How to maximise public holidays to enjoy longer leave in 2026
There are five long weekends to look forward to, as well as opportunities for extended breaks
As has become an annual tradition here at Times of Malta, it’s that time of year when we carefully analyse which days this year’s 14 public holidays fall on, so you can enjoy extended breaks while using up as little leave as possible.
There will be five long weekends this year, thanks to the feast of St Peter & St Paul (June 29), and Independence Day (September 21) both falling on a Monday, and Good Friday (April 3), Labour Day (May 1) and Christmas Day (December 25) all falling on a Friday.
There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy four-day weekends by using up just one leave day this year, since several public holidays also fall on a Thursday or Tuesday.
The feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck (February 10), Freedom Day (March 31), Victory Day (September 8), and the feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) all fall on a Tuesday, while the feast of St Joseph (March 19) is on a Thursday.
If you want to book a nine-day holiday over Easter from Saturday, March 28, to Sunday, April 5, you only need to use three leave days, since Tuesday, March 31 is Freedom Day, while April 3 is Good Friday.
You could even plan a longer trip starting Thursday, March 19, which would only require a further seven leave days.
Two public holidays in summer – Sette Giugno (June 7) and the feast of the Assumption (August 15), fall on a Sunday and Saturday respectively this year, giving no opportunity for an extended summer break. Luckily, your employer is legally required to add these holidays, together with Sunday, December 13 (Republic Day) to your leave allowance.
At the end of the year, the best option is to book eight days of leave from Monday, December 21 to Thursday, December 31, as this will result in two weeks off work.