Your Essential Guide: What to Pack for Malta and Gozo (+ FREE Travel Checklist)
The European island nation of Malta is one of those perfect vacation destinations due its unique culture, rich history, numerous attractions and world-class beaches.
Because of its small size, everything is in close proximity – saving you time on traveling around, and giving you plenty of space in your itinerary to see all the iconic landmarks and do all of the top activities on a tight schedule. Malta is suitable for everyone – solo visitors, families, couples and elderly folks – whether on a package vacation, cruise ship holiday, or backpacking adventure.
Malta has a tropical island climate with hot temperatures during the summer months, and a cool climate during the winter with chilly nights. If you’re heading for the beaches, the best time to visit would be in the peak summer months when the seas are warm for swimming.
In this guide I have you covered on everything you need to pack for visiting Malta, including the important packing essentials, beach gear, and packing for both good and rainy weather. Don’t forget to download your FREE Malta Travel Checklist at the end of this post!
Scroll on to read: Ultimate Packing List for Malta (+ FREE Travel Checklist)
Essential Malta Travel Resources:
For more useful Malta travel guide information, check out these articles:
✪ The Complete Malta Travel Guide (+ FREE Cheatsheet)
✪ Malta 5 Day Itinerary
✪ Top 10 Instagram Spots in Malta
✪ The Perfect Malta 1 Week Itinerary
✪ How to Travel Malta on a Budget (2024 Edition)
✪ Car Rental in Malta: The Complete Guide
Ultimate Packing List Guide for Malta (+ FREE Travel Checklist)
Travel Documents
Firstly, here’s a list of important documents you absolutely must bring on your Malta vacation:
1. Passport and Itineraries
Take a photo of the photo page (2nd page) of your passport and save it on your camera roll. Get a photocopy made and bring it with you. Store this and all your important travel documents in one secure place, such as this travel wallet for women | men which will hold your passport and all your documents.
2. Travel Debit Cards
Bring at least a couple of travel-friendly debit or credit cards so that you always have access to cash. In Malta, cash is still used but cards are more popular. I always bring 2 cards just to be safe, they are:
The above three come with super useful banking apps that are very user-friendly and easy to use, as well as packed with features, as well as being extremely secure.
3. Driver License
If you’re planning to rent a car in Malta, you can use your driver license (if you’re from the US, UK, EU or have an international license). It also doubles as a valid ID, so you can leave your passport at your hotel/Airbnb. You can read all about car rental in Malta here.
4. Travel Insurance
For added security and peace of mind, don’t leave home without good travel insurance by SafetyWing. Take it from me – what’s the worst that could happen? Well, on my first trip to Mexico I got electrocuted in a hostel (yes, seriously). I flicked a light switch in a dark bathroom and felt a sharp burn travel from my finger all the way up my arm, as if it caught fire (you can read about that in this post).
Think I just had a freak accident? What happens if you’re out walking in Malta and your appendix suddenly bursts? I cannot stress enough how important travel insurance is.
Travel Gadgets & Electronics
These are more travel essentials to ensure you’re connected to power and have access to the internet and to contacts during your trip, as well as gadgets to keep you entertained on long journeys – you won’t want to leave home without these:
1. Universal SIM Card
A relatively new concept, DrimSim is a universal SIM card that allows you to connect to data almost anywhere in the world. What’s more, it isn’t attached to a singe operator, and you can choose either a regular SIM card or an e-SIM card.
Travel tip: be sure to keep your original SIM card in a secure place such as the Passport Travel Wallet (it has a SIM card pocket designed specifically for this purpose).
2. A Universal Travel Plug
Malta uses the same rounded 3-pin plug as the UK (type G). The All-In-One Universal Travel Plug is super useful for visitors from anywhere in the world, except the UK. It features several USB ports to charge all your travel gadgets.
3. 10-Foot Charging Cable
In my experience many places I’ve stayed at had power outlets that were a little too far from the bed. So it’s always best to bring an extra long charging cable, like this one for iPhone, or this one for Android.
Travel Tip: bring a second, shorter cable, like this one (iPhone) or this one (Android), that’s more convenient for charging from your power bank on the plane.
External Battery (Power Bank)
One of the most essential travel gadgets, an external battery (also called a power bank, portable battery charger or portable charger), can be a lifesaver when you cell phone battery is about to die on a long flight.
Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll find an outlet in a lot of places (or at least a reliable outlet). This 26,800mAh Conxwan PowerBank is reliable and affordable whilst packing a lot of power. If you prefer a smaller model, the Keymox PowerBank is lighter and more compact whilst still packing plenty of juice.
Wireless Noise-canceling Earbuds
For comfort and convenience, you’ll want to grab yourself a pair of these Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds w/Bluetooth for traveling by air or on the road. Not only are they pretty decent with rave reviews on Amazon, they’re quite affordable too. Bonus!
6. Trtl Travel Neck Pillow
One of my favorite carry on essential items, these are not only perfect for flights, but for traveling around Malta too. Those car or bus journeys in Malta will be much more comfortable when wearing the Trtl neck pillow, as the roads can be quite bumpy.
Windproof Travel Umbrella
Whilst useful for a rainy day (and Malta does experience occasional rain), a windproof travel umbrella is actually really useful for Malta when visiting the ancient ruins in Gozo, or the silent city of Mdina for example, due to these places being open to the scorching sun with scarcely any shade. It’s not unusual to see tourists with umbrellas for this reason. The RainMate Compact Umbrella is a very lightweight option that will keep you dry in the rain and protected in the sun.
Bendy Tripod Phone Holder
No doubt you’ll be planning to take some fantastic photos on your London trip, and this bendable tripod phone holder is the easiest way to capture stunning and insta-worthy snaps. It’s small and compact, lightweight enough to carry around all day, and fits into your daypack neatly with minimal space.
A Compact Digital Camera
For the avid photographer and those looking to take superb quality pics, a decent compact digital camera is an absolute must. My favorite over the years is the Ricoh GRIII ultracompact camera, which features 24MP, 28mm F2.8 Lens and a touch-screen LCD display. It has remarkable image-stabilization which makes it perfect for whipping out and snapping pics while on the go. You can even attach external lenses for zooming in, as well as an external flash gun.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A Virtual Private Network (aka VPN) is quickly becoming an important travel essential these days. What are they? VPNs allow you to establish a secure connection over a shared connection. So when you’re using free WiFi (eg. in a coffee shop), you’re connected to all the other people in that cafe, on that same network.
The problem with being on the same open network as others is that you’re exposed to potential hackers who have easy access to your information – such as your login credentials, bank card info, and other private things on the device you connect from – whether that’s your phone, tablet or laptop. Enter the NordVPN – it disguises your connection, so your precious information is invisible to anyone looking to hack an unsuspecting user’s device.
Malta Travel Safety Items
A question many people ask is: Is Malta safe? The answer to that is, Malta is relatively safe in fact one of the safest places in Europe. Your main concern when traveling Malta (and anywhere else for that matter), is pickpockets and theft of valuable belongings. The following list has everything you need to ensure you don’t encounter those situations:
Travel Money Belt
This is super handy when you’re walking around larger cities with cash and other small valuables – I recommend keeping these either stashed away in your hotel/airbnb, or stored securely on your body in a money belt.
Anti-Theft Book Bag
These have similar features as the anti-theft purses, the main zipper on these is in the back, making them impossible to open when you wear it on your back. Whether you decide on the cross-body bag or the backpack, it makes your daypack in the city slash-proof. This is really an extra-precautionary option, but will deter pickpockets and is great for peace of mind.
Anti-Theft Travel Purse
If you’re after the ultimate theft-proof purse, I highly recommend the Anti-Theft Travel Purse – it consists of five measures of theft prevention including:
- Slash-resistant straps: straps with stainless steel wire inside, protects against grab-and-go thieves
- Slash resistant fabric: the whole bag is made with a slash-resistant mesh barrier inside for extra layers of protection
- Lockdown straps: the strap lock secures bag to a stationary object, protecting against grab-and-go thieves
- Locking compartments: locking zipper pulls that prevent pickpockets from getting into your bag
- RFID blocking pockets: protects against electronic identity theft with RFID blocking card slots and pockets
4. Small Lock
Be sure to bring a small lock for any hostel stays in Malta, so you can securely store your valuables in the lockers provided.
Security Travel Scarf
This stylish Security Scarf features a hidden zipper and pocket for that extra layer of security. With this security scarf, you can store some cash, a credit card, your cell phone, and even your wireless earbuds inside the hidden compartment of the scarf and nobody would be any the wiser!
Eco-Friendly Travel Packing Essentials
These days most of us try to do our bit for the world around us, and with air travel, we become more conscious of our carbon footprint. So with the items below, you’ll be making a difference in protecting wildlife, nature and the environment.
1. Water-to-Go Filter Water Bottle
Since the water in Malta is not safe to drink, your only option is to buy bottled water (which wastes a lot of plastic), or bring a reusable water bottle that has a filter so you can fill up from a tap or river and drink perfectly-clean, fresh water. I always bring my trusty Water-to-Go Filter bottle with me for this reason. Get 15% off your order when you checkout with the code: GIVEME15
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
If you’re planning to swim on the beaches of Malta, or snorkel at the Blue Lagoon on Comino island, consider wearing the eco-friendly Badger Anti-Bug Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30) to help protect the environment.
3. Eco-friendly Bug Spray
There’s loads of bugs in Malta, so you’ll also surely want to cover up this eco-friendly REPEL Insect Repellent, and not only ‘cause it’s environmentally friendly, but avoid getting a blown-up arm from a mosquito infection, as that’s what happened to me in Mexico! The bug spray is plant-based, DEET free, and smells of lemon and eucalyptus.
Travel Tip: Malta’s convenience stores stock plenty of bug sprays, but they are quite expensive because they know tourists will be forced to buy it if they don’t bring their own.
Anti-Mosquito Bracelet
Don’t fancy covering up in mosquito spray? Or looking to double up on protection? You can get yourself one of these mosquito-repelling bracelets which also does the job. (They are also DEET free and water-proof.)
2. Reusable Shopping Bag
Like with many places worldwide, Malta banned single-use plastic bags across the islands in 2022. As such, you’ll want to make sure you have a couple of these reusable tote shopping bags that you can fold up into a tiny pouch, perfect for travel. Once folded, you can clip these little pouches onto the side of your purse or daypack, so it’s there ready to be filled with Maltese souvenirs, groceries and/or crafts.
Toiletries & Medicines
This list features a cool travel hack as well as important travel essentials that you can’t leave home without. A popular question asked is: do I need medicine for Malta? Well, Malta has a dry climate and in some areas, a tropical one and the spring and summer months tend to get very hot and arid.
1. Dry Shampoo
For those who don’t want to wash their hair on vacation, or looking to save luggage space, the Baptiste Dry Shampoo works a treat.
Dry Shampoo & Conditioner
For those who don’t want to wash their hair on vacation, or looking to save luggage space, the Baptiste Dry Shampoo works a treat. And those with long hair will understand the inconvenience of getting sea salt in your hair. The Moroccan All-In-One Leave In Conditioner can be easily applied to your hair straight after a swim, plus it’s compact and convenient to carry around in your beach bag.
3. Hand Sanitizer & Pouch
This feels more like a mandatory essential item these days. To ensure you use it throughout the day, get a sanitizer pouch that clips onto the outside of your purse or day bag, so it’s within easy reach. Sanitizer Bottle Keychain Holder
4. Roll-on Deodorant
Again, I prefer to use natural and organic products especially when it comes to roll-on deodorants.
I used to buy popular brands but became conscious of the carcinogenic chemicals being absorbed into my body.
That’s why I now use Bali Secrets Organic and Vegan Roll On for Men & Women. While I’m on my holiday, I tend to use organic coconut oil, which I pack in my checked luggage.
5. Small Pack of Tissues
When traveling around Malta’s rural areas, small towns, markets and outer islands, you may notice that toilet paper isn’t readily available in the bathrooms. It’s always a smart tip to carry a small pack of Travel Tissues with you on your person, and they’re handy for numerous things.
Facial Oil Blotting Rice Paper
Malta has a dry and hot climate for most of the year. These sustainable Face Blotting Sheets with Natural Rice Powder are a quick and convenient way to dry sweat and oil, whilst making you feel instantly refreshed and looking shine-free.
#21. Toothbrush & Toothpaste
I always bring my plastic-free, bamboo toothbrush along with organic natural toothpaste wherever I go.
My preferred choice for eco-friendly toothpaste is the Georganics | Natural Mineral-Rich Whitening Toothpaste. Not only is it also vegan and fluoride-free, it comes in a glass jar with no plastic packaging whatsoever.
Hangover Cure Tablets
Planning to party hard? Bring some hangover cure pills with you and take one before you hit the bars. The Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier contains antioxidants, herbs and homeopathic ingredients that ensure you won’t be hungover the following day, and missing out on precious vacation time. And don’t take my word for it either – it’s a bestseller on Amazon with over 96,000 positive reviews.
8. General Medications
You can easily get hold of medicine in Malta so don’t feel you have to pack the whole medicine cabinet. However its well worth bringing meds for headaches, cramps, allergies, as well as upset stomach meds like anti-diarrheal, Tums, and Pepto.
Massaging Shoe Gel Inserts
This is more of a travel hack – if your vacation will involve lots of walking and hiking like mine do, you may risk suffering aches and pains during your trip, especially if you do a lot of walking on day one of your trip. These super handy massaging gel inserts will keep your feet comfortable and protected from blisters, as well as from muscle pains and cramps in your legs.
Malta Beach Packing Accessories
Now for a list of items specifically for the beach, but also useful for the following: water sports activities, and outdoor tours/excursions:
1. Beach Bag
A good beach bag is perfect for storing all your beach essentials for days spent sunbathing by the sea. It also neatly folds away into your backpack.
Waterproof Phone Case
Who knew a cheap waterproof phone case could be such a great investment? My favorite is this one – not only does it protect your prized possession in the water, it’s easy to use and doesn’t steam up/blur the camera lens, and it can fit almost every popular phone model.
3. Microfiber Towel
Perfect for the beach or poolside, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is an absolute must for any Malta packing list. While they do feel a bit weird, they are lightweight and dry super fast, so you’ll never have to worry about stuffing a soggy towel in your bag.
Long-sleeve Rash Guard
When you’re in the water – whether in the sea, a lagoon or at a waterpark, a rash guard will help protect your skin from sunburn, cuts and grazes. Moreover, Malta’s waters tend to swarm with stinging jellyfish during peak season! A rash guard will protect you from jellyfish stings. O’Neill does superb rash guard for both men and women.
Underwater Camera
The good news about underwater cameras is that they are not as expensive as they used to be, which is brilliant for budget travelers. In fact, you can buy a pretty good one like this one by Akaso – not only does it have rave reviews, it’s actually quite cheap! I seriously recommend bringing one of these if you plan to go snorkeling.
What’s the Malta dress code?
You can wear beachwear on all the beaches in Malta as well as in resorts. For cities like Valletta, Mdina and St. Julian’s, casual summer wear is suitable during the day, and dressing up in the evenings is ideal for bars, restaurants and clubs.
Beach Coverup
An essential packing list for Bali woman item (or indeed anyone feeling particularly stylish) – a Beach Coverup is a great item to add into your packing list for that extra protection from sunburn when not in the water.
7. Other Beach Accessories
Finally, don’t forget to bring beach flip flops, a decent sun hat, a headband, and a snorkel. Plus, it’s wise to bring inexpensive polarized sunglasses – seriously, the amount of times I’ve lost my sunglasses over the years, and bringing designer sunglasses sets yourself up as a target for thieves. And lastly, if you’re going on excursions and water sports activities, you’re gonna need a pair of water shoes and a dry bag.
Clothing / Attire for Malta
For the image-conscious and those looking to save packing space, it’s well worth having a capsule wardrobe for your Malta vacation so that you can interchange and mix up items of clothing, in order to wear a different look each day.
If you’re wondering what to wear in Malta in December: the islands are cooler with a bit of a chill in the evenings, so be sure to bring an extra layer or two. It won’t be particularly cold, but may be a little too cold to swim in the sea.
1. Hiking Boots
A strong and reliable pair of hiking boots will serve you well for all your trekking and walking activities in Malta and everywhere else, for years to come. These Columbia men’s and women’s hiking boots are some of the best around, though if you’re on a budget and don’t want to compromise on quality, you can get a pair of Quechua hiking shoes for men / women.
3. Swimsuits
Chances are you’ll need a swimsuit if you’re heading to the beach, staying at an all-inclusive resort, or visiting Malta’s famous lagoons. Bring at least a couple so that you always have a dry one ready. This women’s suit and these men’s trunks are tried and tested bestsellers.
3. Light Jacket
While Malta is known for its hot climate and temperatures, you should definitely pack a jacket it’s quite windy around the coasts and evenings tend to get much cooler, especially in the fall and winter months. My favorite jacket is the trusted Columbia light jacket (mens / womens) which is comfy, light, and always keeps me warm.
6. Sandals
Sandals are an essential item for Malta so you’ll want to make sure you have a decent pair that last many years. For women, these Tevas are comfortable and fashionable and have great reviews. For men, these sandals are affordable and have a strong and sturdy sole.
What to pack for Malta in October?
If you’re wondering what clothes are best to wear in Malta in the fall months, consider that it’s cooler across the island, but not too cold. A hoodie and/or light jacket is a must in the evenings, as is casual wear (long sleeves, pants).
Luggage/Baggage and Packing Items for Malta
Finally, here’s a list of the packing items and baggage that I use to encase and carry all my stuff when I go on a backpacker type of trip. It’s well worth investing in a trusted brand to ensure you have reliable gear that will last you years of travel.
Backpack
In 9 years of travel I find the clamshell type of backpacks the most convenient for quick access to everything inside your bag. The Tortuga Setup Backpack (mens / womens) is one of the best out there. Not only is it affordable, its also very durable, weather-resistant, and comes in either 35L or 45L sizes.
Hardside Suitcase (if not the backpack)
Prefer to wheel around a suitcase instead of wearing a backpack? Worry not – Amazon Basics does a 30-inch Hardside Spinner that fits neatly into the overhead and it’s got 36,000 reviews to boot. A suitcase is perfect if you plan to spend most of your trip in 1-2 places or on a resort.
Daypack
The daypack is super useful day-to-day on your vacation as you don’t really want to be wearing your larger backpack other than for flight days and traveling between cities and regions. You can’t go wrong with the Osprey Daylite Daypack, that comes in a range of colors, it’s a hugely popular option loved by backpackers and travel bloggers alike.
4. Travel Laundry Bag
This is a must-have item for keeping your packing organized and reducing risk of lost clothing on your travels. It’s always wise to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean laundry, plus, you’ll need a laundry bag to hand over to the laundrette when you get your laundry done during your trip.
5. Space Saver Packing Cubes
Another must-have packing essential, these packing cubes are a smart way of keeping your clothes well organized in your backpack whilst also saving tons of space, and giving you peace of mind. The Space Save Packing Cubes come in three different sizes, so you can put your pants in one, and shirts in another etc. The double zipper design ensures the pack shrinks down as small as possible when filled, leaving you with plenty more bag space for all your Malta souvenirs and new attire.
Travel Tip: if you really want to save space in your backpack, use these compression bags. They suck the air out like a shrink-wrap, and you’ll be amazed by how much space is left!
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Another one of my fave travel hacks is this hanging toiletry bag. It’s really useful for storing your toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo and conditioner, face wash, trimmer, bug spray and sunscreen, and it saves space in your backpack.
7. Travel Medicine Kit
Sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry on your travels by planning ahead and bringing along basic medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen, motion sickness pills and sleep aids. However, if you don’t want to buy those, the travel medicine kit packs them together neatly.
Malta Packing Checklist
Download your FREE printable, Malta Travel Checklist PDF here:
You can print it out and use it to tick off the boxes while packing for your Malta vacation!
Malta FAQs:
What do you need to pack to go to Malta?
Travel Documents, Itineraries and Passport
Travel gadgets and electronics (SIM card, earphones, power bank, travel plug)
Safety and security items (locks, anti-theft bag, money belt)
Eco-friendly packing essentials (Lifestraw water filter bottle, reusable bag, eco-friendly bug spray, eco-friendly sunscreen)
Toiletries and medicines
Beach accessories (flip flops, sun hat, underwater camera, rash guard, swim suit)
Clothing/attire suitable for hot, tropical and high altitude climates
Luggage items (backpack, daypack, packing cubes, toiletry bag)
Do’s and don’ts in Malta?
Here’s the do’s and don’t for Malta travel:
DO some research on your destination before you go.
DON’T overpack. Only bring travel essentials like the ones listed in this post.
DON’T bring your own food. Malta is known for its delicious pan-European and Asian cuisines and cheap eats.
DON’T drink water from the tap. Use a water filter bottle to fill up.
DO use reef-safe sunscreen.
DON’T bring dollars. Convert them into Euros (EUR) before you go.
DON’T bring jewelry and designer label clothing – you will stand out in a crowd and become a potential target for thieves
What do you wear to an all inclusive resort in Malta?
Malta’s resorts are in tropical climates with hot weather. Therefore shorts, t-shirts, vest, light linen shirts, sundresses, and sandals are the norm here. In some instances, your resort may expect more formal clothing to dine in some restaurants.
What should I pack for 10 days in Malta?
Here are the essential travel items you need to pack for 10 days in Malta:
A strong and reliable backpack or hard side suitcase
A universal travel adapter
An external power bank
A travel money bag
A lightweight raincoat and jacket
Flip flops
Hiking shoes/boots
Waterproof phone case
A lifestraw water filter bottle
Reef-safe sunscreen
Eco-friendly bug spray
A micro-fiber towel
Longs-sleeve rash guard
Is there a dress code in Malta?
There is no specific dress code or rules in Malta, however it is advised to dress conservatively for business meetings. For men, a suit or jacket and tie will do, and for women, an elegant, but not necessarily conventional suit in a dark or subtle color will suffice.
What should I pack for Malta in April?
April is the shoulder season in Malta and while it can be hot and sunny, there is still rainfall in April, so make sure to pack a lightweight raincoat and a travel umbrella to be safe. Night times can get chilly so be sure to pack a light jumper.
Can you flush toilet paper in Malta?
Some countries in Europe prohibit the flushing of toilet paper in toilets and in Malta, it’s not recommended in some places. It could damage the canals and water pipes in urban areas and would require plumbing works.
Is tipping normal in Malta?
What are the tipping customs in Malta? Tipping is considered customary and is quite common – usually a gratuity of 10% whenever good service has been provided is reasonable. That being said, a service charge is sometimes included in the bill, in which case a tip won’t be necessary.
What should I pack for a week in Malta?
Essential Travel Documents, Itineraries, Passport
Travel gadgets and electronics (SIM card, earphones, power bank, travel plug)
Safety and security items (locks, anti-theft bag, money belt)
Eco-friendly packing essentials (Water-to-Go filter bottle, reusable bag, eco-friendly bug spray, eco-friendly sunscreen)
Toiletries and medicines
Beach accessories (flip flops, sun hat, underwater camera, rash guard, swim suit)
Clothing/attire suitable for hot, tropical and high altitude climates
Luggage items (backpack, daypack, packing cubes, toiletry bag)
**What to wear in Malta in Spring: Summer clothes are suitable as the temperature climbs in the spring months of March-May.
**What to pack for Malta in January: like December, January is much cooler in Malta and the evenings can get chilly. Bring an extra layer or two, and cover up with long sleeves and long pants.
So there you have it – the ultimate packing list for Malta travel.
Take it from my 9+ years of travel around 47 countries, this list was created from trial and error, discovering the most reliable and trustworthy items that have served me well on my travels, as well as thousands of positive reviews that makes them reputable.
- Going abroad soon? Check out my post: How To Plan For A Vacation (and download my FREE printable travel checklist)
- Read up on my Top 10 Ways To Save Money For Travel to learn how I saved over $1K in one month
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