Europe · Southern Europe

Malta

Republic of Malta

Flag of Malta
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+01:00
🏛️ Capital
Valletta
👥 Population
574,250
📐 Area
316 km²
💱 Currency
euro (€)
🗣️ Languages
English, Maltese
📞 Calling Code
+356
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+01:00
🌐 Region
Europe / Southern Europe

About Malta

Malta is a Mediterranean masterpiece — a tiny archipelago of golden limestone islands sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, where 7,000 years of human history are compressed into just 316 square kilometres of sun-bleached rock and shimmering azure sea. Its capital, Valletta, is one of the world's smallest yet most architecturally magnificent capital cities, a Baroque labyrinth of grand palaces, fortified walls, and cathedrals that earned the title of European Capital of Culture with complete justification. Almost everywhere you turn in Malta, you are walking through living history.

Beyond Valletta, the islands of Gozo and Comino offer contrasting escapes. Gozo is rural, slow-paced, and intensely local — a landscape of rolling fields, honey-colored villages, and cliffside temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids by a thousand years. Comino is almost uninhabited and home to the Blue Lagoon, a shallow cove of impossibly transparent water that draws swimmers and snorkelers from across Europe every summer. Malta's coastline, pocked with hidden coves, sea caves, and crystal-clear bays, offers some of the Mediterranean's finest diving and swimming.

Malta punches far above its weight as a cultural, historical, and culinary destination. The Knights of St. John, the Roman Empire, the Phoenicians, the Arabs, the British — all left their marks on these islands, layering a palimpsest of influences that makes Maltese identity unlike anything else in Europe. The Maltese language itself, the only Semitic language written in Latin script, is a living testament to this extraordinary cultural crossroads. Whether you are drawn by history, beaches, diving, food, or simply superb weather for most of the year, Malta consistently exceeds expectations for visitors of every persuasion.

History & Background

Malta's history reads like a compendium of the ancient world's greatest civilizations. The Megalithic Temples of Ggantija, Hagar Qim, and Mnajdra, built between 3600 and 2500 BC, are among the oldest freestanding stone structures on earth — predating Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza. These extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites testify to a sophisticated prehistoric civilization about which remarkably little is known, making them all the more fascinating. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Aragonese all held Malta before the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530.

The Knights — the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John — transformed Malta into one of the most formidable fortified archipelagos in the world, and their greatest hour came in the Great Siege of 1565, when a force of roughly 6,000 knights and Maltese soldiers repelled an Ottoman invasion force of over 40,000. This victory became one of the defining moments of European history. The British then held Malta from 1800 to 1964, leaving a profound imprint on everything from driving conventions to the legal system, and the island's extraordinary resistance during the Second World War Blitz — for which the entire island was awarded the George Cross — remains a source of immense national pride.

Culture & People

Maltese culture is a uniquely layered fusion of Mediterranean, Semitic, and European influences, shaped by the island's position at the center of centuries of geopolitical rivalry. Catholicism is deeply embedded in Maltese identity — the island claims to be one of the earliest Christian nations, having converted following Saint Paul's shipwreck on Malta in 60 AD, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. Every village has its own patron saint and celebrates an annual festa with elaborate street decorations, band marches, fireworks displays, and processions that last for days. These festas are among the most joyful and community-centered celebrations you can witness anywhere in Europe.

The Maltese language is a source of extraordinary national pride and cultural uniqueness. A hybrid of Arabic, Sicilian Italian, and English, Maltese (Malti) is the only Semitic language using the Latin alphabet and is recognized as an official language of the European Union. The arts scene in Malta has flourished in recent decades, with Valletta's galleries and performance spaces hosting international contemporary work alongside exhibitions celebrating the islands' heritage of Baroque art, filigree silverwork, and handmade lace. The tradition of lace-making (bizzilla) survives particularly on Gozo, where elderly women still weave intricate patterns in doorways as their grandmothers did before them.

Food & Cuisine

Maltese cuisine is a Mediterranean delight reflecting the island's layered history — Italian influence in the pasta and pastry traditions, Arabic echoes in the use of spices and preserved foods, and a proud local identity built around seasonal produce, fresh seafood, and celebrated local cheeses. The pastizzi is Malta's most beloved street snack: a flaky, diamond-shaped pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas, sold for cents from glass-fronted pastizzeriji. You will quickly develop an irrational attachment to them. Ftira — a traditional sourdough flatbread filled with tuna, capers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh vegetables — is the Maltese answer to the packed lunch and makes a superb beach picnic.

Rabbit (fenek) is the national dish and appears in virtually every form imaginable: braised slowly in wine and herbs, fried, made into pasta sauce, or roasted with vegetables. Lampuki — dolphin fish or mahi-mahi caught between August and November — is a seasonal delicacy often baked in a tomato and caper sauce or encased in pastry. Malta's extra-virgin olive oil, sun-ripened tomatoes, and local honey are outstanding. For dessert, imqaret — deep-fried date pastries — are a traditional treat, and the cheeselets known as gbejniet are a sharp, peppery local specialty that pairs wonderfully with Maltese bread and Maltese wine, which has been improving steadily in quality and international recognition.

Top Attractions

  • Valletta — Europe's smallest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with Baroque grandeur, the stunning St. John's Co-Cathedral, and sweeping Grand Harbour views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
  • Mdina (the Silent City) — A perfectly preserved medieval walled city perched on a hilltop, with narrow alleyways, noble palaces, and an atmosphere of profound quietude broken only by horse-drawn carriage wheels.
  • Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples — UNESCO-listed Megalithic temples dating to 3600 BC, among the world's oldest freestanding structures, positioned dramatically above the southern sea cliffs.
  • The Blue Lagoon, Comino — A shallow, crystalline turquoise lagoon between Comino and Cominotto islands, offering some of the Mediterranean's most photogenic swimming and snorkeling.
  • Azure Window Site and Inland Sea, Gozo — Although the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, the dramatic cliffs and the extraordinary Inland Sea — a landlocked lagoon connected to the open sea by a cave — remain spectacular diving and swimming destinations.
  • The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua) — Three fortified peninsulas across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, offering Knights-era fortifications, waterfront promenades, and a far more local atmosphere than the capital.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Rent a car or hire a driver for exploring outside Valletta and the main bus routes — Gozo in particular is best appreciated with your own transport and the freedom to stop at hidden coves and villages.
  • Book the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (a prehistoric underground sanctuary) weeks or months in advance — visitor numbers are strictly limited and it sells out well ahead of busy periods.
  • Use the Tallinja public bus app to navigate Malta's comprehensive and inexpensive bus network, which connects Valletta to most towns and resort areas.
  • The Blue Lagoon on Comino is extremely crowded from June to September — arrive on the first morning boat and plan to leave by early afternoon before the day crowds peak.
  • Crossing to Gozo is straightforward via the frequent Gozo Ferry from Cirkewwa; the crossing takes about 25 minutes and runs throughout the day and night.
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches — shoulders and knees must be covered, and many churches have shawls available at the entrance for visitors who need them.
  • Malta is compact enough that most attractions are within easy day-trip range of any base, so you only need a single accommodation to explore the whole island.

Visa Overview

Malta is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, meaning EU and Schengen member citizens may enter freely with a valid national ID card or passport. Citizens of many other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, can visit Malta visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism purposes. Travelers from countries not covered by visa-free arrangements must apply for a Schengen visa through the Maltese embassy or consulate in their country. From 2025, travelers from visa-exempt non-EU countries will need to complete an ETIAS registration before entry.

Getting Around

Malta International Airport connects to dozens of European and international destinations year-round. Within Malta, the bus network is comprehensive, affordable, and covers most tourist areas, though services can be slow and crowded in peak summer. Taxis are readily available from the airport and major towns; the eCabs app is the most reliable way to book metered taxis. A hire car gives maximum freedom for exploring Gozo and Malta's countryside. The Gozo Ferry runs frequently from Cirkewwa in northern Malta and is the main link between the two islands. Water taxis and traditional luzzu ferries cross Valletta's Grand Harbour to the Three Cities.

Safety Notes

Malta is among the safest destinations in Europe, with low crime rates and a welcoming attitude toward tourists. Normal urban precautions apply in Valletta and Paceville (the main nightlife area), where petty theft can occur in crowded spaces. The main safety concern for visitors is the sea — strong currents exist at several cliff-dive spots and cave entrances, and the Mediterranean's deceptive calmness masks genuine hazards for inexperienced swimmers. Always check sea conditions before entering the water in remote coves. Sun and heat exhaustion are real risks in summer; hydrate well and use high SPF sunscreen.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Malta.

euro (EUR)
Updated: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 12.719841
AAVE 0.013073
ADA 4.630153
AED 4.275245
AFN 72.767920
AKT 1.444120
ALGO 10.840961
ALL 95.540192
AMD 428.435683
AMP 1,391.351192
ANG 2.097330
AOA 1,069.334827
APE 8.072169
APT 1.233038
AR 0.544912
ARB 9.960338
ARS 1,625.224634
ATOM 0.565826
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.631096
AVAX 0.126134
AWG 2.083782
AXS 0.991396
AZM 9,895.091587
AZN 1.979018
BAKE 1,574.494356
BAM 1.955830
BAT 12.015718
BBD 2.328248
BCH 0.003064
BDT 143.051934
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.437711
BIF 3,468.011127
BMD 1.164124
BNB 0.001813
BND 1.490133
BOB 8.068364
BRL 5.832022
BSD 1.164124
BSV 0.077381
BSW 1,360.068155
BTC 0.000015
BTG 3.026186
BTN 112.208877
BTT 3,618,367.208370
BUSD 1.164714
BWP 15.826326
BYN 3.201329
BYR 32,013.286643
BZD 2.343073
CAD 1.600418
CAKE 0.823473
CDF 2,671.606325
CELO 14.466877
CFX 19.769429
CHF 0.914791
CHZ 23.676484
CLP 1,048.906162
CNH 7.920717
CNY 7.917988
COMP 0.052840
COP 4,422.669186
CRC 527.017785
CRO 16.658524
CRV 4.934030
CSPR 394.074736
CUC 1.164124
CUP 27.933206
CVE 110.270000
CVX 0.670727
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.310690
DAI 1.164701
DASH 0.027140
DCR 0.069158
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,185.497715
DJF 207.142880
DKK 7.472767
DOGE 11.161372
DOP 68.911305
DOT 0.932211
DYDX 8.048299
DZD 154.546792
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.296999
EGP 62.073954
ENJ 27.104245
EOS 14.390861
ERN 17.461859
ESP 166.386000
ETB 183.309146
ETC 0.130712
ETH 0.000546
EURC 0.999221
FEI 1.168565
FIL 1.206335
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.566994
FKP 0.867911
FLOW 32.260973
FLR 139.360892
FRAX 1.172315
FRF 6.559570
FTT 3.602999
GALA 346.227130
GBP 0.867911
GEL 3.109939
GGP 0.867911
GHC 133,174.816643
GHS 13.317482
GIP 0.867911
GMD 85.997770
GMX 0.175946
GNF 10,211.445439
GNO 0.009842
GRD 340.750000
GRT 46.285535
GT 0.164092
GTQ 8.874559
GUSD 1.166721
GYD 243.472581
HBAR 12.932783
HKD 9.116588
HNL 30.968310
HNT 1.413524
HOT 2,933.999474
HRK 7.534500
HT 8.027900
HTG 152.369435
HUF 360.594057
ICP 0.450743
IDR 20,634.235099
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.378669
IMP 0.867911
IMX 6.838533
INJ 0.223351
INR 112.208877
IQD 1,525.305687
IRR 1,534,502.357852
ISK 143.399116
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.867911
JMD 184.079237
JOD 0.825364
JPY 185.018807
KAS 33.686095
KAVA 20.213361
KCS 0.145324
KDA 139.951058
KES 150.542667
KGS 101.833807
KHR 4,668.945917
KLAY 22.380303
KMF 491.967750
KNC 8.107927
KPW 1,047.688701
KRW 1,752.211164
KSM 0.233785
KWD 0.358365
KYD 0.968264
KZT 546.242207
LAK 25,534.475927
LBP 104,361.286311
LDO 3.268614
LEO 0.115399
LINK 0.120107
LKR 387.697935
LRC 71.830432
LRD 213.359216
LSL 19.381844
LTC 0.021438
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 18.392672
LUNC 14,810.901040
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.392049
MAD 10.713406
MANA 13.208947
MBX 29.729149
MDL 20.145268
MGA 4,871.095760
MGF 24,355.478798
MINA 20.378374
MKD 61.624206
MKR 0.000675
MMK 2,443.781720
MNT 4,166.375708
MOP 9.390086
MRO 465.444891
MRU 46.544489
MTL 0.429300
MUR 55.043312
MVR 17.979407
MWK 2,026.107900
MXN 20.144875
MXV 2.279599
MYR 4.626613
MZM 74,353.071058
MZN 74.353071
NAD 19.381844
NEAR 0.721463
NEO 0.402635
NEXO 1.308799
NFT 4,115,984.240292
NGN 1,596.087400
NIO 42.790414
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.795641
NPR 179.618359
NZD 1.988361
OKB 0.014236
OMR 0.447801
ONE 567.925259
OP 9.067271
ORDI 0.279677
PAB 1.164124
PAXG 0.000257
PEN 3.983898
PEPE 316,112.789563
PGK 5.143240
PHP 71.839395
PI 7.669315
PKR 324.331945
PLN 4.242368
POL 12.806625
PTE 200.482000
PYG 7,085.373688
QAR 4.237411
QNT 0.015558
QTUM 1.289224
ROL 52,094.528786
RON 5.209453
RPL 0.670759
RSD 117.369513
RUB 84.369831
RUNE 2.601186
RVN 210.636634
RWF 1,702.081776
SAND 16.164975
SAR 4.365465
SBD 9.320167
SCR 17.090041
SDD 69,874.316979
SDG 698.743170
SEK 10.953320
SGD 1.490133
SHIB 201,965.108238
SHP 0.867911
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.664108
SLL 26,664.107791
SNX 3.758133
SOL 0.013696
SOS 665.222263
SPL 0.194021
SRD 43.334284
SRG 43,334.283928
SSP 5,488.412096
STD 24,764.114262
STN 24.764114
STX 4.873297
SUI 1.100235
SVC 10.186084
SYP 128.677201
SZL 19.381844
THB 37.974084
THETA 5.896554
TJS 10.836029
TMM 20,414.202997
TMT 4.082841
TND 3.380742
TON 0.578521
TOP 2.769361
TRL 53,064,818.051885
TRX 3.263779
TRY 53.064818
TTD 7.896305
TUSD 1.165542
TVD 1.631096
TWD 36.830286
TWT 2.436256
TZS 3,029.074551
UAH 51.386242
UGX 4,387.230213
UNI 0.329697
USD 1.164124
USDC 1.164516
USDD 1.165316
USDP 1.165702
USDT 1.165189
UYU 46.662312
UZS 14,006.770047
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 60,223,171,250.4368
VED 602.204845
VEF 60,220,484.498490
VES 602.204845
VET 172.818622
VND 30,651.856834
VUV 138.221011
WAVES 3.062902
WEMIX 4.309414
WOO 68.931611
WST 3.137378
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.015295
XAU 0.000256
XAUT 0.000256
XBT 0.000015
XCD 3.151690
XCG 2.097330
XCH 0.419422
XDC 37.448638
XDR 0.851629
XEC 158,699.650058
XEM 1,749.154817
XLM 7.929546
XMR 0.003012
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000831
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000591
XRP 0.842216
XTZ 3.404634
YER 277.783163
ZAR 19.381844
ZEC 0.002033
ZIL 296.096586
ZMK 22,001.938891
ZMW 22.001939
ZWD 421.296440
ZWG 30.162708
ZWL 75,368.289311

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Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Malta needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Malta?
The capital of Malta is Valletta.
What currency does Malta use?
Malta uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Malta?
The official language(s) of Malta include English, Maltese.
What is the population of Malta?
Malta has a population of approximately 574,250 people.
What region is Malta in?
Malta is located in Europe, specifically in the Southern Europe subregion.
What is the international calling code for Malta?
The international dialing code for Malta is +356.
What time zones does Malta observe?
Malta observes the following time zone(s): UTC+01:00.
What is the current time in Malta?
The local time in Malta is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Malta?
Malta covers a total area of 316 km².
How many states or provinces does Malta have?
Malta is divided into 12 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Malta in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Malta in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Malta?
Visa requirements for citizens of Malta vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.