Malta and Athens are two destinations that come up again and again when Erasmus+ coordinators shortlist a summer course. Both offer sunshine, English-language delivery, historical depth and a mature Erasmus+ hosting ecosystem. But they're different in ways that matter, cost structure, logistics, course topic strength, and the general "feel" your teachers will bring home.
This is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which fits your project better.
Quick summary
| Malta | Athens | |
|---|---|---|
| English language | Official language | Not official, but most courses in English |
| Erasmus+ subsistence band | Higher | Middle |
| Average course fee | €400 – €600 | €350 – €550 |
| Direct flights from most EU capitals | Yes | Yes |
| Peak season crowding | Very high (Jun-Aug) | High (Jun-Aug) |
| Best for | Language teaching, digital skills | Culture, philosophy, classical education |
| Strongest topic areas | CLIL, English, EdTech | Intercultural learning, humanities, arts |
Language and delivery
Malta has English as an official language. This means every course is comfortably delivered in English, sample school visits happen in English-speaking schools, and your teachers can practise real English between sessions. If your project rationale mentions improving teachers' English proficiency, Malta is a natural fit.
Athens delivers most Erasmus+ courses in English too, but the surrounding environment is Greek. This is either a bonus (immersive intercultural experience) or a friction point (teachers who speak no Greek may feel less able to practise outside class), depending on your project goals.
Course fees and value
Both destinations sit in the mid-range for course fees, but the breakdown is different.
Malta:
- Course fees: typically €400-€600 for a 5-day course
- Accommodation costs are the pain point, Valletta and Sliema pricing has climbed steeply, and providers rarely include accommodation
- Public transport is fine, taxis less so
- The good news: Malta is small. Everything is within a 30-minute drive
Athens:
- Course fees: typically €350-€550 for a comparable 5-day course
- Accommodation is more affordable in Athens than Malta for equivalent quality
- Public transport (metro) is genuinely excellent and cheap
- Course venues are usually central, close to Syntagma, Kolonaki or the historical centre
At Erasmus+ unit-cost levels, Malta will usually consume more of your daily individual-support budget than Athens will.
Topic strength
Different cities specialise. Here's where each destination has particular depth:
Malta is strongest in:
- English language teaching, there's a mature ELT industry in Malta that spills into KA1 courses
- CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), Malta's bilingual education tradition is a natural fit
- Digital skills and AI for teaching, a growing cluster of EdTech-focused providers
- Inclusive education and SEN, several long-running providers with strong reputations
Athens is strongest in:
- Intercultural learning and citizenship education, Athens is a natural setting for this
- Classical education and philosophy for schools, the historical connection is not just marketing; several serious courses use the city as a teaching tool
- Arts and creativity, museum-integrated programmes are a genuine strength
- Democratic education and civics, programmes that link to the birthplace of democracy work well pedagogically
Neither city is particularly strong for STEM or environmental / outdoor education, for those, look further north.
Logistics: getting there and getting around
Malta:
- Direct flights from most European capitals, though frequency is lower than Athens
- Malta International Airport is small but functional, 20 minutes to central hotels
- Public buses cover the whole island but can be slow in summer
- Consider hiring a car for a group of 3+ if you want flexibility
Athens:
- Athens International Airport (ATH) has more European connections than Malta
- Metro from airport to city centre in 40 minutes, €9 per person
- Metro + tram + trolleybus covers everything within the city
- Ferries to islands are 90+ minutes from Piraeus if you want to add a weekend
Athens generally wins on connectivity and internal transport.
Peak season considerations
Both cities get very hot in July and August. Malta reliably hits 33-38°C; Athens routinely 38-40°C. If you're planning classroom-based learning in either city in mid-summer, confirm your provider has air conditioning that actually works. This is not a small point, Erasmus+ courses in June/July that turn into "sightseeing with a bit of PowerPoint" are a common complaint.
Also: both cities are packed with tourists in summer. Hotel prices spike, restaurants have queues, and the general vibe is holiday-first, learning-second. Consider May, September or early October for better weather, cheaper hotels and less competition with tourists.
Which should you pick?
Choose Malta if:
- Your project focuses on English language teaching, CLIL, or ELT-adjacent topics
- Your teachers would benefit from an English-immersion environment
- You have a smaller group (2-4 people) and mobility budget flexibility
Choose Athens if:
- Your project has an intercultural, humanities, arts or civics focus
- You're cost-sensitive on accommodation
- You want the city itself to be part of the pedagogy
- You have a larger group (5-8 people) and want strong logistics
Do not pick either if:
- Your focus is STEM, project-based learning, outdoor / green education, or Nordic-style pedagogy, those are much better served by Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, or Ljubljana
Ready to compare providers?
You can filter our courses catalogue by city to see all Malta courses, or Athens similarly. Every provider has been legally verified, dates are current, and enquiries go directly to the provider so you can compare responses side by side.
Whichever you choose, the trip will only be as good as your project design and your provider selection. Take the time to compare 2-3 providers per city, and you'll come home with something worth writing into your final report.