Cheap flights to Malta: Ancient Temples and Azure Waters
Malta may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but this Mediterranean archipelago packs an incredible punch when it comes to history, culture, and natural beauty. With its sun-drenched landscapes, crystal-clear azure waters, and remarkable ancient temples dating back thousands of years, Malta offers travelers an unforgettable experience. The good news? Finding Cheap flights to Malta has never been easier, making this island paradise more accessible than ever before.
Whether you're a history buff, beach lover, or culinary enthusiast, Malta's unique blend of influences from North Africa, Italy, and Britain creates a destination unlike any other in Europe. Let's dive into everything you need to know about visiting this fascinating Mediterranean gem – from securing those wallet-friendly Cheap flights to exploring the best this island nation has to offer.
Finding Cheap flights to Malta
Before embarking on your Maltese adventure, the first step is finding affordable airfare. Malta International Airport (MLA) serves as the main gateway to the islands, with connections to numerous European cities. When searching for Cheap flights to Malta, timing can make all the difference.
Best Time to Book Cheap flights
Malta experiences a surge in tourism during the summer months (June-August), which typically results in higher flight prices. For the best deals, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. The weather remains pleasant, crowds are thinner, and Cheap flights to Malta are more readily available.
When searching for affordable options, Valor Flights can help you navigate the various airlines and routes. Their AI-powered search looks across multiple options to help you find flights that match your budget and schedule preferences.
Airlines Flying to Malta
Several carriers offer regular service to Malta, including Air Malta (the national airline), Ryanair, EasyJet, Lufthansa, and British Airways. Competition among these airlines often leads to promotional fares and Cheap flights to Malta, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates.
Once you've secured your Cheap flights to Malta, it's time to plan your island exploration. With approximately 316 square kilometers spread across three inhabited islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—there's plenty to discover within a compact area.
Malta's Ancient History: Temples Older Than the Pyramids
One of Malta's most compelling attractions is its prehistoric temples, some of which date back to 3600 BCE—making them older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. These megalithic structures offer a glimpse into a sophisticated ancient civilization and represent some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
Located on Malta's southern coast, these neighboring temple complexes provide spectacular insights into prehistoric architecture. Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra feature massive limestone blocks arranged in distinctive patterns, with astronomical alignments that demonstrate the builders' sophisticated understanding of celestial movements. The visitor center offers excellent context for understanding these UNESCO World Heritage sites, making them a must-visit after landing on your Cheap flights to Malta.
Tarxien Temples
Closer to Valletta, the Tarxien Temples complex showcases detailed stone reliefs of domestic animals and spiral designs. These elaborate carvings highlight the artistic capabilities of Malta's ancient inhabitants. The site was discovered by farmers in 1914, adding another layer to Malta's continuously unfolding historical narrative.
Ġgantija Temples on Gozo
On the island of Gozo, the Ġgantija Temples stand as some of the oldest religious structures in the world. Local folklore once suggested giants built these massive structures—hence the name, which means "belonging to the giants." Their colossal limestone blocks weigh several tons each, raising fascinating questions about prehistoric engineering methods.
Finding Cheap flights to Malta opens the door to exploring these archaeological wonders, which provide a profound connection to humanity's ancient past.
Azure Waters: Malta's Stunning Coastline
While Malta's historical sites are extraordinary, its coastline is equally captivating. The archipelago is surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, with striking blue hues that explain why "azure waters" is so often associated with Malta.
Blue Lagoon, Comino
Perhaps Malta's most photographed natural attraction, the Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino features shallow, turquoise waters that create a natural swimming pool effect. After arriving on your Cheap flights to Malta, a day trip to this idyllic spot is essential. Small boats shuttle visitors from both Malta and Gozo regularly. For the best experience, arrive early in the morning before the crowds.
St. Peter's Pool
Located near Marsaxlokk on Malta's main island, St. Peter's Pool is a natural swimming hole formed in the coastal limestone. Its flat rocks provide perfect sunbathing platforms, while its clear waters offer excellent snorkeling opportunities. Less crowded than the Blue Lagoon, it provides a more local experience.
Diving Paradise
Malta ranks among Europe's premier diving destinations, with underwater visibility often exceeding 30 meters. The islands offer dive sites for all experience levels, from beginner-friendly shore dives to technical wreck explorations. Highlights include the Blue Hole in Gozo, the Um El Faroud wreck, and numerous caves and reefs teeming with marine life.
When planning diving excursions after booking Cheap flights to Malta, consider that the best conditions typically occur from May through October, with water temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C.
Valletta: A Fortress Capital City
Malta's capital, Valletta, stands as one of Europe's smallest yet most concentrated historic cities. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, this fortress city perches dramatically on a peninsula, surrounded by massive defensive walls.
Architectural Splendors
Despite covering only 0.8 square kilometers, Valletta contains an astonishing concentration of historic buildings. St. John's Co-Cathedral presents a modest exterior that belies its lavishly decorated baroque interior, including Caravaggio's masterpiece "The Beheading of St. John." The Grand Master's Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Manoel Theatre all showcase different aspects of the city's rich heritage.
Waterfront Dining
After exploring Valletta's historical sites, the waterfront areas of Valletta and neighboring Sliema offer perfect settings for enjoying local cuisine with views across the harbor. From fresh seafood to rabbit stews (a traditional Maltese specialty), dining options abound. Those who've taken advantage of Cheap flights to Malta will find the food prices remarkably reasonable compared to other European capitals.
Exploring Gozo: Malta's Sister Island
Just a 25-minute ferry ride from Malta's northern coast, Gozo offers a more rural, tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the main island's more developed feel. Many travelers who find Cheap flights to Malta make sure to include at least a day or two on Gozo in their itinerary.
Victoria and the Citadel
Gozo's capital, Victoria (also known locally as Rabat), is centered around the imposing Citadel. This fortified medieval city within a city provides panoramic views across nearly the entire island. The recently restored old town contains narrow winding streets, historic homes, and the impressive Gozo Cathedral.
Dwejra and the Inland Sea
Although the famous Azure Window collapsed in 2017, the Dwejra area remains one of Gozo's most spectacular coastal regions. The Inland Sea, a lagoon connected to the Mediterranean through a narrow natural tunnel in the cliff, offers a unique swimming and boating experience. Nearby, Fungus Rock stands as a natural monument with interesting historical and ecological significance.
Rural Charm and Culinary Delights
Gozo's countryside features terraced fields, ancient farmhouses, and picturesque villages where time seems to move more slowly. The island is known for its artisanal food production, including goat cheeses, honey, and hearty traditional dishes. Restaurants throughout the island serve fresh farm-to-table cuisine that showcases Gozo's agricultural bounty. After finding Cheap flights to Malta, spending a bit more on authentic local dining experiences feels well justified.
Practical Tips for Your Malta Adventure
Getting Around
Malta's public bus system covers most of the main island and parts of Gozo, offering an affordable way to explore. Single journey tickets are inexpensive, while multi-day passes provide even better value. However, buses can become crowded during peak season and don't reach some of the more remote beaches and villages.
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility, though be prepared for driving on the left side of the road (a legacy of British influence) and navigating some narrow streets in older towns. After securing Cheap flights to Malta, adding a rental car can be a worthwhile investment for exploring at your own pace.
When to Visit
Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, slightly wetter winters. The peak tourist season runs from June through August, when temperatures regularly exceed 30°C and beaches become crowded. This is also when flights are typically most expensive.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal conditions: warm temperatures suitable for swimming, fewer crowds, and those desirable Cheap flights to Malta that make your travel budget stretch further. Winter visitors will find the islands quiet and green, with temperatures usually remaining above 15°C—perfect for exploring historical sites and hiking, though less ideal for beach activities.
Accommodation Options
Malta offers accommodation ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. St. Julian's and Sliema cater to those seeking nightlife and shopping, while Mellieħa and St. Paul's Bay provide better beach access. Valletta offers a more cultural experience, though at generally higher prices.
On Gozo, farmhouse rentals have become increasingly popular, offering authentic stays in converted stone buildings, often with private pools. Finding Cheap flights to Malta allows you to perhaps splurge a bit more on unique accommodation experiences.
Cultural Experiences Not to Miss
Festa Season
Throughout summer, Maltese towns celebrate their patron saints with elaborate "festas" featuring processions, fireworks, and street decorations. These vibrant community celebrations offer visitors a glimpse into local traditions that blend religious devotion with communal celebration. Planning your Cheap flights to Malta to coincide with a major festa can add a memorable cultural dimension to your trip.
Marsaxlokk Fish Market
Every Sunday morning, the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk hosts a lively market where local fishermen sell their fresh catch. The harbor filled with colorful traditional fishing boats (luzzu), each painted with the protective "Eye of Osiris," creates a photographer's paradise. Beyond seafood, vendors sell local produce, honey, and handicrafts.
Mdina: The Silent City
The former capital of Malta, medieval Mdina stands atop a hill in the center of the main island. Its narrow, car-free streets and honey-colored stone buildings create an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. Walking through Mdina at sunset or in the evening, when day-trippers have departed, offers a magical experience that justifies the effort of finding those Cheap flights to Malta.
Culinary Delights of Malta
Maltese cuisine reflects the islands' position at the crossroads of Mediterranean influences, with dishes showing Italian, North African, and British elements adapted to local ingredients and traditions.
Must-Try Dishes
After arriving on your Cheap flights to Malta, be sure to sample traditional specialties like pastizzi (savory pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas), ftira (a ring-shaped bread similar to focaccia), and rabbit stew (considered the national dish). Lampuki (dorado) is a seasonal fish celebrated when in season from August to December, while Ġbejna (small round cheeses made from sheep or goat milk) showcase Malta's rural culinary traditions.
Local Wines
Malta's wine production has seen significant improvements in recent years, with local vineyards producing quality wines from indigenous grape varieties like Ġellewża and Girgentina alongside international varietals. Vineyard tours and tastings offer insights into this emerging aspect of Maltese culture, providing another enriching experience after finding those Cheap flights to Malta.
Planning Your Malta Itinerary
A week provides sufficient time to experience Malta's highlights, though two weeks allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration. Here's a suggested framework for planning your trip after booking those Cheap flights to Malta:
Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Valletta, including St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Grand Harbour views.
Day 2: Visit prehistoric temples (Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra) and the Blue Grotto.
Day 3: Day trip to Gozo, focusing on Victoria, the Citadel, and Ramla Bay.
One-Week Itinerary
Add to the three-day itinerary:
Day 4: Explore Mdina and Rabat, including the Roman Villa and St. Paul's Catacombs.
Day 5: Beach day at Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay.
Day 6: Visit the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) across from Valletta.
Day 7: Day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Conclusion: Malta Awaits
From ancient temples that predate the pyramids to mesmerizing azure waters that invite exploration, Malta offers extraordinary experiences in a compact package. The blend of historical depth, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm creates a destination that rewards visitors with lasting memories.
With Cheap flights to Malta more accessible than ever through services like Valor Flights, this island nation deserves consideration for your next European adventure. Whether you're walking the historic streets of Valletta, swimming in Comino's Blue Lagoon, or exploring Gozo's rural landscapes, Malta's distinctive character shines through in every experience.
Pack your curiosity, your camera, and perhaps a good history book—Malta's layers of civilization, sparkling waters, and warm hospitality await your discovery. Finding those Cheap flights to Malta is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable Mediterranean journey.