Visiting Malta in winter offers a combination of historical research, cultural experience and natural beauty, all without the elderly crowds.

Malta in February is a good opportunity to visit interesting museums, cathedrals and excursions without unnecessary queues. And nature and wonderful warm weather offers walking and hinging along the rocks by the sea. So – in winter on Malta you can combine a peaceful holiday and adventures in nature.

This is exactly how I did when I visited Malta in winter – I walked through the natural bays of the islands, saw Valletta, Three cities, Marsashlok, Mdina and many other places, visited Malta, Gozo and Comino. And participated in the brightest carnival in Wallett. Super journey!

Why Malta is Amazing in Winter

Fewer tourists = more space.
Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and even Comino are much calmer compared to the summer rush. You can actually enjoy walking the streets, museums, and historic fortifications without crowds.
Nature at its best.
Winter rains bring greenery and flowers back to the islands. Coastal trails and cliffs are fresh and photogenic — with dramatic skies and fewer distractions.
Mild weather compared to Europe.
Average daytime temperature in February: 15–17 °C, night: 9–11 °C. Sunlight: about 6–7 hours daily. Sea: chilly (15–16 °C), but refreshing for brave swimmers.
Festivals and local life.
February brings the colorful Carnival celebrations (in Valletta and Nadur on Gozo) and the Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck on February 10th. Perfect time to mix culture with adventure.
Cheaper flights & accommodation.
Low season means affordable flights with Ryanair or Wizz and better hotel deals.

Practical Tips

Clothing: bring layers, a warm sweater, waterproof jacket, scarf/hat for evenings.
Footwear: comfortable closed shoes for cobblestones & coastal paths.
Transport: buses work year-round, ferries too (but check schedules due to winds). A weekly bus card is cost-effective.
Accommodation: Valletta, Sliema, or Mdina as a base; Gozo for nature and slower pace. Prices are lower in winter, but Carnival dates get busy → book in advance.
Food: try pastizzi, rabbit stew, fresh fish in Marsaxlokk. Restaurants are open year-round in cities, but some small village spots may close midweek.
Events: Carnival (dates vary, usually mid-late February) is vibrant and worth experiencing. St. Paul’s Feast on Feb 10th is one of Malta’s most traditional religious celebrations.

My winter route

6-Day Malta Winter Itinerary (February)

Day	Plan	Details & Tips
Day 1	Arrival — Valletta	Settle in, walk around Valletta’s streets, Upper Barrakka Gardens, enjoy views of the Grand Harbour. Dinner in a local restaurant. Layered clothing is key for the evening.
Day 2	Culture & History	Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, National Archaeology Museum. In the afternoon: take a ferry to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua). Keep a “rainy day plan” for museums or cafés.
Day 3	Mdina & the Cliffs	Morning: Mdina & Rabat (catacombs, medieval streets). Afternoon: head west to Dingli Cliffs or Blue Grotto for sunset. Bring snacks — restaurants in small towns can be limited.
Day 4	Gozo	Ferry crossing. Explore Victoria (the Citadel), salt pans, Sanap Cliffs, and hidden bays. Stay overnight if possible. Check ferry schedule ahead.
Day 5	Comino (if ferries run)	Take a boat to Comino — walk around Blue Lagoon & cliffs (fewer people in winter = perfect for photos). Later: visit Mellieħa Bay or the north coast of Malta. Swimming is optional (cold!).
Day 6	Festivals & Farewell	If your trip falls on Carnival week: join parades & street parties. If February 10th: experience the Feast of St. Paul in Valletta. Spend the evening with Maltese wine & seafood dinner.

Where to stay in Malta in Winter

Budget Stays

Valletta / Sliema (Good for first days)

Budget / Hostels

Follow the Sun Hostel — St. Julian’s
Two Pillows Boutique Hostel — Sliema
Kampnar Holiday Home (Kampnar) — Gozo /

Comfort / Mid-range

Palais Le Brun — Valletta boutique hotel
The Duke Boutique Hotel — Victoria, Gozo
Cesca’s Boutique Hotel — Xlendi, Gozo

💡 My suggestion:

Stay first 3 nights in Valletta/Sliema (for easy access to culture & ferries).
Then 2 nights in Gozo (for nature, hikes, and peaceful evenings).
Last night back near the airport (or Valletta if your flight is late next day).

The best things you can do in the winter on Malta

Here is my list “Must-DO” + Recommendations of places that you can enjoy during your winter trip to Malta:

Valletta

Take a walk in the capital of Malta, the object of the UNESCO World Heritage, and visit such attractions as St. John Cathedral with the famous painting of Caravaggio “The Epiphany of St. John the Baptist’s Chairman.” And also the palace of the Great Master and the upper gardens of Barrakca, from which there is a stunning view of the big harbor.

Walletta with its historic buildings, typical wooden balconies and various residues of the colonial era radiates a special charm. Skyline is characterized by a massive city wall, a huge dome church of Carmelites and the tower of St. Paul’s Cathedral. The density of sights in Wallett is huge.

Mdina and Rabat

Discover the ancient city of Mdina, also known as the “quiet city“, and explore its narrow streets, historic buildings and panoramic landscapes of the island. Located in the northern part of the island, MDina served as the capital of the island until the Middle Ages. Today it is a beautifully preserved fortified city that invites visitors to look into the rich history and inheritance of Malta.

The key features of Mdina are its striking fortifications, narrow winding streets and medieval architecture. The city is surrounded by fortress walls, from which stunning landscapes open to the surrounding countryside and sea. Walking with Mdina with her quiet streets, old stone buildings and historical monuments gives the impression of returning to the past.

Тhree cities

Відкрийте для себе три історичні міста Мальти — Вітторіоза (Біргу), Сенглеа (Л-Ісла) та Коспікуа (Бормла), які просякнуті історією та пропонують захопливий погляд на багате минуле Мальти. Розташовані через Гранд-Харбор від Валлетти, ці укріплені міста є одними з найстаріших та найбільш історично значущих районів острова.

Дослідіть Палац Інквізитора — унікальний музей, розташований в історичному палаці, Форт Святого Ангела — одну з найважливіших історичних пам’яток Мальти, стратегічно розташовану на краю Вітторіози (Біргу) у Гранд-Харборі (Великій Бухті), та чарівні набережні .

Прогулянки і трекінг

Use a cooler temperature and explore the picturesque rural area of Malta on foot. Although there are no huge mountain ranges or forests on Malta, it still offers many opportunities for hiking and research due to its cut shore line, picturesque rocks and rural areas.

Trails along the coast on the Gozo – for example, the route from the ferry to the Sannat rocks.
Dingley rocks on Malta – are located on the west coast of Malta and offer stunning landscapes to the Mediterranean. Along the rocks there are pedestrian trails that provide opportunities for leisurely walks, enjoying exciting scenery.
The Natural and Historical Park of the Magistral, located on the northwestern Malta coast, is the largest protected natural territory of the island. It has a network of pedestrian trails that twist through rough terrain, coastal rocks and picturesque valleys, offering opportunities for the study of various flora and fauna.
Victoria lines are a historic defensive wall that extends throughout the width of Malta, dividing the island into two halves. Victoria lines offer picturesque pedestrian routes with a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Gain-tufha and Golden Gulf are sandy beaches on the northwestern Malta coast, surrounded by beautiful rural areas and rocks. There are pedestrian paths leading from one bay to the other, of which there is a stunning view of the coast and the sea.
The Buskett and the Valley-Il-Luke gardens, located in the central part of Malta, are a quiet wooded area with pedestrian trails leading to the Valley of the Al-Luke. The valley is known for its lush vegetation, limestone rocks and picturesque landscapes.
Comino is a separate island, but it is easy to get from Malta. It offers great opportunities for hiking. The island is mostly non -residential and has a cut coastline, hidden bays and stunning landscapes.

Tip: When hiking on Malta, always hold the marked paths and respect any protective areas or habitats of wildlife that you face.каєтесь.

Gozo Island and Comino

Two days on the Gozo – see bays, saltworks, natural landscapes

Comino: Even if the sea is cold, grottoes, rocky shores, “blue lagoon” are incredibly beautiful photos, fresh air and a minimum of people.

Culinary impressions and everyday life

Fish markets-like Marsashlokk – a great place to taste local seafood and soap. Go to cafes, cafes, test the shepherd, rabbit in wine, wine of local production.

Marsashlokk

Marsashlokk — the picturesque fishing village, located in the southeastern part of Malta, near the capital of Walletta. It is known for its colorful traditional Malta fishing boats called “luzzi”. They are decorated with painted eyes on the nose, which is believed to drive away evil spirits and provide a safe journey of fishermen.

Enjoy cultural experience

National Museum of Archeology: Located in Walletta, this museum demonstrates artifacts of the prehistoric Malta period, including objects of hypogeus and megalithic temples.
Malta War Museum: Birg, this museum offers an idea of the role of Malta in World War II and has a large collection of wartime artifacts.
The carnival on Malta, held in February, is one of the most anticipated events on the island, which combines bright traditions, lively parades and colorful costumes. It is a holiday known as “Il-Karnival Ta ‘Malta”, reaches its history in the 16th century and takes place in Malta and Gotzo islands, and Valletta and Nadur are the main activity centers of activity.

Rest on the beaches

Although swimming in winter is impossible because of cold water in the sea, you can still enjoy relaxing walks along the beach or sit by the sea to enjoy a calm atmosphere. Here are a few beaches on Malta where you can relax:

The Golden Gulf is a sandy beach on the northwestern Malta coast, popular with its golden sand and clean water. In November, there may be fewer people than in the peak of the summer months, which provides a carefree atmosphere for relaxation.
The Melliech Gulf, also known as the Gadir Gulf, is one of the largest sandy Malta beaches. It offers shallow water and a wide sand strip, ideal for relaxation and sunlight. In November, visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere than summer crowds.
Gaya Gaine Tuffyech, adjacent to the Golden Gulf, is another beautiful sandy beach surrounded by rocks and natural vegetation. From here there is a stunning view of the sunset and a more separated atmosphere, ideal for recreation in November.
The bay of the frame, located on the island of Gozo, is famous for its red sandy beach and crystal with clean water. St. George’s Bay, located in St. Julian, is a small sandy beach with calm water, making it suitable for relaxation and leisurely walks. There are also various seaside cafes and restaurants in the area where you can enjoy a kind of food.

Budget Travel Style (Backpacker / Smart Saver)

Accommodation:

Hostels in Valletta or Sliema: €15–25/night (dorm bed)
Budget guesthouse or Airbnb: €30–50/night (private room)
For Gozo: guesthouse/hostel ~€20–40/night

Food:

Street food: pastizzi, ftira, or snacks: €2–5
Cafeteria / local eatery: €8–12 per meal
Groceries for self-cooking: €20–30 for 3–4 days

Transport:

Public bus card (Tallinja Explore): €21/week (unlimited rides)
Ferries Malta ↔ Gozo: €4.65 return (on foot)
Comino boat: ~€10 return (weather dependent)

Activities:

Many sights are free: Mdina, cliffs, markets, coastal trails
Museums & cathedrals: €5–15 each
Total activities: ~€40–50 for the week

Daily Budget Estimate: €40–60/day
Total for 6 days: €250–350 (excluding flights)

Comfort Travel Style (Mid-Range Explorer)

Accommodation:

3★ hotel or boutique guesthouse in Valletta/Sliema: €70–100/night
Gozo farmhouse or boutique B&B: €60–90/night

Food:

Sit-down restaurants: €20–30 per person
Nice dinner with wine: €35–50
Mix of dining out and snacks → €30–40/day

Transport:

Weekly bus card: €21
Occasional taxi/ride-share (Bolt/eCabs): €10–20/trip
Day car rental (for Gozo or west coast): €25–35/day + fuel (~€10)

Activities:

Museums, heritage sites: €50–70 total
Optional guided tours (e.g. Valletta walking tour, boat cruise around harbours): €20–40 each
Spa / wine tasting / fine dining add-ons possible

Daily Budget Estimate: €100–130/day
Total for 6 days: €650–800 (excluding flights)

Flights (February estimates)

From Central/Eastern Europe: €50–120 return (Ryanair, Wizz, EasyJet)
From Western Europe: €80–180 return
From US/Canada: €450–700 return (with stopover in Europe)

Total:

Backpacker style: ~€300 total (6 days + flights ~€400–500 within Europe).
Comfort style: ~€750 total (6 days + flights ~€900–1,000 within Europe).

So — if you’re looking for mild Mediterranean weather, cultural events, dramatic landscapes, and budget-friendly travel in winter, Malta in February is a perfect choice.

Useful links for traveling to Malta:

Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on DiscoverCars
Booking hotels and apartments – traditionally on Booking.com
Travel insurance with discounts – online on the portal EKTA
Excursions in Malta – book in advance on GetYourGuide
Buses in Malta and Gozo onare the website of the transport company of Malta.
High-speed ferry from Malta to Gozo – tickets are available at the ticket office or online on the port’s website.

Winter Malta – My Travel Experience in February

Why Malta is Amazing in Winter

Practical Tips

My winter route

Where to stay in Malta in Winter