Believe us, just because there is no snow doesn’t mean that the magic of Christmas in Malta won’t be there!

If you are already in Malta or Gozo, you have probably noticed the sometimes busy Christmas decorations and lights galore that line the streets? Or the numerous nativity scenes in front of churches and even in private homes? If you are not yet on the island, you will not be disappointed to discover all this, you will have what to do, see and visit!

Christmas decorations in Malta

For more wonderment, go to Valletta in front of the parliament you will usually find the legendary “Christmas Tree”. This tree is about seven meters high and is made of 2000 glass balls blown entirely by hand by the craftsmen of this famous artisanal glass blower (visible in Ta Qali in the center of the island). Sometimes you can also see the Santa Claus house. Not to be missed, especially after dark!

As the island is predominantly Catholic, the tradition is to go to midnight mass which is held in each locality (occasionally creating huge traffic jams for the occasion). However, a special mass is being held at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta where Christmas carols will be accompanied by a hundred flickering candles.

What to do in Malta at Christmas

Christmas pantomimes are very common in Malta. You will be able to find them in the Manoel’s theater for young and old alike, so don’t hesitate to come and visit!

At Christmas in Malta it is between 15 and 18 degrees and although during the school vacations prices are a little higher, many hotels offer special deals. If you want to treat yourself to a “wellness” interlude, I suggest you select one of the establishments with an indoor pool and/or spa (there are about 25 of them spread throughout the island). Between December 23 and 27, you can find double rooms from 60 euros.

Find here our ranking of the best spas in Malta. (Tip: if you have the My Little Malta discount card, you’ll get great discounts on certain spas).

Also, for those with a sweet tooth, you should know that many restaurants and hotels offer exclusive Christmas menus! Our partner Ta’Marija in Mosta, regularly elected “best Maltese restaurant” of the archipelago, will surely fill up!

Christmas program in Malta

Please note that this program is subject to change depending on the news.

1- Christmas Village in Valletta (early December to early January)

Every winter, Valletta’s waterfront is transformed into a real Christmas fairy tale. The Christmas Village usually opens in early December and features activities for children, such as puppet shows, face painting, balloons, music and inflatables. The enchanted snow garden and the 10 m Christmas tree are the main highlights of the Christmas village. Children can have their picture taken with Santa and the elves, while adults enjoy a quiet moment in the waterfront restaurants.

2- Natalis Notabilis in Rabat

The biggest Christmas market in Malta takes place every year in December in Rabat. The narrow, cobbled streets of downtown Rabat are transformed into a Christmas village with a warm atmosphere. Shop for unique Christmas gifts at dozens of stalls, offering a range of food products from different countries, arts and crafts, and excellent mulled wine. Be sure to try the Maltese holiday specialties: honey rings or Qagħaq tal-Għasel and the hot cocoa drink Qastan tal-imbuljuta.
To learn more about authentic Maltese Christmas traditions, explore the Nativity Trail at the Franciscan Convent’s Secret Garden and the Natalis Notabilis Nativity display. Entertainment includes shows on the stage of Palazzo Xara and Christmas music in the church of Ta’ Giezu.

3- Sliema Christmas Market (December 1st to 31st)

Bisazza Street in Sliema is a shopping mecca with many jewelry stores and vintage stores. During the weekends of December, the Christmas market invades Bisazza with dozens of stalls, offering organic wines, Christmas gifts and decorations. Santa will visit you, and you can certainly count on plenty of festive food and mulled wine.

September weather in Malta

September in Malta is 12 hours of sunshine a day and only a 3% chance of a rain shower! At a time when in the north of Europe, you are wearing sweaters and impers, our life in Malta is always in “light dress-short-T-shirt and sandals” mode. We put on our bathing suits every day for a swim in the sea at 26 degrees and on weekends we share picnics or barbecues on the beach without shivering! Because yes, September in Malta is still 29 degrees at 4pm and 23 at midnight!

Travelling to Malta in September

Here it is the intermediate season: finished the big rush of July and August, the prices of the plane tickets are more gentle! From Paris or Nantes a direct return flight costs about 200 euros and a low-cost flight from Marseille about 100 euros! (source:skyscanner.net). The sun and the beach at 2h30 from the main European capitals!

Accommodation in September in Malta

Accommodation prices: from 25 euros a night in a youth hostel to up to 200 euros for a magnificent luxury hotel*****. If the current range is around 80 euros for a quality double room in September in Malta, promotional offers are starting to flow in on booking sites, so watch out for good deals! The hotels are quieter and the staff more available to inform you.

Click here to find out where to stay in Malta.

Getting around in September in Malta

To travel by bus, opt for the “7-day pass” (21 euros) with unlimited travel Bus Card – Tallinja Card. If you want more freedom, rent a car when you arrive at the airport. Observed prices: a car of type Eco or 107 Peugeot from 35 euros/day all included including the repurchase of franchise. Don’t forget that we drive on the left!

Click here to find out how to get around Malta.

Things to do in September in Malta

We advise you to alternate historical visits and beaches. Here are our top 20 must-do activities!

Endurance sports activities such as hiking or climbing are “to be consumed in moderation” or as soon as the day begins, remember to stay well hydrated!

Favour sea excursions or any other nautical activity, the offer in Malta and Gozo is important and within the reach of all budgets. Discover Activities with My Little Malta

The cultural agenda of September in Malta is often intensive and very varied! Find here thecultural agenda of Malta.

Do you need more information? Do not hesitate to contact us! We love Malta and are happy to share our “tips” with you.

1. Valletta
2. In the north of Malta, towards Saint Paul’s Bay
3. In the south of Malta, towards Marsaxlokk
4. In the center of Malta, towards Mdina
5. In Gozo
6. Other activities to do when it rains.

First, go to the city of Valletta if you haven’t visited it yet or only briefly. This city is perfect for this kind of weather. We have selected the places that allow you to make beautiful visits under cover and enjoy without getting too wet because of the rain.

What to do in Valletta when it rains?

The co-cathedral and the Saint John Museum

Art and architecture lovers, this cathedral is one of the most visited on the island. Its decoration and grandeur leave you speechless. Moreover, as in the churches in other countries, it is a perfect place large enough to rest a few moments in the calm when it rains.

The Palace of the Grand Masters and the Armory Museum

Interesting visit to do at the shelter of the water for the history of Malta because it allows to understand how the knights lived at the time, you will discover very beautiful inner courtyards and the museum comes to complete the palace.

La casa Rocca Piccola

Want to immerse yourself in the culture of the island? This house will take you on a journey through Maltese customs and traditions in terms of painting, furnishing etc…

The National Museum of Fine Arts

This museum, located not far from the main entrance of Valletta, will make you discover Maltese art, both contemporary and medieval. It preserves the masterpieces of local and international artists in painting, sculpture and fine silverware.

See a play at the Manoel Theatre

Plays have always taken a very important place on the Maltese scene. Today, many dance and theater troupes, as well as music groups, perform there, creating a very varied calendar.

The Great National Library

Incredible austere facade that conceals priceless treasures on the past of Valletta at the time of the Knights of Malta, all in a library case very 19th and English university. It’s free to visit, just give your ID card at the entrance and don’t make any noise because shhhh… some people are reading here!!!

The fort saint elme

Several forts have been built over the centuries in Malta. Some are still standing and have been restored, making them open to the public. Among them, the Fort Saint-Elme of Valletta is the most famous. It contains the National War Museum. You will be able to visit many rooms and discover relics of the Second World War, such as planes, jeeps and even guns from the past. A chapel is also accessible, where the army used to pray.

But Fort St. John Elmo is not the only one on the island. You can also find Fort Rinella in Kalkara or Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu. As for Fort Manor, it is not open permanently and is only accessible during certain cultural events.

What to do in the north of Malta when it rains?

The truly charming Classic Car Museum of Malta

Let’s leave Valletta and go to St Paul’s Bay (Qawra district) where a nice museum will delight children and adults: nearly a hundred models exposed and superbly restored by the Galea family, real enthusiasts from father to son. Discover the Classic cars Malta museum .

Visit the Malta Aquarium

The aquarium is a perfect way to entertain yourself when it rains! Especially when it is as well supplied as Saint Paul’s Bay!
On your way out, you can also stop by the Café del mar for a drink to think about the next day’s program with the view of the water falling on the pool.

What to do in the south of Malta when it rains?

A long meal in Marsaxlokk

The best thing to do when it rains in Marsaxlokk is surely to make your meal at the seafood restaurant last! They are numerous and delicious.

Visit Hagar qim

Hagar qim is a historical must-see on your trip to Malta. It is a prehistoric temple from 3200 BC on a hill. It’s not the best to visit when it’s raining but most of the temple is covered so you can enjoy it.

Visit Ghar Dalam Cave

The cave of Ghar Dalam is a good place to take shelter and visit. It dates from the prehistoric era and is full of history. You will find a museum full of artifacts.

What to do in the center of Malta when it rains?

Mdina experience and Knights of Malta

To continue traveling and learn about Malta’s history while staying warm, you should do these tourist cinemas. These enhanced mini-films tell the local history of Malta in a clear and dramatic way. Perfect to better understand what you will see on site afterwards. The room is based in Mdina.

Plus, if you have our discount card, you’ll get a nice discount!

Visit the numerous vestiges of Mdina

The catacombs of Saint Paul, Domus Romana

The aviation museum

It is also possible to visit many beautiful airplanes at the aviation museum near Mdina.

What to do in Gozo when it rains?

In Gozo too you can keep yourself busy when it rains! Here we give you some ideas to occupy your part of the stay.

Visit the museums and historical sites in Rabat

We list a few places where you should be safe from the rain.

• Museum of Nature
• Old prison of Gozo
• Gozo Museum of Archaeology

See Gozo in 360° at the Citadel Cinema

Gozo 360 is an interesting audiovisual show about the history of Gozo (it lasts less than 30 min).

You’ll pay 50% off with our My Little Malta discount card.

Other things to do when it rains in Malta and Gozo

A day at the SPA

What could be better than lounging in a hot bath or getting a massage when it’s cold or rainy outside? There are many SPAs throughout Malta and Gozo.
We tested the spa of Grand Hotel Malta in Gozo and it is a success. A superb SPA with indoor pool. Plus you’ll get a discount if you have our discount card.

Click here to see the best spas in Malta and Gozo.

Go to the casino

If you’re going to do an indoor activity, you might as well try to enrich yourself! Well, it’s not always the case when you go to a casino, but if you’re going to play poker or anything else, we recommend the Dragonara casino in Malta. There is a beautiful view and the casino has beautiful architecture to admire.

Click here to see the casinos in Malta and Gozo.

Shopping

Discover our dedicated article to know the good stores or places where to go shopping.

It is also a good opportunity to buy your souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Malta !

If you are looking for a party in bars and in bars and discos, this article on Paceville is for you.. Here we give you the 2023 calendar of local Maltese festivals and tips to enjoy them!

To sum up, these are very lively days (and evenings!) where Maltese people like to meet, dance, drink, eat… and celebrate their fervor among the inhabitants of the village.

And in order not to miss any of these typical festivities in Malta and Gozo, here is the indispensable calendar of the next festas, the name of the celebration and its place! You will be able to check if it corresponds to your dates of stay.

Malta’s festivities calendar for January

(Date – Name of the party, festas or Holiday – Village)

• 25 – Conversion of St. Paul, Mdina
• 29 – The Holy Family, Iklin

Holidays in Malta for February

• 10 – Paul’s Shipwreck, Valletta : OUR FAVORITE for its AMBIANCE !

Holidays in Malta For March

• 11 – Jesus of Nazareth, Sliema
• 13 – Saint Gregory the Great, Kercem
• 19 – St. Joseph, Rabat – Holiday

Malta village festival in April

• 8 – Our Lady of Sorrows – Processions organized in almost every village and town in Malta and Gozo
• 10 – Palm Sunday – Morning processions in most villages
• 15 – Good Friday
• 17 – Easter Sunday
  TO SEE: EASTER FESTIVALS AND ESPECIALLY HOLY FRIDAY are extremely important in Malta and Gozo. Learn more here.
• 17 – The Risen Christ, Pembroke

List of local festivals for May

• 1st – Publiju, Floriana
• 1st – Saint Joseph the Worker, Birkirkara – Holiday
• 9 – George Preca, Swatar
• 29 – The Annunciation, Tarxian
• 29 – Shipwreck of St. Paul, Munxar Gozo
• 29 – Feast of Saint Anthony, Birkirkara

Malta’s festivities calendar for June

• 5 – Our Lady of Fatima, Gwardamangia
• 5 – Anthony, Mgarr, Gozo
• 5 – Joseph, Ghaxaq
• 12 – Holy Trinity, Marsa
• 12 – Christ the Savior in the Eucharist, Ghasri Gozo
• 12 – Saint Philip of Agira, Haz-Zebbug Malta
• 16 – Christ the Savior in the Eucharist, Rabat Malta
• 19 – Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fontana Gozo
• 19 – The feast of Our Lady of the Lily, l-Imqabba
• 19 – Saint Catherine, Zejtun
• 22 – Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, Gharb (Internal Feast)
• 26 – Saint John the Baptist, Xewkija, Gozo
• 26 – Our Lady of Lourdes, Qrendi
• 26 – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Burmarrad
• 26 – St George, Qormi
• 26 – St. Nicholas, Siggiewi : OUR FAVORITE ‘FESTA’ FOR ITS SOMPTUOUS PROCESSION !
• 29 – Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Mdina
• 29 – Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Nadur, Gozo
  June 29 is a public holiday.

July Festas in Malta and Gozo

• 3 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fleur-de-Lys
• 3 – Immaculate Conception, Hamrun
• 3 – Andrew, Luqa
• 3 – Paul, Rabat, Malta
• 3 – Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Sacro Cuor Parish, Sliema
• 3 – The Visit of Our Lady, Gharb, Gozo
• 10 – The Annunciation, Balzan
• 10 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Fgura
• 10 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Gzira
• 10 – Our Lady of Help (Sokkors), Kercem, Gozo
• 10 – Joseph, Kirkop
• 16 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Valletta
• 17 – San Sebastian, Qormi
• 17 – Saint George Martyr, Rabat, Gozo
• 17 – Joseph, Msida
• 17 – Joseph, Kalkara
• 17 – Our Lady of the Holy Doctrine, Tarxian
• 24 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Zurrieq
• 24 – Margaret, Sannat, Gozo
• 31 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Balluta
• 31 – Saint Anne. Marsascala : A MUST SEE !
• 31 – Christ the King, Paola
• 31 – Santa Venera, Santa Venera
• 31 – Our Lady of Sorrows, Baie Saint-Paul : A MUST SEE !
• 31 – Laurence, San Lawrenz, Gozo
• 31 – Our Lady of Pompeii, Marsaxlokk
• 31 – Joseph, Zebbug

List of August festivals in Malta and Gozo

• 6 – Christ Our Savior, Lija: OUR FAVORITE FIREWORKS!
• 7 – Saint Peter in chains, Birzebbuga
• 7 – Joseph, Qala, Gozo
• 7 – Our Lady of Lourdes, San Gwann
• 7 – Saint Dominic, Valletta
• 7 – San Gejtanu, Hamrun
• 10 – Laurence, Birgu (Vittoriosa)
• 15 – The Assumption of Our Lady: Mqabba | | Qrendi | of Mosta Gudja Attard | Ghaxaq Victoria (Rabat), Gozo | Birkirkara Hal-Muxi Zebbug
• 21 – Saint Pius X, Santa Lucija
• 21 – The Assumption of Our Lady, Zebbug, Gozo
• 21 – Assumption of Our Lady, Mgarr
• 21 – Saint Helena of Constantinople, Birkirkara
• 21 – Our Lady of Lourdes, Paola
• 21 – Our Lady Star of the Sea, Stella Maris Parish, Sliema
• 28 – Assumption of Our Lady, Dingli
• 28 – Leonard, Kirkop
• 28 – Saint Dominic, Birgu (Vittoriosa)
• 28 – Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem, Gozo
• 28 – Saint Bartholomew, Gharghur
• 28 – Maria Regina, Marsa
• 28 – Joseph, Manikata
• 28 – Conversion of Saint Paul, Safi
• 28 – Julian, St. John’s Julian’s
• 28 – Saint Augustine, Valletta, Santu Wistin Parish

Malta festival dates for September

• 4 – Saint Francis of Assisi, Qawra
• 4 – Saint Gregory the Great, Sliema
• 4 – Saint Catherine, Zurrieq
• 4 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Xlendi, Gozo
• 8 – The Nativity of Our Lady (National Holiday): Naxxar | Mellieha | Isla (Senglea) | Xaghra, Gozo : A MUST SEE!
• 11 – Our Lady of Grace, Zabbar
• 11 – Our Lady of Grace, Kapuċċini Rabat Gozo

List of village festivals in Malta in October

• 2 – Our Lady of the Rosary, Gudja
• 3 – Our Lady of the Belt, Santu Wistin Valletta
• 30 – Our Lady of the Belt, Gudja

Festas in Malta in November

• 13 – Saint John of the Cross, Ta’ Xbiex

December Festas in Malta and Gozo

• 8 – Immaculate Conception, Bormla (Cospicua) – Holiday
• 8 – Immaculate Conception, Ibrag – Holiday
• 8 – Conception of Saint Francis, Rabat Gozo
• 11 – Saint Lucia, Santa Lucija, Gozo
• 13 – Saint Lucia, Mtarfa
• 24 – New Year’s Eve, All over Malta and Gozo
• 13 – Christmas, All over Malta and Gozo

Source: Malta Info Guide

4 tips before going to a village party in Malta

1. The main roads and squares of the village will be closed to traffic for most of the day. If you intend to go there by car, traffic is not allowed in these areas.
2. Since many people attend the parties, pickpocketing is more at risk. If you take a camera, make sure you tie it around your neck. If you carry wallets and cell phones, make sure they are secure in your pockets.
3. If your accommodation is near a village that has a festa during the time of your stay, expect to hear firework explosions early in the morning. The calendar is below to know if there will be a festa during your stay.
4. Since most villages will have fireworks , you should stay away from them, especially the fireworks shows. Most of the time, aerial fireworks are shot from the outskirts of the village.

Common questions about Maltese festas

What is the best way to get to a festa?

• The best way would be by bus because you won’t have any hassle to find a parking. You will need to plan early. If you own or rent a car, we suggest that you do not leave late as many roads leading to the village will be closed and parking will be more difficult.

When is the best time to go to a Maltese village party?

• .. the best time is always during the summer, especially during the peak months of June to August.

Do many Maltese attend the parties?

• Yes, many Maltese attend the festivals, especially if one of their patron saints celebrates their feast day.

What will I find in a Maltese village party?

• First of all, you will find the main streets of the village decorated with pavilions and lights. Their parish church will be fully decorated inside and out. You will also see fireworks especially on the main holidays. On the feast day, which is usually a Sunday, most parishes will have a procession.

Malta’s village festivals at your fingertips. It is amazing how many foreign tourists wish to participate in the local Maltese religious festivals.

Easter in Malta

With many numerous festas processions, passion plays, marches and various other celebrations, Easter week in Malta is more commemorated than Christmas. It is also important to know that unlike some other countries, Easter Monday is not a public holiday in the archipelago.

The Holy Week

Holy Week celebrates the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. It officially begins on Palm Sunday (April 5 this year), one week before Easter Sunday. But in reality the Maltese start the Friday before Good Friday by making a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows in Valletta and in some villages. Then, throughout the week, many banners and illuminations animate the streets of Malta.

Holy Thursday

Maundy Thursday represents the last meal of Jesus Christ and the the beginning of the mourning. On this occasionMany churches display representations, similar to the Christmas cribs, of the Last Supper and the Easter story. On this Maundy Thursday, it is traditional for families to visit seven churches to pay homage to the altars of rest.

It is also a kind of wake that begins because Christ dies the next day (Good Friday for those who followed!). Thus, there is nothing likea long night walk to get your mind right. And the least we can say is that it works! More than 10,000 faithful are gathered all over Malta! So know that there will be people on the roads that night! You will see walkers everywhere, preparing for their personal challenge. To reach the cities of Mellieha to Marsascala while passing by the Dome of Mosta, that is to say more than 30km from 2 am to 7:30 am for the sunrise! And as in any marathon, everything is planned: supplies for the night hikers, encouraging grandmothers in front of their doors… and even buses for the most tired!

Good Friday

On Good Friday, the official day of mourning, and therefore a holiday here, the churches are deprived of their traditional ornaments. The absence of bells and mass bring a very dark and heavy atmosphere. However, many large processions take place in various places, usually in the afternoon. Zebbug in Malta as well as Xaghra in Gozo organize extravagant processions for which they are famous. Other processions take place in In Valletta, in the Three Cities or in Mosta where repentants walk with their bare feet chained… Other processions, impressive of fervor and recollection, are organized. In Malta, especially in the villages of Luqa, Naxxar, Paola, Qormi, Rabat and Gozo. Nadur, Victoria and Qala, among many others, also vibrate to the rhythm of Easter celebrations.

Easter Sunday

Finally, the atmosphere on Easter Sunday is more joyful. The Maltese celebrate the resurrection of Christ. A procession takes place in the morning. During this one, the procession, accompanied by brass bands, carries a statue of the Risen Christ. Churches are coming back to life and organizing special masses. The event is particularly impressive at the port of Valletta and the Three Cities.

The Easter meal in Malta

On Easter Sunday, families gather for a big lunch to break the fast. They exchange small gifts like the famous chocolate eggs. It is also traditional to taste the “Figolli”, a dry cake with marzipan, chocolate and lemon.

This is also the time of year for Hot Cross Buns. These candied fruit flavored buns are truly divine!

Like every holiday in Malta, Easter celebrations have their specialties. You can taste “Kusksu”, a traditional bean soup. Qaghaq ta’l-Appostli”, a bread decorated with almonds and sesame seeds, is sold on Holy Thursday and Friday. Finally, the “Kwarezimal”, a cake made of honey, almonds and various spices, also invites itself on the tables.

As in many countries, Malta celebrates the New Year in a fitting way. If New Year’s Eve is more of a celebration, January 1st will be more family friendly. The climate is also much milder to celebrate the New Year in Malta.

Read also our article about Christmas in Malta.

Indeed, for New Year’s Eve, Maltese people tend to go to restaurants, nightclubs or bars, they go where the festivities are. For the younger ones, the party is often done as usual in Paceville . However, while staying in this festive atmosphere, other Maltese and expatriates prefer to have a party at home.

Shortly before midnight, the countdown is launched and magnificent fireworks at the end of this one in various localities of the archipelago. Almost every year, there are festivities on St George in Valletta.

On New Year’s Eve, Maltese people usually gather for a family lunch, where good wishes are exchanged.

It’s all very similar to what the French do, but back in the day, the Maltese had a few end-of-yeartraditions, some of which have been preserved.

End of year traditions in Malta

There was for example “Sprinkling of lime”, which consisted in going out in the streets of the cities and villages on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day and sprinkling a little white lime on the thresholds of the houses. The white lime being a symbol of purity and new beginning. After that, each person asked for a donation of something from the senior member of the family. This was practiced especially in the 1930s.

“L-istrina” was another tradition that lasted until the 1950s. The Maltese used to receive gifts on New Year’s Day instead of Christmas Day.

Finally, to fully immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere, the traditional Maltese drink is the “Imbuljuta tal-Qastan”. This drink made with cocoa, chestnuts, cloves and citrus peel is usually drunk after the Christmas midnight mass or on New Year’s Eve.

Finally, even if Malta has lost some of its traditions for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Eve, the festivities are still there and it is very pleasant to spend your last day of the year there.

Boats Parties

From the end of March onwards, the Boats Parties season is launched! And you’d be wrong to miss it! To party on a boat is something to do at least once in a lifetime, isn’t it? In Malta it’s possible so take advantage of it! More information in our article on Boats Parties.

The strawberry festival (Festa Fawli)

Very well known in Malta, the strawberry festival attracts thousands of people every year to the agricultural village of Mgarr, renowned for the quality and unique taste of its strawberries. Throughout the day, many strawberry-flavored products are sold to visitors: cakes, smoothies, milkshakes, waffles, pancakes… Local farmers also sell fresh strawberries, a treat! Besides that, Maltese folk groups play traditional music. It usually takes place in April. You will be able to fully immerse yourself in the Maltese culture!

The International Fireworks Festival

Major event of the month of April, the Malta International Fireworks Festival. As you know, the Maltese love fireworks! It is recognized as “international” because it attracts pyrotechnic companies from Australia, Canada, Venezuela, Italy, Austria, Spain… You will be able to admire these beautiful fireworks during April in Gozo and Valletta, usually at the Grand Harbour.
Read here our article about the International Fireworks Festival in Malta .

The Medieval Mdina Festival

Finally, at the end of April, the medieval festival in Mdina often takes place. You will find medieval markets, knights’ battle shows, reenactments, falconry… and period costumes of course! During the Medieval Mdina Festival, the museums and historical monuments are free, take advantage of it!

The sweetness of life in the morning

At 5am, it is already daylight. This is the time when you meet the young people coming back from nightclubs and the first joggers of the day! The Maltese get up very early all year round and many start their day with a few kilometers of brisk walking. In the summer, it’s more like a dip in the Mediterranean at 26°C, nothing better before starting the work. Sportsmen or not, if you are early during your vacations, you will be rewarded not only by this beautiful Mediterranean light but will taste a perfect quietude before the big rush of the tourists. For your information, the first buses run at 5:30 am!

The sweetness of life in the Maltese shade

Yes, but from 5am onwards, it’s a day of 14 hours of non-stop sunshine! Not a cloud in sight from May to the end of August! Even the lizards and Maltese chameleons hide from 10 am to reappear only at 6 pm! If, like Albert Londres, you like countries where shade is rare, summer in Malta will largely recharge your batteries: full of energy guaranteed to attack the new school year! If you don’t want to get sunstroke or dehydration, don’t overdo it! Choose the beaches with umbrella rental! If you want to visit Malta in summer, prefer the shade of the streets of Mdina, the Three Cities or Valletta in the morning. In the afternoons, visit the museums and churches of Malta and Gozo to get some fresh air or, if you prefer, visit the air-conditioned stores.

The true sweetness of summer living in Malta: at 10 pm!

A restorative nap during the hottest hours of the day: a must for a probable Maltese evening! Not only does the Festas program remain full all summer long: not a single day without a cultural event! Whether you’re into rock & roll, jazz, street art, clubbing, theater or classical open-air concerts, you’re bound to find something to your liking. Oh, I forgot! A romantic stroll in Valletta or a picnic with friends, authentic Malta is also all this every summer evening…

May is a very pleasant month to visit Malta: the heat is not yet too stifling (temperatures range between 22 and 25°C; the sea around 20°C) and there are not many tourists, which will facilitate your visits. Here is the essential information to prepare your vacations in Malta.

Malta in May: air tickets

Airline offers are interesting to stay in Malta in May. Prices range from about 150 to 250€ for a round trip ticket. However, you can pay even less if you plan ahead!
Air Malta website that may be useful to you: Air Malta

Malta in May: hotels

During this period, you can stay, for example:
– In a Hotel*** in Sliema : a room for 2 persons with sea view and breakfast included : 55 € per night
– In a very nice hotel complex ***** of Gozo (swimming pool, spa…), the room for 2 persons : 106€ the night (breakfast not included)

Find out where to stay in Malta

Malta in May: rent a car

For a short stay, it is interesting to rent a car to avoid long bus trips. A 4-passenger car can be rented for around €25 per day and you will find all the signs upon arrival at Malta airport.

Find out how to get around Malta and Gozo

Malta in May: cultural events

The festi (traditional parish festivals) will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Maltese culture. Here is the calendar of Catholic feasts in Malta (subject to change, check here ) :

May 1: St Joseph the Worker, in Birkirkara
May 3: Holy Cross, in Birkirkara
May 15: St. Augustine, in Valletta
May 22: St. John’s Rita, Santu Wistin, in Victoria
May 22: St. John’s Rita, in Valletta
May 22: St. Paul, in Munxar May 29: Holy Trinity, in Marsa
May 29: St. John’s Anthony, in Birkirkara
May 29: St. John’s Anthony, in Imgarr, Ghajnsielem

For those in search of authenticity, the Malta Artisan Spring Market welcomes you for a few days in May at the Corinthia Hotel, so that you can discover the talent and know-how of Maltese craftsmen. For more information

In a more trendy register, in May in Valletta is held the Malta FashionWeek.

May in Malta is also the best time to visit the islands of Gozo and Comino…