Malta All-Inclusive Holidays: Island Experts Share Their Mediterranean Gem Secrets

Known as the “Jewel of the Mediterranean,” Malta combines stunning coastal landscapes with 7,000 years of fascinating history, remarkable architecture, and vibrant culture. We’ve gathered insights from five Maltese tourism experts to create the ultimate guide to all-inclusive holidays on this captivating archipelago, complete with regional insights, transport tips, and a comprehensive price guide.

Regional Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Location

Joseph Camilleri, a Maltese tourism veteran with 19 years of experience, breaks down the island’s main holiday regions: “Malta offers distinct experiences depending on where you stay. St. Julian’s and Sliema deliver vibrant urban energy with seaside charm, Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay provide classic beach experiences, while staying in Gozo offers a more tranquil island escape.”

His recommendations by region:

• St. Julian’s/Paceville/Sliema: “Ideal for those seeking a blend of beach relaxation with sophisticated dining, shopping, and nightlife options”
• Mellieħa/Golden Bay: “Perfect for beach lovers, with Malta’s best sandy beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere”
• St. Paul’s Bay/Qawra/Buġibba: “Family-friendly areas with good facilities, promenades, and slightly lower prices”
• Gozo: “Malta’s sister island offers a more authentic, relaxed experience with beautiful scenery and traditional villages”

The Complete Malta Transport Guide

Maria Vella, a local transport specialist, shares essential information for exploring the islands:

Public Transport

• Local Buses: Connect all major areas (€2 for 2-hour ticket, €21 for 7-day unlimited travel)
• Ferry Services: Malta-Gozo (€4.65 return), harbor crossings (€1.50-€2.80)
• Airport Transfers: Usually included in all-inclusive packages

Car Hire

• Economy: €25-40 per day
• Mid-range: €45-65 per day
• Luxury vehicles: €80+ per day

Taxi Approximate Costs

• Malta Airport to St. Julian’s: €20-25
• Malta Airport to Mellieħa: €30-35
• Short trips within resort areas: €10-15
• Island tours: €150-200 for a full day

Transport Tips:

• Taxis should use meters or fixed rates; confirm before departure
• Consider the Tallinja Card for frequent bus users
• Ferry services to Gozo are frequent and efficient
• Roads can be congested; consider alternative transport during peak times

Price Guide: All-Inclusive Hotels in Malta

Anna Borg, a Maltese hospitality consultant, provides a breakdown of typical costs:

Mid-Range All-Inclusive (4-star)

• Peak season (June-September): €170-250 per night
• Shoulder season: €130-180 per night
• Low season: €90-140 per night

Luxury All-Inclusive (5-star)

• Peak season: €250-380+ per night
• Shoulder season: €190-270 per night
• Low season: €140-230 per night

Ultra-Luxury All-Inclusive

• Peak season: €380-600+ per night
• Shoulder season: €270-450 per night
• Low season: €230-400 per night

Local Restaurant and Activity Price Guide

Traditional Restaurants

• Local lunch: €15-25 per person
• Mid-range dinner with drinks: €30-45 per person
• High-end Maltese restaurant: €60-90+ per person

Activities and Excursions

• Valletta walking tour: €20-35
• Mdina and Rabat tour: €25-45
• Three Cities boat tour: €18-30
• Blue Grotto boat trip: €8-12
• Gozo day trip: €45-75
• Comino and Blue Lagoon cruise: €30-55
• Scuba diving: €70-110

Hidden Culinary Treasures of Malta

Chef Paul Axiaq, a Maltese culinary expert, shares his insights: “Maltese cuisine is a delicious reflection of our multicultural history, with influences from Italy, North Africa, and Britain. The best all-inclusive resorts now showcase local specialties like rabbit stew, lampuki pie, and fresh seafood alongside international offerings.”

His recommended local restaurants:

• Ta’ Marija (Mosta): Traditional Maltese cuisine with folklore evenings
• Rubino (Valletta): Historic restaurant serving authentic Maltese dishes
• United Bar & Restaurant (Mġarr): Famous for rabbit dishes and local atmosphere

Cultural Experiences and Local Traditions

Dr. Claudia Mifsud, a historian specializing in Maltese heritage, emphasizes the importance of cultural immersion: “Malta packs 7,000 years of history into 316 square kilometers. The best resorts offer excursions to our UNESCO World Heritage sites, megalithic temples, and vibrant festas that showcase our passionate cultural traditions.”

Expert Tips for Resort Selection in Malta

• Look for properties with sea views or historic building features
• Choose resorts offering Maltese nights and local cuisine
• Consider proximity to bus routes for easy island exploration
• Check for inclusive boat trips to Comino and Gozo
• Verify air conditioning quality for summer visits

Hidden Gems Near Popular Resort Areas

St. Julian’s/Sliema Area

• Spinola Bay: Picturesque fishing harbor with excellent restaurants
• Independence Gardens: Peaceful green space with sea views
• Balluta Bay: Beautiful architecture and small beach

Mellieħa/Golden Bay

• Għadira Nature Reserve: Bird sanctuary and ecological interest
• Popeye Village: Former film set turned attraction with gorgeous views
• Paradise Bay: Less crowded beach with crystal clear waters

St. Paul’s Bay/Qawra/Buġibba

• Wignacourt Tower: Historic coastal watchtower
• Salina Nature Reserve: Salt pans and flamingo spotting
• Kennedy Grove: Relaxing park area with sea views

Cultural Notes and Local Customs

• Village festas (feasts) are important cultural events throughout summer
• Maltese people are officially bilingual (Maltese and English)
• Strong Catholic traditions influence local culture and holidays
• Mediterranean dining patterns with later dinner times
• Island pace can be relaxed outside the main tourist areas

Seasonal Considerations for Malta

• Peak Season (June-September): Hot temperatures, all attractions open, festas
• Shoulder Season (April-May, October): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
• Low Season (November-March): Mild but occasionally rainy, some facility closures
• Year-round appeal: Malta enjoys 300+ days of sunshine annually

Making the Most of Your All-Inclusive Package in Malta

According to Joseph Camilleri, “Malta’s compact size makes it perfect for exploration, even on a week-long holiday. Use your all-inclusive resort as a comfortable base while discovering our incredible heritage sites, beautiful coastlines, and charming villages.”

Money-Saving Tips for Malta Holidays

• Travel during May or October for ideal weather and lower rates
• Purchase a multi-site heritage pass for visiting historical attractions
• Use public transport rather than taxis for island exploration
• Look for resorts offering complimentary shuttle services to popular areas
• Watch for winter sun deals between November and March

Your Guide to Tipping in Malta

As shared by Mark Cachia, Head Concierge at a premier Maltese resort with 16 years of experience, and Daniela Grech, local hospitality consultant, here’s your comprehensive guide to tipping in Malta.

All-Inclusive Resort Tipping

Room Service and Housekeeping

• Housekeeping: €1-2 per day
• Turn-down service: €1-2 per service
• Room service delivery: €1-2 per delivery
• Special requests: €2-5 depending on complexity

Expert Tip: “While not expected, small tips for housekeeping are deeply appreciated, especially for longer stays,” advises Cachia.

Restaurant Staff

• Buffet servers: €1 per meal
• A la carte waiters: €2-5 per meal
• Bartenders: €1 per round or €5 per evening
• Pool/beach servers: €1-2 per delivery

Expert Tip: “Tipping in all-inclusive resorts is not mandatory, but small gestures recognize good service and build rapport with staff,” says Grech.

Resort Activities and Services

• Spa treatments: 5-10% of treatment cost
• Fitness instructors: €2-5 per class
• Water sports instructors: €5-10 per session
• Entertainment staff: €2-5 for personal assistance
• Concierge: €5-10 for special arrangements

Transportation Tipping

Taxis

• Airport transfers: €2-5
• Short trips: €1-2
• Island tours: €15-25 for a full day
• Late night services: Add extra €2-3

Expert Tip: “Fixed-rate taxis don’t require tipping, but rounding up or adding €2-3 for good service is appreciated,” recommends Cachia.

Car Services

• Private drivers: 5-10% of daily rate
• Tour guides: €10-20 per day
• Resort shuttle drivers: €1-2 per journey

Restaurants Outside Resorts

Dining

• Casual restaurants: 5-10% of bill
• Fine dining: 10% of bill
• Cafés: Rounding up the bill or €0.50-1

Expert Tip: “Check if service charge is included. If it is, an additional small tip for exceptional service is still appreciated,” says Grech.

Tours and Excursions

Activity Specialists

• Boat trip crew: €2-5 per person
• Heritage site guides: €5-10 per tour
• Wine tour guides: €5-10 per person
• Diving instructors: €5-10 per dive

Cultural Experiences

• Walking tour guides: €5-10 per person
• Museum guides: €2-5 per tour
• Craft demonstrators: €2-5 per demonstration

Special Circumstances

Group Services

• Group tour guides: €2-5 per person
• Wedding coordinators: €30-50
• Photographers: €10-20
• Special event staff: €10-20

Holiday Periods

During Easter, Christmas, and village feast days:

• Consider increasing tips by 20-30%
• Show extra appreciation for staff working during holidays
• Tip more generously for special holiday services

Important Considerations

Currency

• Euro (€) is used for all transactions including tipping
• Carry small denominations for convenience
• Credit cards widely accepted but cash preferred for tips

Cultural Notes

• Tipping culture is moderate compared to the US but expected in tourism contexts
• Service staff appreciate acknowledgment of good service
• Maltese people are naturally hospitable; tipping reinforces this relationship

When Not to Tip

• Owner-operators of small businesses
• Self-service establishments
• When service has been genuinely poor
• For basic directions or information

Expert Tips for Smart Tipping

1. Keep a small amount of change accessible for convenience
2. Tip directly to the person who provided the service when possible
3. Adjust tipping based on length of stay and service quality
4. Learn a few Maltese phrases to show appreciation
5. Be discreet when offering tips

Special Advice from Local Experts

“Understanding Maltese tipping culture helps create better connections with local staff,” notes Cachia. “It’s not about the amount but the gesture of appreciation for good service.”

Daniela Grech adds: “Many resort staff work extremely hard during the busy summer months. Your tips help recognize their efforts and contribute to the warm hospitality Malta is known for.”

Planning Your Perfect Maltese Holiday

The ideal Malta experience balances resort comfort with cultural exploration. Choose properties that encourage you to discover Malta’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

As Maria Vella notes, “Malta offers an incredible density of experiences in a small area. Within minutes of your resort, you can be walking through 5,000-year-old temples, swimming in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, or wandering medieval streets. The best holidays balance relaxation with discovery.”

Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Malta

1. Explore the historic walled city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site
2. Visit the ancient megalithic temples, some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures
3. Experience the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon at Comino
4. Wander the silent medieval streets of Mdina, the former capital
5. Discover Gozo’s natural wonders, including the Inland Sea and dramatic coastlines

Note: All expert recommendations and prices are based on 2025 rates and professional experience in Maltese tourism and hospitality. Contact specific travel agents for current offerings and availability. Prices may vary by season and availability.