Malta Travel Safety — Low Risk – Generally Safe | TouristAlert.com
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Malta

Updated 29 days ago
A train track running through a snow covered forest
Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
Low Risk

Generally Safe

Malta is generally very safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime and solid emergency services. The most common issues are petty theft in busy tourist areas, road-safety risks from aggressive driving, and occasional summer heat and sea hazards.

Key Risks
  • Pickpocketing and bag snatches in crowded areas (Valletta waterfront, Sliema, St Julian’s, buses, nightlife zones)
  • Drink spiking and late-night incidents around Paceville nightlife district
  • Road safety: fast, assertive driving, narrow streets, scooters, and left-side traffic; higher risk for pedestrians
  • Heat illness and dehydration in summer; strong sun and limited shade on hikes and beaches
  • Sea hazards: strong currents, slippery rocks, and diving/snorkeling accidents, especially in windy conditions
Daily Costs (USD)
Hostel$38
Hotel$140
Apartment$125
Transport$9
Coffee$3.2
Beer$5.5
Sandwich$9
Dinner (2)$70

Estimates only. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood, and personal spending habits. Always check current prices before travelling.

Safety Scorecard
⚔️Conflict

Armed conflict, military tensions & territorial disputes.

10/10 · Excellent
🚨Terrorism

Risk based on recent threat levels & incidents.

9/10 · Excellent
🔪Violent Crime

Murder, assault, robbery & armed attacks.

9/10 · Excellent
🎭Petty Crime & Scams

Pickpocketing, bag-snatching & tourist scams.

7/10 · Good
🏛️Political Stability

Strength & stability of the government.

9/10 · Excellent
🏥Health

Disease risk, healthcare quality & availability.

9/10 · Excellent
🌪️Natural Disaster

Earthquake, flood, cyclone & volcanic activity risk.

9/10 · Excellent
🚌Infrastructure

Transport safety, roads & emergency services.

8/10 · Good
🤝Social & Cultural

Welcomeness for solo female & LGBTQ+ travellers.

10/10 · Excellent
🍽️Food & Water

Food poisoning risk & tap water safety.

9/10 · Excellent

Scores 1–10 · 10 = best · 1 = worst

Travel News
Airport

Lufthansa Pilots' Strike Affects Flights in Malta

Lufthansa flights from Malta International Airport continue to face cancellations and delays due to an ongoing strike by pilots over pay disputes, impacting travelers' plans significantly.

Hot Malta· 2026-05-01
Transport

Protests Cause Delays on Gozo Channel Ferries

Protests over unpaid allowances have resulted in significant delays on Gozo Channel ferries, impacting local commuters and tourists traveling between Malta and Gozo.

Expatax Malta· 2026-05-03
Safety

Maritime Safety Issues due to Drone-Damaged Tanker

A drone-damaged Russian LNG tanker is drifting towards Malta, causing maritime safety concerns and disruptions to shipping operations in the region.

Planet News· 2026-05-02

Updated 29 days ago

Why Visit?

Malta packs honey-colored fortresses, baroque cities, and shimmering coves into a compact archipelago where you can beach-hop by day and dine in centuries-old alleys by night. It’s a Mediterranean crossroads of cultures—Arab, Italian and British influences—served with exceptional diving, easy island-hopping and a lively café scene.

5 Things To Do
  1. 1
    Walled Valletta walk

    Stroll the bastioned capital for grand harborside views, carved limestone facades and pocket-sized museums. Time it for golden hour on the Upper Barrakka Gardens and you’ll see the city glow.

  2. 2
    Megalithic temples and prehistoric Malta

    Visit Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra (or Tarxien) to see some of the world’s oldest freestanding stone structures. Go early to beat the heat and crowds, and pair it with nearby coastal viewpoints.

  3. 3
    Blue Grotto & south-coast cliffs

    Take a short boat ride when seas are calm to peer into sea caves with electric-blue water. Continue along the cliffs for dramatic viewpoints and quieter coastal walks.

  4. 4
    Gozo day trip: Victoria and coastal scenes

    Hop the ferry to Gozo for a slower, greener feel—start with the Cittadella in Victoria for panoramic views. Finish at a seaside village for a swim and a long late lunch.

  5. 5
    Diving or snorkeling in clear bays

    Malta is one of Europe’s standout dive destinations, with wrecks, reefs and excellent visibility. Beginners can do a try-dive in sheltered bays; experienced divers can book wreck and cavern trips.

5-Day Itinerary
1
Valletta and the Grand Harbour

Spend the morning walking Valletta’s streets, gardens and harbor viewpoints, then dip into a museum or cathedral depending on your interests. In the evening, take a harbor cruise or a short ferry across to the Three Cities for dinner with waterfront views.

2
Mdina, Rabat and inland Malta

Head to Mdina for quiet lanes and sweeping bastion views, then wander next-door Rabat for local bakeries and small historical sites. End the day at the Dingli Cliffs for sunset if the wind isn’t too strong.

3
South coast sea caves and swim stops

Start at the Blue Grotto early while the light is best and the seas are often calmer. Build the rest of the day around a couple of swim spots or short coastal walks, keeping midday for shade and a long lunch.

4
Gozo escape

Catch an early ferry to Gozo, explore Victoria’s Cittadella, then choose a beach or bay for an afternoon swim. If you’re not driving, plan around bus times and finish with dinner before the return ferry.

5
Beach time and nightlife (or slow culture day)

Pick a beach or snorkeling bay for a relaxed final day, or stay cultural with a temples visit if you skipped them. If you go out in St Julian’s/Paceville, keep valuables minimal, watch your drink, and pre-book a ride back.

Things To Know
  • Driving is on the left and roads can feel hectic; consider taxis/ride-hailing if you’re not confident, and be extra cautious as a pedestrian at crossings.
  • Summer heat is intense: carry water, use high-SPF sunscreen, and plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning/late afternoon.
  • Buses are inexpensive but can be slow and crowded; allow buffer time, especially for airport transfers and day trips.
  • Book popular boat trips and Gozo stays in advance during peak season, and always check wind/sea conditions before swimming or boating.
  • Tap water is generally safe but can taste chlorinated; many travelers prefer bottled/filtered water while staying hydrated.
Kids & Accessibility

Malta is family-friendly with short travel distances, beaches, and plenty of casual dining, though stroller use can be tricky on steep streets and uneven pavements in historic cores. Accessibility is improving, but older towns have steps and narrow sidewalks; base yourself near flatter areas (Sliema/Valletta waterfront zones) and confirm elevator access and step-free entries before booking.