Before we begin, you should know I spent a good deal of time living in Malta. It’s one of my favorite places in the world so my opinions are not unbiased. For an American couple looking to retire abroad, Malta offers a unique blend of old-world charm, modern conveniences, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea just south of Sicily, Italy, this small island nation is renowned for its favorable climate, English-speaking population, and easy access to the rest of Europe. Let’s explore what daily life in Malta could look like for a retired couple, including shopping, dining, public transport, and travel opportunities.

Daily Routine in Malta

A typical day in Malta starts with sunshine—this island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making outdoor activities a daily possibility. Many retirees find joy in a relaxed morning stroll along the picturesque waterfronts in cities like Sliema, Valletta, or St. Julian’s, soaking in the stunning coastal views. We would take a walk in the morning to the bakery for fresh baked danishes, bread, croissants, etc. to enjoy with our morning coffee. The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages a slower pace, making it easy to fall into a routine that prioritizes wellness, outdoor living, and leisure.

In the late morning, you might head to one of Malta’s local markets or supermarkets. Malta is dotted with large chains like Lidl, Smart, and Greens, where you can find a mix of local and international products. For those who love cooking, Malta’s street markets are full of fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables grown in the island's fertile soil. You can easily pick up Mediterranean essentials like olive oil, cheeses, and locally produced wines.

Dining Out in Malta
Malta’s restaurant scene is diverse and vibrant, with plenty of options for casual dining and fine dining experiences. Maltese cuisine is a delicious fusion of Mediterranean flavors, drawing inspiration from Italy, North Africa, and the Middle East. You can enjoy traditional Maltese dishes like rabbit stew, lampuki pie (a fish-based dish), or pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas-it’s better than you might expect).

Restaurants range from family-run establishments serving local fare to international spots where you can savor Italian, French, or even Indian cuisine. For a special night out, you might dine at waterfront restaurants in Valletta, enjoying fresh seafood while overlooking the stunning Grand Harbour. However, some of the best food can be found in smaller restaurants dotted throughout island. It’s an adventure to try them all finding the ones that suit your tastes. Here’s a hint, always sample the food with a star or highlighted in a box – the chef is most proud of these dishes.

Many retirees enjoy spending afternoons at cafes or pizzerias, sipping coffee or a glass of local wine, engaging in leisurely conversations, and people-watching. Malta’s café culture offers a relaxing way to experience the island’s social scene.

Public Transportation and Getting Around
Malta’s small size makes getting around relatively easy. The island has a well-organized public transport system, primarily based on buses that connect most towns and cities. Valletta, the capital, is a central hub with bus routes radiating out across the island. For retirees, bus travel is both affordable and convenient, with reduced fares for seniors. In fact, Malta buses, like the one pictured below, used to be iconic. Vacationers would buy their children toy versions of the buses to take home as souvenirs, but a little more than12 years ago, sadly many of the buses were replaced with regular city buses with more seating.

For those preferring private transportation, taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available. Some retirees opt to rent or buy a car, which offers more flexibility, especially when visiting more remote areas or the quieter sister island of Gozo, known for its rural charm and scenic landscapes. We had a long-term lease on a car, but frankly could have survived easily without it.

Ease of Access to Europe
One of Malta’s key advantages for American retirees is its excellent connectivity to mainland Europe. Malta International Airport, located just outside Valletta, is a well-served hub with direct flights to major European cities. Whether you want to visit family in the U.S., explore the vibrant cities of Italy, Spain, and France, or enjoy a weekend getaway to the Greek islands, Malta’s central location makes it an ideal base for travel.

Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet operate frequent flights from Malta to various European destinations, northern Africa, and the middle east, offering retirees the opportunity to travel affordably. These flights are usually around $100 or less roundtrip to Rome, Paris, & London. The airport is small but modern, with all the necessary amenities to make international travel smooth and efficient. It has an excellent duty-free shop as well. Imagine, you can take a weekend trip to Paris for little more than dining out at a fancy restaurant in New York.

A Perfect Climate for Retirement
One of the main reasons Malta is so popular among retirees is its Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F (10°C), and summers are warm, averaging 80°F (27°C). This near-perfect weather means outdoor activities, whether it's beach walks, golf, or al fresco dining, are possible almost year-round. Also, as mentioned previously, Malta gets over 300 days of sunshine on average every year.

The comfortable climate also encourages a healthy, active lifestyle. Many retirees find themselves more physically active in Malta, enjoying regular swims in the clear waters, hikes along the coastal paths, or just enjoying time outdoors in one of the many parks and gardens.

Shopping and Lifestyle
In addition to supermarkets, Malta offers a range of shopping experiences. Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s have boutique stores, shopping centers, and artisanal shops where you can find everything from local crafts to international fashion brands. Malta is also known for its gold jewelry and lacework, making it a great place for souvenir shopping or gifts for visiting family and friends.

For health-conscious retirees, there’s a strong focus on local, organic products. Specialty stores sell everything from organic honey to handmade soaps and skincare products. Additionally, Malta’s healthcare system is modern and accessible, with private and public hospitals offering high-quality medical services, which adds to the peace of mind for American retirees.

Conclusion
Living in Malta offers American retirees the chance to enjoy a relaxed, Mediterranean lifestyle in a country where English is widely spoken, and the climate is nearly perfect. With easy access to other European destinations, affordable public transport, and a welcoming expat community, Malta strikes the ideal balance between adventure and comfort. Whether you’re shopping at local markets, dining by the sea, or planning your next European getaway, Malta promises a rewarding and enriching retirement experience.