Is Malta Worth Visiting? Honest Pros and Cons from Recent Travelers

The Truth About Malta: What Tourists Loved & Hated

Malta, the sun-drenched island in the Mediterranean, promises history, seaside views, and a cultural blend like no other. But is it truly the peaceful island paradise some imagine? We looked at dozens of detailed accounts and fresh reviews from travelers who recently visited Malta—and the results might surprise you.

Here’s an honest breakdown of what people actually loved, what didn’t quite match expectations, and what you should know before booking that ticket.

🌟 The Pros: Why Travelers Fell in Love with Malta

1. Endless History and Cultural Treasure Troves

If you’re a fan of heritage, Malta doesn’t disappoint. The capital Valletta and the ancient city Mdina feel like real-life movie sets, with narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old architecture.

“Mdina had this surreal, timeless vibe—like stepping onto a historical film set. And Valletta? So much energy packed into one compact capital,” shared a traveler who spent five days exploring the islands solo.

From Neolithic temples to knightly forts, Malta offers layers of history with every corner you turn.

2. Reasonable Prices for a European Destination

Malta won praise for being easy on the wallet. Street snacks like pastizzi cost less than a euro, and a decent espresso won't break the bank.

“Even in touristy areas, prices were very fair. I didn’t feel like I was being overcharged at every turn,” one visitor commented, comparing it to much pricier spots in mainland Europe.

Affordable public transport, fairly priced Bolt rides, and budget food options make Malta a great choice for those watching their spending.

3. Coastal Adventures and Blue Waters

While sandy beaches are limited, Malta’s coastal scene shines in other ways. Think snorkeling in hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and warm, crystal-clear waters.

“I swam nearly every day—it was such a perfect way to reset and enjoy the beautiful weather,” wrote one visitor who turned their trip around after a rocky start.

The Blue Lagoon on Comino and the quiet shores of Gozo were often highlighted as perfect spots for swimming and relaxing.

4. English Spoken Almost Everywhere

One of Malta’s biggest perks is its language accessibility. As a former British colony, English is an official language—and widely spoken.

“I had no problem communicating anywhere—from restaurants to buses—everyone spoke clear English,” said one tourist.

This makes navigating, ordering food, and asking for help super easy for English-speaking travelers.

5. Friendly Locals and a Lively Island Mix

Malta’s people often left a positive impression. Many found locals to be open and helpful, with a good mix of cultures present across the island.

“There’s definitely a warm, welcoming vibe here. People were happy to help, and it didn’t feel overly touristy in every part,” another visitor shared.

⚠️ The Cons: What Caught Visitors Off Guard

1. Not Exactly a Classic Beach Destination

If you picture endless sandy beaches, you might be disappointed. Most of Malta’s coastline is rocky, with just a handful of soft-sand options.

“You’ll be let down if you're expecting a beach holiday here—it’s more cliffs and stone than long stretches of sand,” one visitor observed.

Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay were mentioned as decent, but crowded, options for beachgoers. The rest? Better for a scenic hike than sunbathing.

2. Crowded and Overdeveloped

As the most densely populated country in Europe, Malta can feel overwhelmingly busy—especially in areas like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and Paceville.

“The whole island felt like one big city block with barely any breathing space,” a traveler noted after trying to read by the beach in Sliema.

Many advised avoiding these urban hubs and heading to quieter places like Gozo or Marsaxlokk for a more relaxed vibe.

3. Little Green Space

Valletta and surrounding towns impressed with architecture—but underwhelmed in nature.

“It’s stunning, sure, but after a couple of days, it felt dry and stone-heavy with barely any greenery,” a visitor commented.

Most recommended Gozo for those craving countryside scenery and quieter surroundings.

4. Pedestrian Unfriendly and Heavy Traffic

Malta’s infrastructure isn’t known for being walker-friendly. Sidewalks often vanish, and the traffic can be relentless.

“I found myself walking on the road more than once—there just wasn’t a clear space for pedestrians,” one review noted.

Public buses are affordable but inconsistent. Ride apps like Bolt offered more convenience for many.

5. Tourist Overload in Some Spots

Some travelers mentioned a lack of authenticity in certain areas—especially in heavily touristed zones.

“Restaurants felt more like generic international spots than true Maltese cuisine, and many were run by expats,” said one food-focused traveler.

While there's still excellent local food to be found, you may need to look beyond the typical tourist trails to discover it.

🏝️ Gozo: The Unsung Hero of the Maltese Islands

If one name came up consistently as a must-visit, it was Gozo.

Quieter, greener, and more laid-back than the main island, Gozo won the hearts of many who wanted a real escape.

“I’d skip the hustle of the main island next time and head straight to Gozo—it’s calmer, less crowded, and just beautiful,” wrote a traveler who spent a day there.

Ramla Bay, Wied il-Għasri, and Xlendi were mentioned repeatedly as highlights.

🧭 Final Verdict: Should You Visit Malta?

Malta is absolutely worth visiting—but only if your expectations align with what the island truly offers.

If you’re looking for a peaceful beach resort or lush green landscapes, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re drawn to historic towns, fascinating ruins, delicious seafood, warm waters, and lots of sun, Malta could be your perfect getaway.

“It wasn’t the beach vacation I imagined, but it turned into a beautiful experience once I explored further,” one traveler said.

Whether you come for a long weekend or spend a week hopping islands, Malta offers plenty—if you’re ready to explore beyond first impressions.