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Malta is a popular short-haul sun destination from the UK, but it is not an all inclusive island in the way that parts of Spain, Turkey or Cape Verde are. Many hotels sell bed and breakfast or half board, and genuine all inclusive deals exist but are in the minority, so the key is to read exactly what is covered before you book. This guide explains how all inclusive works in Malta, where to look, what to check and when it is worth paying for.
Which Malta resorts are truly all inclusive?
Malta and its sister island Gozo are small, so resort areas sit close together and each has its own character. All inclusive hotels tend to be clustered in the busier tourist resorts on the main island, where large hotels with pools, entertainment and several restaurants are common. Availability changes from season to season and between tour operators, so treat any list as a starting point and check the current board basis on the booking page.
- Bugibba and Qawra: well-known holiday areas with a lot of hotel stock, often popular with families and groups looking for a lively resort feel.
- St Paul’s Bay and Mellieha: a mix of larger hotels and quieter stretches, with access to some of the island’s sandier beaches nearby.
- St Julian’s and Sliema: more urban, with lots of restaurants and nightlife on the doorstep, so many visitors choose room only or bed and breakfast here instead of all inclusive.
- Gozo: generally quieter and more rural, so all inclusive is less common and many stays focus on exploring.
A useful rule is to read the board basis line on the hotel page, which will say all inclusive, half board, bed and breakfast or room only. If a package is described as all inclusive, look for a detailed description of what that means in practice, including which restaurants and bars it covers and what hours apply.
What does all inclusive usually include?
There is no single standard. In general, all inclusive means breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks and a set range of drinks are covered by the room price, but the detail differs by hotel. Look for these points:
- Which meals are included, and whether dinner is a buffet or a la carte
- Whether drinks are served all day or only at certain hours
- Whether the drinks are local brands or a wider selection of international spirits
- Whether snacks, ice cream and a coffee bar are included
- Whether sports, entertainment and kids clubs are included or cost extra
- Whether any specialist restaurants need booking or carry a supplement
Items that are commonly excluded include premium spirits, room service, spa treatments, excursions and some water sports. If you plan to eat out in the evening, an all inclusive package may not suit you.
How much does an all inclusive holiday to Malta cost?
Prices vary a lot by month, hotel standard, length of stay and how far ahead you book, so it would be misleading to quote a number here. The best way to judge cost is to compare the total price across several options and to include everything: flights, baggage, transfers, the board basis and any resort or tourist taxes payable locally. As a general pattern, summer school holidays are the most expensive time, while late spring and early autumn tend to be better value and still warm. Last minute deals can help if you are flexible; our last minute holidays guide explains how to search for them, and our cheap holidays guide covers other ways to keep the price down.
Because Malta is not heavily geared to all inclusive, it can be useful to compare an all inclusive rate with a half board or bed and breakfast rate for the same hotel and then estimate what you would spend on food and drinks. That sum tells you whether the premium is worth it.
Are drinks and snacks included all day?
Not always. Some hotels serve included drinks from breakfast to late evening, while others limit the hours or restrict certain drinks to particular bars. Snacks are often available at set times, such as mid-morning and mid-afternoon, rather than constantly. Check the hotel fact sheet or the operator’s description for hours and any limits on branded drinks.
If you are travelling with children, check whether soft drinks, ice cream and kids menus are covered. If you are travelling as adults who enjoy cocktails, check which spirits and cocktails are included, because a limited list can change the value significantly.
Is all inclusive worth it in Malta?
It can be, depending on how you like to holiday. It tends to suit people who want a predictable budget, who plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel pool or beach, and who would otherwise eat and drink at hotel prices. It is a weaker fit if you want to explore local restaurants, wine bars and street food, because you will be paying for meals you may not eat.
- Good fit: families, groups, people who like to relax at the hotel and travellers who dislike budgeting on holiday.
- Weaker fit: city explorers, foodies, and people staying in busy areas where eating out is easy and varied.
- Middle option: half board gives you breakfast and dinner while leaving lunch and drinks flexible.
Think about your daily routine. If you imagine two or three excursions and evening meals out, bed and breakfast with flexibility may beat all inclusive. If you imagine long days by the pool, all inclusive can take the stress out of paying for each drink and snack.
Which month is best value for all inclusive in Malta?
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters, so the choice depends on what you want. Summer is the peak for beach and pool holidays, and prices usually reflect that. Late spring and early autumn often combine warm weather with lower demand, which can mean better value, although the sea is cooler earlier in the season. Winter is mild but not a typical beach season, and some resort facilities may be reduced. Check weather and opening details for your chosen dates and hotel.
For flexibility, compare a few departure dates within the same week, as changing the day of departure can change the price. Also compare departure airports if you have a choice; see our holidays from Gatwick guide for ideas if you are in Sussex.
How to book an all inclusive Malta holiday
- Decide your budget and your preferred month first, then search a few operators and comparison sites.
- Compare the same hotel across board bases to see the real cost of upgrading to all inclusive.
- Read the board basis description line by line, and screenshot it so you have a record.
- Check the transfer time from the airport and whether transfers are included.
- Read recent guest feedback on food quality, queues and room cleanliness, remembering that individual reviews vary.
- Check baggage allowance and any extra fees before you pay.
- Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book so cancellation cover applies from the start.
Things to do in Malta beyond the hotel
Even if you choose all inclusive, it is worth leaving the hotel at least a few times. Malta is compact, with historic towns, harbours, forts and coastal walks, and Valletta, the capital, is a popular day out. Boat trips to nearby islands are common in summer. Public transport and taxis operate on the island, and some visitors hire a car for flexibility; our car hire guide explains what to check. Always check the current details and opening times of any attraction on its official site before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta a good destination for families?
Many families visit Malta because of the short flight from UK airports, the warm weather and the range of hotels with pools and children’s facilities. Check each hotel’s kids club, pool depth and family room options.
Do I need a passport and any entry authorisation?
Entry requirements for UK travellers change from time to time and depend on your nationality and passport validity, so check the official government travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
What currency is used in Malta?
Malta uses the euro. Compare how you plan to pay, such as card, cash or a travel money product, and check any foreign transaction fees with your provider.
Is all inclusive better than half board?
It depends on how much you eat and drink at the hotel. Half board is usually cheaper and leaves room to eat out for lunch or explore, while all inclusive suits people who want drinks and snacks covered throughout the day.
Can I find a cheap all inclusive deal to Malta at short notice?
Sometimes, but deals depend on availability and dates. Being flexible on departure day and airport helps, and our all inclusive holidays guide has more tips on comparing packages.
Are there hidden costs with all inclusive?
Possible extras include premium drinks, specialist restaurants, excursions, spa access, sun loungers at some venues and any local tourist taxes. Read the inclusions and exclusions carefully before you pay.
We have not stayed at the hotels discussed here, and details such as board basis, prices and facilities change, so always check the official booking page before you book.