Malta
Weather
Local Information
Plug Socket Type
Type G (same as Ireland and UK). No adapter needed for Irish visitors.
Currency
Euro
Time Zones
GMT+1 (1 hour ahead of Ireland in winter, same in summer).
Local Emergency Contact
112 (general emergency). Irish Embassy (nearest): Rome +39 06 585 2381.
Travel Information
Flight Time
Approximately 3 hours from Dublin to Malta (MLA). Year-round services.
Distance from Beach
Malta is compact. Rocky swimming spots are within walking distance from most areas. Sandy beaches may require a bus ride.
Do I need a Visa?
No. Malta is an EU member state. Irish citizens need only a valid passport or identity card.
3 Things to do in Malta
Valletta Old Town
–UNESCO World Heritage capital built by the Knights of St John — baroque architecture, Grand Harbour and excellent museums.
Blue Grotto
–Stunning sea caves on the south coast, explored by traditional boat trips. Best visited in the morning for optimal light.
Mdina (The Silent City)
–Ancient walled city on a hilltop in central Malta — narrow streets, cathedral and panoramic views.
Description
Explore Malta, a sun-kissed Mediterranean archipelago blending millennia of history, stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters for diving, and vibrant culture, including the charming sister island of Gozo.
Malta's main island offers a remarkable concentration of resorts, historic sites and natural beauty within a compact area that makes exploring easy and rewarding. The capital Valletta is a Baroque masterpiece — a planned city of honey-coloured limestone built by the Knights of St John, packed with palaces, churches, museums and atmospheric café-lined streets. St Julian's and Paceville form Malta's main entertainment hub, with waterfront restaurants, bars and the island's principal nightlife district. Sliema offers a more relaxed waterfront promenade with excellent shopping and ferry connections to Valletta across the harbour. Bugibba and Qawra on the north coast provide family-friendly resorts with good facilities and easy access to the sandy beach at Golden Bay. The south coast reveals a quieter side of Malta, with the colourful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, its Sunday fish market and the remarkable megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra perched on clifftops overlooking the sea. Getting around is straightforward — local buses connect all major towns and resorts cheaply, and the island's small size means nowhere is more than an hour away. Whether your priority is history, beach, nightlife or culture, Malta delivers variety that belies its modest size.
Culture and Experiences
What's Nearby?
Gozo
– Malta's sister island with Ggantija temples, Azure Window site, Ramla Bay and a quieter pace of life.
Comino Blue Lagoon
– Tiny island between Malta and Gozo famous for its crystal-clear turquoise swimming lagoon.
Three Cities
– Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua — historic harbour towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, rich with maritime heritage.
History
Megalithic Temples
– Malta's prehistoric temples are among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth.
Knights of St John (1530-1798)
– The Knights Hospitaller built Valletta and many of Malta's most impressive buildings.
World War II
– Malta was collectively awarded the George Cross in 1942 for bravery.
Local Markets
Marsaxlokk Fish Market (Sunday)
– Colourful fishing village with a famous Sunday market.
Valletta Market
– Covered market near the city gate with local produce, Maltese crafts and food stalls.
Events and Festivals
Village Festas (Summer)
– Every village celebrates its patron saint with fireworks. Most weekends June-September.
Carnival (February)
– Colourful floats, grotesque masks and dance parties in Valletta.
Notte Bianca (October)
– Valletta's White Night — museums open late with free cultural events.
Local Etiquette
Language
– English and Maltese are both official languages. No communication difficulties.
Church Dress
– Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches — strictly enforced.
Tipping
– Rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated but not expected.
Dining and Night Life
Local Cuisine
Pastizzi
– Flaky pastry parcels filled with ricotta or mushy peas — the ubiquitous Maltese street snack, under €1 each.
Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek)
– Malta's national dish — slow-braised rabbit in red wine and tomato.
Ftira
– Maltese sourdough bread/pizza, often topped with tomato, capers, olives and tuna.
Kinnie
– Malta's unique bitter orange soft drink — an acquired taste and a local icon.
Night Life
Paceville (St Julian's)
– Malta's main nightlife district with clubs, bars and late-night entertainment.
Valletta Evening Scene
– Increasingly vibrant evening dining and cocktail scene along Strait Street.
Sliema Waterfront
– Bars and restaurants along the promenade — more relaxed than Paceville.