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- Malta turns into an open-air gallery: inside the 2026 biennale
- From baroque music to candlelit streets: festivals giving Malta its 2026 rhythm
- Sailing days: the sea races making October a great month to visit
- Good food, clear waters and calm retreats: what Malta does best in 2026
- Planning your 2026 trip without the guesswork
Summary:
- The must-see events shaping Malta’s cultural calendar in 2026.
- When to visit if you love art, music or sailing.
- What is new in food, wellness and boutique stays.
- Practical tips for booking flights smoothly.
- How Malta, Gozo and Comino each offer a different travel mood.
Most travelers visit Malta for the sun, short flights and that blend of stone cities and blue water that instantly feels Mediterranean. Yet 2026 adds a fresh layer to the experience, with cultural moments taking over palaces, museums and waterfronts. The islands look different, more curious, more open to wandering.
This guide rounds up the most interesting dates of the year. Art, festivals, sea races and a growing food scene come together to form a clear picture of what Malta will feel like next year. If you are thinking about heading to the archipelago, this is the side of Malta you will want to meet. Let’s dive in.
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Malta turns into an open-air gallery: inside the 2026 biennale
The Malta Biennale 2026 runs from 11 March to 29 May, transforming the islands into a wide cultural route. Exhibitions appear inside historic buildings, many of them usually inaccessible to visitors. The program includes 31 national pavilions, 15 special events and 66 activities.
The charm lies in how easily you switch from a busy street to a hidden courtyard displaying contemporary art. The themes often highlight Mediterranean identity, but the exhibitions remain accessible even if you are not an art specialist.
Traveler’s note: if you enjoy quiet visits, weekdays are ideal, as weekends tend to attract more visitors around Valletta’s waterfront.
From baroque music to candlelit streets: festivals giving Malta its 2026 rhythm
Valletta International Baroque Festival (8 to 25 January)
Concerts unfold inside churches, theatres and palaces. The venues add as much character as the music, creating a gentle winter atmosphere that suits slow exploration of Valletta.
Carnival (13 to 17 February)
Expect bright floats, costumes and plenty of family energy. Valletta and Floriana become lively stages that bring colour to the first part of the year.
Birgu Fest (9 to 10 October)
Vittoriosa turns into a maze of lights. Thousands of candles guide visitors through narrow alleys and open museums. The result is a calm, intimate atmosphere that contrasts with the pace of high summer.
These festivals fit easily into a long weekend and offer a glimpse of local life that feels spontaneous rather than staged.
Sailing days: the sea races making October a great month to visit
October brings some of the most iconic maritime moments in Malta.
| Event | Date | What to expect |
| Cannes-Malta Yacht Race | 4 October | A young route linking the French Riviera to Valletta. |
| Rolex Middle Sea Race | 17 October | A prestigious offshore competition departing from the Grand Harbour. |
Watching the departures is a pleasure in itself. The soft autumn light and mild temperatures make this period ideal for coastal walks or quiet mornings by the harbour.
Good food, clear waters and calm retreats: what Malta does best in 2026
Guest of honour at the International Diving Show (8 to 11 January)
Malta earns the spotlight with its clear waters, underwater caves and wrecks. These sites remain among the most appreciated diving spots in the Mediterranean.
A maturing culinary scene
The archipelago now counts seven Michelin-starred restaurants. ION Harbour, in Valletta, stands out with its two stars. In total, 40 restaurants from Malta and Gozo appear in the Michelin Guide, offering a blend of creative cooking and local flavours.
New wellness and boutique stays
The Verdala Wellness Hotel, a new five-star boutique retreat in Rabat, adds a refined option for visitors seeking calm surroundings and well-being focused stays. It complements the wide range of accommodations that remain available, especially in Gozo.
Local tip: even with the rise of premium hotels, you can still find affordable guesthouses and small rentals, particularly outside the busiest areas.
Planning your 2026 trip without the guesswork
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Reaching Malta is simple thanks to multiple French routes available year-round.
Airlines serving Malta
- KM Malta Airlines from Paris CDG, Paris Orly and Lyon
- Transavia, Ryanair and EasyJet from several French cities
- From April to October, Air France, Volotea and additional Ryanair flights
- New for 2026, EasyJet from Nice, with two flights per week between 2 April and 18 October
Which island suits your travel style
| Island | For who | Atmosphere |
| Malta | Culture lovers and city explorers | Lively and easy to navigate |
| Gozo | Nature enthusiasts and walkers | Calm, rural and scenic |
| Comino | Swim-focused day trips | Preserved and minimal |
Local tip: buses run frequently, but a small car or scooter gives you more flexibility if you want to explore Gozo’s countryside or reach quieter viewpoints.With its art biennale, winter and autumn festivals, sea races and a rising food scene, Malta offers many reasons to visit in 2026. Whether you prefer candlelit streets, harbour mornings or quiet paths in Gozo, the islands offer experiences that feel simple and meaningful. It is a great year to explore Malta at your own pace.
