Malta is a small but historically rich island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, sitting about 93 kilometers south of Sicily and just under 300 kilometers north of North Africa.
Thanks to its prime location, it’s been a hub for different civilizations for thousands of years, from the Phoenicians and Romans to the Knights of St. John and the British.
The island gained independence in 1964 but still carries influences from all its past rulers, making it a fascinating mix of cultures, languages, and architecture.
Tourism in Malta has been booming, with 2024 seeing nearly 3.6 million visitors, a 20% jump from 2023.
In fact, the tourism numbers have doubled in the past decade.
Travelers are drawn to its history, scenic coastlines, and vibrant atmosphere, whether they’re here for ancient sites, diving, or just soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Malta itself is the biggest island in the archipelago, with a mix of bustling cities, charming villages, and dramatic coastal views.
It’s compact but packed with things to see, from historical landmarks to lively waterfront areas.
Gozo, the second-largest island, has a slower pace, with rolling hills, cliffs, and a more rural feel—it’s where you go for relaxation and outdoor adventures.
Then there’s Comino, the tiniest of the three, mostly uninhabited except for visitors coming to swim in its crystal-clear waters.
Cliffs and sea caves make this a place tapping into your adventurous side.
Together, these islands offer a mix of history, adventure, and beachside relaxation, all within a setting that feels like stepping back in time—just with better WiFi.
Warnings & Dangers in Malta
OVERALL RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk destination for most travelers. Malta is generally safe, with low violent crime and reliable emergency services. It's quickly becoming a popular spot to visit, breaking tourism records in the past few years.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk topic, but some might find the situation frustrating. Malta’s buses are affordable but can be unreliable, overcrowded, and infrequent at night. Taxis don’t use meters, so always agree on a price before getting in. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and eCabs are more transparent, but traffic congestion can make rides slow.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
The risk is low, but crowded places like Valletta, Sliema, and public transport do have their fair share of pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Thieves target distracted tourists, especially in nightlife areas. Keep valuables close, avoid leaving bags unattended, and be extra mindful in busy markets or ferry terminals where pickpockets blend in easily.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk country for natural disasters. Malta doesn’t experience earthquakes, hurricanes, or major floods. The biggest concerns are strong winds, especially in winter, and occasional heavy storms that can disrupt ferries.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk concern in Malta. Violent crime is rare, and muggings are uncommon. However, late at night in Paceville or isolated areas, there’s a slightly higher chance of encountering trouble. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid unnecessary confrontations, and use a taxi if you feel unsafe.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk destination in terms of terrorism. There have been no major incidents, but as with any European country, authorities remain vigilant. Security is plentiful at major events and transport hubs. You should still report any suspicious activity to the local police and your embassy.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium-risk issue, with scam trends growing over the past few years. Everything from overpriced drinks to international romance scams fills out the list of possible fraud attempts. Check the latest government advisories for the most recent scams.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk destination for women. Street harassment is rare, and Malta is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, in nightlife areas, some men can be pushy, and drink spiking has been reported. Stick to trusted venues, watch your drinks, and avoid walking alone late at night.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
This is a low-risk concern, but tap water in Malta is desalinated and has a slightly odd taste. It’s safe to drink, but many locals prefer bottled water.
Safest Places to Visit in Malta
Malta’s official tourism website is visitmalta.com.
Check out the heading for Travel Information to get the essential planning tips and up-to-date tourist information.
You’ll be amazed at how much there is to do on an island twice the size of Manhattan.
Here, we break down the Top 10 Things to Do in Malta.
- Explore Valletta
Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. Walk through its narrow streets, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral (home to a Caravaggio masterpiece), and take in stunning harbor views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. - Visit the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of Malta’s most famous spots. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It gets busy, so arrive early or take a boat tour that visits quieter coves nearby. - Wander Through Mdina
Nicknamed the “Silent City,” Mdina is a beautifully preserved medieval town with winding alleys, impressive palaces, and sweeping views from its fortified walls. It’s especially magical at night when the crowds thin out. - See the 摩al Saflieni Hypogeum
This underground burial complex dates back over 5,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest prehistoric sites. Tours are limited and sell out fast, so book well in advance. - Take a Boat to the Blue Grotto
A series of sea caves with dazzling blue water, the Blue Grotto is best seen on a boat tour in the morning when the sunlight makes the colors pop. - Visit the Three Cities
Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua explore Malta’s maritime past. Stroll along the waterfront, visit Fort St. Angelo, and soak in the history without the crowds of Valletta. - Tour the Megalithic Temples
Malta’s prehistoric temples—such as 摩a摹ar Qim and Mnajdra—are older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. They’re incredibly well-preserved and provide insight into some of the world’s earliest civilizations. - Relax in Gozo
Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is quieter and greener. Visit the stunning cliffs of Ta’ 膴en膵, explore the medieval Citadel in Victoria, or take a dip at Ramla Bay, one of the island’s best beaches. - Dive into Malta’s Underwater World
Malta is a top diving destination with shipwrecks, caves, and clear waters. Even if you’re not a diver, snorkeling spots like G魔ar Lapsi or St. Peter’s Pool are worth checking out. - Watch the Sunset at Dingli Cliffs
For breathtaking views, head to Dingli Cliffs on Malta’s west coast. The dramatic limestone cliffs drop into the sea, making it the perfect spot to end your day.
Places to Avoid in Malta
Malta is a safe island with plenty of places to explore that offer beautiful sites and a secure environment.
The only potential sketchy section is the nightlife district of Paceville.
It is a hotspot for pickpocketing, drink spiking, and occasional fights, especially late at night.
The area can get rowdy, and some streets are poorly lit, so stay aware, watch your drinks, and avoid aggressive crowds.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Malta
- The Malta Police Force handles law enforcement. For emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Police stations are found in major towns, and tourist police patrol busy areas like Valletta and St. Julian’s.
- Malta uses the Alerting Malta system for major emergencies, sending notifications via SMS, radio, and social media. Check the Civil Protection Department website or local news for real-time updates on severe weather, road closures, or security threats.
- You don’t want to risk getting arrested in Malta because the legal process is slow and strict. Once you call a lawyer, you lose the right to remain silent. Criminal trials often take five to seven years, and foreign nationals are usually denied bail. Pre-trial detention can last months to years.
- Taxis in Malta do not use meters. Fares are agreed upon before the ride, either at taxi stands with fixed prices or through private taxi companies. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and eCabs offer upfront pricing. Avoid taking unlicensed taxis.
- Buses do not stop automatically at every stop. To board, stand at the stop and wave your hand clearly as the bus approaches. When exiting, press the stop button well in advance. Buses can be crowded, especially in summer, so plan accordingly.
- Visitors can drive in Malta with a valid EU, UK, or U.S. driver’s license for up to 12 months. After that, an exchange or Maltese license is required. Malta has left-hand traffic, narrow roads, and aggressive driving, so be cautious, especially in busy areas.
- Malta has limited cycling infrastructure and heavy traffic, making cycling risky. Many roads lack dedicated bike lanes, and drivers are often impatient. Even experienced cyclists tend to avoid trying to ride a bike to get around.
- The ferry between Malta and Gozo is well-maintained and safe, but expect rough seas in winter. Stay inside if conditions are choppy. Ferries allow vehicles, but queues can be long during peak hours. Always check schedules in advance, as high winds can cause cancellations.
- While you do not need to carry your passport everywhere, you must have official identification (such as a passport or a copy) when requested by authorities. Hotels may ask for it at check-in, and police can request ID during routine checks.
- The ferry between Malta and Gozo is well-maintained and safe, but expect rough seas in winter. Stay inside if conditions are choppy. Ferries allow vehicles, but queues can be long during peak hours. Always check schedules in advance, as high winds can cause cancellations or delays.
So... How Safe Is Malta Really?
To look at the reality of safety in Malta, we start with the government advisories issued by a handful of countries across the world.
The United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom keep Malta at Level 1 of a four-level tier.
That’s the safest.
It simply means using standard precautions.
However, you’ll miss important safety details if you only read the headlines.
While the country is generally safe, specific updated advisories and in-depth summaries help you realize the few risks that do exist.
The closer you get to the Malta holidays, the more petty theft and robbery risks increase.
Anyone planning to party in the Paceville nightclub part of Malta needs to proceed with a medium risk.
There are fights, aggressive bouncers, and spiked drink reports that might give you pause before planning a night out there.
Then there are the risks that only you can control.
For example, cliff jumping is popular but dangerous.
Clifford Portelli jumped from Zonqor Point and ended up hitting his head and breaking his back.
“People need to think twice before doing such dangerous jumps.
The idea that you can lose your independence and such a jump can lead to harsh life consequences is not worth certain acts of carelessness,” Portelli said.
While traditional crime rates are low, there are always risks in even the safest statistical places.
Just don’t get a false sense of safety.
Otherwise, some common sense and situational awareness will help you island this island nation’s beauty.
How Does Malta Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Malta | 78 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
Useful Information
Visas
Malta is in the Schengen Zone, so many travelers, including those from the U.S., UK, and Canada, can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in 180 days. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure. Longer stays require a visa or residency permit.
Currency
Malta uses the euro (€). Currency exchange is available at banks, exchange offices, and major hotels, but ATMs often offer better rates. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Weather
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (averaging 30°C/86°F) and mild, rainy winters (15°C/59°F). July and August are peak tourist months. Spring and autumn offer warm temperatures without the crowds. Winters are cooler but still pleasant compared to most of Europe, with occasional storms and strong winds.
Airports
Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa is the country’s only commercial airport, serving flights across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It’s about 20 minutes from Valletta and offers taxis, car rentals, and buses.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Malta, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. EU travelers can use the EHIC/GHIC for basic healthcare, but non-EU visitors should have coverage for private medical care. Policies should include adventure activities if you plan to scuba dive, hike, or explore caves.
Malta Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 16 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 26 | 22 | 18 |
| Low °C | 11 | 11 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 13 |
| High °F | 61 | 61 | 64 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 88 | 88 | 84 | 79 | 72 | 64 |
| Low °F | 52 | 52 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 72 | 75 | 75 | 72 | 66 | 61 | 55 |
Looks promising!
I was considering visiting Malta and some people in my family were telling me not to go here as it was unsafe for tourists, especially women. I am glad I did some research and I am also glad I found your page here. I am going to show a few family members to put their mind’s at rest. I think traveling anywhere in the world comes with risk you just have to weigh out the rewards.
can you tell me how you found going to malta with cov19 please
You can’t come to Malta unless you are a resident at the moment. Open from 1st June for tourism.
Don’t know about that my friend has just been for a week , I go next Saturday for a week then 10 days in April .
Malta bound, again - on the bucket list!
Loved our two weeks in Malta. The people were wonderful and so helpful. Would love to return.
Pickpockets in Malta
February 2020
I queued for a bus opposite Seashells hotel in Qawra. People were jostling together to get on the bus. I paid my fare and sat down. About 5 minutes later I received a phone text from my bank warning of suspected fraudulent activity with my credit card. I decided to check my card number against the text, but my wallet had gone from my hip pocket. I was able to stop my cards, but lost about €110 in cash. Unsuccessful attempts had been made to withdraw €150 and €250, thus alerting the bank.
2 days later a fellow guest in our hotel said she had been looking at the same bus stop from her balcony and noticed three lads obviously ‘working together’ in the queue.
Safe for all
I found both Malta and Gozo to be extremely safe. I traveled there for 30-days. I’m an older Americam female. I did have a stalker for a short time, but fellas in the pub by my apartment chased him away.
I love Malta, the people are warm, welcoming, and very friendly. The food is off the chart, and weather is warm.
Malta safety/tourism/hospitality
Excellent depiction of Malta ! 🇲🇹
My experience overall of Malta is well it is a very safe country in contrast in most countries in the world -European or otherwise-! My grandfather is from Valetta,Malta even though I live in America
Suggestion:-Avoid any big American cities right now with the “Black Lives Matter “ aka B. L. M. “Marxists “and Antifa and the anarchists Right on the streets and are intolerant of any other ideas spreading COVID-19 everywhere with no enforcement or little enforcement by any “democratically controlled mayor or governor “
Just watch “international news as they don’t lie!
You should pick Malta as it is a better place to visit go on a holiday for the dollar that you spend or the euro that you are willing to spend,
All of the empirical a status supports this for travel purposes and getting “a-bang for the buck’s “for currency and experience.
Oh!Sadly In most of the”democratically controlled cities United States “ now2020-that’s where the problems are / Detroit /Seattle /Portland /Los Angeles /DC /Baltimore /New York etc
So if you can find some Republican held cities and United States /then They are better off for your safety to visit . Look up United States FBI crime statistics the data is the data is the data!
Enjoy Malta , as it is a great place to visit ,to share ,to have memories and to experience.
Great
…and no ignorant white racists defecating on the floors and dragging cops down the steps threatening to kill them and your Vice President.
I think you are sadly confused because you just described the facist aka democrats.
Didn’t you hear anonymous? Five police officers were killed that day…. Oh wait….that was also a lie from the facist left.
My Opinion
Just an FYI here. Of the top ten safest states in the USA … eight are Democratic leaning and two are Republican states, at positions five and ten. IF you like Idaho (5) and Wyoming (10), there you go. Conversely, seven out of the top ten most dangerous states are Republican. Three are Democratic. All states have their good and bad issues. Doctor … you should keep your political leanings to yourself. This is about Malta. Not you. and so …
I watch some tv shows that highlight Spain, Malta, and many other locations. I was happy to read that an older woman on her own is safe in Malta. I want to visit ! Now I am more inclined to, so thanks to the lady that posted that information.
That is a truthful account of safety in the USA. Don’t listen to Dr. Dread there, like most Republicans, he’s full of it.
Ignore bad posts
This sadly is your opinion and not factual advice.
I have been to Malta many times. I hope to be in Malta for Christmas this year, I visit Malta because it’s a beautiful Friendly place. I have done the Malta marathon twice it would have three times but in 2019 I was there ready to run they had to cancel because of a very server storm which is a rare Occurrence that was the only time in it’s history that the Marathon and Half Marathon was cancelled. I ran it this year back in March it 26 degrees, it felt like I was home. That may sound Strange but my late father was born in Marsa and his mother my nan was born in Floriana. I was born in England. I hope to retire there so much to do on three Islands , everything from diving, falconry, paragliding, swimming, cycling, running, cinema and if if you like your history like it’s loaded with. I love the friendly people, I made new friends every time I visit. The views are brilliant, ladies the shopping is excellent in Malta, lovely Restaurants along the promenade with live music. The youngsters there is a great night life with pubs and clubs. I know where I go travelling I will always return to Malta, I’m trying to learn Maltese from the locals. I hope to see you at Christmas Malta.
Malta is very safe local people are nice and friendly. Just be careful hide your wallet properly and don’t wave money when paying. Lot of Europen immigrants living in Malta those are the pick pockets
Loved not having tourists
I live in Malta and it’s been wonderful without all the noisy foreigners glowing bright red as they don’t realise how hot the Mediterranean sun is. Sadly, life must go back to normal and the island unfortunately needs tourism to survive, it was nice while it lasted.
Thanks Aggie for that.I have now decided not to visit Malta (Valletta).I will spend my hard earned money at home in the UK. By the way, I am not and never been a red faced, noiseytourist.
Its very safe.
Malta is a very safe place.
You will hear more about any criminal or dangerous activity because the island and population is very small, so any wrong doing will be a point of discussion by most of the people on the island.
In over 30 Years of living on the island I have never had any issues and I am a person who is very active socially.
If I had to mention anything negative aspects I guess it would be some noisy youth in touristic areas, traffic and occasional rude individuals not necessarily locals.
So in summary, a very safe place, but just use common sense if you see trouble simply keep away.
As a Maltese citizen
As a citzen, I have to say that malta is an incredibly dangerous country, numerous hit and runs, a lot of gang affiliation around hamrun, paceville, some places In Valletta and many many other cities, but when staying in touristic locations, you are relatively safe.
Sliema is safe
I can’t speak for all parts of the island, but Sliema and the surrounding areas are safe. I spent multiple nights walking around by myself, sometimes down dark empty streets, and did not feel uncomfortable at all. I also think Valletta is safe during the day at minimum, and possibly at night. Now I have heard that things are getting a bit more sketchy near Bugibba, but I have no way of confirming this. Overall I think the island is very safe.
In general Malta is safe but it can be unsafe at night especially in popular places where there’s night life like Paceville (St.Julians,)Sliema and Valletta and you should also be careful in Hamrun, Qawra, St Pauls bay and Bugibba. Mostly not from locals but foreigners living here. I was born and raised here and have kids and all in all these are the places of concern however, always be cautious and if you can avoid walking alone at night in places where there’s no people around. Aka common sense. I also wanted to correct the temperaturs, in June the temperatures go over 30 degrees celsius and during July and August they can touch the 40 degrees celsius and there where times that they went even over.
Malta is a nice place to visit however be prepared for the traffic, full busses especially around st julians and Sliema and also for overcrowded places and beaches. The locals are very friendly if you are nice to them respect their culture and traditions and they will love you.