If you’re looking for tips for planning a trip to Malta, you’ve come to the right place. Malta is a small island nation located in the central Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Libya. It consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, as well as a number of smaller uninhabited islands. Malta is a popular tourist destination, known for its warm climate, stunning scenery, and rich history and culture.
Malta can be a rewarding destination for the intrepid traveler. However, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected when traveling to Malta. Here are 10 tips for planning a trip to Malta.
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- As with other Schengen destinations, if you have a Canadian, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or EU passport, that’s all you’ll need to visit for up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport expiry date is at least three months after your intended departure date from the Schengen area.
- Plan ahead if you want to see Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 5000-year-old subterranean necropolis only rediscovered in 1902. Click here to book 3 months ahead. Last-minute entry tickets are available after noon, the day prior from Fort St Elmo and Gozo Museum of Archaeology for an additional charge of €15.
- Bus services in Malta are really good but not always punctual. Use Google Maps to plan your route. Tickets can be purchased on board or using the the Tallinja app. Having a car is ideal for getting around Malta but know that you’ll have to drive on the left side of the road. Expect roads to be busy and driving to be creative. An International Driver’s Permit is required unless you’re a UK or EU citizen.
- Vehicle and passenger ferries run between the north part of the main island and Gozo every 45 minutes from 6am to 6pm, and approximately every hour through the night, but the service is sometimes suspended during winter due to storms and rough seas. Check schedules using the Gozo Channel website or app. There is also a passenger and bicycle ferry between Valletta and Gozo. Check schedules and reserve bicycle spaces with the Gozo Fast Ferry website or app or competing Gozo High Speed website or app.
- Bolt rideshares can come in extremely handy and can be used to get all around the country – download the app to be prepared. Ferries run between Valletta and the Three Cities. Check routes and schedules with Valletta Ferry Services. For bike-sharing, find a Tallinja Bike station and download the Bird and Whizascoot app for electric scooters.
- Pack good walking shoes and anything you need to protect yourself from the sun. Make sure you have something to cover your shoulders when visiting churches.
- Pack a travel adapter for type G outlets (3 rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) or consider getting an international travel adapter.
- Credit cards are widely accepted but often have a minimum spend. ATMs are readily available to get some Euros when you need them for tips and small charges. Tipping of 5-10% is customary whenever good service has been provided.
- Water in Malta is safe to drink but has a strong mineral or chemical taste. Pack a water bottle with a built-in filter or buy large water jugs to refill your refillable water bottle.
- When planning activities on Sundays, check opening hours as many things close around 1pm if they open at all.
* Featured image by Mike McBey on Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/158652122@N02/45400880161
I hope you find this Malta trip planning tips helpful. If you’re looking for more, here’s everything I’ve written about Malta and other travel destinations worth exploring.
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