Malta: holidays in Malta, Gozo and Comino
Malta is small but full of surprises: golden beaches, the turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon, medieval towns and more than 7,000 years of history on an island you can cross by car in under an hour. Winters are mild and sunny, spring to late autumn is warm, and the flight takes less than two hours. With Top 10 Putovanja you book your flight and hotel in one package. Below you will find where to stay, what to see, what to do with children and the hotels we recommend.
Why Malta
- Short flight: just under two hours from Zagreb, with no time difference.
- Mild winter, warm summer: around 16 °C in winter and great prices for sightseeing, while the sea is pleasantly warm for swimming from June to October.
- Hassle-free Europe: Malta is in the EU, you pay in euros, an ID card is enough and English is an official language.
- Everything close together: beaches, historic towns and boat trips are all nearby, so Malta is also perfect for a short break.
- All in one package: flight, hotel and, with many offers, airport transfer too.
Weather in Malta
Average daytime high air temperature and sea temperature:
| Month | Air | Sea |
|---|---|---|
| December | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| January | 16 °C | 16 °C |
| February | 16 °C | 15 °C |
| March | 17 °C | 15 °C |
| April | 20 °C | 16 °C |
| May | 23 °C | 18 °C |
| June | 28 °C | 21 °C |
| July | 31 °C | 24 °C |
| August | 31 °C | 26 °C |
| September | 28 °C | 25 °C |
| October | 24 °C | 23 °C |
In winter Malta has around 16 °C and plenty of sunshine, ideal for exploring Valletta, Mdina and Gozo without the crowds and at much lower prices. The best months for swimming are June to October, while May and September are great for combining the beach with excursions.
When to go to Malta
- December–February: around 16 °C, sunshine and the lowest prices. Ideal for Valletta, Mdina and Gozo without the crowds. Too cold for swimming, but many hotels have heated pools.
- March–May: the countryside in bloom and a pleasant 18 to 23 °C, perfect for walks and boat trips.
- June–August: real summer, 28 to 31 °C and a warm sea. Best to go sightseeing in the morning.
- September–October: the sea is at its warmest, there are fewer crowds and prices are lower than in summer.
Flights to Malta
Packages on our site include direct flights from nearby airports, in winter direct from Zagreb. Exact departures, airports and prices for your dates are shown in the search for each offer, along with whether luggage and the airport transfer to the hotel are included.
Where to stay
- Mellieha and the north: Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay, with shallow water, and the ferry to Gozo and Comino close by. The best choice for families and beach lovers.
- St. Paul’s Bay, Qawra and Bugibba: seafront promenade, restaurants, more affordable hotels and good bus connections across the island.
- St. Julian’s and Sliema: lively nightlife, shopping and a ferry to Valletta in a few minutes.
What to do in Malta
- Valletta: the UNESCO-listed capital, with St. John’s Co-Cathedral and its two Caravaggio paintings, and the Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour.
- Mdina: the “silent city” behind mighty walls at the top of the island, with narrow streets and views to the sea.
- Comino and the Blue Lagoon: a boat trip to a crystal-clear bay that is one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the Mediterranean.
- Gozo: take the ferry to the green neighbouring island, the Citadel in Victoria and the Ġgantija temples, older than the Egyptian pyramids.
- Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk: a boat trip into the Blue Grotto sea caves and a fishing village with colourful boats and a Sunday market.
- Beaches in the west: Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa with light sand and sunsets.
Practical tips
- Driving on the left: as in the UK. If you rent a car, expect narrow roads and traffic in the centre.
- Sockets are British (type G), so bring an adapter.
- Buses cover the whole island, the Gozo ferry leaves Ċirkewwa roughly every 45 minutes, and small boats go to Comino.
- Tap water is safe but does not taste good, so most people drink bottled water.
- Tipping around 10 % in restaurants is usual but not compulsory.
Maltese food
Try pastizzi (flaky pastries with ricotta or peas, sold on every corner), rabbit stew (fenkata, the national dish), ftira (Maltese bread with toppings) and fresh fish in Marsaxlokk. The local beer is Cisk, and the island makes its own wines too.
Malta with children
Malta is one of the easiest summer destinations for families. The flight is short and distances on the island are small, so children don’t spend half the day on a bus. Most families choose the north around Mellieha, where Mellieha Bay is sandy and shallow.
- Popeye Village: a colourful film-set village in Anchor Bay with entertainment and swimming.
- Malta National Aquarium in Qawra, right by the sea.
- Splash & Fun water park on the coast between St. Julian’s and Bugibba.
- Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: shallow, calm and crystal-clear water that children love.
A few tips for families:
- Beaches: Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay and Paradise Bay are sandy. Most of the coast is rocky with bathing platforms, so for young children choose a hotel by a sandy beach or with a children’s pool.
- Pushchair: Valletta and Mdina have many steps and steep streets, so a baby carrier is often more practical.
- In winter: for swimming, choose a hotel with a heated indoor pool, such as Salini, Pebbles or Maritim Antonine.
- Sun: in summer the sun is very strong and there is little shade on the beaches. Bring high-factor sunscreen and a hat.
Hotels we recommend
We have chosen hotels with a good location and high guest ratings, and you will find many more in the search.
Mellieha and the north
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands ★★★★★
Hotel above the sandy Golden Sands beach on the west coast, with pools, a spa and views over the bay. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.6/5)
Why book: the beach below the hotel and extra comfort for couples and families.
db Seabank Resort & Spa ★★★★
Large hotel opposite Mellieha Bay beach with pools, several restaurants and a spa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: all inclusive and the island’s finest sandy beach across the road.
Ramla Bay Resort ★★★★
Hotel on the northern tip of the island with its own sandy beach and views of Comino and Gozo. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.1/5)
Why book: a quiet spot by the sea with the Gozo ferry nearby.
Luna Holiday Complex ★★★
Apartments with kitchens 400 metres from Mellieha Bay beach, with two outdoor pools and a rooftop pool. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: a good price and your own kitchen, popular with families.
LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa ★★★★
Hotel above Mellieha Bay with several pools and sea views, popular with families. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: pools by the sea and Mellieha Bay beach nearby.
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa ★★★★
Hotel in the centre of Mellieha village with a rooftop pool, an indoor pool and a spa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: village restaurants and cafés on the doorstep and a heated pool in winter too.
St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra
db San Antonio Hotel + Spa ★★★★
Hotel on the seafront promenade in Qawra, with pools, a spa and evening entertainment. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: all inclusive and a lively promenade on the doorstep.
Salini Resort ★★★★
Hotel above quiet Salina Bay with two outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool and a spa. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: peace and sea views, with Bugibba just a few minutes away.
Pebbles Resort ★★★★
Renovated modern hotel a few minutes’ walk from the Bugibba promenade, with an outdoor and an indoor pool. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: a good price, modern rooms and everything within walking distance.
Qawra Palace Hotel ★★★★
Seafront hotel at the end of the Qawra promenade, with pools by the shore. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4/5)
Why book: a good price and the sea right below the hotel.
St. Julian’s
The Westin Dragonara Resort ★★★★★
Hotel on its own peninsula in St. Julian’s, surrounded by the sea, with pools and sea access. (TripAdvisor guest rating: 4.5/5)
Why book: luxury by the sea with St. Julian’s nightlife around the corner.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta good in winter?
Yes, it is ideal for sightseeing and walks: around 16 °C, plenty of sunshine, fewer tourists and low prices. The best time for swimming in the sea is June to October.
Do I need a passport?
No, a valid ID card is enough, as Malta is in the EU and the Schengen area.
How long is the flight?
A direct flight from Zagreb takes just under two hours.
Which beach is best for children?
Mellieha Bay: large, sandy and with shallow water.
Is Gozo worth a visit?
Absolutely. The ferry takes about 25 minutes, and the island is green, peaceful and full of views.