Malta

✈️ 7 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Malta With Dogs

Planning a trip to Malta with dogs? Discover dog-friendly beaches, transport rules, and fines to avoid when traveling to Malta with your pup. Yorkie-tested tips, with more updates and drone videos coming soon!

Traveling to Malta With Dogs – What You Must Know

If you’re planning a sunny escape and thinking of traveling to Malta with dogs, this guide is your must-read. We recently flew from Prague with our two Yorkies, Baryk and Bruno, and explored the island on paws and ferry alike.

This blog post includes real-life tips, dog beach rules, local transport options, fines, and even what to avoid — like the beautiful but brutally hot Crystal Lagoon.

And this is just the beginning — we’re still sorting through 2000+ photos, videos, and drone footage. 📸 Stay tuned — this post will be updated regularly!

1. Flying to Malta With Dogs – What You’ll Need

Yes, small dogs can travel to Malta — we flew with both Yorkies in-cabin from Prague. Here’s what’s required:

  • Valid EU Pet Passport

  • Microchip

  • Rabies vaccine

  • Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment

  • Anti-rabies titer test (required for entry from non-EU countries)

📄 All official rules can be found here:
👉 Malta Pet Travel Instructions (AHWD.gov.mt)

💡 Tip: Always carry printed docs at the airport and check airline pet carrier size rules in advance.

2. Where Can Dogs Swim in Malta? (And Where They Can’t)

Dogs are not allowed on most public swimming beaches between 1st May and 30th September — this rule is enforced by local councils, and fines up to €233 apply.

✅ But good news: there are designated dog beaches!

Official Dog Beaches in Malta:

  • Rinella Bay (Kalkara)

  • White Rocks Area (Bahar ic-Caghaq)

  • Tigné Point (Sliema)

Off-season, locals often walk dogs early mornings/evenings at regular beaches, but that’s technically a gray area.

3. Avoid: Crystal Lagoon (Even Though You Can Bring Dogs)

Yes, you can bring dogs on boat tours to the Crystal Lagoon, but we highly recommend skipping it in summer.

  • It’s extremely hot, without a single spot of shade

  • Overcrowded with loud boat tours

  • Rocky and uncomfortable for dogs to walk or rest

We saw a couple with a Poodle looking very stressed. It’s not worth the heat risk — especially for small breeds like Yorkies.

4. Getting Around Malta With Dogs

We tested it all — gondolas, ferries, buses — and here’s what worked best for small dogs:

🚠 Upper Barrakka Lift (gondola): Free — Bruno sat on our lap, no problem!

⛴️ Ferries/Water Trams: Valletta Ferry Services and Gozo Fast Ferry allow dogs — free if leashed or in a bag.

🚌 Public Buses: Officially, only in carriers. But summer crowds and inconsistent enforcement make buses tricky.

5. Dog-Friendly Cafes & Where to Eat (Suggested by Locals)

While we didn’t sit at every café, these spots are frequently recommended as dog-friendly in Malta:

  • Mint Café – Sliema

  • Busy Bee Café – Gzira

  • Fontanella Tea Garden – Mdina

Terraces are usually fine for dogs. Just check for shade, and bring a portable water bowl.

6. Where We Stayed – Pet-Friendly Apartment in Gzira

We stayed in a lovely dog-welcoming apartment in Gzira, just a short walk from the sea. It had:

  • A shaded patio (lifesaver in summer!)

  • Friendly host who even printed us a list of dog beaches

  • Quiet neighborhood with nearby parks and shops

Gzira is a great location if you want to avoid heavy tourist crowds but still stay central.

7. What to Pack for Malta With Dogs

☀️ It gets seriously hot — here’s what helped us:

  • Cooling vest or damp towel wrap

  • Travel sling (essential when the pavement burns)

  • Portable water bottle + bowl

  • Paw protection balm

  • Umbrella or portable fan

  • Sun hat (yes, for dogs too)

  • All documents printed + downloaded

Always test pavement with your hand: 5 seconds rule. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws!

Final Bark: Is Malta Dog-Friendly?

Traveling to Malta with dogs is absolutely doable — but requires planning. Heat, local beach restrictions, and transport access can surprise unprepared visitors.

With the right gear, shady stops, and beach rules in mind — it’s a tail-wagging adventure.

Our Yorkies loved the morning walks, ferry rides, and patios. Just don’t take them to Crystal Lagoon… 🥵

📌 Bookmark This Page – Updates Coming!

We’re still digging through over 2000 photos, drone footage, and video clips from our Malta trip. We’ll update this blog post regularly with:

  • New dog-friendly restaurants & routes

  • Drone shots of beaches & ferry rides

  • Travel tips from Valletta, Gozo & Comino

🔁 Come back soon — or follow us for updates!

🐾 Follow Baryk & Bruno Online!

Want more dog-friendly travel inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and tiny paws on big adventures?
Join us across your favorite platforms:

🐶 Wherever you scroll — we’ll be there, wagging tails and sharing tips!

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