What budget to travel Malta? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Malta?

In Malta, the most expensive entrance is the Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum (€50 for an adult). Most other sites and museums managed by Heritage Malta cost between €5 and €10 for an adult. A multi-site pass is available (see conditions at https://heritagemalta.org, under "admission fees"), but does not include admission to Hal-Saflieni or Underground Valletta. Don't hesitate to list what you'll have the time and inclination to see to decide whether this pass is worthwhile. Many churches are free to visit, with the exception of the co-cathedral of St. John (€15 for an adult), Mdina (€10 for an adult) or Victoria in Gozo (€4 for an adult). The prices given in this guide refer to adult rates, but various discounts are almost always available for children, senior citizens, students and even families. Don't hesitate to ask when you buy your tickets.

When it comes to the pleasures of swimming, there's no need to head for the pools, as the deep blue sea is at your disposal, with its beautiful beaches and numerous coves. Near Valletta, the seafronts of Sliema and St Julian's are also ideal for a dip, as are the resorts of Malsaforn and Xlendi on Gozo. The archipelago is also the spot for scuba diving, all year round, with or without wetsuit. This is your chance to admire caves, caverns, walls, crevasses and numerous wrecks. Another specific activity is hiking, which is also available all year round, and a list of which can be found at the tourist office. In most cases, the starting and finishing points are served by buses. You can also hire a boat and take a cruise around Malta or go kayaking to discover the caves. And don't forget that many hotels, especially on the north coast, have their own spas.

What budget to eat Malta?

Of course, it all depends on what you eat, but you can reckon on a budget of around €30 per person for a meal. On the other hand, for those who like to eat "on the go", Malta is full of good deals, foremost among which are the pastizzerija, almost a Maltese institution, which are in fact small stalls selling hot pastizzi in strategic places. You can enjoy these turnovers, often with chicken, cheese or peas, at ridiculously low prices (between €0.40 and €0.60 each). They can also be found in the many Maltese kiosks. Maltese sandwiches will also be your friends, as will ftira, the round breads used to make Maltese "pizzas".

What is the budget for accommodation Malta?

Expect to pay between €50 and €130 for an apartment or double room in a 3-star hotel or resort. For those on a budget, there are still a few guesthouses available at around €60 per night, although the number is dwindling. For a luxury hotel, expect to pay from €140 to €300 and more. Budget travelers can opt for youth hostels, especially in the Sliema and St Julian's areas. Membership of the International Youth Hostel Federation is compulsory for hostels in the network, but can be purchased on site, before your first night. Whatever your accommodation, you'll have to pay an environmental tax of €0.50 per day and per person (rarely mentioned in the advertised price).

As a general rule, the low season runs from February to March, and picks up again from October to the end of November.

Travel budget Malta and cost of living

Until the 2010s, Malta was an inexpensive destination, but since then prices have been rising, boosted by Valletta's status as Capital of Culture in 2018. This is particularly true in the more touristy areas. Life here is still a little cheaper than in France, and less expensive than in Paris. Of course, for two people, the price per person is more attractive, whether for accommodation in a double room or car rental.

Small budget: simple guesthouse accommodation (around €50 per person with breakfast), quick lunch(pastizzi, less than €5), good evening meal (around €30), public transport (€2 per journey; €21 weekly pass), other (coffee €1.50). That's less than €90 a day. But you can of course save on meals. And there are discounts on long-term accommodation.

Average budget: night in a hotel (approx. €60 to €100 per person in a double room), 2 meals (one light and one full) at €20 and €35, i.e. €105 to €155 per day. You may also need to rent a vehicle (scooter €15, car at least €25).

Big budget: anything is possible. Overnight in a comfortable hotel (from €70 per person), car rental (€25 to €40 per day), 2 meals in a sought-after restaurant (€40-60).

To all these budgets, you can add leisure activities such as diving, cruises and sightseeing.

In restaurants, if service is not included, tipping is at your discretion. Some restaurants add a covercharge, usually €2 to €3 per person. But this is not systematic, and you won't be in for a nasty surprise, as this charge must be indicated on the menu card.

To reduce your budget, consider taking out multi-trip cards, which allow you to travel by bus throughout the country at a very attractive rate (€21 for a week with unlimited travel or €15 for 12 trips, bearing in mind that the basic unit is valid regardless of the length of your trip, two stations or crossing the island). Passes are also available to visit sites managed by Heritage Malta(https://heritagemalta.org). Make sure you have the time and inclination to do everything that's included.