Malta, a small Mediterranean island, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for young travelers on a budget. With its stunningly clear waters, rich mix of cultures, and surprisingly low costs—especially in the off-season—it offers the perfect blend of adventure and affordability.
For many travelers, Malta’s biggest draw isn’t just its beauty, but also how accessible it is without breaking the bank.
“The reason we chose Malta to begin with was because the flights were so affordable in the off-season,” said Reagan Tran, sophomore at SLU-Madrid, who visited the island for winter break. “Even the accommodation, food, and transportation were affordable, and we still got the beautiful beaches, warm sun, and islandy vibe. It exceeded our expectations,” added Tran.
Beyond its affordability, one of the most unexpected things about Malta is the warmth of its people.
“I’ve never been anywhere where people were so consistently kind,” said Abby Globokar, also a sophomore at SLU-Madrid.
Whether at a late-night kebab shop, a local supermarket, or just walking the streets, visitors are treated more like friends than tourists.
The island’s mild climate makes it an ideal off-season destination.
“The weather was great for February—not too cold or too hot—and there was plenty to do every day,” said Angelo Sosa, sophomore at SLU-Madrid. “We didn’t even get around to everything—I bet you could spend a week or two there easily.”
Of course, what steals the show is Malta’s coastline.
“It was so surreal to see crystal-clear waters in Europe—I’ve never seen that before!” said Cristina Nichols, Junior at SLU-Madrid, who also visited Malta recently.
Even in the off-season, the beaches are breathtaking, the weather is mild, and the island retains its laid-back, sun-soaked charm.
Malta also offers a fascinating cultural mix. While it was once a British colony, the lifestyle is distinctly Mediterranean—long sobremesas (after-meal conversations), terrazas spilling onto the streets, and a social atmosphere where bars and restaurants blend seamlessly into pedestrian areas. Linguistically, it’s even more surprising.
“I thought the Maltese language was a mix of French, Italian, and English, but I couldn’t even hear any of these influences—it was all Arabic! Which really surprised me,” said Sarah O’Hayon, a third-year student at SLU-Madrid.
Even with its unique language, English is widely spoken, making it an easy destination to navigate.
With its affordability, welcoming locals, and cultural depth, Malta is more than just a cheap getaway—it’s an island escape that feels both unique and familiar. For young travelers looking for a destination that won’t drain their savings, Malta’s off-season magic is hard to beat.
