Is Italy or Malta cheaper?

They sit in a similar bracket — roughly $35–130/day in Italy, $35–130/day in Malta.

When is the best time to visit Italy vs Malta?

Italy is at its best in April–June, September, October; Malta peaks in April, May, October.

Is Italy or Malta better in August?

Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Italy has the edge in June, July, September, and both are at their best in April, May, October.

How long do you need in Italy vs Malta?

Plan 1–4 weeks for Italy and 1–1 for Malta.

Should I choose Italy or Malta?

Pick Italy if you want somewhere stronger for food, culture. Pick Malta if you want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on history, city, so on those either works.

Italy vs Malta

Two strong destinations, different in important ways. Here's the side-by-side, then a verdict on which suits which traveler.

Western Europe

Italy

The benchmark for food, history, and beauty.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: fine
March: fine
April: peak
May: peak
June: peak
July: fine
August: avoid
September: peak
October: peak
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Southern Europe

Malta

A sun-baked limestone island with more history per square mile than almost anywhere.

Best time to visit

January: fine
February: fine
March: fine
April: peak
May: peak
June: fine
July: avoid
August: avoid
September: fine
October: peak
November: fine
December: fine

Peak Fine Avoid

Read our full guides about Italy and Malta.

Side by side

Emphasised where they differ. Muted rows are much the same either way.

	Italy	Malta
Best time	April–June, September, October	April, May, October
Climate	mild	warm
Budget	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day	Budget – Mid-range · $35–130/day
Trip length	1–4 wks	1–1 wks
Visa	Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports (90 days).	Schengen area; visa-free for most Western passports (90 days). Verify before travel.
Currency	EUR (€)	EUR (€).
Language	Italian. English in cities and tourism, less in the south.	Maltese and English (both official).
Tap water	Tap water safe and good.	Tap water is safe but heavily desalinated; many prefer bottled for taste.
Safety	Very safe. Pickpocketing in Rome, Naples, Florence.	Very safe, with low crime across the islands.

General guidance — visas, safety, and health change, so check your government's travel advisory and the official sources before you go.

Italy or Malta, month by month

Which of the two is the better bet for each month of the year, scored on how well the season suits each place.

Which to choose

Choose Italy if:

You want somewhere stronger for food, culture.

Choose Malta if:

You want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path.

Both deliver on history, city — so on those dimensions either works.

Common questions

Is Italy or Malta cheaper?: They sit in a similar bracket — roughly $35–130/day in Italy, $35–130/day in Malta.
When is the best time to visit Italy vs Malta?: Italy is at its best in April–June, September, October; Malta peaks in April, May, October.
Is Italy or Malta better in August?: Neither has a clear edge in August — they score the same that month. Italy has the edge in June, July, September, and both are at their best in April, May, October.
How long do you need in Italy vs Malta?: Plan 1–4 weeks for Italy and 1–1 for Malta.
Should I choose Italy or Malta?: Pick Italy if you want somewhere stronger for food, culture. Pick Malta if you want somewhere more off-the-beaten-path. Both deliver on history, city, so on those either works.