Cheap flights to Malta

Malta Travel Guide

Book flights to Malta for an unbeatable Mediterranean vacation that offers sun, sand and a little bit of history in the Maltese archipelago. Travelers booking flights to Malta will get more than just pristine beaches and the casual environment of quiet coastal towns — this tiny island has many historical landmarks; from prehistoric temples and medieval dungeons to underground military caves, Malta is a destination just waiting to be explored.

Lots of summer travelers book flights to Malta to take advantage of the warmer months. In fact, Malta’s population almost triples during the summer, thanks to thousands of visitors booking flights to Malta for a quick getaway. While many travelers choose to lay alongside the island’s blue waters and sandy beaches, other travelers enjoy the modernized version of Malta – recently built up with high-rise resorts and luxury beachfront properties. Still, the charm of Malta remains in the island’s history. Whether you book Malta flights to explore the underground or lounge above land, this European destination spot offers something for everyone.

What’s the weather like in Malta?

Malta is bathed in sunshine all year long. Its sunny shores average a temperature of 84 degrees, which is cooled with pleasant sea breezes rolling in from the Mediterranean Sea. There is a little rain in the winter, and spring is chilled by strong winds, although still sunny.

How long is the flight to Malta?

Flights from Boston to Malta last around nine hours and 20 minutes from takeoff to landing, and flights from Los Angeles last around 14 hours. The flight time from Orlando to Malta is a little over 11 hours while a flight from Chicago to Malta is just under 11 hours.

Which airlines fly to Malta?

Malta International Airport is the only airport in the Maltese islands, connecting the sought-after vacation spot with countless international flight hubs. You can book your flight to Malta through Delta, United, American Airlines, Air Canada and many other major airlines. Lufthansa, British Airways and Turkish Airlines are just a few other airlines flying into Malta.

What should you pack for a flight to Malta?

Pack for the mild Mediterranean climate of Malta with plenty of jeans, capris and short-sleeved shirts that fit a smart-casual vibe, and don’t forget a few layering options for the cooler winters and evenings. If you’re planning to enter some of the beautiful churches and cathedrals, be sure to pack conservative outfits that cover the knees and shoulders. On the flip side, bring a few fun and formal outfits for visiting the local rooftop bars and nightclubs. Pack a swimsuit to enjoy some sunny beach days, and don’t forget a pair of comfortable shoes for exploring on foot.

Getting to and around Malta

The most efficient way to get to the city after you disembark flights to Malta is either via the bus or the shuttle service. You can book your shuttle either online in advance or from the desk at the airport, and it will take you directly to your hotel. There are also 4 different bus routes you can take, depending on your destination. If you are visiting a more obscure village then you’ll have to check at the airport about the best bus number to get you there. Alternatively you can hail a taxi upon arrival, although these will be a lot more expensive, especially if your hotel is based in Paradise Bay or somewhere far from the airport.

Once your cheap flight to Malta lands, you’ll be able to reach your final Malta destination by way of taxi, rental car or bus. Public transportation consists of a dependable network of orange buses that service the entirety of Malta, including all major beaches, resort areas and cities.

Malta is far too small to need air links, although Malta Air Charter offers helicopter service from Malta to Gozo. There is also a ferry service between Malta and Gozo. Bus services are available throughout Malta, as are cars for hire. In Malta, driving is on the left. A traditional way to see the island is by horse-drawn carriage.

What are some things to do in Malta?

If historic wonders and beaches along crystalline waters are your idea of the perfect vacation, you can’t go wrong flying into Malta. The Mediterranean island archipelago offers countless sandy beaches, including Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Mellieha Beach, where you can soak up the sun. While you’re exploring the shoreline, don’t miss natural wonders such as the Blue Grotto along Malta’s rocky cliffs.

When you fly into Malta, you are just a short drive from Valetta, the political and cultural capital that wows travelers with its treasure trove of historic sites and museums. Marvel at the artwork and architecture of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and stroll through the Upper Barrakka Gardens for captivating views. Don’t miss the Lascaris War Rooms for a taste of more recent World War Two history. Once you’ve seen all the sites, take a walk along the historic waterfront, or enjoy breathtaking views of the city from a harbor ferry. Be sure to stop at a seaside restaurant for fresh seafood, or stop by a cafe for a Maltese pastizzi before heading back to your hotel.

For even more adventure, enjoy some snorkeling or diving in the clear waters. You can also hike the Xemxija Heritage Trail, see some dolphins at the aquatic center or try your luck at one of the local casinos.

No matter when you plan your flight to Malta, you’re sure to have some enticing events to enjoy. The local Carnival celebration comes alive with colorful floats and parties while the processional dances during the holiday season are a one-of-a-kind experience. If you arrive in April, don’t miss that Malta International Fireworks Festival for an unforgettable show over harbors throughout the islands.

Tips for your stay in Malta

• Numerous festivals take place in Malta throughout the year, and the Maltese certainly know how to celebrate in style. Those who are lucky enough to find a seat on a flight to Malta during the Christmas holidays have a memorable visit in store for them, complete with beautifully-choreographed processions along streets lit up with traditional multi-colored lights known as festuni. Carnival in Malta is a festive affair as well, and the celebrations held in Gozo during the week leading up to Lent are not to be missed if you booked your Malta cheap flight for the third week in February.
• After your Malta flight touches down in Valletta, spend some time getting to know the vibrant capital. A great way to start your day in Valletta would be with a visit to the Upper Baraka Gardens, which offer a breathtaking view of Grand Harbor and the dockyards of Vittoriosa and Senglea. Then, head over to the Church of St. Paul’s Shipwreck: St. Paul was moored on Malta in AD 60 which resulted in the establishment of the island’s Christian tradition, and relics related to St. Paul are proudly displayed here. For those who found a cheap flight to Malta in the beginning of February, stick around Valletta for St. Paul’s feast day, when the statue from the church is carried shoulder-high through the streets. Finish your day in Valletta with a glass of wine along the Triq ir-Repubblika, where DJs spin into the early hours of the morning at popular clubs like Labyrinth, or down in the southern end of town at Maestro e’ Fresco, a former music shop that now hosts live music and spirited revelry.
• History buffs are filling up flights to Malta to check out the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated throughout the country. An exhibition on the Siege of Malta and the Knights of St. John, who successfully defended Malta from the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in 1565, is a popular attraction for tourists and is located on Misrah ir-Repubblika in Valletta.  Head to Gozo to check out Ggantikja: The megalithic temples are a whopping 5,500 years old, and are some of the oldest man-made, freestanding religious structures.
• Malta’s demure size means that you’re never too far from the Mediterranean, so there’s no way you should board your return Malta flight without hitting the beach! The rocky shores of Sliema and Julians are popular sunbathing spots, as evidenced by the sheer number of brightly colored umbrellas on the weekends.  If you feel like shedding your swimsuit to avoid some tan lines, visit Ghajn Tuffieha for Malta’s only unofficial nudist beach. Take Bus 44 and 45 from Valletta to Ghadira Bay, which is home to some of Malta’s most popular beaches and a favorite for beachcombing families.
• The Hypogeum in Valletta is the world’s largest underground religious site. You’ll need to book your slot to visit online though as they only allow 80 visitors a day and it can get incredibly busy.

Finding Flights from Malta

Itching to venture outside of Malta? You can find some great deals for international travel from Air Malta, RyanAir. British Airways, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa among other major airlines. Keep in mind that some destinations are only accessible seasonally from Malta.

Malta International Airport is centrally located on the southern part of the island just a few minutes south of Valletta. You can reach it by car, taxi, or one of the public bus system’s four express lines from nearly anywhere on the main island. Keep in mind that lines are at their worst at the height of summer and during the holiday season, so give yourself some extra time to check in if you’re traveling during those periods.

The only airport in Malta, Malta International Airport (MLA) serves the entire Maltese archipelago, which consists of three islands just south of the island of Sicily. The island has a long and rich history and some of its temples are among the oldest in the world. This, combined with its gorgeous Mediterranean climate, makes it a popular spot with tourists. It is known particularly for its diving and beach vacations.

The airport serves 3 million passengers each year and is just 3.1 miles (5km) from the capital city Valletta. It’s the main hub for Air Malta and serves as a small base for Ryanair. Many international airlines have flights to Malta International Airport from across Europe and beyond, especially in summer.

Although small, the airport is well-equipped – it won Best European Airport of the Year in 2010 in ACI’s airport quality survey – so your stay at Malta International should be as pleasant and stress-free as your island vacation.