A hand holding a smartphone displaying a Malta app with options for local swimming spots.

Must Have Apps in Malta – 7 Essentials For a Smoother VisitĀ 

Malta is definitely a tech-savvy spot, even though the island still keeps some charmingly traditional vibes. You can see its modern side in the variety of apps in Malta that can make your trip a whole lot smoother.

So, which Malta apps should you download? Well, that really depends on what you’re after. But to help you out, Iā€™ve put together a list of the top apps in Maltaā€”based on what’s popular, my own favorites, and those that can really simplify your life while youā€™re here.

1. Bolt – Best Taxi App in Malta

A smartphone displaying the Bolt app map, with the Bolt logo and name beside it.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating: 4.8 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 4.7 ā­

When it comes to getting around easilyā€”taxi styleā€”Malta truly stands out as one of the best in Europe. If you find yourself in the bustling areas of St. Julianā€™s or Sliema, you can expect to catch a ride within minutes at a reasonable price. This is where the Bolt app comes in, and itā€™s my go-to choice for a hassle-free taxi experience.

I consider Bolt the best app for taxis in Malta based on my own experience. Compared to others I’ve tried, it has been the smoothest to order from, with the nicest drivers and modern, comfortable cars. The app is also really easy to use, so you donā€™t need to be tech-savvy to get the job done.

Bolt isn’t the only app available in Malta for taxi services. If itā€™s not your cup of tea, or you want to compare prices (which can vary based on the trip and time of day), the options below are also worth considering.

Other Taxi Riding Apps in Malta

  • Uber: Since 2023, you can now use the well-known taxi app Uber in Malta. Prices arenā€™t much different, but there arenā€™t as many Uber drivers as Bolt, so the wait can be a bit longer.
  • eCabs: A veteran starting in 2010, eCabs is a great option if you want to book a trip in advance, like for an early flight. Prices arenā€™t bad, and in my experience, the drivers are very professional.

2. Wolt – Best Food Ordering App 

A smartphone displaying the Wolt app with food options, next to the Wolt logo and name.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating: 4.3 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 4.9 ā­

Feeling hungry but don’t have the willpower to go outside? Or maybe you forgot to buy something at the store for your dinner? Or perhaps you even broke your phone and need one ASAPā€”no worries, everything can be delivered right to your doorstep! And when it comes to the best app in Malta for the job, Wolt is your friend.

The Wolt app covers a lot, from restaurants and supermarkets to electronics, flowers, and even some quirky items. It also balances a user-friendly interface, quick payments, and excellent delivery tracking. But the number one reason I prefer Wolt over other delivery apps in Malta is their amazing customer support. They quickly respond to your queries through live chat, and they do it with a “digital smile” and GIFs.

Delivery times depend on where and what you order. For food and drinks, it can be as quick as 15 minutes. Larger orders usually arrive within the hour. After all, Malta is a small island, so no matter where you order from, it’s never too far away.

Alternative food delivery app: Bolt Food

Bolt is not only for taxi services but also has a food app. It is very similar to Wolt, with a few different deals, and not as charming support. Even so, you can by all means download both apps and compare prices and selections. The difference in terms of the prices and how fast the delivery is, is minimal. 

3. Tallinja App – Keep Track of Buses 

A smartphone displaying the Tallinja app with bus options, next to the Tallinja logo.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating: 4.6 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 3.2 ā­

It’s by no means a requirement to download an app to get around by bus in Malta. But if you prefer to stay mobile and keep better track of things, the Tallinja app can assist with:

  • Searching routes
  • Service information
  • Arrival times
  • Checking balance and topping up the Tallinja card
  •  Booking a seat on the “On Demand” buses

As you might have guessed, this app is for public transport by bus in Malta. Not gonna lie, traveling by bus in Malta isn’t the most reliable option, but it is the cheapest. The schedule doesnā€™t always match reality, and if the bus is full, it might just pass you by.

If you’re staying in Malta for a while or plan to use the bus frequently, you’ll save quite a bit by getting the Tallinja card. Otherwise, you can pay by card when you board or with cash (as long as you have the exact amount). For direct tickets, the price is ā‚¬2.50 per adult, or ā‚¬3 if you’re traveling at night.

4. VisitMalta+ – Mobile Travel Guide

A smartphone displaying the VisitMalta+ app with natural attraction options, next to the VisitMalta+ logo.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating:  3.0 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 4.0 ā­

Planning your time is often easier said than done, so why not get some help with guidance and inspiration? With VisitMalta+, you can explore the top landmarks, family activities, museums, beaches, events, diving spots, and churches with just a few clicks.

By clicking on a place of interest, youā€™ll get detailed information, including the location. You can also save things of interest as favorites and easily navigate the app by creating filters, such as indoor activities in Malta or based on distance from your location.

5. Gozo Channel – Smoother Gozo Travels to and from Cirkewwa

A smartphone displaying the Gozo Channel app with ferry schedule details, next to the Gozo Channel logo.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating: 4.1 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 3.2 ā­

If Gozo is on your travel itinerary and you plan to get there from Cirkewwaā€”which is your only option if you’re traveling by carā€”the Gozo Channel app can make things a bit easier for you. This handy app helps you keep track of current departures, which can be especially useful on windy days when there may be delays.

And when I say you can keep track of things, I really mean it. The app provides a live feed from both ends, Cirkewwa (Malta) and Mgarr (Gozo), showing the vehicles lining up to board. There’s also an option to receive details of your travel card if you have one, though this isn’t really needed unless you go to Gozo on a daily or frequent basis.

To clarify your Gozo travel options, if you’re not near the north, don’t have a car, or simply don’t want to travel that far, you can also reach Gozo from Valletta. From Malta’s capital, there’s a fast ferry that will get you to the island in just 45 minutes, whereas the Cirkewwa ferry takes about 25 minutes.

6. Google Translate – Understand Maltese

A smartphone displaying the Google Translate app with an English to Maltese translation, next to the Google Translate logo.
  • Price: Free to download
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating:  4.3 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 4.2 ā­

Luckily for you, most Maltese people speak English fluently, and the island as a whole is very international. So, in short, you donā€™t need to learn any language to get around hassle-free. But if you’re one of those travelers who just like to learn a bit of the local language, the ever-popular Google Translate app is an easy solution.

As you explore the island, you’ll undoubtedly see some Maltese here and there, and it can be fun to understand what it means. You’ll also hear people speaking Maltese, especially when it comes to swearing (which is quite unique in Malta), and it might be interesting to grasp some of that.

With Google Translate, you can manually enter sentences you wish to translate (both ways), take pictures directly from the app and have any text translated, or even record yourself or someone else speaking and get a translation within seconds.

7. Cloudigo – Top Discount App

A smartphone displaying the Cloudigo app with various discount offers, next to the Cloudigo logo.
  • Price: Free to download, ā‚¬49.99 per year for Premium
  • Compatibility: Android, iPhone
  • App Store rating:  4.4 ā­
  • Google Play rating: 4.1 ā­

Nothing beats a sweet deal, no matter where you travel, and in Malta, the best app for deals is Cloudigo. Get up to 50% off at over 350 brands, including restaurants, fitness centers, entertainment, fashion, and hairdressers. These deals can be especially useful if youā€™re visiting during high season in Malta, when prices tend to reach new heights.

Of course, all this greatness doesnā€™t come for free. You can get some smaller discounts without paying, but for the truly wallet-changing deals, thereā€™s a cost of ā‚¬49.99 per year. This means that to actually save money, you need to be the kind of traveler who likes to spend regularly. From there, you can get guidance on where to spend and reduce the impact on your bank account.

Using this app in Malta is easy and very convenient. Simply click on the discount you want to use to receive a QR code. The business offering the deal will scan your screen, and BAM, you get a cheaper deal. Besides finding deals through the app, youā€™ll also see the Cloudigo logo around the island as you explore.

Pro tip: If you want to lower the yearly cost and get a friend to join, there’s an “Invite a Friend” option where both you and your buddy can reduce the cost and only pay ā‚¬29.99 each.

To summarize the best apps in Malta

As you can see, there are a few helpful apps available for both Android and iPhone users in Malta to make your trip a bit easier or more enjoyable. However, you will undoubtedly get by just fine without stressing about downloading an app the moment you land on the island.

 Personally, I regularly use only the Bolt taxi app and the Wolt app. The rest are optional extras, while Google Maps works just fine for finding top restaurants, specific streets, or swimming spots in Malta. Facebook is also a good option for finding local events and keeping track of things on the island.

So, by all means, download away, my friend! But if you choose not to, I hope you enjoy Malta to the fullest without taking up too much space on your mobile.

Add your suggestion of useful apps in Malta

Do you think I missed any important apps in Malta that could make your time there easier? If so, you’re more than welcome to contact me using the form below. I am super grateful for any suggestions!

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Jessica
Jessica

A travel enthusiast who always has the next destination in mind. Happily having had the opportunity to visit over 20 countries and 50 cities.

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