As the peak summer season approaches, the perennial debate over overtourism in Europe has found a new focal point: Malta. The Mediterranean archipelago, long a favourite for sun-seekers and history enthusiasts, is now confronting the same pressures that have sparked protests in Barcelona and Lisbon.
According to data from the Malta Tourism Authority, the island nation welcomed more than four million inbound visitors between January and December 2025. That figure represents a 13.2% jump from the previous year, the sharpest annual increase in half a decade. The United Kingdom, Italy, and Portugal were the top source markets. Over three million of those arrivals were first-time visitors, and 93.1% came for holiday purposes. The average stay of 6.3 nights generated €3.9 billion in tourist expenditure.
A Nation Divided
A poll conducted by Esprimi for The Times of Malta reveals a public evenly split on the issue. 51% of respondents described the current level of arrivals as “just about right,” while 45% called them “excessive.” But that aggregate figure masks significant geographic variation. In areas surrounding major tourist hubs such as St Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa, and the island of Gozo, 59% of locals said visitor numbers are too high. Conversely, in the southern localities of Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, and Birżebbuġa, only 27% shared that view.
Malta ranked sixth globally in 2024 for tourist arrivals per square kilometre, underscoring the intensity of the pressure on its limited land area. The country’s tourism-dependent economy has long relied on high volumes, but the recent surge has reignited questions about sustainability and quality of life for residents.
The debate also comes amid broader European tensions over tourism management. Malta’s government has previously opposed EU maritime restrictions, citing its reliance on shipping and tourism. Meanwhile, the island’s political landscape is shifting: Prime Minister Robert Abela has called a snap election for May, with energy costs and tourism policy likely to feature prominently in the campaign.
Gozo and Comino Under the Spotlight
The pressure is especially acute on Malta’s smaller sister islands. Over 2.3 million tourists visited Gozo and Comino in 2025—57% of all arrivals to the country. Gozo, a 45-minute ferry ride from Valletta, attracts visitors seeking a quieter pace, scenic walking routes, and a growing culinary scene that includes five Michelin-recognised restaurants. Comino, best known for its Blue Lagoon, offers diving sites, swimming areas, and a 17th-century tower built by the Knights of St. John.
To manage overcrowding at the Blue Lagoon, the Malta Tourism Authority and the Tourism Ministry have implemented a “Book, Protect, Enjoy” reservation system. Visitors must pre-book access to the lagoon, a measure designed to protect its fragile ecosystem. Boat trips from Valletta or Sliema to Comino range from €30 to €90 per person.
The situation in Malta mirrors challenges seen elsewhere in Europe. In Spain and Portugal, high-profile protests have led to restrictions on short-term rentals and cruise ship arrivals. Whether Malta will follow suit remains an open question, but the poll results suggest that any future policy will need to navigate a deeply divided public.
