Malta

The best city in the world to visit, according to a survey of global tourists, is just a three-hour flight from the UK and can be reached for as little as £20

A survey has revealed which city global travellers think is the very best to visit – and it’s a short flight from the UK.

Depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer as to which city in the world is the best to visit. But this location is the hottest European capital in October and has plenty of history for culture vultures to sink their teeth into.

The best city in the world for tourists, according to responses gathered by top tourism publication Condé Nast Traveller, is Valletta.

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The capital of Malta is only a three-hour flight from the UK, and journeys there can be nabbed on budget airlines for as little as £20. The survey asked tourists questions in several categories, combining responses to then come up with an overall satisfaction score for countries around the world. Valletta got an impressive 97.33 out of 100.

The travel publication recently released the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, reports the Express. Tourists were asked about a range of things, including a city’s walkability, cultural gems, nightlife, hotels and more.

Condé Nast described the “sun-soaked capital” as feeling both “ancient and fresh” at the same time. They also praised the Maltese capital for having “one of Europe’s buzziest creative scenes bubbling above foundations built by knights”.

Valletta, a small but mighty city with just over 5,000 residents, attracts a multitude of visitors each year due to its splendid weather and captivating history.

There’s no shortage of attractions in this city. The top-rated tourist spot is St John’s Pro Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to the 1500s. The city’s military and maritime history are significant aspects of Valletta and Malta as a whole. Other popular attractions that delve into this aspect include Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery and the National War Museum.

Tourists also enjoy visiting Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace and Barrakka Lift. Beyond Valletta, the wider area of Malta, which spans only 122 square miles, offers even more to explore.

READ MORE: Gorgeous European destination is 25C in October and has ‘almost no crowds’

Malta’s best beaches include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Romla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

If you’re after good weather, Valletta is the place to be. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching around 32C. Even as the UK turns chilly and dark, Valletta continues to enjoy pleasant weather.

In October, you can expect highs of 25C, while November sees highs of 21C. Even in January and February, temperatures reach up to 16C and rarely drop below 9C.

Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela spoke of the youngest victims of Israel’s war in Gaza who are given medical treatment in his country.

A new report has named one Canary Island destination the most tourist-dense island in all of Europe, and singled out one EU country in particular for overcrowding

As housing shortage protests grow in intensity across Europe, one EU country is still taking on the brunt of overcrowding. A new report reveals that Spain is home to Europe’s most overcrowded islands.

Using data from the European Commission, the report from BookRetreats.com ranked Europe’s islands by tourist density – measured in overnight stays per square kilometre. The spatial metric reveals how physically saturated some destinations have become, especially on islands where land, housing, and infrastructure are limited, according to the analysts.

Malta topped the list with the highest tourist density of any island in Europe. Equally significant, the report revealed that four of the top five most tourist-dense islands on the continent are Spanish islands.

Across these islands, tourism levels have reached the densities of most major cities. According to the report, while Malta is small enough to fit into London five times over, it sees more than 38,700 overnight stays per km². Of these year-round visitors, British travellers make up the largest share.

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The tourist impact is most visible at peak sites like the Blue Lagoon on Comino, where daily summer crowds reach up to 12,000. In response, authorities have recently capped visitor numbers at 4,000 per day and introduced mandatory booking to help protect the fragile coastal environment.

Protests are also growing across the country and governments are now considering enhanced restrictions to manage the pressure on infrastructure. In Ibiza and Formentera, officials have responded with new Tourism Containment Measures. The reforms ban new short-term lets in apartment buildings and step up enforcement against unlicensed holiday rentals in a bid to ease the strain.

On Sunday, June 15, the Menys Turisme Més Vida platform also organised a protest in Palma calling for an end to touristification. The group issued a statement the next day, insisting: “Let us be clear. We will not stop. This fight does not end here.

“We will not allow one more measure of tourism growth, nor one more attack on our language and culture, on migrants, on the territory, or on the working class.”

Elsewhere in Spain, governments have pushed back even further on holiday lets, including a crackdown on 65,000 Airbnb listings. In the Canaries, a new holiday rental law could also ban newly built properties from being used by tourists for 10 years after construction.

“Tourism has transformed many of Europe’s islands, but the pace and scale are no longer sustainable,” says Sean Kelly, co-founder of BookRetreats.com.

“When local systems are stretched and communities are pushed out, it’s a sign something needs to change. That’s why it’s so important we look at the data, understand where the pressure is highest, and start making more informed choices about where and how we travel.”

The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta has long captivated British investors, and its allure extends beyond its sun-drenched beaches and rich history. For those seeking to diversify their portfolios or find a new place to call home, investing in Maltese property offers a unique blend of lifestyle benefits and financial potential. The island nation’s robust economy, EU membership, and attractive residency programmes further enhance its appeal as a prime destination for property investment.

Why Choose Malta?

Malta’s property market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistent growth, even amidst global economic fluctuations. Several factors contribute to this stability. The country’s strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, coupled with a favourable business climate, attracts international investors and expatriates, fuelling demand for housing. Furthermore, Malta’s EU membership provides a secure legal framework and facilitates ease of movement and trade for EU citizens.

The Maltese government actively encourages foreign investment through various initiatives, including attractive residency and citizenship by investment programmes. These schemes often involve property acquisition, providing a pathway to residency or citizenship for eligible investors and their families. Beyond the financial incentives, Malta offers an exceptional quality of life, characterised by a warm Mediterranean climate, a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant social scene, and excellent connectivity to major European cities. The widespread use of English as an official language also makes it an easy transition for UK investors.

The Maltese Property Market

The Maltese property market is diverse, offering a wide range of options to suit various tastes and budgets. From modern apartments and penthouses in bustling urban centres to charming townhouses in historic villages and luxurious villas with sea views, there is something for every investor. The market has seen steady appreciation in property values over the years, driven by limited land availability and growing demand from both local and international buyers.

Rental yields in Malta are also attractive, typically ranging from 4% to 7%, depending on the location and type of property. Prime areas like Sliema, St. Julian’s, and the capital city, Valletta, are particularly popular for rental investments due to high demand from expatriates working in Malta’s thriving finance, gaming, and technology sectors, as well as tourists. The demand for high-quality, luxury villas and high-end apartments remains particularly strong.

Popular Areas for Investment

Certain areas in Malta are particularly sought-after by property investors:

• Sliema and St. Julian’s: These coastal towns are Malta’s main commercial and entertainment hubs, offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle with numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. They are prime locations for luxury apartments and penthouses with high rental demand.
• Valletta: The historic capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts unique character properties and a strong rental market driven by tourism and business.
• Swieqi and Pembroke: Residential areas popular with families and expatriates, offering a mix of apartments, maisonettes, and villas, close to St. Julian’s.
• Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay: Located in the north, these areas are popular for their beaches and more relaxed pace, attracting both holidaymakers and long-term residents.
• Gozo: Malta’s sister island offers a more tranquil and rural lifestyle, with generally lower property prices, appealing to those seeking peace and quiet.
• Special Designated Areas (SDAs): Locations like Portomaso in St. Julian’s, Tigné Point in Sliema, and Fort Cambridge in Sliema allow foreigners to purchase property with fewer restrictions and are often high-end developments.

Investors Looking for Citizenship

For UK investors seeking EU citizenship, Malta’s Exceptional Investor Naturalisation (MEIN) programme offers a path via significant economic contribution. Managed by the Community Malta Agency, it requires a substantial non-refundable government investment (€600k or €750k depending on residency duration), plus €50k per dependent. Applicants must also invest in property (purchase from €700k or rent from €16k annually) held for five years, and make a €10k philanthropic donation. A 12 or 36-month residency period and thorough due diligence are mandatory. Successful applicants gain Maltese (EU) citizenship.

Future Outlook

The outlook for the Maltese property market remains positive. Projections indicate continued growth in property values, supported by a robust economy, ongoing foreign investment, and sustained demand from both local and international buyers. The government’s focus on urban regeneration projects and the increasing importance of sustainable and eco-friendly developments are also shaping the future of the market. While challenges such as affordability for some locals and potential overdevelopment in certain areas exist, the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism.

Investing in Maltese property can be a rewarding venture, offering the potential for capital appreciation, attractive rental income, and an enviable Mediterranean lifestyle. However, as with any investment, thorough research, due diligence, and professional advice are paramount to making informed decisions.

A travel influencer has taken to social media to brand an ‘underrated’ holiday destination as the ultimate ’10 out of 10′ – and it is perfect for those on a budget

A travel influencer has hailed Malta as the ultimate ’10 out of 10′ destination, branding it extremely underrated. While many fantasise about exploring the historic ruins in Greece or basking on the sun-drenched beaches of Ibiza, Hannah, a TikTok travel expert, insists this often-neglected gem has everything to offer – particularly for those on a shoestring budget.

On her TikTok account @hannahshols, she shared: “Malta is by far the most underrated country I think I’ve ever visited. This is why you need to put it on your 2024 travel list.” She provided a brief cost rundown: “A quick cost breakdown – we paid just over £400 each, five nights in Solana Hotel and spa.

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“That included flights, accommodation, breakfast, baggage and transfers… So, here’s a couple of things that I would not miss out if you’re heading to Malta this year.”

Despite its small stature, Malta packs a punch with historical treasures like its awe-inspiring Megalithic Temples, which predate even the grandeur of Stonehenge and Egypt’s famed pyramids.

The island also boasts spectacular sea caves and the celebrated Blue Lagoon, reports the Express. Hannah, an experienced globetrotter, highly praises the marvels of Malta’s fortified capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed for being ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world‘.

She enthused: “Please just spend a day in Valetta roaming around, street dining, going to the boutique shops, wandering in and out of the gardens, seeing the cannons being fired at the saluting battery and checking out the harbour front.

“Once you’re bored of city life, please book a boat trip! So, we booked the Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon tour through Get Your Guide.”

Hannah, who found endless charm on the less populated but equally enchanting island of Gozo, described an unforgettable boating adventure that cost her just £29, dubbing it her ‘favourite day’.

She elaborated: “Just one thing I loved about Malta was that it was like nowhere I’d ever been before. It’s got such strong Arabic and Roman influences, it was just absolutely beautiful.

“And everyone we met just seemed so proud to be Maltese. So, overall Malta gets a 10 out of 10 from me and I could not recommend it enough.”

Deterred by escalating anti-tourist sentiment in Spain? Don’t worry, this beautiful EU island offers equally stunning beaches, history and architecture – all without the threat of angry protestors

Avoid the angry protestors on this stunning European island just over three hours from the UK.

For decades, sun-worshipping Brits have been flocking to sunny Spain – partying in the hectic regions of Magaluf and Benidorm, or chilling out in the more laid-back coastal gems stretching across the Costa del Sol. Lured in by golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, cheap booze and stunning history, the country has watched its tourism rapidly boom.

Last year, Spain and its slew of insatiably popular islands, witnessed a record-breaking 94 million international visitors – a 10 per cent spike from the year before. However, the influx sparked backlash amongst locals, who argue the skyrocketing demand for short-term holiday lets has priced them out of the property market. 2024 witnessed a string of protests erupt across the country, with banner-holding residents demanding Brits ‘go home’ and never return. This anti-tourist rhetoric has spiralled in recent years, with fresh vows of demonstrations to take place during the insufferably busy summer.

If you’ve been put off by the clashing protests, Joanne Lynn, a European travel expert over at Riviera Travel, recommends visiting Malta instead. Situated in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast – Malta may only span some 122 square miles, but it certainly packs a powerful punch.

Here, you’ll find a UNESCO city dripping in history, ancient ruins, stunning architecture and pristine beaches. Highlights include the ‘Blue Grotto’ – a network of six sea caves that has been branded the perfect dupe of Italy’s Amalfi Coast – and the Saluting Battery ceremony in the capital, where a restored canon is fired Monday through Sunday twice a day.

Speaking exclusively with the Mirror, Joanne explained how the country has ‘largely avoided’ this kind of tension thanks to the island’s more ‘measured approach to tourism and strong emphasis on maintaining local culture’. “While the island can certainly get busy, particularly around popular beach areas during peak season, it has not experienced the same degree of backlash or protest seen in places like Barcelona,” she said. “Crucially, Malta hasn’t faced the same pressures on housing markets or local infrastructure, which has helped preserve a generally positive relationship between residents and visitors.”

Last year, Malta welcomed 3.6 million tourists – almost 20 per cent more compared to 2023. But despite its growing popularity, Joanne says travellers can still enjoy a ‘fulfilling experience without the added concern of tourism-related unrest’. “Overall, Malta’s combination of high-quality restaurants, museums, historical tourist attractions and quiet towns makes it a great choice for anyone looking to avoid demonstrations across Europe, while still being able to experience a wonderful summer trip abroad,” she added.

Of course, this is not to say that everyone on the islands loves the sudden influx of Brits. Certain areas, such as Comino – a small island of the Maltese archipelago, have become super crowded in the busy summer months. Back in 2022, a local group named Movimenti Graffiti stripped the area of its deckchairs and sun beds to make it clear that Comino should be protected ‘not plundered’.

You can fly directly to Malta from most major UK airports, including Glasgow, Belfast, Liverpool, and London Stansted, with flights taking an average of three hours and 15 minutes. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £50 in June.

Accommodation on the island is equally affordable, with a slew of no-thrill hotels, hostels, and apartments available. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, June 9-16) at The Rose Hostel in St Julian’s will set you back £349. This is based on two adults staying in a seven-bed mixed dorm. However, if you want a more luxurious trip – check out Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Located in Valetta, this stunning resort boasts a large outdoor and indoor pool, a private beach, spa, and three restaurants. You can splurge out on the Superior Deluxe Double Room with a sea view for £1,659 on the exact same dates.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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