Cheap city break Malta
Malta is a sunny open-air museum in the Mediterranean: the baroque capital Valletta, the walled silence of Mdina, bright blue bays and the island of Gozo a short ferry away. Direct flights from Eindhoven, 3 days from €290 per person.
✈️ Plan your trip to Malta →When is the best time to go?
April to June and September to November are ideal: 22 to 28 degrees, a sea that stays around 24 degrees into October and far fewer crowds than in summer. July and August are hot and busy; December to February is mild (15 to 18 degrees) with occasional rain and the lowest prices of the year.
The best areas in Malta
- Valletta The baroque capital from the 16th century, built by the Knights of St John. Atmospheric boutique hotels in old palazzi and everything within walking distance.
- Sliema The most popular base: a seafront promenade with cafes, shops and a ferry to Valletta. Suits every budget and well connected.
- St Julian's A lively bay with restaurants, bars and the Paceville nightlife district. Buzzy and great if you want an evening out.
- Three Cities Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua on the Grand Harbour: authentic, maritime and much quieter than the tourist side.
- Mdina and Rabat The walled, car-free Mdina and neighbouring Rabat: quiet, medieval and perfect if you want calm away from the coast.
Top 5 things to do in Malta
- St John's Co-Cathedral Malta's most richly decorated baroque church in Valletta, home to Caravaggio's Beheading of St John (€6, audio guide included).
- Upper Barrakka Gardens Free garden with the best view over the Grand Harbour; at 12:00 and 16:00 the Saluting Battery fires a cannon.
- Mdina, the Silent City The walled medieval town and a Game of Thrones filming location. Free to wander; the Mdina Dungeons cost €5.
- Blue Grotto Boat trip past azure sea caves near Wied iz-Zurrieq (€10 to €12); the viewpoint itself is free.
- Gozo day trip By ferry from Cirkewwa in 25 minutes (€4.65) to the green sister island with the Ggantija temples and the Cittadella of Victoria.
Insider tip: on Sunday morning head to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk for the colourful luzzu boats and the seafood market. And if you want to see the prehistoric Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni, book weeks ahead, as only ten visitors per hour are allowed in.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Eindhoven you fly direct to Malta (MLA) in about 2 hours 55 with Ryanair and Malta Air, a few times a week; from Schiphol KLM flies daily in just over 3 hours. The airport is 5 kilometres below Valletta; buses X1 to X4 reach the towns for €2 (winter) or €2.50 (summer), or buy an Explore card (7 days unlimited, €25).
What does a trip to Malta cost?
Hostels from €18, mid-range hotels €60 to 130 and apartments around €90 per night. Food is affordable: a pastizz (savoury snack) €0.50 to €1, a ftira lunch €8 to 12, dinner €20 to 25. Budget from €290 per person for 3 days including a direct flight.
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Frequently asked questions about Malta
When is the best time to visit Malta?
April to June and September to November: 22 to 28 degrees and a sea that stays swimmable into October, without the summer crowds.
Which area is best to stay in Malta?
Sliema is the handiest base with a ferry to Valletta; Valletta itself is ideal for atmosphere and culture, and the Three Cities are quieter and authentic.
How do I get to Malta from the Netherlands?
Direct from Eindhoven to Malta (MLA) in about 2 hours 55 with Ryanair and Malta Air, or daily from Schiphol with KLM in just over 3 hours.
What does a Malta city break cost?
From €290 per person for 3 days including a direct flight; hostels from €18 and mid-range hotels €60 to 130 per night.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Malta?
Hotels, vacation rentals and hostels in Malta on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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