Malta Travel Guide

– A Complete Journey Through the Mediterranean’s Historic Island Nation

Malta, a small yet extraordinary archipelago situated in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, is a land of ancient temples, baroque cities, crystal-clear waters, fortress harbours, and year-round sunshine. It is one of Europe’s most remarkable destinations, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, beaches, gastronomy, and maritime adventure. From the walled city of Valletta to the prehistoric temples older than the pyramids, from the azure lagoons of Comino to the rustic villages of Gozo, Malta unfolds like a living museum embraced by cobalt seas.

This comprehensive and research-based travel guide presents Malta’s main attractions, distances between important points, transportation options, how to reach the country from Kolkata or Delhi, visa procedures for Indian travellers, accommodation types, and the best time to explore this Mediterranean gem.

Overview of Malta

Malta consists of three main islands:

• Malta – the largest island, home to Valletta, Sliema, Mdina
• Gozo – green countryside, beaches, cliffs, ancient sites
• Comino – crystal-blue lagoons and tranquil landscapes

Malta’s strategic location has made it a crossroads of civilizations, shaping its architecture, culture, and unique identity. The nation is rich in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the city of Valletta and megalithic temples dating back to 3600 BC.

Major Attractions in Malta

Malta offers a wide variety of experiences—from historic cities to blue lagoons, coastal cliffs, ancient fortresses, and vibrant nightlife.

1. Valletta – The Fortress Capital

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage city built by the Knights of St. John. Its baroque architecture, narrow alleys, bastions, viewpoints, and museums make it a cultural masterpiece.

Main Attractions:

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Grand Harbour
• Manoel Theatre
• National Museum of Archaeology

Distances:

• Valletta to Sliema – 7 km
• Valletta to Mdina – 13 km
• Valletta to Cirkewwa Ferry Port – 32 km

2. Mdina – The Silent City

Mdina is Malta’s former capital, a fortified city of medieval walls, palaces, lantern-lit lanes, and breathtaking viewpoints. Its peaceful, timeless atmosphere gives it the name “The Silent City.”

Main Attractions:

• Mdina Gate
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Mdina Cathedral Museum
• Bastion Square Viewpoint

Distance:

• Mdina to Valletta – 13 km

3. Sliema & St. Julian’s – Modern Coastal Vibrance

These neighbouring coastal towns are famous for their cafes, promenades, shopping centres, nightlife, and harbour cruises.

Main Attractions:

• Balluta Bay
• Spinola Bay
• Sliema Waterfront
• Tigné Point

Distances:

• Sliema to Valletta – 7 km
• Sliema to St. Julian’s – 3 km

4. Gozo – Rustic Island Charm

Gozo is greener, quieter, and more rural than Malta. It is known for its cliffs, historic temples, sandy beaches, and charming villages.

Main Attractions:

• Victoria (Rabat)
• Cittadella Fortress
• Ramla Bay
• Dwejra Bay & Inland Sea
• Ggantija Temples

Distances:

• Cirkewwa Ferry Port to Gozo (Mgarr) – 6 km sea crossing
• Mgarr to Victoria – 7 km

5. Comino – The Blue Lagoon

Comino is a small island famous for its crystal-clear waters, shallow sandy seabeds, and turquoise lagoons. It is perfect for swimming, boat tours, snorkelling, and photography.

Main Attractions:

• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• Santa Maria Bay

Distance:

• Cirkewwa to Comino – approx. 3 km

6. Marsaxlokk – Fishing Village & Seaside Charm

Marsaxlokk is a picturesque village known for colourful fishing boats (Luzzus), seafood restaurants, and a weekly market.

Main Attractions:

• Marsaxlokk Harbour
• St. Peter’s Pool (natural swimming pool)
• Traditional fisheries

Distance:

• Marsaxlokk to Valletta – 12 km

7. Mellieħa & Northern Beaches

Mellieħa is home to some of Malta’s most beautiful beaches, ideal for family vacations and coastal relaxation.

Main Attractions:

• Golden Bay
• Paradise Bay
• Mellieħa Bay
• Popeye Village

Distance:

• Mellieħa to Valletta – 25 km

How to Reach Malta from India

Malta is served by:

• Malta International Airport (MLA) – Located near Valletta

From Kolkata

• Kolkata → Delhi → Malta
• Kolkata → Mumbai → Malta
• Kolkata → Doha / Dubai / Abu Dhabi → Malta
• Kolkata → Istanbul → Malta

From Delhi

• Delhi → Istanbul → Malta (popular route)
• Delhi → Dubai / Doha → Malta
• Delhi → Frankfurt / Paris → Malta

Average journey duration: 12–17 hours depending on layovers.

Malta Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Malta is a Schengen member country. Indian citizens require a Schengen Tourist Visa (Type C) to visit Malta.

Documents Required

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Round-trip flight details
• Hotel booking proof
• Travel insurance (€30,000 coverage)
• 6-month bank statements
• Income tax returns
• Employment / business documents
• Detailed day-wise travel itinerary

Where to Apply – Malta Visa Office (VFS Global)

Malta Visa Application Centre – New Delhi
VFS Global Malta Visa Centre, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi

Additional VFS centres: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh.

Visa Processing Time

• Standard: 10–15 working days
• Peak season: up to 30 days

Transportation in Malta

Malta offers efficient and convenient transportation for travellers.

Buses

• Extensive island-wide coverage
• Frequent routes between Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, beaches

Ferries

• Sliema – Valletta ferries
• Malta – Gozo ferry from Cirkewwa
• Boat tours to Comino

Taxis & Car Rentals

• Taxis widely available
• Car rentals ideal for full-island exploration

Accommodation Options in Malta

Malta offers a wide range of accommodation categories. No hotel contact numbers are mentioned, as instructed.

Valletta

• Historic boutique hotels
• Classic European stays
• Luxury harbour-view properties

Sliema & St. Julian’s

• Sea-facing hotels
• Modern urban stays
• Resorts with pools

Gozo

• Farmhouse stays
• Countryside hotels
• Boutique holiday villas

Mellieħa & Northern Beaches

• Beach resorts
• Family-friendly properties
• Coastal boutique hotels

Mdina & Rabat

• Heritage guesthouses
• Historic inns

Best Time to Visit Malta

1. Spring (March–May)

Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing, boat trips, and historical tours.

2. Summer (June–September)

Peak beach season — perfect for lagoons, diving, cruises, and nightlife.

3. Autumn (October–November)

Mild temperatures and fewer crowds — ideal for nature, beaches, and photography.

4. Winter (December–February)

Best for heritage walks, museums, and exploring Valletta and Mdina.

Suggested 10-Day Malta Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Valletta – City Exploration
Day 2: Valletta Museums & Barrakka Gardens
Day 3: Visit Mdina & Rabat
Day 4: Sliema & St. Julian’s – Promenades & Nightlife
Day 5: Day trip to Gozo – Cittadella & Cliffs
Day 6: Comino – Blue Lagoon
Day 7: Mellieħa Beaches – Golden Bay & Popeye Village
Day 8: Marsaxlokk & St. Peter’s Pool
Day 9: Explore Ancient Temples (Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra)
Day 10: Leisure in Valletta – Departure

Conclusion

Malta is an island that blends ancient civilizations, Mediterranean beauty, and historic charm in a seamless harmony. Whether you begin your journey from Kolkata or Delhi, Malta offers excellent connectivity and unforgettable experiences. From Valletta’s golden stone architecture to Comino’s turquoise lagoons, from Gozo’s countryside to Mdina’s timeless lanes, Malta promises a journey filled with elegance, heritage, and serenity.