Dreaming of visiting Malta or Mallorca? Here are my honest impressions after exploring both islands, which are often compared – and travelers seem completely divided on which one they prefer.

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Malta vs Mallorca Holiday Comparison

Visiting both Malta and Mallorca

Both Malta and Mallorca are sun-soaked Mediterranean destinations known for their unique charm, rich history, and stunning coastlines. I enjoyed visiting both islands, but since they offer very different vibes, I wanted to share my personal impressions and break down the key differences I saw between the two.

To be transparent, I’ve lived in Spain for over 15 years and run niche blogs focused on travel and food, which makes me more of a Mallorca expert than a Malta one. I’ve visited Mallorca three times (along with Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera), while my experience in Malta was just a weekend getaway – which, honestly, wasn’t nearly enough to see everything. That short visit left me with a strong desire to return and explore more of Malta, including its nearby islands of Gozo and Comino.

Before visiting Malta for the first time, I did quite a bit of research online and noticed that many travelers compare Malta and Mallorca when planning a Mediterranean holiday. Some clearly preferred Malta, while others sweared by Mallorca – and the debate continues. Initially, I assumed I’d be more of a “Mallorca person,” but the decision turned out to be much harder than I expected.

Mallorca or Malta: My Honest Impressions of Both Mediterranean Islands

1. Beaches

Mallorca is widely known for its stunning white-sand coves and turquoise waters. From the dramatic cliffs of Cap de Formentor and Cala Pi to the popular beaches like Cala d’Or, the island offers plenty of great spots for sunbathing and swimming. For travelers mainly looking for a classic beach holiday, Mallorca is likely the better choice.

Malta, on the other hand, is more about rugged, rocky coastlines. Our hotel in Valletta had a lovely pool and direct access to the sea via stairs, leading to a small swimming area. While the water around the island is crystal clear and perfect for diving or snorkeling, there wasn’t much lounging on soft sand. That said, I’ve seen enough photos of Gozo and Comino to admit I probably didn’t explore Malta’s best beach spots during my short visit.

Best in Beaches: Mallorca

2. History

As you might know from my articles about Spanish legends and ancient mysteries, the historical richness of a destination is one of the most important factors for me when booking a new trip. This doesn’t mean I want to rush around museums 24 hours a day – but I genuinely enjoy places shaped by ancient cultures.

In this regard, Malta truly exceeded my expectations. The island is known for its rich multicultural heritage, influenced by the Romans, Arabs, the Knights of St. John, the British Empire, and even the Ottomans, who famously attempted to conquer Malta during the Great Siege of 1565. Cities like Valletta and Mdina feel like living museums, with their impressive architecture, ancient churches, fortresses, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I absolutely loved the historic atmosphere of Malta – it felt like stepping into a centuries-old storybook.

Mallorca also boasts some impressive landmarks, like its Gothic cathedral, the Drach Caves, and picturesque medieval villages such as Valldemossa. By and large, the island offers more of a traditional Spanish ambiance, with a touch of upscale charm.

Therefore, if you’re looking for history, Malta is the clear winner – at least in my opinion.

Best in History: Malta

3. Nature & Landscapes

While Mallorca didn’t win me over in terms of raw natural beauty compared to Tenerife, it definitely stands out against Malta thanks to the protected area of the Serra de Tramuntana. This mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top Spanish landmarks, offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives. It may not be as lush or dramatic as the Spanish Pyrenees, but the ability to enjoy a beach morning and head into the mountains for an afternoon hike is something quite special.

Both Mallorca and Malta have a certain elegance and sophistication. Mallorca has long been beloved by European aristocracy, alike the French Riviera, while Malta captivates with its sophisticated architecture and rich traces of ancient cultures. Princess Sisi of Austria, during her 19th-century visit to Mallorca, said that her former favorite island, Capri, would always pale in comparison to Mallorca.

Malta, on the other hand, felt noticeably less green. Still, its dramatic, rugged coastline was impressive. The island’s weathered limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters create an almost mythical setting. It’s no surprise that films like Troy, Gladiator, and Assassin’s Creed were shot there. Malta’s cinematic scenery transports you to ancient times and epic legends, a feeling that really stayed with me.

Overall, I believe that objectively Mallorca wins when it comes to natural beauty, but subjectively, I also loved Malta’s landscape. Its scenery felt like stepping into the pages of an ancient storybook.

Best in Nature & Landscapes: Mallorca

4. Food & Restaurants

I’ve enjoyed the food in both Malta and Mallorca, although I admit I was slightly more intrigued by the cultural mashup in Malta’s food scene, which features Arabic, Italian, and British influences. Overall, dining in Malta was more affordable, with plenty of options for casual local meals.

In Mallorca, I enjoyed the variety of popular Spanish and sophisticated flavors – fresh seafood, tapas, local wines, island specialties like sobrasada and ensaimadas, and even paella. Mallorca’s capital of Palma offers many upscale restaurants with a creative twist.

Best in food: Both

5. Accessibility

The reason I have visited Mallorca three times already (besides living in Spain) is that the island has excellent connections with mainland Spain and other major European cities. The last time I was flying from Valencia to Berlin, one of the cheapest options was to fly via Mallorca and not Madrid or Barcelona. You can reach Mallorca by direct flight, ferry, or even as part of a Mediterranean cruise.

Malta is also a popular destination but has fewer flight connections and no fast ferry service from mainland Europe. However, once you’re there, the island is compact and easy to navigate. We took a bus to explore beyond Valletta and didn’t rent a car, but next time I definitely want to have my own vehicle to explore the island at my own pace.

Best in Accessibility: Mallorca

6. Affordability & Seasons

In my opinion, Mallorca has one of the worst price-quality ratios in Spain during the summer peak season. Everything – from hotels to restaurants – tends to be expensive to offset the tourism slump during the rest of the year. The off-season in Mallorca can still be pleasant, but the period with perfect weather is quite short – basically from May to September, with July and August being extremely crowded.

Many travelers consider Mallorca a winter sun destination, but I visited the Balearic Islands once in February, and it was wet, rainy, and most places were closed. So, if I had to choose between Mallorca and Malta in winter, I would definitely pick Malta, where most attractions, restaurants, and hotels remain open year-round there. Plus, Malta in winter is slightly warmer and tends to have more stable, drier weather compared to Mallorca.

In summer, both Mallorca and Malta have similar temperatures around 30°C (86°F). However, Mallorca feels significantly more overcrowded during the peak season. Malta gets busy too, but it never quite collapses like Mallorca. In my Driving in Mallorca post, I shared a story about a taxi driver refusing to take us to Valldemossa from Palma because he wanted to stay in the city center. By contrast, getting around Malta by taxi or bus felt smooth and easy.

Overall, Malta felt more budget-friendly than Mallorca. It actually offers a great price-quality ratio compared to many Mediterranean islands, whether it’s accommodation, dining, car rentals, or guided tours.

Best in Affordability & Seasons: Malta

7. Locals and Atmosphere

As a small island, Malta is known for its warm and friendly local population. I felt that locals were genuinely welcoming to visitors. Everywhere I went – from taxis to restaurants and shops – I was pleasantly surprised to meet so many true tourism professionals, not just people doing seasonal jobs. I had assumed that, being a small island, locals in Malta would be very laid-back, but to my surprise, people went out of their way to be helpful.

For example, hotel staff signed a postcard for my husband’s birthday, the receptionist went searching for a plug adapter for us, and a duty-free assistant who turned out to be a certified skin specialist spent time educating me about brands and ingredients suited for my skin. English is widely spoken in Malta since it was a British colony from 1814 to 1964, so there’s still a lot of British influence – from left-side driving to electrical sockets – which makes communication effortless for travelers.

Generally, my impression of Mallorca’s locals was mixed. People were very nice and friendly in smaller towns, while in Palma, some locals seemed a bit pretentious and tired of visitors. Most of them appeared overwhelmed by the volume of tourists. The island’s infrastructure felt far more chaotic compared to Malta’s relaxed vibe. While many people in Mallorca speak English, it’s not as widespread as in Malta. Since I speak Spanish, it wasn’t an issue for me, but generally Spanish and Mallorquín (similar to Catalan and Valencian) are more commonly spoken across the island. Although we didn’t experience Mallorca’s tourism protests (which made the news last year), traveling across the island didn’t feel as relaxed or as welcoming as it did in Malta.

Nevertheless, Mallorca is definitely a better destination for parties and fine dining. While Malta, although it also boasts Michelin-star restaurants and clubs, generally it felt quieter and more casual.

Best in Locals and Atmosphere: For me, Malta; but for going out and parties – Mallorca

Mallorca vs. Malta: So, Which One Is Better?

Both Malta and Mallorca are great destinations, and choosing between them is highly subjective. I know many people who swear by each as one of their all-time favorites. On a more personal note, I enjoyed the vibe of Malta more than Mallorca, mainly because Malta’s infrastructure and friendly, helpful locals contributed to a better overall experience and a more relaxed vacation. You can find more tips and itineraries on the blog under #Malta and #BalearicIslands for Mallorca.

To put it simply, everything somehow felt easier in Malta for international travelers, while Mallorca was charming and interesting, but never an entirely smooth experience during any of my visits. If I were to compare Malta with Cyprus or Crete, it might not be my top choice, but given a choice between a holiday in Malta or Mallorca, I’d return to Malta, even though Mallorca is much closer and more accessible to me.

• Choose Mallorca if you want great beaches, an upscale atmosphere, don’t mind paying extra for your holiday, or prefer a greener landscape (though it’s not exactly lush, it definitely has more nature than Malta).
• Choose Malta if you love history, want great value for your money, appreciate friendly locals, and plan to experience a new destination with no language barriers since English is widely spoken.

Have you been to Malta or Mallorca? Which one did you prefer? Let me know in the comments!

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