Malta is an archipelago that is located in the central Mediterranean. As small as this European island country might be, it sure has a lot to offer. Sunny days all year long, crystal clear waters, warm temperatures, beautiful sandy beaches, hotels with pools—plus, it is rich in culture and has historical significance.
An immediate question that might come to might is how can you afford to go to Malta when you’re on a limited budget. Island holidays to places such as Hawaii and Bali are known to be expensive—surely, visiting Malta must also be rather expensive?
However, if you can locate a cheap flight and reasonable accommodations, it is possible to travel to Malta and stay within your budget. Many of the activities on the island can be enjoyed at little to no cost.
Catch some rays at Mellieha Bay
If you’re going to Malta, you’ll want to spend at least one day at the beach. And since you’re surrounded by shorelines, you will likely be able to find a beach close to your hotel that you can walk to. There are also public transportation options that will take you to some of the most popular beaches, such as Mellieha Bay.
Other than transportation, it doesn’t cost anything to visit Mellieha Bay. Pack a lunch and water, bring sunscreen, and enjoy an inexpensive day of sand, water, and sunshine.
Check out historical buildings in Valletta
Learning about the history and culture of Malta is relatively inexpensive if you visit Valletta. Valletta is the capital city of the island and has over 300 historical locations for you to visit. Many of these locations, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral, don’t charge entry fees.
There are also museums for you to visit. While most of Valletta’s museums charge an entrance fee, the fees are relatively inexpensive. The museums are a great way to spend a rainy day when you aren’t able to go to the beach.
Walk the promenade in Sliema
Sliema is the commercial district of the island. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs to visit here. And while buying clothes or hitting the club might not be within your budget, you can at least walk the promenade for free.
Sliema’s promenade stretches along the coastline. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the ocean while also doing some window shopping. Also, street art is encouraged in Malta—and since Sliema is an area that artists visit regularly, you’re sure to spot some amazing murals on your walk.
Take a hike around the island
Malta has plenty of natural beauty and what better way to enjoy it than taking a hike around the island. The Dingli Cliffs are a favorite because they’re the highest point on the island. While exploring the cliffs, you’ll get gorgeous views of the Mediterranean.
You might also want to venture to Gozo or Comino. These islands are only accessible by ferry, but both have scenic hiking trails. Trails through Gozo take you past quaint villages, red sand beaches, and prehistoric temples. Comino, on the other hand, has the stunning Blue Lagoon.
Sample some street food
If you’re on a budget, you might be limited on how often you can eat out. But if you’re in Malta, you won’t want to miss out on trying traditional Maltese cuisine. Malta combines fresh island produce with borrowed flavors from surrounding countries.
A way to sample various Maltese cuisine at an affordable cost is by hitting up the street vendors in Sliema. While you won’t be able to get full portions without paying, some of them will hand out bite-size samples. Savory pastries are a popular treat!
Plan visit in advance
The key to finding cheap things to do in Malta is to plan your visit in advance. Don’t wait until you’re on the island to figure out what you’re going to do. Set a budget, find activities that fit within that budget, and create an itinerary that allows you to easily get to activities at a low transportation cost.
And while you’re planning activities, don’t forget to start looking at hotels and flights. The earlier you can book your flight and hotels, the more affordable they will be.
In Conclusion
There are plenty of free or inexpensive activities to do in Malta that can help make a trip to the island possible even if you’re on a small budget.
The most expensive part of your trip will be the flight and hotel, but if you book these several months in advance, your trip will be more affordable.
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events.
