Photo: Valletta · Mandyy88 · CC BY-SA 4.0
First-Timer Guide 🇲🇹Malta: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / Malta
A typical first trip here runs about $1,100 to $1,500 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. This is a rough estimate from PINYA regional pricing, not hand-reviewed yet, and not a live price. Real cost moves with your dates and exchange rates. Get a tailored number in the Budget Calculator, or have The Crown price your exact trip.
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Pastizzi, flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta or mushy peas; iconic street snack
- Rabbit (fenek), the most beloved Maltese meat, stewed with wine and garlic
- Ħobż biż-żejt, bread smeared with tomato paste, capers, and tuna
- Imqaret, date pastries fried in oil; traditional sweet treat
- Kinnie, bitter orange soda; uniquely Maltese non-alcoholic drink
- Village festas, every town celebrates its patron saint with fireworks and bands
- Carnival (February), colorful floats and costumes in Valletta
- Malta Arts Festival (July), performances in Valletta's historic squares
- Freedom Day (March 31), commemorating British military departure
Maltese and English are both official languages, Maltese is the only Semitic language written in Latin script. English is universally spoken.
Maltese people are warm, proud, and deeply attached to their island's layered history.
- Catholic faith is central to Maltese identity, respect churches and religious events
- Maltese are friendly and love to talk about their island
- Traffic drives on the left (British colonial legacy)
- Tipping 10% is appreciated in restaurants
Getting Around
- Buses are the main public transport and reach most of the islands.
- The islands are small, so trips are short.
- Ferries connect Malta, Gozo and Comino.
Source: travel.state.gov
What moves the cost: The summer beach peak and the holidays cost the most, while the shoulder season is cheaper.
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Malta?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Is Malta safe for first-time travelers?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for Malta
Updates for Malta will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.