For centuries, the Maltese archipelago passed between North African Moors and European Crusaders in an epic struggle for control of this important hub. This constant back-and-forth created a unique culture that blended architectural, culinary, and cultural styles (in fact, the Maltese language is a mix of Arabic and Italian) found nowhere but maybe Southern Spain.
Now, the country draws people less with the whole conquering-empires thing and more with its warm summer temperatures, pristine beaches, clear Mediterranean water, ample hiking, friendly locals, and cheap prices.
Though I didn’t spend as much time as I wanted in Malta, I spent enough (literally and figuratively) to get a sense of how to travel the country on a budget. Luckily, the country is already very budget friendly (it’s one of the cheapest Eurozone countries out there) so you don’t need a lot to begin with. Even though I was on a holiday and not being as budget friendly as I wanted, I still never spent a lot of money. My most expensive day cost me 70 EUR ($74), and that’s because I rented a car! Even when I was watching my wallet, at no point did I ever feel as if I was missing out.
Though Malta will never break your budget, I always am one to look for a deal, as I’m a firm believer that every destination has a way to be cheaper.
So here is your in-depth guide to visiting Malta on a budget:
Getting There
While most European carriers operate seasonal flights, there aren’t many airlines that fly to Malta year-round. Ryanair, Air Malta, easyJet, and Lufthansa are the biggest carriers that service the island year-round. One-way flights from the mainland cost 50-100 EUR ($53-106 USD), especially if you book in advance. You can also take the ferry to/from Sicily; it’s 2.5 hours and costs 61-127 EUR ($65-135 USD) each way (depending on the season).
Typical Costs
Malta is cheap. While I went in the middle of winter — without the seasonal increase in prices for accommodation, car rentals, and flights — many friends told me that most prices for food, activities, and public transportation stay the same throughout the year. Here is a list of typical costs in the country:
- Ferry to Valletta from Sliema: Single: 1.50 EUR ($1.60 USD), Return: 2.80 EUR ($2.95 USD)
- Ferry from Malta to Gozo: Pedestrian: 4.65 EUR ($5 USD), Car and Driver: 15 EUR ($16 USD)
- Pastizzi (cheap snack): 1-2 EUR ($1-2.10 USD)
- Breakfast sandwich: 3-4 EUR ($3.15-4.25 USD)
- Full breakfast: 8-9 EUR ($8.50-9.50 USD)
- Lunch at a café: 8-10 EUR ($8.50-10.50 USD)
- McDonald’s value meal: 5-6 EUR ($5.25-6.50 USD)
- Sandwich: 6 EUR ($6.50 USD)
- Nice dinner at a sit-down restaurant with wine: 25 EUR ($27 USD)
- Main meals: 10-14 EUR ($11-15 USD)
- Pizza: 6-9 EUR ($6.50-9.50 USD)
- Bottle of water: 1 EUR ($1 USD)
- Bottle of wine: 8-10 EUR ($8.50-10.50 USD)
- Beer: 3 EUR ($3.15 USD)
- Museum entrance: 6 EUR ($6.50 USD)
- Car rental: 38-48 EUR ($40-50 USD)
- Taxi prices: 10-20 EUR ($10.50-21 USD)
- Public bus ticket: 2 EUR ($2.10 USD)
On average, you’ll be able to visit Malta for 30-45 EUR ($32-48 USD) per day, though in the summer I would say you need to budget closer to 50 EUR ($53 USD). At that price, you’re looking at staying in a hostel dorm or splitting an Airbnb with a friend, taking public transportation, mostly sticking to the free activities, cooking your breakfast, and eating at the cheap(er) cafés.
How to Save Money in Malta
Accommodation
There are a couple of hostels on the islands, with dorm prices beginning at 9 EUR ($9.50 USD) per night (though prices double in the peak summer time). Airbnb is ridiculously cheap — I found a whole house for 35 EUR ($37 USD) a night. Most budget hotels cost 40 EUR ($42.50 USD) so I would stick to Airbnb or hostels for accommodation. However, like hostels, the prices for places more than double to around 80 EUR ($84 USD) per night in the summer; budget hotels cost around 40-60 EUR ($42-63 USD) in the summer.
To save money on accommodation, travel off-season and stay in dorms or split Airbnb units with friends. You can use the website eurocheapo.com to find good B&Bs, as they have a robust listing.
Food and Drink
Food prices are relatively inexpensive, though you’ll find higher prices in tourist areas such as Valletta, St. Julian’s, Sliema’s boardwalk, and Marsaxlokk.
To save money on food, stick to the pastizzi (savory filled pastries) for about 1-2 EUR ($1-2.10 USD), eat at the plethora of vegan and vegetarian restaurants throughout the country (see the list below), avoid snacking, and cook as many meals as possible (breakfast will see the biggest wins).
Transportation
There are three ways to get around the island: buses, taxis, and car rentals. Buses cost 1.50-2 EUR ($1.60-2.10 USD) for a two-hour ticket or 21 EUR ($22 USD) for a weekly pass, while car rentals cost 39 EUR ($41 USD) per day (in the summer they start closer to 50 EUR or $53 USD per day). There are a number of local rental companies, but I used Hertz since it was close to my Airbnb. Many of the local car companies don’t take credit cards and want deposits in cash. Going with bigger companies adds another layer of security.
Taxis cost 10-20 EUR ($11-21 USD); while not ideal, they can be ordered ahead of time via Whatsapp and are a good last-minute option if you get stuck because the bus doesn’t turn up.
One thing to note about the buses is that they are infrequent so they fill up fast. We got on one bus, only to have him pull over, kick everyone off, and put us all in another bus, that then waited for 20 minutes to move. It’s a crazy system and, during the summer months when the crowds peak, expect long waits. Don’t be in a rush if you’re using the bus!
Activities
When the weather is nice, there are a bunch of free activities to do, such as enjoying the beach, hiking, swimming, and just walking around. Additionally, all the churches are free. You’ll find a lot of companies that will take you around the island in a boat for 25 EUR ($27 USD). Most museums and attractions cost 5 EUR ($5.25 USD) but you can get a Malta tourism card (there’s one for Mdina and a separate one for Valletta) that will save you about 10-20 EUR ($10.50-21 USD) depending on how many attractions you squeeze in.
On a side note, I found the main tourism center in Valletta unhelpful. The staff couldn’t answer a lot of my questions. The smaller, unofficial locations that littered Sliema’s boardwalk had more information on car rentals, things to do, and prices.
Recommended Bars and Restaurants
Restaurants: Rising Sun (Mdina), Loli (vegetarian), The Grassy Hopper (vegan/vegetarian), the Marsaxlokk fish market, Suruchi, Ta Doni, Cuba, Rocksalt, Ta’ Rikardu (Gozo), Electro Lobster Project.
Bars: Hole in the Wall (Sliema), Native (and any bar on that street as it’s the main hub for nightlife), Dubliner, Legligin, The Thirsty Barber
Looks like all those British retirees were on to something after all!
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Book Your Trip to Malta: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Want More Information on Malta?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Malta for even more planning tips!
Yasmin de Giorgio
Thanks for recommending The Grassy Hopper 🙂
NomadicMatt
Thanks for serving delicious food! 🙂
Shelley
McDonalds? Really, Matt?
NomadicMatt
Simply to give prices. I didn’t eat there but the McDonald’s price index can give you an idea of costs! http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/07/daily-chart-14
Lexi
I’m gonna defend Matt on this one. Plus there is one cool advantage of going to McDonald’s overseas when you do. They almost always tailor to the food of the region. I’ve had veggie & lamb burgers, spicy ketchup, red rice, and sit-down restaurant table service style. Its kinda neat!
Though definitely not the first choice haha
Melissa
I had a bulgogi burger at a McDonald’s in Korea, which was kind of cool.
Fil
McDonald’s is good if you’re on a low budget and you don’t have a travel guide or wifi for your phone with you to find a cheap restaurant. You know with McDonald’s that you will be able to eat for less than 10 Euros.
Michelle
Thanks for the article Matt. I hope to visit Malta in September or October along with Napoli and the South.
Stephen Gollan
Great Article Matt! I had the chance to visit Malta while I was travelling through Libya, but never got to make it! thanks for the insight! Defiantly ion the Uncharted Backpackers to go list.
B
Hey Matt,
Good article! I’m always dreaming of running away to far off places, and it’s good to know which places won’t break the bank. If I were to visit Malta, I would pack light and bring a bike. I could explore, and with some money check out a few attractions too! That restaurant you recommend, Electro Lobster Project sounds like a synth pop band mixed with the B-52’s. Thanks for the recommendations and price information.
Kiara
Hi Matt, great article! Really. I\’ve been planning to go to Malta this October or so and reading this has really helped me out. 🙂
Liliane
Added Malta to my list after following some instagram accounts, solidified my decision with your post on the abandoned buildings and am beyond excited after reading this post.
We are doing only two days in Malta (the rest in Greece as part of our honeymoon) and everything in your previous post seems like a must do? If you only had to pick 3-4 things to do, what would you recommend?
NomadicMatt
I’d probably just stick around Valetta. There’s a lot of sites in the main town and surrounding area to fill 2 days!
Matt
Note bus is EUR2 To anywhere on the island.
Taxis work on a zone basis. Worth checking your departure amd destination. A short walk can save a zone change!
Johnny Friskilä
Malta is a really nice place, especially if you are on a budget. You can easily get Malta even cheaper than what you write. Hotel room outside of Valletta in low season = 15€ including breakfast. Also food prices can be a lot lower, especially in the smaller family owned businesses. I remember a coffee at McD in Valletta was something like 2€ while in a small café 100 meters away in a side street, it was 0,60€.
Karlis
I did a research and couldn’t find any hotel or apartment (no breakfast, nothing) below 40eur night in end of October. Where do you find such deals?
I wouldn’t say Malta seems to be cheap. I often go to Italy and it seems to be much cheaper – especially Sicily.
NomadicMatt
Where did you look?
Leah
I’ve been hearing SO much about Malta lately. I’m so happy you broke down all the costs because it makes it seem like a really doable trip! Hope to see some of these places in person soon 😀
Kemkem
Malta is definitely cheap. We called it home for a year and half after moving from the U.S and lived on less than $1500 as a couple including rent. Someone mentioned a bike..wouldn’t advice it in Malta at all, crazy drivers, big potholes, no sidewalks 🙂 . On the sister island of Gozo , yes.
Chelsie
I love these kinds of articles you post Matt! I’ll definitely be using your Sri Lanka itinerary guide and tips at the end of the year.
I’m so freaking keen to visit Malta. My papa is actually Maltese, so I’ve always been eager to experience it.
Alex
Great tips about Malta. I’ve been there two times, one time for almost 3 months and one time recently for 10 days where we explored Gozo. My favorites are Valletta, Gozo, and Marsaxlokk.
Another great budget tips in Malta is to eat Kebab or Falafel, due to their somewhat Arabic heritage, there are some pretty good places to eat those dishes. They are cheap too! Not more than 3-5 euros and they are more filling and healthier than the pastizzis.
There is a good one in Valletta, just next to Burger King close to the bus terminal just to the left when you enter Valletta. A big filling kebab for 5 Euros or Falafel for 4, and the staff is friendly too 🙂
Another great kebab place can be found between Sliema and St Julians, it’s called Kebab Ji.
NomadicMatt
Thanks for the added tips!
Nina
Malta is definitely a go-to destination in summer. Plenty of beaches and fun activities for everyone. Temperatures are pretty hot so be sure to pack sun screen ;).
Nina
Justin
Great article, Matt. Malta is an incredible place!
Colette Lefebvre-Davis
Perfect ideas to live like the locals, want to see what McDonald’s of Malta has to offer, loved it.
Rachel
This is a great post! I will definitely be bookmarking it for a trip to Malta {fingers crossed it will be sooner than later}. Thanks!
Tomas
hh I was laughing so much when I read about the transportation 😀 I am living in Malta and I have to say its true 😀 you were waiting 20 minutes? it means you were lucky one 😀 be glad that you got into a bus sometimes happen there is no bus even if there should be 😀 hope you enjoy it here
NomadicMatt
Haha good to know! I hear they often sell the bus company so it’s always a mess. I guess now a Japanese company owns it? Or maybe Spanish?
Brian Satterlee
Great tips for traveling to Malta. Thank you for the info.
Victoria Huntington
Like every destination prices will vary depending on the popularity of the area and the expense laid out for overheads such as wages etc. the cheapest beer I found in Malta in a bar was one euro eighty cents and the cheapest snack in a bar I spotted was 1 euro for chips, Going self catering can help reduce prices by balancing eating in and out
Stella brown
Great article Matt!!!
Last year I had also gone to Malta with my family on vacation but I think I missed so much things, which I now found on your blog. I think this is the something to share with one who wants to have a Trip of Malta.
Already subscribed your blog ?
Thanks
Jonny Blair
Hi Matt, as one of only three real countries in Europe I have yet to visit, this should come in handy. I plan to tour Gozo too when I am there. Thanks for the article and I hope things are good with you. Safe travels. Jonny
Richard
Malta is an amazing part of the world. A lot of Maltese emigrated to Australia after the 2nd World War so I have a lot of Maltese friends. They constantly remind me how beautiful the country is.
Unfortunately I saw on the news that the amazing Azure Window collapsed into the sea last week which is a shame as it was a big tourist attraction. The same thing happened to London Bridge on the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
Just shows the constant power of the wind and ocean. Anyway great article again Matt.
Selene Ramos
I would like to go there , it looks really amazing , with this article and many ideas to get good stuff and food looks really easy and be allowed to enjoy, but I will not go to m’donals because I do not like it. Traveling by bus is a good idea and look really fun. thank you for the good ideas maybe within 2 years i will be there and I will prefer to go with my Italian friend it could be more fun and I will not to be worried about the language.
Sharn
Thank you Matt for your blog on Malta – we will be visiting in under a month 🙂 so will note your recommendations. Just one thing – the final sentence does need a little tweaking: Malta BECAUSE (???) one of the best destinations to visit in Europe if you’re looking to save money. Sorry – but it is a trifle jarring to read incorrect grammar/spelling.
Arnold
It’s strange, but all the nice and warm places are quite cheap to travel. Compare Canary islands, Malta, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Thailand etc… Wonderful places. Every day is a miracle there. Soooo beautiful. As long as you earn a proper salary outside of these countries of course.
Carmen
Thanks Matt! I work on a ship, and will be joining it in Valletta in September. I’d like to go a few days earlier to do some diving. Anyone got any recommendations for dive centres or hostels for over 30’s?
Steve
The language as you stated is a mix of Italian and Arabic it is only spoken in the Maltese Islands and southern Sicily not Spain that is where Spanish or even in Southern Spain Andalusian is spoken