Wild camping in Malta: is it allowed? (2026)
Free wild camping is not allowed in Malta; camping is only permitted at a handful of designated spots, and often only with a permit from the local council or the environmental authority ERA.
What's allowed
- Camping at the official Scout campsite in Għajn Tuffieħa (year-round, book in advance)
- Staying overnight in designated zones such as L-Aħrax / Mellieħa, with a permit from the local council
- Camping in the marked 'Tal-Ful' zone on Comino, if permitted by ERA
- Touring by campervan and parking where there are no prohibition signs
What's not allowed
- Freely pitching your tent in nature, on dunes, on the beach or on clifftops
- Camping in Natura 2000 areas or nature reserves without an ERA permit
- Open fires or barbecues in dry countryside (high fire risk in summer)
- Leaving a caravan unattended without a towing vehicle
Malta has no ‘right to roam’. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, with little open space and a lot of protected nature. Pitching your tent freely in the countryside, on the beach or on the cliffs is therefore not allowed. Camping is possible — but only at a handful of designated spots, and usually with a permit.
Designated spots only
Officially, camping in Malta is only allowed in designated zones, and you often need a permit from the local council or from the environmental authority ERA (Environment & Resources Authority):
- Għajn Tuffieħa on the west coast has a proper campsite, run by the Maltese Scouts and open all year. Booking in advance is mandatory.
- In L-Aħrax (Mellieħa) there are marked zones for which you apply for a permit from the Mellieħa local council.
- On the small island of Comino you may only camp in the ‘Tal-Ful’ zone, and only if ERA allows it. Outside that zone, camping on Comino is prohibited.
For commercial activities or groups of more than twenty people in a Natura 2000 area, a separate ERA permit is always required.
A small island with little room
Malta is simply not set up for free camping. Much of the coastline is private, protected or crowded with tourists. Wild camping on private land is never allowed without the owner’s permission. With a campervan you have a little more freedom: you may drive around and park wherever there is no prohibition sign, as long as your vehicle’s registration and insurance are in order. Dedicated campervan spots are scarce — though near Mellieħa there is a place to refill water and dispose of waste water.
Open fires & fines
Open fires and barbecues in dry countryside are a major hazard and, in practice, prohibited — Maltese summers are hot and bone-dry. Anyone who wild camps without permission or enters a protected area risks a fine; the amounts vary and depend on the council or the type of offence.
Practical tips
- Book ahead at the Għajn Tuffieħa campsite, or apply for a permit from the local council in good time.
- Respect prohibition signs and stay out of nature reserves and Natura 2000 zones.
- Arrive late, leave early, and leave no trace behind.