Malta’s rich culture, beautiful scenery and moderate climate make it a popular European holiday destination, but with its popularity can come high prices. It’s absolutely possible to enjoy an affordable holiday in Malta, so here are three ways to make the most out of a Maltese trip for those who are working with a tight budget.
1. Visit in the low seasons
Malta’s high season is July to September when the weather is at its warmest and rain is highly unlikely. This is when many holidaymakers flock to the country’s beautiful beaches and coastal resorts to soak up the sun. Flights, accommodation and food are all more expensive at this time of year. A great way to explore Malta on a budget is to visit out of peak season. You can save hundreds overall by visiting in spring, autumn or winter, and you’ll benefit by avoiding the crowds as you explore the country’s sights.
During late March to June, Malta’s weather is a little unpredictable. You’re sure to see plenty of sunshine, but there’s also the risk of sudden downpours or cold spells, particularly in March and early April. From mid to late September into October the country is still warm, although there is some risk of thunderstorms. November through to February are the coldest months but still warmer than much of Europe. If you’re happy to explore by way of indoor attractions and museums, you’ll make the biggest savings by visiting at this time of year.
2. Get around with the public bus system
Malta is just 316km², so it’s really easy to explore all over the island during a single trip. Many people choose to hire a car, but this can be costly and you’ll have to factor fuel into your expenses. A great alternative is to use the public bus system which is incredibly cheap. It was recently overhauled to make it more extensive than ever and it’s popular with both locals and tourists.
3. Get a Malta Pass tourism card
A brilliant way to see as many Maltese sights as possible on a tight budget is to buy a Malta Pass. These handy cards grant entry to more than 40 popular attractions scattered across Malta and Gozo. For a lump sum you can purchase a one, two or three-day pass, and the more places you visit with the card, the more you save. If you plan your daily itinerary carefully and squeeze in as many attractions as possible, you could save in the region of €100 per person.
You can buy a Malta Pass online and have it delivered to your home address before you travel, or have it delivered to your accommodation so it’s waiting for you when you arrive. Included with every pass is a free one-day ticket on a Malta or Gozo sightseeing bus which has a hop-on, hop-off service. This is a brilliant way to travel to many popular sights without having to spend extra on public transport.
As for the attractions that are covered by the pass, you’ll find that the many of Malta’s most important sights are included, such as the Grand Masters Palace Staterooms and Armoury, Fort St Elmo National War Museum, and St Agatha’s Catacombs on mainland Malta, as well as the Ġgantija Temples in Gozo.
There are plenty of ways to stretch your budget in Malta, so be sure to plan your trip carefully to make the most of these cost-saving tips.
