Malta - advice please

[TirednessOnToast]

I want to travel to Malta (me, Dc 21 & 18).

I can travel March, April or May.
I would like 10-14 days if possible, but I am on a budget. Max 3.5k inc flights. I'd be happiest to rent a small s/c apartment.

I have some mobility problems so thinking basing in Valetta or Sliema. I don't drive.

Have not been abroad for 25 years so no idea where to start.

Grateful for any advice.

I've never been to Malta. It's on my 'to do' list. Looks beautiful.

Do you intend booking a package holiday? Or booking flights and accommodation separately?

Oh, and id pick May, to secure potentially more settled, reliable weather. That's if sunny, warm temperatures are important to you.

@Owlmoonstarprobably separate flights & accommodation as I'd prefer s/c, but, tbh whatever is best value. & no idea where to start.

Malta is expensive so if you can find half board or better you’d probably find that better value than sc

There are lots of steps in Valetta, depending on where you stay. It's really easy to get around by bus or Bolt/Uber, because the island is tiny, so fine if you don't drive.

If mobility is an issue I probably wouldn't stay in Valetta, we were down a fairly steep street from the main street and quite a bit was car restricted.
Loved the buses though so would stay in one of the more resort type places and use bus to get about (we bought a pass that included 5 days plus ferry to Gozo).

OK thank you. Was thinking Valletta or Sliema as want to be near WWII history/museums etc. Have family in Sliema too who will see one of the days.

Well, you can look at websites like Love holidays, On The Beach, Jet 2, Tui etc -some of these are not traditional package deals but offer ATOL protection. Use filters and sort order to narrow down your choices. Read reviews. They will do self catering places and if you're not eating out every meal that will be cheaper for you. You may need to add on extras like transfers but sometimes they're included. Or, do it yourself. Secure affordable flights first, watch out for baggage and other charges then look for accommodation on Booking.com or similar. You can often save a bit of money by arranging your own transfer, go carry on bag only if possible. Don't do the expensive coach trips, use the local buses and taxis. Read up on websites about what to do, advice on mobility access and so on.

Don't discard a package holiday as a potential option. They can work out cheaper.

Easier for you too, if you haven't been away in such a long time.

Plenty of self catering options and also Half board as suggested previously.

Buses in Malta are really good, seem to be a flat fare of 2,5€.
We stayed in Mellieha and used a combo of Bolt and bus.

Definitely stay in Valletta, absolutely gorgeous city, you can feel the history in streets and buildings. Be aware that beautiful as it is, Malta is suffering from overdevelopment and has very bad traffic. Also the local government doesn’t really seem to be investing in most areas outside of tourist traps so there is quite a lot of construction sites, rubbish everywhere. Was quite a shock visiting from Australia at how dirty it was. Also take a day trip on a boat to Gozo and swim the in the stunning water

Buses are excellent- get a weekly pass. You can eat out reasonably, but good to mix with self catering.

I find Sliema, st Julians and qawra to be too overdeveloped, and puts me off recommending them despite them being good value.
I'd stay Valletta or Marsascala maybe.
On the other hand, places like Sliema have everything you need close by, is handy for boat trips, or tigne point

We like the Diplomat hotel in Sliema, you can get buses around the island very easily. I would recommend May, June or September. Enjoy!

Another one vouching for the buses being really good in Malta. I usually stay in Mellieha. Sliema and Bugibba are well connected but not sure I’d stay there. Sliema would probably be an easy base though, with some good restaurants and shops for self catering. Mellieha is fine for self catering too.

You can check out the bus routes online. Highly recommend a visit to Mdina and Mosta. I’d go in May.

We stayed in Valetta, it was great for sightseeing but as others have said it's hilly and parts have lots of steps. It was warm (20 degrees) and windy in late March, better weather in May I would think.