Besides the Obvious

Malta is a gem in the heart of the Mediterranean. With turquoise waters, a rich millennia-old history, and enviable weather, it has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations. But like many dream locations turned tourist magnets, there’s another side that isn’t always shown in the brochures. In this article, we want to share what can sometimes bother visitors when exploring the Maltese islands. Not to discourage you, but to help you prepare and set realistic expectations for a better experience.

Malta is beautiful… but small and limited

One of Malta’s advantages is how quickly you can explore it – everything is relatively close. But that small scale can also be a drawback. If you’re expecting diverse landscapes or endless natural escapes, you might find Malta somewhat limited. Hiking options are scarce, and reaching quieter beaches or coves often requires waking up early, good planning, or a stroke of luck.

In just one week in Malta, we never once felt bored, yet we left with the impression that we had explored nearly every corner of the islands. Having a rental car made all the difference—it gave us the freedom to move at our own pace, reach hidden spots, and avoid long waits for buses. From quiet fishing villages to dramatic coastal cliffs, from lively tourist hubs to secluded coves, we covered an incredible variety of landscapes and atmospheres. Malta’s small size worked in our favour, turning what could have been rushed sightseeing into a smooth and satisfying journey of discovery.

Traffic and mobility issues

Despite its size, Malta suffers from constant traffic congestion. Driving is the preferred mode of transport for locals and tourists alike, which results in heavy traffic and significant parking problems – even in smaller towns.

Public transport is a reasonable alternative, and buses are affordable and widespread. However, during peak season they often get overcrowded. Some buses even skip stops because they’re full, and timetables can be unreliable.

Comino and the Blue Lagoon: A victim of its own success

The Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino is one of Malta’s most iconic and Instagrammed spots… but also one of the most overwhelmed. In summer, it can see up to 10,000 visitors per day, despite lacking proper infrastructure. The result? Crowds, excessive noise, rubbish, rat infestations, and disappointed visitors. A paradise lost—at least in July and August.

Overtourism, inflated prices & tired locals

Tourism makes up more than 25% of Malta’s GDP—and it shows. In areas like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and St. Paul’s Bay, overdevelopment has replaced traditional neighborhoods with wall-to-wall rental flats and hotels.

Prices in these hotspots are significantly higher than elsewhere on the island, and not always justified by the quality. Eating well for a fair price becomes a challenge if you don’t venture off the beaten track.

Moreover, interactions with locals can sometimes feel cold. Many Maltese residents express frustration over how tourism has saturated the islands and eroded their cultural identity. Some feel tourists are a necessary evil: vital for the economy but overwhelming in daily life. This tension occasionally surfaces in how visitors are treated.

Accommodation that doesn’t meet expectations

It’s not uncommon to find tourist rentals that don’t match their photos or online descriptions. In some cases, the apartments are unlicensed or poorly regulated, which could be problematic if issues arise. Always check if your accommodation is officially licensed and read recent reviews carefully.

Our apartment in Malta had plenty of charm, mostly thanks to its unbeatable views over the sea. Every morning we woke up to sunlight flooding in and the sound of waves in the distance. It was an older place, with a bit of character in its worn furniture and vintage tiles, but also with a few quirks. The air conditioning worked most of the time, but not always at its best during the hottest afternoons. The shower, too, had its moods—switching between perfect flow and a reluctant trickle. Still, the view more than made up for these little inconveniences.

A destination best enjoyed with realistic expectations

All that said, Malta remains an incredible place to visit. Its history, coastline, sunshine, and uniqueness are well worth the trip. But knowing what to expect helps you avoid disappointment. Our advice? Avoid the most crowded areas, start your days early, explore Gozo, and keep an open, flexible mindset.

We spent a week in Malta in the summer of 2025, and it was exactly the break we needed—calm, sunny, and perfect for disconnecting. We enjoyed slow mornings by the sea, exploring historic towns, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Despite the crowds in some hotspots, we found quieter corners that felt almost untouched. The island’s compact size made it easy to get around, and the mix of cultures, food, and scenery kept each day interesting. It wasn’t a trip packed with endless activities, but rather a week to slow down, recharge, and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere at our own pace.

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