13 August 2026 
7 mins to read Living and working in Malta is very popular among young people. The island has everything people wish for. Great weather year-round, easy access to beaches and good opportunities to party. But these are the things all tourists that visit Malta do as well. The great thing about moving abroad and living in Malta for a longer period of time is that you can really find out what life is like. But for that to happen, you have to be open to it.
In this blog we provide you with our secret tips for enjoying life in Malta. From tips to live your life outside of the touristic highlights to advice on getting out of your international bubble. Keep reading to find out all the important tips.
What makes Malta special?
Malta is a country with a long and rich history. Because of that, there is some amazing architecture. Next to this, there are loads of stunning Mediterranean beaches. In Malta’s history, the island has been conquered multiple times. Because of that you can find Arab, English and French influences, among others. English still is one of the official languages in Malta.
This melting pot of cultures makes the island quite unique. And even in the 21st century Malta hasn’t changed. Because a lot of international companies have settled in Malta, there are a lot of international expats. People from all over the world mix with the local Maltese people.
Maltese people
Maltese people live outside. You can find them at bars, cafés, beach clubs, or doing sports activities. The Maltase see sleeping as a waste of life. They always have plans, and if you open up to them you get included in all of these plans. And that’s the first of our tips for enjoying life in Malta: Don’t just stay with people from your own country. Show interest in the locals, and they will share. Smile and open up. Talk and listen to old Maltese guys, who are always willing to tell stories about the island and its history. Talk to your bus driver, or to old ladies in the supermarket. If you only socialise with other expats from your own country, you will never get the feeling for the real experience that living in Malta is.
What’s the best way for enjoying life in Malta?
There are a lot of things you should do in Malta to make your time there worth it. If you are ready to indulge yourself in the island and want to see the locals, try to go to a local gym or go play for a smaller football club, or sign up for ballet classes. This way you meet locals where they live their local life. Quickly they will make you part of them, because they notice you behave like this is home to you.
Amazing things to do in Malta
Within the Job Squad we have multiple people who experienced life in Malta themselves. They told us all about the amazing things you can do on the island:
| Activity | Description |
| Sunrise kayaking | Paddle along Malta’s coastline as the sun comes up, enjoying calm waters, beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere |
| Sea scouting | Explore Malta’s coastline from the water with sea scouting activities. It’s a great way to discover hidden bays, caves and beaches |
| Underground submarine bases from the Second World War | Discover Malta’s wartime history by exploring underground tunnels and former submarine facilities |
| Secluded beaches | If you want to escape the crowds. Some require a walk or a little exploring to reach, but the reward is often a peaceful spot with crystal-clear water |
| Volunteering in dog shelters | Animal lovers can spend some of their time in Malta helping at local dog shelters. Volunteering can include walking dogs, helping with daily care or simply giving the animals some attention |
Secret tips for life in Malta
One of the best-kept secrets of Malta is that you have to ‘survive’ the summer. In the summer it’s very hot and there are a lot of tourists. But in winter, the temperature drops a little and most tourists leave. This makes you become one of the real people living in Malta. Another, more practical tip, is to get a resident card as quickly as possible. This is mandatory if you stay over three months. Busses are free if you have one of these resident cards, so make sure to get it fast.
We also want to tell you about a typical Maltese sport. The locals love playing boċċi, a game that looks a bit like Jeu de Boules. But Maltese will explain to you that it is not the same. If you see people play this game, don’t walk past but stay and watch. Before you know it you get invited to play along and you will feel like a real local! Read more about what boċċi is and how it works.
FAQ
Can I drink tap water in Malta?
Yes, you can drink tap water in Malta. But the water is not at the same quality as you might be used to. Most people from Western Europe will say the tap water doesn’t taste nice, so it might be better to buy water.
What are the downsides of living in Malta?
In general Maltese people are friendly and curious. They want to tell you about their country and the history of it. But over the last years they have been overspammed with foreigners. Nowadays half a million people are living on three tiny islands. This can make the country feel a bit overcrowded. This problem occurs especially in the summer. In this period it can feel like there are too many tourists and for some people the temperatures are too high as well.
What should I avoid in Malta?
- Don’t take the white caps; You have to pay more and sometimes you can get scammed. Bolt and Uber are cheaper and more reliable options
- Visiting the big tourist attractions in the summer; In summer Malta is flooded with tourists that all want to see and visit the famous attractions. Lines will be very long, so if you live in Malta don’t get in those lines. Visit these highlights in winter, when most tourists are gone
- Getting into traffic when you don´t need to; There is too much traffic in Malta. To avoid getting in traffic jams, rent electric bicycles. You can get an annual subscription, so you can grab a rental bike every time you need one
- Don’t give Maltese people an attitude, because you’ll get it back; They are really friendly, but also passionate and emotional. You’ll find that out quickly if you approach them with an attitude
What is the nicest part of Malta to live in?
If you like big city life and a lot of people, then look for a place to live in a bigger city like Sliema or Saint Julian’s. Cities like Mosta, Paula and Naxxar are a bit more calm. You can also live in super calm places like Gozo or Mgarr. But don’t get fooled: it takes longer to get around by car and bus than you think.
How can I find a job in Malta?
Job Squad can help you find a great job in Malta. Our recruiters know everything about finding the job that suits you best. Browse to our job offers in Malta and see which job fits you as a professional. Before you know it you can be at the most stunning beaches, enjoying life in this amazing paradise.