13 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Malta (That Nobody Tells You)

Malta may be small, but it leaves a big impression. Over the past decade, more and more travellers have flocked to its golden stone villages, sapphire seas, Caravaggio-filled churches, and prehistoric temples. The islands welcome guests warmly - but as with any country, there are subtleties that can trip up a first-time visitor.

Follow these thirteen unwritten rules and you’ll experience Malta not as an outsider, but almost like a local.

1 | Slow down and embrace “island time"

Life in Malta moves at its own pace. People chat in the street, buses don’t always arrive on the dot, and dinner parties rarely start exactly on schedule. Locals call it “island time.” The best way to enjoy it? Relax. Smile. Use your trip to adjust your tempo. Stressing over punctuality will only mark you as a tourist.

2 | Dress respectfully at churches

With more than 365 churches, Malta is deeply Catholic. Entering one is stepping into a sacred space, whether it’s the ornate St John’s Co-Cathedral or a quiet village chapel. Cover shoulders, keep shorts or skirts knee-length, and remove hats or sunglasses. A lightweight shawl solves the problem in seconds. Once outside, you can switch back to beachwear - but inside, respect is expected.

3 | Remember to keep left on the roads

British influence still shapes the islands, and one reminder is impossible to miss: Maltese drive on the left. Roads are narrow, traffic can be hectic, and indicators aren’t always used. If you rent a car, keep calm and defensive. As a pedestrian, check carefully before crossing. And on buses - Malta’s main form of public transport - wave to flag one down, ring the bell once, and queue politely.

4 | Be mindful of water and waste

Fresh water is precious here. Malta has no rivers or lakes and depends on desalination. Locals are used to conserving, so follow their lead: take shorter showers, reuse towels, and don’t expect all hotels to wash linens daily. Waste separation is standard; look for colour-coded bins and recycle whenever possible. Protecting Malta’s fragile environment is a collective effort.

5 | Don’t pocket nature - or history

It may be tempting to take home a shell, a stone from Mnajdra Temple, or a sprig of wild thyme. Don’t. Removing natural items is both disrespectful and illegal. The same goes for buying souvenirs made from coral or protected animal products. Instead, support local artisans - buy lace, glassware, or ceramics. They’ll last longer and come with a story.

6 | Dress smart, ask before you snap

Maltese style is neat and modest, particularly in villages. Leave the skimpy tops for beach clubs. In churches and museums, photography rules are strict - often no flash, sometimes no cameras at all. Always ask before taking photos of people. A handshake is the standard greeting, and if you’re invited to someone’s home, arriving with wine, chocolates, or flowers is thoughtful.

7 | Eat on Malta’s timetable

Unlike neighbouring Italy or Spain, Malta eats early. Lunch happens around noon, dinner from six. By nine, many kitchens are winding down. Don’t expect a spontaneous table at a popular spot on Friday night - reservations are key, often made a week in advance. Plan ahead and you’ll enjoy rabbit stew or fresh lampuki (dorado) without the wait.

8 | Tip, but not too much

Service in Malta doesn’t depend on tips, but they are appreciated. Five to ten percent is plenty in restaurants if service was good. Check your bill - some already include a charge. Rounding up a taxi fare or leaving small change at a café is considered polite, but never obligatory.

9 | Respect smoking rules

Lighting up indoors is banned, whether in bars, cafés, or buses. Outdoor areas often allow it, but always check signage. Many hotels have designated smoking zones. Ignoring the rules will earn you disapproving looks - and possibly a fine.

10 | Learn a few Maltese words

Almost everyone speaks English, but trying Maltese delights locals. Start with Ħelow (hello), Grazzi (thank you), and Jekk jogħġbok (please). You’ll also hear filler words like mela and ta, which pepper conversations and are impossible to translate exactly. Even if your accent is off, your effort will be warmly received.

11 | Master bus etiquette

Public buses - tal-linja - are cheap, frequent, and sometimes crowded. To ride like a local: wave to the driver so they stop, move quickly inside, and never block the aisle. Don’t blast music without headphones, and don’t sit right next to someone if plenty of seats are free. A single bell press signals your stop - no need to hammer it. Queues can get tight, so patience is key.

12 | Malta is Malta - not Italy

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often visitors casually lump Malta in with Italy. Yes, Sicily is only 80 km north, and yes, many Maltese understand Italian television. But Malta has never been part of Italy. It has its own language, identity, and history, shaped by Phoenicians, Arabs, Normans, and the British. Referring to Malta as Italian is not just inaccurate - it erases what makes the islands unique.

13 | Join a festa - respectfully

Summer nights in Malta explode with colour and sound during village festas. Streets fill with band marches, food stalls, and dazzling fireworks, while inside, the parish celebrates its patron saint with processions and Mass. These feasts are both party and prayer. Visitors are welcome, but remember: it’s first a religious occasion. Dress decently, behave respectfully, and be prepared for ear-splitting fireworks in broad daylight. That’s how locals show devotion.

The takeaway

Malta offers layers of history, sunshine, and Mediterranean charm - but what makes it truly memorable is how traditions still thrive. By slowing down, respecting local customs, and celebrating the islands’ identity, you’ll see why Maltese hospitality has been winning over travellers for centuries.

Do these, and Malta won’t just feel like a holiday. It will feel like you’ve been let in on the islands’ best-kept secrets.