Malta’s mix of honey-coloured streets, prehistoric temples, tiny fishing villages and crystalline bays makes it an irresistible short-haul choice from the UK. It’s compact (you can cross the main island end-to-end in under an hour) yet packed with things to do: UNESCO-listed Valletta, the baroque quiet of Mdina, the Blue Lagoon on Comino and the rural charm of Gozo. Flight times from the UK are short — roughly three to three-and-a-half hours, so it’s a great option for long weekends, city escapes and easy family holidays.
Who flies there from the UK — and from which UK airports
Malta International Airport (MLA, Luqa) is well served from the UK by a mix of full-service carriers, low-cost airlines and package-holiday operators. Major operators flying direct include British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 (as well as seasonal TUI and other charter/holiday airlines). Routes operate from London and many regional airports across Britain.
Typical UK origin airports with direct services to Malta include:
- London — Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton (different airlines use different London airports).
- Manchester — regular services (easyJet, Jet2 and others).
- Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds/Bradford, East Midlands — Jet2 and other carriers operate seasonal services from these regional airports.
- Scottish airports — Edinburgh, Glasgow and (seasonally) others are served by Jet2, easyJet and sometimes additional carriers.
If you’re flexible on airports you’ll often find more choice and cheaper fares; low-cost carriers in particular operate multiple weekly and seasonal flights, while BA and a few others concentrate on London services. For an overview of weekly direct services and timetables a travel search engine or the airlines’ own timetables is useful.
What to do in Malta
- Valletta: stroll the narrow streets, visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the best harbour views.
- Mdina & Rabat: the medieval “silent city” and its neighbouring Roman-era sites make a great half-day trip.
- Blue Lagoon (Comino): iconic turquoise water — perfect for swimming and snorkelling (arrive early in summer).
- Gozo: take the short ferry to Gozo for quieter beaches, the Ġgantija temples and scenic countryside.
- Diving & watersports: Malta is a popular diving destination year-round with wreck and reef dives.
- Food & nightlife: sample Maltese ftira, rabbit stew, pastizzi and an energetic café/bar scene in the main towns.
Getting around
Malta’s bus network is inexpensive and covers most tourist routes; taxis and ride-apps are widely available and car hire gives the most freedom (roads are narrow in places). Ferries link Malta, Gozo and Comino, essential if you want to spend time on the smaller islands.
Practical tips
- Flight time: expect about 3–3½ hours from the UK.
- When to go: late spring and autumn give warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds; summer is lively and very hot.
- Currency & entry: Malta uses the euro and is in the EU (but not in Schengen for identity rules – check passport requirements before you travel).
- Language: Maltese and English are both official, English is widely spoken.
Malta – at a glance
Capital: Valletta
Airport code: MLA (Malta International, Luqa)
Flight time from UK: ~3–3½ hours (varies by origin airport).
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October (warmer sea in summer)
Currency: Euro (€)
Languages: Maltese, English
Top tip: Book Blue Lagoon boat trips and popular Valletta sites in advance during July–August.
Malta punches well above its weight: it’s both a cultural microcosm, temples older than the pyramids sit side-by-side with vibrant café culture, and an easy-to-reach sun destination from a wide range of UK airports. Whether you’re after history, beaches, diving or a relaxed city break, Malta’s compact size means you can pack a surprising amount into a short visit.