Malta Travel Quick Guide: Schengen Visa, Best Seasons, Island Budgets & Church Etiquette
How to get to the island nation of the Knights surrounded by Mediterranean sunshine, where to stay, how many days to visit, how much it costs — visa requirements, seasonal tips, budget ranges, and church etiquette all explained in one guide.
Visa & Entry
Malta is a member of the Schengen Area. Most foreign visitors need to apply for a Schengen visa and can submit their application materials at the relevant visa application centre. Visitors holding valid multiple-entry visas issued by other Schengen countries can enter directly without additional formalities. International flights arrive at Malta International Airport (MLA). It takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Valletta’s City Gate by taking the X-series express bus from the airport. As a member of the Commonwealth, English is widely spoken across the island. Road signs, menus, and official forms are almost all in English. Coupled with its dense network of language schools, Malta has become a popular destination for English-language study tours in Europe. Student apartments and homestays should be booked several weeks in advance during peak season.
Best Seasons
- Spring (April–June): Wildflowers cover the countryside, sea temperatures begin to warm, and sunlight is mild — ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
- Summer (July–August): Beaches are most lively, and parish festivals feature continuous fireworks, but UV rays are very strong, so sun protection is essential.
- Autumn (September–October): Sea temperatures are warmest all year, making it the golden period for diving and snorkelling, while visitor numbers begin to decline.
- Winter (November–February): Mild with frequent showers and noticeable sea breezes, suitable for urban sightseeing in Valletta and Mdina.
Budget Reference (Per Person)
| Category | Daily Cost (Excluding Flights) | Description |
|---|
| Budget | $63–$92 | Hostel apartments in Sliema or St. Julian’s, self-catering with snacks and supermarkets |
| Comfortable | $115–$170 | Sea-view hotels, sit-down restaurants + inter-island ferry tickets and diving experiences |
| High-end | $210 and above | Five-star beachfront resorts, private inter-island boat charters, and spa treatments |
Winter is the traditional low season, with hotel prices up to 30% lower than in peak summer, making it also ideal for longer stays and study trips.
Etiquette & Taboos
- Maltese people are predominantly Catholic, and there are over 300 churches across the island. When entering a church, shoulders and knees should be covered, and visitors should avoid making noise or taking photos during Mass.
- Summer parish festivals (festa) are major events in villages and towns. When watching parades, do not block the path of marching bands or religious icon processions.
- Nudist sunbathing is only allowed in designated areas; wearing swimwear only is not appropriate on town streets.
- Vehicles drive on the left, so look right first when crossing the street. Traffic customs are the same as in the UK.