Malta is home to the ancient ruins of the megalithic temples, which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating back to 3600-2500 BC. The temples are known for their intricate carvings and impressive stone architecture, and …
Read more
backpacking Europe
Malta
Explore Luxembourg
Explore Moldova
Backpacking Malta in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Malta with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Malta
Welcome to Malta, a tiny archipelago with a big personality, where history, culture, and sun-soaked shores beckon backpackers. Pros? Dive into a rich history, explore charming cities, and enjoy a compact size for easy exploration. Malta's safety and English proficiency enhance the backpacker experience. However, it may be pricier compared to some budget destinations. For those seeking a blend of Mediterranean charm, historic wonders, and a relaxed island vibe, Malta offers a unique, immersive experience, making it an ideal destination for backpackers wanting a taste of Europe on a smaller scale.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Malta
Architecture
Beach life
Malta is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and numerous sandy beaches and hidden coves. The island’s location in the Mediterranean Sea provides warm and calm waters, perfect for swimming …
Read more
Read more
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Malta
1. Valletta: Explore the capital city of Malta, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.
2. Blue Lagoon: Take a boat trip to this picturesque bay on the island of Comino, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Ġgantija Temples: Visit these ancient megalithic temples on the island of Gozo, dating back to 3600 BC and considered to be some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
4. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: Discover this underground prehistoric burial site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its intricate architecture and fascinating history.
5. Marsaxlokk: Wander through this charming fishing village, known for its colorful traditional boats, bustling Sunday fish market, and delicious seafood restaurants.
2. Blue Lagoon: Take a boat trip to this picturesque bay on the island of Comino, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
3. Ġgantija Temples: Visit these ancient megalithic temples on the island of Gozo, dating back to 3600 BC and considered to be some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
4. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum: Discover this underground prehistoric burial site, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its intricate architecture and fascinating history.
5. Marsaxlokk: Wander through this charming fishing village, known for its colorful traditional boats, bustling Sunday fish market, and delicious seafood restaurants.
But Malta offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Malta
The best time to visit Malta for backpacking is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island on foot. The summer months (July and August) can be very hot and crowded, while the winter months (December to February) can be damp and chilly, making it less than ideal for backpacking.
Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the peak tourist crowds and high prices, while still being able to enjoy the beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture that Malta has to offer. The island also hosts various festivals and events during these times, providing a unique opportunity to experience the local traditions and customs. Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and cultural experiences for backpackers visiting Malta.
Additionally, visiting during the shoulder seasons allows you to avoid the peak tourist crowds and high prices, while still being able to enjoy the beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture that Malta has to offer. The island also hosts various festivals and events during these times, providing a unique opportunity to experience the local traditions and customs. Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of favorable weather, fewer crowds, and cultural experiences for backpackers visiting Malta.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Malta
- Bag-snatching, pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur. Be careful at ATMs, on buses, and in popular tourist spots.
- It can get rowdy around nightclubs. Stay with people you trust. Avoid confrontations.
- Always be alert to terrorism. Terrorists have targeted European cities, including transport hubs and places visited by travellers. Take official warnings seriously.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
MaltaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Malta sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Malta. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Malta may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Malta. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Malta may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute).
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
.jpg)
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024