A tiny European island with 3,000 hours of sun each year is “having a moment” with British travellers. The number of tourists landing in Malta from the UK each year is said to be up by around 25 percent in 2026. The island is now accessible from 19 airports across the United Kingdom with flights costing as little as just £45. And travellers ditching the UK for the 17-mile long destination will be greeted with temperatures of around 32C throughout the summer months.
Why Malta is attracting Brits
Journalist Angela Epstein recently travelled to the island with husband Mark. The pair visited Sliema, on Malta’s east coast, describing the picturesque coastal town as the “perfect base for exploring”. Upon arrival Angela couldn’t help but notice the “blue wink of the Mediterranean is a constant presence” around Malta. With busy shops, baroque facades, and 17th century watchtowers, Angela says the town “scores highly” for the “views alone”. She does however note that Sliema might not make the ideal beach holiday, with “rocky bays and outcrops” rather than the rolling sandy beaches some tourists might opt for.
Beaches and attractions
The island does offer some sandy beaches. Ramla Beach, translating to red sand, is considered one of the island’s most breathtaking beaches, with its rolling sands and blue waters. Located at the bottom of a lush valley, Ramla Beach is surrounded by rugged hills. It is a blue flag beach that offers a perfect chance for visitors to go snorkelling or diving as well as taking a moment out to relax. The Bugibba Perched Beach meanwhile, located in the north of the island, is a man made beach that is also a hit with tourists. Previously a sharp rock, the beach is now bursting with cafes and offers the traditional amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas to enjoy a spot of sunbathing.
Cultural and historical highlights
Travellers looking for a more cultural trip can head to Malta’s capital, Valletta, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. UNESCO says the city is “inextricably linked to the history of the military and charitable Order of St John of Jerusalem”. The city boasts 320 ancient monuments within 55ha, making it one of the most concentrated historical destinations in the world. The island is also home to a series of ancient temples, with the Ġgantija Temples dating back to 3,600 BC. Sitting in the Gozitan countryside, the temples are so large that locals once believed they were constructed by giants.
Mdina: The Silent City
In search of more history, Angela found herself in Mdina, a fortified city that dates back around 4,000 years. The hilltop settlement was the island’s capital until 1530. Known as the “Silent City,” the cobbled streets are like being “transported back in time,” says Visit Malta. The tourism site adds: “Oozing of luxury and nobility, Mdina offers visitors a most discreet insight that only a few people can experience and witness during their lifetime.” The ancient streets and breathtaking views have made Malta a hit with Hollywood as well. Game of Thrones, Troy, Gladiator, and Assassin’s Creed are among the hits to have been filmed on the island.
Having visited the island, Angela found it “grew on her,” despite the number of tourists. She concluded: “Given the weather, the scenery, the heritage, and the sheer breadth of things to do, Malta looks set to continue having its ‘moment’ for some time yet.”
