Malta: The Fortress Island - 2026 Guide

Malta is a tiny archipelago packed with 7,000 years of history. This former British colony offers Baroque cities, prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge, and some of the Mediterranean’s best diving. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily and north of Libya, Malta packs a punch well above its weight class. Despite its small size, it offers an incredible density of sights, experiences, and cultural richness that rivals much larger destinations.

In 2026, Malta continues to shine as a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, sun, and sea. Whether you are wandering the honey-colored streets of Valletta, diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon, or exploring ancient underground necropolises, Malta promises a journey through time.

Why Visit Malta?

Malta is unique because it is an open-air museum. You can walk through cities built by the Knights of St. John, visit temples that predate the Pyramids of Giza, and see the influence of the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, and British who have all left their mark here.

Historical Depth: Home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the entire capital city of Valletta.
English Speaking: As a former British colony, English is one of the official languages, making travel incredibly easy.
Year-Round Sun: With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s a perfect escape almost any time.
Diving Paradise: Consistently voted one of the best diving destinations in Europe, with wrecks, caves, and reefs.

Best Time to Visit

Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Spring (April to June): The island is green and blooming. Temperatures are pleasant (20-25°C), perfect for sightseeing and hiking. The sea starts to warm up in late May.
Summer (July to August): Hot and crowded. Temperatures can soar above 30°C. Great for beach lovers and nightlife, but can be overwhelming for sightseeing.
Autumn (September to November): The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into October. The crowds thin out, and the weather is generally mild, though rain becomes more likely in November.
Winter (December to March): Mild but can be windy and rainy. Great for cultural tourism and avoiding crowds, but not for beach holidays.

Iconic Experiences in Malta

1. Valletta: The Baroque Capital

Europe’s smallest capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city built by the Knights of St. John. It is a masterpiece of the Baroque style.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Do not judge this church by its austere facade. Inside, it is a riot of gold, marble, and painting, housing two masterpieces by Caravaggio.
Upper Barrakka Gardens: Offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, one of the finest natural harbors in the world. Catch the daily gun salute at noon.
The Streets: Just wandering the grid-like streets with their iconic colorful wooden balconies (gallarija) is an experience in itself.

2. The Silent City of Mdina

Before Valletta, there was Mdina. This ancient walled city sits on a hill in the center of the island.

Atmosphere: Known as the “Silent City,” traffic is restricted, preserving its medieval atmosphere.
Views: The bastions offer sweeping views across the entire island.
Game of Thrones: Fans will recognize the city gate as the entrance to King’s Landing in the first season.

3. The Blue Lagoon (Comino)

Located on the tiny island of Comino between Malta and Gozo.

The Water: The water here is an intense, glowing turquoise that looks like a swimming pool. It is perfect for snorkeling.
Tip: It gets incredibly crowded in summer. Go very early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late in the afternoon to enjoy it properly.

4. The Megalithic Temples

Malta’s temples are among the oldest free-standing structures on Earth.

Hagar Qim & Mnajdra: Located on a cliff edge, these temples are atmospheric and align with the sun during solstices.
Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni: An underground prehistoric burial site carved out of rock. It is a unique site requiring booking months in advance due to strict conservation limits.

5. Gozo: The Sister Island

Gozo is greener, more rural, and more relaxed than the main island of Malta.

Victoria (Rabat): The capital with its own impressive citadel.
Dwerja Bay: Though the Azure Window collapsed in 2017, the area remains stunning for diving and boat trips.
Ramla Bay: A beautiful beach with unique burnt-orange sand.

Gastronomy: A Melting Pot of Flavors

Maltese cuisine is rustic and hearty, heavily influenced by Sicilian and North African flavors.

Pastizzi: The ultimate street food. Flaky phyllo pastry diamonds filled with ricotta cheese (ricotta) or mushy peas (piżelli). They cost less than a Euro and are addictive.
Rabbit Stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek): The national dish. Rabbit is slow-cooked in wine, tomato, and garlic until tender.
Ftira: A ring-shaped sourdough bread, often eaten as a snack with oil, tomato paste, tuna, and capers (Hobz biz-zejt).
Kinnie: The local soft drink made from bitter oranges and aromatic herbs. It’s an acquired taste, similar to a non-alcoholic Campari.

Where to Stay

Valletta: Best for history buffs, culture, and easy access to transport. Boutique hotels in restored palazzos are popular here.
Sliema & St. Julian’s: The hub of modern Malta. Best for shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and resort-style hotels.
St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba: More affordable, family-friendly resort areas in the north.
Gozo: Perfect for a quiet, relaxing retreat in a farmhouse (often with a private pool).

Getting Around

Public Transport: Malta has an extensive bus network. It is cheap and covers most of the island, though it can be slow due to traffic.
Car Rental: Gives you the most freedom to explore hidden beaches and remote temples. Remember, driving is on the left (British style).
Ferries: Regular ferries connect Malta to Gozo (25 minutes) and Valletta to Sliema/Three Cities.

Conclusion

Malta offers a density of experiences that is hard to find elsewhere. You can swim in crystal waters in the morning, explore a 5,000-year-old temple before lunch, and dine in a medieval city at sunset. It is a destination that rewards curiosity and offers layers of history waiting to be peeled back.

Ready for Malta? Visit our Islands Registry.