picture of Malta. On the contrary, I want to help you plan a safe and enjoyable trip by highlighting potential dangers – many of which tend to be overlooked by tourists.

So, here’s what you need to know about safety in Malta.

Street crime in Malta

Mugging

While muggers in Malta tend to target elderly people, you should still exercise some caution, especially when walking alone at night.

Most places in Malta are very safe during the day. However, try to avoid walking alone late at night.

Mugging is more common in large towns like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and St. Paul’s Bay.

Sexual harassment

Street harassment in the form of cat-calling is quite common in Malta. However, it can get more serious in nightlife spots like Paceville and St. Julian’s.

I advise against walking alone at night in Paceville and surrounding areas.

Pickpocketing

Pickpocketing in Malta is common, but it’s nowhere near as prevalent as it is in many other European countries.

Make sure you keep your money and valuables safe when walking through the busy streets of Valletta and travelling on crowded buses.

Be extra careful when attending crowded events, like festivals and parties.

Beach theft

Malta is home to several stunning beaches, but unfortunately beach theft is very common during the busy summer months.

Avoid leaving your stuff unattended when swimming in crowded beaches.

Road safety in Malta

Planning to drive in Malta?

Be warned: you’ll see a lot of reckless driving. Plus, accidents are very common. Drive slowly and carefully, and remember to keep to the left!

Malta is not exactly a bike-friendly country, so cycling may not be the safest way to explore the country.

Staying healthy in Malta

If you’re visiting Malta in summer, make sure to stay hydrated and avoid spending long hours in the sun. Drink plenty of water (preferably bottled) and wear sun protection.

The summer heat can be very unrelenting – in fact, I do not recommend visiting Malta in summer.

Malta is also very dusty and polluted. There are too many cars on the island and construction is an ever-growing industry.

If you suffer from respiratory diseases, make sure to carry your medicine with you at all times.

Important: Travelling to Malta with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare should you need it. However, I strongly advise you to take out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling to Malta and other countries.

Outdoor safety in Malta

Swimming

If you’re afraid of sharks, I’ve got some good news for you – shark attacks are very, very rare in Malta.

However, there is something far more dangerous than sharks, and that’s undercurrents. If you’re not a confident swimmer, try to avoid straying too far away from the shore.

Also, pay attention to beach safety flags and avoid coastal areas when the sea is rough. The waves can be very spectacular on some days, but no Instagram photo is worth the risk.

Another thing to be wary of is jellyfish. While the jellyfish species found in Maltese waters are not very dangerous, their sting can be very painful.

Tip: The WhichBeach app is a great local tool that recommends the perfect beaches to swim at based on the day’s weather conditions.

Hiking

I always urge people to get off the beaten path when visiting Malta. It’s a great way to get to know the country beyond the main attractions.

Hiking in Malta is very safe. There are no dangerous wildlife species, although the Maltese islands are home to some venomous insects.

You may encounter some stray dogs while hiking in Malta, or dogs who are allowed to roam freely by local farmers. Sometimes they can be found roaming in packs.

Stray dogs tend to be friendly, but those owned by farmers may have been trained as guard dogs and can get a bit aggressive towards strangers. If you’re worried about this, try not to stray too far from main paths.

Another thing to watch out for when hiking in Malta is ‘private land’, which is normally marked with makeshift signs that read ‘RTO’ (reserved to owner) or ‘private’. You may find this written on slabs of rock, too.

Unfortunately, many of these signs and barriers are not legitimate. Some ‘land owners’ privatise public land and close off public paths, and they can be hostile towards trespassers.

Recommended safety essentials for Malta

Still worried about safety in Malta?

Here are some items that can help you feel safer. Plus, they can be useful when visiting other places, too.

Personal alarm with flashlight

Stay safe when travelling solo by carrying this very loud personal alarm. It helps you attract attention if you’re in danger.

It also comes with a bright LED flashlight.

Waterproof pouch bag and phone case

Want to keep your personal belongings safe at the beach?

Put them in this watertight pouch bag and take them into the water with you!

Anti-theft travel bag

Explore busy places safely and with style.

This anti-theft bag comes with a zipper pocket on the back. It’s also waterproof and has a removable shoulder strap.

Scarf with secret pocket

Keep your phone, money and other valuables safe in crowded places by storing them in your scarf.

This scarf comes with a secret hidden zipper and is available in many beautiful colours.

Frequently asked questions about safety in Malta

Malta emergency numbers

The emergency number in Malta for medical, fire, and police services is 112.

You can also download the 112MT mobile app on your Android or iOS device, which enables you to send your GPS location to emergency services.