Things to Know Before Visiting Malta

The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta has been on my travel bucket list for many years. (The nation of Malta is actually an archipelago consisting of the main island, Malta, plus Gozo, Comino, and five lesser islands.) The area’s incredible history first caught my attention. And it didn’t hurt that Game of Thrones and numerous movies filmed here. Plus, Malta boasts unique architecture and great food. So last week I rented an apartment in the Maltese capital, Valletta, to explore the islands. And although I had a great time, there are a few things to know before visiting Malta— things that were surprisingly absent from the travel guides I studied beforehand.

(Be sure to see the photo gallery at the end of the article.)

Malta’s Climate

The former British Crown Colony sits 220 miles off the Libyan coast and about 60 miles south of Sicily. Consequently, Malta has the warmest average temperature in Europe. And with 300+ days of sunshine per year, it sounds enticing.

But nothing I read ahead of time warned of the unusually high humidity— which averages 76% annually. During my stay, it peaked at an astounding 97%! Even in mid-September, the temperatures in Valletta hovered in the low 90s by day and remained in the 80s after dark. It was incredibly uncomfortable and, for some travelers, potentially dangerous. Locals I spoke with said October and April are better months to visit Malta.

Lack of Accessibility in Valletta

Valletta is where most tourists (apart from beachgoers) spend the bulk of their time. But the city’s many steep hills are challenging— even more so with high levels of heat and humidity. Most of the inclined sidewalks are stepped, as well.

Americans new to Europe will be surprised to learn even popular places lack accessibility for people with physical challenges. That’s especially true in Valletta, where multiple pedestrian zones prevent vehicles from getting close to some locations.

A couple more things to know before visiting Malta— you’ll absolutely want sensible, comfortable, broken-in shoes to tackle Valletta’s hills and steps. And be prepared to haul your luggage where wheeled bags and vehicles can’t go.

Use Uber – Avoid Bolt

Speaking of vehicles, it could be a hassle to rent a car— driving is on the left, the streets are narrow and tough to navigate, and parking is scarce. Instead, it’s easy and fairly cheap to get around day or night using Uber. I used Uber seven times without a problem, including from and— at 3:30 am— to the airport.

However, beware of Uber’s local rival, Bolt, which some travel forums inexplicably recommend. Bolt drivers have a reputation for going to the wrong pickup location, falsely marking themselves as “arrived,” and then charging passengers a “no-show” fee that cannot be disputed. It happened to me the very first time I used the app. A local resident explained that unlike Uber’s software, Bolt’s system cannot detect when a driver misrepresents his location and improperly charges a passenger. My advice is to stick with Uber.

Expect Noise from May to September

Malta is devoutly Catholic and boasts nearly 400 churches. The larger ones and their surrounding neighborhoods sponsor annual, weeklong “festas,” or festivals, that run from spring to fall. Religious banners festoon the streets, colorful lights adorn the churches, and traditional fireworks— lots and lots of fireworks— illuminate the sky. Malta has 37 fireworks factories to accommodate the demand! (There used to be 39, but two of them blew up.)

Anecdotally, Maltese regulation of the fireworks is rather lax. If you attend a festa, keep a healthy distance from the pyrotechnics— there have been several unfortunate incidents.

That leads me to one of the more surprising things to know before visiting Malta…

Random Explosions in Malta

In Valletta, they have explosions of a very different sort. And I don’t mean the tame, daily firing of the cannon that signals the noon and four o’clock hours. For reasons that remain unclear to locals and tourists alike, the Maltese set off petards at irregular intervals by day and night from a barge in Grand Harbor. Petards are explosive devices fired into the air that give a flash of bright light, a puff of smoke, and an incredibly loud, earth-shaking explosion.

There’s no discernible schedule for the petards, and they go off several times a day. Sometimes there’s just one. At other times, you get multiple explosions spread across several minutes. At any time of the day or night.

The earliest one I heard exploded at 8:00 am. The latest was just before midnight. Locals told me they’re a recurring feature of the festa season. Dogs howl. Children cry. Newly arrived travel bloggers dive under their beds. You’ve been warned.

More Things To Know Before Visiting Malta

Valletta’s Grand Harbor accommodates extremely large cruise ships. To avoid the associated crowds, click here to check the port schedule.

Although situated in Europe, Malta uses the distinct British electrical plugs— a holdover from its days as a Crown Colony. Look carefully, and you’ll still spot the iconic red phone boxes (now repurposed) and British mailboxes— some bearing the mark of King George VI. (I even spotted a cannon with Queen Victoria’s monogram.)

Mdina – The Walled, Silent City

And if you’re planning to see Mdina— the walled, silent city made famous by Game of Thrones— know that it is no longer a pedestrian zone. The prohibition on non-resident traffic ended in June 2024. It’s still a great place to visit, though, and one of my favorite spots in Malta. Ani, an excellent private tour guide, made sure I saw the best of this walkable enclave over the course of 3 hours ($67). I liked it so much I went back on my own for an evening visit.

Other Worthwhile Activities in Malta

Don’t get me wrong. I’m pointing out the weather, terrain, petards, and problems with Bolt only because they caught me off guard. And I don’t want you to be unpleasantly surprised. But Malta absolutely deserves your time. Here’s my brief take on other sites worth seeing…

The Lascaris War Rooms

Malta was essential to the Allies’ victory in WW2. Hidden beneath Valletta is a series of secret tunnels and bunkers from which British and Allied commanders directed the war effort. Multiple tours take you underground to explain the remarkable history and show you the actual rooms and equipment used during critical phases of the war— including the Allied invasion of Sicily. Click here for information about the variously priced tours and watch for my upcoming article about WW2 in Malta.

Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery

The Upper Barrakka Gardens sit atop Valletta’s ancient fortifications with a commanding view of Grand Harbor and the cannons fired daily at noon and 4:00 pm. But the gardens are free to enter, so they can be crowded. If you want a closer, more intimate look at the cannons, purchase entry (6 Euros) to the Saluting Battery. Arrive about 45 minutes prior to either firing for the closest possible view of the cannons. (Note the Lower Barrakka Gardens are an entirely separate site at the opposite end of Valletta.)

Grand Master’s Palace

The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. They are responsible for many of the fortifications, buildings, streets, and tunnels we see today. The wide, shallow steps visible throughout Valletta were designed to accommodate the knights’ horses.

The order’s Grand Master began construction of a palace in 1574 which remained the seat of Malta’s government through successive Napoleonic, British, and Maltese rule. It’s an impressive place. Although some areas of the palace are currently undergoing renovation, the extensive armory is open and alone worth a visit. Note— from the suits of armor— how small in stature the knights were! Adult entry is 12 Euros. For more information, click here.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Europe is loaded with cathedrals, and I almost skipped this one. I’m glad I didn’t. The church is strikingly beautiful. It houses both the crypt of the Grand Masters and two masterpieces by Caravaggio— including his only signed work. Adult entry is 15 Euros and can be purchased in advance at the cathedral’s website.

Three Cities

Across Grand Harbor from Valletta are the Three Cities— Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. They’re compact, walkable, and scenic. And much quieter than Valletta. The ride across the harbor in a traditional water taxi (2 Euros each way) is part of the fun. I ventured over the water to see the Inquisitor’s Palace— don’t bother. But do wander aimlessly along the Three Cities’ narrow, crooked alleys, through the historic neighborhoods, and along the waterfront.

The Island of Gozo

The island of Gozo also offers respite from the hustle and bustle of Valletta. You can take a fast ferry from Grand Harbor to Gozo on your own— Gozo might be the only place I’d consider driving a rental car in Malta. But instead, I chose an organized tour (90 Euros, lunch included) that included the ferry crossing and guided exploration on a “Tuk Tuk”. (A Tuk Tuk is essentially an oversized, revved up golf cart.)

Highlights for me were the ancient Roman salt pans and a remarkable series of mosaics outside the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’Pinu. Our driver, Nic, was loads of fun, and sharing the day with five other travelers was a nice change of pace. On the way back, we made a 30-minute swim stop at the overhyped blue lagoon— I wouldn’t make a special trip just for that.

Movies Filmed in Malta

But Malta is photogenic. Game of Thrones’  location scouts weren’t the only ones to fall in love with the place. Dozens of movies filmed there, too. Gladiator II recently shut down the city of Mdina for a month. (The original Gladiator filmed in Malta, as well.) Other Malta blockbusters include Troy, The Da Vinci Code, and Assassin’s Creed. James Bond ventured to Malta for The Spy Who Loved Me. And Jurassic World Dominion, Captain Phillips, and Napoleon filmed here, too. In fact, the village-sized set of Popeye is now a tourist attraction in Malta.

Final Thoughts on Malta

Malta has a lot going for it— including its friendly people. It’s a history lover’s paradise and a haven for foodies. The islands are less expensive than most of Europe, and English is widely spoken. And Malta is exceptionally safe. Bear in mind my list of things to know before visiting Malta and you should have a great time.