Holidaying in Winter in Malta?

Malta is best known for its summer holidays, sunny beaches and long days by the sea. But there’s another side to the islands once the summer crowds have gone home. Winter brings cooler weather, quieter streets and a chance to see Malta at your own pace.

If you’re wondering what to do in Malta in winter, you won’t be short of ideas. Spend a morning walking along the coast, discover Malta’s history in Valletta or visit some of the island’s beautiful churches and ancient temples. The weather is generally mild, and on a clear day, you can still enjoy a bit of sunshine while you’re out exploring.

Planning a winter break in Malta? Here are a few places to add to your itinerary.

Winter is a good time to get outdoors in Malta, especially if you enjoy walking and sightseeing without the summer heat. The north of the island has some beautiful coastal scenery and walking routes that are well worth exploring on a clear day.

Salina National Park and the nearby salt pans are a nice place to start, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a family walk. If you enjoy history, you could follow part of the Victoria Lines, Malta’s old defensive system, which passes through the countryside. Golden Bay is another place worth visiting, even when it’s too cold for a swim. On a calm winter day, you can take in the coastal views and enjoy a walk along the beach without the usual summer crowds.

You could also book a horse riding session and see the coastline on horseback. And if you’re feeling brave enough to face the cooler water, a sunny winter afternoon might even tempt you in for a swim.

Valletta is the kind of city where you can spend hours wandering through the streets and still come across something you haven’t seen before. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, it’s home to historic buildings, museums and narrow streets that tell the story of Malta’s past.

A good way to discover Valletta is simply to walk around and take in its architecture and fortifications. If you’re interested in Malta’s history, visit the National Museum of Archaeology to learn about the island’s earliest inhabitants. The Lascaris War Rooms offer a look at Malta’s role during the Second World War, while the Grandmaster’s Palace and its Armoury are also worth seeing. Another interesting stop is the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo.

If you enjoy theatre or music, take a look at what’s on at Teatru Manoel, one of Europe’s oldest working theatres, or Pjazza Teatru Rjal. Both host performances throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their programmes before your visit.

And should the weather turn rainy, Valletta has enough museums and indoor attractions to keep you occupied for the day.

Malta has a fascinating prehistoric past, and some of the island’s oldest sites are still open to visitors today. If history interests you, it’s worth setting aside some time to see them during your holiday. Two of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage listings are dedicated to its prehistoric heritage.

One of these is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Paola, an underground complex of chambers that was used for burial and religious purposes. Visiting the Hypogeum is quite different to exploring the temples above ground, and it’s an interesting way to learn about the people who lived on the islands thousands of years ago.

Malta’s Megalithic Temples are also worth visiting. These include Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Tarxien, Skorba and Ta’ Ħaġrat, as well as Ġgantija in Gozo. Each site offers a glimpse into Malta’s prehistoric history and the beliefs of its earliest communities.

The cooler winter weather makes visiting the outdoor temples more comfortable, especially if you plan to spend some time walking around. If you’d like to visit the Hypogeum, remember to check ticket availability before your trip.

Churches have always played an important role in Maltese life, and you’ll find some impressive examples in towns and villages across the islands. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious history, many are worth visiting for their architecture, paintings and the stories behind them.

The Mosta Rotunda is one of Malta’s best known churches, recognised for its enormous dome. It’s also remembered for an incident during the Second World War, when a bomb fell through the dome during Mass but failed to explode. Today, you can see a replica of the bomb displayed inside the church.

In Valletta, St John’s Co-Cathedral is another place worth seeing. Its richly decorated interior is impressive, and it’s home to Caravaggio’s famous painting, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

If you’re heading to Gozo for the day, consider stopping at Ta’ Pinu Basilica. It’s one of Gozo’s best known religious landmarks and makes an interesting addition to a day spent exploring the island.

You don’t need to plan every hour of your holiday to enjoy Malta in winter. You might spend one day visiting museums and historic sites, then take things more slowly the next day with a long lunch or a walk along the seafront.

If you’re travelling in December, it’s worth keeping your plans flexible. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so having a few indoor activities in mind will come in handy if it rains.

For anyone planning winter breaks in Malta, AX Hotels has accommodation in Sliema, Qawra, Valletta and Rabat. Each location gives you a different starting point for exploring the islands, depending on what you’d like to see during your stay. After a day out, you can head back to your hotel and relax before deciding where to go next.

Take a look at our AX Hotels accommodation and start planning your winter holiday.