Disclaimer: We know that travel is especially difficult right now. But alongside the latest COVID-19 travel advice and updates, we want to continue to inspire you with new travel content so that when the world opens its doors again, you’ll be ready. So this article features the great flight deals to Malta, plus hand-picked reasons to visit the Maltese Islands in 2021.
No doubt, 2020 has been harsh on travellers. Let Malta inspire you to get back on the road since it boasts so much to offer!
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First off, it’s a perfect 3-in-1 destination as the country is made up of three idyllic islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino. To paraphrase an old proverb, a little island harbours a great soul.
Secondly, Malta has 300 days of sunshine per year, but it is far more than just a sun and sea destination. This small archipelago can trace its history back to the dawn of civilisation. Over the years, the Arabs, the Normans, and the Aragonese ruled the islands. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans also left their marks. And the most striking thing about it is that you can still read history through the walls of the modern country, which is now part of the European Union.
In Malta, you’ll find some of Europe’s best dive spots, lots of historical attractions, and even two UNESCO sites (including temples older than the Egyptian pyramids). Valletta, the smallest capital city in Europe, is an ideal romantic getaway for city breakers. LGBTQ+ travellers are welcome to unwind in a supportive and friendly environment on any of the three islands, and all families can enjoy limitless fun for all creatures great and small throughout the country.
On the whole, Malta is a wonderfully vibrant destination, with a rich history, unique cuisine and a wealth of things to see and do. Here are a few reasons why you should put Malta on your travel bucket list for 2021 and start searching for great flight deals to Malta right now.
Learn to speak like a local
Have you ever noticed that you feel like a whole different person when you speak a foreign language? Give it a try with Maltese!
Although most Maltese people speak English fluently, it’s always great to learn a few local words and phrases to dive deeper into the culture.
Maltese is a beautiful language combining Arabic, Italian, Sicilian and English. It’s also the only Semitic language written in Latin letters. Many pronunciations in Maltese have Arabic roots that make them hard for English speakers to master. What a challenge to tackle! Are you in?
| Maltese phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning |
| Iva | [Ee-va] | Yes |
| Le | [Le] | No |
| Bonġu | [Bon-ju] | Good morning |
| Kif int? | [Kiff int] | How are you? |
| Jien tajjeb grazzi (Male) Jiena tajba grazzi (Female) | [Yin tai-yeb grats-ee] [Yina tai-ba grats-ee] | I’m fine, thank you |
| X’jismek? | [Shee-yis-mek] | What’s your name? |
| Jisimni… | [Yis-im-nee] | My name is… |
| Għandi pjaċir | [Aan-dee pya-cheer] | Nice to meet you |
| Jekk jogħġbok | [Yek yoh-jbok] | Please |
| Grazzi ħafna | [Grats-ee hawf-na] | Thank you very much |
| Ma nifhimx | [Maa ni-fimsh] | I don’t understand |
| Titkellem bl-Ingliz | [Tit-kell-em blin-gleez] | Do you speak English? |
| Saħħa! | [Sah-ha] | Cheers! |
| Ċaw | [Chaw] | Bye-bye! |
Enjoy a moment of calm in Valletta
Valletta has more than 320 cultural monuments making it Europe’s most concentrated historic city. Not only is Malta’s capital rich in stunning architecture, but it also boasts bewitching gardens.
If you only have time to visit one of them, make it the Upper Barrakka Gardens – and get ready to get enchanted. It was once a private garden belonging to the Italian Knights. Today, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer a spectacular panoramic view of the Grand Harbour that also makes it a perfect place to take a breath.
Did you know that Caravaggio briefly served as a knight in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta? Come and see in person his masterpiece, the Beheading of St John the Baptist! This astonishing canvas is believed to be the only artwork signed by Caravaggio, and it is still displayed in the Oratory for which it was painted initially.
Listen to the Silent City’s tales in Mdina
With a current population of approximately 300 people, charming Mdina offers visitors a glimpse of a slow-paced lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle and yet at the very heart of Malta.
Many of the houses lost in the passage of time in Mdina are passed down from generation to generation. Imagine all the stories they can tell!
Come to wander around quaint local shops, cosy restaurants and small galleries, scattered along narrow gas-lit streets. You never know, you may just find yourself here.
Take a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon and Comino
Once you’ve explored Malta by land, get out on the water and soak up the breathtaking scenery of the island’s northern coastline along with the neighbouring island of Comino.
The famous Blue Lagoon, with its crystal-clear waters, is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Malta, if not in the entire world.
Located between the small picturesque island of Comino and the dreamlike islet of Cominotto, Blue Lagoon is not only a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling but also a serene retreat from the daily stress. You deserve it, so go pamper yourself!
Tuck into local cuisine on the island of Gozo
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy some authentic Gozitan food that reflects the island’s vibrant history. North Africans, Turkish, English, Spanish, French, and Italians have all contributed to its rich taste. There’s no point in describing, you’ve got to try this!
8 traditional Gozitan dishes you cannot resist
- Ġbejna, a mild sheep’s or goat’s cheese that is traditionally served with a Maltese platter and in a ftira flat bread. In restaurants, ġbejna can be served deep-fried with mango sauce or some tomato topped bruschetta or bread.
- There are two types of Ftira. The Maltese ftira is a flat bread served with tuna, olives, capers, ġbejna and mint leaves amongst other ingredients. The Gotizan ftira is served like a pizza filled with sardines, tuna, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, capers, and olives.
- Stuffat tal-Fenek, a traditional Maltese rabbit stew made with wine, garlic and herbs.
- Quassatat, a traditional pastry snack filled with ricotta.
- Lampuki, a fish dish, can be fried, baked or made into a pie. It is sometimes served with salad or chips.
- Imqaret, a traditional Maltese sweet made with pastry and filled with dates.
- Qaghaq ta’ l-ghasel, finger-licking honey rings.
- Qubbajt, a traditional Maltese nougat.
Not to miss while visiting the South-Eastern part of Malta: the Marsaxlokk fish market is a gem, which on Sunday mornings displays the impressive variety of fish caught in Maltese waters.
Find the apple of your Popeye
The Popeye Village in Mellieħa has grown from its days as a film setting of the 1980 musical comedy into one of the top tourist attractions on the Maltese Islands.
Today, you can wander around the set, explore the buildings, swim in the pools, watch the shows, and engage in other great activities custom-made for all young and young at heart. The Popeye Village in Malta offers the fairytale experience that the whole family can truly enjoy.
Dive into the underwater kingdom
The Mediterranean Sea is a haven for scuba divers thanks to its warm water and excellent visibility all year-round. The Maltese Islands consistently rank among the top three in the ‘Best Diving Destination in the World’ at the Diver Magazine Awards.
Malta’s offering a multitude of unique dive experiences, including reefs, caves and wrecks. It also has a variety of dive sites for all levels. A few of our favourites:
- the P29 shipwreck, a former minesweeper and patrol boat;
- the Santa Maria Caves at the north of Comino;
- the Blue Hole, one of the most popular dive sites in Gozo.
Enjoy LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, bars, and beaches
Malta has been voted the most LGBTQ+-friendly destination by the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map for years. Many same-sex couples choose the Maltese Islands for their wedding ceremony as they can be sure that everything is going to be beautiful and safe.
Malta Pride Week happens every year at the end of the summer. With the participation of thousands of marchers, eye-catching floats and amazing performers, it is an incredible celebration of life, love, and diversity.
Check out Malta’s online LGBTQ+ portal and Gay Guide Malta for the most up-to-date information on the LGBTQ+ scene in Malta and Gozo. These websites feature event calendars and local community news along with listings of gay bars, beaches, and venues currently open to the public.
As all the hotels in Malta are gay-friendly, you can take your pick from the wide range of choices.
Explore Malta’s natural beauty on horseback
Why not take a romantic horseback safari to experience the unspoilt tranquil landscape and enjoy picturesque views at your own pace?
Finish off your day in Malta by horse riding at Golden Bay and watching the mesmerising sunset over the azure-blue Mediterranean Sea. What a time to feel alive!
Travel FAQ and tips on finding flight deals to Malta
During the pandemic, circumstances can change quickly. Please be sure to check the current government advice before making travel plans or heading abroad.
If you are returning to the United Kingdom after visiting Malta, you must adhere to the current self-isolation rules unless you’re exempt. Consult the latest guidance for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland at www.gov.uk/uk-border-control.
All passengers travelling to Malta from Amber listed countries are required to submit a negative PCR test before boarding their flight. The test must be dated no more than 72 hours before arrival. A list of country restrictions are available at https://www.visitmalta.com/en/covid-19 . For information on returning to the UK from Malta, more information is available at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta.
1. Head to the Skyscanner website or app and pick ‘Malta’ as your destination.
2. Enter the travel dates or go for the cheapest month if you are flexible, and hit ‘Search flights’.
3. Profit! Our colour-coded calendar will help you to spot the best flight deals to Malta.
