Cheap flights from Gatwick to Malta (Valletta): a budget guide

Last updated 29 October 2026 · by the HopCheap team

Malta is an English-speaking, sunny island about three hours from London, with a capital, Valletta, that is a UNESCO World Heritage city. It's a strong year-round budget choice, especially for winter sun that doesn't need a long-haul flight. Gatwick has had several daily Malta flights.

Flights from Gatwick

easyJet, British Airways and Air Malta's successor, KM Malta Airlines, have flown Gatwick or Heathrow to Malta International (MLA), and Ryanair flies from Stansted and other UK airports. Compare London-wide, and regional airports too, as Malta is served from many UK cities.

When is the best time to go?

• November–March: mild (often mid-to-high teens °C), the cheapest hotels and a great time for sightseeing. It can be windy, and some days are wet.
• April–June and late September–October: warm, ideal for swimming and walking, at moderate prices.
• July–August: hot and busy, with the highest prices.

Getting around for less

Malta Public Transport buses cover the whole island, and the airport has direct buses to Valletta and the main resorts. A Tallinja card or a multi-day Explore card can cut costs if you'll ride a lot. Ferries run from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. Foot passengers typically pay on the return trip from Gozo, and fares are low. A fast ferry also links Valletta and Gozo. The little Valletta–Sliema ferry is cheap and gives great harbour views.

Where should I stay on a budget?

• Valletta: gorgeous and central. Small hotels and guesthouses in historic buildings can be good value off-peak.
• Sliema and St Julian's: the most hotel choice, with lots of apartments and the most nightlife.
• Bugibba and Qawra: often the cheapest resort hotels, though they're more resort than city.
• Gozo: quieter, rural and great for walking and diving.

Valletta on a budget

• Walk the Upper Barrakka Gardens and catch the saluting battery gun firing (a daily tradition).
• Visit St John's Co-Cathedral (paid), which holds Caravaggio's masterpiece.
• Take the Upper Barrakka lift down, then the ferry to the Three Cities.
• Wander Strait Street and the city walls in the evening.

Beyond the capital

• Mdina: the hilltop "silent city", free to wander.
• Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk fishing village: easy by bus.
• Comino's Blue Lagoon: beautiful but crowded in summer. Visit early or out of season. Visitor rules and caps have been introduced, so check before you go.
• Gozo: the Citadel in Victoria, salt pans and Ramla Bay.

Eating cheaply

Pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas) are Malta's best cheap snack. Look for local bakeries and pastizzerias. Ftira (Maltese bread sandwiches) and rabbit stew are local classics. Tap water is safe but many people prefer bottled for taste.

Do I need a visa, and what money should I take?

Malta uses the euro and is in Schengen, so the 90/180-day rule applies. English is an official language and plugs are UK-style three-pin, which makes Malta very easy for British visitors. Check the FCDO Malta advice and our entry rules guide.

Savings checklist

1. Go between November and March for the lowest hotel prices.
2. Use buses and ferries rather than taxis.
3. Stay in Sliema or Bugibba for value, and visit Valletta by ferry or bus.
4. Eat pastizzi for breakfast.

More short-haul winter sun: winter sun within about four hours and the cheapest winter sun.

What does a budget trip look like?

Day 1: Take the bus to Valletta. Walk the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Republic Street and the city walls. Day 2: Visit St John's Co-Cathedral, then take the ferry to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua) for quiet lanes and harbour views. Day 3: Visit Mdina and Rabat by bus, including St Paul's Catacombs. Day 4: Spend a day on Gozo: the Citadel in Victoria, Ramla Bay and the salt pans at Xwejni. Day 5: Visit Marsaxlokk's Sunday fish market and the Blue Grotto, then fly home. A multi-day bus card makes this whole plan cheap.

Before you book: a quick checklist for Malta

• Compare dates: check a whole month of fares, not just one date. A few days' difference can change the price a lot (see our flexible date tips).
• Count the extras: add bags, seats and airport transfers to the fare before comparing options.
• Check entry rules: read the latest FCDO advice for your destination on GOV.UK, including passport validity.
• Sort insurance early: buy travel insurance when you book, so cancellation cover starts straight away.
• Plan data and money: sort a travel eSIM and a fee-free card before you leave (see our eSIM and money guides).
• Read the partner's terms: the booking site handles your booking and payment, so check its price, baggage and cancellation terms before you pay.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Gatwick to Malta?

Around three hours.

Is Malta good for winter sun?

It's mild rather than hot in winter, with daytime highs often in the mid-to-high teens °C. Great for sightseeing.

Do they speak English in Malta?

Yes. English is an official language, alongside Maltese.

How do I get from Malta airport to Valletta?

Direct public buses run from the airport to Valletta's bus terminus.

We don't quote fixed prices in our guides because fares change constantly — the search buttons fetch current fares. Entry rules can change: always check GOV.UK before you travel.