HOW TO go to MALTA ON A budget plan

Last Updated: 8/9/20 | August 9th, 2020

For centuries, the Maltese archipelago passed between North African Moors as well as European Crusaders as they vied for manage of this important island hub. This constant back-and-forth produced a unique culture that mixed architectural, culinary, as well as cultural styles (in fact, the Maltese language is a mix of Arabic as well as Italian) discovered nowhere however perhaps southern Spain.

Now, the country draws people less with the whole conquering-empires thing as well as more with its warm summertime temperatures, pristine beaches, remove Mediterranean water, ample hiking, friendly locals, as well as inexpensive prices.

Though I didn’t spend as much time as I desired in Malta, I spent sufficient (literally as well as figuratively) to get a sense of exactly how to travel the country on a budget. The country is extremely affordable (it’s one of the cheapest Eurozone countries out there). even though I was on a holiday as well as not being as affordable as I normally was, I still never truly spent a great deal of money. My most costly day expense me 70 EUR as well as that’s since I rented a car.

Though Malta will never break your budget, I am always one to look for a offer as I’m a firm believer that every destination has a method to be cheaper.

So, with that, right here is your in-depth guide to visiting Malta on a budget plan to assist you save money without sacrificing your experience:
 

Getting to Malta

While most European carriers operate seasonal flights, there aren’t many airlines that fly to Malta year-round. Ryanair, Air Malta, easyJet, as well as Lufthansa are the biggest carriers that service the island year-round.

One-way flights from the mainland expense as bit as 20 EUR, particularly if you book in advance. You can likewise take the ferry to/from Sicily; it’s 2.5 hours as well as costs around 100 EUR each method (depending on the season).
 

Typical costs in Malta

Malta is cheap. While I went in the middle of winter — without the seasonal boost in costs for accommodation, vehicle rentals, as well as flights — many buddies told me that most costs for food, activities, as well as public transportation stay the exact same throughout the year.

Here is a listing of typical costs in the country:

Ferry to Valletta from Sliema: 1.50 EUR (2.80 EUR return)

Ferry from Malta to Gozo: Pedestrian: 4.65 EUR. vehicle as well as Driver: 15.70 EUR

Pastizzi (cheap snack): 1 EUR

Breakfast sandwich: 3-5 EUR 

Full breakfast: 9-12 EUR 

Lunch at a café: 8-10 EUR 

McDonald’s value meal: 8 EUR 

Sandwich: 5-6 EUR 

Nice dinner at a sit-down restaurant with wine: 30 EUR

Main meals: 15 EUR 

Bottle of water: 1 EUR

Bottle of wine: 6-10 EUR 

Beer: 2.50-4 EUR 

Museum entrance: 6-10 EUR 

Car rental: 20 EUR/day

Taxi prices: 4 EUR (then 2-3 EUR per kilometer)

Public bus ticket: 2 EUR 

On average, you’ll be able to go to Malta for 30-45 EUR ($35-53 USD) per day, though in the summertime I would state you requirement to budget plan better to 50 EUR ($60 USD).

At that price, you’re looking at staying in a hostel dorm or splitting an Airbnb with a friend, taking public transportation, mainly staying with the free activities, cooking your breakfast, as well as eating at the cheap(er) cafés.
 

How to save money in Malta

Accommodation

There are a handful of hostels on the islands, with dorm costs beginning at 10 EUR per night (though costs double in the summer). Airbnb is ridiculously inexpensive — I discovered a whole home for 35 EUR a night.

Most budget plan hotels cost at least 40 EUR so I would stay with Airbnb or hostels for accommodation. However, like hostels, the costs for locations more than double in the summer.

To save money on accommodation, travel off-season as well as stay in dorms or split Airbnb units with friends. Be sure to book early if you do plan on visiting in the summertime as locations vanish quick (including hostels).

Food as well as Drink

Food costs are fairly inexpensive, though you’ll discover higher costs in tourist areas such as Valletta, St. Julian’s, Sliema’s boardwalk, as well as Marsaxlokk.

To save money on food, stay with the pastizzi (savory filled pastries), eat at the plethora of vegan as well as vegetarian restaurants throughout the country (see the listing below), prevent snacking, as well as cook as many meals as possible (breakfast will see the biggest wins).

If you’re staying in a hostel or budget plan hotel, pick one that includes free breakfast to assist lower your expenses.

Transportation

There are three methods to get around the island: buses, taxis, as well as vehicle rentals. Buses expense 1.50-2 EUR for a single two-hour ticket as well as 21 EUR for a 7-day pass. vehicle rentals can be discovered for as bit as 20 EUR per day, though they expense double (or triple) that cost in the summer. book early to secure the very best deal.

Also, keep in mind that the bus routines right here aren’t always reliable. sometimes buses just don’t show up. Make sure your plans are flexible.

Additionally, since the buses are infrequent they fill up fast. We got on one bus, only to have him pull over, kick everybody off, as well as put us all on one more bus, that then waited for 20 minutes to move.

It’s a crazy system. during the summertime months when the crowds peak, expect long waits. Don’t be in a rush if you’re utilizing the bus!

There are a number of regional vehicle rental companies, however I utilized Hertz since it was close to my Airbnb. many of the regional vehicle business don’t take credit history cards as well as want deposits in cash. going with bigger business adds one more layer of security.

Taxis expense 10-20 EUR for medium to long distances. While not ideal, they can be ordered ahead in advance as well as are a great last-minute choice if you get stuck since the bus doesn’t turn up.

Activities

When the weather condition is nice, there are a lot of free activities to do, such as enjoying the beach, hiking, swimming, as well as just walking around. Additionally, all the churches are free. You’ll discover a great deal of business that will take you around the island in a boat for 30-45 EUR.

Most museums as well as attractions expense 5 EUR however you can get a Malta tourism card (the MaltaPass) that will save you about 10-20 EUR depending upon exactly how many attractions you capture in. It costs 49 EUR for a 24-hour pass (though it’s frequently on sale for 50% off). There are likewise 48- as well as 72-hour choices for 79 EUR as well as 99 EUR respectively.

On a side note, I discovered the primary tourism center in Valletta unhelpful. The personnel couldn’t response a great deal of my questions. The smaller, unofficial places that littered Sliema’s boardwalk had more info on vehicle rentals, things to do, as well as prices.
 

Recommended Bars as well as Restaurants

Restaurants: The Grassy Hopper (vegan/vegetarian), the Marsaxlokk fish market, Suruchi, Ta Doni, cafe Cuba, Rocksalt, Ta’ Rikardu (Gozo).

Bars: hole in the wall (Sliema), Bar native (and any type of bar on that street as it’s the primary hub for nightlife), The Dubliner, Legligin, The Thirsty Barber.

***
It’s simple to go to Malta on a budget. I was shocked at exactly how inexpensive this place. even with summer boosts in lodging as well as tour prices, Malta stays an budget-friendly country.

I’ve been to all the Eurozone countries now as well as I have to state Malta is one of the very best — if not the very best — value.

When you integrate it with warm weather, fantastic landscape, historic cities, as well as incredible beaches, Malta since one of the very best destinations to go to in Europe if you’re looking to save money.
 

Get Your in-depth budget plan guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is produced budget plan travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff discovered in other guidebooks as well as gets directly to the practical info you requirement to travel as well as save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll discover suggested itineraries, budgets, methods to save money, on as well as off the beaten path things to see as well as do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, as well as bars, as well as much more! Click right here to discover more as well as get started!
 

Book Your trip to Malta: Logistical tips as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse websites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

Inhawi Hostel (St. Julians)

Two pillows shop Hostel (Sliema)

Corner Hostel Sliema (Sliema)

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will protect you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s comprehensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it many times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want more info on Malta?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Malta for even more planning tips!