St John's Co-Cathedral
Baroque conventual church of the Knights of St John with a gilded interior, inlaid marble tomb slabs and Caravaggio's The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in the oratory.
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About South Eastern
South Eastern Malta wraps around the Grand Harbour. Valletta, the walled capital founded by the Knights of St John in 1566, sits on the peninsula between the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett, with St John's Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master's Palace and the Barrakka Gardens. Across the water the Three Cities of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) hold Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor's Palace. Inland, Paola and Tarxien shelter the 5,000-year-old Hal Saflieni Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples. To the southeast, Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk are fishing and swimming bases, with the Sunday fish market at Marsaxlokk and St Peter's Pool on the Delimara peninsula. Malta International Airport at Luqa is about 6 km from Valletta.
- Capital
- Valletta (capital of Malta)
- Largest city
- Zabbar (17,148 residents at the 2021 census); Valletta is the best-known city and regional base
- Population
- About 109,000 across the 15 localities (2021 census); Zabbar 17,148, Marsaskala 16,804, Fgura 13,066, Zejtun 12,409, Valletta 5,157
- Languages
- Maltese, English
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Time zone
- CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)
Explore South Eastern by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in South Eastern
The 18 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Grand Master's Palace and Armoury
Palace of the Grand Masters and now the seat of the President of Malta, with tapestry-hung State Rooms and one of Europe's larger historic armouries.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Raised arcaded terrace garden with the classic panorama of the Grand Harbour, Fort St Angelo and the Three Cities, and the daily Saluting Battery.
Lower Barrakka Gardens
Quiet terrace garden above the Grand Harbour with a neoclassical monument to Sir Alexander Ball and views toward Fort Ricasoli and the harbour entrance.
Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum
Star-shaped fort at the seaward tip of Valletta that held out in the 1565 Great Siege and now houses the National War Museum, covering Malta from the Knights to the Second World War.
MUZA National Community Art Museum
Maltese national art collection in the 16th-century Auberge d'Italie, with works from the medieval to the modern period.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day South Eastern Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in South Eastern, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic South Eastern
- Days 1-2South Eastern city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate South Eastern
- Days 1-3South Eastern comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to South Eastern, departure
Where to stay in South Eastern
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget EUR 70 (about USD 80.50)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range EUR 180 (about USD 207)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury EUR 410 (about USD 471.50)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Phoenicia Malta
Five-star 132-room hotel built in the 1930s on The Mall in Floriana, directly outside the Valletta city gate, with a spa, bastion-edge pool and gardens.
Check rates on Booking.comIniala Harbour House
Five-star boutique hotel of 23 rooms and suites in restored townhouses and vaults on St Barbara Bastion, overlooking the Grand Harbour; houses the two-Michelin-star ION Harbour restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comCasa Ellul
Small boutique hotel of about nine suites in a converted 19th-century townhouse in central Valletta, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with a restaurant, bar and spa.
Check rates on Booking.comCugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour
Five-star hotel of 21 vaulted suites in a restored Senglea building facing the Grand Harbour, with a rooftop pool; the nearest ferry stop is Bormla, reached by footbridge.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in South Eastern
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Rubino
Restaurant and confectioner on Old Bakery Street in Valletta, listed with a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Nenu the Artisan Baker
Family-run restaurant on St Dominic Street serving traditional Maltese baked dishes and mains.
Caffè Cordina
Family-run cafe in a historic palazzo on Republic Street, opposite Republic Square.
Trabuxu Bistro
Bistro and wine bar on South Street in Valletta, known for local wines and relaxed evenings.
Under Grain
Restaurant inside the Rosselli - AX Privilege hotel holding one Michelin star.
Legligin
Concept restaurant and wine bar on St Lucy Street in Valletta, listed in the Michelin Guide.
Book a food tour in South Eastern We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around South Eastern
Malta International Airport (MLA) lies about 6 km south-west of Valletta in a straight line. Malta Public Transport buses run from Valletta Bus Terminus to the Three Cities, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk and Xgħajra. Valletta, Sliema and Cospicua are linked by Tallinja ferry, and the Upper Barrakka Lift connects the Grand Harbour quay to the gardens.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR (USD at 1 EUR = about 1.15), broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 35 (about USD 40.25) | EUR 100 (about USD 115) | EUR 250 (about USD 287.50) |
| Food (per day) | EUR 20 (about USD 23) | EUR 45 (about USD 51.75) | EUR 90 (about USD 103.50) |
| Transportation | EUR 5 (about USD 5.75) | EUR 10 (about USD 11.50) | EUR 30 (about USD 34.50) |
| Activities | EUR 10 (about USD 11.50) | EUR 25 (about USD 28.75) | EUR 40 (about USD 46) |
| Daily total | EUR 70 (about USD 80.50) | EUR 180 (about USD 207) | EUR 410 (about USD 471.50) |
Best time to visit South Eastern
Weather through the year in South Eastern
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for South Eastern.
South Eastern Malta has a hot, dry-summer Mediterranean climate. July and August reach 30-33 C with high humidity, while spring and autumn are warm and suited to sightseeing. Sea temperature peaks at about 25-26 C in late summer and stays near 22 C into late October.
Heritage Malta sites close on 1 January, Good Friday and 24, 25 and 31 December. Village feasts (festas) run from late May to September and close streets in the host town. Book the Hypogeum weeks ahead in any season.
Essential travel tips
- Book the Hypogeum weeks ahead at booking.heritagemalta.org.
- Take the Seabus ferry from Valletta to Birgu for the best harbour views.
- Visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday morning before 09:00.
- Cover shoulders and knees for churches, including St John's Co-Cathedral.
- Download the Tallinja app for buses and carry small change.
- Eat pastizzi and ftira from local bakeries for budget meals.
Safety information
South Eastern Malta is very safe; the main risks are petty theft in crowded places such as Valletta's Republic Street, bus terminals, markets and beaches, plus sun, heat and sea conditions
Dial 112 for police, ambulance and fire; the number is free from any phone and works throughout the island
Swim only at beaches with lifeguards or within designated swimming zones, obey flags (red means dangerous conditions) and avoid rocky shelves in rough weather; the US State Department warns of riptides at Malta's beaches
Summer heat is strong from June to September; carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen and avoid long sightseeing walks across Valletta's exposed bastions at midday
Drive on the left; Maltese roads are narrow and busy, and pedestrians should use crossings carefully in Floriana, Marsa and Paola
Keep bags zipped and phones out of back pockets on crowded buses, at Marsaxlokk Sunday market and on Valletta's streets
Do not leave valuables visible in parked cars at Marsaxlokk, Marsaskala and Delimara coastal car parks
Use ATMs inside bank branches where possible and shield the keypad
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit South Eastern Malta?
Malta is in the Schengen Area. EU citizens need an ID card or passport; US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. The Entry/Exit System is operational and ETIAS (EUR 20, USD 23) has no confirmed start date as of October 2026; check travel-europe.europa.eu.
What is the best time to visit South Eastern Malta?
April to early June and mid-September to October offer 20-28 C and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy.
How do I get from Malta airport to Valletta?
The airport is about 6 km away. Public buses take roughly 20 to 30 minutes for about EUR 2-2.50 (USD 2.30-2.88); taxis cost a reported EUR 20-25 (USD 23-28.75); confirm before leaving.
Do I need to book the Hypogeum in advance?
Yes. Entry is limited to 10 people per tour. Adult tickets cost EUR 35 (USD 40.25); book at booking.heritagemalta.org as early as possible.
How many days do I need in South Eastern Malta?
Two days cover Valletta and the Three Cities; add half a day for the Hypogeum and Tarxien and another half day for Marsaxlokk and St Peter's Pool.
Is South Eastern Malta safe for tourists?
Yes. Violent crime is rare; watch for pickpockets in crowds, summer heat and traffic, which drives on the left. Emergency number 112 works across the EU.
What currency and plug do I need in Malta?
Malta uses the euro. Plugs are Type G (British three-pin) at 230V/50Hz, so bring an adapter.
Explore South Eastern by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.