| Malta Short Let: Cozy Stay in Gzira | |
|
Sliema Area Modern Designer Finished 2 Bedrooms + Games Room. First floor with Maltese Balcony Large back Terrace with swinging sofa Fully Airconditioned + Full Kitchen 3 TVs, including 65” with backlight. |
 |
|
Book Now: Google Travel | Direct (Cheapest) | Booking.com | Airbnb |
|
Best island for a little break. Summary >
- Malta and Sicily both offer rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, but Malta is slightly better for short trips due to its compact size.
- Malta is more budget-friendly and easier to navigate without a car, while Sicily offers more diverse landscapes and cuisine.
- English is widely spoken in Malta, making it more accessible for international travelers, unlike Sicily where Italian predominates.
- Malta boasts some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, like the Ġgantija Temples, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Why Choose Malta?
Malta, a small archipelago in the central Mediterranean, is perfect for a quick getaway. Its compact size (316 km²) lets you explore the Beaches, Valletta, Mdina, and Gozo in just a week. English is an official language, easing communication, and it’s affordable, with daily costs from €58-170 per person. Divers will love spots like Paradise Bay and the Blue Lagoon.
Why Consider Sicily?
Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island (25,711 km²), suits longer trips of 10-15 days. It offers Mount Etna, Greek temples, and sandy beaches like San Vito Lo Capo. Sicilian cuisine—think arancini and cannoli—is world-famous, and its diverse terrain appeals to hikers and nature lovers.
For its ease of travel, unique ancient sites, and manageable size, Malta edges out as the top pick for 2025, especially if you’re after a hassle-free, memorable escape.
Malta vs Sicily, A Mediterranean Showdown
Choosing between Malta and Sicily for your 2025 Mediterranean adventure? Both islands dazzle with history, beaches, and culture, but they cater to different vibes. Malta’s compact charm, breaks it down for fast readers. Expect location insights, top attractions, culture, nature, food, practical tips, tables, and a FAQ—all tailored to help you decide!
Location and Reachability
Malta sits south of Sicily in the central Mediterranean, a small archipelago easily reached via Malta International Airport with flights from major European hubs. Its efficient buses and ferries make exploring Malta, Gozo, and Comino simple—no car needed. Learn more about getting there at How to Get to Malta.
Sicily, off Italy’s southern tip, is the Mediterranean’s largest island. Airports in Palermo and Catania connect it globally, and ferries link it to the mainland. Its size means a car is handy for venturing beyond cities like Palermo.
| Aspect | Malta | Sicily |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Central Mediterranean, south of Sicily | Off southern Italy |
| Size | 316 km² | 25,711 km² |
| Airports | Malta International Airport | Palermo, Catania, others |
| Transport | Buses, ferries, car-free friendly | Car recommended, buses in cities |
Attractions and Highlights
Both islands pack a punch with sights, and here are the top 10 attractions for each, showcased in tables for quick reference.
Malta’s Top 10 Attractions:
| Rank | Attraction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valletta | UNESCO-listed capital with Baroque streets and St. John’s Co-Cathedral (Valletta Self-Guided Tour). |
| 2 | Mdina | Medieval “Silent City” with narrow lanes and panoramic views (Mdina’s Lesser-Known Gems). |
| 3 | Gozo’s Ġgantija Temples | Prehistoric temples older than Stonehenge (Ġgantija Temples Guide). |
| 4 | Blue Lagoon (Comino) | Crystal-clear bay for swimming and snorkeling, a must-visit gem. |
| 5 | Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples | Ancient UNESCO sites showcasing Malta’s Neolithic past (Ħaġar Qim Guide). |
| 6 | Paradise Bay | Secluded beach with clear waters, perfect for relaxation (Paradise Bay Guide). |
| 7 | Fort St. Angelo | Historic fortress in Birgu with a rich Knights’ legacy (Fort St. Angelo). |
| 8 | Golden Bay | Popular sandy beach for sunbathing and water sports (Golden Bay Guide). |
| 9 | The Three Cities | Historic trio (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) with fortifications and charm (Three Cities History). |
| 10 | Ramla Bay | Gozo’s red-sand beach, a hidden paradise (Ramla Bay Guide). |
Sicily’s Top 10 Attractions:
| Rank | Attraction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Etna | Active volcano with hiking trails and stunning volcanic landscapes. |
| 2 | Valley of the Temples | UNESCO site in Agrigento with well-preserved Greek temples. |
| 3 | Syracuse (Ortigia) | Ancient city with Greek ruins and a charming historic island. |
| 4 | Taormina | Cliffside town with a Greek theater and Ionian Sea views. |
| 5 | Palermo | Vibrant capital with Norman palaces and bustling markets. |
| 6 | Cefalù | Coastal town with a Norman cathedral and sandy beaches. |
| 7 | Aeolian Islands | Volcanic archipelago with stunning scenery and boat trips. |
| 8 | Villa Romana del Casale | Roman villa with intricate mosaics, a UNESCO treasure. |
| 9 | Catania | Lively city at Etna’s base with Baroque architecture and fish markets. |
| 10 | Ragusa | Baroque hilltop town with picturesque streets and historic charm. |
Malta’s small size means you can see all its highlights in a week, while Sicily’s vastness often requires picking a region for a 7-10 day trip.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Malta’s history spans Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and the Knights of Malta, who shaped its fortified cities (The Knights of Malta). Its Megalithic Temples, like Ġgantija, are older than Stonehenge (Step into the Ancient World), with three UNESCO sites.
Sicily blends Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences, seen in its five UNESCO sites, like the Valley of the Temples and Roman mosaics.
Malta’s prehistoric edge makes it special, while Sicily offers broader ancient diversity.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Malta’s rocky coastlines shine for diving, with spots like San Blas Beach (San Blas Beach Guide) and Golden Bay (Golden Bay Guide). Hike the Dingli Cliffs or Gozo trails.
Sicily’s varied landscapes—Mount Etna, sandy San Vito Lo Capo, and mountain reserves—suit hikers and beachgoers.
Malta’s compact nature makes daily adventures easy, giving it a slight edge.
Cuisine
Maltese food mixes Mediterranean flair with pastizzi, rabbit stew, and local wines like Girgentina (Maltese Pastizzi Recipe).
Sicilian cuisine dazzles with arancini, cannoli, and seafood, rooted in Italian mastery.
Malta’s unique flavors stand out, though Sicily’s variety is hard to beat.
| Aspect | Malta | Sicily |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisine | Pastizzi, rabbit stew, ftira | Arancini, cannoli, pasta alla Norma |
| Wine | Small-batch, Girgentina, Ġellewża | Diverse, Etna wines |
| Experience | Cozy, intimate dining | Bustling, varied options |
Practical Information
Language: Malta’s English fluency simplifies travel (Why Is Malta Important). Sicily relies on Italian, with English in tourist zones.
Transport: Malta’s buses and ferries suffice (Malta Travel Guide). Sicily often requires a car.
Cost: Malta’s €58-170 daily cost aligns with Sicily’s €50-220, but Malta feels more budget-friendly.
Safety: Both are safe, with some cautions in Sicilian cities (Is Malta Safe).
Malta’s ease wins for short, car-free trips.
Tourist Numbers and Crowdedness
Malta sees 2.25 million visitors yearly, Sicily 5.51 million. Malta’s smaller size can feel busier per square kilometer, but Sicily’s higher volume reflects its scale.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Malta | Sicily |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 316 km², compact | 25,711 km², vast |
| Trip Duration | Great for 1 week | Best for 10-15 days |
| Language | English, Maltese | Italian, Sicilian |
| Transport | Buses, ferries, no car needed | Car advised, buses in cities |
| History | Prehistoric temples, 3 UNESCO sites | Greek ruins, 5 UNESCO sites |
| Beaches | Rocky, Sandy,Pebbles | Sandy and varied |
| Cost (Daily) | €50-170 | €55-220 |
FAQ Section
- Which island suits a short trip?
Malta, for its small size and easy exploration. - Is English common?
Yes in Malta; less so in Sicily outside tourist spots. - Better beaches?
Sicily for sand; Malta for diving (Map of Beaches in Malta). - Visit both?
Yes, ferries connect Valletta to Pozzallo in 1 hour 45 minutes. - More budget-friendly?
Malta often feels cheaper (Budget Travel to Malta).
Conclusion
Malta and Sicily are Mediterranean treasures, but Malta’s compact size, English ease, and ancient wonders—like the Ġgantija Temples—make it our slight favorite for 2025. Perfect for a quick, unforgettable trip, dive into Malta’s charm at Manic Malta. Sicily’s allure shines for longer, diverse escapes, but Malta’s got the edge this year!
Discover Your Perfect Stay in Malta: Gzira's Hidden Gem Apartment
- 2 Bedroom Apartment with 2 double beds + 1 Games room with spare bed a Table Soccer + Blackboard. It has 3 Separate Desk Areas.
- It's on the first floor, has a Maltese Balcony and is Fully Airconditioned.
- It has three external areas: a Maltese Balcony, Back Terrace with hanging sofa, and a small internal yard with a Mural.
- 3 TVs. The living room TV is a 65” with backlight.
- Maltese themed with nice pictures and art.
- Central location in Gzira, one of the best tourist areas on the island.
- A large living room with an Electric Fireplace, sofa, fully equipped kitchen, a Separate Armchair area, a Physical Book Library and a sofa bed.
Google Travel Direct Bookings (Cheapest) Booking.com Airbnb
