Malta Travel Tips & Hacks
How to Make Your Trip Smooth 2025
Malta is an absolute gem, but if you’re not prepared, you might be caught off guard. From chaotic transportation to unexpected hikes in the middle of the night (yes, really), here’s what we learnt from visiting this island.
Getting Around: The (Slightly Wacky) Transportation Scene
Malta’s infrastructure is… let’s just say interesting. Your main public transport option is the bus, which is fairly cheap but not exactly the most efficient. Here’s what you need to know:
- Buses are affordable but slooow – A one-week unlimited pass costs €25, but at peak times, expect to spend over an hour crammed inside as they stop quite often. If you’re standing, be ready for an arm and leg workout.
- Uber & Bolt? Pricey – Rides cost us anywhere from 12-25 Euros per trip (between cities), so if you’re on a budget, this isn’t ideal.
- Driving? Only if you’re experienced – Traffic is chaotic & roads are narrow. Don’t forget you have to drive on the left side of the road.
- Crosswalks? About that… – Get ready to cross multi-lane intersections like it’s an extreme sport.
- Ok, it’s not that bad, particularly when you’re in a city, but as the country is small and you’ll have to walk outside of them quite often, you might find yourself walking along the cars…
When to Visit: Avoid the Summer Madness
Malta in peak summer? Tourist packed and very hot. Instead, go in the off-season.
- November is perfect – The weather is still warm, the sea is swimmable, and you’ll have some really cool spots for yourself.
- Downsides – Some watersports companies might be closed, so double-check before you go. It also gets dark faster. To counter these downsides, going in the spring would do the job, but crowds will start appearing at that time.
Talk to the Locals: They’re Awesome
I know, I know, cliche—every travel blog says, “The locals are sooo friendly!” But trust us on this one.
- Every single person we met went above and beyond to help us.
- One of our Uber drivers literally drove a few extra kilometers for free just to drop us in a better spot.
- Need directions? Ask a local—they’ll probably give you insider tips too!
Double-Check Opening Times
Google says it’s open? That might not be true. Yes, this is a fact for most places, but never have we been “scammed” by it this many times.
- We showed up at two museums and a watersports center, only to find they’re closed, despite Google telling us they’re open.
- Always check official websites to avoid wasting time.
Beware of Google Maps (Unless You Like Night Hikes on Cliffs)
Again, Malta is small, so a lot of times you’ll be walking basically in the middle of nowhere, which means Google Maps might take you on some… adventurous routes.
- Especially true at night – We followed Google Maps and ended up on a literal cliff hike in slippers. One wrong step? Game over.
- Double-check the route before heading out, especially if you’re walking between cities.