Planning a trip to Malta? Here’s what you should know about driving, dining, and more.

With its compact size, friendly English-speaking locals, and easy navigation, Malta is a laid-back destination brimming with delights.

A few essential tips before you set off will enhance your experience in the Mediterranean’s smallest island nation. Here’s everything you need to prepare for your Malta adventure.

1. Bring along a sturdy pair of walking shoes

Malta is an excellent destination for exploring on foot, particularly in areas like Valletta and the hilltop city of Mdina. Be prepared for lots of steps and ancient cobblestones; comfortable walking shoes are not just recommended—they're essential. After rain, the streets can get slippery, so avoid sandals or flip-flops.

Good walking shoes are also beneficial for discovering scenic clifftop hikes such as the Dingli Cliffs or the Xlendi Walk on Gozo. Don’t forget a sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun. Gozo is increasingly popular for hiking, with marked trails connecting villages, cliffs, and beaches. Check out the Visit Gozo website for 10 recommended trails.

2. Reserve in advance for Malta’s most breathtaking attraction

The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 5,000-year-old underground necropolis rediscovered in 1902, is a must-see in Malta. Due to its popularity and the need to preserve its delicate interior, access is restricted to just 80 visitors per day. It’s advisable to book online well in advance—ideally, three months before your trip—to secure your entry. If you miss your scheduled time, you cannot join the next tour. Last-minute tickets may be available the day before for an extra €15, but they sell out quickly.

3. Dive into Malta’s captivating food scene right away

As an island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta's cuisine has been shaped by various cultures over the years. French, British, Italian—particularly Sicilian—and Arabic influences all blend in the island's diverse food traditions. Before you travel, arrange a private walking tour with Offbeat Malta Food Trails early in your visit. This way, you'll gain valuable cultural and historical culinary insights while exploring local eateries, island vineyards, and food markets in Malta and Gozo.

It's also advisable to reserve in advance for popular Michelin-starred venues like Noni in Valletta, especially during Malta's peak travel months of July and August.

Taking place in early August near Valletta, the annual Malta International Food Festival is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. About a month earlier in July, Gozo hosts its own version of this festival, bringing vibrancy to the traditional village of Xewkija.

4. Obtain an International Driving Permit

Malta is a fantastic place to explore by rental car, particularly on the peaceful roads of Gozo. Car rental rates are among the lowest in Europe, and having your own vehicle provides greater convenience compared to Malta's comprehensive but occasionally slow bus service. Remember, drivers should keep to the left side of the road, as in the UK and most Commonwealth nations. It's wise to book rental cars in advance if visiting in July or August.

Travelers from the UK and EU nations can use their domestic driving licenses; however, if you're coming from a non-EU country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary. These permits are valid for one year and can be obtained from local automobile associations in your home country.

5. Bring your best driving skills

When navigating Malta's bustling urban areas, including Valletta, Sliema, and St Julian’s, it's important to adopt a confident driving style. The roads can be quite crowded, and local drivers often view turn signals as optional. Additionally, yielding at roundabouts is frequently overlooked.

As long as you drive with confidence and maintain a heightened awareness, you should be fine. Many roads in Maltese villages tend to be narrow, so it's essential to be patient and courteous to oncoming vehicles when yielding. Also, as a pedestrian, don't assume that drivers will stop for you at crosswalks.

Outside the busier urban centers, driving becomes much more relaxed, and having a car makes it easier to explore Gozo and reach Malta’s more secluded beaches and attractions.

Practice in-car safety measures.

While Malta generally has a low rate of violent crime, there are occasional instances of rental cars being broken into at beach parking lots, especially near more isolated beaches. Always remember to lock your car and avoid leaving valuables inside. Stay vigilant with your belongings while swimming and sunbathing, as opportunistic thefts can happen.

A few Maltese phrases can go a long way.

Although everyone in Malta speaks English, picking up some essential phrases in Maltese (or Malti) can be beneficial. Maltese is Europe’s only Semitic language, closely related to the Arabic dialects of western North Africa and featuring loanwords from various languages.

Here are some useful Malti words to help you during your visit:

• merħba (hello)
• bonju (good morning)
• bonswa (good evening)
• grazzi (thank you)

Remember that Malta has a predominantly conservative culture.

Rooted in a strong Roman Catholic tradition, Maltese society tends to be conservative. When visiting a church, dress modestly—bringing a shawl to cover your shoulders is advisable—and remove hats and sunglasses. Outside the beach, wear a sarong and t-shirt, as topless and nude sunbathing is prohibited. A handshake is a suitable greeting when meeting someone for the first time.

Expect a high standard of healthcare.

Malta offers excellent health and dental services, with pharmacists available for advice and a variety of over-the-counter medications. EU citizens and residents of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for free or reduced-cost healthcare. The country also has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the UK. Visitors from other nations should consider obtaining travel insurance.

Look to the locals for safe swimming practices.

The Maltese often say, “Il-baħar żaqqu ratba u rasu iebsa,” which translates to “The sea has a soft belly but a hard head.” While most beaches are safe in calm weather, storms, strong winds, and currents can be hazardous, and locals recommend avoiding swimming during rough conditions. Major beaches have a flag system and lifeguards from June to September. If there’s no flag system or if you’re uncertain, consult a local about safe swimming locations. Exercise caution when diving into popular spots like St Peter’s Pool and Il-Kalanka in southern Malta.

Stay alert in nightlife districts.

Alcohol-fueled altercations and instances of drunken violence can happen in nightlife areas, particularly around the late-night clubs in Paceville, Valletta. Stay alert, especially after a few drinks.

Malta and COVID-19

No proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test is required for entry into Malta.

As of mid-August 2024, Malta was facing its highest COVID-19 case numbers in 18 months. Given that public buses can be quite crowded, especially during peak hours, wearing a mask is a wise choice to reduce the risk of transmission and infection.