Malta

Malta

Haqqi Tours arranges day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and multi-day packages across Malta, confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay.

At noon in Valletta the cannons of the Saluting Battery fire across the Grand Harbour, and the sound rolls back from the honey-coloured bastions of the Three Cities. Below, a yellow-and-blue dgħajsa water taxi cuts across water so clear you can see the harbour floor, while church bells answer from a dozen domes. The streets smell of warm pastizzi, flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, and every enclosed wooden balcony seems painted a different colour.

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The essence of Malta

Malta is small enough to cross in an hour, yet it holds seven thousand years of story. Its megalithic temples are older than the pyramids of Giza, the Knights of St John turned Valletta into a fortress capital, and the Maltese language, a Semitic tongue written in Latin letters, hints at the many peoples who passed through. Add the turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon, the rural calm of Gozo and summer village festas ablaze with fireworks, and you understand why Malta lingers in the memory. Haqqi Tours makes the islands effortless from your first step off the plane.

Why visit Malta?

Temples, Knights and a Fortress Capital

Malta’s megalithic temples at Ġgantija on Gozo and Ħaġar Qim above the southern cliffs predate Stonehenge, and the underground Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a prehistoric sanctuary carved deep into rock. In 1565 the Knights of St John withstood the Great Siege, then built Valletta, today a UNESCO-listed capital. St John’s Co-Cathedral dazzles with gilded stone and Caravaggio’s masterpiece, while Mdina, the walled Silent City, recalls Malta’s noble medieval past.

Limestone Cliffs and Crystal Coves

Three main islands form the Maltese archipelago, each ringed by water of astonishing clarity. On Malta, the Dingli Cliffs drop sharply to the sea and the Blue Grotto glows sapphire in the morning light. Tiny Comino shelters the famous Blue Lagoon, while greener Gozo offers terraced valleys, salt pans carved into the shore at Xwejni and the Inland Sea at Dwejra. Below the surface, reefs, caves and wrecks make Malta a celebrated diving destination.

Festas, Fishing Boats and Island Flavours

Maltese food blends Sicilian warmth with North African spice and British habit. Taste stuffat tal-fenek, slow-braised rabbit, lampuki fish pie in autumn, ftira bread loaded with tuna, capers and tomatoes, and date-filled imqaret fried at the stall. Every summer weekend a village festa honours its patron saint with brass bands, street decorations and fireworks, while painted luzzu boats bearing the protective Eye of Osiris bob in Marsaxlokk harbour.

Island Moments Found Nowhere Else

Stand inside the Hypogeum, one of the world’s only prehistoric underground temples, where only small groups enter each hour. Hear the noon gun fire over the Grand Harbour, swim in the Blue Lagoon before the boats arrive, and cross to Gozo by ferry for a slower island rhythm. On a summer night, follow a village festa as fireworks burst over baroque domes, then sail into the Three Cities aboard a traditional dgħajsa.

Who is Malta for?

Ideal for

  • Couples seeking sea, history and sunshine
  • History lovers fascinated by prehistory and the Knights
  • Divers and snorkellers
  • Families wanting short distances and calm bays
  • Culture lovers drawn to baroque churches and festas
  • Travellers adding a Mediterranean island to a Europe trip

Pace & travel style

  • One base on Malta with easy day tours
  • Island-hopping by ferry to Gozo and Comino
  • Mornings of sightseeing, afternoons by the sea
  • Private car and driver for compact, unhurried days

When to visit Malta

Peak season · June–August

Summer in Malta is hot, dry and dazzling, with sea temperatures perfect for swimming and boat trips. Village festas fill almost every weekend with fireworks and processions, and the islands buzz with energy. Beaches, the Blue Lagoon and ferries to Gozo become busy, and hotels are at their fullest and priciest, so book early and plan sightseeing in the morning.

Shoulder season · April–May & September–October

Spring brings wildflowers over the cliffs, comfortable heat for walking Valletta and Mdina, and Easter processions in the parishes. In September and October the sea is at its warmest, crowds thin after the summer holidays and the light turns golden. These months suit sightseeing and swimming in equal measure, with better availability and a relaxed island mood.

Low season · November–March

Winter in Malta is mild by European standards, with sunny days between occasional rain showers and rough seas. It is an excellent season for history, museums, the temples and long walks along the cliffs without the summer heat. February brings colourful Carnival celebrations in Valletta and Gozo, Christmas cribs fill the churches, and hotels offer calmer days and gentler rates.

The regions of Malta and how to combine its cities

Malta is an archipelago of three inhabited islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily. The main island holds most of the life: Valletta and the Grand Harbour, with the fortified Three Cities facing it, the lively seafronts of Sliema and St Julian’s to the north, and the walled hilltop town of Mdina with Rabat at the centre. The south is quieter, with Marsaxlokk’s fishing harbour, the Blue Grotto and the temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.

The north of Malta curves around sandy bays at Mellieħa and Golden Bay and ends at Ċirkewwa, where ferries leave for Gozo. Gozo is greener, more rural and slower, with Victoria’s Citadella, the Ġgantija temples and dramatic coastline. Between the two lies Comino, almost uninhabited, with its turquoise Blue Lagoon. Distances are short everywhere, so a first trip easily covers all three islands.

Our city directory below covers Malta itself, the island base for your whole stay. From Malta we arrange private airport transfers, guided day tours to Mdina, the southern coast and Gozo, attraction tickets for sites such as the Hypogeum, ferry tickets to Gozo, Comino and across the sea to Sicily, and flight tickets onward. Pair several days on Malta with a Gozo day and a Sicilian extension for an ideal Mediterranean itinerary.

Before you go: practical tips for Malta

Entry & visas

Malta is a member of the Schengen area, so standard Schengen rules apply. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, while others need a Schengen visa obtained in advance from a Maltese or other member-state consulate. Requirements depend on your passport and may change, so check the official Maltese government portal or the nearest embassy before booking flights and ferries.

Money, cards & tipping

Malta uses the euro. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, but keep some cash for pastizzi kiosks, village festas, small cafés and market stalls. Tipping around five to ten percent in restaurants is appreciated when service is not included, and rounding up for drivers is common. Bargaining is not customary, except perhaps gently at Sunday markets.

Etiquette & dress code

Malta is deeply Catholic, and churches, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, expect shoulders and knees to be covered; carry a scarf or light layer. Swimwear belongs on the beach, not in the streets of Valletta or Mdina. Speak quietly during Mass and avoid flash photography inside churches. During festas, be patient with closed roads and join the celebration respectfully.

Getting around

Malta has no railway, so getting around means buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps or a private car. Car ferries link Ċirkewwa with Mġarr on Gozo in about twenty-five minutes, and fast ferries run from Valletta; seasonal catamarans cross to Sicily. Traffic drives on the left. Our private chauffeured transfers meet you at Malta International Airport, and we can arrange a driver for full-day touring.

Must-do things in Malta

  • Walk Valletta’s Republic Street and visit the gilded St John’s Co-Cathedral
  • Watch the noon gun fire from the Upper Barrakka Gardens over the Grand Harbour
  • Explore Mdina’s silent lanes and the bastion views over the island
  • Descend into the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground sanctuary
  • Swim in the turquoise water of Comino’s Blue Lagoon early in the day
  • Take a small boat into the Blue Grotto caves on the southern coast
  • Cross to Gozo by ferry to see the Ġgantija temples and the Citadella
  • Browse the Sunday fish market among painted luzzu boats at Marsaxlokk
  • Ride a traditional dgħajsa across the harbour to the Three Cities
  • Share hot pastizzi and a ftira by the sea, the classic Maltese snack

Do’s and don’ts in Malta

Do

  • Book Hypogeum tickets well in advance, as entry is very limited
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches
  • Plan beach time and boat trips for the morning in summer
  • Join a village festa if your visit falls on one
  • Use sun protection; the Maltese sun is strong year-round

Don’t

  • Don’t wear swimwear in town streets or churches
  • Don’t underestimate summer heat when walking the bastions at midday
  • Don’t leave Gozo off your itinerary if you have more than three days
  • Don’t take stones, shells or sea life from protected sites
  • Don’t rely on driving yourself if you are not used to driving on the left

Malta at a glance

Plan Malta with Haqqi Tours

Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Malta.

Is it safe to visit Malta?

Malta is one of Europe’s safest destinations, with low crime, friendly people and well-organised tourist services. Take normal care with belongings in busy areas such as Sliema and Paceville, respect sea conditions and flags at the beaches, and stay hydrated in summer. Check your government’s official travel advice before departure and keep our WhatsApp line handy.

How many days do I need for a first trip to Malta?

Four to five days is ideal for a first trip to Malta: two days for Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina, one for the south coast and Blue Grotto, and one for Gozo and Comino. A full week lets you add beach time, diving or a ferry crossing to Sicily.

What is the best way to travel between Malta's major cities?

Malta’s towns are close together, linked by an extensive bus network, taxis and ride-hailing apps, though traffic can be slow at peak times. Ferries connect Malta with Gozo and Comino, and seasonal catamarans reach Sicily. The most comfortable option is a private car with driver, which we arrange alongside ferry tickets and transfers.

Can a trip to Malta be tailored for luxury or private travel?

Yes. We can tailor a private Malta journey with boutique palazzo hotels in Valletta, a private driver-guide, early-access visits and private boat charters to Comino and Gozo. Because we send many travellers to the islands, our trusted local partners give us priority and special rates, so our travellers always receive the best.

Is Malta tourist friendly?

Very. English is an official language of Malta alongside Maltese, so communication is easy everywhere. Tourist infrastructure is excellent, with clear signage, a wide choice of hotels and accessible historic sites. The Maltese are warm and proud of their islands, and travellers of every age quickly feel at ease.

Is it safe to travel to Malta now?

Travel to Malta generally runs smoothly, but conditions can change anywhere, so check your own government’s official travel advice shortly before departure. Strong winds can occasionally disrupt ferries to Gozo or Comino and boat trips to the Blue Grotto. Keep our WhatsApp line handy; our team watches your bookings and adjusts plans when needed.

What is the best time to visit Malta?

April to June and September to October are the best times to visit Malta, with warm, sunny days, a swimmable sea and fewer crowds than midsummer. July and August are hottest and liveliest, with festas every weekend, while winter is mild and ideal for history, museums and quiet coastal walks.

What is Malta famous for?

Malta is famous for Valletta, its UNESCO-listed fortress capital, the prehistoric temples and Hypogeum, the Knights of St John and the Great Siege, and the crystal-clear Blue Lagoon. It is also known for colourful luzzu boats, village festas with fireworks, pastizzi, and diving among caves and wrecks.

Which cities in Malta does Haqqi Tours cover?

Malta. Each city has its own page with everything available there, and a trip across several cities is planned in one WhatsApp conversation.

What can I book in Malta?

Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets and ferry tickets - all run or confirmed by Haqqi Tours, each with a fixed price agreed on WhatsApp before you pay.

How do I book a tour or transfer in Malta?

Fill in the form on the page you are interested in, or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and your hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.

Are the prices fixed?

Yes. Every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day - not for traffic, not for a late flight, not for the hour.

Do you arrange transfers between cities in Malta?

Yes. Intercity transfers by private car or van are booked the same way as airport transfers; tell the desk the two hotels and the date and it quotes a fixed price for the whole vehicle.

Can you plan a full itinerary across Malta?

Yes - tell the desk your dates, the cities you want and who is travelling, and it proposes a day-by-day plan with the tours, transfers and tickets priced in writing. You adjust it in the same chat before confirming.

Are your tours private or in a group?

Both exist, and the page of each tour says which. Private tours have a car and guide for your party alone; small-group tours share a guide with a few other travellers. The desk can convert most group tours into a private day on request.

Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic?

It depends on the country, the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language for the driver or guide. Tell us your preference and we do our best; the WhatsApp desk itself always works in Arabic and English.