If your social feeds have been flooding with content from Malta – there’s a simple reason.
The tiny yet vibrant Mediterranean island nation located south of Europe, near Sicily and north of North Africa, is quickly climbing in popularity.
According to Visit Malta, Aussies are among the international markets contributing to its tourism growth, which rose 13.2 per cent in 2025, reaching just under 4.1 million visitors overall.
Specifically for the Aussie market, visitor arrivals showed a notable jump of 19.3 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
So, what’s all the fuss about?
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Given Australia has the largest Maltese populations outside of Malta, many third and fourth-generation Maltese Australians are heading back to discover their heritage.
This, combined with word-of-mouth, has seen the destination rise in popularity over the years.
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“Despite its small size, its geography is quite distinctive. It’s often described as a place where 7,000 years of deep history, culture, and sea-side living collide with over 300 days of sunshine a year, friendly locals and a blend of European and Mediterranean influences,” Mario Farrugia-Borg, Visit Malta, Director – Australian and New Zealand, tells news.com.au.
He said it boasts a welcoming lifestyle without the crowds of overly commercialised destinations.
“While Malta is well known among Australians with Maltese heritage, for the broader Australian market it’s still relatively under-the-radar compared to other European destinations,” he explained.
“But we are working to change that. As these traditional European spots become overcrowded, Malta has been positioned as a more ‘authentic’ Mediterranean alternative that offers an abundance of history, deep traditions, culture and of course pristine beaches.”
Sarah King, Expedia travel expert, agreed Malta is a destination on the radar for many Aussies given its accessibility and price point compared to traditional hotspots like Italy or France.
“The accommodation offering is also wide range, with the typical European villas and boutique guesthouses through to full-service resorts and hotels, catering to different travel styles and budgets,” she told news.com.au.
According to Expedia’s latest findings, Malta is rapidly gaining momentum as a must-visit European destination, with accommodation searches for the capital, Valletta up 25 per cent year-on-year.
“Malta’s rich history, ancient temples and cities, alongside its warm Mediterranean climate makes it a true year-round destination,” Ms King said.
“Add to that it’s a relatively small island that’s easy to get around, allowing travellers to explore beaches, historic sites and vibrant dining options all within a short distance.”
Mr Farrugia-Borga explained it has a reliable bus network that connects most towns, tourist sites and even the smaller island of Gozo via ferry. Uber and Bolt rides are also very efficient,” he added.
“Renting a car is also popular, especially if you want to explore Gozo or rural areas,” he said.
“In Malta, people drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like in Australia. Ferries run between Malta, Gozo, and Comino, making island-hopping easy. Some tour operators also offer boat trips to hidden coves or for diving excursions.”
When asked when the “best time” to visit Malta is, he agreed with Ms King in that there’s no particular one time.
“Let us make it clear that in Malta one finds lots to do all year round. For Australians looking for pleasant weather, cultural experiences, and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are the optimal seasons,” he advised.
“Summer is great for beaches, while winter is best for quiet exploration while still enjoying the mild Maltese climate.”
He said for Aussies who eventually visit Malta, you might notice a surprising amount of Australian influence.
“From certain slang words to the fact that you can find Australian power outlets or Australian products in some local shops, thanks to the deep family ties between the two nations,” he said.