what to bring to Malta

17 Top Malta Packing List Items for 2025 + What to Wear & NOT to Bring

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Malta is one of the lesser-known Mediterranean paradises, but this small island nation has so much to offer. If the sea, sunshine, history, and good food is calling your name then look no further. It’s a safe and small island which makes exploring a breeze! Many people don’t know what to expect when visiting Malta which can make packing pretty difficult. We’ve created this ultimate packing list of what to bring, as well as a list of what NOT to bring, and answers to FAQs about Malta!

Table of contents
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What to Pack for Malta – 17 Essentials

  • 1. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    Microfiber Towel

    When staying on a Mediterranean island, you’re bound to go for several dips in the water. Whether it’s in the turquoise sea or the hotel pool, you’ll need a towel to dry off afterward. Quick-dry towels are the best because they are compact, repel odor, and dry much quicker than normal towels. You’ll be glad you brought one.

    View on Amazon.com

  • 2. Cooling Towels

    Cooling Towels

    A cooling towel has never been more useful when sightseeing on vacation in the heat. When the shade and the ice cream just don’t seem to cool you down, simply wet this cooling towel and enjoy the instant ice-cold relief. The incredible technology in these towels makes it so they can cool down 20-30 degrees colder than the outside temperatures! These are a life-saver on those hot days!

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  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    how a vpn works

    Malta has long been a victim of online attacks, as many European countries are not up-to-date on their cybersecurity policies. This has led Maltese banks to lose €13M+, and you should not gamble with your internet security while overseas.

    I learned this first-hand when my credit card number was stolen at an Aribnb that I thought was safe. Now, I’m fully aware that any public network at airports, cafes, hotels, etc. – can leave you vulnerable to hackers and creepy onlookers trying to monitor your online activity.

    A VPN offers a layer of encryption to protect your digital information. This provides real peace of mind since no one can monitor your online activity. We use NordVPN while at home and abroad! They’re our preferred option for unlimited bandwidth and access to 6K+ servers in 100+ countries! This means better flight deals, more online access, less censorship, less geo-located pricing, faster streaming, and an overall safer experience.

    View NordVPN.com Options

  • 4. LifeStraw Water Bottle

    Water Filter Bottle

    Although most water is safe to drink in Europe, it’s best not to take any chances. A water bottle with a built-in filter like this one saves you from having to buy countless plastic bottles and you can feel confident that the water you’re drinking is safe. For the amount of time that you’ll be spending under the Mediterranean sun, you’re going to want to stay hydrated.

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  • 5. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    Hero Umbrella

    When staying by the sea it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unpredictable weather. Although Malta is overall fairly dry, don’t let a small rainshower stop you from going out and exploring. This travel umbrella is perfect to bring along with you because it’s super small so even if you’re lucky and don’t end up needing to use it, it won’t have taken up too much space in your luggage anyway!

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  • 6. Travel Insurance for Malta

    Travel Insurance for Malta

    Traveling halfway around the world without travel insurance is a wild idea. Your domestic provider will not cover you outside of the country in most cases, and just as you wouldn’t drive without insurance, you shouldn’t travel without it either. It covers common travel issues such as flight delays, baggage loss, theft, evacuations, and expensive medical transports and treatment. There is no reason for you to be paying six-figure bills out-of-pocket when you can simply insure your trip for about 5% of its total cost, or often less!

    We use Faye because they have revolutionized the industry! As the first 100% digital provider, everything is handled on their mobile app from claims to reimbursements to 24/7 customer support. They add a human touch that’s usually missing and offer real support, not more stacks of paperwork! It’s the smartest way you can prepare for your trip.

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye

  • 7. Waterproof Phone Case

    Universa Waterproof

    When vacationing by the sea it would be wise to keep your phone in a waterproof case to protect it from any accidental water damage. Not only does this case keep your phone and all of the valuable information stored on it safely, but it also turns your phone into an underwater camera!

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  • 8. Packing Cubes

    cube

    Packing cubes are the key to staying organized and sane on vacation. These come in cubes of different sizes so you can organize you’re clothing and accessories accordingly. They even have space to hold a notecard so you can label what’s inside each one! They’ll help keep your suitcase neat and your hotel room tidy. You can’t beat these!

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  • 9. Universal Power Adapter

    Power Adaptor

    If you’re traveling from North America then you will need a power adapter to keep your electronics charged. You want to make sure you choose an adapter that’s appropriate for your electronics. The last thing you want to buy is a questionable adapter that could damage your appliances. This one is perfect for common electronics like cameras, smartphones, laptops, and e-readers.

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  • 10. Neck Wallet

    Neck Wallet

    When navigating from place to place it can be easy to forget or misplace something. It’s better to keep all of your valuables like cash, credit cards, and passports safely together in one place and out of sight. This neck wallet does exactly that and can be worn discreetly under your shirt. Having one of these is a great way to stay organized and when on the go.

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  • 11. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    charger

    Save yourself a lot of trouble and never leave your hotel without a portable charger. This one, in particular, is so small that it can fit almost anywhere making it easy to bring along wherever. Between using our phones as a GPS, camera, and of course to message and make phone calls, it’s not unheard of for your phone to run out of battery before the day is done. Easily bring your phone back to life with a portable charger even when you’re out and on the go.

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  • 12. Jet Lag Relief

    Jet Lag Relief

    If you're flying transatlantic to get to Malta, then you already know you're in for a long flight. I've found that these natural jet lag relief pills make a world of difference when it comes to how I feel the first few days in a drastically different time zone. They really help you adjust and keep your energy levels up so you can spend less time feeling jet lagged and more time out exploring.

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  • 13. Dry Skin Healing Ointment

    Aquaphor set

    Air travel is notorious for drying out your skin. Bringing along a good moisturizer to heal cracked skin will make your trip all the more comfortable. This healing ointment is great because you can use it on any part of your skin like your hands, lips, or nose to treat uncomfortable dry spots. You can feel it repairing your skin almost immediately after applying and it’s not long before any skin discomfort disappears.

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  • 14. Hand Sanitizer

    Baby Bum Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer has become an essential item to travel with. You’ll use it on the plane, in taxis, before eating, the list goes on. Protect yourself from germs and from getting sick by frequently using hand sanitizer. This one comes in a convenient spray bottle and smells super nice. It’s moisturizing too so you don’t have to worry about your hands drying out from sanitizing them too often!

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  • 15. Sunscreen

    Sunscreen

    Even when it doesn’t feel hot, the sun can be strong in Malta. You’ll often be walking around where there isn’t much shade or vegetation so it is easy to get burned without even noticing it. Using a good sunscreen is important for protecting yourself and staying comfortable on vacation so you don’t suffer from a bad case of sunburn.

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  • 16. Daypack

    daypack

    Having a comfortable and lightweight backpack really comes in handy. You’d be surprised at the number of things you’ll want to bring along with you when you go out for the day. This day pack has plenty of room for all your belongings with several compartments to keep everything organized.

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  • 17. Wide Brim Hat

    man hat

    Look stylish while protecting yourself from the glare of the midday sun with a wide brim hat. You’ll find yourself wearing it while walking around town and even when lounging at the beach or by the pool. This one comes in a variety of colors and is a fun way to accessorize any outfit.

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What to Wear in Malta

Malta’s sunny and warm Mediterranean weather calls for light and breezy clothing, especially in the summer months. Winter can be a little cooler so long pants and a light sweater will keep you comfortable in case there is a chill in the air.

You’ll likely be walking around town and the historic parts of the island, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes is important. When you’re not out on the town, you’ll likely be pool or ocean-side so don’t forget your beach attire.

What Should WOMEN Wear to Malta? – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample women’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

Malta dress wo
malta sweeter
Repeat Grid
malta sleve dress
malta flip
malta bikni
malta cover up
malta hat
malta frk
malta tank
malta skirt
malta shoe
malta sunglasses
malta t shirt
malta ad

Malta has great weather so don’t hesitate to wear your favorite dresses and skirts. The island and its cobblestone streets and historic buildings make for a beautiful backdrop for photos, so dressing up would make for beautiful photos. It would be wise to bring a comfortable pair of shoes to walk around in as the sidewalks can be hilly and uneven at times.

When you’re ready to relax by the pool make sure you have your swimsuit, sunhat, sunglasses, and sandals. When it’s time to go to a restaurant for dinner, a nice dress will do. Women of Malta are stylish and like to dress up so bring along a few chic evening outfits.

What Should MEN Wear to Malta? – (Click to expand)

Below is a sample men’s clothing list. (All items link to Amazon.com for your convenience).

malta men boxer
malt men short
malta men pant
lta white short
malta man- shirt
malta combo
malta men shoe
malta jacket
malta men cap
malta men shirt
alta flip man
malta men shoes
malta men tank
malta short men
malta men sun

During the day a light-weight pair of shorts and a t-shirt will be ideal. A pair of tennis shoes will keep you comfortable while walking around town and a hat or sunglasses will keep the sun out of your eyes.
You’ll likely spend a lot of time by the water so don’t forget a pair of swim trunks and flip-flops for the pool. When the sun goes down and it’s time to go out for dinner, a nice pair of slacks and a button-down shirt will do the trick.

Packing for the Seasons in Malta

  • WINTER — December, January, February:

    Winter in Malta is colder and wetter than in other seasons. You’ll want to dress in layers and pack long pants, sweaters, and a light jacket. A raincoat or umbrella will come in handy in case of any rain showers. Temperatures tend to stay around 60°F and the ocean is usually too cold for swimming.

  • SPRING — March, April, May

    Spring in Malta is beautiful. Flowers are blooming and the weather is starting to warm up. The ocean tends to still be a bit too chilly for swimming, warms up towards the end of spring. Dresses and skirts can be comfortable during the day but at night you’ll want to dress in warmer layers and wear a light jacket. The average daytime temperature reaches 72 °F but can be ten degrees cooler or more at night.

  • SUMMER — June, July, August

    Summer is peak season in malta. The sea is at its warmest and the island is bustling with activity. This is the time to wear your shorts, skirts, and tank tops. Don’t forget your bathing suit either! The average summertime temperature is 87 °F so bring your summer wardrobe!

  • FALL — September, October, November

    The heat from summer begins to subside yet the sea stays warm well into the beginning of fall. It’s still warm shorts and t-shirts will still be comfortable this time of year and maybe a light jacket for chillier evenings. It’s still worth bringing along your swimsuit to take a dip in the pool or the sea. The average fall temperature is 76 °F making fall an excellent time to visit Malta.

How to dress for activities in Malta? (Click to expand)

Relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea - When the sea calls, it’s best to be ready. Make sure you have your favorite swimsuit, sunhat, cover-up, flip-flops, and sunglasses. Bonus items you’ll want to consider bringing along are a beach bag or day pack, a travel towel, and sunscreen.

Exploring the Cities - Europeans in general tend to look put together and dress in neutral or dark colors when out and about in the cities. Do your best to follow suit and you’ll fit right in!

Visiting Exploring the Historic Center - This is the time for women to wear their favorite flowy skirts and dresses and men to wear shorts and t-shirts. Comfortable walking shoes are important as the cobblestone streets aren’t always the easiest to walk on. A hat and sunglasses will help you take in the views without having the midday sun in your eyes.

Exploring the Island by Boat - Go snorkeling or admire the island from the ocean on a Mediterranean boat ride. Be sure to pack a swimsuit, cover-up, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A travel towel will be handy between dips in the sea to keep you dry and warm. Consider bringing a change of clothes so you have something dry and warm to wear after you’re done swimming.

A Fun Night Out - Malta has plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from if you’re looking for a night out. This is the time to wear your chicest outfits. Women could wear a cocktail dress with a nice pair of wedges. Men will be comfortable in a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt. People love to dress up and go out here so make sure to join the fun!

What NOT to Bring to Malta

  • 1. DON'T BRING Large Books

    Between e-reader and tablets, there’s no need to bring several books with you on your trip. Having novels or guidebooks downloaded on your devices makes it way easier to have them wherever you go without the extra weight.

  • 2. DON'T TAKE Hiking Boots

    There isn’t an abundance of hiking to do on Malta so no need to bring along a pair of bulky hiking boots. With a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, you’ll be able to walk wherever.

  • 3. DON'T PACK Excessive Cash

    It’s better to take out small amounts of cash at a time in case it gets lost or stolen. Most places take cards as well so you don’t need to worry about bringing large amounts of cash everywhere you go.

  • 4. DON'T WEAR High Heels

    Comfortable walking shoes are important in Malta. The streets aren’t always flat and they are often are paved with uneven cobblestones. Walking in high heels would be impractical. Instead, bring a pair of walking shoes or comfortable sandals or wedges.

  • 5. DON'T BRING Expensive or Irreplaceable Items

    If you can’t live without it or could never replace it, then don’t bring it. Things easily get lost or stolen in the chaos of traveling. Avoid the hassle and the heartbreak and leave these valuables at home.

  • 6. DON'T PACK a Regular Towel

    A regular towel is big and bulky and takes forever to dry. A travel towel on the other hand it’s compact, dries quickly, and repels odor. Don’t waste space in your luggage packing a normal towel, a travel towel is much more convenient.

What NOT to wear in Malta? (Click to expand)

You won’t be needing any super thick winter clothes, even in the coldest months in Malta. You can also leave behind hiking boots and other hiking gear. There is no walking in Malta that is too strenuous for a good pair of tennis shoes.

FAQs about traveling to Malta

  • 1. Is tipping expected in Malta?

    Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill and it is not expected to leave an additional tip. Tipping taxis also isn’t expected but people tend to round up when paying.

  • 2. What is the best time of year to visit Malta?

    The best time to visit Malta is in September. The summer crowds have left but the weather is still hot and the sea still warm. You’ll practically have the beaches to yourself!

  • 3. What is an ideal amount of time to stay in Malta?

    Malta is a very small island nation so one week is a great amount of time for your first visit. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the sea, go for a boat ride or two, visit the historic center, and check out plenty of restaurants and bars.

  • 4. How do I get around Malta?

    Since Malta isn’t very big taxis and public transportation are an efficient way to get around. Public transport is clean, cheap, and safe. It will take you to most of the tourist destinations. If you prefer to go by car then taxis are a great option too.

  • 5. Do I need a visa to visit Malta?

    If coming from the US or Canada then you do not need to apply for a visa beforehand. You will receive a short-term stay visa of 90 days upon your arrival.

  • 6. What currency do they use in Malta?

    Malta is on the Euro. You can easily withdraw Euros once you arrive or use a card as most places accept credit cards.

  • 7. Do they speak English in Malta?

    Malta is a bilingual country where the official languages are Maltese and English. Taxi drivers, waiters, and hotel staff all practically speak English so you shouldn’t have much difficulty communicating with the locals.

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