Malta Public Holidays: How to Spend Them Like a Local

Public holidays are taken rather seriously in Malta. At the beginning of a new year, it is not unusual for locals to scan the calendar to see which holidays fall conveniently beside a weekend and which have been lost to a Saturday or Sunday.

And when a public holiday does arrive, the islands tend to take on a different rhythm.

Depending on the season, families might pack the car for a day by the sea, friends arrange a picnic in the countryside or walkers make the most of cooler weather to head somewhere rural. Others simply take the opportunity for a leisurely lunch, a little shopping or an afternoon spent with family.

For visitors, Malta public holidays can be a chance to see the islands through a slightly more local lens. Instead of treating the day as an inconvenience to your sightseeing plans, embrace the change of pace and enjoy Malta the way many residents do.

There is no single answer. What people do often depends on the season, the weather and the holiday itself.

Religious and Maltese national holidays have their own significance, but for many residents a day away from work is also an opportunity to spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Here are a few ways to make the most of one.

When a public holiday lands in summer, the sea is difficult to resist.

By morning, families begin making their way towards Malta’s beaches with umbrellas, coolers and enough food to settle in for several hours. The Mediterranean becomes the centre of the day: swim, dry off in the sun, find something cold to eat and eventually head back into the water.

If your summer holidays in Malta coincide with a public holiday, expect popular beaches to be livelier than usual. Arriving earlier gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable spot before the busiest part of the day.

And the beach is not exclusively a summer option. During the cooler months, Malta’s bays take on a quieter character. You may not want to swim, but a walk beside the water on a clear winter afternoon can be just as enjoyable.

A picnic is one of those simple pleasures that suits Malta particularly well outside the hottest months.

When the countryside is greener and the temperature is comfortable, families and groups of friends head outdoors with food packed for the afternoon. There is no complicated itinerary. Find somewhere pleasant, spread everything out and let lunch last longer than originally intended.

Kennedy Grove is a convenient option for guests staying at AX ODYCY in Qawra and offers an easy change of scenery from the seafront.

A free day and good weather are also an excellent excuse to walk.

Baħrija, Mdina, Marsaxlokk and Mellieħa all provide opportunities to leave Malta’s busier areas behind and see a more rural side of the island. During the cooler months, paths pass through greener fields and open countryside, with the coast often appearing somewhere in the distance.

There is no need to turn the day into a demanding hike. Pick an area you have not explored before, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to stop along the way.

For visitors, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience Maltese public holidays: not by searching for a major event, but by enjoying the island at the slower pace locals often choose for themselves.

Not everyone wants to spend their day off hiking or carrying a picnic basket.

Sliema and Valletta are natural choices for visitors who prefer a day combining shopping, food and a walk around town. The Sliema waterfront makes it easy to move between shops and cafés, while Valletta offers the added pleasure of wandering through historic streets between stops.

Guests at AX The Palace and AX The Victoria Hotel are particularly well placed for a leisurely day around Sliema, while Rosselli AX Privilege puts Valletta’s streets, restaurants and cultural attractions within walking distance.

Opening arrangements can differ on bank holidays in Malta, however, so check individual shops, attractions and restaurants before building the entire day around a particular venue.

Malta’s calendar reflects the country’s history and traditions, particularly its strong religious heritage and important moments in the nation’s past.

That gives national holidays in Malta a character that goes beyond simply having a day away from work. On certain occasions, visitors may encounter ceremonies, decorations or other local activities connected with the significance of the day.

At the same time, the everyday side of a Maltese public holiday can be just as revealing. Beaches fill up, families gather around tables and people take advantage of the time to enjoy the countryside.

For visitors, both sides are worth experiencing.

If a public holiday falls during your stay, a little forward planning is worthwhile.

Opening hours may change and some attractions, shops or services may operate differently from an ordinary weekday. Popular beaches and leisure areas can also be busier because locals are enjoying the day off too.

Rather than trying to fit an ordinary day’s itinerary around different opening hours, consider changing the plan altogether. Spend the morning by the sea, take a countryside walk or book a long lunch.

Sometimes the easiest way to enjoy a public holiday in Malta is simply to accept that the island has slowed down and join in.