Top experiences, festivals and hidden gems
Malta in 2026 is the ultimate destination for adventurers, art lovers, wellness fans, and shopaholics. New hotspots, iconic film locations, and adrenaline-packed experiences make the islands more enticing than ever.
Wellness: Verdala Wellness Hotel
The new Verdala Wellness Hotel in Rabat is a luxury retreat featuring a 1,500-square-meter V SPA, hammam, salt grotto, infrared sauna, and indoor and outdoor pools. Holistic wellness retreats, serene rooms, and Mediterranean seasonal cuisine make it the ultimate wellness destination for 2026.
Culture: MICAS & Museum of Illusions
Art lovers can explore MICAS in Floriana, where contemporary art meets Malta’s rich history. In St. Julian’s, the Museum of Illusions challenges your senses with over 80 interactive installations, from upside-down rooms to mirrors that make you appear to shrink or grow.
Shopping & nightlife: St. Julian’s
Around the futuristic Mercury Towers, you’ll find luxury shops, a brand-new rooftop pool with stunning views, and the stylish ME Hotel, perfect for trendy travelers. Architecture enthusiasts can even own an apartment in this design-forward, vibrant district.
Film locations: K3, Jurassic World & Gladiator
Malta is a paradise for film buffs. Visit Blue Grotto (Jurassic World), Rambla Bay (K3), Fort Ricasoli, or the Dingli Cliffs (Gladiator II). Add in sets from Game of Thrones, Popeye, and Troy, and you’re walking right through your favorite movies.
Adrenaline: watersports & 4D flying theater
Thrill-seekers can enjoy extreme watersports, like Seabreacher, coasteering, flyboarding, subwinging, and wingfoiling. At the Odyssey 4D flying theater, you’ll soar over Malta’s landscapes and underwater world for an unforgettable immersive experience.
Festivals: a cultural melting pot
Malta bursts with festivals in 2026. In February, Valletta and Gozo come alive with the Malta Carnival, featuring colorful floats and street parades. DLT Malta (June 4th–7th) celebrates the rhythm of the global diaspora with open-air sets, club takeovers, and unforgettable beach moments. It’s the place where music lovers from across the world come together. At the same time, the Malta International Arts Festival (June 13th–22nd) offers multidisciplinary performances across historic venues. The Malta Biennale 2026 (between March and May) brings together contemporary art and heritage through site-specific works in historic locations like Valletta’s Grandmaster’s Palace, Fort St. Elmo, the Ġgantija Archaeological Park in Gozo, and more. Food lovers can look forward to the Malta International Food Festival, typically in August, although 2026 dates are yet to be confirmed.
Malta 2026 combines culture, adventure, luxury, and fun, offering something for everyone, all year round.
