7 Best Malta and Gozo Beaches to Go Swimming and Beach About

Bringing you the 7 Best Beaches in Malta and her sister’s island, Gozo to plan your holiday with the most valuable travelling asset. The Mediterranean seawater is warm and crystal clear, thanks to the gorgeous sunny weather most time of the year. That is why more than 2 million visitors flock to Malta in recent years to enjoy not just the Mediterranean climate, but also the extraordinary coves and inlets the archipelago has to offer. The images are simply a push-button to move forward to your swimming and snorkelling plan.

The remarkable feature about most Malta beaches are not the typical sandy white beaches that we conjure. On the contrary, rough rocks are the formation of most Malta beaches. The rocky coastline is appealing as we can do away with muddy feet for once. If sandy beaches are your cup of tea, go to the 3 Malta beaches in the north-west which you will see jaw-dropping images.

You may be interested:
Read: Getting from Sliema to Valletta to Three Cities by Ferry
Read: Malta Airport to Sliema, Valletta by Taxi and Bus

1. Sliema Beach

During our holiday in Malta, we stayed in Sliema. Therefore, we had the pleasure to visit Sliema Beach every alternate day. We tried out a few different swimming locations in Sliema and thus, concluded that it is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Malta with easy accessibility. Our favourite spots are points between the Sliema Promenade or rather, the street name is Tower Road from Exiles Bay to Surfer’s Paradise Beach Club (Show Map).

There will be staircases to go down to the beach every 50 or 100m. From the 550m walk along the Sliema promenade, you can choose a spot which has fewer people. We loved to pick a location where we could swim near to Paradise Exiles Bar. Meanwhile, if we were hungry, we would walk over the bar to get some delicious sandwiches or a soft drink or a can of Cisk beer there. Very convenient.

We were shocked to know that this Paradise Exiles Bay was destroyed by strong waves one year ago even though the distance was quite far apart from the beach. What you see there now is a new structure rebuilt after the devastation. Curious? Go there and take a look. At the same time, try out their juicy burger too. For the best food in Malta recommended by locals, join us.

2. Blue Grotto Malta

The precise position which we stopped in Blue Grotto is at Blue Grotto Trips Departure Wharf. There is an inlet for swimming. Walking further up to the stairs, you can be engulfed by the beauty of the valley while feeling the security within the lagoon if one is not venturing out into the open sea.

There are also long benches for sitting. A cafe can be found at the top of the long staircase at the other end leading up to the main road. A public toilet is further down the road.

Several boats parked at the Blue Grotto Trips Departure Wharf is also where you take a cruise to see the Blue Grotto. It is the largest cave of its kind. Furthermore, the Blue Grotto boat trip will take you to Marsaxlokk, the island’s most significant and captivating fishing village.

3. Ghar Lapsi Divesite

Ghar Lapsi Divesite has a cave, and the seawater is shallow closer to the land. People are either swimming or sitting by the rocks. The cave is beautiful as you can walk around the small cove staring at the stream of water flowing near your feet. The 5 to 16m depth at Ghar Lapsi Divesite also means that it is not intimidating for new divers to take a plunge there.

Before going to Ghar Lapsi Divesite at Siggiewwi, plan for a seafood lunch at Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant which is just around the corner. You will not regret this decision as they have fresh and delightful seafood there overlooking a magnificent sea view. Hence, voted as one the best beaches in Malta to eat and swim!

Malta does not have a lot of sandy beaches, not in Sliema Beach for sure. I was curious and wanted to see at least one sandy beach in Malta to make a comparison. Hence, we head to the north-west direction to explore 3 Malta beaches – ➊ Golden Bay, ➋ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and ➌ Gnejha Bay on the same day, taking a bus with the help of transport apps in Malta.

According to Google Maps, the seemingly not so tough route to the 3 Malta beaches turned out to be a deceit, a nightmare for me. I had myself to be blamed for not analysing enough of the terrain on Google Maps (Show Map).

• ➊ Golden Bay ➠ ➋ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay = 35 minutes | 2.3 km
• ➋ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay ➠ ➌ Gnejha Bay = 21 minutes | 1.3 km

A Tough Hike Around Golden Bay Malta

It turned out that the actual walk from ➋ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Beach)  to ➌ Gnejha Bay was not flat. One had to go up and down the hill with an altitude of 46m at its highest point. Furthermore, at many points on top of the steep slope, there were no railing or tree branches as support, only rocks.

I was afraid of falling though I did not have a fear of height. People with acrophobia would have to think twice about looking down from the vantage point, leaving room for plenty of imagination.

To add on to our woe, the sun was beating us hard at 35℃. Moreover, I did not wear a proper pair of sports shoes. I just wore a sloppy pair of beach slippers and an awkward sling-over bag which got on my way most of the times.

I was behaving and hiking clumsily. Nonetheless, the view at the peak was spectacular despite difficulty on the hike. I finally had this feeling of the world beneath my feet after an hour of strangling walk, which seemed like an eternity.

We finally reached the third beach ➌ Gnejha Bay, but we did not want to spend the rest of our time there. So, we decided to walk back to ➋ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (also known as Riviera Beach). I did not want to go through the same hiking struggle again.

Consequently, we decided to walk on the main road back to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Beach) for another hour to settle there as the final beach for our swim. From ➋ Riviera Beach, we could take a bus back to Sliema on a 1-hour journey. Many hours of walking in total.

4. Golden Bay Malta

Among the three sandy beaches in Malta, Golden Bay had the most number of people and is said to be the best sandy beaches in Malta. The beach was astounding and loaded with beach umbrellas. It seemed like finding a spot would be difficult. The shop sold traditional Maltese sandwiches for only €2.75 which was inexpensive, considering the location was a touristic area. The walk down to Golden Bay was long. We stopped in the halfway to snap some photos and proceeded to our second location.

5. Għajn Tuffieħa Bay (Riviera Beach)

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, also known as Riviera Beach, was the recommendation from our Maltese friend because it is less crowded. Indeed, the distance of the shoreline was shorter than Golden Bay Beach, and naturally, it would accommodate lesser people. Riviera Beach was also the final destination we stopped by after visiting all three beaches. We spotted a pink jellyfish, which was a common sight in Malta beaches. So, you have to be careful of jellyfish swimming around the Malta beaches, no matter where you are.

6. Gnejha Bay

Gnejha Bay had the least number of visitors on one glance because we planned to swim here after walking for a long time. Later, it was not easy to understand why it was not so popular. The water here was shallow, even up to a distance of 100m away, the water only reached the waist area. Gnejha Bay Beach was a perfect choice for families with children indulging a day of fun in the sea due to the shallowness, but certainly not for the swimmers or snorkelers. At one end of the beach, there is a stretch of doors which looked like houses. I find the ‘village-style’ design inviting that we had to walk over to take a look. I would say Gnejha bay is one the best beaches in Malta for family.

7. Inland Sea Gozo

The Inland Sea Gozo, also known as Dwejra, is another inlet which one should not miss when it comes as one of the best beaches in Malta for swimming. It is a highly touristic attraction. There is a dark mystery looking sea cave at the end of the lagoon which lesser people ventured there for a swim. If you swim towards the small tunnel towards the open sea, the water depth can go up to 35m, which makes it an ideal spot for diving.

Conclusion

I have already listed 7 of the best beaches in Malta with photos. That will give you an idea of where to swim and snorkel. In case you are wondering why Comino Blue Lagoon did not make it to the mark, that is because I have already had two posts dedicated to Gozo and Comino Island by ferry or boat trip cruise around Blue Lagoon. Comino Island, no doubt, makes up one of the best beaches in Malta but it is a highly touristic area as well. Do check out where are the best restaurants and food in Malta and Gozo too!

You can see both Comino and Gozo in one day due to the similar direction in which the cruise is heading. It is a popular choice for tourists to shorten the travelling time as many boat trips offer such a service. Departing from Sliema Malta, the ferry will first pass by Comino and then to Gozo as Comino Island is in the middle of the three islands.

However, you may also want to consider spending two different days in Comino or Gozo by taking a ferry. That depends on the intention of your visit and length of stay in Malta. After spending 2 weeks in Malta mostly in my Maltese friend’s car, I have concluded that the waiting time for buses and the journey is time-consuming and crowded. I have also taken a bus to the beaches situated in the northern part of Malta.

Swim at Comino Blue Lagoon

The renowned Blue Lagoon at 3.5 sq km of Comino Island is incredible. Comino has the bluest water in the Mediterranean sea. One can see an azure paradise of the Blue Lagoon from far by ferry. The sea pool makes it perfect for swimming, snorkelling or diving as no boat can enter into the sister island of Malta. The Comino history is best known for its hideout for pirates to raid Gozo or to escape from its enemy.

The turquoise sea colour was also used as shooting scenes for some famous movies – Troy (2004) and Swept Away (2002). Hence, Comino Blue Lagoon is one place where you like to chill if you are in for some water sports. If you are not there for swimming but merely want to witness its splendour for a short while, you can take a ferry and proceed to Gozo. Take note that the Comino Island is a highly touristic place. You have been warned, though.

Sightseeing in Gozo

Gozo is another island which I would term it similar to Malta where there are more things to do and see other than the beach. It is the second-largest island next to Malta. You can visit the UNESCO site, Citadella at Victoria, which is the centre of Gozo. There are many more hidden gems at Gozo which is worth exploring and will wow your day away. If a city tour is what you fancy instead of swimming and sunbathing, then you can go Gozo directly and spend an entire day there.

Here are some highlights of the boat trips and cruise activities you can do in Comino and Gozo in one day. Some of the tour packages include hotel transfer or otherwise, optional with a small charge. There is free WiFi on board of the vessels. You can read the full description of the activity from the button link.

Ferry Options between Cirkewwa Malta, Mgarr Gozo & Comino Island

The Republic of Malta is an archipelago consisting of 3 islands – Malta, Comino and Gozo. It will be a shame not to visit Comino or Gozo if you are travelling to Malta. Comino Island is in between Malta and Gozo. Many ferry companies offer the option to stop at Comino Blue Lagoon and then proceed to Gozo from Cirkewwa Malta. In reverse, the ferry can also commence from Mgarr Gozo to Comino and then to Malta.

One can opt to take a ferry from the harbour, which is the highlight of this post. Alternatively, book a Comino and Gozo boat trip or cruise activity which also stops at either one or both islands on the same day.

Cruise activities are top choices for tourists as you can go swimming at Comino Blue Lagoon and also sightseeing in Gozo in one day. An advantage of a land tour in Gozo is not having to fret about finding out the bus number to take there, long waiting time and crowdedness inside the public transport.

You may also be interested:
» Getting from Sliema to Valletta to Three Cities by Ferry or Bus

One can go Gozo directly from Malta by Gozo Channel Line while passing by Comino Island to catch a gleam of Blue Lagoon azure beauty that has a different sea colour compared to its surrounding. With this ferry route, one can also bring their cars and motorbikes with them and store them in the ferry basement. Upon arrival at Mgarr Gozo Ferry Terminal, the passengers can retrieve their vehicles and drive around Gozo.

Not only do the Maltese residents benefit from this advantage, but even tourists make good use of such service with their rented vehicles. However, you cannot bring your vehicle along with you to Comino Island on any of the ferries because there are virtually no cars and no roads there. Only a handful of service transport to bring guests to the hotel.

How Long is the Ferry from Malta to Gozo?

Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal is where you will depart from Malta to Gozo located at the northernmost part of Malta. It will take approximately 25 minutes and sometimes longer due to the wind and sea conditions. Do note that the bus journey from the touristic districts of Valletta or Sliema to Cirkewwa is 1 hour or more adding to your total travel time to Gozo.

Bringing a Car into Gozo Channel Ferry

Gozo Ferry Prices and Timetable 2019

A Peek Inside Gozo Channel Ferry

» Capacity

Gozo Channel has a fleet of 4 ships that service the sea route between Malta and Gozo – M.V. Malita, M.V. Ta’ Pinu, M.V. Gaudos and Nikolaos. The first three ships are the largest and have a length of 85.40m and a gross tonnage close to 4,900 tonnes. Its mass passenger capacity of 900 people means that there are ample seats and space for everyone. What’s more, they are accessible to people with a disability on board. You can also find lifts inside the ship.

» Cafe

The capacity of Gozo Ferry is large and comfortable enough to accommodate many tourists, even during the peak summer season. There is a cafe inside the ferry, but it can be occupied with people and finding an empty table will be a challenge.

» Observation Deck

The top observation deck of Gozo Ferry was a paradise for many passengers during the 30-minute journey. While passing by Comino island, it was quite a stunning sight, especially the few seconds glance of the Blue Lagoon which disappeared from the eyes quickly.

Gozo Ferry Terminal at Mgarr

That is how the charming Gozo Ferry Terminal looked like when the ferry is approaching the Mġarr Harbour.

Gozo Land Tours

Two fun land excursions in Gozo for travelling to many points of interest in the shortest time possible if you are not driving. Food is inclusive for Gozo tours.

• Discover Gozo (Full Day): Visit all the landmarks and places of interest in Gozo to cover your Gozo travel in one day.
• Gozo Jeep Safari (Full Day): Have fun with a Jeep Safari using the radio to communicate with your professional guide to the most secluded places in Gozo. Even the locals do not know their existence.

We have discussed the option to travel from Malta to Gozo directly. The other alternative is to take a Comino ferry or even cruises to visit Gozo and Comino in one day with a buffet lunch if you are in for some pampering.

Some cruise activities will save you more time to see two islands in a short time as transport is available to bring you around Gozo. Otherwise, you can also download some Malta navigation apps to figure out the public buses to go from one place to another.

1. Comino Ferries Co-Op

Comino Ferries provide round trip ferries from Malta to Comino daily. It departs either from Marfa Bay or Cirkewwa Ferry terminal in Malta which the distance is 1 km apart. You can check both locations on the Maps at the sidebar.

The journey is approximately 25 minutes to Comino and 35 minutes on return. You can have the option to continue your journey from Comino to Gozo for the same price. However, when you return from Gozo to Cirkewwa Malta, you have to take a ferry from Gozo Channel (as above) and pay €4.65 for a single/round trip ticket.

If you are travelling by bus: Cirkewwa is the ideal spot to board as it is the last stop on the route to the Gozo Ferry.
If you are travelling by car: Marfa is the preferred boarding location as there are plenty of free parking lots available. The company is across the Riviera Resort hotel.

Comino Ferries Ticket Price

You will save €1 if you purchase the tickets online versus the counter. The ferry ticket has to be purchased 24 hours in advance. Subsequently, you will receive an email. The e-ticket has no expiry date and can be used on any day.

• Adult: €12.00 (online) / €13.00 (Marfa Bay or Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal)
• Child (Aged 5 to 12): €4.50 (online) / €5.00 (Marfa or Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal)

Comino Ferries Timetable

You can refer to the precise timing from Comino Ferries Timetable and also the departure times from Santa Maria in Comino Island.

• From Malta to Comino: The first ferry starts from 8.30 am until 5 pm and runs every 30 minutes.
• From Comino to Malta: The timing is from 9.30 am until 7 pm with an hourly interval until 3.30 pm. The next ferry from 4 pm onwards will continue with the same 1-hour interval until 7 pm.
• From Comino to Gozo: The service commences at 11 am and operates every one hour until 6 pm.

2. Ebsons Comino Ferries – Comino Ferry Service

Ebsons Comino Ferries is another option providing a scheduled ferry service from Cirkewwa Malta to Comino or from Mgarr Gozo to Comino. For its operation in Malta, the ferry is only available at Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.

Comino Ferry Service Tickets

Also known as Comino Ferry Service from the URL, the company offers a few packages of online ferry tickets. The prices stated are return tickets with the exception that if the ferry goes to 3 islands, the prices are considered as ✤Return Ticket.

If you choose the last two packages where your final destination is in Malta or Gozo, similarly, you have to buy a separate ticket from Gozo Channel at €4.65 to return to your departure point. [Adult ☟ Child (5 to 10 years)]

• Mgarr Gozo to Comino Blue Lagoon: €6.99 | €3.00
• Mgarr Gozo to Comino Blue Lagoon + Caves: €11.99 | €6.50
• Cirkewwa (Malta) to Comino Blue Lagoon: €12.00 | €5.50
• Cirkewwa (Malta) to Comino, return to ✤Mgarr (Gozo): €12.00
• Gozo to Comino Blue Lagoon, return to ✤Cirkewwa (Malta): €9.00

Comino Ferry Service Schedule

The ferry schedule runs hourly. More ferry trips on a half-hourly interval can be expected during the peak period in summer.

• From Malta to Comino: First Ferry 9.10 am | Last Ferry 3.10 pm & 3.40 pm during summer
• From Gozo to Comino: First ferry 8.00 am | Last Ferry 6.00 pm

From Malta to Comino: You will pass by the caves during the journey before arriving at Blue Lagoon.
From Gozo to Comino: Only the ferry departure time at 2.15 pm and 4.15 pm can you experience the trip around the cave.

3. Bella Comino Ferry – Gozo Comino Ferry

Bella Comino Ferry Service is a small family based in Gozo which operates only from Gozo to Comino with return tickets.

Bella Ferry Tickets

Also known as Gozo Comino Ferry, these are the online prices for your ferry return tickets. Do note that there will be no ticket sent to your email. You have to show the payment confirmation at the ferry. Therefore, remember to do a screenshot or download the receipt out. [Adult ☟ Child (5 to 10 years)]

• Mgarr Gozo to Comino Return: €6.95 | €3.00
• Mgarr Gozo to Comino + Caves Return: €11.95 | €6.40

Gozo Comino Ferry Schedule

The Bella – Gozo Comino Ferry schedule runs hourly.

• From Gozo to Comino: First ferry 8.00 am | Last Ferry 6.00 pm
• From Comino to Gozo: First ferry 8.15 am | Last Ferry 6.15 pm

From Comino to Gozo: The ferry will pass by the caves only at 2.15 pm and 4.15 pm departure time.

Gozo and Comino Tours

Cruise trips are a way to spice up your activities to both Malta sisters’ islands. Here are some exciting ones.

• Comino Sunset Cruise (Full Day): Watch the gorgeous sunset in the evening. Departs at 1 pm and returns at 9 pm.
• Power Boat to Comino/Gozo or Both Islands: Try out a powerboat to one or both these islands in the shortest time ever.

Check more tantalising tours out there!

Conclusion of the Ferry Services in Malta

Now you have practically all the information and pricing on the ferry services to all the 3 islands. The cost is also inexpensive. What will you do? If the idea of a cruising activity around the islands of Gozo, Comino, Sliema or St. Julian’s sounds fascinating to you, catch me on the next article.

Transport Guide: Sliema ⟺ Valletta ⟺ Three Cities by Ferry or Bus

We went on a 2-week vacation in Malta, staying with my friends in Sliema. It is recommended to stay in Sliema as there is a beautiful beach here, Exiles Bay. We spent half our time in Sliema on this sandless beach when we are not visiting other attractions in Malta or Gozo. If you are thinking of where to stay in Malta, Sliema is a great district to consider.

How long is the Ferry and Bus from Sliema to Valletta and Vice Versa?

Although Sliema is a beautiful city, we also want to visit Valletta, the capital of Malta. One can go to Valletta from Sliema by ferry or bus. It is advisable to take a ferry because the travel time is approximately 5 to 10 minutes whereas a bus will take 30 minutes or more to your destination depending on the timing and the crowd.

Note that as Malta does not have a metro system, the buses are usually crammed with passengers. The crowd can get rowdy, screaming and throwing things at one another on a weekend night after a wild party session. We took a bus back on a Saturday night as there was no more ferry service. The bus ride experience from Valletta to Sliema was noisy and unpleasant.

You may be interested: 
» Malta Airport to City Centre Valletta, Sliema: Taxi Price and Bus Fares Guide
» 15 Best Restaurants in Malta and Gozo You Will Love

We stayed near to Sliema Ferry Terminal and can reach there on foot. Buying tickets from Sliema Ferry Terminal to get to Valletta is truly a breeze. You can check the location from my Malta & Gozo Google Maps at the top of the sidebar.

Sliema ⟺ Valletta Ferry Schedule

The ferry schedule for the whole year is divided into Winter and Summer dates.

• Winter: 1 Nov – 31 May
• Summer: 1 Jun – 31 Oct

For both seasons, the ferry will run every 15 minutes from 7.00 am to 7.15 pm, commencing the service from Sliema.
Night ferry service continues only in summer from 7.30 pm to 12.45 am.
Hence, during winter, you will not get any more ferry services after 7 pm from Sliema and 7.15 pm from Valletta. Once you miss the last ferry schedule in summer, you have to take a night bus.

Sliema ⟺ Valletta Ferry Price

It is always cheaper to buy a round trip ticket instead of a single trip ticket during the day if you plan to take a ferry back to Sliema from Valletta before 7.30 pm. Once the ferry arrives at Valletta Ferry Terminal, walk up the slope for another 10 minutes to Valletta city centre.

Adult

• Single Trip: €1.50
• Round Trip: €2.80

Children

• Single Trip: €0.50
• Return Trip: €0.90

During summer (check the date above), if you are unsure what time you will return to Sliema or vice versa, it is advisable to buy a single trip ticket before departure because the ferry price differs if you depart from 7.30 pm onwards.

• Single Trip: €1.75
• Round Trip: €3.30

If you like to go to Valletta frequently within 7 days, consider getting the Weekly Pass with unrestricted use for €10.00.

Sliema to 3 Cities – No Direct Ferry

If you are interested in visiting the Three Cities – Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Bormla (Cospicua), which is another tourist attraction in Malta, there is no direct ferry to take you from Sliema to 3 Cities. You have to stop at Valletta first and then walk to another different ferry terminal at Upper Barraka Gardens to board another ferry.

Two Valletta Ferry Terminals

Now, you should already be aware that there are two different ferry terminals in Valletta which operate their sea routes to Sliema and Three Cities. The walking distance is 30 minutes between the two locations as there is a big detour according to Google Maps (Show).

If you could cut through the streets and the roads, then it may take a shorter time to reach the Valletta Ferry Terminal at Upper Barraka Gardens. I had been to Birgu, which is the oldest of the Three Cities in our friend’s car. Therefore, I am not sure whether you have to follow Google Maps road directions on foot. You can refer again to my maps for the two Valletta ferry terminals.

Valletta ⟺ Three Cities Ferry Schedule

The ferry terminal in the Three Cities is in Cospicua (Bormla). Again, the same rule applies for both seasons like the above where Valletta ⟺ Three Cities ferry services do not operate at night during winter. The ferry frequency is every 15 minutes, and the journey takes 5 to 10 minutes between the two terminals.

• Winter: 1 Nov – 31 May
• Summer: 1 Jun – 31 Oct

Every day, the first ferry starts from Cospicua Ferry Terminal at 6.30 am, and 6.45 am from Valletta. The last ferry timing ends at 7.00 pm and 7.15 pm at Cospicua and Valletta respectively.

During summer, the night ferry service extends from 7.45 pm from Cospicua. The last ferry service from Cospicua and Valletta ends at 11.30 pm and 12 midnight.

Valletta ⟺ Three Cities Ferry Price

The Valletta to Three Cities ferry price is similar to that from Sliema to Valletta. The below fares are a recap.

# During the day before 7.45 pm:

Adult

• Single Trip: €1.50
• Round Trip: €2.80

Children

• Single Trip: €0.50
• Return Trip: €0.90

# Night Ferry Services after 7.45 pm:

• Single Trip: €1.75
• Round Trip: €3.30

Weekly Pass: €10.00 (consecutive use for 7 days)

Source: Valletta Ferry Services

If you prefer to take a bus from Sliema to Valletta or vice versa, you can take 13, 14, 16 and N13. You can use Google Maps to get the bus number from Point A to B or use some Malta transport apps to help you plan your travel destination.

Night Bus Service – N13

Bus number N13 is a night bus that brings you from Sliema to Valletta and vice versa. In case you miss the last ferry, you have another option to go back.

The first bus departing at both ends of the bus terminals from Valletta and St. Julian’s/San Giljan is at 11.10 pm.
The last bus departs from Valletta and St. Julian’s/San Giljan at 1.30 am from Sunday to Monday, and 2.10 am on Friday and Saturday night.

For all other night buses or bus routes in Malta, refer to the Malta Public Transport website.

Bus Fares in Malta

You can buy a single trip ticket inside all the buses in Malta. Pay the exact amount directly to the bus driver. A cash paper ticket will be issued. You can use it on other buses within 2 hours.

• Winter Bus Fare: €1.50 (most time of the year)
• Summer Bus Fare: €2.00 (mid-June to mid-October)
• Night Ticket: €3.00 (all times)

There are also a few options for Malta transport cards for tourists to reduce the bus fares per trip called Explore Cards.

Recommending the Top Malta Restaurants & Food You’ll Never Forget

Where are the best restaurants in Malta and Gozo? I would consider Malta as a food paradise with a rich heritage of Italian and Middle Eastern food besides Maltese cuisine. The most pleasurable thing about dining in Malta was the affordable food in the restaurants that made our pockets happy.

The average price of the main course is around €10 to €15 in Malta. Sometimes, a cocktail like Long Island Tea can cost cheaper relative to a can of beer. So, check out the drink menu before ordering your drinks if you prefer a cocktail over beer. For our two week holidays in Malta, we were lucky to stay with two locals who are our friends.

Friends are always eager to be the best hosts and to bring us around to restaurants which they have already tried themselves and have positive reviews about the food. We tried many different types of food except those in Chinese restaurants. Our friends told us that the locals do not find Chinese food authentic. Hence, we did not try the Chinese cuisine, but we did try the Japanese, Indian and Asian restaurants.

We stayed in Sliema and so, our food journey started from here. In case you wonder how to get from Valletta to Sliema by ferry or bus, you can find out more in this post. Sliema is well-known for its beach – Exiles Bay. There are a lot of restaurants and bars along the promenade which have splendid views of the sea.

The temperature in Sliema is also 1℃ lower than in Valletta and has more wind, thanks to the cooling sea breeze. Therefore, cafes and bars make a perfect spot to chill while enjoying the sea breeze. Remember to try out the local Cisk beer and Kinnie soft drink while enjoying the sea breeze.

1. Paradise Exiles

I loved the aftertaste of Kinnie, whereas some of my friends disliked it. One of the food to try here was its burger, recommended by my local friend. I ordered a Classic Burger, which the patty was juicy. Paradise Exiles was one of the best places to chill in Sliema. It was always windy, making it perfect for warm weather of over 30℃ in Malta along with a soothing sea view.

2. ImPasta

ImPasta Restaurant was my best dining experience in Sliema. The Italian restaurant served the best pasta that I have eaten in my life. Recollecting about my first bite and the euphoric widening of my eyes, I can salivate at the thought of it even at this point of writing. Yes, I was exaggerating, along with a Belgian friend who claimed that his Carbonara was one of the best he had ever eaten. Testimony by one who grew up eating a lot of pasta in his life.

Upon entering the Italian restaurant, you can see a big board with a plentiful choice of meat and fish. After deciding what to order, you tell the chef at the counter, and then proceed to choose your pasta. ImPasta Italian Restaurant has 3 outlets – St. Julien, Sliema and Valletta. You got to try the fresh pasta from one of the best Italian restaurants in Malta so you will leave Malta without regret!

3. Marrobbio

Marrobbio is an Italian restaurant that serves one of the best pizzas in Sliema with a chewy crust. They have a selection in Pizza Starters and also Pizza Classica. As I am not a pizza lover in general, I ordered a Linguine Alle Vongole which had clams on it. The pasta menu section has Starters and Main options on it as an indication of the serving size. I ordered the smaller one. To my amazement, my linguine came in a standard portion which did not look small at all. You can check out their menu on their Facebook page.

4. Pure Living

Pure Living, as the name suggests, started with a passion for health and well-being. The restaurant wanted to have more healthy food options on top of the variety of food offered in Malta. To support the theory, Pure Living made their juices and food with natural and organic ingredients where possible. Their Thai Fish Rice Curry with organic brown rice was heavenly with no sugar added. Halloumi is another must-try cheese stick that originated from the Middle East if you fancy some healthy snacks without sugar.

5. Maypole Sliema (Bakery)

We were staying near to Maypole Bakery in Sliema. Almost every morning, we would go to the shop to get our sandwiches before starting our day or walk to Exiles Bay beach for a swim. We loved all the local sandwiches sold in Maypole. What is unique about breakfast in Malta is that the bread has filling inside. We tried a different filling each time and were utterly in love with the savoury. Maypole has a chain of 24 branches all over different parts of cities in Malta.

Recommendations by locals: Tuna Ftira and Pastizzi are some foods which the Maltese people hold dear to their hearts.

• Tuna Ftira: A round-shaped semi-flat bread with a filling of tuna, tomato sauce and olive oil
• Pastizzi: A savoury pastry made of ricotta (Italian cheese) or mushy pea stuffing
• Qassatat: Similar to Pastizzi, Qassatat is a tart filled with ricotta cheese, peas, or spinach and anchovies
• Ciabatta: Italian white bread (and comes with savoury fillings inside)
• Carrot Cake: A favourite among the locals made with carrots, nuts and raisins

As St. Julian’s is around 25 to 30 minutes of walking from Sliema, this area was the next most patronised as we could go on foot. St. Julian’s district is a club-goers’ destination and one of the centres of attractions for parties and trendy people. It has a congregation of hotels, restaurants, pubs and some sleazy bars. Expect vibrant crowds and dazzling lights, especially on weekends where the locals and tourists go clubbing.

6. Club Sushi

Located at the area of St. Julian’s, which was a walking distance of 30 minutes away from Sliema, Club Sushi was the first Asian restaurant to which we went. Pride themselves of being the first restaurant in Malta that specialises in Korean and Japanese cuisine, the chefs from Korea and Japan assure the authenticity of the Asian cuisine while the prices remain competitive. Take a peek at their menu first if you have a craving for some sushi or udon. My boyfriend and I had a 20 Pcs Chef’s Choice from the Nigiri & Roll Combo Platter.

7. Kuya Asian Pub

A small little pub in St. Julian’s is a hidden gem when it comes to serving delicious Asian food at a low cost. There was no country-specific food as it was a mix of Thailand, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese food between €10 to €11 for the main course. Such a low price and tasty food indeed made our stomach and pocket very happy.

The pub was so small without any table left for the five of us. Therefore, we sat at the bar. I had Bang Bang Chicken with Peanut Butter & Sweet Chilli, which was a Sichuan Chinese dish, and my boyfriend had a bowl of Crispy Beef with Honey Soy Glaze. The portion for all the dishes ordered was huge. The service level was excellent with the staff frequently checking out our food satisfaction level.

8. TukTuk South Indian Street Food Kitchen

TukTuk South Indian Street Food Kitchen is hidden in Carob Tree Food Court at St. Julian’s together with some others. It prepares authentic Indian food at its best with Indian chefs and counter staff at a glance. The food is gluten controlled and lactose-free. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

The most pleasurable food delight was that I found my favourite Papdi Chaat that I have been searching for in many Indian restaurants in Europe. The Papdi Chaat was so delicious that I had to order the second round of Crispy Kale Pakora Chaat to make up one full meal. Oh yes, I had two plates of the chaats family at one go.

My Belgian and Maltese friends could not stop eating my food. They found the chaats unique and refreshing thanks to their high standard chutney and yoghurt as condiments. Their Masala Dosa was huge with three types of sauces, recommended by our local friends to try. Two recommendations for main courses are Mix Tandoor for two to share and also Thali if you like Naan bread and tingly sauces.

If you fancy a warm cup of Asian milk tea, try their aromatic House Chai. Remember to ask them not to make the drink too sweet as Indian tea has a reputation of being overly sweet, not to the liking of many people. If you are curious, do try out the food from the Roadside Chaats food menu section. They have another branch in Valletta.

9. Valletta St Paul’s AFT

Lying in a chilled quiet street close to 400m walking distance to Fort St. Elmo War Museum is San Paul Coffe, which is a Sicilian Restaurant. The owner was a Maltese, whereas his wife is Italian. One speciality of Sicilian Restaurant was the freshly cooked tomato base for its pasta. As all their pasta menu had tomato sauce and neither was I a fan of it, I asked if they could change the sauce to something else.

They told me they could change it to pesto sauce to go with my swordfish. The chef even came out personally at a later time to ask me if the food were good. The entire dinner was very delightful. I would highly recommend you to stop by at San Paul Coffe for a perfect gastronomic experience with excellent service, beautiful music. The location was also ideal for catching a magnificent sunset over the gleaming sea!

10. Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar

The only bar in Malta with “200 gins and 42 tonic water, live music for 3 days a week, more than 50 different kinds of Tapas” presented to you by Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar in Valletta. Influenced by the Spanish culture of serving a proper gin, you first choose your gin from the array of selection. Then, the final concoction will be poured into a ballon glass which releases the aroma of the alcohol slowly with large ice cubes.

That will surely perk you for the fun night in Valletta. If you sit outside the bar over the weekend, you get to listen to free live band performances from the neighbouring bars. Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar has an energetic vibe and is one of the best places to spend in Valletta whizzing your nights away with the best gin in Malta.

11. Carmen’s Bar & Restaurant

If you are going to Għar Lapsi beach, you would not want to miss taking your lunch at one of the best seafood restaurants in Malta, Carmen’s Bar and Restaurant. I had selected Cuttlefish with Ink, White Wine and Olive Oil as it was quite a rare cuisine to come across. As Malta is an island surrounded by sea, their seafood quality is impeccable.

Here it is, the cuttlefish was so delicious as it was so fresh and had a unique way of making it. No regret of not ordering the fish as I know one can get one on the plate anywhere you go in Malta, but not for the cuttlefish which is less commonly found as it is seasonal food. We also had a stunning view of dining at the seaside. After food, we visited Għar Lapsi. The perfect itinerary for the day.

12. Fontanella Tea Garden

If you are visiting Mdina, you ought to swing by for some desserts or drinks at Fontanella Tea Garden. Our friends told us they served one of the best chocolate cakes around. Therefore, we were there to try out their heavenly desserts. I tried their Bailey Cake, which was not too rich in flavour, but appetising. The plus point of dining here is that you will get a breathtaking view of Mdina from the top of the 40 years old restaurant!

13. Ta’ Rikardu Restaurant

Ta’ Rikardu is a traditional Maltese restaurant situated in the Cittadella fortification. They produce their own wine and cheese from the vineyard and farm. The traditional Maltese Stewed Rabbit was one of its specialities. The other recommendation to try the real Maltese food was their Salad with goat cheese, capers, tomatoes, peppers and olives.

I found the goat cheese very strong in taste and not to my liking. For cheese lovers, this would be an adventurous food discovery. Ta’ Rikardu also offers tourists a milking and cheese-making experience.

14. Churchill Xlendi

At Xlendi Bay at Gozo, you can see a stretch of touristic and classy restaurants. They gave the impression that dining here would seem to be more expensive than the rest of those that we had visited. We had decided to drink and then took our dinner at Churchill Restaurant.

I ordered a Roast Lamb braised in white wine, onions, garlic and herbs served with french fries and salad. The lamb meat was succulent and worth its value of €19.50. My partner had a Salmon Supreme (pan-seared salmon fillet, topped with whiskey cream sauce, sprinkled with black sesame seeds.

Here is a relaxing sight of the lovely sea view watching people swim while sitting outdoor at Churchill. After dining, walk up the steps towards the sea for a magnificent sunset view. Overall, a satisfying gastronomic experience here.

15. Relish

It was time to head back home. We booked a taxi with a mobile app to go to Malta Airport. We walked into Relish cafe after clearing the security as not all the restaurants and cafes were opened in the wee morning.

I was surprised that the sumptuous English Breakfast cost below €12.00 because the food sold at the airport is usually pricier than outside. You can also get the last bite on their traditional Maltese sandwiches, pizza and pasta here. Yes, I had an enjoyable breakfast here to kickstart my morning at 4 am before flying off with Air Malta at 5.20 am.

Transport Options from Malta Airport to Valletta, Sliema and Other City Destinations with Bus and Taxi Guide

Getting from Malta Airport to city centre Valletta, Sliema or other destinations by taxi or bus are the most popular options. There is no metro or subway train system in Malta. The only public transport used is the public bus service. Taxi is rather cheap and also another commonly used mode of transportation as compared to other European cities. Hence, from Malta Airport to the destinations, one can choose between booking a taxi, taking a public bus, shared shuttle van or a private transfer.

Taxi from Malta Airport to Sliema

We arrived at Malta International Airport at 22:35 from Belgium with Air Malta. Our friends living in Malta advised the three of us that it was better to book a taxi from Malta airport to Sliema. We were going to stay over at their place for two weeks in Sliema.

• Taxi Price from Malta Airport to Sliema = €20 | 18 min | 11.2 km
• Taxi Cost from Malta Airport to Valletta = €17 | 18 min | 10.3 km

The taxi counter is inside Malta Airport Arrival Hall, located on the left side of the main exit next to the door. Behind the table displayed a board of taxi price lists from Malta Airport to various destinations.

You have to make payment at the counter first, then the staff will pass you a receipt. A female taxi driver happened to be standing around the corner. She took the receipt from me and subsequently, we walked over to her taxi outside the main exit.

The odd thing was that the taxi had another lady sitting at the front of the passenger’s seat. They took my mobile where I had stored my friend’s address in Sliema and keyed it on the GPS.

The female was showing the taxi driver the GPS route on her mobile throughout the journey. What did not seem acceptable was that there should not be another unauthorised person sharing the cab with us. The taxi driver did not ask us for permission either.

Taxi Fare Malta Price List

Here are the latest Malta Airport taxi prices travelling to all other destinations according to the photo taken on the counter. The taxi service at Malta Airports runs 24 hours. The cost stated on the airport website did not seem updated. Some taxi fares to other cities displayed at the counter were €1 to €6.50 higher or €0.50 lower than what was published online.

The taxi fare from Malta Airport to Sliema was €20 booked from Malta Airport Arrival Hall. When we booked a cab 6 hours in advance from eCabs back to the airport, the cab fare was €22.90. The pick-up time is at 03:00. If you want to get a taxi in Malta at your fingertips, you can read the reviews and download these 2 Malta taxi apps – eCabs and Bolt. Booking a taxi is cheap in Malta as compared to other European cities.

If we had opted to take a public bus from Malta Airport to Sliema or Valletta instead of a taxi, the bus journey would be 1 hour but for merely €2 during summertime. Besides, the buses would mostly be full of people since Malta does not have a metro system.

Malta Airport Bus Service and Bus Routes to City

Here is a list of public buses that run from Malta Airport to the cities. Additionally, I have added the bus stop names and locations on the table below. You can find them on Google Maps at the top of the sidebar and the bottom right of the page. That will make it easy for you to refer if you want to take a bus from Malta Airport. You can also download the Tallinja app from Malta Public Transport.

• TD buses will take you directly to the city stated without stops in between and run hourly.
• TD2 bus will take you directly to St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan) and the TD3 bus will take you directly to Buġibba and Qawra.
• X buses operate like conventional buses with stops in between.

By clicking on the links below, it will show you the bus routes from Malta Airport to the city and vice versa by Malta Public Transport.

• Note that Bus X4 has two bus stops at Malta Airport – Airport 1 and 3 because the Malta Airport bus stop is between the two routes. Unlike most bus services, the airport bus stops are usually the first.
  • If you are planning to go to Valletta, go to Airport 1 Bus Stop.
  • If you are going to Birzebbugia, go to Airport 3 Bus Stop.
  • To go to Gozo, you have to take Bus X1 at Airport 2 Bus Stop to go to Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and then take a ferry to cross over to the island.

Malta Bus Fares

For Malta bus tickets for tourists, one can buy a single trip ticket for all the buses in Malta including bus services operating from the airport. Pay the amount directly to the bus driver in small change. A cash paper ticket will be issued. You can use it on other buses within 2 hours.

• Winter Bus Fare: €1.50 (most time of the year)
• Summer Bus Fare: €2.00 (mid-June to mid-October)
• Night Ticket: €3.00 (all times)

Malta Explore Card (Tourists Travel Cards)

Knowing the bus fares now, do a mental calculation on the number of bus trips based on the number of days spent and places of interest that you plan to visit in Malta. If you are going to take buses frequently, it will be worthwhile to consider buying a transport card with more or unlimited bus rides.

You can buy the cards from any of the Sales and Information Offices and also at the third party outlets. At Malta Airport, you can get them from WHS Express (Arrival Hall) and Agenda Bookshop (Departure Hall). All the travel cards should be ordered at least 2 weeks in advance. Get it delivered to a local address or an address out of Malta by registered mail. Here are the options of the cards:

❶ 12 Single Day Journeys Card

• Cost: €15 = €1.25/trip
• Usage: 12 single trips during the day or 6 single trips on night services, or a combination of both
• Valid: 1 year from the date of validation on the bus
• Area: Malta and Gozo
• Pros: Can be shared by family and friends

❷ Explore Card for Adults / Children

• Cost: €21 / €15 (children up to 10 years old)
• Valid: 7-day unlimited bus travel from the first day of use
• Area: Malta and Gozo
• Cons: Cannot share with other people

❸ Valletta Card

• Cost: €19
• Valid: 24 hours (Need to validate the card every time you use it)
• Area: Bus travel to and from Valletta from any location in Malta
• Pros: Includes ferry trips from Sliema and Cospicua using Valletta Ferry Services
• Free Entry for Any Three: The Palace State Rooms, The Palace Armoury, The National Museum of Archaeology and Malta 5D

❹ ExplorePlus Meep Card

• Cost: €39
• Valid: 7-day unlimited bus travel from the first day of use
• Area: Malta, Gozo and Comino
• Pros:
  • Ferry: 2 x single trip specific route from Sliema ➟ Valletta and/or from Cospicua ➟ Valletta
  • Hip-on, Hop-off Buses: 1 x full-day tour by CitySightseeing Malta OR
  • One round trip (including lunch) to Comino Island by a boat operated by Captain Morgan Cruises
  • 2 x free trips on Tallinja Bike (electric bike-sharing service in Valletta)
  • 20% discount on Ioscoot (electric motorbike sharing service available in the St. Julian’s, Sliema and Valletta area)
• Bonus: Meep App

As we were claiming our luggage at the Malta Airport Arrival Hall, I saw a Hotel Airport Shuttle sales office by Malta Transfer at the Baggage Reclaim Area, which is Malta Airport official shuttle service. The Malta Airport Shuttle Transfer Services works by bringing you to the hotel or a cruise liner terminal and vice versa throughout Malta and Gozo. There are 3 types of services here.

Shared Shuttle Bus

The Shared Shuttle Bus service can bring you to the following destinations for a single trip journey by sharing the shuttle van with others. It is a cost-effective way to get from Malta Airport to the city if you are travelling alone and want to reach your destination faster than a standard bus journey by paying slightly more.

• To 165 hotels in Malta: €5/person
• To Gozo Ferry Terminal: €8/pax

Private Car Transfer

If you want to go to a destination of your choice and not stop at the designated 165 hotels, you can take a private car transfer from these 2 options at a fixed rate per vehicle for a one-way trip. The prices may be subject to change depending on the date and the destination. For example, going from Malta Airport to Gozo Ferry Terminal or Cirkewwa (€32/car) would cost more than going to Valletta or Sliema (€23/car).

•  Chauffeur Driven Car: approx. €23 – €32/car (max. 4 passengers)
• Wheelchair Accessible Van: approx. €80 – €100/van (max. 5 passengers)

Luggage Capacity

If you have excess luggage other than specified below such as pushchairs, wheelchairs, golf clubs, diving equipment or any other out of the ordinary items, do let the company knows in advance to prevent incurring additional charges.

• Shared Shuttle Bus: Each person can carry 1 large + 1 small luggage.
• Chauffeur Driven Car: One vehicle can hold only 1 large + 1 small luggage.
• Wheelchair Accessible Van: The capacity allows a maximum of 5 large + 5 small luggage.

Journey Time

How long is the journey from Malta Airport to the destination? The approximate durations are as follows:

• 30min: Sliema, St Julians, Valletta Area
• 45min: St Paul’s Bay, Xemxija, Rabat Area
• 1 hr: Mellieha, Marfa, Cirkewwa
• 2 hr: Gozo (this depends on Gozo Channel Ferry crossing time)

Lastly, if you have not bought your air ticket to Malta, consider buying them from the low-cost carriers operating their flights to Malta International Airport (MLA) from your region for some cost reduction.

Some flight comparison websites do not reflect the results of these budget airlines. Thus, you may miss a great deal as quite a number of them fly to Malta. I bought my air tickets from Air Malta two months in advance departing from Brussels Airport for €130/pax on a 3-hr flight.

⦿ Air Malta ⦿ Aeroflot ⦿ Blue Air ⦿ IndiGo ⦿ Iberia ⦿ EasyJet ⦿ Jet2.com ⦿ Ryanair  ⦿ Transavia ⦿ Volotea ⦿ Vueling ⦿ Wizz Air

On the other hand, you may also want to check out the various navigation mobile apps in Malta for download for your travel and transport guide.

Best Mobile Apps to Plan Your Malta Holiday

Here are reviews of the 10 best navigation travel apps to download for your holiday in Malta, Gozo and Comino. You can use them to check for places of interest and bus services. There is no metro system in Malta. Therefore, the most common public transport used is buses. Taking a taxi is also common as well, especially when getting from Malta Airport to the city. Fortunately, cab fares in Malta are considered inexpensive as compared to many other European countries.

Malta may be small, but there are tons of attractions and things to do in keeping you occupied for quite some time. Even the food was worth raving! I went for a 2-week holiday in Malta and have used most of the apps suggested below to discover the places of interest. Most importantly was the transport options in Malta such as getting from Sliema to Valletta by ferry or bus. There are more mobile apps in Malta mentioned on other websites, but many were no longer available to download, which was a pity.

Please note that I am an Android phone user. I have also included similar apps in the Apple Store so you could also enjoy the same benefit by downloading them here. I would not be able to review the functionality of an IOS app if I have suggested alternatives as it may not be available in the Google Play Store.

1. MyMalta

I used MyMalta app pretty often and my favourite of all, especially in the category “Map” on the left menu. On the map are marks of colourful dots representing places of attractions in Malta and Gozo. There are descriptions and entrance fees (if any) stated on every point of interest such as categories in museums, activities, archaeological sites, landmarks.

Another plus point is an indicative date of various events happening in Malta in some months. The best part is internet connection is not required. For IOS users, I recommend the one from Malta Tourism Authority as MyMalta was not available in IOS.

MyMalta

2. Visit Gozo

Visit Gozo developed by the Government of Gozo is one of the must-have apps if you plan to visit Gozo. It is jam-packed with information in various categories and their points of interest. You can customise the attractions that you want to go to and “Add to Planner” so you can refer to them later.

The app also contains a list of bus routes and numbers operating in Gozo so you can be sure where to alight. You can also search for events for the upcoming two weeks.

Visit Gozo

3. Tallinja

Tallinja is a bus app from Malta Public Transport. The Tallinja card is what the locals use for their daily transportation. As a tourist, I used the function “My Next Bus” to check for the estimated time of arrival of my next bus back to Sliema from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (aka Riviera Beach).

You can get directions from “Journey Planner” by using the search terms – Street/Road, Places of Interest, Bus Stop Name or Current Location. Quite a useful application besides using Google Maps to check for the nearest bus stop to the place of interest. The app requires registration before use.

Tallinja

4. Which Beach

If your dream holiday in Malta is to visit the beautiful beaches, then this Which Beach app would be perfect for you to find some of the best spots in Malta, Comino and Gozo. Pick a different beach each day and discover the beauty of soaking in the warm Mediterranean Sea. Other than using an app, you can also search the beaches on the website of Which Beach. Thanks to this useful website, I can plot the geographical locations of these beaches on a single map for easy reference. Not available in IOS.

Which Beach

5. eCabs

eCabs allow you to book a cab with this app which works similarly to Uber and Grab where you specify a destination and a fixed rate will be given. You can also track the driver’s location. Register with Facebook or an email address and verification by phone is required. Thus, make sure you have a mobile line in Malta. You can also schedule the cab to come at a later time.

We use this app to bring us back from Sliema to the airport at 3 am where we flew with Air Malta at 5.20 am. We booked a taxi in advance. The fixed-rate was €22.90. From Malta Airport to Sliema, the standard cab fare was only €20. The seats of the eCabs were very comfortable compared to many other taxis I had taken before. Take note that eCabs does not operate in Gozo. You have to use a different app below – Bolt.

eCabs

6. Bolt

Formerly known as Taxify, the Bolt app is another option to order a cab apart from eCabs. After you have input your pick-up point and destination, an estimated price will be shown. The actual fare is based on distance and may differ due to other traffic conditions and often higher as experienced by other Bolt users.

Rides can be only ordered in real-time and cannot be pre-booked in advance. The advantage of Bolt cabs is they operate in Gozo where eCabs do not cover. You also need a mobile number that works in Malta, and a verification code will be sent to the mobile for registration. You can pay in cash or credit card for both apps. It is advisable to pay in cash to avoid dishonest drivers from overcharging your credit card.

Bolt

7. Meep

Meep is an app that has maps for 4 cities – Malta, Valencia, Malaga and Lisbon. It requires user registration on some personal details before using (a little bit too much in my opinion). It works by entering two locations and combines the use of some transportation apps by pressing the icon “M”.

This app is more complicated to use for me, as compared to other more straightforward ones. Well, there may be some others who like their interface.

Meep

8. Public Toilets Malta

This Malta app is marked with public toilets around the cities in Malta and also Gozo. You can turn on your GPS to track the position and locate the one nearest to you. From a chosen one, it will direct you to open a map for navigation. This app is not available in IOS. An equivalent toilet finder in IOS would be Flush – Toilet Finder & Map.

Public Toilets Malta App

9. Map of Malta Offline

Map of Malta Offline acts as a backup if your mobile data is limited or dies on you for some reason. It is a simple app showing you all the road names in Malta, Gozo and Comino in case you are lost.

The “Search” function on the top right corner of the app will display establishments (POI Search) according to the following categories: Food, Shops, Entertainment, Tourism, Finance, Health, Transport, Service and Education.

If you want to check the distance between two places, you have to press on the screen and select “Route from” (Point A) and then “Route to” (Point B) to get the estimated distance by car, bike or foot.

As the map focus on one country, thus the size is small and does not take up too much space (10 MB). It is not available in IOS. An equivalent app would be MAPS.ME – Offline Map & Nav (171.1 MB).

Map of Malta Offline

10. Malta WiFi

Malta WiFi is the first app created to display all the Free and Public WiFi Hotspots around Malta and works offline as well. Before that, you must have an internet connection to load the map before going offline. If you do not load the map first, you will see the WiFi hotspots in a list. You can check for new spots automatically once the app is online.

Unfortunately, Malta WiFi works only on IOS devices. For Android phone users, you can still check for Free WiFi Hotspots from Malta Communications Authority which I have embedded their maps below. *The IOS app is now in APK format on a website so download at your own risk.

Malta WiFi