The summers of 2026 have been intense, and the heat has done more than crowd the beaches. During long heatwaves, Malta and Gozo have seen repeated power cuts, some lasting many hours. For most visitors this is a minor story, but if you are staying in a small guesthouse in August it can shape your whole trip. Here is what happened, why it happens, and how to book so it does not catch you out.
What happened in Gozo
At the end of August 2026, almost all of Gozo was hit by a long blackout that lasted more than 26 hours in some places. On the evening of Friday 28 August, two of the three underground high-voltage cables that feed the island failed at the same time. The cables, running through Xewkija and Comino, gave way under the extreme heat. Because the outage dragged on, the backup batteries of the phone networks drained, so parts of Gozo also lost mobile signal and data by the end of the weekend. Restaurants closed, fridges stopped, and many guests were left in the dark. Power returned in stages, and everyone was back on the grid by the Sunday evening.
The Gozo blackout at a glance
| Detail | At a glance |
|---|---|
| When | Late August 2026 |
| Where | Almost all of Gozo |
| Duration | Up to 26 hours in places |
| Cause | Two high-voltage cables failed in extreme heat |
| Also affected | Water supply and mobile networks |
Why heat leads to power and water cuts
Long hot spells put underground cables under real strain, which is what caused the faults. A sudden blackout can also affect more than your lights. Water pumps and treatment plants rely on electricity, so a long cut can disrupt the water supply and sewage systems too. If your accommodation loses water during an outage, the Water Services Corporation runs a 24/7 emergency line on 80076400, and you can check their live map for works in your area.
What it means for your accommodation
There is a clear gap between big chains and smaller places. Large four and five star hotels almost always have heavy industrial generators, and several stayed fully open during the August blackout. The catch is that many mid-size hotel generators only power the essentials, such as lifts, fridges and emergency lighting. The air conditioning in the rooms often does not run on the generator, so guests still slept in the heat. Smaller B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering apartments frequently have no generator at all, and during the recent cuts many visitors left to find somewhere else to stay.
And the restaurants
It was mixed. Some restaurants along the waterfronts kept going on their generators, although even there the air conditioning was often off. Smaller places without a generator had to cancel bookings and throw away spoiled stock, running up serious losses over a busy weekend.
How to book smart in 2026
A little planning goes a long way. Keep these points in mind before you book your stay or your day:
- Ask the right question. Do not just ask whether there is a generator. Ask specifically whether the generator also powers the air conditioning in your room.
- Lean towards larger or newer places. Bigger resorts and recently opened boutique hotels have generally upgraded their backup systems after the last few hot summers. Our guide to where to stay in Malta is a good starting point.
- Keep the essentials handy. Save the water emergency number, keep a power bank charged, and check the providers' outage pages if a cut hits.
- Have a plan B for the day. When local transport is disrupted, a guided tour with its own transport keeps your day on track.
Power cuts are the exception, not the rule, and Malta and Gozo remain wonderful places to visit in summer. A few smart choices simply make sure a hot day never turns into a dark one. For more on timing your trip, see our guide to planning your Gozo trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Malta and Gozo in summer?
Yes. Power cuts are the exception rather than the rule, and most large hotels have backup power. Just book with the heat in mind and choose your accommodation carefully.
What should I ask before booking a hotel or B&B?
Ask whether the generator powers the air conditioning in the room, not only the essentials like lifts and lighting. That one question tells you the most.
Who do I call if I lose water?
The Water Services Corporation has a 24/7 emergency line on 80076400, and a live map that shows works affecting the supply in your area.