Malta for small groups, up to around sixty people, and for English-speaking companies. Lisbon as soon as the headcount rises, participants come from several countries, or you want variety in the programme. Both are in the eurozone and the Schengen area.
Capacity, the first criterion
Malta is an island of 316 km². Its hotel stock and its event venues are sized accordingly.
Below 60 people it works very well and offers addresses with character. Between 60 and 150 the options narrow quickly and competition for dates gets tough, not least because the online gaming and finance sectors run a lot of events there. Above 150, Lisbon is considerably more comfortable.
Flights
Malta is well connected to Europe, but with fewer frequencies than Lisbon and more seasonality: some routes thin out in winter. For a group converging from four countries on the same day, that means more spread-out arrivals.
Lisbon has more frequencies, all year, and an airport 7 km from the centre.
Language
This is Malta’s strength, and it is real. English is an official language, which simplifies everything for a British company or an international group working in English: signage, suppliers, hotel staff, all in English without effort.
In Lisbon, English is very widely spoken in the professional sector, but it is not an official language. In practice, on a seminar run by an agency, the difference is small. On free time it shows a little.
Budget
The two destinations are close, with an edge to Lisbon on catering and an edge to Malta on some hotel categories in low season. The gap is not a deciding criterion on its own.
Season
Malta has a very hot, very dry summer, when midday activities become difficult. Its winters are mild, which makes it a good low-season destination for mixed formats.
Lisbon has the ocean, which softens its summers, and allows an outdoor programme across a wider window.
Variety of programme
This is where the gap opens for a stay of three days or more.
Malta offers the sea, a dense and remarkable heritage, and Gozo. Over two days that is plenty. Over four, a group starts going round in circles.
Lisbon lines up three different environments less than thirty minutes apart: the historic city, the ocean, the hills of Sintra. A five-day programme can be built there without repetition.
So which one?
Malta for a group under 60 people, an English-speaking company, a short format, or a winter seminar held indoors.
Lisbon above 80 people, for a multi-country group, or for a stay of more than three days that needs variety.
See also our guide where to hold a company offsite in Europe and our team building in Lisbon page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta in the eurozone and in Schengen?
Yes to both, like Portugal. A national ID card is enough for EU nationals.
What group size can Malta take?
Comfortably up to around 60 people. Above that the offer narrows and dates become constrained.
Do you organise seminars in Malta?
No. Our group covers Portugal. This comparison is here to help you decide, not to sell you Lisbon at any price.
How long is the flight between Lisbon and Malta?
There is no regular direct link, the journey involves a connection.