Where Is Malta Located? (Simple Guide for Travelers)

The shortest answer I can give to the answer above is this – Malta is a very, very small island country you’ll find in the central Mediterranean Sea. It is situated between southern Italy and North Africa. This island sits about 93 km (58 mi) south of Sicily and roughly 284 km (176 mi) east of Tunisia. It is also roughly 333 km (207 mi) north of Libya. The country is made up of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The city of Valletta serves as the country’s official capital city.

Why this information matters for your trip

Knowing where Malta sits helps you plan flights, ferries, weather, and costs. It’s close to Italy (which is great for multi-country trips). But despite the fact that it is very close to Italy, it has its own history and language. You visit Malta and you’ll notice how it mixes European and North African influences.

Quick facts (at a glance)

• Region: Central Mediterranean, south of Europe
• Continent: Europe
• Capital: Valletta
• Islands: Malta (main), Gozo, Comino
• Coordinates (Valletta): ~35.9°N, 14.5°E
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Languages: Maltese and English (English widely used)
• Time zone: CET/CEST (same as Italy/Germany; UTC+1 in winter, +2 in summer)
• EU/Schengen: Yes. Malta has been an EU member since 2004. It is also a Schengen member, which means visitors to the country enjoy easy border-free travel with most of Europe

How to picture Malta on a map

This is how I want you to picture Malta if this is your first time hearing about it. Just imagine the Mediterranean as a long east-west belt. Malta is roughly in the middle, below Italy’s “boot” and close to Sicily. In the past, that central position made Malta a key stop for traders and empires. And today, it still serves as a central position for travelers hopping between Europe and North Africa.

Getting to Malta

• By air: Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA). Direct routes connect from many European hubs (Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Frankfurt, etc.). From Africa/Asia/Americas you’ll usually connect once in Europe or the Middle East. For example, on one of my trips I flew from Dubai to Malta with Emirates and connected through Larnaca, Cyprus. So depending on the airline and season, you may transit in a nearby Mediterranean hub rather than mainland Europe.
• By sea: Seasonal and regular ferries from Sicily (Pozzallo or Catania) run to Valletta. Inside the country, fast ferries link Malta-Gozo and Valletta-Sliema/Three Cities.

Is Malta part of Italy?

Absolutely not! Malta is an independent country with its own government and language. That being said, when you do visit Malta, you’ll feel some Italian influence (food, phrases, architecture), but Malta’s culture is unique.

Where do people stay?

Most visitors base on the main island near Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s (which I stayed at while in Malta), or St. Paul’s Bay and then day-trip to Gozo and Comino (the Blue Lagoon). Gozo is quieter. Owing to this, it is great for hikes and coastal views.

Weather Snapshot (from a digital nomad who lived in Malta)

I came to Malta from Ghana and ended up living here as a digital nomad for a long stretch. The climate felt instantly “Mediterranean” with a lot of sun and sea breeze. But each season has its personality. Here’s how it actually felt on the ground:

Best overall (April-June, September-October)

• Warm, bright, and swim-friendly without that frying-pan heat.
• I did most of my café work outdoors. Mornings were perfect for walks along the Sliema promenade and evening dips in St. Julian’s or Mellieħa.
• Sea is calmer, and prices/crowds are friendlier than peak summer.

Peak summer (July – August)

• Hotter and busier. Beautiful long days, but you’ll feel the sun bite around midday.
• My routine involved an early beach, siesta + laptop in air-con, sunset swims. Book ferries/boats early.
• Pack a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and plan indoor sights (St. John’s Co-Cathedral, war museums) during the midday heat.

Mild winters (November – March)

• Cooler, quieter, great for history walks. For example, Mdina’s lanes are magic without crowds.
• It’s rarely very cold, but Maltese buildings can feel damp and chilly indoors on grey days. Owing to this, I recommend you bring a light layer.
• I used this season to base in Valletta/Sliema and take day trips to Gozo for cliff hikes when the sun popped out.

My quick month-by-month cheat sheet

• Apr to May: Blue skies and beaches start to tempt.
• Jun: Peak-pleasant with sea that is warm enough for enjoyment. Also, festivals ramp up.
• Jul to Aug: Full summer has arrived. You should therefore plan shade and hydration.
• Sep to Oct: Goldilocks months accompanied by warm sea and softer crowds.
• Nov to Dec: Cooler, festive lights.
• Jan to Mar: Quiet, cheapest stays. It is best for long working stays and exploring ruins without heat.

Packing tips I swear by

• Light breathable clothes + a sun hat any month you’ll swim.
• A thin windbreaker for boat days and winter breezes.
• Comfortable walking shoes for stone streets. I also arm myself with water shoes for rocky swimming spots.
• If you’re working remotely, cafés are plentiful and many have outdoor seating. Just carry a small power bank and plan for the occasional breezy terrace.

Why I like Malta’s location as a traveler

Because it’s compact and central, you can land in Valletta and be at ancient temples older than the pyramids by afternoon and still catch sunset on the harbor. If you’re planning a longer Europe trip, Malta is an easy “sun + history” add-on between Italy and Greece.

FAQs

Is Malta in Europe or Africa?

Malta is in Europe (EU + Schengen), but it sits close to North Africa – hence the blend of influences.

How long is the flight from Italy?

From Rome or Milan it’s often 1 to 2 hours. From Sicily, it takes under an hour – or you can just take the ferry.

Which island should I visit besides Malta?

I recommend Gozo if you want to enjoy a quieter, rural feel and coastal walks. Then Comino for the Blue Lagoon (go early to avoid crowds).

Is Malta fun? Are there lots of things to do?

100%. I lived in Malta as a digital nomad and there’s a ton of amazing things to do there. From swims and boat days to old-city walks to cliff views and lively nights.

How safe is Malta?

From my time living there, Malta felt very safe. It is actually one of the safest places in Europe that I’ve been to. During my stay there, on countless occasions, I walked alone around the likes of Sliema and Valletta at night without issues. The main risks are petty theft in busy areas or the odd late-night scuffle in Paceville and maybe the summer heat or road traffic on narrow streets. Then you also have the occasional jellyfish/rough seas you need to watch out for.

Do I need a visa? (My Ghana POV)

I travel on a Ghanaian passport, so under normal circumstances I need a Schengen visa to visit Malta. However, when I moved to Malta as a remote worker, I held the Malta Digital Nomad visa (Nomad Residence Permit), so I didn’t need a separate tourist visa since my residence permit covered my entry and stay. Most visitors from African and Asian countries would need a visa to visit Malta for short stays.

People who fall in the following categories don’t need visas for Malta short stay visits:

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa (travel with passport/ID).
• Visa-exempt passports under Schengen: e.g., US, UK, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, most of Latin America – up to 90 days in any 180 (no paid work).
• Holders of a valid Schengen residence card or long-stay (D) visa can visit Malta short-term without a separate visa while it’s valid.

NOTE: If you’re not EU/EEA/Swiss and your passport isn’t on the Schengen visa-waiver list and you don’t hold a Schengen/Malta permit, you’ll need a Schengen C visa. Always check the latest official guidance for your passport before you book.