Malta is a reasonable place to bring a dog, with two big caveats. The summer heat is dangerous for them, and where a dog can and can’t go is more restricted in season than most owners expect.
Most of Malta is free to walk into. A few sites need booking and they fill up.
What to know before you book
Heat and hot pavements
Limestone and paving get hot enough to burn paws. There’s almost no shade anywhere on the islands. This matters more than any rule about where dogs are allowed.
Walk at dawn and after dark through the summer, and carry water for the dog as well as yourself. Never leave an animal in a car. Winter and spring are far kinder seasons to bring one.
Which months are kindest
Dog-friendly beaches
Malta designates a number of beaches where dogs are welcome all year. On the main sandy bays, dogs are usually restricted during the bathing season and allowed outside it, so winter is much easier than summer.
The rocky swimming spots away from the popular bays are generally the most relaxed option. There are plenty of them.
Filter for dog friendly
Buses, ferries and taxis
Bus rules depend on the size of the dog and whether it’s in a carrier. Assistance dogs are always accepted. The Gozo and harbour ferries generally take dogs, usually on the open decks.
Taxis and ride apps are up to the driver, so say you have a dog when you book rather than at the kerb. Check with the operator rather than going on what was true last year.
Ferry routes and fares
Restaurants and hotels
Outdoor tables at restaurants and cafes are usually fine and widely accepted. Indoors is a different matter and generally not.
Accommodation is the harder part. Fewer places take dogs than in northern Europe and those that do often charge. Filter for it before you book rather than asking afterwards.
Coastal walks and the outdoors
Every beach on this site records whether it’s dog friendly, so the beach picker will filter for it alongside the shelter ranking.
Entry requirements, microchipping, vaccination and pet passport rules are set by the veterinary authorities and they change. They’re covered under bringing pets to Malta, and you should confirm them with the official source before you travel.
Finding somewhere that takes dogs
Filter at the search stage rather than emailing places one by one, and read what the pet policy says. A property that accepts dogs may still cap the size, charge a cleaning fee, or keep them off the pool terrace.