Malta is one of the lesser-known Mediterranean paradises, but this small island nation has so much to offer. If the sea, sunshine, history, and good food is calling your name then look no further. It’s a safe and small island which makes exploring a breeze! Many people don’t know what to expect when visiting Malta which can make packing pretty difficult. We’ve created this ultimate packing list of what to bring, as well as what NOT to bring, what to wear in Malta, and answers to FAQs about Malta!
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What to Pack for Malta – 27 Essentials
1. Quick-Dry Travel Towel
When staying on a Mediterranean island, you’re bound to go for several dips in the water. Whether it’s in the turquoise sea or the hotel pool, you’ll need a towel to dry off afterward. Quick-dry towels are the best because they are compact, repel odor, and dry much quicker than normal towels. You’ll be glad you brought one in case your hotel doesn’t provide enough, or in case you don’t want to lug around a big fluffy option over this handheld version.
Malta has long been a victim of online attacks, as many European countries are not up-to-date on their cybersecurity policies. This has led Maltese banks to lose €13M+, and you should not gamble with your internet security while overseas.
I learned this first-hand when my credit card number was stolen at an Aribnb that I thought was safe. Now, I’m fully aware that any public network at airports, cafes, hotels, etc. – can leave you vulnerable to hackers and creepy onlookers trying to monitor your online activity.
A VPN offers a layer of encryption to protect your digital information. This provides real peace of mind since no one can monitor your online activity. We use NordVPN while at home and abroad! They’re our preferred option for unlimited bandwidth and access to 6K+ servers in 100+ countries! This means better flight deals, more online access, less censorship, less geo-located pricing, faster streaming, and an overall safer experience.
When navigating from place to place, it can be easy to forget or misplace something. It’s better to keep all of your valuables like cash, credit cards, and passports safely together in one place and out of sight. This neck wallet does exactly that and can be worn discreetly under your shirt. Having one of these is a great way to stay organized and ensure everything you need is easily accessible.
Although most water is safe to drink in Europe, it’s best not to take any chances. A water bottle with a built-in filter like this one saves you from having to buy countless plastic bottles and you can feel confident that the water you’re drinking is safe. For the amount of time that you’ll be spending under the Mediterranean sun, you’re going to want to stay hydrated.
If you’re traveling from North America then you will need a power adapter to keep your electronics charged. You want to make sure you choose an adapter that’s appropriate for your electronics. The last thing you want to buy is a questionable adapter that could damage your appliances. This one is perfect for common electronics like cameras, smartphones, laptops, and e-readers.
Traveling halfway around the world without travel insurance is a wild idea. Your domestic provider will not cover you outside of the country in most cases, and just as you wouldn’t drive without insurance, you shouldn’t travel without it either. It covers common travel issues such as flight delays, baggage loss, theft, evacuations, and expensive medical transports and treatment. There is no reason for you to be paying six-figure bills out-of-pocket when you can simply insure your trip for about 5% of its total cost, or often less!
We use Faye because they have revolutionized the industry! As the first 100% digital provider, everything is handled on their mobile app from claims to reimbursements to 24/7 customer support. They add a human touch that’s usually missing and offer real support, not more stacks of paperwork! It’s the smartest way you can prepare for your trip.
Packing cubes are the key to staying organized and sane on vacation. These come in cubes of different sizes so you can organize you’re clothing and accessories accordingly. They even have space to hold a notecard so you can label what’s inside each one. They’ll help keep your suitcase neat and your hotel room tidy. Whether you want to have 5 sizes for socks, underwear, pants, shirts, swimwear, etc. – or start smaller with the 3-pack – you can’t beat these!
A vacation by the sea demands a waterproof case to protect it from any accidental water damage. Not only does this case keep your phone and all of the valuable information stored on it safely, but it also turns your phone into an underwater camera! With a universal fit, it should be compatible with any Android or Apple phone.
If you’re flying transatlantic to get to Malta, then you already know you’re in for a long flight. I’ve found that these natural jet lag relief pills make a world of difference when it comes to how I feel the first few days in a drastically different time zone. They really help you adjust and keep your energy levels up so you can spend less time feeling jet lagged and more time out exploring.
A cooling towel has never been more useful when sightseeing on vacation in the heat. When the shade and the ice cream just don’t seem to cool you down, simply wet this cooling towel and enjoy the instant ice-cold relief. The incredible technology in these towels makes it so they can cool down 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperatures. They are a lifesaver on a hot day!
Did you know that bags are international journeys are significantly more likely to get damaged, broken open, or lost? In fact, last year 36+ million bags were mishandled, which seems like far too many! We strap on these adjustable luggage belts that fit on nearly any case to ensure they stay shut. While your things may end up beat-around by the conveyor belts and rushed baggage handlers, these straps will reinforce your delicate zippers to ensure they can withstand the heat.
We also love that the bright color means you can immediately spot your bags from across the arrivals terminal, and the built-in luggage tag means that if your things become lost, they can easily contact you with the number attached.
Save yourself a lot of trouble and never leave your hotel without a portable charger. This one, in particular, is so small that it can fit almost anywhere making it easy to bring along wherever. Between using our phones as a GPS, camera, and of course to message and make phone calls, it’s not unheard of for your phone to run out of battery before the day is done. Easily bring your phone back to life with a portable charger even when you’re out and on the go.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure your belongings will be safe is to secure them with travel locks. This is our go-to set that we use on checked bags, carry-ons, backpacks in crowded areas, city lockers, hotel lockers, and more. We had sunglasses stolen out of our checked bag once, and now we don’t gamble with an unlocked case. It offers real peace of mind for an international journey.
Newsflash – bathrooms in Europe are small. Malta is no exception to this and you’ll want to prepare for limited storage and potentially having nowhere to set your stuff in the bathroom. Instead of juggling bottles on the edge of a sink, use this hanging toiletry bottle to create a makeshift shelf. It hangs virtually anywhere (hook, rack, door, shower pole, etc.) and allows you to see all of your products at eye level.
We also haven’t experienced any luggage spills since making the transition to these bags since all liquids are consolidated into one tote. It’s way more convenient than dealing with tons of little plastic sackies and will make a noticeable difference in your sanity while doing your routine abroad.
While in the breathtaking lands of Malta, some key activities to enhance your trip will be visiting the sea caves and Blue Lagoon. You can take a boat out to explore the smaller islands in the area and see the rugged coastline as it’s intended to be seen, by boat! We also recommend cultural attractions like the visiting the pre-historic temples that date back to 3150 BC and exploring the capital of Valletta with a cathedral tour.
There are day-trips you can look into, such as Mellieha, the Popeye Village or Gozo, another Maltanese island with a Roman history. By night, you can enoy scrumptious dinners and a Folklore Show! Get Your Guide has so many tours to choose from, along with flexible cancellation, so you’ll be able to map out the perfect getaway before you depart.
Any experienced traveler has been faced with the dreaded inevitability of food poisoning. Since trying new foods is part of the experience, you’ve likely had your fair share of tummy aches as your body adjusts to new cuisine and tap water systems at restaurants. While the food is super fresh in Europe and cleaner than in America, it’s still wise to bring these activated charcoal tablets to detox any pathogens from your system quickly. They’re a must-have backup that we never leave behind.
Having a comfortable and lightweight backpack really comes in handy. You’d be surprised at the number of things you’ll want to bring along with you when you go out for the day. This day pack has plenty of room for all your belongings with several compartments to keep everything organized.
Unfortunately, the risk of mosquitoes is quite high in Malta and you will need protection against mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever, and Chikungunya. We layer these wearable wristbands on our ankles and wrists to deter pests without the toxic chemicals. They are deet-free, safe for children, and reusable.
When I’m visiting a location that has rocky beaches, I bring along my water shoes. These allow you to move swiftly between land and sea while protecting your feet from jagged rocks, pebbles or shells on the ocean floor, or even broken coral that you could step on. They’re quick-drying and have enough traction for slick areas.
If you’re prone to any form of motion or seasickness, I would absolutely encourage you to pack these motion sickness relief patches. They can be used for planes, trains, automobiles, and boats when the bumpy ride is more than your equilibrium can take. Simply put 1 behind your ear and you will feel a noticeable difference. My wife adds 2 if the conditions are really bad, putting one near the naval and one behind the ear.
A beach bag is a brilliant addition to your packing list, especially one like this that won’t take up much space. It has a built-in cooler to tote around your snacks and drinks for the day, keeping them insulated and chilled.
In your beach artillery, don’t forget a pocket-sized beach blanket that folds up to the size of a fist. It’s super compact, sand-proof, waterproof, and practical. We use this for beach days, concerts, lounging in a nice park to people watch, festivals, and more!
Look stylish while protecting yourself from the glare of the midday sun with a wide brim hat. You’ll find yourself wearing it while walking around town and even when lounging at the beach or by the pool. This one comes in a variety of colors and is a fun way to accessorize any outfit.
When staying by the sea, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Although Malta is overall fairly dry, don’t let a small rainshower stop you from going out and exploring. This travel umbrella is perfect to bring along with you because it’s super small yet covers two people. It comes with a super nice carrying case to keep your other items dry and this item is always wise to have, just in case.
To keep your phone, keys, or other valuables from going overboard and sinking to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, attach them to one of these floating wrist straps. They are soft and comfortable on the wrist, and if you accidentally drop your phone in the water while taking a selfie on a bumpy boat ride, these straps will keep your phone afloat.
We can all agree that our suitcases end up a little tighter on the way home than when we first packed them. Bring this “just in case” bag as a reinforcement to your OG suitcase. It’s made of a duffel material that takes up zero space on the way there, but for the journey home, it counts as your personal item bag to avoid any fees! I’d fill it with authentic Maltese souvenirs, like handcrafted lace, filigree jewelry, Gozo glass, sweets, prickly pear jam, prickly pear liquor, and wine!
Even when it doesn’t feel hot, the sun can be strong in Malta. You’ll often be walking around where there isn’t much shade or vegetation so it is easy to get burned without even noticing it. Not to mention, you’ll want reef-safe sunscreen for when you hit the waves or explore the colorful reefs. This brand is vegan and oil-free. We love knowing it’s a more sustainable option that won’t damage sensitive ecosystems, and we can also ensure we won’t painfully burn when enjoying the outdoors.
Malta’s sunny and warm Mediterranean weather calls for light and breezy clothing, especially in the summer months. Winter can be a little cooler so long pants and a light sweater will keep you comfortable in case there is a chill in the air.
You’ll likely be walking around town and the historic parts of the island, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes is important. When you’re not out on the town, you’ll likely be pool or oceanside so don’t forget your beach attire.
What Should WOMEN Wear to Malta? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
Malta has great weather, so don’t hesitate to wear your favorite dresses and skirts. The island and its cobblestone streets and historic buildings make for a beautiful backdrop for photos, so dressing up would make for beautiful photos. It would be wise to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to walk around in, as the sidewalks can be hilly and uneven at times.
When you’re ready to relax by the pool, make sure you have your swimsuit, sunhat, sunglasses, and sandals. When it’s time to go to a restaurant for dinner, a nice dress will do. Women of Malta are stylish and like to dress up, so bring along a few chic evening outfits.
What Should MEN Wear to Malta? – (Click to expand)
Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).
During the day a light-weight pair of shorts and a t-shirt will be ideal. A pair of tennis shoes will keep you comfortable while walking around town and a hat or sunglasses will keep the sun out of your eyes.
You’ll likely spend a lot of time by the water so don’t forget a pair of swim trunks and flip-flops for the pool. When the sun goes down and it’s time to go out for dinner, a nice pair of slacks and a button-down shirt will do the trick.
Packing for the Seasons in Malta
WINTER – December, January, February:
Winter in Malta is colder and wetter than in other seasons. You’ll want to dress in layers and pack long pants, sweaters, and a light jacket. A raincoat or umbrella will come in handy in case of any rain showers. Temperatures tend to stay around 60°F and the ocean is usually too cold for swimming.
SPRING – March, April, May:
Spring in Malta is beautiful. Flowers are blooming, and the weather is starting to warm up. The ocean tends to still be a bit too chilly for swimming but warms up towards the end of spring. Dresses and skirts can be comfortable during the day, but at night, you’ll want to dress in warmer layers and wear a light jacket. The average daytime temperature reaches 72 °F but can be ten degrees cooler or more at night.
SUMMER – June, July, August:
Summer is the peak season in Malta. The sea is at its warmest, and the island is bustling with activity. This is the time to wear your shorts, skirts, and tank tops.
Don’t forget your bathing suit either! The average summertime temperature is 87 °F, and the lowest summer temperatures rarely dip below 64 °F, so bring your summer wardrobe!
FALL – September, October, November:
The heat from summer begins to subside, yet the sea stays warm well until the beginning of fall. It’s still warm, shorts and t-shirts will still be comfortable this time of year, and maybe a light jacket for chillier evenings. It’s still worth bringing along your swimsuit to take a dip in the pool or the sea. The average fall temperature is 76 °F, making fall an excellent time to visit Malta.
How to dress for activities in Malta? (Click to expand)
Relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea – When the sea calls, it’s best to be ready. Make sure you have your favorite swimsuit, sunhat, cover-up, flip-flops, and sunglasses. Bonus items you’ll want to consider bringing along are a beach bag or day pack, a travel towel, and sunscreen.
Exploring the Cities – Europeans in general tend to look put together and dress in neutral or dark colors when out and about in the cities. Do your best to follow suit and you’ll fit right in!
Visiting Exploring the Historic Center – This is the time for women to wear their favorite flowy skirts and dresses and men to wear shorts and t-shirts. Comfortable walking shoes are important as the cobblestone streets aren’t always the easiest to walk on. A hat and sunglasses will help you take in the views without having the midday sun in your eyes.
Exploring the Island by Boat – Go snorkeling or admire the island from the ocean on a Mediterranean boat ride. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, cover-up, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A travel towel will be handy between dips in the sea to keep you dry and warm. Consider bringing a change of clothes so you have something dry and warm to wear after you’re done swimming.
A Fun Night Out – Malta has plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from if you’re looking for a night out. This is the time to wear your chicest outfits. Women could wear a cocktail dress with a nice pair of wedges. Men will be comfortable in a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt. People love to dress up and go out here so make sure to join the fun!
What NOT to Bring to Malta
1.DON'T BRING Large Books
Between e-readers and tablets, there’s no need to bring several books with you on your trip. Having novels or guidebooks downloaded on your Kindle makes it way easier to have them wherever you go without the extra weight.
2.DON'T TAKE Hiking Boots
There isn’t an abundance of hiking to do in Malta, so there is no need to bring along a pair of bulky hiking boots. With a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, you’ll be able to walk wherever.
3.DON'T PACK Excessive Cash
It’s better to take out small amounts of cash at a time in case it gets lost or stolen. Most places take cards as well so you don’t need to worry about bringing large amounts of cash everywhere you go.
4.DON'T WEAR High Heels
Comfortable walking shoes are important in Malta. The streets aren’t always flat and they are often are paved with uneven cobblestones. Walking in high heels would be impractical. Instead, bring a pair of walking shoes or comfortable sandals or wedges.
5.DON'T BRING Expensive or Irreplaceable Items
If you can’t live without it or could never replace it, then don’t bring it. Things easily get lost or stolen in the chaos of traveling. Avoid the hassle and the heartbreak and leave these valuables at home.
6.DON'T PACK a Regular Towel
A regular towel is big and bulky and takes forever to dry. A microfiber travel towel on the other hand it’s compact, dries quickly, and repels odor.
What NOT to wear in Malta? (Click to expand)
You won’t be needing any super thick winter clothes, even in the coldest months in Malta. You can also leave behind hiking boots and other hiking gear. There is no walking in Malta that is too strenuous for a good pair of tennis shoes.
FAQs about traveling to Malta
1. Is tipping expected in Malta?
Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill and it is not expected to leave an additional tip. Tipping taxis also isn’t expected but people tend to round up when paying.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Malta?
The best time to visit Malta is in September. The summer crowds have left, but the weather is still hot, and the sea is still warm. You’ll practically have the beaches to yourself!
3. What is an ideal amount of time to stay in Malta?
Malta is a very small island nation so one week is a great amount of time for your first visit. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the sea, go for a boat ride, visit the historic center, and check out plenty of restaurants and bars.
4. How do I get around Malta?
Since Malta isn’t very big, taxis and public transportation are an efficient way to get around. Public transport is clean, cheap, and safe. It will take you to most of the tourist destinations. If you prefer to go by car, then taxis are a great option too.
5. Do I need a visa to visit Malta?
If you are coming from the US or Canada, then you do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. You will receive a short-term stay visa of 90 days upon your arrival.
6. What currency do they use in Malta?
Malta is on the Euro. You can easily withdraw Euros once you arrive or use a card as most places accept credit cards.
7. Do they speak English in Malta?
Malta is a bilingual country where the official languages are Maltese and English. Taxi drivers, waiters, and hotel staff all practically speak English so you shouldn’t have much difficulty communicating with the locals.
Asher has been traveling the world since he left Australia to study in the USA in 2004. He received a Master’s in Business Administration degree in 2013. He has lived all over the globe including India, Europe, Hawaii, and mainland US. He enjoys researching the travel industry, loves being a dad, cooking & eating delicious food, photography (took many of our photos), surfing big waves on Maui, camping trips and walking barefoot on the earth.
