How Safe is Malta?

Malta is one of my favorite places on earth. I’ve lived there, visited it multiple times, and honestly, I never get tired of the place. Whether I’m strolling through the quiet alleys of Mdina, grabbing a bite in Sliema, or enjoying the views in Valletta, I always feel a deep sense of comfort and safety. And that’s something I don’t say lightly.

If you’re asking yourself, “Is Malta safe to travel to?”, my answer is a big YES. It’s one of the safest countries I’ve ever been to. Let me break it down from my own experience.

Malta Is Incredibly Safe

It’s not just a travel slogan. Malta genuinely feels peaceful and secure. I’ve spent time in many parts of the island, from the busy nightlife of St. Julian’s to the quiet beauty of Gozo, and I’ve never had a single moment where I felt unsafe. Not even once.

• Very low crime: Violent crime is practically unheard of. Even petty crime like pickpocketing is rare, especially compared to other parts of Europe.
• Safe at night: I’ve walked around cities like Valletta and Sliema at 1 a.m. without a worry. You’ll see locals and tourists doing the same.
• No major threats: There are no natural disasters like major floods and earthquakes. There are also no wild animals nor extreme weather. Malta is chill in every sense of the word.

And the people? Super friendly. It’s a small island, and locals are used to visitors. They’re polite, helpful, and welcoming.

The Heat is Your Worst Enemy 

Now, let’s talk about the one real danger in Malta that most people overlook until it’s too late. The heat. I’m not even exaggerating. The Maltese summer is intense. I made the mistake of underestimating it once, and trust me, I paid the price.

Temperatures in Malta can easily hit 40°C, sometimes even higher. And if you think it’s just dry desert heat, think again. The sun here has a way of beating down on you with full force. In August especially, it feels like the entire island turns into an oven. I remember one afternoon thinking I could take a quick walk in Valletta. Five minutes later, I was already sweating buckets and looking for the nearest bit of shade.

Honestly, August in Malta is brutal. I wouldn’t recommend hiking or doing anything physically demanding during that month. Just walking a few blocks in the afternoon sun can leave you feeling dizzy and drained. I’ve seen people get sunburned in less than 15 minutes because they didn’t think it was “that hot.” It is. And the UV is no joke.

If you’re planning to visit Malta during the summer, here’s my honest advice:

• Drink a lot of water. Always have a bottle with you. Dehydration sneaks up fast.
• Stick to the shade when you can. You might feel okay at first, but walking under that sun for too long is dangerous.
• Use sunscreen like your life depends on it. Because your skin will burn fast, especially if you’re fair-skinned.
• Forget hiking in the summer. Save that for the cooler months. Spring and autumn are perfect if you want to explore Malta’s cliffs and trails without feeling like you’re melting.

The heat in Malta can seriously be uncomfortable to the point where it can ruin your trip if you don’t respect it. So take it seriously, pace yourself, and make cooling down a part of your travel plan. That’s how you enjoy Malta without burning out literally.

Watch Out for Cars! Driving in Malta is… Interesting

Now let me be real with you. One thing that totally caught me off guard in Malta was how wild the driving can be. I’ve been to the island several times and each time I’m still surprised by how chaotic the roads feel.

Malta is definitely not what I’d call pedestrian-friendly. In some parts, the sidewalks are barely wide enough for one person. And in other spots, they just vanish altogether, leaving you walking along the edge of the road with cars whizzing by.

Drivers can be impatient too. Even when you’re standing at a crosswalk, some won’t stop unless you make it very clear you’re crossing. So don’t assume the zebra stripes will protect you. I’ve had moments in Sliema and even Valletta where I literally had to make eye contact with the driver before daring to step onto the street.

Traffic gets intense, especially during rush hours or near touristy areas. Some drivers ignore the rules completely, and parking? People will park on the sidewalk, on curves, anywhere they feel like.

If you’re planning to walk a lot in Malta (which I usually do), keep these in mind:

• Look both ways before crossing, and then look again
• Stay alert near intersections where drivers might be turning fast
• Use pedestrian crossings, but don’t let your guard down

Now, if you’re thinking of renting a car to explore Malta on your own, just be prepared:

• Roads can be super narrow, especially in the older towns
• Traffic can feel overwhelming at times
• You’ll probably see cars parked in the most random places
• Some road signs can be confusing if you’re not used to them

The good news? Public transport is safe and reliable, so you don’t HAVE to drive.

Is Malta Safe for Solo Travelers?

If you’re going alone, don’t worry. Malta is built for solo travel. It’s small, easy to navigate, and full of friendly people. I’ve walked around Valletta, Sliema, and even through quieter neighborhoods at night, and not once did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

For solo female travelers, Malta is honestly one of the best choices in Europe. I’ve spoken to women who’ve traveled there alone and they all had the same reaction. According to them, it just feels safe. Locals are respectful, and you don’t get that constant unwanted attention you might find in some other countries.

Going out during the nighttime? I don’t think you have to worry. The streets are well-lit, there’s usually a gentle buzz of activity even after dark, and public transport like the ferries and buses still feel reliable late in the evening. Of course, like anywhere else, you still need to stay sharp. Avoid dark alleyways, don’t flash valuables, and be smart about your surroundings. But honestly, that’s more about general travel awareness than a reflection on Malta.

And yes, pickpocketing can happen in crowded places, especially during peak tourist season. And yes again, you’ll run into the occasional shady character like anywhere in the world. But in my experience, Malta feels safer than most of Europe, especially for someone exploring alone.

Beach and Water Safety 

One of the biggest highlights of visiting Malta is, without question, the beaches. I’ve been to plenty of countries with coastlines, but there’s something about the beaches in Malta that just hits different. The water is warm, clear, and incredibly inviting. Swimming in the Mediterranean feels like therapy especially during the late spring or early autumn months when the crowds thin out a bit.

But as beautiful as the sea is, you still have to be careful. I learned pretty quickly that not every beach is beginner-friendly. Some spots have strong currents that can surprise you if you’re not paying attention. That’s why I always check the water conditions first even if it looks calm on the surface.

And if you’re heading to rocky beaches like those around Għajn Tuffieħa or even parts of St. Peter’s Pool, be careful with your footing. Those rocks can be super slippery. I’ve seen people lose balance just walking from their towel to the water. It looks funny, but it’s not fun when you hit the ground.

Another thing to watch out for is jellyfish. They’re not always around, but when they show up, you’ll want to stay out of the water. Locals are usually quick to warn swimmers if jellyfish have been spotted, and many beach areas have warning signs. If you see purple flags or signs about jellyfish, take it seriously.

The good news is that Malta has lifeguards at most of its popular beaches, especially in the summer. Beaches like Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, and St. George’s Bay are very safe for swimming and well monitored. If you stick to those spots and use common sense, you’ll have a great time in the water.