Some of the team here at FlexySim recently went to Malta for a family wedding — yes, it beats being in Melbourne during winter. The wedding was a great success in a fantastic location. We even had the best man’s speech interrupted by a lion’s roar (don’t ask how, but we did). We left Malta with loads of photos, great video footage and some even better memories.
Malta in a nutshell: you arrive for one reason — perhaps a wedding, a long weekend or a cheap flight to enjoy better weather — and suddenly you are wandering through limestone streets, swimming off rocks into the Mediterranean, eating pastizzi with your fingers and planning what to do with your limited time in Malta.
This Malta and Gozo travel guide for 2026 is our FlexySim take on the islands: practical, honest and especially useful if you want to stay connected without chasing airport SIM cards or relying on patchy café Wi-Fi.
Why visit Malta and Gozo?
Malta is pretty small, but it packs a ridiculous amount into such a compact island: fortified cities, prehistoric temples, harbour views, beach clubs, fishing villages, scuba spots, rooftop bars and some of the clearest water in the Med. Valletta alone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 320 monuments in a compact historic area, which explains why every “quick walk” turns into a stop-start photo session.
Then there is Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island. Gozo feels more like 1950s Italy — slower, greener with a more relaxed vibe. It is the place you go when you want coastal roads, red-sand beaches, sea cliffs, sleepy villages and long lunches that accidentally become the main event, and carry on through until the early evening.
Quick Malta travel tips before you go
How many days do you need in Malta and Gozo?
For a first trip, we would suggest a minimum of four to five days. That gives you time for Valletta, Mdina, the beaches, Comino’s Blue Lagoon and at least one day in Gozo. A week is even better if you like travelling at a slower pace.
Do you need a car in Malta?
To be honest, not really. Traffic in Malta can be quite hectic, but the public transport system connects you to most of the places you should visit. Alternatively, Uber and Bolt are very affordable and reliable, and drivers usually arrive within a few minutes.
How do you get from Malta to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel ferry runs daily from ports in Malta such as Valletta and Sliema, with an approximate crossing time of just over an hour. It is a very relaxing and scenic experience that is also easy on the wallet.
Should you get an eSIM for Malta?
Yes, especially if you use maps, rideshare apps, ferry timetables, restaurant bookings, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Translate or wedding group chats. A Malta eSIM means you can land connected, skip the SIM card queue and use mobile data across Malta and Gozo without swapping your physical SIM.
Best things to do in Malta
1. Start in Valletta
Valletta may look tiny on the map, but don’t let that fool you. Valletta has earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. It is everything you want from a European old town: stunning buildings, steep, narrow streets, churches, cafés and sea views. Start at the City Gate, walk down Republic Street, detour into the side streets and give yourself time to do absolutely nothing except stare at the Grand Harbour.
For the best views, head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Go in the morning for fewer crowds or in the evening for a great night out at one of Valletta’s many restaurants and bars.
FlexySim tip: Valletta is very walkable, but the streets are steep. Save a map for offline use, keep mobile data on for quick route checks and wear shoes that can handle limestone steps.
2. Visit Mdina, Malta’s Silent City
Mdina is one of those places that makes people lower their voices without being asked. The old walled city is peaceful, cinematic and beautifully preserved, with narrow lanes, warm stone, old doors and quiet courtyards.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you can. Day-trippers tend to arrive for a few hours during the middle of the day. Head down one of its many side streets to visit cafés and restaurants or simply get lost for a while.
Pair Mdina with nearby Rabat, where you can visit catacombs, churches and local bakeries. This is also a good place to try pastizzi, Malta’s flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas.
3. Take a boat trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is famous for a reason. The water is bright, clear and almost unreal. It is also popular, so do not expect to have it to yourself during peak season.
A practical note: access arrangements can change. Current Blue Lagoon visitor information says visitors may need to pre-book a free access ticket if they intend to set foot onshore. The system was introduced to manage visitor numbers and protect Comino’s environment. Check the latest rules before you go.
FlexySim tip: Book your boat or access slot before setting off, keep the confirmation on your phone and bring a portable battery. Boats, sun, photos and navigation can drain your battery faster than expected.
4. Explore Malta’s ancient temples
Malta is not just about the sea, old towns and pretty harbours. The islands also have some serious ancient history. UNESCO lists seven Megalithic Temples across Malta and Gozo, including the Ġgantija Temples on Gozo.
On Malta, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra are especially worth visiting if you like history, archaeology or dramatic sea views. They are also a good reminder that Malta has been fascinating people for thousands of years — long before beach clubs and Aperol spritzes arrived.
5. Spend a morning in Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is Malta’s colourful fishing village, known for its traditional boats, waterfront restaurants and relaxed Sunday market atmosphere. It is the kind of place where lunch should involve seafood, sunglasses and no rush at all.
Combine it with St Peter’s Pool if you want a swim afterwards, but check the sea conditions before jumping in. Malta’s rocky swimming spots can be beautiful, but they deserve respect.
6. Go beach-hopping
Malta has a mix of sandy beaches, rocky coves and natural swimming spots. For classic beach time, look at Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa. For dramatic scenery, head to the west coast. For easy swimming and boat-trip energy, Comino is the obvious choice.
Visit Malta highlights the island’s beaches, swimming spots and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters as part of the island experience.
Best things to do in Gozo
1. Wander around Victoria and the Cittadella
Victoria, also called Rabat, is Gozo’s capital and the natural place to start. The Cittadella sits above the town and gives you wide views across the island. It is a brilliant first stop because you immediately understand Gozo’s small scale: villages, church domes, farmland and sea in almost every direction.
Have a slow wander, stop for a cold drink in the main square and do not rush back to the ferry too quickly. Gozo rewards visitors who leave space in the day.
2. Swim or sunbathe at Ramla Bay
Ramla Bay is one of Gozo’s most famous beaches, loved for its reddish-gold sand and open bay. It feels different from Malta’s rockier swimming spots and is perfect for a slower beach afternoon.
Bring water, sun protection and enough mobile data to message the group when someone inevitably says, “We’re by the umbrellas,” as if there are not 400 umbrellas.
3. Visit Dwejra Bay and the Inland Sea
Dwejra is rugged, dramatic and very Gozo. Even without the former Azure Window, this area is still one of the island’s most striking landscapes. You can visit the Inland Sea, take a small boat trip if conditions allow or simply walk around and enjoy the cliffs and rock formations.
It is also a favourite area for divers and photographers.
4. See the Ġgantija Temples
The Ġgantija Archaeological Park is one of Gozo’s major cultural highlights. Heritage Malta describes it as a prehistoric monument on the Xagħra plateau, with two structures built during the Late Neolithic period.
Even if you are not usually a museum-and-ruins person, Ġgantija is worth your time. It gives Gozo a much deeper story than “pretty island with good beaches.”
5. Have lunch in Xlendi or Marsalforn
Xlendi is small, scenic and great for a relaxed meal by the water. Marsalforn is a little livelier, with a promenade, restaurants and easy access to the coast.
Our advice? Pick one, order something local and do not schedule too much afterwards. Gozo lunches have a way of stretching.
A simple Malta and Gozo itinerary
3-day Malta itinerary
Day 1: Valletta, the Grand Harbour, Upper Barrakka Gardens and dinner in Valletta or Sliema.
Day 2: Mdina, Rabat, Dingli Cliffs and a sunset drink.
Day 3: Blue Lagoon boat trip or beach day, depending on the weather and your energy levels.
5-day Malta and Gozo itinerary
Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities.
Day 2: Mdina, Rabat and west coast viewpoints.
Day 3: Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Day 4: Gozo day trip: Victoria, the Cittadella, Ramla Bay and Dwejra.
Day 5: Marsaxlokk, St Peter’s Pool or a slow beach day.
7-day Malta and Gozo itinerary
Add an overnight stay in Gozo, visit the Ġgantija Temples, spend more time relaxing in Xlendi or Marsalforn and keep one day deliberately unplanned. The best Malta moments are often the ones that just happen.
What to eat in Malta and Gozo
Malta is a great place to arrive hungry. Try pastizzi, ftira, fresh seafood, local cheeses, rabbit stew if you eat meat, and anything involving tomatoes, capers, olives or Maltese bread. Surprisingly, Malta is also home to some pretty good Mexican food if you get bored with Mediterranean-style cooking.
Why a Malta eSIM makes the trip easier
We are FlexySim, so of course we care about staying connected — but Malta is genuinely one of those trips where mobile data makes everything smoother.
A Malta eSIM helps with:
- Getting online as soon as you land
- Finding your hotel
- Checking ferry times to Gozo
- Booking rides with Uber and Bolt
- Booking Blue Lagoon tickets or boat trips
- Using maps in Valletta, Mdina and Gozo
- Messaging your travel group
- Uploading photos without hunting for Wi-Fi
- Keeping your usual physical SIM in your phone
With a FlexySim eSIM for Malta, you can install your plan before you fly, activate it when you arrive and stay connected while exploring Malta, Gozo and Comino. It is one less thing to sort out at the airport and one more reason to say yes to spontaneous detours.
Do you need an eSIM for Gozo too?
Yes — choose an eSIM plan that covers Malta and check that the plan supports use across the Maltese Islands. Gozo is part of Malta, so a Malta travel eSIM is the practical option for visitors exploring both islands.
For travellers visiting more than one country, a Europe eSIM may be better than a Malta-only plan. That is especially useful if Malta is part of a wider trip through Italy, Spain, Greece or elsewhere in Europe.
FlexySim packing checklist for Malta
Bring swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen, a reusable water bottle and a plug adaptor if needed — Malta uses the same plug type as the UK. Make sure your FlexySim eSIM is also installed before departure.
Final thoughts: Malta is small, but it stays with you
We arrived in Malta for a wedding, but the islands gave us much more than a few days of celebrating. Malta gave us great scenery, friendly people, Gozo ferry views, excellent food and that familiar travel feeling of, “We should have booked one more night.”
And with a FlexySim Malta eSIM, it is easier to explore too.
FAQ: Malta, Gozo and eSIM travel
Is Malta good for a short trip?
Yes. Malta is ideal for a short break because many of its major sights are close together. In three to five days, you can see Valletta, Mdina, the beaches, Comino and Gozo without feeling completely rushed.
Is Gozo worth visiting?
Definitely. Gozo has a slower pace of life, beautiful coastal scenery, historic sites, beaches and great places to eat. Even one day in Gozo is worth it, although staying overnight gives you a much better feel for the island.
How long is the ferry from Malta to Gozo?
The Gozo Channel ferry crossing takes approximately an hour and operates daily well into the evening.
Do I need to book the Blue Lagoon in advance?
Check before you go. Current visitor information says free pre-booked access tickets may be required for visitors setting foot onshore at Comino’s Blue Lagoon as part of visitor-management measures. Comino’s Blue Lagoon is incredibly popular, so make sure you plan ahead to avoid being disappointed.
What is the best eSIM for Malta?
The best eSIM for Malta is one that is easy to install, gives you enough data for maps, messaging, bookings and browsing, and works throughout your trip. FlexySim offers low-cost travel eSIM options designed to help you land connected and avoid the hassle of buying a physical SIM abroad.
Can I use an eSIM in Malta and Gozo?
Yes, provided your phone supports eSIM and your chosen plan includes coverage in Malta. Install your eSIM before travelling, then activate it when you arrive so you can use mobile data for maps, ferries, taxis, bookings and travel updates.
