Disclaimer: Public holiday dates and observances are subject to change. Always refer to official Maltese government sources for the latest updates.

Public Holidays in Malta 2026

Public holidays in Malta follow a fixed calendar shaped by religion, national history, and long-standing civic traditions. For travelers, understanding public holidays Malta 2026 helps explain why certain dates feel quieter while others bring fireworks, village feasts, or packed waterfronts.

Malta is small, but holidays here are felt island-wide. Shops may close, buses may run on reduced schedules, and entire towns can pivot around a single celebration.

Malta Public Holiday Calendar 2026

Several of these dates are also national holidays, meaning official ceremonies, closures, or public events are more likely.

Major Religious and Cultural Holidays in Malta

Religion plays a visible role in Maltese public life, and many holidays are tied directly to Catholic traditions.

Key religious celebrations include:

• Good Friday, marked by solemn processions across historic towns
• Feast of the Assumption, celebrated with village festas, band marches, and fireworks
• Immaculate Conception and Christmas Day, when most businesses close

Civic holidays such as Freedom Day, Independence Day, and Republic Day reflect Malta’s political milestones and are usually quieter, with official events rather than large public festivals.

Long Weekends and Peak Travel Periods in 2026

Although Malta does not have as many long weekends as larger European countries, certain public holidays still create noticeable travel peaks across the islands. When holidays fall close to weekends, locals often take short breaks rather than extended vacations, which can quietly change the pace of daily life.

In 2026, periods around Workers’ Day, Feast of St Peter and St Paul, and Independence Day are among the busiest. These dates tend to bring fuller ferries to Gozo, increased restaurant bookings along the coast, and heavier traffic in popular seaside towns.

Summer holidays overlap with peak tourism season, meaning public holidays in June, August, and September can feel especially lively. Village celebrations, fireworks, and late-night events are common, particularly in areas hosting traditional festa celebrations.

By contrast, spring and late autumn holidays often feel calmer. These periods are well-suited for travelers who want to explore historic cities like Valletta or Mdina without peak-season crowds, while still experiencing local observances.

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What Remains Open During Public Holidays in Malta

Even on public holidays, Malta does not fully shut down.

Typically open:

• Restaurants, cafés, and seaside promenades
• Convenience stores and pharmacies (often with reduced hours)
• Tourist attractions in Valletta, Mdina, and major coastal towns

More likely to close:

• Government offices
• Banks
• Smaller family-run shops

Planning meals and transport ahead makes holiday travel smoother, especially on national holidays.

Seasonal Travel Considerations in Malta

Malta’s public holidays interact closely with the seasons.

• Spring holidays bring mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for walking in cities and coastal paths
• Summer holidays overlap with peak tourism and village festas, increasing noise and nightlife activity
• Autumn holidays offer warm seas and quieter streets after summer crowds thin out
• Winter holidays feel quieter, with a stronger local focus and limited ferry schedules to Gozo

Understanding this rhythm helps travelers choose dates that match their travel style.

Staying Connected While Traveling in Malta

Malta may be compact, but connectivity still matters, especially when moving between coastal towns, ferry terminals, and historic city centers. Mobile coverage is generally reliable, yet switching networks or buying a local SIM on arrival can feel unnecessary for short trips.

Malta eSIM is particularly helpful during public holidays, when shops may close early, and transport schedules change, making navigation apps and messaging essential.

Eskimo eSIM focuses on simplicity rather than hard selling, offering features that suit flexible travel:

• Universal eSIM: Install once and stay connected across destinations without swapping SIM cards
• Start Anytime: Your plan activates only when you connect to a supported network
• Longest Validity: Fixed data plans remain valid for up to two years at no extra cost
• Data Rollover: Unused data carries over when you top up, extending its validity
• Instant Data Transfer: Send or receive paid data between Eskimo users using just a mobile number

For travelers combining Malta with nearby European destinations, a regional or global plan can also reduce setup time and keep connectivity consistent throughout the trip. If you’re a new user, Eskimo also offers free global data usable in 100+ countries, making it easier to stay online wherever you work. It’s especially useful when your workflow depends on real-time access and every minute counts.

FAQs

How many public holidays are there in Malta?

Malta observes 14 public holidays, including national and religious celebrations.

Are shops open during public holidays in Malta?

Most restaurants and tourist-oriented businesses remain open, while government offices and banks usually close.

What is Sette Giugno?

Sette Giugno commemorates the 1919 riots that marked a turning point in Malta’s path to self-governance.

Is public transport available on holidays?

Yes, but buses often run on reduced schedules, especially on national holidays.

Which public holidays are best for visiting Malta?

Spring and autumn holidays offer a balance of pleasant weather, cultural events, and fewer crowds compared to peak summer dates.