How to Plan a Trip to Malta
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Malta needs.
Your 4-step Malta plan
Step 1 — Book flights to MLA
Malta International Airport (MLA) is the main gateway to Malta. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to MLAStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Valletta (UNESCO) + Upper Barrakka Gardens for the best first-time visit — 16th-century walled Knights of Malta capital — grid streets + saluting battery (cannons fire daily 12pm + 4pm).
Where to stay in MaltaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Valletta (UNESCO) + Upper Barrakka Gardens, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Malta.
Things to do in MaltaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Bus X1 / X2 to Valletta is EUR 2 and takes 30 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
MLA arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Schengen — visa-free for US, UK, Canada, AU, JP, KR + 60 nationalities (90/180). Single Schengen visa covers all 27 countries.