Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Malta is a deeply Catholic country — dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees
Village festas (parish feast celebrations) happen every weekend from May to September and are a genuine window into Maltese culture — join the processions and fireworks
The Maltese are extremely proud of their unique history, language, and identity as both Mediterranean and European — showing genuine interest goes a long way
English is an official language alongside Maltese, so communication is easy, but learning a few Maltese phrases will be warmly received
Family is central to Maltese life — Sunday lunch is a sacred family tradition, and restaurants fill with multi-generational groups
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly when entering churches — cover shoulders and knees; many churches provide wraps at the door
- Greet shopkeepers and hosts with 'Bongu' (good morning) or 'Bonswa' (good evening) — Maltese people warm to basic language efforts
- Participate in a village festa if your visit coincides with one — these are genuine community celebrations welcoming to visitors
- Tip 10-15% at restaurants when service charge is not included, as wait staff depend on tips
- Respect the siesta culture — many small shops and businesses close from noon to 4pm, especially in summer
Don't
- Don't enter churches in beach clothing — shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted and you will be turned away or given a cover
- Don't be offended by direct questions about your background, salary, or family — Maltese directness is cultural, not rude
- Don't underestimate the heat — not wearing sun protection or adequate water in July-August can lead to serious heatstroke
- Don't expect public transport to run on schedule — Maltese buses are notoriously late; build buffer time into plans
- Don't photograph inside St. John's Co-Cathedral without permission — photography is restricted in many sacred spaces
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Village Festa (Parish Feast)
Every Maltese village holds an annual festa honoring its patron saint, usually on a summer weekend. The celebrations include elaborate church decorations, statue processions, brass band marches, competitive fireworks displays, and street food stalls — an unmissable cultural experience that defines Maltese identity.
Sunday Family Lunch
Sunday lunch is a near-sacred institution in Malta, with extended families gathering for long meals of traditional dishes like rabbit stew, pasta, and fresh fish. Restaurants overflow with multi-generational family groups from noon until 4pm every Sunday.
Carnival (Karnival)
Malta's pre-Lenten carnival in February is one of the Mediterranean's most colorful, featuring elaborately decorated floats, grotesque masks, and five days of dancing and revelry in Valletta and Nadur (Gozo). The Nadur Carnival is particularly atmospheric with its darker, more satirical character.
Mnarja (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul)
Malta's most traditional folk festival on June 29th at Buskett woodland, where locals camp overnight to watch the rabbit and horse races the following morning. An ancient custom of weaving decorative cornmeal head-pieces (ghonnella) accompanies the festivities.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Handshake standard for formal meetings; friends and acquaintances often exchange two cheek kisses (right then left). 'Bongu' (good morning) and 'Bonswa' (good evening) warmly received.
- Dining
- Wait to be seated at restaurants; it is acceptable to call the waiter with 'Skuzi' (excuse me). Sharing dishes is common in casual settings. Bread brought to the table is usually charged.
- Dress
- Smart casual for most restaurants and evening venues; beach wear confined to beach areas. Churches require covered shoulders and knees.
- Gifts
- Bringing a bottle of local wine, pastries, or flowers when visiting a Maltese home is appreciated but not strictly required.
- Business
- Exchange business cards at the start of meetings; punctuality expected though some flexibility in social settings. Address people formally (Mr/Mrs) until invited to use first names.
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants when service charge is not included; €1-2 for taxi drivers, €1 per bag for hotel porters.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Bonġu
Hello / Good day
BON-joo
Bonswa
Good evening
bon-SWA
Grazzi
Thank you
GRAT-see
Jekk jogħġbok
Please
yekk yo-JOB-ok
Skuzi
Excuse me / Sorry
SKOO-zee
Iva / Le
Yes / No
EE-va / LEH
Kemm jiswa?
How much does it cost?
kemm YIS-wa
Fejn hu/hi...?
Where is...?
feyn hoo/hee
Evviva
Cheers / Good health
eh-VEE-va
Ħelu / Tajjeb
Delicious
HEH-loo / TIE-yeb
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Malta.
Main: Roman Catholicism (over 85% of population identify as Catholic, making it one of Europe's most Catholic countries)
Sites: 365 churches across the islands — one for each day of the year; St. John's Co-Cathedral (Valletta), St. Paul's Cathedral (Mdina), and the Rotunda of Mosta are must-visits
Holy Days: All major Catholic feast days are public holidays; Good Friday processions are deeply solemn with life-size statues; the Feast of Our Lady of Victory (September 8) marks the end of the Great Siege and WWII campaigns
Conversations: Abortion (illegal in Malta) and divorce (legalized only in 2011) remain sensitive topics; the strong church-state relationship is a complex subject best avoided unless genuinely engaged by locals