Without any doubt, Malta is one of the most fascinating islands to visit. With its pleasantly sunny climate, endless coastline, sparkling turquoise waters, laidback atmosphere, and captivating historical cities, Malta has something to offer to any type of traveler.

However, compared to other popular travel destinations such as Spain or Italy, visitors know little things about this beautiful island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. To help you plan the trip of your dreams, we’ve put together this guide of things to know before traveling to Malta and a list of travel essentials you must take with you.

First… Where’s Malta?

Malta is an island country located in the south-central part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is situated 93 km south of Sicily, Italy, and 300 km north of North Africa. Its position influences the year-round pleasant weather – it offers more than 300 days of sunshine. However, the best time to visit Malta for hot-weather activities is from June to mid-September. But, if you want the beaches for yourself, you can consider visiting during the shoulder season, in April or May. Its location makes Malta a popular destination, attracting over 2.5 million visitors every year.

6 Things You Need to Know About Malta Country Before Your Trip

Many first-time travelers find themselves wondering “what do I need to know about Malta country” and that’s absolutely normal. Here’s what you should know when planning your first trip.

The archipelago is composed of 3 main islands – Malta, the Island of Gozo, and the Island of Comino – which has also inspired our backpack collection, Nordace Comino.

• Everyone Speaks English

The Maltese are friendly and known for their hospitality. They will always go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable when visiting their country. More than that, more than 88% of the population speaks English which is the second official language in Malta.

• Driving Is on The Left

If you’re considering renting a car when visiting Malta (which is not actually a good idea) you should take into account that driving in on the left side and a little erratic. Unless you’re from the UK, that might be a challenge. However, you can easily get around Malta by using public transportation which is reliable and cheap. It might take around one hour to cross the entire island in one direction since the distance between the South West and North West is only 28 kilometers.

• It Is a Hotspot for History Lovers

Malta means more than fun in the sun. It has a rich and interesting culture, being home to some of the oldest temples in the world dating back more than 5,000 years. If you’re a history and archaeology lover, Malta is the place to be. With plenty of historic landmarks, museums, and megalithic temples, you can lose yourself in the fascinating past with every step.

• It Is a Top Destination for Game of Thrones Fans

The island has become a favorite destination for GOT fans since most of the scenes in Season 1 were filmed in Malta and its sister island, Gozo. So, if you want to explore King’s Landing, Pentos, or Essos, all you have to do is book a complete Game of Thrones filming locations tour in Malta.

• A Real-Life Movie Set

No trip to Malta is complete without a visit to the famous Popeye Village, the exact filming location of the Popeye musical. Since 1980, the filming location has grown to become one of Malta’s main attractions, a unique place to visit for film fans and families with kids.

• There Is a Church for Every Day of the Year in Malta

There are actually 359 charming churches throughout the island of Malta, and one of the famous attractions is St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, followed by St. Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina.

The Best Backpack for Malta

When it comes to choosing the best backpack for Malta, you should consider these factors:

• Comfort
• Water resistance
• Organization
• Size

The relaxed atmosphere of Comino Island inspired us to create the Nordace Comino Collection, a do-it-all collection of backpacks and bags that you can take everywhere, from the office to an exotic trip. And the Nordace Comino Travelpack might be the best choice to carry all your travel gear and beach essentials. It offers plenty of organizational pockets to make packing easier. It helps keep your stuff organized, including a dedicated laptop compartment. The exterior is stylish, durable, and water-resistant.

And the best part? It will be comfortable no matter how long you’ll be wearing it. It features a contoured mesh back panel and adjustable shoulder straps padded with ultra-light foam for extra comfort and support. This backpack will carry everything on your Malta packing list, and even more. The best backpack for your next beach adventure, indeed.

What to Pack for A Summer Trip to Malta

Comfortable Shoes

Even though you’ll be spending most of your time shoeless with your feet in the sand, you’ll also walk a lot through Malta’s cobbled streets. You can alternate between sandals or flip-flops and a comfortable pair of sneakers depending on your activities.

Lightweight Clothes

Wondering what to wear in Malta? Considering the high summer temperatures, you should stick to lightweight pieces crafted from natural, breathable materials such as linen or Merino wool. Opt for shorts, skirts, flowy dresses for ladies, and loose-fitting pieces. Don’t forget about the beachwear.

Tip: when visiting religious sites, keep in mind that you have to wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, and this rule is available for both men and women.

Casual Outfit

From rooftop bars and restaurants to wine bars, the Maltese nightlife scene has so much to offer. For nights out at the club, pack a smart casual outfit.

Sunscreen

Sun protection is mandatory when visiting Malta during the summer. Enjoy around 15 hours of sunshine without the risk of getting sunburnt, so make sure you pack your favorite sunscreen.

Accessories

Sunglasses, hats, and scarves to protect yourself when the sun is at its hottest are the perfect accessories you can pack for a summer trip to Malta.

Reusable Water Bottle

When spending the entire day at the beach or wandering the streets under the burning sun, you have to stay hydrated. Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Malta so bring your own bottle every time you can.

Microfiber Towel

A microfiber towel is another beach essential. Choose one that’s lightweight, folds easily, and dries quickly.

Power Adapter

In Malta, the power plugs are type G and the standard voltage is 230 V so you might need a travel adapter and voltage converter (if you’re visiting from the USA or Canada) depending on your country of residence.

Now that you know what to bring and what to wear in Malta, all that remains is for you to book your flight, pack your backpack, and let the adventure begin.