Is Malta an Expensive Destination to Visit?

When looking for places for a next city break or holiday, something most of us need to consider to some extent is the cost of visiting a county. Local economies vary wildly, currency exchange rates fluctuate, and city life is generally more expensive than countryside locations. Some countries and capital cities are well-known for being more expensive because they tend to cater for the luxury market. Singapore, for example is notorious for accommodation being very expensive, and drinks prices in London pubs and bars are generally much higher than other UK locations. The good thing about Malta, and its capital city Valletta, is that there is so much choice when it comes to travelling around, food and drink and sightseeing that a Malta holiday can be enjoyed on any budget.

The cost of transport around Malta

If you’re going to visit Valletta, it’s fairly easy to get about on foot if you have the energy to do so. The main landmarks are all within close proximity to each other. For example, in one day it would be easy to visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta Living History and Grandmasters palace, all of which are adjacent to Republic Street. For travel further afield, and to explore other towns a 7-day “Explore” bus ticket is available and this allows for unlimited travel on any of Malta’s main bus routes to all of the popular attractions, including beaches.  This ticket can also be used in Gozo, a smaller island of the Maltese archipelago. Ecabs and Taxify taxi service are quite affordable too, with prices ranging from €5.00 to €20.00, depending where you need to go.  Their prices tend to be cheaper when compared to the white taxi service on the island.

The Taxify app can also give you a price estimate before you confirm the taxi, which is quite convenient.  Or else you can call Ecabs and ask for it’s rate to your destination. A taxi will be quicker and more private compared to buses, or you could choose to hire a car for a day or week.

The cost of food and drink in Malta

Maltese food and drink are generally, not expensive. In Valletta there is a varied selection of bars, cafés and restaurants that serve anything from a snack to a five-course meal. Of course, the restaurants serving fresh fish, home made dishes and good quality wine will be more expensive. For example the popular Rampila Restaurant in Valletta, serves traditional meat and fish dishes at a cost of €18.00 to €25.00 for a main course. For a coffee from a café expect to pay around €2.00, and for a pint of local beer it’ll cost you around €2.50.  A glass of wine is usually around €5.00, whilst spirits cost around €2.50 to €3.00, depending from where.

Is accommodation in Malta expensive?

The cost of accommodation really depends on what your tastes are. If you plan to visit a city with so much culture as Valletta has, it makes for a more memorable experience if you can stay in an authentic Maltese boutique hotel rather than a cheap guest house, or package holiday resort. The service in a luxury boutique hotel, the quality amenities, and the privacy will definitely warrant the extra cost, and if a boutique stay feels a little frivolous you could always save it for the last couple of nights of your stay to make the end of your trip to Malta especially relaxing.