Malta Holidays 2026
Malta is GotoBeach’s most extensively covered destination — nine hotels reviewed in depth, eleven blog posts, a team that has visited more times than we can count. If you want to know Malta properly before you book, you are in the right place.
Malta is one of the most underrated holiday destinations available from the UK — and one of the most practical. No visa. No currency exchange headaches (the euro, but the culture is deeply British-influenced). English spoken everywhere. Direct flights from multiple UK airports in under three hours. A UNESCO-listed capital city that genuinely belongs on any list of Europe’s most beautiful places. And, for a small island, an extraordinary amount to do.
It is not a beach holiday in the conventional sense — Malta’s coastline is rocky rather than sandy in most areas, and the island does not have the long sandy beaches of Turkey or Greece. What it has instead is crystal-clear water, exceptional diving and snorkelling, a rich history stretching back 7,000 years, a capital city (Valletta) that is a genuine cultural destination, and a hotel infrastructure that now includes some genuinely impressive properties.
No visa — easy access
UK passport holders do not require a visa for Malta. The island is part of the EU and Schengen Area. Direct flights operate from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and other UK airports year-round. Flight time is approximately 3 hours from London.
English spoken everywhere
English is one of Malta’s two official languages (alongside Maltese) and is spoken fluently across the island — in hotels, restaurants, shops and government offices. For UK travellers, this removes a genuine friction that exists in many other destinations.
Valletta — a genuine UNESCO capital
Valletta became European Capital of Culture in 2018 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Grand Harbour, St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace and the city’s extraordinary Baroque architecture make it one of the most rewarding capital cities in the Mediterranean. From Sliema, the ferry takes 15 minutes.
Exceptional diving & snorkelling
Malta’s waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean — visibility of 20–30 metres is common. The island has numerous wreck and reef dive sites, including the famous P29, the Um El Faroud and the Blue Hole at Gozo. For divers and snorkellers, Malta is one of the most rewarding destinations in Europe.
Gozo & Comino
Malta’s sister islands add significant dimension to a Malta holiday. Gozo is quieter, greener and more rural — excellent for walking, diving and escaping the main island’s busier areas. Comino’s Blue Lagoon — a sheltered bay of impossibly turquoise water — is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean. Both are easily reached by ferry.
Year-round destination
Malta is genuinely warm for more of the year than almost any other European destination. Summer temperatures reach 32–35°C. Even in winter, temperatures rarely fall below 12–15°C. For UK travellers wanting guaranteed warmth outside the school holiday peak, Malta is one of the most reliable answers in Europe.
“Malta is the destination that surprises guests most consistently. They arrive expecting a small, unremarkable island and they leave wanting to come back. The combination of Valletta, the diving, Gozo and the quality of the better hotels — particularly after recent investment in the property portfolio — makes it one of the most complete short-haul destination options we offer.”
Thomas — GotoBeach Product Manager, 28 years in travelChoosing the right area of Malta matters more than in many other destinations because the island is small but the character of each area is genuinely distinct. Here is our honest assessment of the main areas.
Sliema
Malta’s most cosmopolitan area — seafront promenade, excellent restaurants, Point shopping mall and the Valletta ferry five minutes’ walk. Best for guests who want to be in the middle of things. No sandy beach but a good hotel infrastructure.
St Julian’s
Lively, energetic and very popular with younger travellers. Paceville is Malta’s nightlife district. Also home to some of Malta’s larger luxury hotels. Suits guests who want access to restaurants, bars and entertainment.
Melliĥa
Home to Ghadira Bay — Malta’s largest sandy beach. Quieter than Sliema and St Julian’s, with a more relaxed atmosphere. Close to the Cirkewwa ferry for Gozo and Comino. Best for families and guests who specifically want a sandy beach.
St Paul’s Bay
A quieter alternative to the busier resort areas, with a good range of hotels and easy access to the rest of the island. Popular with repeat visitors who want a more local atmosphere.
Gozo
Malta’s quieter sister island — greener, more rural and considerably more relaxed than the main island. Excellent for walking, diving and escaping the crowds. A ferry from Cirkewwa takes 25 minutes.
Malta Island
Browse the full Malta Island hotel collection — all areas, all property types and all board bases. From budget bed and breakfast to five-star full board and all inclusive.
GotoBeach has the most extensive Malta hotel collection of any UK specialist operator. Here are some of our most popular properties — each one reviewed in depth on our blog.
The Preluna Hotel & Spa, Sliema
4★ · Directly on Sliema’s seafront promenade. New rooftop infinity pool (2026), Skyroom Penthouse Lounge, Feelgood Wellness Spa, PADI dive school. Valletta ferry 5 minutes’ walk.
db Seabank Resort & Spa, Melliĥa
4★ · One of Malta’s most popular all inclusive resorts. Directly above Ghadira Bay — Malta’s largest sandy beach. Extensive pool complex, waterpark and entertainment programme.
InterContinental Malta, St George’s Bay
5★ · One of Malta’s finest luxury properties. Private lido, multiple restaurants, exceptional spa and a location between Sliema and St Julian’s.
Ramla Bay Resort, Marfa
4★ · Set directly on its own private bay in the north of Malta. One of the island’s most peaceful locations. Private beach, pools and a genuinely secluded atmosphere.
db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, St Paul’s Bay
4★ · Large, well-equipped resort in St Paul’s Bay with an extensive pool complex, spa and a lively entertainment programme. Popular with families and groups.
Riviera Spa Resort & Lido, Marfa
4★ · Adults-only. Set on its own lido on Malta’s north coast with direct sea access, a full spa and an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. GotoBeach’s top recommendation for couples seeking privacy.
Malta is our most extensively covered destination in the GotoBeach blog. Every guide below is written from direct, first-hand experience — no AI content, no copied brochure text.
The complete area guide — Sliema, St Julian’s, Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay, Gozo — and who each one suits best.
An honest breakdown of Malta’s main resort areas, including what each one lacks as well as what it offers.
New rooftop pool, Skyroom bar, Feelgood Spa — our complete review of Sliema’s most comprehensive four-star property.
Malta’s most popular all inclusive resort, reviewed honestly — above Ghadira Bay with waterpark, pools and a lively atmosphere.
Five-star luxury in St George’s Bay — private lido, exceptional spa and multiple dining options reviewed in full.
Where to eat, drink and spend an evening in Malta — from Valletta’s restaurant scene to Paceville’s bars.
Visa
No visa required for UK passport holders. Malta is an EU member state. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Check gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta for the latest requirements.
Currency
Euro (EUR). Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks and exchange bureaux across the island. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available.
Best time to go
May, June and October offer warm weather (22–28°C), fewer crowds and better prices. July and August are peak season — hottest and busiest. November to March is quiet and mild, ideal for sightseeing.
Flight time from UK
Approximately 3 hours from London. Direct flights operate year-round from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and other regional UK airports via Air Malta, Ryanair, easyJet and others.
Does Malta have sandy beaches?
Malta’s coastline is predominantly rocky, but the island does have sandy beaches — the most notable being Ghadira Bay (also known as Mellieħa Bay), which is the largest sandy beach in Malta and is located in the north of the island near the db Seabank Resort. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieħa are also popular sandy beaches. Guests specifically seeking a beach holiday with easy sandy beach access should consider staying in the Mellieħa area.
Is Malta good for families?
Yes, particularly for families who enjoy history, culture and water activities alongside beach time. The db Seabank Resort above Ghadira Bay is GotoBeach’s most recommended family property in Malta — it has a waterpark, an extensive pool complex, entertainment and direct access to Malta’s largest sandy beach. Mellieħa is the most family-friendly area overall. For families with older children, Valletta, Gozo and the island’s historic sites add significant interest.
Do I need a visa to visit Malta from the UK?
No. UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Malta. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. Malta is an EU member state and part of the Schengen Area. Always check the latest advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta before travel.
Is English widely spoken in Malta?
Yes. English is one of Malta’s two official languages alongside Maltese, and is spoken fluently throughout the island — in hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis and government offices. For UK visitors, this is one of Malta’s most practical advantages as a holiday destination.
How do I get from Malta Airport to my hotel?
Malta International Airport (MLA) is located in the south of the island. Transfer times vary by area — approximately 20 minutes to Sliema and St Julian’s, 30–35 minutes to Mellieħa and St Paul’s Bay. GotoBeach includes return airport transfers as part of all Malta package bookings.
What deposit do I need to book a Malta holiday with GotoBeach?
For Malta dynamic package bookings, the full cost of the flight at the time of booking is charged immediately, plus a £30 per person deposit for the hotel and other arrangements. Every Malta package holiday booked through GotoBeach is ATOL-protected under licence #11211 held by Caria Holidays Ltd.
Can I visit Gozo and Comino from Malta?
Yes — both are easily accessible as day trips. The Cirkewwa ferry terminal in the north of Malta operates frequent crossings to Gozo (25 minutes). Boat trips to Comino’s Blue Lagoon depart from Cirkewwa and from several other points around the island. GotoBeach can arrange excursions to both as part of your Malta package.
Browse our full Malta hotel collection across all areas — Sliema, St Julian’s, Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay and Gozo. ATOL-protected packages with transfers included.
All Malta holidays booked through GotoBeach are ATOL-protected · Caria Holidays Ltd · ATOL #11211 · +44 208 211 00 01 · info@gotobeach.co.uk