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: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 13.498135
AAVE 0.012207
ADA 6.274808
AED 4.289988
AFN 76.455547
AGIX 20.529179
AKT 2.272266
ALGO 14.189848
ALL 92.685141
AMD 424.027941
AMP 3,045.105625
ANG 2.092390
AOA 1,072.800048
APE 9.083432
APT 2.088233
AR 0.628490
ARB 13.355611
ARS 1,748.796683
ATOM 0.782760
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.643352
AVAX 0.172446
AWG 2.090968
AXS 1.295990
AZM 9,928.939944
AZN 1.985788
BAKE 1,679.319615
BAM 1.955830
BAT 18.681877
BBD 2.336277
BCH 0.005530
BDT 142.135736
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.439220
BIF 3,474.425125
BMD 1.168138
BNB 0.001869
BND 1.485327
BOB 13.417154
BRL 6.049165
BSD 1.168138
BSV 0.072958
BSW 3,223.258550
BTC 0.000017
BTCB 19.735463
BTG 2.662160
BTN 111.698989
BTT 4,293,633.870463
BUSD 1.167363
BWP 15.712392
BYN 3.531873
BYR 22,892.119768
BZD 2.346397
CAD 1.612335
CAKE 0.724865
CDF 2,677.850523
CELO 18.665735
CFX 26.670481
CHF 0.932977
CHZ 91.379841
CLP 1,076.533162
CNH 7.856221
CNY 7.856620
COMP 0.063387
COP 3,566.077193
CRC 525.908198
CRO 23.443031
CRV 4.477219
CSPR 437.376052
CUC 1.167965
CUP 30.951080
CVE 110.2700
CVX 0.722160
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.169588
DAI 1.167995
DASH 0.036762
DCR 0.098876
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,173.949573
DJF 207.474605
DKK 7.475781
DOGE 15.559342
DOP 68.222254
DOT 1.475899
DYDX 10.619105
DZD 155.028351
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.411187
EGP 59.168004
ENJ 46.163995
EOS 17.699426
ERN 17.522076
ESP 166.3860
ETB 189.840962
ETC 0.177060
ETH 0.000517
EURC 1.007090
FEI 1.166659
FIL 1.735227
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.570325
FKP 0.858509
FLOW 40.402035
FLR 181.679512
FRAX 1.178113
FRF 6.559570
FTT 5.628028
GALA 810.679960
GBP 0.858509
GEL 3.043474
GGP 0.858509
GHC 129,258.080826
GHS 12.925808
GIP 0.858509
GMD 86.563737
GMX 0.171685
GNF 10,251.220328
GNO 0.009637
GRD 340.750000
GRT 83.486314
GT 0.167849
GTQ 8.891317
GUSD 1.170061
GYD 242.978961
HBAR 16.482536
HKD 9.160613
HNL 31.229263
HNT 6.739420
HOT 3,459.133937
HRK 7.534500
HT 10.285845
HTG 151.930830
HUF 363.912152
ICP 0.503691
IDR 20,795.129467
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.479186
IMP 0.858509
IMX 11.165802
INJ 0.251490
INR 111.698989
IQD 1,521.432984
IRR 1,605,485.093482
ISK 142.210760
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.858509
JMD 183.506639
JOD 0.828210
JPY 184.981804
KAS 43.807615
KAVA 28.379937
KCS 0.160141
KDA 248.775858
KES 151.206276
KGS 102.263782
KHR 4,704.545984
KLAY 47.524124
KMF 491.967750
KNC 11.038440
KPW 1,051.169108
KRW 1,627.923719
KSM 0.379386
KWD 0.360072
KYD 0.970366
KZT 538.830177
LAK 26,188.725142
LBP 104,412.210169
LDO 3.447439
LEO 0.125630
LINK 0.111452
LKR 384.367548
LRC 146.833407
LRD 211.504891
LSL 18.807871
LTC 0.024865
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 26.419400
LUNC 23,121.482124
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.391687
MAD 10.810712
MANA 17.424385
MBX 56.487447
MDL 20.024216
MGA 5,003.343056
MGF 25,016.715279
MINA 27.334818
MKD 61.674485
MKR 0.000804
MMK 2,452.453344
MNT 4,202.281258
MOP 9.435431
MRO 465.248150
MRU 46.524815
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.867428
MVR 18.057908
MWK 2,016.268235
MXN 19.797147
MXV 2.259844
MYR 4.722522
MZM 74,543.965010
MZN 74.543965
NAD 18.807871
NEAR 0.670043
NEO 0.641778
NEXO 1.564265
NFT 4,147,709.312915
NGN 1,573.132375
NIO 42.861444
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.896422
NPR 178.802157
NZD 1.965174
OKB 0.011409
OMR 0.449610
ONE 1,619.106291
OP 13.152159
ORDI 0.317301
PAB 1.168138
PAXG 0.000261
PEN 3.914147
PEPE 403,253.666827
PGK 5.244348
PHP 71.979185
PI 12.998716
PKR 322.928610
PLN 4.318860
POL 14.310295
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,989.685768
QAR 4.252024
QNT 0.019769
QTUM 1.618321
ROL 52,463.807106
RON 5.246381
RPL 0.751167
RSD 117.347658
RUB 98.112485
RUNE 2.738814
RVN 448.100204
RWF 1,712.919923
SAND 28.281148
SAR 4.380519
SBD 9.345534
SCR 16.944618
SDD 70,107.285017
SDG 701.072850
SEK 11.024123
SGD 1.485327
SHIB 246,536.287597
SHP 0.858509
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 26.764891
SLL 26,764.891300
SNX 5.698820
SOL 0.013769
SOS 662.486214
SPL 0.194690
SRD 44.162051
SRG 44,162.051242
SSP 6,622.133568
STD 24,659.830261
STN 24.659830
STX 8.955080
SUI 1.655196
SVC 10.221211
SYP 15,185.884647
SZL 18.807871
THB 38.354550
THETA 7.772011
TJS 10.714711
TMM 20,438.152755
TMT 4.087631
TND 3.385351
TOP 2.782662
TRL 56,017,507.438721
TRX 3.497140
TRY 56.017507
TTD 7.896346
TUSD 1.169893
TVD 1.643352
TWD 37.189827
TWT 2.920863
TZS 3,091.766548
UAH 52.172341
UGX 4,340.252567
UNI 0.319007
USD 1.168138
USDC 1.167877
USDD 1.168659
USDP 1.169374
USDT 1.168573
UYU 46.737715
UZS 13,720.168830
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 90,679,061,617.2383
VED 904.759628
VEF 90,475,962.821118
VES 904.759628
VET 240.660059
VND 30,514.748068
VUV 138.166522
WAVES 5.923568
WEMIX 6.035916
WOO 105.900228
WST 3.145984
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.017462
XAU 0.000260
XAUT 0.000261
XBT 0.000017
XCD 3.162080
XCG 2.092390
XCH 0.824540
XDC 41.993825
XDR 0.853050
XEC 166,599.965148
XEM 2,495.030510
XLM 6.801196
XMR 0.002735
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000879
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000648
XRP 1.052739
XTZ 5.362280
YER 276.931742
ZAR 18.807871
ZEC 0.002081
ZIL 480.563218
ZMK 21,882.679521
ZMW 21.882680
ZWD 422.749282
ZWG 31.154616
ZWL 77,846.793734

No currencies match your search.

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.