Malta and Gozo holidays

Malta scores high on the stunning scale. Beautiful history-stuffed towns? 10/10. Gorgeous sandy beaches? 100%. Italian-inspired food? Off the charts. While only dinky, there's no doubt that this Mediterranean island is made for exploring all year round. Surrounded by centuries-old walls and teeming with grand mansions and lush gardens, UNESCO-stamped capital Valletta's got to be top of the list. But quaint Mdina and pretty Victoria over on Gozo can't be missed either. When you need a break between sightseeing, Malta’s seaside resorts have you covered. Mellieħa Bay's sandy beach screams relaxation and St Paul’s Bay is a buzzy base, while Qawra boasts a blissful mix of lidos, bars and restaurants. And that's just what's on land. Eerie wrecks, dramatic caves and crystal-clear lagoons make the surrounding sapphire waters equally epic for adventures. Yep, Malta holidays have it all.

Popular Malta and Gozo Holiday Resorts

AX ODYCY

Qawra, Malta and Gozo

Our rating

Based on 1621 reviews

Adults only rooftop infinity pools
On-site aquapark
Stunning sea views
Excellent central location
Choice of restaurants

db Seabank Resort & Spa

Mellieħa Bay, Malta and Gozo

Our rating

Based on 11197 reviews

Malta's largest outdoor pool
Adult only pool with swim up bar
Wide range of restaurants and authentic cuisines
Close to Malta's largest sandy beach
Certified Sustainable Hotel

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Language

Maltese and English

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£3.40

Meal for two

£64.00

Average flight time

3.5hrs

Beautiful beaches

You’ve got three islands to enjoy here – Malta’s the biggest, with sleepy Gozo floating to the north and dinky Comino in between. Stick to the resorts around the north of Malta if you’re big on beaches. Mellieħa Bay, Ramla Bay and Golden Bay are a trio to tick off while you’re here, famed for their striking sand.

Lots to see and do

Malta’s teeny size makes it a doddle to explore. Make the most of the regular bus network or hire a car – there’s a speedy ferry service to Gozo too. When it comes to day trips, Valletta, Mdina and Victoria are star attractions, equal in their history and beauty. Prefer getting active? Take your pick from boat trips, epic dives and Segway tours among the epic natural scenery.

Fabulous food

Malta’s Mediterranean location makes it a delicious melting pot. While rabbit stew, stuffed bread and fish platters feature on most Maltese menus, expect seafood spaghetti, homemade ravioli and pizza with fresh Mediterranean toppings. Don’t miss the chance to try a pastizzi pasty or the island-grown wine either – the reds are particularly delicious.

Gozo

Surrounded by sparkling sapphire waters, this dinky island is part of the Maltese archipelago.

Mellieħa Bay

Overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, Mellieħa Bay’s a winner when it comes to a relaxing beach holiday in Malta.

Qawra

A buzzing seaside resort with a huge choice of restaurants, bars and seafront lidos, Qawra is the perfect spot for a blissful beach retreat.

St Paul's Bay

Located on the northern coast, St Paul’s Bay is a great base for exploring Malta and its sprinkling of pretty towns.

Bugibba

Classic Malta takes a modern twist in the form of Buġibba.

Ghasri (Gozo)

Għasri’s a hidden gem. Small but quaint, this enchanting village is a charmer.

Beaches

For a classic day on the beach, head to the sweeping Golden Bay – close to Mellieħa, it’s gifted with soft, dusty sand and shallow water that’s suited to paddling. Mellieħa Bay has a great stretch, too. So if you’re after a bit of choice, Malta’s got it in spades.

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Armier Bay Beach

Mellieħa, Malta and Gozo

With vibrant turquoise water and pale sand, this northerly beach is a gem. It’s set away from any major developments, so it’s chilled and natural. Some Maltese families have their summer boathouses here and...

Bugibba Beach

Bugibba, Malta and Gozo

Spend the day relaxing on Bugibba's perched beach, which can be found close to St Paul's Bay. Its location, cleanliness and soft sandy shores are the main reasons it's popular with locals and tourists alike....

Sights

Malta’s bursting with historical sights, from mysterious temples to the palazzos of the walled city of Mdina. In Valletta, there’s plenty of architecture left over from the days of the crusaders, and perfectly-preserved war rooms from the Second World War. It’s a fantastic site for historic ruins and blemishes of bygone times.

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Activities

Families flock to wild waterparks, with one major draw sitting between Sliema and St Paul’s Bay. And watersports are big, especially in Qawra and Bugibba, where a sheltered bay keeps the waves really calm for water-skiing and banana boats. Exploring the little towns and waterside paths is essential.

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The Church of St John The Baptist

Xewkija (Gozo), Malta and Gozo

Unbelievably, the Church of St John the Baptist was built by just 12 men. It did take 20 years though! Completed in the 1600s, the church has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world and can be seen...

A pretty promenade

Bugibba, Malta and Gozo

Bugibba has a well-paved promenade where you can take in superb panoramic views where the sky meets the sea. Check out St Paul’s Island off the coast. Some of the flat rocks in front of the prom make nice spots...

Eating and drinking

Traditional meals here are all about freshly-netted seafood. Most Maltese places do their own version of a tasty fish pie, keeping homely touches on tap. And if you’re in search of bags of flavour, garlic-packed stews are big around here. It’s all finished off with the local tipple – prickly-pear liqueur.

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Corinthia Palace Hotel

San Anton, Malta and Gozo

A stunning five-star hotel with great restaurants attached. Choose between the indoor elegance and British tea at Villa Corinthia or the Oriental eatery of Rickshaw. Why not sit outdoors and enjoy light bites...

iL Fortizza

Sliema, Malta and Gozo

This restaurant is set on one of the seaside promenades within the Sliema Point Battery. Here you can enjoy delicious seafood overlooking the ocean. Cool smoothies are served alongside locally caught prawns,...

Shopping

If you want shopping malls filled with familiar names, stretch your legs around Sliema and you’ll quickly tick boxes. Meanwhile in Valletta, the island’s capital, you’ll discover that the city does a great line in fashion boutiques and quirky craft shops. So get ready for a spree!

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Duke Shopping Mall

Malta and Gozo

Duke Shopping Mall in the heart of Gozo is a one-stop shop. You’ll find everything from branded clothing to homewares and a wellbeing centre. The Food Store has a delicatessen with all you’ll need to pack a...

Bay Street Shopping Complex

St Julian's, Malta and Gozo

Bay Street Shopping Complex has more than 60 outlets all under one roof. Located in St George's Bay, it's open every day, including public holidays. Shops you might recognise include Marks & Spencer,...

Nightlife

Sure, things seem cool, calm and collected here across Malta and Gozo, but glammed-up St Julian’s is Malta’s big party town, full of chic nightclubs to brag about. Bugibba’s a great after-dark spot, too, with a raft of fun bars and Brit pubs to chill out in.

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Bugibba Square

Bugibba, Malta and Gozo

The main square of Bugibba is where you'll find all the after-dark action bubbling away with a range of bars, clubs and restaurants. But it's not just adults that are catered for – there are plenty...

Café del Mar

Bugibba, Malta and Gozo

For stunning views over the Med, this stylish open-air bar is ideal for if you want to infuse some glamour into your holiday. Arrive during the day to make the most of the infinity pools and sunbeds. And as the...