All transport fares and daily budgets benchmarked for 2026.
Core Planning
Country Guide • Schengen Member (90/180 applies)

Malta Travel Guide

Malta is an archipelago nation of golden limestone fortified cities, megalithic temples older than the pyramids, baroque cathedrals, and clear diving waters. English is an official language, public buses reach every corner, and ferries to Gozo are fast and cheap.

Typical Daily Budget ~€62 Mid-range average
Local Currency EUR Use official bank ATMs
Schengen Status Member Passport control free
Audited Cities 5 With price benchmarks

Cheapest Regions & Best Value

Inland towns like Mosta, Rabat, and the quiet sister island of Gozo

High-Cost / Peak Tourist Areas

Sliema waterfront, St Julian’s club strip, and luxury boutique hotels in Valletta

Actionable Advice

Malta Money-Saving Strategies

Buy a 7-day Explore Card from Malta Public Transport for 25 Euros for unlimited bus travel across Malta and Gozo. Eat local pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas) from street bakeries for 0.50 to 0.70 Euros each.

Audited Cities in Malta

Valletta

2 Days Ideal

Built by the Knights of Saint John after the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta is Europe smallest capital and a UNESCO World Heritage jewel. Compact and perched on a narrow peninsula between two deep natural harbors, its baroque palaces and wooden balconies are breathtaking.

Benchmark: €38/day Full Guide →

Sliema

3 Days Ideal

Sliema is Malta commercial and shopping center, located on the opposite side of Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta. It is the primary base for budget travelers due to its high density of hostels, budget hotels, seaside rock pools, and 5-minute ferry to Valletta.

Benchmark: €36/day Full Guide →

St Julian's

2 Days Ideal

St Julian's (San Ġiljan) centers around picturesque Spinola Bay, filled with colorful traditional luzzu fishing boats, and the lively nightlife and club district of Paceville.

Benchmark: €38/day Full Guide →

Mdina

1 Days Ideal

Known as the Silent City, Mdina is an ancient hilltop citadel that served as Malta medieval capital. Enclosed by massive golden stone bastions, its lantern-lit alleys, noble palazzi, and panoramic ramparts feel frozen in time.

Benchmark: €32/day Full Guide →

Gozo / Victoria

2 Days Ideal

Gozo is Malta greener, quieter, and more rural sister island. Victoria (Rabat) sits at its center, crowned by the fortified Cittadella. The island offers coastal salt pans, dramatic cliff diving, prehistoric Ggantija temples, and 30 percent lower lodging and dining prices.

Benchmark: €30/day Full Guide →