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: 2026-10-05
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 10.716689
AAVE 0.006195
ADA 4.193133
AED 4.107144
AFN 72.124996
AKT 1.411687
ALGO 8.540019
ALL 91.432623
AMD 405.129838
AMP 1,767.547063
ANG 2.013618
AOA 1,026.184185
APE 6.666280
APT 1.414881
AR 0.249927
ARB 5.562765
ARS 1,713.558082
ATOM 0.642150
ATS 13.760300
AUD 1.612034
AVAX 0.102675
AWG 2.001848
AXS 0.853785
AZM 9,506.143510
AZN 1.901229
BAKE 4,657.009958
BAM 1.955830
BAT 10.888341
BBD 2.236702
BCH 0.003513
BDT 137.524417
BEF 40.339900
BGN 1.955830
BHD 0.420500
BIF 3,370.596007
BMD 1.118351
BNB 0.001415
BND 1.433591
BOB 13.394371
BRL 5.838865
BSD 1.118351
BSV 0.055945
BSW 2,692.196847
BTC 0.000013
BTCB 15.779982
BTG 1.690470
BTN 107.857669
BTT 2,986,438.293298
BUSD 1.115741
BWP 15.445980
BYN 3.361268
BYR 21,888.448241
BZD 2.250892
CAD 1.597536
CAKE 0.447756
CDF 2,585.065236
CELO 10.634771
CFX 20.739642
CHF 0.928271
CHZ 66.913355
CLP 1,095.805620
CNH 7.504962
CNY 7.498685
COMP 0.044611
COP 3,668.633536
CRC 512.313311
CRO 16.380217
CRV 2.920317
CSPR 433.831992
CUC 1.116758
CUP 26.781283
CVE 110.270000
CVX 0.480139
CYP 0.585274
CZK 24.427415
DAI 1.116955
DASH 0.018779
DCR 0.060688
DEM 1.955830
DFI 1,690.437002
DJF 199.433697
DKK 7.474046
DOGE 11.736926
DOP 66.942633
DOT 0.921640
DYDX 7.726001
DZD 149.513894
EEK 15.646640
EGLD 0.250402
EGP 58.875767
ENJ 33.455704
EOS 11.597993
ERN 16.775265
ESP 166.386000
ETB 182.584597
ETC 0.124766
ETH 0.000413
EURC 0.998152
FEI 1.116794
FIL 1.066157
FIM 5.945730
FJD 2.520626
FKP 0.846645
FLOW 35.366072
FLR 154.814788
FRAX 1.126750
FRF 6.559570
FTT 4.374043
GALA 450.964172
GBP 0.846645
GEL 2.902565
GGP 0.846645
GHC 131,118.303233
GHS 13.111830
GIP 0.846645
GMD 82.837782
GMX 0.133363
GNF 9,843.195338
GNO 0.009256
GRD 340.750000
GRT 37.364613
GT 0.100761
GTQ 8.545799
GUSD 1.118883
GYD 233.766907
HBAR 10.840850
HKD 8.775334
HNL 30.095591
HNT 1.946686
HOT 2,497.771041
HRK 7.534500
HT 30.969037
HTG 146.341550
HUF 368.722470
ICP 0.343605
IDR 20,064.789025
IEP 0.787564
ILS 3.413023
IMP 0.846645
IMX 6.155015
INJ 0.147883
INR 107.857669
IQD 1,464.189229
IRR 1,950,461.194231
ISK 137.186841
ITL 1,936.270000
JEP 0.846645
JMD 176.904871
JOD 0.792911
JPY 176.783772
KAS 26.188209
KAVA 16.236521
KCS 0.149235
KDA 120.351931
KES 144.033878
KGS 97.805615
KHR 4,534.159251
KLAY 29.657263
KMF 491.967750
KNC 7.946349
KPW 1,005.082162
KRW 1,505.947201
KSM 0.216975
KWD 0.345466
KYD 0.927998
KZT 501.581157
LAK 25,206.193348
LBP 100,255.986202
LDO 2.398507
LEO 0.125191
LINK 0.079348
LKR 369.596274
LRC 106.282452
LRD 192.048172
LSL 18.714990
LTC 0.015970
LTL 3.452800
LUF 40.339900
LUNA 22.038647
LUNC 21,263.726001
LVL 0.702800
LYD 7.156972
MAD 11.025710
MANA 11.008864
MBX 37.578927
MDL 19.966841
MGA 4,983.731116
MGF 24,918.655582
MINA 6.985527
MKD 61.245028
MKR 0.000508
MMK 2,347.683970
MNT 4,025.174006
MOP 9.038594
MRO 449.134322
MRU 44.913432
MTL 0.429300
MUR 54.181048
MVR 17.289190
MWK 1,937.822140
MXN 20.385706
MXV 2.313413
MYR 4.571840
MZM 71,387.282107
MZN 71.387282
NAD 18.714990
NEAR 0.229327
NEO 0.439238
NEXO 1.300413
NFT 4,652,680.921770
NGN 1,484.186632
NIO 41.089455
NLG 2.203710
NOK 10.807919
NPR 172.653164
NZD 2.000444
OKB 0.008970
OMR 0.430320
ONE 7.649904
OP 8.538552
ORDI 0.247791
PAB 1.118351
PAXG 0.000270
PEN 3.870044
PEPE 254,691.279240
PGK 5.023502
PHP 70.167354
PI 12.874739
PKR 309.664113
PLN 4.387800
POL 10.300702
PTE 200.482000
PYG 6,529.511283
QAR 4.070798
QNT 0.004484
QTUM 1.138689
ROL 53,442.340852
RON 5.344234
RPL 0.586039
RSD 116.845922
RUB 93.785099
RUNE 1.431213
RVN 468.925516
RWF 1,651.985584
SAND 15.319711
SAR 4.193816
SBD 9.023667
SCR 15.945433
SDD 67,128.979894
SDG 671.289799
SEK 11.278751
SGD 1.433591
SHIB 189,483.745157
SHP 0.846645
SIT 239.640000
SKK 30.1260
SLE 25.772508
SLL 25,772.507633
SNX 4.447338
SOL 0.009269
SOS 637.324120
SPL 0.186392
SRD 42.291419
SRG 42,291.418817
SSP 6,388.682590
STD 24,710.092826
STN 24.710093
STX 2.833940
SUI 0.918317
SVC 9.785571
SYP 14,520.082122
SZL 18.714990
THB 37.675381
THETA 4.938643
TJS 10.297467
TMM 19,571.071207
TMT 3.914214
TND 3.344174
TOP 2.687501
TRL 54,977,692.756548
TRX 3.333290
TRY 54.977693
TTD 7.578355
TUSD 1.117203
TVD 1.612034
TWD 35.567085
TWT 1.968648
TZS 2,943.340803
UAH 50.294792
UGX 4,460.558641
UNI 0.124155
USD 1.118351
USDC 1.116839
USDD 1.117321
USDP 1.118920
USDT 1.117116
UYU 45.041246
UZS 13,170.899335
VAL 1,936.270000
VEB 96,972,004,106.1163
VED 969.720041
VEF 96,972,004.106116
VES 969.720041
VET 128.660065
VND 29,092.685846
VUV 134.692447
WAVES 3.717087
WEMIX 5.724719
WOO 82.920725
WST 3.102503
XAF 655.957000
XAG 0.018364
XAU 0.000271
XAUT 0.000270
XBT 0.000013
XCD 3.026703
XCG 2.013618
XCH 0.710119
XDC 33.992788
XDR 0.825945
XEC 137,662.026900
XEM 1,955.985830
XLM 5.019391
XMR 0.002076
XOF 655.957000
XPD 0.000956
XPF 119.331742
XPT 0.000654
XRP 0.742663
XTZ 3.404846
YER 264.369878
ZAR 18.714990
ZEC 0.000849
ZIL 312.086960
ZMK 21,963.655411
ZMW 21.963655
ZWD 404.731237
ZWG 29.934191
ZWL 74,797.287852

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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.