tour malta 10 giorni

10 days in Malta: the ultimate itinerary

How to spend 10 days in malta.

You’re planning to go on a trip to Malta ? Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this detailed itinerary for 10 days in Malta. It’s the ideal duration to discover all the best places to visit of one of the smallest European countries.

Your trip will take you to Valletta , Mdina, Gozo , Comino , the beast beaches of Malta and a lot more!

And to make the most out of your stay, I will also give you all my best tips to visit Malta in 9, 10 or 11 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Malta in 10 days? Let’s find out!

Where to stay in Valletta

Where to stay in mellieha, where to stay in gozo, where to stay in marsaxlokk, the 4 best activities to do in malta, 1) the best activities in malta (and from malta), 2) the best activities in gozo, book your 10-day tour to malta in 1 click, renting a boat in malta, 2 weeks in malta: the best itinerary, you’re traveling in malta these articles will help you, 1) valletta (2 days).

Ready for your 10 days trip to Malta ? So let’s start with Valletta, the capital:

Malta international airport is only a few kilometers away from the city. There are different options to get there:

• By car but you shouldn’t necessarily rent one right away. It’s very easy to visit Valletta on foot and it’s hard to find parking inside the city unless you choose a hotel with a private parking lot. However, you should definitely rent a car later on for your Malta trip,  because buses are often crowded, rarely on time and the bus routes aren’t very convenient for sightseeing.
• By bus,  it’s the cheapest option. A one way ticket is only 1.50€ during low season and 2€ during summertime. The X4 bus goes from the airport to Valletta in 25min and leaves every 30min.
• By taxi. The official taxis (the white ones) are the most expensive. Bolt and eCabs are available in Malta and offer better fares.
• Most hotels in Valletta also offer shuttle services , don’t hesitate to ask for price details.

So, what to do in Valletta during this first day of your 10 days itinerary in Malta?

The best is to start with one of the city’s must-see attraction:  St. John’s Co-Cathedral . While the outside isn’t particularly remarkable, the interior is truly stunning with its p illars and walls covered with gold. There are also  8 chapels  and  the tombs of the Knights of the Order .

The visit takes about 1 hour.

After the visit of the Cathedral, you should head to the Grand Master palace . There, you can visit the states rooms and the impressive knights armoury , with all the weapons and armours which belonged to the Order of Malta.

Then, let’s go to Lower Barraka Garden , a great place to enjoy the view on the sea and Valletta’s harbour. There is also a very photogenic monument there: The Siege Bell War Monument.

After the Lower, it’s time to go to the Upper Barraka Garden, offering an amazing view on the Three cities, located on the other side of Valletta’s harbour. A must-see during your 9, 10 or 11 days trip to Malta!

As you have admired the Three Cities from afar, let’s go get a closer look and walk around these towns . To go there, it’s super simple, you just have to take the lift from Uper Barraka Garden , cross the road and turn left to reach the piers.

There, you’ll find the shuttle boat . A roundtrip ticket is 2.80€ per person and the trip lasts just 10min . Once you’ve arrived, the best way to discover the Three Cities is simply by wandering around on foot in the narrow streets and enjoy the numerous views over Valletta.

If you don’t want to walk, you can also opt for the little tourist train (departure next to the shuttle boat arrival).

At the end of the afternoon, take the shuttle back and end your day in Valletta on Republic and Merchant streets , with all their shops, bars and restaurants.

Spend your night in Valletta.

To learn more about the history of Valletta , there is nothing better than a guided walk with a super interesting guide! Book here:

Visit also possible as private guided tour ( to book here! ) or especially dedicated to the time of the Second World War ( to book there! ).

For the 3 towns , guided walks are also possible, which even include a tasting of the local wines !

Finally, you can also take a quiet moment to take a trip on a traditional Maltese boat , a Luzzu, and to admire Valletta from the sea Click here for details!

For this second day of your 10 days itinerary, let’s continue exploring Valletta .

In the morning, go to Casa Roca Piccola . Close to 9 generations from the same family lived in this palace. It’s actually the last palace in Valletta that is still inhabited. They offer guided tours to learn more about the lifestyle of an aristocratic Maltese family .

You’ll visit a dozen of rooms filled with antique everyday items. 

Then go to Fort Saint Elmo , home to the National War Museum offering great explanations about the history of Malta, the construction of the Fort, and the various wars that happened on the island.

In the afternoon , I recommend taking a shuttle boat again, but heading to Sliema this time. From there you can go on a nice walk along the sea . There are also plenty of shops and malls , making it the perfect spot to go shopping in Malta .

Sleep in Valletta again.

For more information about Valletta, you should read my article: The 10 best things to do in Valletta .

• Private Room : Located 300 metres away from Fort St Elmo and 700 meters from the Upper Barrakka gardens. Comfortable double room from 75€, breakfast included. Strong points: the excellent location, the hospitality and kindness of the host, the calm.
• Grand Harbour Hôtel : Hotel with traditional architecture, located in the heart of downtown Valletta, only 100 meters away from the Upper Barraka Gardens. Standard double room from 90€ per night or view sea + Three Cities view for 110€, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, magnificent view, roof terrace.
• Tano’s Boutique guesthouse : Hotel located in the center of Valletta, very close to all the best places to visit. Spacious and bright double room from 115€ per night. Strong points: the central location, the calm, the terrace on the roof for breakfast. The best value for money in town!
• Grand Hôtel Excelsior : 5* Hotel located on the waterfront, the view is stunning! Very nice rooms starting at 170€ per night. Strong points: The swimming pool, jacuzzi, free parking, the amazing breakfast and many other things that will make your stay in Valletta truly exceptional. My favourite place to stay in Valletta!
• Hôtel Phoenicia Malta : Luxury hotel located on City Gate square. Spacious, bright and tastefully decorated double room from 349€, breakfast at 17€. Strong points: the infinity pool with view on the port, the huge garden, the place and the free private parking. It’s simply the best hotel in Valletta, if you can afford it.

2) Mellieha (3 days)

It’s now time to leave Valletta and head North. 

At this point of your 9-10 days itinerary in Malta, renting a car is quite essential  for you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

When I need to rent a car, I always use Booking.com Cars . It’s, in my opinion, the best website to easily compare prices of car rentals agencies in Malta. Another great thing is that you can quickly see customers reviews.

They also offer a “full protection” insurance (don’t forget to check the box when booking): in case of damage or even if your car gets stolen, you’ll get a full refund of the costs. Tested and approved!

If you already know your travel dates, I advise you to book your rental car now to get the best prices. Click on the button below to compare rental cars prices in Malta:

It’s best to pick it up directly at the airport so you can drop it back there at the end of your 10 days road trip in Malta.

Once you have your rental car, I recommend going first to  Mdina . This lovely fortified city was the first capital of Malta , before being moved to Valletta. When Knights arrived in Malta, they preferred Valletta because of its strategic location next to the sea.

Go on a stroll inside the ramparts  and make sure to visit  St. Paul’s Cathedral and Vilhena Palace.

Here too, history lovers can opt for a guided tour of Mdina :

• Guided tour of Mdina: the meeting point is at the main entrance of Mdina
• Private guided tour on foot: the same tour as above, but only for your group! The date and departure time of the visit are flexible depending on your program.

When exiting Mdina, pass by Mdina Gate (the bridge over the moats) and cross the large square to go to Rabat, the neighbouring city .

Rabat is where Paul the Apostle sought refuge after his ship sank next to Malta, and many people come there to pray in the church or cave dedicated to him. If you aren’t religious, it’s worth going there to walk around the city’s narrow streets. 

After visiting this small city, go back to your car and drive to Mosta. The city is famous for its  monumental church  inspired by the  Pantheon in  Rome .

Your journey up North will end in Mellieha , your stopover city for the next 3 nights.

In Mellieha, there is a large sandy beach with shallow water. It’s the ideal spot to end the day and take your first dip in Maltese water!

The beach is well equipped with sun beds, umbrellas, a few bars and public bathrooms. It’s also a great place to try some water sports such as windsurf, stand up paddle or fun activities like banana boat.

Spend the night in Mellieha.

During your 9-10-11 days itinerary in Malta, you should also have some relax holidays! So let’s have a chill day .

Mellieha is very close to 2 of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Malta:  Gnejna Bay  and  Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. 

It would be a shame to miss them! As they’re next to each other , it’s very convenient to visit both during the day. I’ve to admit, I can’t really decide which one is my favorite, so go have a look at both  and choose where you’d like to spend the day.

You can also spend the morning at one beach and the afternoon at the other one.

Either way, both are located in a pretty natural setting and are really nice. You can also rent sun beds and umbrellas , and there’s a bar/restaurant on each beach for your lunch break.

They both offer parking facilities but you’ll have to give a few coins to the guy guarding them.

Spend a second night in Mellieha.

You can also take advantage of this day to try one of the best activities in Malta: Scuba diving!

In Malta , you will be able to choose between 2 types of first dives:

• Adventure try dive , with theoretical course + diving to a maximum depth of 12 meters
• VIP try dive with private instructor: the same thing, but with an instructor just for you and your family/group!

To try this amazing activity and do your try dive (first dive) in Malta , I have selected for you the best diving center of the island:

• All the diving instructors are very experienced (they have dived all around the world!)
• The diving equipment is new
• It’s a small diving center , not a “tourist factory”, and honestly, it changes everything! They only offer small groups diving, so you will be a maximum of 4 divers per instructor.

And you know the best? The price is very good! You can do your try dive in Malta for 69 euros per person only.

And at this price, you will have a real first dive (unlike with some other diving centers): you will spend 1 hour underwater and will be able to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters (if you feel like it of course!)

Of course, as it’s a small diving center (friendly atmosphere guaranteed!), you will need to book your first dive as soon as possible: the places are very limited!

In order to book your dive in Malta at the best diving center and at the best price, you just need to call me at +356 7920 1451 (phone or WhatsApp).

The day after, go to one of Malta’s main tourist attraction : Comino island . You can’t come to Malta and not go to Comino!

It’s probably the most touristic spot in Malta,  and you may have already heard of Comino’s Blue lagoon crystal clear water. You should definitely go check it out and take a dip.

To go there from  Mellieha , simply go to Marfa or Cirkewwa (10min driving away). You can take a small shuttle boat to Comino from these two locations. Roundtrip tickets are 10€ and it lasts 25min. There is a departure every 30min.

It’s the best option if you want to be free to come and go from Comino as you please.

You also have the option to book a day tour on a big boat , with a lunch buffet included.

You must book these tours here in advance:

1) Boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: the classic day trip to the Blue Lagoon, they can organize the transportation from most cities of Malta of you after booking for an extra fee.

2) Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon: same as above, but on a huge Catamaran! A great choice for a nice day at sea. Same as above, transport can be organized after booking.

3) Sailboat trip to the Blue Lagoon and other bays: want to discover more than just the Blue Lagoon? Choose this one! Snacks, wine and lunch + Free transportation from Malta included.

4) Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo (3h): Simply the best private boat tour to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. Josef, your skipper, will make sure you will have an amazing moment at sea.

During your boat trip, you will stop at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for a swim (snorkeling equipment included!) and visit Comino sea caves .

In addition to the half day boat trip, Josef also offers a full day boat tour (6 hours).

And you know the best?

It’s actually not much more expensive than the 3h30 boat trip , so if you have time to spend a full day at sea, you should opt for this one!

As Josef is doing only 1 boat trip per day, you should really book your full day private boat trip to Comino in advance by clicking on the button below:

One thing you need to know: don’t expect a quiet moment at the beach! The Blue Lagoon is always crowded and quite noisy, especially because of the loud music coming from the boats. It’s quite a young vibe there.

Hopefully, the rest of the island is quieter.

After your mandatory swim session in the Blue Lagoon, I suggest that you go for a walk along Comino island . Go see the Comino tower there and enjoy all the amazing viewpoints.

On the island, there is also another (less crowded) beach. It’s called Santa Marija bay and it’s located next to the only hotel of Comino.

Getting hungry? No problem, get a sandwich and a drink at the food trucks around! They are very affordable and tasty despite what one could expect in such a touristy area.

After this day in Comino, go back to Mellieha for one last night. 

To  organize your trip to Comino , you should have a look at my dedicated article:  How to visit Comino?

Try to go to Comino in the early morning, when it’s less crowded. The spot is even more beautiful. Ideally, try to be there around 9 am if possible.

If you want to be trendy in Comino, order a cocktail served in a pineapple ! You’ll see what I mean when you’ll be there.

• Pergola Hotel & Spa : located in Mellieha with a view over the bay, the village, Gozo and Comino. Studio apartment with kitchen amenities starting from 80€/night, breakfast for an additional 8€. Best features: kitchen amenities, view, excellent service, 3 swimming pools.
• Maritim Antonine Hotel & spa : located in Mellieha, 1km away from a vast sand beach. Very spacious and elegent double room starting from 140€/night, breakfast included. Best features: rooftop swimming pool with a scenic view over the bay, heated pool and hot tubs, good buffet with many options, next to bus stops going to Valletta or to the beach. It’s the best value for money in Mellieha.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands : located in Golden Bay and 2min walking distance to a lovely beach. Big double room with balcony (sea view or countryside view) starting from 150€/night, breakfast for an additional 20€. Best feature: direct access to the beach, view, delicious breakfast, during summertime you can get complimentary sun bed and umbrella on the beach.

• 7 days / 6 nights
• Optimized itinerary
• Created by Voyage Tips

• 8 days / 7 nights

• 10 days / 9 nights

3) Gozo (3 days)

It’s now time to go explore new areas: during your 10 days holidays in Malta, you can’t miss Gozo island, Malta’s little sister.

This island , wilder and more rural , was my favorite place during my trip to Malta.

To go to Gozo, go first to Cirkewwa. From there, the ferry will take you to Gozo in 20min. You can board the ferry with your rental car .

Don’t get confused, you don’t have to pay anything on the way to Gozo . You’ll only pay for the roundtrip on your way back to Malta. I’ll tell you more about it below.

Once you’re in Gozo island, the main city , Victoria (or Rabat in Maltese) is only 10min away. You should first go visit Victoria’s Citadella , the fortified place overlooking the city.

It has been entirely renovated, and you can visit the old prisons and the cathedral . You’ll also enjoy it for its  360° scenic view over Gozo.

For your lunch break, there are several restaurants on the square down the Citadella and along Triq Repubblika (the city’s main street). You’ll also find gift shops selling local products like cheese, honey and olive oil. There’re also a few clothing stores if you want to do some shopping.

In the afternoon, head to the Northwestern part of the island , to Dwejra . That’s where Gozo’s most touristic place, the Azure Window , was located. Unfortunately, the arch collapsed in 2017 but the site is still worth seeing.

In Dwejra, there’s also the  Blue Hole (famous diving site), the Inland Sea and the Fungus Rock . You can also take boat tours from the Inland Sea.

On the way back to Victoria, stop by Ta’Pinu Basilica and its breathtaking dimensions and architecture . You’ll be impressed for sure by this very photogenic place! In front of the basilica, you can go up the footpath leading to the top of a hill and offering a nice view.

Spend the night in Gozo.

For your second day in Gozo , I recommend starting with a nice stroll to Marslaforn salt pans . It’s one of my favorite spot on the island!

Walk until you reach  Wied il Gashri: this small fjord carved by the sea is a nice swimming spot (just make sure there is no jellyfish!). It’s also a famous diving site.

In the afternoon, enjoy Gozo’s largest sandy beach:   Ramla Bay . Don’t forget to go up on the path located right off the beach to reach Tal Mixta cave . The view over the beach is very beautiful.

And if you fancy a little more action this afternoon in Gozo, I recommend you try one of the many water activities :

• First Dive  at one of the most beautiful dive sites in Europe! And if you already have diving experience, you can opt for the following packages:  “1 day – 2 dives” (click here)  and  “2 days – 4 dives” (click there) .
• 1h guided Jet-Ski-Tour – Follow your instructor on an epic 1h tour around Comino and discover the sea caves!
• Subwing  – New in Gozo, super trendy!
• Snorkeling course
• Jet Ski rental
• SUP (Stand Up Paddle) 3h guided tour
• SUP 3h guided tour at sunset
• Paddling experience day + night   (amazing!)
• Boat rental: no license needed (up to 90 HP engine) – Reservation by phone or whatsapp at +356 7920 1451
• Boat rental: with license (more than 90 hp engine) –  Reservation by phone or whatsapp at +356 7920 1451

End your day with a beautiful sunset over Ta Cenc cliffs .

Spend a second night in Gozo.

Continue your 10 days itinerary in Malta with one last day in Gozo .

There are several very pleasant hikes to do. Discovering the island on foot and walking along the sea is amazing! The short hikes are easy, but don’t forget to wear hiking shoes or sneakers. It would be a very bad idea to do them in flip flops!

You can choose one hike to do in the morning . Paths are not marked, so you should check this website to plan your itinerary.  You’ll find a dozen of detailed hiking paths  with things to see on the way.

And if you would like to take advantage of these trips to learn more about the island, the local flora and fauna, I advise you to book a trip with a Gozo based guide .

You have the choice of a 2-hour or a full day hike :

Spend one last night Gozo.

If you want more information about Gozo island, you can read my article: The 10 best places to visit in Gozo .

If you don’t feel like taking your car or if you don’t have a car, there are of course other ways to discover Gozo.

Personally, I have opted for the quad bike tour during my trip to Gozo and I really loved it!

It will allow you to discover the best places to visit in Gozo in a fun way with a local guide.

You will have the choice between 2 types of excursions: simply click on the orange links below to book them (do it as soon as possible, as the quad bike tours are the most popular of the island!)

Actually, these guided quad tours are so good, I’ve contacted the provider to offer you a discount code .

Only voyagetips readers are entitled to it, and it’s only available for the first 50 bookings made in 2024.

So don’t wait, and when you book, try entering the coupon code “tips5” for an instant 5% discount! 😎

• Guided quad bike tour of Gozo   – With transport from Malta + lunch included!
• Guided quad tour of Gozo + sunset – Same as above, but with a later departure to enjoy the sunset. Available between May 15 and October 15.

If want to ride a quad bike in Gozo, but don’t want a guided tour, you can also rent a quad by clicking here. A GPS map is provided, so you’ll know exactly what to visit!

And if there’s no more availability for the guided tour and quad rental , you can see if the other provider who organizes guided tours of Gozo has any availability (click here)

Here are other great tours options, if you don’t want to drive:

• Guided tour of Gozo by bus
• Guided tour of Gozo by Jeep
• Guided tour of Gozo by private Jeep (your group only)

The discount code “tips5” is also available for the 2 tuktuk tours below , which are offered by the same provider as the quad bikes.

• Guided tour of Gozo by Tuktuk (an excellent option!)
• Guided tour of Gozo by Tuktuk + sunset – available from May 15 to October 15 only.

And last solution, you can take the Hop-on Hop-off tourist bus to visit Gozo.

• Guesthouse Bambina : Guesthouse located in Xaghra, 10min walking from the beach. Modern with a zen vibe double room starting from 75€/night. Best features: amazing house with a swimming pool and a great view over Gozo, friendly staff, direct access to the beach, very good value. A great choice in Gozo for its excellent value for money.
• Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse : Charming hotel located in Victoria, the capital of Gozo. Fully renovated double room starting from 90€/night, breakfast included. Decoration is a mix of modern and traditional. Best features: central location, close to all the bus stops, homemade breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.
• The Duke Boutique Hostel : Located in the center of Victoria. Very spacious and comfortable double room starting from 100€/night, breakfast included. Best features: location, great bedding, rooftop terrace view, great breakfast with many options, great staff, some rooms have a hot tub on the balcony.
• Kempiski Hôtel San Lawrenz: Luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz, close to Inland Sea ad Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double room with balcony starting from 116€/night. Breakfast for an additional 25€. Best features: amazing view, huge swimming pools, indoor pool, free parking lot, outstanding breakfast, nice spa. It’s simply the best hotel in Gozo .

And if you prefer to stay in an apartment during trip to Gozo, you should book at The Holiday Hub Gozo.

Located in a typical Maltese building, this modern fully equipped penthouse features 3 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms and can comfortably host up to 6 people.

It’s the perfect accommodation for a trip with your friends or your family!

It also features 2 large terraces (75m²), ideal to enjoy a breakfast outside or an aperitif.

Last but not least: you will also have access to the 150m² rooftop featuring a Jacuzzi (hot tub), plunge pool and BBQ.

A great way to relax after a good day of sightseeing!

Strong points: the calm, the perfect location to visit Gozo, the rooftop and its superb view + the really friendly owners.

Our favorite in Gozo, you should book it really in advance!

To book your stay at The Holiday Hub, simply click the button below:

4) Marsaxlokk (1 day)

For the last part of your 9, 10 or 11 days itinerary in Malta, you will go to the South of the island .

First, take the ferry back to Malta. You’ll have to pay for your roundtrip, about 20€ for 2 people and one car.

On that day, I recommend going to Marsaxlokk . It’s a very practical location for a last day in Malta because the city is only 15min away from the airport. 

There are a few places worth stopping by on your way from North to South. I recommend you to visit the following:

• Popeye Village  where the movie “Popeye” (with Robin Williams) was shot. The set was kept and turned into a small amusement park. It’s not really worth paying to get into the park, but the view of all the colored houses from the cliff nearby is worth it. It’s a very photogenic spot.
• Dingli cliffs,  the highest point in Malta, with a nice scenic view.
• The Blue Grotto, famous for the color of the water there. You can see it from a belvedere located right at the exit of Zurrieq village, or you can also go on a 30min boat tour. Departures take place at 2 min drive from the belvedere, in a small port.

Once you arrive in Marsaxlokk and if it’s a Sunday, there will be a big market next to the port. You’ll find all kind of products there, including souvenirs.

Have a nice lunch next to the sea in one of the many fish restaurants. 

After your meal, go visit one of your last tourist attraction:  St Peter’s Pool . It’s not really far away, only 10min driving from Marsaxlokk and it’s easy to find, there are signs along the road.

Park your car at one of the 2 free parking lots and continue on foot. You’ll reach a wide natural pool where people jump into the water.

If jumping is too adventurous for your taste, go on the path to the right and you’ll find a few natural hot tubs next to the sea.

If you still have time, you can finish your day at Marsaskala’ s lovely beachfront.

Sleep around Marsaxlokk.

On the next day, it will sadly be the end of your 10 days trip to Malta and time to fly back home.

If you’re in Malta for 9 days only , don’t do the beach day in Mellieha, or do only 2 days in Gozo.

On the other hand, if you’re lucky enough to spend 11 days in Malta , you can add an extra day in Gozo . Do another hike, enjoy the beach or go scuba diving. There are many companies in Gozo offering scuba diving initiations.

• Port View Guesthouse : Guesthouse located in Marsaxlokk, a lovely fishermen village with a popular Sunday market. Modern and comfortable double room starting from 70€/night, breakfast included. Best features: next to the sea, good breakfast and excellent service.
• Harbour Lodge : Located right next to the fishing port. Quiet and comfortable double room starting from 85€/night, breakfast included. Best features: quiet location, free parking lot, free shuttle to the airport.

Other ideas of activities for your 10 day trip to Malta

You want to enjoy more activities during your 10 day trip to Malta ?

Great idea!

Here is the complete list of all the best activities to do in Malta. Enjoy!

For more information about these activities and to book them, simply click on the following links:

Just click on the links to access the details and make your reservations:

It’s your first trip to Malta and you want to focus on the best activities and excursions?

In that case, I have selected for you the 4 activities and excursions you can’t miss during your trip to Malta.

So, here are my 4 favorites!

1) Going on a boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon

• Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon (transport from Malta can be organized after booking)
• Sailboat “3 islands” day trip – Snacks, wine and lunch + Free transportation from Malta included
• Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo full day (the best!) – Also available for a half day (3h).
• Full day VIP private boat trip with skipper from Valletta – Full day
• Full day VIP private sailboat trip with skipper from Valletta – The best way to make the most of your day at sea!

2) Visiting Gozo by Quad bike or Jeep

• Full day Quad bike tour in Gozo, with departure from Malta (transport included). Return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Definitely one of the best activities in Malta!
• Renting quad bikes in  Gozo: To visit Gozo, you can also rent quad bikes! You can get the best quad bikes (brand new, 450cc) by clicking here and booking them directly on Quad Bikes Gozo website. The rental include helmets, free 2nd driver and a GPS map of Gozo’s best places to visit.
• Gozo: Jeep tour   – Pick up at your hotel in Malta included. A great way to discover Gozo if you don’t want to drive!

3) Diving in Malta and Gozo

• Try dive in Malta – at the best diving center. Just like for the quad bike rental , you just have to call or message me (WhatsApp) at +356 7920 1451 and I will take care of everything!
• First Dive in Gozo , one of the most beautiful dive sites in Europe. And if you already have diving experience, you can opt for the following packages:  “1 day – 2 dives” (click here)  and  “2 days – 4 dives” (click there) .

4) Jet-ski-tour around Comino (Blue Lagoon)

• Jet Ski Tour (From Malta or Gozo) – Follow your instructor on an epic 1h tour around Comino and discover the sea caves!

In addition to the 4 amazing activities mentioned above, here is the complete list, with all other activities you can do in Malta:

Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon

• Boat trip to Comino Blue Lagoon:   + transport from Malta can be organized after booking
• Catamaran boat trip to the Blue Lagoon + transport from Malta can be organized after booking
• Day trip to Comino Blue Lagoon + 3h to visit the island of Gozo
• 3h boat trip around Comino + 3h tour of Gozo by Jeep
• Shuttle boat to Comino

Visiting Gozo from Malta

• Quad bike day trip to Gozo,  with departure from Malta (transport included). Return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Definitely one of the best activities in Malta! –  A half day tour is also possible – click here.
• Gozo: guided Bus Tour  – Pick up at your hotel in Malta
• Gozo: Jeep tour   – Pick up at your hotel in Malta
• Gozo: private Jeep tour   – Pick up at your hotel in Malta

Guided visits and excursions in Malta

• Guided tour of Valletta (small group) / Valletta Private guided tour / Historical tour: Valletta at the time of the Second World War
• Guided tour to the 3 Cities + wine tasting
• Vintage Bus Tour to the 3 Cities
• Guided tour of Mdina (small group) / Private guided tour of Mdina on foot
• All-inclusive night tour:  This night tour includes a visit to Mdina, a 5D show in Valletta about the history of Malta and a visit to the town of Mosta. Transport to and from your hotel is also included.
• Game of Thrones tour  – Malta is one of the filming location for the TV show.
• Day trip to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto  – Transport + guide included!
• Half day guided tour to discover the megalithic temples of Malta,  some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Private 1 day guided tour of Malta.

Other activities to enjoy in Malta

• Try dive in Malta – at the best diving center. Just like for the quad bike rental, you just have to call or message me (WhatsApp) at +356 7920 1451 and I will take care of everything!
• Boat trip on a traditional Maltese boat in Valletta
• Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Partying in Malta

If you want to take advantage of your stay in Malta to party (on your last evening or maybe even on several evenings during your stay !), you should:

• Go on a pub crawl and make friends from all other the world – Click here!
• Dance all night long in one of Paceville nightclubs
• Opt for a boat party with an open bar .

• Private 3 hour boat trip to Gozo and Comino
• Private VIP boat trip to Comino and Gozo full day (the best!)
• How to reach Comino by shuttle boat from Mgarr (Gozo harbour)
• How to reach Comino by shuttle boat from Hondoq
• Shuttle to Comino + visit to the sea caves.
• Visit of Gozo by jeep + lunch + boat trip of 3 hours to Comino

Other activities / Guided tours

• VIP full day quad bike tour in Gozo (top!) – Visit the island of Gozo with the best local guide and take a lunch in an amazing restaurant with countryside view. Small groups + discover more than 2 times more places than with other quad tours (including a few hidden gems!)
• 2h Segway tour with local guide (Gozo)
• 2h or full day hike with a guide (Gozo),  to discover the hidden gems of Gozo, away from mass tourism.
• Quad bike guided tour of Gozo (full day) / Also available for a half day
• Scooter guided tour of Gozo
• Tourist bus tour (Hop-on Hop-off) .

Nautical activities

In this guide, I gave you all my best tips to plan your 10 days trip to Malta by yourself.

To make your life even easier, I am now offering you to book your trip to Malta in 1 click on “Autotour by Voyage Tips”!

No need to worry about organization: Hotels, car rental and activities , everything will be booked by our team of travel professionals who will create a personalized roadbook for you!

To book your tour to Malta and Gozo now, it’s very simple:

• Select the duration of your trip by clicking here or on the button below
• Select the hotel category of your choice on the tour page (budget, premium or luxury)
• Choose your other options and book your trip in 1 click!

You will see, organizing your trip has never been so easy 😎

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your itinerary in Malta, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Malta? 😊

You’re going to visit Malta in 10 days and have questions? Don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section of this article.

You want to visit Malta in 2 weeks? You’re wondering if it’s too long?

Well, it’s not! You can do the 10 days itinerary I suggest in this article and add a lot of awesome activities.

During a 14-15 days trip to Malta, you can take your time to visit everything , and even go off the beaten track.

In addition to the visits, you can enjoy the beaches and do a bit of hiking! Gozo island is the best place for this.

There is a walking trail offering amazing viewpoints going around the island . If you can’t do the full loop in a day, it’s very convenient as you can split it in a few short 1-2 hours strolls.

Spending 2 weeks in Malta will also allow you to enjoy water sports such as:

• Water Skiing
• Parasailing

Kayaking trips are also very popular, especially around Comino. It’s perfect to enjoy the crystal clear water!

Another great way to discover Malta or Gozo is to rent a boat for a day.

Malta is also recognized for having some of the best Mediterranean diving sites . Numerous diving schools offer diving sessions for all levels, from beginner to experienced divers. During your 2 weeks itinerary, you can even take a 3 days diving course to get a certification.

Now you know more about the best things to do in Malta in 2 weeks . If you need help to plan your 14, 15 or 16 days trip to Malta, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments.

Malta travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Malta guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Malta : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Malta are listed there.

• Gozo: The 10 must-see attractions of the island
• Valletta: The 10 best things to do

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 18 comments.

Can you do all the above that you’ve mentioned for a 10 day trip but just stay in one hotel for the whole 10 days, maybe a hotel quite central so it’s easier to get to everywhere?

And if we do it this way would it better to use transport or rent a car?

Kind regards, Andreas Liberos

Hello Andreas,

The most optimized way is for sure to do this itinerary with the 4 stops like in the article, however it’s possible to do this itinerary with only 1 or 2 different hotels:

1. 2 Hotels: You can stay in Mellieha for most of your stay, then spend 2-3 nights in Gozo and come back to your hotel in Mellieha.

2. 1 Hotel: It’s also doable with only 1 hotel only (in Mellieha), but you would have to take the ferry to Gozo several times if you want to spend a few days on the island. It’s doable, just not very convenient.

If you want to see everything I talk about in this 10 days itinerary in Malta, you will have to rent a car. It’s even more true if you want to stay in only 1 or 2 hotels.

You would waste too much time with the bus + won’t be able to go everywhere. A car is also needed to make the most of your visit to Gozo. You can take Gozo ferry with your car rented in Malta, no problem!

If you have any other question to plan your stay in Malta, about things to do, hotels or anything else don’t hesitate.

Have a great day,

Vincent – I just wanted to say thank you for pulling together this excellent itinerary. You really made our holiday! Thank you

Thanks to you for taking the time to post your feedback! I am really glad you enjoyed your 10 days trip to Malta.

Maybe see you soon on the blog for another itinerary 🙂

Thank you Vincent for your great information for a 10 day stay in Malta.

Well researched and will be most helpful for my stay in November.

Best Regards Belinda

Hi Belinda,

Thank you, I am really glad my 10 days Itinerary in Malta is helping you to plan your trip!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Enjoy your trip to Malta!

Thanks so much for this detailed itinerary!

What would you suggest is the best time to visit Malta? Hoping to plan a trip in early April of this year.

Hello Zahra,

April is a great month to visit Malta if you don’t want to swim (water is too cold at this period). You will avoid the tourists crowds and will enjoy a greener island than during the summer months. At that time of the year, it’s especially beautiful in Gozo if you want to do a bit of (easy) hiking next to the sea!

Enjoy your 10 days trip to Malta, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate 🙂

Hi there, great article!

We are thinking of 3 nights in Gozo as part of our trip – what area would you recommend to stay in, so we would have access to restaurants/bars at night time?

Hello Shane,

For your 3 nights in Gozo, if you are looking for the busiest place, you should stay in Victoria, the main city of the island.

However, don’t expect a crazy nightlife, as Gozo is rather quiet!

You also have 2 nice restaurants in Nadur: the fat rabbit (Maltese cusine) and the Osteria (Italian).

And in Qala town, you should go to the Xerri il bukket for lunch: the view is breathtaking!

All needs to be booked in advance as they are very popular.

Enjoy your stay!

Thank you Vincent for sharing your wealth of travel knowledge. I have been talking about wanting to go to Malta and your detailed suggestions were just what I needed/wanted. When is the best time to go to Malta? I prefer to avoid tourist season, but would like water warm enough for enjoyable beach/swim time. Thank you!

I am glad my 10 days itinerary in Malta is helping you to plan your stay!

The best time to go to Malta if you want to avoid most tourists and still enjoy warm water is the end of September / beginning of October. The sea temperature is still around 25°, so it’s perfect!

Enjoy your trip to Malta, and if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate.

Hallo Vincent, wat een goede tips. Zijn ze nu nog actueel? Heb je toevoegingen? We gaan de laatste 3 weken van september (2021 dus)

Hello Sita,

Thank you very much! As I live in Malta, I can assure you that everything is up to date. The guide features all the latest tours and activities to do in the country.

As you are staying 3 weeks in Malta, I would just advise you to plan to spend more time in Gozo (a whole week or even 10 days).

Don’t hesitate if you have any questions to prepare your itinerary in Malta.

Hi Vincent, Thanks so much for this in depth post. Can you tell me if instead of staying in Mellieha for 3 nights and do a blue lagoon boat tour from there, is it possible to go to Gozo and do a jet ski or boat tour leaving from Gozo to tour the island’s coast and Comino’s blue lagoon? If so can you recommend any operators please. Planning our trip for late July 2022 and will only have 8/9 nights. Cheers Vanessa

Hello Vanessa,

Thank you very much! Yes, you can do the jet ski or boat trip to Comino from Gozo. You can call me on +356 7920 1451 one month before your arrival and I will take care of the booking.

Don’t hesitate if you have any other question to organize your trip in Malta and Gozo.

You can also have a look on my other articles here: Destination Malta

Have a good day,

Hi Vincent We plan our visit in Dec to Jan time frame for 10-11 days (2021). Since it is winter, I assume the water is too cold for snorkeling etc. Is that a correct assumption? If yes, then do we spend fewer days in one place such as in Mellieha or Gozo?

Our ideal is 2 hotels for the entire trip. Additional, third hotel for the night before return trip is fine. Of course, we will rent a car, but only after finishing Valletta unless you advise us to rent as soon as we arrive.

I would appreciate your thoughts

Yes, you are right: in December and January, the water will be too cold for snorkeling and swimming. However, if you wish, you can still do a first dive (you will get a wetsuit) and the boat trips still take place (provided the weather is good).

You can spend less time in Mellieha if you want.

For the 2 hotels for your 10 days itinerary in Malta, it depends:

– You can book accommodation in Mellieha and then in Gozo. In this case, it’s better to take the car for the whole stay, directly from the airport. It will be much more convenient to get around. – You can take a hotel around Valletta and another one in Gozo. Do some sightseeing without a car for 2 or 3 days and then book the car. But you will have to park your car in a paying car park in Valletta at night because access to Valletta by car is forbidden for non-residents.

That’s why in my itinerary, I rather recommend to choose 3 hotels (Valletta, Mellieha and Gozo) to avoid going back and forth from one end of the island to the other.

If your return flight is in the afternoon or evening, you don’t necessarily need to spend the night near the airport. You can go straight there (even from Gozo).

I hope you will enjoy your stay in Malta!

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Awesome 10 Days in Malta Itinerary With Map

Are you looking for a 10-day in Malta itinerary? Then you are in the right spot.

Malta is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Italy. It is one of the best destinations for a great vacation for sure.

Because Malta is still somewhat of a hidden gem, there is not a lot of good information out there on how to spend 10 days on the island.

Luckily for you, I recently got back from an awesome vacation in Malta – and I have all the details for you in this post.

Let’s get to it.

10 Days in Malta Itinerary – at a Glance

Where to stay in malta for 10 days, things to see in valletta, where to eat in valletta, day 3: comino, mdina things to do, rabat things to do, day 5: northern malta, day 6: the three cities, day 7: marsaxlokk and blue grotto, day 8: st pauls bay or adventure time, day 9: gozo, how many days do you need in malta, conclusion: 10 days in malta itinerary, about the author.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my  disclaimer  for further information.

If you are just here to quickly get the itinerary without further ado, you are in the right spot.

I usually plan my vacations with a good mix of beach time, relaxation, and culture. This Malta itinerary is structured in a way that you will see all the highlights without getting overwhelmed.

Note : for this itinerary, you’ll need a rental car or a scooter. Alternatively, you can take a cab. Public transport is not recommended.

For more detailed info and travel tips keep on reading below.

🌴 Day 1: Arrival and relax on the beach

🌴 Day 2: Valletta (Upper Barrakka Gardens, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, National Museum of Archaeology)

🌴 Day 3: Comino

🌴 Day 4: Mdina and Rabat

🌴 Day 5: Northern Malta (Popeye Village and Beaches)

🌴 Day 6: The Three Cities

🌴 Day 7: Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto

🌴 Day 8: St Pauls Bay or Adventure Time

🌴 Day 9: Gozo

🌴 Day 10: Departure

🏨 Luxury : Corinthia Palace Malta , The Westin Dragonara Resort

🏨 Mid-Range: The Village Boutique and Spa

🏨 Budget: The Burrow Guest House

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time

Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta, so that is where you will arrive in Malta. Located in Luqa , it is about 10 km from Valletta.

You can get from the airport to other parts of Malta by public buses, or taxis, which offer fixed rates to various destinations .

Alternatively, renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore more extensively.

Depending on when you arrive, you’ll have some time to settle into your hotel and head out to the beach.

A couple of great options for your beach day are Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa , Mellieħa Bay, or Paradise Bay .

This, of course, depends on where you stay and what is convenient for you.

Day 2: Valletta

Day two of this 10-day Malta itinerary will lead you to Valletta. The beautiful capital city of Malta is definitely worth seeing, so get ready for a culture-packed day in Valletta. It is one of my favorite places in Malta for sure.

Valletta is known for its rich history and well-preserved architecture from the 16th century . Most of the famous buildings were built by the Knights Hospitaller.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its museums, palaces, and grand churches, cute alleys, and lovely cafés.

One day is enough time to see all the highlights of Valletta. The city is pretty walkable, so you can nicely explore all these highlights on foot.

To make the planning a bit easier, I have created an interactive map for you below that marks all my favorite spots, cute cafés, and best viewpoints in Valletta.

Make sure to plan some time for breaks in cute cafés and lots of pictures.

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Grandmaster’s Palace
• Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum
• Manoel Theatre
• Valletta Waterfront
• Casa Rocca Piccola

Here are my favorite restaurants in Valletta you should definitely check out:

🍷 Café Jubilee

🍷 Legligin Restaurant

Day 3 of this amazing 10-day Malta itinerary will lead us to Comino. And one thing I would like to say in advance: this is my favorite day in this itinerary.

Comino is a serene, car-free island between Malta and Gozo. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the Blue Lagoon .

The Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The watercolor there is unreal – so make sure to bring a camera!

To get there, take a ferry or boat trip from either Malta or Gozo. These services are frequent during the summer months. You can choose between standard trips and private charters .

Day 4: Mdina and Rabat

The next day on our Malta itinerary will lead us to two very special places: Mdina and Rabat. Both places have a lot of culture and history to offer, so this day will be packed with interesting sights.

Mdina is a beautiful walled city in Malta . It is often referred to as the “Silent City” because of its peaceful, narrow streets. It has medieval charm and history around every corner.

Rabat is a town just outside the walls of Mdina. Rabat offers a mix of beautiful old churches, cool museums, and charming cafes . It is a bit less touristy than Mdina, so I enjoyed it more.

You can either explore by yourself or join this fun Mdina and Rabat tour .

🏛️ Explore the Mdina Cathedral

🏛️ Walk through the narrow alleys and take some Instagram-worthy pictures

🏛️ Visit the Mdina Dungeons – Learn about the darker side of Maltese history

🏛️ Check out the Mdina Experience – An audio-visual show that brings the city’s history to life.

🏛️ Go to Palazzo Falson

🏛️ Enjoy the views from the Bastions – Look out over the island from the city walls

🏛️ Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden – Perfect for a break with a view and a slice of their famous cake

🗿 St. Paul’s Catacombs – Explore the extensive network of underground tunnels used for burial in Roman times

🗿 Church of St. Paul – Visit this historic church where it is believed St. Paul stayed after being shipwrecked on Malta.

🗿 Domvs Romana – Check out the remains of a Roman townhouse with beautiful mosaics and artifacts.

🗿 Wignacourt Museum – A museum housed in a baroque residence, offering a collection of historical artifacts and artworks.

🗿 St. Paul’s Grotto – See the underground cave where St. Paul is said to have taken refuge during his time in Malta.

The next day of our 10 days in Malta itinerary will lead us to the Northern part of the island.

Northern Malta is a great spot if you love the beach and interesting places. Mellieħa Bay is the largest sandy beach in Malta . It’s really shallow for a long way out too.

Right next to it is Golden Bay, another awesome sandy beach where you can catch a stunning sunset.

My favorite spot in the area is Popeye Village . It started as a movie set for the film “Popeye” in the 1980s. Now it is a colorful and fun theme park, great for fun and Instagram pictures.

The next day of our Malta itinerary will lead us to a less touristic spot – it is a total hidden gem in Malta.

The Three Cities of Malta are called Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. The trio of those charming cities is located across the Grand Harbour from Valletta.

The easiest way to explore the Three Cities is with a guided half-day tour. They are pretty cheap and you’ll see a lot.

Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu) is the oldest of the Three Cities. It is beautiful, and famous for narrow winding streets and ancient buildings. I loved the Maritime Museum there.

Senglea (or L-Isla) is known for its stunning waterfront promenade . Awesome picture opportunity! A highlight here is the Gardjola Gardens.

Cospicua (also called Bormla) is the largest of the three and has a more residential feel to it. It is still worth seeing, even though it wasn’t my favorite.

Day 7 is filled with cool adventures and awesome viewpoints. We rented a quadbike for this day, but you can also venture out with a rental car.

The first stop is Marsaxlokk. Marsaxlokk is a cute fishing village known for its colorful traditional boats called “ luzzus “.

The village is famous for its fish market. If you are not so much into cooking your own fish, the waterfront is lined with restaurants serving great lunch.

Not far from Marsaxlokk, you’ll find the Blue Grotto. It’s a series of sea caverns that are absolutely stunning.

The best way to experience the Blue Grotto is by taking a boat tour that takes you right into the caves. We sadly did not have that opportunity, but it was still awesome to see from above.

St. Paul’s Bay in Malta is a lovely seaside town. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy some sun and sea. It’s named after Saint Paul, who, according to legend, was s hipwrecked here in 60 A.D.

St. Paul’s Bay is awesome for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The waterfront is also super beautiful, with clear waters and some nice spots for swimming and sunbathing.

This is a more laid-back day. If you feel like you need some more adventure, swap out St. Pauls Bay with one of the adventurous excursions you can take in Malta.

Gozo is Malta’s sister island . It is famous for its beautiful countryside, stunning scenery, and rich history . It’s smaller and more rural than Malta.

Getting to Gozo is pretty straightforward. The most common way is to take a ferry from Ċirkewwa on the northern tip of Malta to Mġarr, Gozo’s main harbor . The ride takes about 25 minutes and offers gorgeous views of the Mediterranean. You can even take your car on the ferry .

Since guided day tours in Malta are so cheap, I usually prefer booking one instead. This guided Jeep Tour of Gozo is my favorite.

Whether you explore the island with your own car or on a guided tour, you’ll have a lot to see. Make sure to check out the Ggantija Temples and Ramla Bay – my favorite spots in Gozo.

If you are wondering at this point if 10 days are enough to see all of Malta, I have to disappoint you. Of course, you could still cram a couple more things to do into this relaxed itinerary.

I think you could easily spend two weeks in Malta without getting bored. You could explore the salt pans, the Megalithic temples, and San Lawrenz. Add a wine-tasting experience and two weeks will be filled.

You need at least 7 days in Malta to see the highlights. I think 10 days is a great amount of time to see most of the island.

If you are only in Malta for one day with the cruise ship, I recommend a full island tour to see as much as possible.

As we wrap up our 10-day adventure in Malta, we’ve seen some truly stunning spots. From the historic charm of the Three Cities to the relaxing vibes of Gozo, each place brought its own special flavor.

In Marsaxlokk, we loved the colorful boats and fresh seafood right by the sea. The Blue Grotto wowed us with its incredible blue waters. St. Paul’s Bay was perfect for enjoying the sun and sea, with plenty to do day and night.

Gozo was a peaceful escape, with its quiet streets, ancient sites, and beautiful Ramla Bay. It felt like stepping into a slower, simpler time.

Every day in Malta was filled with new sights, tasty bites, and friendly faces. I hope you’ll love the island as much as I did on my visit.

For more information on Malta, keep reading:

🇲🇹 Why Malta is worth visiting – Ultimate Travel Guide

🇲🇹 One Day in Malta – Valletta Cruise Port

🇲🇹 Malta: Language, Culture, and Geography

Justin is a military pilot and travel blogger. Due to his job, he splits his time between the US, Curacao, and Europe.

Justin enjoys discovering the world together with his wife and venturing out with his drone to take magical shots.

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10 Days in Malta: Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Recommended 9 or 10 days Malta itinerary

Have you decided to  go on a trip to  Malta ?

In order to help you organize your stay, we have prepared  a 10-day Malta itinerary (or more!) to see all  the must-see places of interest  in one of the smallest countries in Europe.

On the program:  Valletta , Mdina, the most beautiful beaches,  Gozo ,  and much more!

Also find all  our advice and tips  for visiting Malta in 9-10-11 days as well as our  selection of the best accommodation  for each stage.

So,  what to do and see in Malta in 10 days? 

Table of Contents

Day 1-2: Valletta

To visit Malta in 10 days, what better than to start by  discovering the capital: Valletta.

Malta International Airport  is a few kilometers from the city.  To join, you have several options:

• By car  but for the moment I do not necessarily recommend that you rent one. Valletta can be visited very well on foot, and you will find it difficult to park inside the city, unless you have chosen a hotel with parking. On the other hand,  car rental will be essential for the rest of your  Malta itinerary  because the buses are often crowded and unfortunately not on time!
• By bus,  it is the most economical solution. A trip costs only €1.50 during low season and €2 in summer. The X4 bus connects the airport to Valletta in 25 minutes and there are departures every 1/2 hour.
• By taxi.  Do not take the official taxis (the white ones) as they are the most expensive. Taxify and eCabs are available in Malta and offer better rates.
• Most hotels  in Valletta also offer  transfer services , do not hesitate to inquire about the proposed rate.

For this first day  of your 10-day itinerary in Malta, you are therefore ready to  visit Valletta.

I suggest you start with the must-see monument:  Saint John’s Co-Cathedral.  Quite plain on the outside, its interior is truly sumptuous with  its pillars and entire walls covered in gold . The place houses  8 chapels  and  the tombs of the Knights of the Order of Malta . Allow an hour for the visit.

Then continue with the discovery of the  Palace of the Grand Masters . You can visit  the state apartments  and especially  the impressive armory  where the weapons and armor of the knights are stored.

At the exit,  join the Lower Barraka Garden  (the lower garden), a pretty garden allowing you to admire the  view of the sea and the Three Cities  which are just opposite Valletta. There is also a very photogenic monument:  the Siege Bell War Monument.

Then continue through  the Upper Barraka Garden,  which, on the same principle, also offers a  breathtaking view of the Three Cities  opposite and the sea. A must do during your 9-10 day trip to Malta.

And since you admired them from afar, I now suggest you take a  look at the Three Cities.  Nothing could be simpler, take  the lift from the Upper Barraka , cross the road and turn left to reach the quays.

You will find the river shuttle  there which regularly goes  back and forth for 2.80€  per person. The crossing only takes  10 minutes . Arriving safely, the best way to discover the Three Cities is simply to  walk through the alleys  and admire the  many viewpoints over Valletta.

At the end of the afternoon,  take the boat back  and end the day in Valletta by  the streets of Republic Street and Merchant Street  gathering all the  shops, bars and restaurants.

Spend a night in Valletta.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

To learn more about the  history of Valletta , nothing better than a  guided walking tour  with a super interesting guide!  To book here.

Visit also available   as a private tour   (  book here!  ) or dedicated specifically to the Second World War period (  book here!  ).

Guided walking tours  are also possible  for the 3 Cités  and they even include a  tasting of local wines!

Finally, you can also give yourself a quieter moment to  take a trip on a traditional Maltese boat , a luzzu, and contemplate Valletta from the sea.  Click here to access the details!

For the second day  of your 10-day tour in Malta, we continue the  visit to Valletta.

In the morning, go to  Casa Roca Piccola.  This palace has seen nearly  9 generations of the same family . It is the only one still inhabited by individuals. The owners offer  guided  tours to learn more about the  lifestyle of an aristocratic Maltese family. 

You will visit a  dozen rooms  decorated with  everyday objects from the past.

Then continue through  Fort Saint-Elme  which houses  the National War Museum . The history of Malta, the construction of the Fort as well as the various wars which took place on the island are very well explained there.

For the afternoon , I recommend that you take a  river shuttle  again , but this time  to reach Sliema . From there, you can take a nice  walk along the seafront .

There are also  shopping centers  and lots of shops, it’s the perfect place to  shop in Malta.

Return to spend the night in Valletta.

For more details on Valletta, read our article:  The Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta.

If you preferred to rent a car upon arrival and your hotel does not have parking, you can  park it at the MCP car park.

The rates are reasonable  and it is only a  5 minute walk from the center of Valletta .

Accommodation in Valletta

• Private Room  : Located 300 meters from Fort Saint-Elme and 700 meters from the Upper Barraka Garden. Comfortable double room from €75, per night including breakfast. Most: the excellent location, the welcome and kindness of the host, the calm.
• Grand Harbor Hotel  : Hotel with traditional architecture, located in the city center of Valletta, just 100 meters from the Upper Barraka Gardens. Basic double room from €90 per night or with a view of the sea and the Three Cities for €110, breakfast included. Most: ideal location, magnificent view, the roof terrace.
• Tano’s Boutique guesthouse  : Hotel located in the center of Valletta, close to all the places to visit. Spacious and bright double room from €115 per night. The pluses: the central location, the calm, the roof terrace for breakfast.  Our big favorite for its performance / price ratio!
• Grand Hotel Excelsior  :  5* hotel located by the sea, the view is truly sublime! Very nice rooms from 170€ per night. Most: The swimming pool, the jacuzzi, the free parking, the excellent breakfast, the view, the service, and many other things that will make your stay truly exceptional!  Our big favorite in Valletta.
• Hotel Phenicia Malta  : Luxury hotel located on City Gate Square. Spacious, bright and tastefully decorated double room from €235, breakfast at €17. The pluses: the infinity pool with a view of the port, the huge garden, the location and the free private parking.  Do you want to please your sweetheart during your Malta itinerary ? Spend a night there!

Day 3-5: Mellieha

For the second stage  of this 9-10 day stay in Malta,  leave Valletta  to  head towards the north of the island.

For this,  renting a car is essential  to see the maximum of things during the rest of your vacation.

The best is to  pick it up directly at the airport  so that you can  return it to the same place at the end of your  10-day road trip in Malta.

After picking up your car, I suggest you go to Mdina  first . Pretty  fortified city , the city was the  first capital of Malta  before Valletta was preferred by the knights for its strategic position by the sea.

Take a walk inside the ramparts  and don’t miss seeing  Saint Paul’s Cathedral  or  the Vilhena Palace.

Here too,  history buffs  can opt for a  guided tour of Mdina:

• Guided walking tour of Mdina:   the meeting point is at the main entrance of Mdina
• Private Guided Walking Tour:   The same tour as above, but just for your group! The tour departure date and time are flexible depending on your schedule.

As you leave Mdina, go through  the Mdina Gate  (the bridge that overlooks the moat), cross the large wooded park to go  to the neighboring city, Rabat.  You just have to cross the street to be there.

Having  served as a refuge for the Apostle Saint Paul  after he was shipwrecked in Malta, many people come to meditate  at the church or in the grotto  dedicated to him. If you are not believers, it is still to see and you can also walk  in the alleys.

Then get back in the car and  go to Mosta . The city is famous for its  monumental church  whose architecture is strongly  inspired by the pantheon of  Rome . 

Your ascent in the North of the island ends  when you arrive in Mellieha , the stopover town for the next 3 nights.

Mellieha has a  very large sandy beach with shallow water , ideal for ending the day and swimming for the first time in Maltese waters!

The beach is  well equipped  with deckchairs and parasols, and you will also find  several bars  and toilets there.

Spend the night in Mellieha.

Today, to continue your 9-10 day Malta itinerary, I suggest a day in relaxation mode.

Mellieha se trouve non loin de  2 des plus belles plages de sable  de Malte:  Gnejna Bay  et  Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. 

It would be a shame not to take advantage of it! In addition it is very practical because  the 2 beaches are adjacent  and, as personally, I can’t really decide between them, I suggest you go for  a walk on the 2  to choose where you want to spend the day.

You can also  spend a morning at one  of the beaches and  the afternoon on the next one.

In any case, the 2 are located in a  fairly natural setting  and are really nice. You can  rent deckchairs and parasols  there and there is also a  bar / restaurant  on each of them for the lunch break.

They also have  car parks  but you will have to leave a room for the guards.

Spend a second night in Mellieha.

You can also take advantage of this day to test one of the  best activities to do in Malta: diving!

In Malta , you can choose between   2 types of first dives:

• Baptism adventure , with theoretical course + diving up to 12 meters deep
• VIP baptism with private instructor:   the same thing, but with an instructor just for you and your family/group!

I have selected  the best center on the island for you:

• All the instructors are French-speaking  and ultra-qualified (they have dived all over the world)
• The equipment is new  and of course meets safety standards
• It’s a small dive center  and not a tourist factory, which makes all the difference and allows you to live a great experience: there are only  4 divers maximum per group.

In addition, the prices are very attractive: you can   do a first dive in Malta  for only  69 euros  per person! And at that price, it’s  a real baptism  that awaits you:  1 hour underwater  and the possibility of  descending to a depth of 12 meters.

The next day, set off for  one of the  must-do main attractions of your 10-day trip to Malta:  the tiny island of Comino.

It is certainly  the most touristic place in Malta  and you must have already heard of its  Blue Lagoon , a lagoon with incredibly turquoise and transparent water. Impossible to visit Malta without going to see it and of course swimming there!

To get there  from Mellieha , you just have to  reach Marfa or Cirkewwa,  10 minutes away by car. From these 2 places, you can  take a small boat  that shuttles  to Comino . The price is  13€ round trip  for 25 minutes. There are about every 1/2 hour.

This solution is the most suitable if you want to be totally independent on Comino.

If you wish, you can also  choose a big boat day trip  with buffet lunch included. It must be  reserved in advance directly here:

1)  Blue Lagoon Boat Trip:   The Classic Blue Lagoon Day Cruise. Possibility of being picked up from most cities in Malta (at an additional cost, to be arranged after your reservation)

2)  Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise:   same as above but on a large catamaran! An excellent choice for a great day at sea. Pick-up also available from several locations (location to be determined after your reservation).

3)  Sailing trip to the Blue Lagoon   and other pretty bays: the best option for swimming in great places besides the Blue Lagoon! Snacks, wine and lunch + free transport from Malta are included.

For the less touristy  version , you can also choose to  take a private Blue Lagoon cruise from Comino:

4)  Private cruise to Comino and Gozo (3h30)  :   simply   the best private boat tour to visit Comino   and the Blue Lagoon. Josef, your skipper, will do everything to ensure that you have an extraordinary day at sea.

On the program:  swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon  (snorkeling equipment included!) as well as a  visit to the sea caves of Comino.

Josef also offers  a full day tour. 

As Josef only offers  one cruise per day,  I advise you to  book your private Comino boat trip in advance.

A small precision,  do not expect to be alone and quiet , Comino is full of people and there is a lot of noise, especially because of the permanent music that escapes from the boats. The atmosphere is rather young.

On Comino, after the  obligatory swimming at the Blue Lagoon , I recommend that you  take a walk along the island . Take the  opportunity to see the tower  there and admire the  many viewpoints.

There is also  another beach  (less frequented) which is located  next to the only hotel on the island.

To eat, there are  food trucks,  which contrary to what one might think, offer sandwiches and drinks at reasonable prices and it’s really not bad.

After this day in Comino,  return for a last night in Mellieha.

Accommodation in Mellieha

• Pergola Hotel & Spa : Located in Mellieha, overlooking the bay, the church and the village, Gozo and Comino. Studio with equipped kitchenette from  €80,  breakfast €8. The pluses: the possibility of cooking, the view, excellent service, the 3 swimming pools.
• Maritim Antonine Hotel & spa  : Located in the town of Mellieha, 1 km from a large sandy beach. Huge and elegant double room from  €  140 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: rooftop swimming pool on the 9th  floor  offering a panoramic view of the entire bay, heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, varied and plentiful buffet, proximity to bus stops to get to Valletta or the beach.  It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio.
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands  : Located in Golden Bay, 2 minutes walk from a beautiful beach. Large double room with balcony and view of the sea or the countryside from €150 per night, breakfast at €20. The pluses: access to the beach, the view, the delicious breakfast, in summer  the price includes the provision of deckchairs and parasols on the private beach.

Day 6-8: Gozo

For the third leg  of this 10-day tour of Malta, I’m taking you  to visit Malta’s little sister, the island of Gozo.

Much  more rural and wild , it was one of my favorites of my holidays in Malta.

To reach Gozo,  go to Cirkewwa. This is where you can  board the ferry  that takes you to Gozo in just 20 minutes. You can board there  with your rental car .

Don’t be surprised, you won’t have  to pay anything on the way.  Payment is made on return in the Gozo-Malta direction. I’ll tell you about it later.

Arrived on Gozo, it will only take you 10 minutes to reach  the main city, Victoria or Rabat  (in Maltese). In Victoria, you should not miss  the citadel,  which you must have already seen when you arrive because it dominates the city.

The  fortified part of the city , which has been completely renovated, notably houses  the old prisons and a cathedral . But above all, it allows you to admire a  360° panorama of the entire island of Gozo.

For your lunch break, you will find  several restaurants in the square  below the citadel and  along the Triq Repubblika , the main artery of the city.

There are also  souvenir shops  selling local products (honey, cheese, olive oil) and  clothing stores  if you want to shop.

In the afternoon,   head to the North West of the island,  and more precisely  to Dwejra,  where the emblem of Gozo was previously located:  the Azure Window.  Although the arch has collapsed, the site is worth seeing.

You will also find  the Blue Hole  (famous for diving),  the Inland Sea  (the inland sea) and  the Fungus Rock  (the mushroom rock).  Boat trips  are possible in the Inland Sea and around the old Azure Window.

On the return to Victoria,  visit the Basilica of Ta’Pinu . You will inevitably be impressed by  its size and its architecture . She is also very photogenic. In front of the basilica, a way of the cross allows you to climb to the top of the hill to observe the view.

Sleep a first night in Gozo.

On the program for the  second day in Gozo , I suggest you start with a walk along the  salt marshes of Marsalforn . This is one of my favorite landscapes on the island!

Take a walk until you reach  Wied il Gashri,  a canyon carved out by the sea in which you can cool off (if there are no jellyfish!). The place is also famous for diving.

In the afternoon, enjoy the  largest sandy beach in Gozo: Ramla Bay . And be sure to climb the path that winds up the hill to the right of the beach to reach a cave. The view of the beach is super pretty.

And if you  want a little more action  for this afternoon in Gozo, I recommend you  try one of the many water activities:

• First dive in Gozo  (in the best diving club) – The destination is renowned for being one of the best spots! And if you already have some diving experience, you can also book  “1 day – 2 dives” (click here)   and   “2 days – 4 dives” (click here)  packages .
• Jet Ski Tour – Follow your instructor for the Comino and Sea Caves Tour from Gozo
• Subwing   – The latest in vogue watersport activity is available in Gozo!
• A snorkeling session with a guide
• Rent a jet ski
• SUP (Stand Up Paddle) 3h guided tour
• SUP 3 hour guided tour at sunset
• Paddle day + night experience
• Boat rental without license 
• Rent a boat with license

Finish the day by admiring the sunset over  the cliffs of Ta Cenc.

Spend a second night on Gozo.

Continue this 10-day stay in Malta with a  last day on Gozo.

There are several super nice and pleasant  hikes that allow you to  discover the island on foot  and along the seaside.

The trails do not present  any particular difficulties , except perhaps for some steep passages where you have to be more vigilant. In any case,  hiking shoes  or sneakers are strongly recommended.

I therefore recommend that you  choose a hike to do in the morning . The trails are not indicated, you can consult  this website .  You will find a  dozen guides  each detailing a walk with things to see.

And if you also want to take advantage of these walks to  learn more about the island, the local fauna and flora , I advise you to book a  hike with a guide living in Gozo.

You will have the choice between  a 2 hour hike or a full day.

Spend one last night in Gozo.

If you want more information about the island of Gozo, see our article:  What to do and see in Gozo?

If you don’t feel like driving, there are plenty of ways to see Gozo too.

Personally, I tested  the quad tour  during my stay in Gozo and I loved it! It allows you to  discover the places of interest  that I have just told you about in a fun way and with  a local guide.

In Gozo, you will have the choice between  2 types of excursions.  Simply  click directly on the links in orange below to book  (remember to book in advance because places are limited!):

• VIP Gozo Quad Bike   Full Day Tour: Simply the best quad bike tour to do in Malta!  In a small group + Exceptional guide   + Visit of the   most beautiful places in Gozo   (including superb hidden corners!) + Lunch in a good   restaurant with a view   and much more!  A 5* tour  for an exceptional day.
• Quad day tour in Gozo:   the classic quad tour with visit to the main places of interest of the island in one day.  Transport included from Malta and buffet lunch included.  Also available for half a day here!

If the quad does not tempt you, you will also have the possibility of opting for another excursion (do not hesitate to  click on the links below  to find out everything and book):

• Guided tour of Gozo by Jeep  
• Guided Tour of Gozo by Private Jeep
• Guided tour of Gozo by scooter
• A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour .

Accommodation in Gozo

• Guesthouse Bambina  : Guesthouse located in Xaghra, 10 minutes walk from the beach. Double room with modern and zen decoration from 75€. Most: superb house with swimming pool and a magnificent view of Gozo, warm welcome, access to the beach on foot, and the totally unbeatable price.  Our choice for its excellent price/performance ratio!
• Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse  : Charming hotel located in Victoria, the main town of Gozo. Entirely renovated double room with decoration mixing traditional and modern from 90€, breakfast included. The pluses: location in Victoria allowing you to take all the buses, the homemade breakfast, the friendliness and the precious advice of the staff.
• The Duke Boutique Hostel  : Establishment located in the center of Victoria. Huge and comfortable double room from  €  100 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the location, great bedding, the view from the roof terrace, the varied and hearty breakfast, the availability of staff, some rooms with a jacuzzi on the terrace.
• Kempiski Hotel San Lawrenz    : Luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz, near the Inland Sea and the Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double room with balcony from €116 per night, breakfast at an additional €25. Most: the magnificent view, huge swimming pools, indoor swimming pool, free parking, exceptional breakfast, the spa.  This is simply the best hotel in Gozo . You only have 10 days in Malta, enjoy!

And if you prefer to stay in an apartment during your stay in Gozo,  I recommend  The Holiday Hub Gozo.

Located on the top floor (penthouse) of a typical Maltese stone building with a nice patio, this  modern and fully equipped accommodation has 3 large bedrooms + 2 bathrooms.

Can accommodate  up to 6 people , it is the best for a trip with family or friends!

It also has  2 beautiful terraces  (75m²), ideal for taking your breakfast in the sun or an aperitif at the end of the day.

And we end with the highlight of the show:  access to the 150m² rooftop with an above-ground swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a barbecue.

Something to relax after a good day of sightseeing!

The pluses:  the calm, the ideal location for visiting Gozo, the furnished roof terrace and its superb view +  the owners are very friendly and speak French!

Our favorite in Gozo, to book well in advance!

To book your stay at The Holiday Hub.

Day 9: Marsaxlokk

Finally, the  last stage  of this 9-10 day road trip to Malta takes you all the way  to the south of the island of Malta.

Take the  ferry in the opposite direction.  This is when you will need  to pay for your trip . Count about twenty euros for a car and 2 people.

For this day, I suggest you  join Marsaxlokk .  A very practical  city for your departure the next day because it is  only 15 minutes from the airport.

On the North and South route,  several stops are to be made  to see the  last must-sees  of this 10-day itinerary in Malta:

• Popeye Village where the film “Popeye” with Robin Williams was filmed. The film sets have been kept to make it a mini amusement park but it’s really not worth paying to enter. On the other hand, from the top of the cliff, and with its colorful houses, the place is really photogenic.
• The cliffs of Dingli,  the highest point of the island of Malta, offer a beautiful panorama.
• The Blue Grotto  or the Blue Grotto, famous for its water color. You can see it from a lookout point just outside the village of Zurrieq or take a 30-minute boat trip. Departure a little after the belvedere, in a small port.

Arrived at Marsaxlokk , if it is a Sunday, there is  a big market  near the port. You will find everything there, especially souvenirs.

You can take the opportunity to  eat by the sea  in one of the  many fish restaurants.

After your meal, I advise you to go see one of the last places of interest of your circuit:  St Peter’s Pool . You don’t have to go far, it’s located  10 minutes by car from Marsaxlokk  and indicated by signs.

Park your car in one of the  2 free car parks  and continue on foot. You will then arrive at  a large natural swimming pool  where people are having fun jumping into the water.

If jumping into the water is a little too daredevil for your taste,  take a walk down the path  to the right, there are a few  natural hot tubs  by the water’s edge.

If you have time left,  end the day in Marsaskala , along the well-appointed seaside.

Dormez towards Marsaxlokk.

The next day marks the end of your 10-day holiday in Malta, it will unfortunately be time to catch your return flight.

If your  stay in Malta lasts 9 days , either remove the beach day from the Mellieha stage or a day in Gozo.

If you are lucky enough to  spend 11 days on a circuit in Malta , you can  add a day in Gozo.  Take a hike, enjoy the beach or even  opt for a first dive .

Accommodation in Marsaxlokk

• Port View Guesthouse  : Guest house located in Marsaxlokk, a pretty fishing village where a very touristy market takes place on Sundays. Modern and comfortable double room from €70 per night, breakfast included. Most: the location by the sea, a good lunch and the perfect welcome.
• Harbor Lodge    : Located near the fishing port. Quiet and comfortable double room from €85 per night, breakfast included. Most: the quiet location, free parking, free shuttle to the airport.

Other activities to do for 10 days in Malta

If you want to add   other activities to do during your 10-day Malta itinerary , I have prepared a   super complete list with lots of ideas for you to have fun!

The 4 essential activities to do in Malta

It’s your first trip to Malta and you want  to take full view?

In this case,  I particularly recommend 4 absolutely essential activities and excursions!

1) Take a cruise to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

• Catamaran cruise at the Blue Lagoon   +   possibility of transfer from your hotel
• Blue Lagoon Sailing Cruise from Comino   – Transfer Included + Lunch (Wine Included!)
• Private boat cruise in Comino and Gozo for the day  (Top of the top!) – Also available  for half a day (3h30).
• Private Boat Cruise to Comino Blue Lagoon from Valletta   – Full Day
• Private Blue Lagoon Sailing Trip from Valletta    – For a great day at sea on a sailboat with a private skipper!

2) Visit Gozo by Quad or Jeep

• Gozo VIP Guided Quad Bike Tour (top!)  – Discover the whole island of Gozo with the best local guide and have lunch in a great restaurant with a view. Small group + 2 times more places to visit than with other quad tours (which includes secret places!)
• Guided quad tour of Gozo for a day,   with departure from Malta (transport included) + return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Clearly one of the best things to do in Malta!
• Quad rental in Gozo: To visit Gozo you can also rent quads! (recommended if you know the island a little, otherwise taking a tour is the best solution).
• Guided Jeep Tour of Gozo    – Transport from your hotel in Malta included. A great way to experience Gozo if you don’t fancy driving!

3) Go diving in Malta or Gozo

• Diving baptism in Malta
• First dive in Gozo   – The destination is renowned for being one of the best spots! And if you already have some diving experience, you can also book   “1 day – 2 dives” (click here)   and   “2 days – 4 dives” (click here)  packages .

4) Jet ski around Comino (Blue Lagoon)

• Jet Ski Excursion – Follow your instructor to go around Comino and the sea caves from Gozo

Here is now the complete list of all the activities to do in Malta:

1) The best activities in Malta (and from Malta)

Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon

• Day trip to Comino Blue Lagoon  +  possibility of transfer from your hotel
• Blue Lagoon Sailboat Cruise from Comino
• Private boat cruise to Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo for the day  – Also available  for the half day (3h30).
• Blue Lagoon Excursion and Swimming + 3-Hour Gozo Tour
• 3-hour boat trip to Comino + Gozo tour by Jeep
• Boat shuttle to the Blue Lagoon

Gozo Guided Tour from Malta

• Guided quad tour of Gozo for a day,   with departure from Malta (transport included) + return by boat via Comino and the Blue Lagoon! Clearly one of the best things to do in Malta! – Also available for   half a day here!
• Guided Bus Tour of Gozo    – Pick up from your hotel in Malta
• Guided Jeep Tour of Gozo    – Pick up from your hotel in Malta
• Guided tour of Gozo in a private Jeep    – Pick up from your hotel in Malta

Guided tour and excursions in Malta

• Small Group Valletta Guided Walking Tour  /  Private Valletta Guided Tour  /  Valletta WWII Guided Tour
• Guided tour of the 3 Cities with wine tasting
• Visit of the 3 Cities by vintage bus
• Small Group Guided Walking Tour of Mdina  /  Private Guided Walking Tour of Mdina
• “All-inclusive” Night Tour:   This guided night tour includes, in addition to Mdina, a 5D show retracing the history of Malta in Valletta and a visit to the city of Mosta. Transportation from your hotel is also included.
• Guided tour of Game of Thrones,    the island that served as a filming location for the series
• Day trip with visit to Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto   – Transport + guide included!
• 1/2 day guided tour of the megalithic temples of Malta,   some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Private tour of Malta with  full day guide.

Other activities in Malta

• Traditional Maltese Boat Ride  in Valletta
• Tickets for the hop-on hop-off tourist bus.

Nightlife and partying in Malta

If you want to take advantage of your  stay in Malta to party , I also recommend:

• Go pub crawl  with other revelers – To take part in a pub crawl in Malta,  click here!
• To go dancing the night away in one of the clubs in Paceville , Malta’s party district!
• To opt for a boat party with an open bar!

2) The best activities in Gozo

• Private 3.5 hour boat tour in Gozo and Comino
• Full day private boat tour in Gozo and Comino (top!)
• Reach Comino by shuttle boat    from Mgarr, the port of Gozo
• Join Comino by shuttle boat    from Hondoq
• Shuttle to Comino + visit to the sea caves.
• Jeep Tour of Gozo + Lunch + Comino 3h Boat Trip

Guided tours

• Gozo VIP Guided Quad Bike Tour (top!)  – Discover the whole island of Gozo with the best local guide and have lunch in a great restaurant with a view. 2 times more places to visit than with other quad tours!
• Segway: 2h tour with local guide 
• 2-hour or full-day hike with a guide   to discover the wildest places in Gozo, without the crowds
• Guided quad tour of Gozo for a day  /  Also available for half a day
• Tickets for the Gozo Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus .

Water activities:

2 Weeks Malta Itinerary

For all those who wish  to visit Malta in 2 weeks , you can  take the 10-day program  and  add lots of fun activities.  I have already given you the list above.

During a 14 or 15 day trip to Malta, you can  take your time to see everything  and even  get off the beaten track a bit .

In addition to visits, you can  enjoy the beach  and  do some hiking . The island of  Gozo is ideal for this.

A path allows you to  go all around the island on foot  and not miss anything of the  splendid landscapes . And if you can’t do it all at once, it’s very practical because you can cut it into segments and do lots of short walks of an hour or 2.

A two-week circuit in Malta also allows you to  enjoy water activities  such as  jet-skiing  or  the buoy  that I have already mentioned in my article.  Kayaking trips  are also very famous on the Comino side where the water is translucent.

What can also be nice to discover Malta or Gozo from another angle is to  rent a boat without a license  for the day.

Malta is also recognized as a  mecca for diving  and several schools offer to introduce you to this sport by organizing first  dives . If your stay lasts 2 weeks, you can also opt for training  with several dives  and which generally last 3 days.

Now you know  what to do and see in two weeks in Malta!

You went on a 10 day trip to Malta and followed our itinerary? Do not hesitate to give us your opinion in the comments!

Are you going on a trip to Malta? Read also

Discover all our articles on Malta : all articles on Malta are here!

• What to do in Malta?  The 20 things to do and see absolutely during your stay
• Itinerary: 2-3 days in Malta:   Itinerary to visit Malta in a weekend
• Itinerary: 4-5 Days in Malta   – with all my best tips + accommodation suggestions!
• Itinerary: A week in Malta : The ultimate itinerary for your trip, with all our tips!
• Gozo: The 10 things to do on the island
• Valletta: The 10 must-do things
• Malta’s 25 Best Beaches: The Ultimate Guide

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Home » Destinations » Europe » Malta » Malta For 3-10 Days: Build Your Ultimate Malta Itinerary

Malta For 3-10 Days: Build Your Ultimate Malta Itinerary

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Whatever Your Timeline – We’ve Got Your Malta Itinerary !

Planning a Malta trip? You’re not alone! The tiny island nation south of Italy and north of North Africa is a paradise with coastal waters, a 6000-year history, and amazing culture to go with it.

However, if you’re thinking about  travelling to Malta for the first time , there’s quite a bit to know before you book anything. One of the biggest tasks is figuring out the perfect Malta itinerary. That’s where we come in.

Eric took a trip to Malta with two friends a few years back. They essentially explored the entire country just on day trips from Sliema using the buses. It was an amazing trip – and Malta has been a country of interest ever since.

So, if you need an itinerary for a visit to Malta and Gozo (to suit any interests), you’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a weekend break in Malta or planning on staying in Malta for 5 days, 7 days, or longer, here’s our guide to help you piece together your perfect Malta itinerary!

Table of Contents

This article is divided into several sample Malta itineraries that you can pick or modify to suit your unique travel needs.

Based on our experience, here are four suggested Malta itineraries that travellers book. Since they serve different purposes, these itineraries differ by trip length and location of accommodation(s).

You can click on each suggested itinerary for Malta below to bring you to that specific one in this article:

• A short 3 day/weekend trip for sightseeing/nightlife with accommodation in Sliema or St. Julian’s
• A longer 4-5 day Malta itinerary with accommodation in Sliema or St. Paul’s Bay for a mix of relaxation and adventure
• A 6-7 day Malta itinerary in a resort or seaside apartment in Bugibba (on the main island) or all on Gozo primarily for a more relaxing stay (with some activities thrown in)
• A 7-10 day ultimate Malta itinerary with sightseeing and activities mixed into exploring culture and also relaxing (usually has two accommodation bases – one in Sliema/Valetta area and then a few nights on Gozo for tranquillity)

Getting Around Malta

Before we dive into the itineraries, you should know a few basics about Malta travel. One thing to know about is getting around Malta.

The country of Malta is comprised of many smaller islands (with three main ones). The main island of Malta is the largest, the sister island of Gozo is to the northwest (and you must take a ferry to get there ), and the smallest island of Comino is between Malta and Gozo (also only accessible by boat).

There are a few ways of travelling around Malta you can utilize during your trip: walk, take the bus, Tallinja Bike (bike-sharing in the Valletta area), rent a car, take a taxi/private car, or take the ferry.

Each of these methods is handy in different places and depending on where you are trying to get to across the islands. However, there is one important Malta fact you need to know:

Malta is tiny.

If you’re driving in Malta, you can travel from the southernmost tip of the main island to where the ferry crosses to Gozo in the northwest in about one hour. That’s the entire length of the main island . One hour.

Malta’s compact size makes getting around the island very easy. This also has implications for where you make your accommodation base (which we’ll cover later).

Essentially, many towns, attractions, beaches, or sights can be reached in a half-day or even a day trip from basically anywhere else on the main island. If you time the ferry right, the same can be said for Gozo.

Not only is it easy to get between larger “centres” like Sliema, Bugibba, or Sliema, but walking around those areas to do various activities is also quite easy. Let’s dive into each method of transport in Malta so you know how they work.

Driving in Malta

A car is an effective way to get around Malta and Gozo over longer distances (like between towns of cities). As a visitor sticking around for more than a weekend, renting a car is by far the easiest way to get around on your schedule (if you are a confident driver).

In Malta, they drive on the left like in the UK.   However, driving is something you’ll have to seriously consider for you and your skillset as with driving in any other foreign destination.

The upside to a car: often buses run the major routes but leave you to walk to any hidden gems (swimming spots, vantage points, smaller towns). A car allows you to get to exactly where you want to go and park very close by.

The downside to driving in Malta: culturally, driving in Malta is said to be quite intimidating. This is due to a more aggressive driving mentality, higher speeds outside the cities that can result in sporadic braking, and a lack of patience during rush hour. If you rent a car, it’s advised to have full insurance on a car rental.

If you’re just staying for two or three days and you’re sticking to Valletta or Sliema, then you won’t need a car since you can walk everywhere or take a cab/bus.

You’ll get to and from the airport at a flat rate for a taxi and that will be all your car needs covered for that kind of visit. See below for taxi/private car.

As for rental cars, rentals can be picked up very easily at the airport. Head to the Malta International Airport website for more information on car rentals.

If you want to rent a car in Malta, you can get started comparing the rental car prices across companies in Malta here !

Public Transport (Bus) Around Malta

If you choose not to rent a car, you are in good hands with the public transportation system. no, seriously. The classic green buses are a great, cheap way to experience the entire country (both Malta and Gozo).

One aspect of the buses worth mentioning is a cultural thing about Malta. “Malta time” is a relaxed pace that the island observes and the buses are usually no exception to this rule. This is route dependent, however, in our experience, not a single bus came when it was posted on the schedule.

But they always do come eventually (usually either 10 minutes before or 15 minutes late). Our rule of thumb was to head for the bus stop 15 minutes before you want to leave and then just get on the one that shows up next.

In short, if you can be relaxed with your times and itineraries, then the bus is a great option. Here’s the official website of Malta Transportation – they offer a variety of cards and passes for various trip lengths and usages.

Private Car/Taxi

The official white taxis can be found around the island. Since there’s been criticism of overcharging, these cabs are required to use the meter in the taxi to calculate your fare.

If you grab a cab at the airport, there all operate on a flat fee to certain popular destinations like Valletta, Bugibba, Sliema, and to where the ferry can take you to Gozo. You can learn more about those flat fees here .

There are also private hire “black cars” that can be cheaper than the official taxis and arranged in advance.

⇒ Book Your Safe & Reliable Private Airport Transfer Here

Generally, these services are useful if you’ve got more than one traveller and you have more than one bag heading a longer distance across Malta.

You can also check out eCabs as a good example of this kind of service.

Accommodation in Malta + on Gozo

If you’re planning your Malta itinerary, you’re going to need a place to sleep. Luckily, Malta is loaded with many different accommodation styles to suit all styles and budgets.

There are waterfront hotels in Sliema, farmhouse villas across Gozo, resorts in Bugibba, and quiet guesthouses in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

There are budget hotels, luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and even hostels. Oh, and you can’t forget about the seaside holiday apartments.

While this article is more focused on how many days to spend in Malta and what to do and see, we also include great accommodation options in all places mentioned in the itineraries.

This will make it easy for you to pick an accommodation if you’ve decided on which place to make your “base” while vacationing in Malta.

If you’re unsure and want more help with Malta accommodation planning, we have written two very in-depth guides on both where to stay in Malta and where to stay on Gozo .

For the longer Malta itineraries, a night or two (or more) on Gozo is definitely recommended since there is much to see and do and it can be far less busy than the main island of Malta.

Read Next – How to Pack for Europe – Our Complete Packing List

Top Activities in Malta

Any itinerary for a Malta visit should be planned with at least some consideration of what you want to do when you visit.

Since we’re talking about the entire country, there is plenty to keep you busy in Malta. If you’re going because you’re a sun chaser, you’ll have your beaches. If you want your nightlife, you’ll find it. If you’re going to be an adventurer, there is plenty for you to do and see.

What you end up doing will dictate the areas you spend the most time in and vice versa. If you want to explore the history of the country, then walking tours and historical inland attractions might be more for you.

If you want to swim, dive, or explore more of the “water” side of Malta, then the coastal areas will be for you. If you want both – that’s doable, too!

To help you trip plan your Malta adventure, we’ve also included a few activities that we did below in each of the corresponding sections.

Malta Travel Tip: Be sure to have a quick browse of the top tours and attractions before you go to avoid disappointment. The summer season can get busy and the best activities or tours honestly do get booked up.

⇒  Valletta: 3-Hour Walking Tour – Discover the Historic Capital City With a Knowledgeable Guide! ⇒  Comino, Blue Lagoon & Caves Boat Cruise – Cruise and Swim in the Famous Blue Waters! ⇒  Full-Day Gozo Island Jeep Excursion   – Head to Gozo from Malta for the Day!

For more detailed information on how to keep busy when you visit Malta, you can read up on things to do in Malta , t hings to do and see on Gozo , and – more specifically – things to do just in Valletta !

Malta Itinerary – 3 Days

Some people seem to be passing through Malta on the way to someplace else. Others may have found a cheap flight in and out for the weekend. Whatever the case, there’s a need for a short travel itinerary for Malta. A quick 3 day Malta itinerary does the trick.

To get the best bang for your buck and see the most that you can, it’s wise to stay in the capital of Valletta or close by in Sliema or St. Julian’s. You’ll be able to see the most “stuff” by simply walking around or taking the ferries.

From those places, you will be well connected by buses to make a day trip or two to see other places before you leave. We will get into what these places might be down below.

As for 3 days in Malta, here’s one itinerary to help you see the most that you can. It assumes you stay in Valletta or Sliema to make use of walking, the Valletta-Sliema ferry, or the well-connected buses to get to the other parts of the island.

Malta Itinerary 3 Days

• Day 1: A day in Valletta and/or Sliema
• Day 2: A day trip to Gozo and back
• Day 3:  A day/half-day trip to Golden Bay Beach or Mdina + fly home

If the beach doesn’t interest you, then skip Golden Bay and head for the medieval city of Mdina to explore the fortified walls and nearby catacombs.

You can also easily make this itinerary into a 4-day Malta itinerary or 5-day Malta itinerary by simply adding on a day trip or two.

Some ideas for additional day trips include another day on Gozo, a day on Comino swimming at the Blue Lagoon, or exploring the southern end of the island through the Three Cities, Marsaskala, and/or Marsaxlokk.

You might also fill a day in Malta by booking a private day tour with a local guide to see many historic sights and attractions you might otherwise miss!

We’ll cover each of the above places with a little more detail as this post develops. This way, you get a sense of what you can see and do if you do head there. Let’s start with the capital of Malta, beautiful Valletta.

You know how people sometimes describe a place by saying, “it’s like stepping into a time machine and going back in time”? Well, that’s Valletta.

You walk through the city’s main gate into the walled fortress of a city and it is like it’s been frozen in time.

The further you go towards the tip (where you’ll find St. Elmo’s Fort) the quieter and older the place becomes. Many of the shutters are coloured brightly.

There’s so much to do and see in Valletta we wouldn’t even try to name everything. For the smallest European capital, you might feel overwhelmed!

Saint John’s Co-Cathedral is just one of the many churches and/or basilicas in Valletta. There are many little shops and cafes to stop in for a snack or a coffee.

When you first enter the city, you’ll find the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour towards the Three Cities.

We were lucky enough to catch the firing of the cannons which was a spectacle to see! Being war history buffs, we visited St. Elmo’s Fort which we thought to be well worth the money.

Another cool find near the Barrakka Gardens was the Lascaris War Rooms. This museum – comprised of underground rooms and tunnels – was used for defensive strategy during World War II.

Accommodation in Valletta

There are lots of great accommodations in Valletta to choose from. The capital city has a number of hotels to suit all styles and budgets as well as a number of holiday apartments/aparthotels.

Many of the best accommodations have rooftop terraces of balconies that overlook the surrounding city of the waterways. These would make for an incredible place to stay. Just think of the sea breeze blowing through, drink in hand, without a care in the world.

• Grand Harbour Hotel – A simple, quality hotel with a rooftop terrace just steps from the Upper Barrakka Gardens with views of Grand Harbour
• La Falconeria Hote l – A trendy, boutique hotel right in the heart of Valletta with a shared rooftop pool and inner courtyard
• Valletta Kursara Port View – Colourful, authentic apartments close to all Valletta attractions with hot tub on a rooftop terrace

Sliema/St. Julian’s

Sliema is popular among people visiting Malta for a reason. It’s beautiful, it’s not the centre of Valletta (which can get busy), and you have everything you need.

Most importantly, you can walk the boardwalk for ages and ages discovering new places, boat tours, and restaurants along the way.

Most of the shore is lined with large flat rock and technically this is the Sliema Beach. This is where you just bring a towel and sunbathe like a local.

It’s very, very peaceful – and there are attractions like the Torri ta’ San Ġiljan (a historical watchtower that you can go up and in).  It’s also important to note that the road along the sea is the major bus route so getting anywhere else in Malta from Sliema is very easy.

As you walk towards St. Julian’s, the scene will get livelier. The bars and restaurants increase in frequency as you near Spinola Bay. The further you go, you’ll be in the famous St. Julian’s/Paceville which has all the best clubs and bars in one area.

There’s a lot of activity in St. Julian’s from the casinos to the massive hotels and resorts that line the water.

Malta Tip: Take the ferry from Sliema to Valletta and back. They run every 30 minutes (from one of the sides) in the summer and it takes about 10 minutes to cross.

You’ll get an easy ride and a really beautiful view of the area from the water. An adult return ticket is quite affordable. Here’s the link to check out the Valletta-Sliema ferry website .

Fun Story: Once, Eric and his buddies walked from Sliema to Valletta because it didn’t look that far . Well, in the heat – it is far. Deceivingly far. Hours later, we had made it to Valletta. It’s possible – it will just take a while.

Accommodation in Sliema + St Julian’s

Because these two areas are so popular, there are many accommodations of all kinds to suit all travellers. Sliema is definitely our top choice for location due to its proximity to bus routes, Valletta, and the bustling seaside promenade.

St. Julian’s has more of the nightlife close by – but you can find quieter accommodations that can help you balance fun with rest.

Check out these great accommodation options in these areas:

• 1926 Hotel & Spa – A very popular stylish, trendy hotel in the heart of Sliema with a seasonal seaside Beach Club with a pool
• The Maltese Sun – An authentic, cozy guesthouse with a sun terrace and breakfast in the heart of Sliema
• be.HOTE L – Another very popular trendy yet comfortable hotel in St. Julian’s with a large rooftop pool
• Hilton Malta – A luxury resort-style hotel right at the seaside in Paceville (St. Julian’s) with many pools, restaurants, spa, etc.

If you head inland away from the coast, you’ll find the quieter, tiny city of Mdina. It’s known as the Silent City for a reason!

Mdina is close to/in Rabat and both have plenty of things to do. This is why a day trip out there could easily be worth your time.

Of course, there’s the actual walled medieval town of Mdina. As the former capital of Malta way back when there’s history around every corner. From up high on the walls, you can get a great view of the surrounding area.

There’s a great attraction/museum in Rabat known as St. Paul’s Catacombs   – the largest Roman underground cemetery in Malta. We checked them out and it was great to learn about the Roman influence and the history of Malta, in general.

The tunnels and underground caverns aren’t for everyone, though! Tickets can be purchased onsite but click the above link to learn more.

Another thing you can do from Mdina is to hop on another bus and head out to explore the Dingli Cliffs – the highest point above sea level in Malta!

You’ll get stunning views and photos at sunset. You can take the 52 from Mdina to Dingli and walk another 10 minutes or the 201 makes its rounds right by the road on the cliff edge. You can see the details below!

Accommodation in Mdina

If you plan on spending a night in Mdina/Rabat, then you can choose to stay right in the old walls of the city or just outside of them.

Below are several lovely accommodations in the area:

• Quaint Hotel Rabat – A modern, trendy hotel with a sun terrace right in the heart of Rabat, steps from Mdina
• The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux – An elegant, luxurious hotel with views right in the old walls of the medieval city
• Maleth Inn – A colourful, quirky guesthouse in Rabat right across from the bus stop and entrance to Mdina

The Dingli Cliffs

You’ll get to the Dingli Cliffs by taking the bus from Mdina. While there’s not a ton to do when you get there – there are a few places to grab a drink or food.

Naturally, you walk along the paths and admire the views from 253 metres above sea level. As mentioned, this is the highest point in Malta. The area is a go-to spot for sunsets.

Another thing you can do on this shorter itinerary once you’re done with Valletta, Sliema, or Gozo is to head for the beach. The beach at Golden Bay was simple to get to by bus as the area is well developed with its own hotel and resort nearby.

The beach is very popular so it can get a bit busy but it is easy to see why: the sand is golden, the water is clear, and the shore drops off semi-quickly so that you can swim without going too far from the beach.

The beach itself is Blue Flag Certified meaning there’s a high level of safety and amenities available. You can read more about the beach here.

If you wanted to stay right at the beach in Golden Bay, the Radisson Blu Golden Sand s is a bright 5-star resort on the cliffs overlooking the beach and the sea. When it comes to seaside views in Malta, these views are perfection.

The Islands of Gozo and Comino

If you’re heading to Malta for three days or less, the islands smaller islands of Gozo and Comino get cut from the itinerary. This is because there is just so much to see in the areas surrounding Valletta on the main island.

Furthermore, a traveller passing Malta on a short itinerary might not want to navigate the ferry and the bus/taxi to get to the capital of Gozo, Victoria.

We would argue otherwise. While in Malta – even if only for a few days – make the trip to Gozo. Our trip to Gozo became one of the highlights of our Malta experience.

There’s a ton to see and do over there – from history and culture to beaches – and the vibe is just much more chill compared to the main island.

We have written a detailed guide on how to take the ferry from Malta to Gozo (and back). If you are in a hurry, here is the website for the ferry that leaves from Cirkewwa on Malta to Mgarr on Gozo.

The Island of Comino has St. Mary’s Tower and is very, very small. You’ll find some of the most popular sites for swimming and diving called the Crystal Lagoon and the Blue Lagoon.

These beautiful public swimming spots can be a trek to get to. However, it’s worth the tranquillity as many of the tourists stay to the main bus routes and beaches accessible on Malta or Gozo.

If you didn’t want to plan it yourself, you can always hop on a top-rated day excursion that will handle getting to Comino for you!

⇒ Book a Catamaran Day Tour to swim in the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon

The ferry system to Comino is slightly different than the line from Malta to Gozo and operates on seasonal need with reduced runs in the winter but more frequent runs in the summer months. You can read more about the schedules and prices of the Comino ferries here .

As mentioned above, there are many things to see on the Island of Gozo. If you start in the capital of Victoria, you’ll be treated to the Citadel and the Gozo Cathedral.

You can learn more about the Cittadella here but the Citadel is beautiful and definitely worth seeing.

Another highlight on Gozo if you’re interested in the history of the island (and civilization in general) is the  Ggantija Temples . This UNESCO World Heritage Site was incredible to explore since the temples are almost 6000 years old. We visited and it was fascinating to see first-hand.

Almost everything on Gozo is accessible by buses and many of them originate from the capital region (Victoria). The Gozo sightseeing bus is a great option for exploring the top sights on the island cheaply and easily!

Accommodations on Gozo

If you’re going to change your base to Gozo (more likely on a longer itinerary – see below), there are several great areas to stay with lots of varied accommodations.

You can find upscale or budget hotels, farmhouse villas, guesthouses/B&Bs with super lovely hosts and breakfasts, and seaside apartments. Read our detailed guide on Gozo accommodations here .

To get you started right now, have a look at these popular accommodations (hotels and a B&B) in different areas of the island:

• Cesca’s Boutique Hotel   – A gorgeously popular yet peaceful hotel located between Xlendi and Victoria
• Murella Living   – A colourful, trendy hotel right by the waterfront steps in Marsalforn
• The Duke Boutique Hote l  –  A charming hotel in the centre of Victoria with views of the Cittadella
• Ta’ Rosalba B&B  –  A cozy, lovely B&B with amazing breakfast in Nadur

Malta Itinerary – 7 Days

It’s not uncommon to stay in Malta for 7 days. A week itinerary is a really good amount of time to explore Malta while also ensuring you get a chance to rest and move at a pace that works for you.

In this case, you’ll need a 7 day Malta itinerary. So, to put together your full Malta itinerary for 7 days, you’d just take the 3 or 4-day itinerary and add on some full-day or half-day trips.

Assuming your base was still the capital area (Sliema, Valletta, St. Julian’s) you might consider exploring the following towns or areas:  The Three Cities, Mellieha, Marsaxlokk/ Marsaskala , Bugibba , Towns like Msida, Gzira, and Manoel Island .

So, your updated one week Malta Itinerary, assuming you didn’t change where you sleep, could look something like:

Malta Itinerary 7 Days

• Day 2: A day trip to Golden Bay Beach and/or Mdina
• Day 3 : A day trip to Gozo and back
• Day 4: A day wander of The Three Cities and Marsaskala
• Day 5: A day trip to the Mellieha Area w/Beach
• Day 6: A day trip to Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay
• Day 7: A day/half-day in Marsaxlokk + then fly home

We will dive into where each of these places is and what they offer below. If you read up on these and if a few of them don’t work for you and your interests, consider adding another day in Valletta, on Gozo, or at the southern tip of the island exploring caves and coves.

Another idea we’d suggest for a 7 day Malta itinerary is that you could switch up your accommodation from the Valletta/Sliema area to another area like Bugibba/St. Paul’s, on Gozo, or to the quieter region of the south like Marsaskala/Marsaxlokk.

By the end of the next section, we’ll have discussed accommodations in all of these places. This is in case you do decide to change where you sleep over the 7 days.

One popular Malta itinerary idea is to spend a few days on the main island of Malta, sleep on Gozo for a night or two, and then finish your trip by staying on Malta again. You could also head for the airport right from Gozo (very doable, just watch the ferry times).

Another consideration for a week Malta itinerary is how you will be getting around. A rental car in Malta is a great option since you can go where you want when you want.

If you didn’t want to rent a car and you’ve been taking the bus, then you might consider buying one of the discount passes for the week.

The transportation website for Malta has a variety of deals and passes for different stays and the ExplorePlus Card seems like it fits the needs of a week traveller. Here’s the website for the breakdowns of the cards .

Let’s dive into the additional areas listed above so you can get a sense of how to build your itinerary with things that interest you.

The Three Cities

The biggest addition or substitution to the original three-day itinerary is probably that we didn’t include checking out “The Three Cities” of Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua.

The cities are actually peninsulas that shoot out into the Grand Harbour across from Valletta (on the opposite side of the city from Sliema).

At the tip of Birgu, you’ll find Fort St. Angelo – a very popular medieval fort that’s been restored and offers amazing views of the Grand Harbour.

There are some seaside views, restaurants, cafes, and shops on this side. It’s also relatively easy to get to and from this area via the Valletta-Three Cities Ferry or buses.

Accommodations in The Three Cities

Overall, the area is very compact. So, if you wanted to stay on this side of the harbour, you’d get a unique opportunity to explore attractions over here. Of course, you’d still have the capital city, Valletta, just a ferry ride away.

Here are some great accommodations to get you started looking. It’s a healthy mix of hotels, apartments, and B&Bs over here!

• Nelli’s B&B – A bright, authentic B&B in Cospicua with rooftop terrace breakfast served each morning
• Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour – A modern, luxurious hotel in a historic building in Senglea – close to the Valletta ferry – with rooftop pool/terrace views.
• 50th Boutique Hote l – A trendy hotel in Birgu with balcony rooms and a nice breakfast (also close to ferry)

Malta Tip: The seaside area of Marsaskala isn’t too far from the Three Cities. Much like Marsaxlokk (see below), Marsaskala also has a quaint, seaside atmosphere, long promenade, restaurants and cafes to enjoy, and loads of accommodations.

Mellieħa is a large area located in the north end of the main island of Malta. Mellieha or – more specifically – Cirkewwa, is the town at the top where you catch the ferry to Gozo .

Mellieha is an area with a few smaller neighbourhoods/towns like Santa Maria Estates, Għajn Tuffieħa (where Golden Bay Beach is located), L-Armier, and more.

It’s also the name of a physical bay that you can stay close to and swim in. The beach is fittingly called Mellieha Bay Beach at Għadira and is one of the most popular on the main island.

In the area, there are a few things you can hop on the bus or drive to go see like Popeye’s Village and the Inland Sea at L’Ahrax Point.

One of the coolest and unique things is St. Agatha’s Tower which is also called “ The Red Tower “. Perched high up on the hill, this stone tower built in 1649 was used by the Knights of St. John and in World War II.

We made the trip and we got amazing views of the area. You’ll have to get off the bus in what feels like the middle of nowhere and walk up the hill but it’s worth it!

Accommodations in Mellieħa

You can make this area your base for your Malta trip. It’s much quieter up on this part of the island and you’d have sea views available all around you.

You’ll also be close to the ferry to Gozo, the nightlife in Bugibba, and many of the best beaches on Malta. You’d need to grab the bus or drive back to the busy capital region but that’s quite easy to do since the island is so small and well-connected.

Here is a healthy mix of different accommodation styles if you want to stay in this area:

• Solana Hotel & Spa – A colourful, trendy hotel (popular) with rooftop pool views close to Close to Mellieha Bay Beach
• Radisson Blu Golden Sands – An exceptional resort overlooking the sea and beach at Golden Bay
• Claureece Court Mgarr – Clean, functional apartments close to beaches in the town of Mgarr

Marsaxlokk is one of the most famous/popular places to visit in Malta. Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village located on the southeast tip of Malta, southeast of Valletta.

The area is beautiful with traditional fishing boats lining the harbour. The thing to experience is the Sunday Fish Market. On Sundays, the daily catch is taken from the boats and sold right there on the shore in the market.

The market itself has grown and developed from the days of just fish trading to including other shops and stalls that sell local honey, jam, fruits, and much more.

The scene has also developed to have a variety of places to grab a bite to eat and a drink looking out over the sea. You might even head out on a scenic boat tour of the bay.

The restaurants all specialize in seafood so if you’re a seafood lover (Eric is) then head to Marsaxlokk.

Accommodations in Marsaxlokk

Overall, Marsaxlokk would make for a nice place to stay in Malta if you’re looking for a relaxing time. It’s not far from the airport or the capital area meaning you can be from the tranquil seaside to the busy city and attractions in no time at all.

As a quaint seaside village (much like Marsaskala), Marsaxlokk has several guesthouse accommodations. These accommodations fit the vibe of the area well.

You may choose to stay here at the end of your Malta adventure and just want to unwind before you fly or ferry away!

• Port View Guesthouse   – A clean, simple guesthouse with a nice breakfast just a short walk to the main promenade/water
• Fisherman’s Cove Guesthouse – A charming, boutique guesthouse with a rooftop pool also a short walk to the harbourfront
• Dun Gorg Guest House – A bright and modern B&B steps from the harbour with a rooftop sun terrace and breakfast

Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay

Another very popular area to visit and stay in on Malta’s main island that isn’t Sliema, St. Julian’s, or Valletta is Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay.

This area is located along the northeast coast of the main island. Due to the sweeping views out to sea, this area has developed into one of the best areas for the resorts in Malta.

Aside from some smaller bays and beaches, this area offers a good nightlife/social scene with a very high number of restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are several great accommodations options (hotels, resorts, and apartments) here as a result.

Overall, this area is a good alternative to staying in the capital area. The amenities available make staying here great and it’s in a nice location to access the other parts of the island via car or bus.

Accommodations in Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay

If you’re considering staying in the Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay area, here are a few different accommodation options to get you started.

Some are hotels and resorts while others are self-catered apartments – so there’s accommodation for every traveller.

• AX Seashells Resort – A very popular seaside resort with balcony views, pools, and more overlooking Salina Bay
• The Village Apartments – Clean, simple apartments with kitchens i n the heart of Bugibba steps from restaurants and bars
• Salini Resort – A classy yet simple resort with pools and quiet views of Salina Bay

Msida, Gzira, and Manoel Island

Tucked away between Sliema and Valletta are some smaller towns that each have their charm along the waterfront.

If you take the bus from Valletta to Sliema or vice versa, you’ll pass through these places without a second thought. Luckily, because we accidentally walked all the way to Valletta from Sliema we got to walk the shore and discover them for ourselves.

Extending from Gzira is a small island that’s mainly for boat docking. Nonetheless, Manoel Island has a Fort at the tip of it called Fort Manoel.

It’s beautiful to photograph but it’s been open and closed in recent years due to renovations – so check before you make a point of seeing it. You can always walk about the shoreline of the island for stunning yet quieter views of the harbour.

One amazing food recommendation in Gzira is to go to Good Thaimes/Jungle Joy . From the outside, you might miss it but inside you’ll find some of the best Thai dishes in the area.

Malta Itinerary – 10 Days

If you were planning on staying in Malta for more than 7 days, then we would certainly recommend changing bases once (if not twice) to shake up your experience. This, of course, depends on factors like who you’re travelling with, your budget, etc.

A family travelling to Malta with kids might not want to uproot from their holiday apartment but a light-travelling couple might want to accommodation hop from the main island to Gozo.

There’s another good reason to change bases over a longer Malta itinerary – and it has to do with what you’ll be able to experience.

You see, being based in Valletta or Sliema is popular and serves many purposes. However, it makes it more difficult to explore other places in the evening because you always have to head back home at the end of the day.

So, with that much time available to you we’d recommend changing your sleeping base by adding on  a night or two on Gozo since there’s plenty of accommodation options across the sister island.

If you then wanted to change sleeping locations for the third time (or didn’t want to stay on Gozo), then stay in whichever area suits your length of trip and interests best. The better options are for accommodation not in Sliema or Valletta are Bugibba, Mdina, Mellieha, or Marsaskala/Marsaxlokk.

All of these “centres” are on the major bus routes and are accessible by car very easily. As we’ve mentioned, Mdina is in the middle of the island for quiet romantic views while Bugibba is on the coast with nightlife available.

Marsaskala is at the south end of the island near Marsaxlokk, making for a more relaxing end to your Malta trip.

So, to see the whole country, your updated 10-day Malta Itinerary could look something like:

Malta Itinerary 10 Days

• *Accommodation in Valletta or Sliema *
• Day 1: A day in Valletta or Sliema
• Day 2: A day trip to Golden Bay
• Day 3: A day trip to Mdina/Rabat
• Day 4: Wander The Three Cities
• *Optional Accommodation Change to Mellieha or Bugibba or Gozo*
• Day 5: A day on Gozo and/or Comino
• Day 6: A day in the Mellieha Area
• Day 7: A day in Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay
• *Optional Accommodation Change to Marsaxlokk/Marsaskala or back to Sliema*
• Day 8: A day at the Beaches (see below)
• Day 9: A day in Marsaxlokk/Marsaskala
• Day 10: A day/half-day in towns like Msida, Gzira, and Manoel Island + then fly home.

If you’ve moved your accommodation to Bugibba, Mdina, or Mellieha which are all in the middle to the northern end of Malta, then you can extend your list of things to do by visiting more of the beaches in that area very easily.

Of note, a few of the other well-known beaches are Ghajn Tuffieha , which is usually uncrowded but close to Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay which is the longest sandy beach in Malta, or Paradise Bay , which is located very close to where the Gozo ferry leaves to make its crossing in Cirkewwa.

If you move your base to the south end of the island to either Marsaxlokk or Marsaskala, you’ll get some peace and quiet before you fly. Also, these seaside areas are close to the airport which makes things easier when you go to leave.

There are also things to see and do in the south end of the island to give merit to staying here for a few nights. One top thing to experience is the Fish Market in Marsaxlokk. Another would be an adventure to the Blue Grotto.

There are also a few swimming spots/beaches down this way – both sandy and rocky – like Pretty Bay, St. Peter’s Pool, and St Thomas Bay. There’s a very natural, rocky beauty to this area with seaside caves and coves all over the place.

To answer some questions about visiting Malta and planning the perfect trip, have a read through this Malta itinerary planner FAQ:

How long to spend in Malta?

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Malta, the answer will vary depending on when you’re going, why you’re going, and what your budget is.

To immerse yourself in and experience the different sides of the island – culture, history, nightlife, adventure, food, etc. – then you’ll need at least 5-7 days in Malta.

Any shorter and you won’t have to get an in-depth understanding/appreciation of the country. Any longer and you’ll have plenty of time to fill up your days with places to go and things to do – and even have time for rest.

Is Malta worth visiting?

Absolutely! Malta might be a small country but there’s so much to do and see – it’s not all about resort sunshine and weekend breaks for partying.

Malta has a very rich historical side that dates back many millennia. The country also has a unique culture and connection to the rugged, wind-swept geography that isn’t to be missed.

Foodies will have things to taste, kids will have things to entertain them, and couples will have the opportunity for an ultra-romantic getaway.

What’s the best time to go to Malta?

The best time to visit Malta will change depending on why you are visiting and what you’d like to do while there.

The most popular time to visit Malta is the warmest, sunniest summer months from June to August. Of course, this is when the crowds are also the busiest.

December in Malta is the coolest and has the most potential for rain – but it’s still warm for Europe (lows of 11 degrees Celsius and highs of around 18 degrees Celsius). December can also be busy due to Christmas and New Year.

We went in April as the shoulder season was warming up. It was plenty warm enough (but not scorching) with basically no rain.

How long is Malta in miles?

Malta (the main island) is approximately 17 miles long – this is about 27 kilometres. It’s easily drivable from end to end in around one hour.

And there you have it, a sample of the areas and attractions in Malta so you can create your perfect Malta itinerary.

Of course, there are a few other towns to discover and attractions to enjoy across Malta. These sample itineraries should serve as a great backbone for however many days you spend in Malta. You can add in a day or half-day trips – or just lounge on the beach for days – it’s your Malta trip!

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Related Articles

If you want to learn more about Malta, have a look at our other posts to help with planning everything about your Malta trip:

• Sightseeing on Malta
• What to See in Valletta
• The Best Places to Stay in Malta
• Things to Do and See on Gozo  
• Where To Stay on Gozo
• Need-to-Knows About The Malta-Gozo Ferry

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How To Spend 7, 10, or 12 Days in Malta: A Complete Itinerary

Looking for a complete travel itinerary for 7, 10, or 12 days in Malta? Well, you’re in the right place!

Nestled between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta is one of the most underrated countries in all of Europe.

Don’t let its size fool you… Malta packs a punch with a marvelous mixture of historic cities, gorgeous cliffsides, and relaxing beaches.

We rented a car and explored this amazing country for 12 days. Malta really is the perfect destination for a road trip.

This is especially true for those who travel with chronic pain and fatigue like myself. The drives are short, most roads are in great condition, and you can explore the country at your own pace. Perfect if you travel with chronic pain or fatigue, like me.

Plus, Malta can easily be combined with another European destination, as flight prices are very affordable. We combined Malta with a 3 week trip to Greece.

For the past 10 years, we have created tailor-made road trip itineraries in Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Namibia, Japan, and now Malta.

In this post, we share our in-depth Malta itinerary so you can choose and customize your own adventure . We have helpful tips on places to visit, things to do, and suggestions on where to stay.

So whether you have 7, 10, or 12 days in Malta, our suggestions will help you craft your own perfect itinerary.

Grab a glass of wine, sit back, and let’s plan your Malta road trip!

How Many Days to Spend in Malta?

The duration for any trip depends on your interests, sights you want to see, your budget, and how much time you have off work. As teachers, we get it.

So we are here to answer the big question, how many days in Malta?

Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean, which means the best way to get to Malta is by international flight .

To not waste your time and money, you want to spend at least 7 days in Malta.

However, the ideal amount of time for a complete Malta road trip is closer to 10 days.

This allows you to fully explore the attractions, immerse yourself in culture, explore the charming Maltese towns , and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

7 Days in Malta

With 7 days, you will have enough time to visit popular sites like Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, Comino Island, and the Blue Grotto. Plus, join a walking food tour of Valletta or a snorkeling boat trip .

We recommend at least 2 days in Valletta. This will give you time to explore Valletta, the neighboring 3 Cities, and the Grand Harbor.

Then I would recommend splitting the last 5 days between Gozo and the rest of Malta.

10 Days in Malta

10 days will give you a more relaxed and in-depth exploration of Malta . You will be able to visit more towns and beaches… plus, dine in more amazing Malta restaurants!

I would recommend following our itinerary and just eliminating a town or two that you aren’t as interested in. I know… it will be tough!

12 Days in Malta

We spent 12 days exploring Malta and Gozo. While this may seem like a lot, it will allow you to take your time, enjoy more activities, and go off the beaten path.

You will have more time to visit Gozo, relax on beaches, and visit your “must-do” activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, or hiking.

Our itinerary is based on 12 days, but you can customize it as you wish!

Do You Need to Rent a Car in Malta?

Do you absolutely need to rent a car in Malta? No. But should you… YES!

If renting a car works into your budget and itinerary, then I say… do it!

Renting a car in Malta  is the best way to explore the island’s stunning coast, picturesque villages, and historic sites on your own schedule.

Although Malta has great public transportation options, some locations are not accessible by bus.

Renting a car offers flexibility, convenience, and comfort. This is especially true if you travel with chronic pain or reduced mobility  as I do.

Discover Cars  is an excellent site that compares prices between local and international rental companies. They have additional features you can add to your booking, like insurance, GPS, car seats, etc.

They really make renting a car an easy process!

🚗 Need a rental car? Check availability & prices: ➡️ Reserve your rental car here !

Alright, time to dive into our day-to-day Malta itinerary!

Malta Itinerary Map – Day 1-3: Valletta & 3 Cities

This is a quick Google Map of where we recommend spending the first 3 days of your itinerary. You will not need a car for this portion of your trip to Malta.

Day 1-3: Valletta & the 3 Cities

We recommend you begin your Malta itinerary in Valletta . With its proximity to the airport, Valletta is the ideal place to start enjoying Maltese food and culture.

A quick side note, everyone in Malta speaks English … so you can cross that worry off your list.

You won’t have any trouble getting around, checking into your hotel, or booking a boat tour . Huge relief, right?!

How to Get to Valletta

The easiest way to get to Malta is to fly into the Malta International Airport. It is a short 20-minute taxi ride to the capital of Valletta and should cost you around €17.

We don’t recommend renting a car from the airport , as parking in Valletta is extremely difficult to find, and Malta is easy to explore on foot.

Depending on where your hotel is located, the taxi will drop you off as close as possible.

As the old town of Valletta is traffic-free , taxis do not have direct access to many hotels. Be prepared to walk up some steps to your hotel. Thankfully, the rest of the old town is relatively flat.

After checking into your hotel, unpack, and set out to explore the medieval cobble-stoned streets.

✅ Helpful Tip: Always schedule at least 2 days in your first location before starting any road trip. This way, you can relax after a long flight, pick up supplies and address any pain you are having.

Valletta is an impressive city full of unique architecture not found anywhere else in Europe. As a UNESCO Heritage Site , it is packed with 320 historic monuments, all within 80 hectares!

We recommend scheduling 3 days to explore Valletta and the nearby 3 Cities , so you can truly experience the sights, food, and culture it has to offer.

Since your feet will be your primary mode of transportation for the next few days, make sure you have a good pair of runners to support your neck and back.

👉 If traveling in the summer, I recommend these sandals for great support and comfort.

For the next two days, wander and get lost in this vibrant city. There are so many things to do in Valletta , including visiting the cute shops and cafes lining the many charming streets.

Merchants Street, one of the pedestrian-only walking streets, runs the length of the historic center.

✅ Helpful Tip: Merchant Street is a 4-meter side, mostly flat, and easily walkable. It should be manageable for those with mobility issues.

When you have exhausted your feet and need to fill your belly, there are numerous restaurants to choose from with amazing views of the city.

It can get busy in the evenings, so it may be a good idea to book a table in advance , especially during tourist season.

Things to Do in Valletta

✔️ St. John’s Co-Cathedral: Built-in 1572, it is the jewel of Valletta. Located on Strait Street and is worth a visit on your 12-day trip to Malta.

✔️ Upper Barrakka Gardens: At the end of Strait Street, the gardens offer stunning views of the 3 Cities and Mediterranean. Go at sunset!

✔️ Saluting Battery: The traditional ceremony where gun salutes are fired at 12pm & 4 pm. Located in the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

✔️ Lascaris War Rooms: An underground complex of WWII tunnels and chambers, a perfect activity when it rains .

✔️ St. George’s Square: Surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture, it is a great place to relax and people-watch.

The 3 Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea & Cospicua

Across from the Grand Harbour of Valletta lie the 3 Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. These fortified ancient towns are perfect time capsules of authentic Maltese culture .

We loved wandering the 3 Cities and think they are part of what makes Malta special .

From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, take an elevator down to the water level (cost of €1).

A short 10 min boat ride and €8 later, you will be dropped off at the dock. No need to book your return, as there is always someone waiting with a small private boat to bring you back.

Now it is time to let your senses guide you.

Whether it be wandering the labyrinth of limestone architecture and bright shutters or admiring the traditional way of life of the local fisherman … take your time and get lost in the beauty.

✅ Helpful Tip: You access the main walking streets, you need to walk uphill. But once you do, most streets are flat and easily walkable. If possible, I recommend walking a couple of streets for a different view of the city. Then, slowly wander down to the waterfront restaurants.

There is no need to move hotels, as Valletta is a short water taxi away . So we recommend staying at this amazing hotel in Valletta for 3-4 nights.

This is also a great way to spend less money when you travel . Some hotels offer a discount for a minimum 3-night stay.

At the end of your 3 days in Valletta and the 3 Cities, and before heading to the island of Gozo, we suggest picking up your rental car.

Our hotel helped arrange a rental car for us and had it dropped off as close to the old town as possible.

Now, it is off to the island of Gozo!

Where to Stay in Valletta

📍 Valletta Lucente: We loved our stay at this quaint hotel located in the historic center. Rooms are quiet and comfortable with a traditional Maltese design, and the homemade breakfast is delicious! ➡️ Book your stay at  Valletta Lucente now!

👉 Read our full Valletta Lucente Hotel review here!

📍 Domus Zamitello : Treat yourself to a stay at this restored 17th-century hotel. They offer classic, elegantly designed rooms close to many sights and restaurants. It is ideal for those with mobility issues. ➡️ Book your stay at  Domus Zamitello now!

Have extra time? St. Julian’s Bay

DRIVE TIME: Valletta – St. Julien’s Bay (17 min total – 7.5 km/4.7 miles)

Although we had to skip St. Julian’s Bay due to time constraints, many choose to visit this picturesque seaside town.

If you have time, we recommend adding it to your 12-day Malta road trip. St. Julien’s can be visited by taxi from Valletta, or after you pick up your rental car.

St. Julian’s has some amazing kid-free hotels if you are traveling as a couple!

👉 Read our full Adult Only Hotels post here!

✔️ St. Julien’s Bay : Known for its beaches, restaurants, luxury boutiques, and nightlife. Grab your towel, catch some rays and enjoy the Mediterranean.

✔️ Spinola Bay : Admire traditional boats while sipping a cappuccino, then visit the historic Spinola Palace, a beautiful Baroque mansion.

Malta Itinerary Map – Day 4-6: Gozo & Comino

Day 4-6: Gozo & Comino

DRIVE TIME: Valletta – Xlendi Bay, Gozo Island (1.5 hrs total – 42.6 km/26.5 miles) Ferry to Gozo: 25 min

How to Get to Gozo

Thankfully, getting over to Gozo is easy and straightforward. The Gozo Ferry departs from the terminal in Malta every 20 minutes or so. You can check ferry prices here .

You have the option to walk on as a passenger or drive on. You can take your rental car onto the Gozo Ferry.

Just make sure to tell the car rental agency that you plan to take the vehicle to Gozo.

And if you decide to rent a car from Gozo, there are many rental agencies at the ferry dock when you arrive.

👉 Read our full Malta Gozo Ferry post here!

The Island of Gozo

As one of 21 islands in the Maltese archipelago , Gozo is packed with interesting places to see. Thankfully, it is smaller in size, so you will have plenty of time to visit all the sights you want!

All the following cities, beaches, and sights are under 30 min drive from Xlendi Bay , which is where we based ourselves. More on that later!

What to Do on Gozo Island:

✔️ Dwejra Bay : A 4€ boat ride takes you to where the Azure Window once stood. It is a fantastic spot to check out the cliffs and caves up close!

👉 I recommend these water shoes because they are lightweight and comfortable.

✔️ Wied il-Mielaħ : This natural limestone rock formation is one of the best “windows” on Gozo, and can be reached by a large handrailed staircase.

✅ Helpful Tip: I have trouble with stairs, so keep in mind, it may not be suitable for children, elderly travelers, or people with mobility issues. You can still witness this natural wonder at street level.

✔️ Wardija Punic Temple il-Wardija: This temple sits on 120m high cliffs on the southwest tip, and is surrounded by Xlendi Harbor and Dwejra Bay. The towering cliffs dramatically drop into the sea, making for a spectacular sight!

✔️ Xwejni Bay Beach: The moonlike landscape of this unique beach was our favorite on Gozo, and another reason why Malta is worth visiting!

The beach is great for swimming and snorkeling, is close to parking and has facilities and restaurants nearby.

✔️ Marsalforn Salt Pans: These 300 salt pans are perched above the sea on a small stretch of shoreline just outside the resort town of Marsalforn.

✔️ Victoria: The fortified capital of Gozo is known for its medieval Citadella. You can visit free of charge or €5 gets you entrance to four museums.

✅ Helpful Tip: If you have mobility issues, parking is available just past the main entrance for €2.

✔️ Sannap Cliffs : A favorite among locals and a must-see on any Malta itinerary. These cliffs tower 120 meters above the sea and are a perfect spot to watch the sunset, as different hues paint the jagged cliffside.

✅ Helpful Tip: For those that travel with chronic pain and fatigue , or have mobility issues, don’t worry, there is parking nearby!

✔️ L-Għarb : Gozo’s oldest village is known for its beautiful architecture and for producing the best cheese on Gozo. We recommend visiting midday. Although it can be hot, we had the entire town all to ourselves!

Comino Island

The most common way to get to Comino Island is to join a large boat tour. Many tours operate from Gozo and the main island of Malta.

If you’re interested in joining a larger tour, there are several options to choose from.

👉This tour combines the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Sea Caves for the ultimate experience!

If you prefer a private boat for a more intimate experience , then head to Hondoq ir-Rummien on Gozo. This is the best place to hire a private boat to take you to the island of Comino.

It’s affordable, you have more space to stretch out and the ride can be as long/short as you choose. This is a great option for people with chronic pain and fatigue or those who get seasick.

We chose to do a tour of the Santa Maria Caves before being dropped off on the dock of the Blue Lagoon. There is a restaurant, shop, and facilities on Comino.

The Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous spot to spend the day at. The crystal-blue waters are shallow and perfect for swimming. There are deeper areas where you can cliff dive into the sea, too!

Unfortunately, this is no hidden gem, and Comino quickly gets overrun with tourists. Since we can only handle crowds for so long, we pre-arranged a return time with our private boat.

Nevertheless, we recommend adding this amazing spot to your Malta itinerary.

Where to Base Yourself on Gozo

Gozo is incredibly small, so you can honestly base yourself anywhere.

Touring this island is best done with a car. Most roads are paved and have good signage. So, as long as you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, driving in Malta is easy .

We based ourselves in Xlendi Bay for our 4-day adventure on Gozo. Prices were reasonable and the driving distance between places was short and pain-free.

Xlendi Bay is also one of the best Malta towns to visit on Gozo. The sandy beach and shallow waters of Xlendi Bay make it a perfect destination and base to explore the island of Gozo.

Surrounded by jagged cliffs and a diverse coral reef, it is also a popular site for snorkeling and diving .

This typical Gozitan fishing village has a decent number of hotels, cafes, and amazing waterfront restaurants . Get ready to sample delicious seafood and catch of the day!

Where to Stay in Xlendi Bay

📍 St. Patrick’s Hotel : We loved the amazing sea view and rooftop pool. Although dated, the hotel is clean, comfortable, affordable, and has an elevator. It has beach access, plus parking and breakfast are included. ➡️ Book your stay at  St. Patrick’s Hotel now!

📍 Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel : Don’t need the beach? Consider this beautiful hotel with spacious rooms, and a pool and hot tub with excellent views. It offer free parking and an optional breakfast buffet. ➡️ Book your stay at  Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel now!

Where to Stay in Victoria

If you prefer to be centrally located or near a bus station, then Victoria is a fantastic choice.

📍 Townhouse 17 Boutique B&B : Near the historic center, this property offers modern, clean rooms, with comfortable beds and amazing city views. It has a beautiful terrace, rooftop pool, and free parking. ➡️ Book your stay at  Townhouse 17 Boutique B&B now!

Where to Stay in Marsalforn

Another great option for families is the seaside town of Marsalforn . Directly opposite Xlendi Bay on the north side of the island, Marsalforn

📍 Hotel Calypso : This excellent budget-friendly option has a rooftop pool, sundeck overlooking the bay, cocktail bar, and 2 restaurants. Rooms have a balcony, breakfast is included with free parking nearby. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Calypso now!

Malta Itinerary Map – Day 7: Return to Malta

⛔End of 7-Day Malta Itinerary : return to the main island via the Malta Gozo Ferry and make your way to the airport. The entire journey should take around 3 hours.

If this is too rushed for you, then I recommend leaving Gozo one day early.

Malta Itinerary Map – Day 7-12: The Rest of Malta

If you are continuing on your Malta road trip, then make your way to your accommodation. Check in and get ready to explore the island of Malta.

Day 8-12: The Island of Malta

DRIVE TIME: Xlendi Bay – Xemxija (1 hr total – 25.1 km/15.5 miles)

The Island of Malta

Over the next 3 – 5 days, you will explore the rest of magnificent Malta! You can decide how much (or little) you want to see in your remaining time on the island.

We feel the following places are a must-see on any Malta itinerary. All can be experienced on a 10-day trip to Malta.

If you have 12 days in Malta, as we did, get ready for a few extra days of activities and relaxation!

For the last part of our Malta itinerary, we based ourselves in Xemxija or St. Paul’s Bay. More on that later.

All the following cities, beaches, and sights are only a 35 min drive from Xemxija or St. Paul’s Bay.

If you are renting a car in Malta , we strongly recommend choosing 2 cities or sights to visit per day.

This allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, discover what makes each town special and allow Malta to capture your heart!

What to Do on the Island of Malta

This ancient walled city sits atop a hill with stunning views of the countryside. Mdina is a UNESCO Heritage Site and a fascinating example of Maltese history and culture.

With a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture , the little alleyways lead you from one impressive sight to the next.

Wandering the quiet streets is one of the best things to do in Mdina.

There are excellent restaurants scattered throughout the city. We really enjoyed the Mdina Restaurant. The food was tasty , and you can see the entire island from the amazing terrace!

The neighboring town of Rabat is known for its character and beauty. Home to several medieval monasteries and churches , this town has its own charm waiting to be discovered.

You will need one full day to explore Mdina and Rabat. They are a definite must-see hit and should be included on every Malta itinerary.

✅ Helpful Tip: Use the parking lot just outside the gates of Mdnina, as both Mdina and Rabat are pedestrian-only. Both towns are flat and easy to navigate, especially for travelers with mobility issues.

If you’re craving some beach time, head to Golden Bay, one of the few sandy beaches on Malta.

It is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxation , and is located on the northwest side of Malta.

For €20 you can rent an umbrella and a couple of loungers. Spend your day relaxing by the surf and admiring the amazing cliff sides, nearby. There are facilities and restaurants close by. 

Popeye’s Village

Built as a film set for the feature film, Popeye , this unique attraction has become very popular with tourists.

For 20€, you can marvel at the one-of-a-kind village , indulge in free popcorn, swim and relax on the sun loungers, or enjoy the inflatable obstacle course.

 ➡️ Buy your tickets to Popeye’s Village here!

Dingli Cliffs

At a staggering 253 meters, the Dingle Cliffs are the highest point in all of Malta. The cliffs stretch all the way past Dingli village to the Blue Grotto.

Take a drive along the coastline or an evening stroll to watch the sunset.

Blue Grotto

You can also admire the majestic Dingli Cliffs from the sea!

Join a boat tour that will take you along the cliff’s edge to the Blue Grotto. This stunning natural grotto is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Just don’t miss out on these naturally gorgeous locations.

The picturesque village of Marsaxlokk is the largest fishing harbor in all of Malta. Relax, watch life unfold, and admire the colorful fishing boats in the harbor.

One of the reasons to visit this delightful town in Malta is to experience the local Sunday Fishing Market.

We recommend arriving early in the morning before the busload of tourists.

Next, make your way to Marsaskala, a popular fishing town among locals and tourists. But know that it can get very busy in the summer.

Take a walk on the promenade and enjoy the gardens or check out the spectacular cliffs that surround this small fishing village.

✅ Helpful Tip: Walking around all day is exhausting, so why not add opportunities to sit and relax? Don’t feel you have to see everything! Grab a cappuccino or gelato, find a bench, and watch the locals mingle!

St. Peter’s Pool

Just outside Marsaskala is the natural swimming spot of St. Peter’s Pool . With crystal clear, azure water , it is a stunning spot for swimming and snorkeling.

There are flat rocks for sunbathing but bring sunscreen and a hat… it gets hot!

This is a definite highlight and one of the main reasons to visit Malta! We recommend making this one of your final destinations before wrapping up your Malta itinerary.

✅ Helpful Tip: There is parking on top of the cliff, but the roads are not great. It can be a challenging visit for people with mobility issues but is still worth a look!

Where to Base Yourself in Malta

We based ourselves in Xemxija Bay for the remainder of 12 day Malta itinerary.

This was mainly due to budget and keep our costs down , as we were headed to the Greek island of Sifnos afterward.

Our apartment hotel included a kitchen, pool, and balcony overlooking the bay, with shops and restaurants close by.

Many people choose to base themselves out of the historic town of Mdina, but it can get costly.

We found you could drive the entire length of the island in under 45 min. And that’s the beauty of marvelous Malta!

Choose wherever you’d like to stay, as it should be easy enough to get anywhere with your rental car.

Where to Stay in Xemxija Bay

📍 Porto Azzurro Aparthotel : We enjoyed our stay here. It was simple but clean, quiet, comfortable, and affordable. It had a kitchen, pool, huge balcony overlooking the bay, and included parking. ➡️ Book your stay at  Porto Azzurro Aparthotel now!

📍 Casa Ricca : This family-run, mobility-friendly hotel is close to shops, restaurants, and overlooks the bay. Rooms are spacious, and beautifully decorated with Maltese charm, and include a homemade breakfast. ➡️ Book your stay at  Casa Ricc a now!

Where to Stay in Mdina & Rabat

If you crave a more traditional feel in an ancient walled city, then we strongly recommend staying in Mdina or Rabat . Although more expensive, the stay offers a one-of-a-kind experience.

📍 Point de Vue Guesthouse : We almost booked this hotel, just 100m outside the fortified walls. Rooms features Maltese charm and overlook the beautiful countryside. Parking and breakfast are included. ➡️ Book your stay at  Point de Vue Guesthouse now!

📍 MYN in Rabat : A blend of Maltese charm with a modern touch, this hotel features ground-floor suites for guests with limited mobility, and a rooftop terrace. It is walkable to sights, and parking is included. ➡️ Book your stay at MYN in Rabat now!

Visa Requirements for Malta

Malta is part of the European Union. So, if you are from the EU or UK, you will not require a visa for entry.

If you are a non-EU visitor , you must present the following to the Maltese customs upon arrival:

✔️ PASSPORT: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

✔️ VISA: Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement, so if you are from Canada or the United States, you may enter Malta and stay for up to 90 days.

This is true for both tourist and business purposes. Check here for more information on visa requirements.

✔️ HEALTH INSURANCE: You must present valid health insurance to the customs officers. Insurance must include the coverage of medical emergencies for a minimum of €30,000.

How to Get to Malta

The easiest way to get to Malta is to fly into Valletta. Many major European cities have flights to Malta. It would just be a matter of preference, price, and availability.

To find the best deals on international and domestic flights, we recommend using WayAway .

They make it easy to search a variety of dates, and locations, so you can find the best and cheapest flight options available .

It searches multiple flight airlines to find the best deals out there. It is not an online travel agency, there are no service fees , and the website is incredibly simple to use.

Once you decide on a flight, WayAway directs you to the actual provider’s website , so you can view all the info, read the necessary fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.

➡️ Find the Best Flights with WayAway ✔️compares airlines ✔️offers the best rates ✔️plus 10% cashback Book Now with WayAway

How to Get Around Malta

The small size of the islands of Malta makes it easy to get around and explore.

Public buses run on the islands of Malta and Gozo, with many serving the major tourist destinations. Buses are a relatively cheap and efficient option too. Check the bus schedule here.

🚗Rental Car

However, we feel that Malta is the perfect destination for a road trip!

Renting a car provides you the opportunity to explore the many towns, view the beautiful countryside and discover the beaches.

Plus, you can drive the entire country of Malta at your own pace. Local transportation just can’t do that.

Discover Cars is an excellent site that compares prices between local and international Malta rent-a-car companies. They have additional features you can add to your booking, like insurance, GPS, car seats, etc.

Plus, you can choose the type of insurance you want ahead of time and avoid additional stress at the counter.

We have sampled a couple of different rental car agencies over the years but usually find that Discover Cars offers the best selection for price, comfort, and customer service.

🚗 Find the Best Deals with Discover Cars ✔️compare prices ✔️easy booking process ✔️offers comprehensive insurance ✔️excellent 24/7 customer service ➡️ Reserve your rental with Discover Cars here!

Lastly, we strongly recommend buying a GPS before you go! It’s important to download the map of Malta into the GPS before arriving. That way, all maps are ready to go!

👉 Read our full How to Rent a Car in Malta post here!

⛔ FYI: Maltese drive on the left-hand side of the road, just like in Britain! Gavin decided to rent a manual car with a standard transmission.

Of course, it took some getting used to, since the stick shift is on the opposite side! But it is a great way to save money!

✅ Helpful Tip: Renting a car changed the way we travel. We see what we want and travel at our own pace in a comfortable car. I can manage my pain more effectively and experience more since I can only walk limited distances. Consider this when planning your trip .

Booking a Tour in Malta

If you are not a fan of planning all your own activities or want to spend less time in the car, then consider booking a tour for part of your trip.

👉 Benefits of Joining a Tour: ✔️Get an insider’s look into a destination ✔️You won’t have to worry about transportation ✔️Removes the stress of planning every activity ✔️Tours are safe and you can meet other travelers ✔️Experience something you can’t do on your own ✔️Tour guide shares history & facts for each place you visit

For those that travel with chronic pain and fatigue, I understand the hesitation of joining a larger tour. Depending on your pain level that day, it can be difficult to keep up with the group or participate in all activities.

That is why we choose to hire a private guide when we want to explore certain sights. There is also more flexibility with a private guide as you can set your own schedule.

We recommend using GetYourGuide or Viator when booking local tours. Both have a wide selection of tours throughout Malta and Gozo, including city tours, water activities, and more!

Popular Malta & Gozo Tours: 👉 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours 👉 The Malta Experience Private Tour 👉 Comino, Blue Lagoon, and Caves boat Cruise 👉 Malta’s 3 Cities Tour & Wine Tasting 👉 Grand Harbour Cruise by Night

FAQs: Spend 7, 10 or 12 Days in Malta

How many days are needed in malta.

To make the most of your visit to Malta, we recommend spending a minimum of 7 to 10 days. This timeframe allows you to experience the rich history, stunning natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches, and vibrant culture that Malta has to offer.

Are 4 days in Malta enough?

4 days in Malta will allow you to see selective sights and give you a taste of Maltese culture. Depending on how fast you travel, and what sights you want to see, your trip may feel rushed. With that in mind, we recommend focusing on key highlights such as Valletta, Mdina, and a visit to the Blue Grotto or Gozo.

Is 7 days enough in Malta?

Yes, 7 days is a good amount of time to explore Malta. You will be able to explore the highlights of Valletta, Mdina, the Blue Grotto, and various picturesque coastal towns. You can also dedicate time to visit the neighboring island of Gozo and enjoy leisurely days on the beautiful beaches.

Is Malta cheap or expensive?

Malta is considered moderately priced and is generally more affordable than popular Western European destinations. Prices for accommodation, dining, and transportation can vary depending on the location and the level of luxury you choose. With proper planning, a trip to Malta does not need to break the bank.

What is the best month to visit Malta?

The best months to visit Malta are typically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer months.

Final Thoughts: Spend 7, 10 or 12 Days in Malta

The tiny Mediterranean island of Malta has so much to offer visitors. From interesting historic cities and churches to gorgeous cliffsides and beaches, you will have no problem filling your time!

Hopefully, our we helped provide you with all the necessary information to create your own detailed 7, 10 or 12-day Malta itinerary.

Let us know if you have any questions… otherwise, enjoy your journey!

Read More on Malta

The 11 Best Adult Only Hotels in Malta in 2024 Malta Boat Tours: 10 Things to Know Before Booking How to Rent a Car in Malta in 2024 15 Malta Driving Tips: Everything You Need to Know 13 BEST Malta Towns & Cities To Explore 2024 (with Map!) The 20 BEST (& Free) Things to Do in Valletta

Robyn & Gavin are Slow Travel Experts and the authors of Two Empty Passports. They create detailed travel itineraries that focus on slow-minded travel, cultural experiences, and less-visited destinations. As expert travel planners, they know how to adjust your travel style to get the most out of any destination. Robyn lives & travels with several chronic illnesses, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IST, and POTS. Together, they are determined to help other chronic warriors achieve their dreams of travel. Join their journey!

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Malta - 7 days

Our Malta tour explores a land like nowhere else and must be experienced to fully appreciate the beauty and history. Here you’ll find awe inspiring prehistoric temples dating back over 6,000 years predating both the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. The fossil-studded cliffs house a history of remarkable intensity surrounded by some of the worlds most stunning beachside settlements.

This tour can be run on any date and can include group sightseeing or private sightseeing.

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Highlights and Inclusions

• 6 nights in exquisite 4-star hotels.
• 6 breakfasts (B).
• Guided private walking tour of Valletta and entrance into St John’s Co-Cathedral.
• Half day excursion with driver and guide to the Three Cities including a typical Dghajsa boat ride across the Grand Harbour.
• Full day excursion with driver and guide to the island of Gozo including admission to Ggantija Temple.
• Full day excursion with driver and guide to explore Malta’s archaeological history visiting Hagar Qim and Hypogeum.
• Visit the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk fishing village.
• Half day excursion with driver and guide to the legendary city of Mdina.
• Wander the streets of St Julian’s with its enchanting seaside restaurants.
• Airport VIP transfers on arrival and departure.
• Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included.

Upcoming Departures

Day: 1 valletta arrive.

Welcome to historic Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed City and Europe’s most southern capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day: 2 Valletta

Embark on an afternoon half day private guided tour of Valletta, Malta’s capital built by the Knights of the Order of St. John. Visit the Barracca Gardens with a breath-taking panorama of the Grand Harbour and tour the magnificent St John’s Co-Cathedral including the Caravaggio masterpieces in the Oratory. The afternoon is yours to wander the cobbled streets and take in the beautiful view of the harbour at night.

Day: 3 Valletta - 3 Cities - Valletta

Discover the Grand Harbour area opposite Valletta known as the Three Cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. This is where the Knights of St. John first settled in 1530. Transfer with private driver to Vittoriosa for a private walking tour through the narrow streets in the shade of historic buildings. Enjoy a typical dghajsa boat cruise across the Grand Harbour to Valletta Marina. Here, enjoy time for an independent lunch at one of the many restaurants lining the harbour before taking the short stroll back to the Valletta centre for an afternoon of leisure.

Day: 4 Valletta - Gozo - Valletta

Embark on a full day excursion to Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso. Visit Ggantija prehistoric temples as well as Victoria and it’s Citadel. On your return to Valletta, you may opt to return on a private boat to circle the Island of Comino to view the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon.

Day: 5 Valletta - Ancient Malta - St Julian's

Enjoy a full day private tour of Malta’s ancient history. You’ll visit the Island’s most famous sites including Hagar Qim, Malta’s main pre-historic site, overlooking the wide expanse of the blue Mediterranean and the islet of Filfla. Also visit Hypogeum, an underground chamber dating more than 6,000 years. Continue to the blue grotto for an optional short boat trip through the sea caves (weather permitting). Finally, visit the ancient fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the Phoenician port dating back to 200BC, before checking into your St Julian’s hotel.

Day: 6 St. Julian's - Mdina - At Julian's

Enjoy a half day excursion and guided tour of Malta’s medieval city of Mdina, Malta’s former capital. The narrow, winding streets, dating back to the Arab period, lead to the imposing bastions, commanding a panoramic view of the islands. On the way, discover different styles of architecture, including the medieval Siculo-Norman palaces, and other baroque buildings of great historical importance.

Day: 7 St. Julian's

After breakfast, stay for additional leisure time or transfer to the airport for your ongoing journey.

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The Perfect 4-Day Malta Itinerary (Don’t Miss Our Secret Spot!)

With only four days to spend in one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse countries, it is not surprising at all that you are very confused about where to go. Planning your Malta itinerary is not simple, with so many great places to see. You are overwhelmed with the anticipation of yet another adventure. But limited with time and many choices. We have been there!

In that case, let us help you and let us take you on an amazing four-day trip to one of the pearls of the Mediterranean, Malta. To help you sail easily through these funny, busy, and exciting days, we have for you the ultimate 4-day itinerary for Malta with everything you need to see. There you go!

What Facts to Know about Malta?

Malta is a romantic spot where the East and the West embrace each other. The country is a great choice at any time of the year. Especially in Winter !

View of Valletta – From Sliema

It is easily accessible by air from all major airports in Europe. Malta offers so much to see and do with extraordinarily sunny weather, attractive beaches, more than 7,000 years of intriguing history, great nightlife, and numerous outdoor activities. 

Our main goal is to give the four days of the best Malta can offer.

Where is Malta located?

Okay, this could be obvious for people living in Africa or in Europe, but it is something with knowing for other people around the globe. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is home to about half a million people on only 316 square km.

At the same time, it is also one of the most densely populated European countries. It consists of several islands and islets only 93 km away from Sicily and 360 km from the African coast.

At this amazing azure archipelago, only the three of the largest islands are inhabited; Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Malta Has Such a Rich History!

You should note that Malta is primarily a historical place delighting visitors with its appearance. With every step you make, you can see and feel the traces of past times and lives.

If you like medieval castles, some of the oldest buildings in the entire world, numerous chapels standing along the road, then Malta, often called an open-air museum, is the right place for you!

Malta has a rich history dating back to the Stone Age. History lovers will for sure have a blast in Malta and the opportunity to visit the preserved temples, of which some are older even than the Egyptian pyramids. Some historical studies have a strong proof for this statement.

Malta is a Rare Place for Several Civilizations Succession

Over the centuries, Malta was conquered several times for different causes and by different people who all loved to call the tiny island their own. The first of them was the Phoenicians, who brought their own customs and habits. The amazing colorful “luzzu” boats that you can still see today in Malta are a legacy of the Phoenician period too.

They were followed by the Carthaginians , Romans , and finally, the Arabs, who remained on the island for more than 300 years, exerting power. Nowadays, you can still strongly feel the influence on the formation of the Maltese language and culture.

In the middle ages, Malta became a safe home for the Knights of Jerusalem, better known as the Order of the Knights of Malta. On his way to Egypt, Napoleon was the next conqueror, annexing Malta to France, after whose very short reign, Malta voluntarily became a British colony.

Despite so many different influences throughout history, the people of Malta managed to maintain their own customs, language, and, more than anything else, a very distinctive temperament.

How to Get to Malta

Malta is easily accessible by air and has an excellent international airport . The state-owned Air Malta flies to more than 65 major airports in Europe and North Africa and the Middle East. Other airlines also have frequent scheduled flights to Malta.

The island of Malta is very often a part of the cruise trips itineraries serving as the transfer base for Mediterranean cruising. With only about a 2-hour ride, you can reach Malta by a direct ferry line from Sicily.

This option is great you can combine your Malta trip with a rich Sicily itinerary .

The Best Way to Get Around in Malta

For your 4-day trip to Malta, we definitely recommend renting a car . You will not really need it in Valetta as pretty much everything is within walking distance, but the car will be very convenient and useful on other days. With a car, you will save yourself a lot of time and be able to see a lot more things.

Our Malta 4-Day Itinerary

To help you get the most of your four days there, we have divided this ultimate 4-day itinerary into the best Malta has to offer.

Day 1: Valetta

Plan your first day for Valetta, the capital of Malta ! With only about 7,000 inhabitants, it may be one of the smallest European capitals, but it is certainly one of the most interesting ones too. Valetta will delight you with its imposing walls, scouts, buildings, and beautiful palaces.

The entire city is protected by a series of ramparts and fortifications dating back to the 16th century when they were built with one purpose only – a defense system against Turkish invaders. Valetta offers an impressive number of historic sites for lovers of architecture, especially the sacral one.

There are so many churches in Malta. They are 365, one for each day of the year. It is not surprising as the country is almost entirely Catholic and religious.

The entire town is under the protection of UNESCO.

Hang Out with a Dghajsi

We would like to recommend you start the day with a ride in “Dghajsi,” a very traditional Maltese taxi-boat. It is certainly the best way to see the city from the former conquerors’ exact perspective and get the best view of the great city walls. But, unfortunately, there are not too many boats left nowadays; those still riding are located in Valetta and Birg.

This interesting half-hour tour of the Grand harbor will bring you closer to the cruisers and the local fishermen.

Explore the Barracks Gardens

Upon return to the mainland, the next place we recommend is the Barracks Gardens offering stunning views of the city and the sea, but the three cities too: Sengle, Vittorious (or Birgu), and Cospicu. All three of these towns have been the center of trade, migration, and cultural goods exchange for centuries.

Enjoy the Amazing Cathedral of St. John

The next step is the Cathedral of St. John, today one of the unavoidable tourist destinations. The interior of the church is one of the finest examples of High Baroque architecture, and the cathedral is home to one of the most famous Caravaggio’s pieces of art.

Inside the church, in the oratory, to be exact, you will be able to see a brutally realistic depiction of St. John the Baptist’s decapitation, which is occupying the majority of the inner wall.

Numerous small chapels within are each a reflection of the different “langues” of the Maltese knights who came from many European countries, with the most prominent one being the chapel of Aragon region, Italy and France.

We strongly recommend visiting the cathedral first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and waiting in lines. You will have to cover your legs and shoulder with a shawl provided at the entrance. For the ladies, no high heels are allowed! We are serious; they can damage the floor tiles. More info on your visit to the cathedral can be found on their official page .

Have a Walk on Republic Street and Palace Square

After the Co-cathedral, take a walk down Republic Street to explore the area around Palace Square and the Grand Master’s Palace. Those are certainly the most magnificent buildings in Valetta, accompanied by numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Part of that building is today used as one of the Government’s seats and the Presidential Office. The rest of the building is turned into a museum and is open to the public.

After sightseeing, we recommend you take a break at Caffe Cordina, a famous café opened way back in 1837 serving the typical “Kwareimal,” a traditional Maltese pastry eaten mainly during Lent. A street food tour in Valletta is also worth it if you are a foodie (me too!)

Where to stay in Valetta

Tano’s Boutique guest house : this hotel located in the very heart of Valetta is definitely the best value for the money. It is very close to all of the best sights to visit. The rooms are bright and spacious, starting at affordable 100 euro per night for a double room.

Grand Harbor Hotel: located in the heart of downtown Valetta and just a few steps away from the Barraka Gardens, this is a great hotel with beautiful traditional architecture. Standard double room starts at 90 euro per night and is worth every cent; the view of Three Cities and the sea is magnificent.

Day 2: Mdina, Mellieha and the Popeye Village

There we go with day 2!

Get Lost in Mdina

4000 years of history in a small hilltop village that is exactly what Mdina is. Located only about 20 km from Valetta, Mdina is the former capital of Malta. Also known as the Citadel, the city’s greatest influence comes from the Arab culture and can mostly be seen from a city plan made in the shape of a labyrinth.

When you walk through the main baroque city door built-in 1724, be prepared to leave the modern 21st century behind you. Keep in mind that the only cars allowed there are those of Mdina residents, and even the street signs are engraved on porcelain plates.

Must visit are the bastions of St.John and St. Martin for an amazing view of the fairytale-like surroundings of Mdina.

Mellieha and Popeye Village

We didn’t forget some souvenir shopping for you and Mellieha village is just the true shopping oasis. There you will find a large selection of glass and silver products of which the Maltese are masters, and this is certainly the place where you need to get that special piece of jewelry to remind you of your fabulous Maltese odyssey.

Only 3 km away from the village in Anchor bay awaits yet another adventure. All the movie lovers among you have probably already heard of Popeye Village . A visit to this Maltese attraction is an absolute “must,” especially for families with children who can meet their favorite cartoon characters here.

It is also known under the names of Sweethaven Village or the Danish village. In reality, it is a village built for a movie set, now turned into an open-air museum and a small amusement park.

One of the most important attractions is the popular “Take 2 filming”, an event where you can participate in the daily shooting and become an actor in a live-action film.

In Sweethaven, in addition to meeting characters such as Popeye, Oliva, and Badjo, you can also enjoy rides, participate in a puppet show, face painting, balloon modeling, play mini-golf, taste wine, visit the museum, and much more.

Depending on the season, Sweethaven offers other attractive activities such as water trampolines and boat rides in Anchor bay during the warm summer nights. In addition, the “Toy city” and Christmas parade are popular in the winter months and during the holiday season.

We recommend you to spend the night in Mellieha as it will be easier to reach Gozo, your next step in the itinerary, rather than going back to Valetta.

Where to stay in Mellieha

Radisson Blue Resort & Spa : a great hotel located only a 2-minute walk from the sandy beach, with great double rooms with a balcony overlooking the beach.

Pergola Hotel and Spa : this small hotel located in Mellieha is great for those wishing to prepare their own meals as the rooms are equipped with kitchen amenities, starting at 80 euro per night. The views are great, stretching over the bay, the village, and both Gozo and Comino islands.

Day 4: Gozo and Comino

After the two very busy days, you certainly deserve a day to relax, contemplate and absorb all of the Maltese beauty seen so far. Easily combined and visited in one day, Gozo and Comino islands are the next destinations we are sending you to explore. We recommend a morning in Gozo and a relaxing afternoon on Comino.

Gozo is the second-largest island in Malta and is often called Malta’s little sister. This Magnificent Island you can easily reach by ferry departing from Cirkewwe in Malta. The most impressive fact is that despite being only 15 km long and 6 km wide, the island is full of the influence of other cultures.

Fresh Start in Gozo!

Gozo Island is filled with idyllic Mediterranean fishing villages and numerous coves. Its pastoral landscape has numerous small hills with small farms leading down to the sandy beaches and coves. This charming destination feels much further from busy Malta, much further than the 8 km of canals separating the two islands.

In Gozo, you will love its calm and sleepy ambiance, but it comes back to life in the summer months and during the holidays and festivity seasons. Stunning places of nature attract many visitors to wild and rugged landscapes and the crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and scuba diving.

Feel the History in the Old Town

Old Town Victoria , a medieval hilltop town or Citadel, is truly one of the most supreme tourist attractions. Surrounded by a sunny Mediterranean landscape of rolling hills and ancient sandstones, this small hilltop town really does look like a miniature version of Jerusalem.

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta Pinu in Gozo

Walk the city walls, semicircular fortification with three bastions each serving stunning views of the landscape, including the dome of the Xewki Rotonda. If you carry a long-lasting secret wish, we would like to send you to the Ta Pina Basilica, very much known for fulfilling wishes with wreaths.

Check Out Gganti Temples

Gganti Temples from the Late Stone Age, estimated to be more than 5800 years old, are considered to be the oldest existing structure in the world built by man. The entire temple is under UNSECO protection and has only recently been opened to visitors who can wander the nice trails and explore this magnificent construction of megalithic monuments.

After the Citadella and wandering these lovely streets, you can continue to Fortunati Mizzi streets filled with gift shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. That might be a perfect place to have your lunch break and taste some of the famous Maltese meals.

Where and What to eat on Gozo

Even though it is believed that Malta is one of the rare countries that does not have national cuisine, it cannot be less true. Instead, Maltese cuisine is a combination of traditional islands specialties and cuisines of different numerous conquerors throughout history, each of whom left “one special plate” for the generations to come.

We definitely recommend traditional Maltese meals; Pastizzi, Lampuki Pie, and Stuffat Tal-Fenek .

Rizzles Caffe , located at the St. Francis square, is a good choice with a wide selection of traditional meals at very affordable prices.

Ramla Beach and Calypso Cave

Ramla beach is one of the most famous beaches in Malta. It is known for its really unusual reddish color of the sand and spaciousness providing a real top-notch ambiance.

The disadvantage to some, a huge advantage to others may be the approach to the water due to the long shallows and huge rock overgrown with grass. If, in the end, you wish more from the place than spending the time on the beach alone, we have more!

Calypso Cave

In the vicinity of the beach is a small cave named Calypso cave and believed to have been a place where Calypso imprisoned Odysseus for seven years. Although only a few can access the cave, you can easily see it from a landscaped viewpoint on which the whole story from Homer’s Odyssey was written.

The nearby village of Gharb has a worth visiting Museum of Folk Art, which houses some of the most fascinating objects found on this small island.

Wied Il Ghaasri

If you are a snorkeling lover, you will find your own paradise in Wied Il Ghasri , probably the best snorkeling site in the entire archipelago, where the deep notch in the shore allows the observation of an amazing underwater world at relatively shallow depths.

This is the true heaven for observing seahorses, fish, and numerous other organisms characteristic for underwater cuts and caves.

On your way to Comino

Comino has only four permanent residents who truly enjoy their isolation and total peace and quiet. Yet, they are able to meet all of their needs as everything they need is easily acquired from a neighboring Gozo.

As the name alone suggests, the island was named after the cumin that grew all over the island. However,  Comino today is known mostly for its unique nature, clear waters and recognizable bird sanctuary, and protected area of nature.

The Blue Lagoon in Comino

Comino is truly a place where nature has taken the lead, completely relaxed, showing all those who have an interest the best of its natural beauty.

The Unavoidable Blue Lagon

The Blue Lagoon is certainly the most visited part of the island and a very attractive spot for tourists. Located between Comino and the small islet of Cominotto, Blue Lagoon is a cove between these archipelagos, forming a stunning picture of nature’s fine art.

Comino is also a diving paradise; the coast consists mostly of cliffs. However, there are numerous deep caves used by pirates in the Middle Ages to attack ships sailing between Malta and Gozo.

Comino Island has put its entire emphasis on mystical feeling and total isolation, meaning that it is also known what exact types of tourists are wanted in the area.

Those who are fans of cafes, bars, and restaurants will not be too happy, while those who want their own peace and opportunity to be in complete harmony with nature will find their own little heaven here.

Where to stay in Comino

Comino Hotel and Bungalows: the location, the views, quality of sleep, and affordable rooms are all the benefits of this nice hotel. Prices start from 75 euro per night, bungalows are equipped with kitchen amenities.

Ferrieha Farmhouse B&B : large and spacious farmhouse with typical Maltese charm and hospitality and fine cuisine. An excellent spot to navigate around the island. Room prices start from 80 euro per night.

The last, fourth day of this amazing trip is ahead of you; the easiest and fastest way to reach Marsaxlokk from Comino is by car in only about 45 minutes or by ferry.

Day 4: Birzebbugia, Marsaxlokk, Dingi and Blue Grotto

For your last day, you should get back to Valetta. We recommend a combination of archeology, relaxation, and a touch of hedonism.

Discover Birzebbugia

About only 13 km from Valetta is the small town of Birzebbugia, a pretty seaside town, popular for great and important archeological sites, such as Ghar Dalam and Borg in Nadur. The best beaches are here too, and the Pretty Bay is very popular among both locals and visitors.

Even if you have difficulties pronouncing the name of the village as we did, it is not a reason to skip it from your itinerary! Marsaxlokk it is!

Pass by the Beautiful Marsaxlokk

The tiny village of Marsaxlokk is probably the only village in Malta that has survived globalization and managed to maintain a very traditional and indigenous Maltese way of life.

Marsaxlokk has one thing making it world-famous; its special and colorful boat called “luzzu,” which fishermen still use on their daily fishing trips today.

There are, in fact, more boats than ships, in most cases with very specific blue, yellow and green colors. Some of them have drawn eyes on the front for one reason only; a bit superstitious Maltese people believe it will keep them safe from spells on the sea.

If you are keen on fish specialties, then this is the place for you. The fish is always fresh and much more affordable than in Valetta.

Where to eat in Marsaxlokk for Lunch?

Tartarun : on the upmarket and loved among the locals, probably one of the best fish restaurants in town.

Terrone : local and seasonal is the philosophy of this restaurant. The interior is very chic with colorful tiles, outside terrace with a great view of the boats. Fish dishes, tuna, kingfish Carpaccio, or grilled octopus are just some of their specialties.

A fresh Swim in St. Peter’s Pool

You may choose to go to St. Peter’s pool in the afternoon , located only about a 10-minute drive from Marsaxlokk. It is yet another natural attraction, a natural pool you can jump in from the rocks.

This is a very famous spot among young people, however not recommended for families with children as the only access to the water is by jumping.

Dingli Cliffs

Malta is an amazingly beautiful country packed full of beautiful landscapes. That includes stunning panoramic coastal views, so make sure to head to the Dingli Cliffs . Located on Malta’s western coast, this 253 meters above sea-level wonder of nature is also the highest part of the Island.

The cliffs became a very popular attraction for tourists visiting Malta, especially those heading there for a peaceful walk with breathtaking views of Filfa and the Mediterranean Sea, but the stretches of the countryside beneath the cliffs and terraced fields too.

The main attraction of the Dingli Cliffs is, of course, the cliffs themselves, but there is also a tiny and charming chapel perched on the very edge, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene.

Things to Know About Malta Before You Go

Malta, for sure, is one of those destinations offering you an escape to winter swimming. Yet, it is ideal as an autumn destination. The sea is still warm, but the crowds are fewer.

The only crowds you can actually meet at this time are the cars in the cities, and we mean a lot of cars! It is believed that there are as many cars as there are inhabitants! So to follow our Ultimate 4-day itinerary, you can rent a car. But keep in mind that it means potential parking problems too.

In addition, from the British, besides the official language, Malta has also inherited driving on the left side of the road , which may be challenging (at least the first hours of driving) for those experiencing it for the first time. However, we have a solution for this too; the Maltese public transport is excellent and cheap and will get you easily to all of the island’s gems.

There will be a lot of noise! The famous Lord Byron himself is said to have called Malta the island of yells, bells, and smells. Yet, the sound plays an important role on the island, and you will for sure get used to it in no time. The mix of local fiestas, village band marches, and fireworks will transform your evenings into special and lasting memories.

Final Thought about Our 4-Day Malta Itinerary

We have hopefully helped you realize that Malta is truly a destination that everyone should visit with this itinerary. However, this journey could be a little too fast for some travelers, especially for those chasing Malta Instagram spots ! We recommend adding a day in Malta than jumping directly into the most interesting spots.

Although very small, Malta is full of tradition and culture, and almost the entire history of Europe is reflected here. However, globalization, so many newcomers, and a very liberalized economy made Malta the financial hub, all of which makes it difficult to reach the authentic Maltese soul.

Still, you are there just because Malta promises to offer you an adventurous and festive holiday with a true feeling of satisfaction, delicate, fine joy, and lifetime lasting memorable (un)bearable lightness of being of amazing Malta.

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Achraf is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. He is an expert traveler who spent 10+ years exploring 70+ countries around the world. Thanks to his passion for writing and photography, he could document his journey on 100+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me where he shared all his knowledge, expertise, and advice for like-minded travelers.

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Home » Malta Itinerary » 3 Days in Malta

3 Days in Malta: A Travel Guide’s Pro Itinerary

3 Days in Malta isn’t an awful lot of time to spend, considering how much there is to see and do within a small area.

So spending your time wisely while avoiding being exhausted at the end of your trip is important to most travellers.

For that reason, I’ll offer you a different approach to most other guides.

In this guide, I offer you:

• A ready-made 3-day Malta itinerary, perfected with feedback from hundreds of readers.
• Options and flexibility to swap out days to suit A) your personal preferences and B) the time of year you decide to visit Malta.

Let me introduce myself first…

About this 3-day Malta Itinerary

Hi! My name is Edward, and I’m the author and editor here at Malta Uncovered. Having Maltese roots, I’ve experienced Malta both as a tourist and a local and know the islands inside out. I’ve written and published two guidebooks and live in Malta.

I’ve helped thousands of travellers experience a trip to remember in Malta, and I’d like to do the same for you.

Based on the feedback of hundreds of readers (of my site and my guidebooks on Valletta and Malta & Gozo ) over the years, I’ve carefully crafted a few itineraries:

• A 7-day/week Malta itinerary
• How to spend 4 or 5 days in Malta
• This 3-day Malta travel plan .

This guide is designed to help you maximise 3 days in Malta and is focused on where to go and what to do and see, with tips for on-the-go. I’ll take you through several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malta and Gozo, several museums and attractions and hidden gems along the way, providing you with a hassle-free Malta trip plan.

If you need help deciding where to stay, whether to rent a car or not, etc., you can find my recommendations on those topics towards the end of this guide: Planning your trip: Additional tips and advice .

So when you’re done going through the itinerary, there’s a lot more I can help you with!

Good to know

• This 3-day itinerary has been structured in a way that it’s suitable for those planning a long weekend but also travellers who have a full 3 days in Malta
• Over and above my top recommendations for 3 days, there are two “swap days”, which you can consider if any of the first three don’t suit your interests
• Finally, there are sections with recommended tour options if you’d like to spend some time sightseeing on your trip to Malta.

You’ll find a few links to recommended tours and services within this guide. I will earn a small commission if you book via these links, but:

• It makes no difference to the price you pay
• It never affects my recommendations. I genuinely want you to have a memorable trip to Malta.

If that’s all fine with you, I greatly appreciate your support!

Day 1: Valletta & The Three Cities

Malta’s capital city Valletta , is a must-see on a short trip visiting Malta.

A prime example of Baroque architecture, this walled city was built in the late 17th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John (also referred to as the Knights of Malta) and is steeped in history.

The city as a whole is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there’s a lot to discover within one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. Having survived World War II mostly intact, you can admire dozens of age-old buildings in Malta’s capital.

With just 3 days in Malta, visiting Valletta is an absolute must.

The Three Cities , just a stone’s throw away across the Grand Harbour, are three small harbourside villages (Senglea, Birgu and Bormla) that are also rich in historical sites but also offer a glimpse of daily life in Malta.

While you can easily fill a day or more (my guidebook on Valletta lays out sightseeing walking routes to spend three days exploring), you can opt to spend time in the Three Cities as well. It’s a short 7-minute – yes, I timed it – ferry ride away.

For day 1 of this 3-day plan of what to see in Malta, I’ll lay out the highlights of both places in order of priority. That way, you can decide what works best for you and your travel companions.

Highlights of Valletta

• Entering Valletta through its City Gate and inside the city walls, passing the parliament building and heading down Republic Street, you’ll find the entrance to St. John’s Co-Cathedral across the Law Courts to your right. This is, without doubt, the crown jewel of Valletta. Despite its rather modest exterior, the inside of this cathedral is stunning: Full of art, small chapels, gilded sculptures and marble gravestones across the floor, it’s a sight to behold.
• Further down Republic Street lies St. George’s Square, where you can find the Grandmaster’s Palace and its Palace Armoury . This large palace was the seat of power for the Knights of Malta, became the Governor’s Palace during British rule and served as the house of parliament until well into the 21st century. With the impressive halls and intricate decorations inside, it’s an interesting place to visit and learn about Malta’s history. The Palace Armoury is housed in the same complex and offers several displays of age-old weaponry and armour used over the centuries.
• If you need a quick break, walk up to the Upper Barrakka Gardens , to the southeast of the city. There, you can have a coffee and snack ( TIP: Try the freshly baked pastizzi – savoury pastries filled with ricotta cheese or mashed peas.) while enjoying this relatively peaceful spot. You can also enjoy panoramic views of Grand Harbour and the Three Cities across from the gallery at the Upper Barrakka Gardens. If you time it well, you can also witness the firing of the gun at noon (or 4 pm) from the Saluting Battery below.
• Heading North while staying on the east side of Valletta, you can pass by the Lower Barrakka Gardens and Siege Bell War Memorial to get to La Sacra Infermeria . This impressive building was the Knights’ Hospital and medical research centre, and a visit to AR Reliving Sacra Infermeria will offer a worthwhile short, self-guided tour around the building.
• Right across the road, I recommend visiting Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum next. This fort was restored in recent years and played a hugely important role during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. While the original fort was destroyed during this conflict by Ottoman Empire forces, it offered enough respite from pounding gunfire from across both harbours for the Knights to emerge victorious eventually. The National War Museum is housed inside the fort and takes you through this chapter as well as other times of conflict or threat of war that Malta’s faced over several centuries. ( TIP: The George Cross found on the flag of Malta is on display at this museum.)

Tips for visiting Malta’s capital city

• Valletta is small and partially pedestrianised, so you can easily reach the main sites on foot if you don’t mind walking. Just make sure to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes.
• You can choose to rent shared bicycles just outside City Gate, near the public transport office. You can also use cab-hailing services if you need to take a shortcut.
• Remember that this is an actively used place of worship, with regular masses being held. You’ll be expected to be dressed appropriately – no uncovered shoulders or shorts that are very short. Shawls/wraps are available at the entrance, and you can buy slippers as well. (Stiletto/thin heels are not allowed due to the fragility of the floor inside.)
• Being one of Malta’s most popular attractions, it can get busy here. Go early to avoid most of the crowds
• If that’s difficult to do, buying tickets in advance can help you skip the queue while joining a tour also helps.

Valletta sightseeing recommendations

If you plan on visiting multiple museums on your trip, consider getting a Heritage Pass from iSeeMalta . You can save on multiple entrance fees with this combo pass.

Prefer taking a guided tour? These are a few great options to consider:

• Join a 3-hour  Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour  and have a local guide take you past several highlights of the city while enjoying several samples of traditional Maltese food from the best eateries in town.
• Take  this half-day Valletta walking tour (group)  with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide that covers some of the key stops covered in my route above.
• Interested in a short boat tour around Valletta’s Grand Harbour? You can get tickets for that here .

If you decide to visit The Three Cities as well, head to Lascaris (on the eastern side of the capital city – Google Maps location ) to hop onto the ferry. A short ride will take you across to Bormla ( Google Maps location ). A return ticket for adults costs just €2.80, and ferries depart every half-hour. More info and schedule here.

Highlights – The Three Cities

Although “Three Cities” sounds like you’ll need a lot of time to cover all, in reality, they’re three small towns across the harbour from the capital city Valletta. Of the three, Senglea and Birgu offer most of the places of interest (and dining options) to visit. Bormla, while quaint and interesting to wander around in just as well, offers fewer things to do and see.

You can easily get around on foot if you don’t mind a good walk, but you can always use a cab-hailing service to take a shortcut here and there.

Either way, here’s what I suggest seeing in The Three Cities:

• Beginning your exploration in Senglea (across the creek from where the Valletta ferry stops), follow the harbourside towards the North. You’ll make your way to the tip of the peninsula, where you’ll find a small garden that’s home to the iconic Gardjola watch tower that guards the harbour and its entrance. ( TIP: This bit of your route isn’t about the destination as much as it’s about taking in the scenes along the way!)
• Heading back down to Bormla, pass through the main road in the centre of Senglea next, to pass by the local band club for a quick drink/snack and onto the Parish Church and the City Gates .
• Making your way past Bormla, walk up the hill towards Birgu, pass through the main gate and walk towards the centre of town. Along the way, you can turn right into some of the narrow streets and alleys of the small historical old town, or Collachio . Back onto the main road, you’ll also find the Inquisitor’s Palace (worth a brief visit) as well as the Parish Church and the main square .
• To the side of the church, you can follow the shallow steps down to the harbour, passing through the gate at the waterfront , which is lined with large yachts. Here, at one of the most picturesque spots in The Three Cities, you can visit the Malta Maritime Museum (to your right). You can then follow the waterfront down to Fort St. Angelo , another important fort that was the first seat of power of the Knights of Malta when they arrived in 1530.

Tips for visiting The Three Cities

• Another benefit of finishing your day at Birgu is that you can find a few good restaurants by the waterfront to enjoy a good dinner while watching the sunset over the harbour.
• If you intend to get back to Valletta by ferry, keep in mind that the service doesn’t run 24/7. Between 1 Nov – 31 May, the last trip back to Valletta departs at 7 pm, while in summer, they keep running until late in the evening.

Recommended tour options

• Join  this well-reviewed 2-hour Three Cities walking tour  and have Chris, an experienced local guide, show you around its narrow streets, harbourside views and historical landmarks and enjoy a short boat trip on a traditional boat.
• You can also take  this guided tour of The Three Cities  to get a deeper understanding of the area. It’s a half-day morning tour, which you can follow by visiting Floriana afterwards.

Day 2: Gozo (Optional: Comino)

Malta’s sister island Gozo is the second-largest island of the three that make up Malta as a country (- the third being Comino Island), and I highly recommend dedicating a whole day to your 3-day trip plan to visit Gozo.

While the main island of Malta is the most densely populated, Gozo Island is still a lot quieter and more rural, with a lot of natural beauty. So while there may be fewer attractions, it’s the perfect place to have a more balanced trip with rugged landscape and beautiful beaches.

Having seen Malta change over the past couple of decades, I’d say Gozo is a reflection of what Malta was like maybe 40-50 years ago. And while there’s a lot on offer that’s worthwhile seeing in just 3 days in Malta, staying in places like St. Julian’s and Sliema will only offer traces of the country’s unique character and charm.

Gozo, on the other hand, has still retained plenty of that. That’s why I recommend paying the island a visit, even if you’re only in Malta for 3 days.

Comino is mostly known for its beautiful Blue Lagoon Bay , which attracts thousands of visitors who want to swim in its crystal-clear waters.

Visiting Gozo: Option 1 (DIY)

Getting to Gozo is easy but takes a fair bit of time to do on your own.

Two ferry services can get you there, one from Valletta (“fast ferry” for foot passengers only) and one from Ċirkewwa (at the very northwestern point of Malta, which you can also board with a rental car).

The fast ferry takes around 45 minutes to reach Gozo. While the main (and larger) ferry takes around 20-25 minutes, getting to Ċirkewwa can take 1-1.5 hours using public transport. With a rental car, it’ll be around 45-60 minutes from places like Sliema and St. Julian’s and perhaps around 30 minutes from Buġibba.

Both ferries arrive at Mġarr Harbour, on the southeast of Gozo, from where you can:

• Hop on a regular bus to go to Victoria and other places around the island
• Hail a cab to get around (not the cheapest method, of course)
• Use the hop-on/hop-off bus of iSeeMalta. You’ll need one of their Gozo passes . (You can opt for bus only or bus and museum ticket combo for a little more.)

Visiting Gozo: Option 2 (organised tour)

• Tuk Tuk tours of Gozo
• Quad Biking in Gozo

Highlights of Gozo

Whether you take the DIY route or the organised tour option, you’ll likely visit some of these amazing places to give you a good introduction to Gozo:

• At the heart of Gozo, the unofficial capital Victoria (called ir-Rabat by the locals) is the centre of life on the island. Literally all roads lead back here, and most bus routes start and terminate here as well. Apart from its old town, its churches and small museums, the Citadel (an ages-old bastioned town on top of a hill) is a major attraction here (and a must-visit).
• Dwejra Bay is one of the island’s prime spots to enjoy the serenity and beauty of natural surroundings and the impressive, rugged seascapes you can find in Gozo. With its Inland Sea (a small pebbled bay surrounded by cliffs and connected to the open sea through a cave), the mythical Fungus Rock (where a once-prized rare type of funghi grew) and its Blue Hole dive site, there’s a lot to take in here, and it’s a personal favourite.
• The Ta Pinu National Shrine is one of the major attractions and one of the most important places of worship for the – still quite religious – local population. Apart from its basilica, it’s known also for the Shrine in honour of Our Lady Of Ta’ Pinu. Here, you’ll find several ex-votos (offerings as a sign of gratitude or devotion to a saint) that tell the stories of miraculous healings, close escapes and gratitude for prayers heard. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s something to behold.
• The Xewkija Rotunda is another iconic church in Gozo, known for its large dome that can be seen from miles away. Built and founded by the local population, it’s a nice stop to make also to take in the views from on top of the church (accessible for a small fee).
• The Ġgantija Temples are part of a bigger historical and archaeologic story of Malta’s Megalithic Temples. Its oldest ruins are said to have been built around 3600 BC, and they offer insight into the culture and beliefs of early civilisation in the Maltese islands.
• While another of Dwejra Bay’s main features, the Azure Window (naturally formed rock arch by the sea), collapsed during rough weather conditions in 2017, the Wied il-Mielaħ Window is a great alternative to visit. At the end of a valley close to the village of Għarb, you can admire this naturally formed “window” on the cliffside. Especially when seas are rough, the crashing waves are quite a spectacle to take in.
• Ramla Bay Beach is the island’s largest sandy beach, known for its reddish-coloured sand. It’s also the busiest beach, but nevertheless rarely feels crowded. Its shoreline can be littered with pebbles, so be careful when you enter the water to take a dip!
• Ħondoq ir-Rummien is a beautiful little bay to the southeast of the island (outskirts of Qala). With a small sandy beach and a rocky shoreline, it’s a charming place to go for a swim and a nice place for snorkelling and diving too.
• Daħlet Qorrot , along the Northern coastline, is a small pebbly bay that’s popular among locals. It’s also home to a few local fishermen who own little boathouses or garages here, but that doesn’t take away from enjoying the place for a swim or for snorkelling (with lots of underwater life).
• Mġarr ix-Xini (southern coastline) is a small bay at the end of a valley that’s flanked by tall cliffs and has a lot to offer snorkellers and divers. It’s not the easiest to reach, and there’s only a small patch of sand, but it’s an idyllic spot loved by many.
• Finally, Wied l-Għasri , on the outskirts of Żebbuġ, is an even more serene pebbly beach, but smaller, narrower and unique with its winding cliffsides leading into the open sea.

Visiting Comino and its Blue Lagoon

If you’re interested in visiting Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon, I would advise against a DIY visit by ferry.

The same advice applies whether or not you want to combine a visit with Gozo on the same day, and for two reasons:

• You end up wasting a lot of time trying to get to the ferry points in the North of Malta, and especially in summer, they’re usually very busy.
• The truth is that Malta’s Blue Lagoon is one of the most crowded spots around the Maltese islands from June until well into October. Going DIY means you’ll need to find a spot on the crowded shore, as opposed to lounging on a boat, for example. For most, even those who spend a full week in Malta, it’s not worth dedicating a whole day to spend in a crowded spot, no matter how beautiful it is.

Instead, I highly recommend two types of tours:

• Combo tours with Gozo (summer only – 15 May – 15 October), which offer you 1-1.5 hours at the Blue Lagoon, followed by a tour in Gozo at the best time of day – approaching sunset.
• Dedicated boat tours, either only for the Blue Lagoon or combined with other bays around Malta. These typically depart from Buġibba or Sliema and take away the hassle (and some of the crowds) out of a trip if you decide to skip Gozo.

My Comino/Blue Lagoon tour recommendations

The best Gozo/Comino combo tours are these options, including transport and food (15 May – 15 Oct only):

• Tuk Tuk sunset tour : 1-1.5 Hours at the Blue Lagoon, followed by a guided tour of Gozo on Tuk Tuk, driven by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. (6-7 Hours total)
• Quad Bike sunset tour : 1-1.5 Hours at the Blue Lagoon, followed by a guided tour of Gozo. You’ll drive your own Quad Bike (which can seat a passenger as well) and follow a lead driver/guide around.

The best boat trips to visit just the Blue Lagoon are the following:

• In summer, you can take a later Sunset version of this tour as well. Less crowded, and a half-day tour – recommended !
• Beaches and Bays tour to the Blue Lagoon and other beaches. You’ll be boarding a larger catamaran here, which is more spacious, plus you spend time in other beautiful bays like Għajn Tuffieħa (Malta). This is my preferred option for a full-day tour.
• Departing from Sliema: Spirit of Malta tour to the Blue Lagoon . You’ll spend the full day there on a large catamaran with facilities on board while getting a little boat tour past Malta’s northern coastline to/from Sliema.

Day 3: Mdina & Rabat

I recommend visiting the ancient city of Mdina and its neighbouring town of Rabat on day 3 of this itinerary. The area offers a nice balance between historical interest, architectural beauty, local village life and natural surroundings to take in.

Mdina is a small bastioned town with Medieval roots that is located on top of a hill to the West of the main island of Malta. Known as the Silent City, this beautifully preserved place is unique in its ability to take you back in time. Apart from popular tourist attractions, you can find several hidden gems while wandering around, despite its small size.

Once Malta’s capital city, its foundations are known to have been a focal point for early settlers in Malta and traces of several civilisations (including the Phoenicians, Arabs and Romans) can still be found here.

Its neighbouring town of Rabat shares some of Mdina’s historical significance but is more of a typical quaint Maltese village. Being home to a few interesting museums, I always enjoy “getting lost” in some of the streets and alleys in the old village core. You can also have a coffee and snack at the main square and observe the serenity of the town, together with some of the old architecture that Malta is known for.

It’s easy to explore both towns on foot if you can do some walking since both places are fairly small.

Highlights of Mdina

• The main focal point within the old city of Mdina is Paul’s Cathedral , which stands proudly at St. Paul’s Square and is beautiful from the inside. Apart from St. Paul’s Cathedral itself, you can also visit the Cathedral Museum next door if you’re interested in religious art and artefacts.
• Around the corner down Triq il-Villegaignon, you can find Palazzo Falson , which is a 13th-century palazzo that’s been beautifully maintained. Apart from its Medieval features, it houses several (some rather quirky yet intriguing) collections of different types of artefacts, including arms, jewellery, paintings, historical documents, manuscripts, and more.
• The National Museum of Natural History can be found to your right as you enter Mdina through the main gate and is housed in the impressive Vilhena Palace. Although the museum itself needs a bit of a facelift, it houses an interesting collection, and the building and its courtyard are worth the visit alone.
• Mdina’s imposing main gate (also known as the Vilhena Gate , named after one of the Knight’s grand masters) is an architectural masterpiece and was built in 1724. It featured in the popular hit TV series Game of Thrones (and attracts tourists for that reason alone).
• Roque’s Chapel is a lesser-known chapel down Triq il-Villegaignon. It looks like just another Baroque building on this long road, but inside, its intricately painted dome and niches are beautiful and worth admiring in silence. Entrance is free but keep in mind that it’s an active place of worship.

Highlights of Rabat

• On the edge of Howard Gardens (alongside Mdina’s moat, you can find Domus Romana on the border of Rabat. Archaeological finds show that this spot once featured a small Roman house with intricate mosaic floors. This museum is dedicated to displaying these features and other traces of Roman presence in the area.
• In the heart of town, at the main square, you can find the Basilica of St Paul (a 17th-century parish church) and, right next to it, the Wignacourt Museum . This museum offers a glimpse of celestial life and houses a collection of religious art and artefacts as well. Its main feature, however, is the underground grotto that is said to have been the temporary home of St. Paul. It is believed that St. Paul was shipwrecked in Malta and offered refuge here. During his stay, he is said to have converted many locals to the Christian faith and is an important figure in Malta’s cultural past, which is still a strongly Christian country.
• Another testament to the importance of religion in Maltese history are Agatha’s and St. Paul’s Catacombs . Both of these museums offer access to underground complexes of burial chambers, which formed part of various religious ceremonies and were actively used up until the 4th century AD.

On the outskirts of Rabat, you can also find:

• Buskett Gardens – a small (and rare) woodland area that was built by the Knights of Malta, intended for hunting originally. It’s a popular destination for locals who want to enjoy some greenery and a picnic or short outing with the kids. Some of the walking paths take you past a small orange grove, a fountain and age-old arches.
• Diar il-Bniet – a small family-run restaurant in the nearby village of Dingli that serves traditional Maltese food, often using home-grown ingredients in the fields they own. Well worth a good lunch or dinner if you’d like to sample some local flavours.

Tips for visiting Mdina & Rabat

• Located on the edge of Rabat, Dominic’s Priory can be worth a visit if you’re into learning more about local religion and culture. You can visit a tiny museum inside, but the real attraction is the inner courtyard lined with arches and orange trees, which Game of Thrones fans will recognise featured in season 1. They do charge an entrance fee of €5, however.
• You’ll often find Malta itineraries and tours featuring Dingli Cliffs , but I don’t recommend taking the time to visit the place on a short trip to Malta. Although it’s a nice area in terms of nature and sea views, there really isn’t much of interest other than that.
• Crystal Palace (known as is-Serkin among locals) is a highly-rated bar just as you enter Rabat from Mdina that serves some of the best pastizzi If you want the complete local experience, order yours with a glass of milky black tea (“ te fit-tazza” ).
• For sweet lovers, visit Fontanella for great cakes and Fior di Latte (both in Mdina) for homemade Italian ice cream.
• Into good coffee? Visit Coffee Circus at the main square in Rabat for a selection of nice roasts. It’s a good place for vegan and vegetarian food (lunch) options too.

• Take a  2.5-hour walking tour of Mdina and Rabat  that will take you past the highlights of both places, led by an experienced local guide.
• The  Mdina & Malta highlights tour  is a great option for a group tour to the Silent City and some of its surrounding areas, including Dingli Cliffs, the St. Paul’s Catacombs, San Anton Gardens and more.

Swap Day: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk & Megalithic Temples

The South of Malta is a much less popularly-recommended part of the islands. Nevertheless, if you have an adventurous spirit, it still offers a few interesting places to visit.

This swap day is a good option for around the year.

What makes this day a bit tricky is transport. Unlike the more popular places of interest, these are a little further apart, and there isn’t a single public transport bus route that can take you past all.

Alternative options are:

• Renting a car
• Getting on a hop-on/hop-off bus (more info below)
• Taking a tour (more info below)

The Blue Grotto

Considered a natural wonder for centuries, the Blue Grotto is a sea cave along the southern coastline of Malta, on the outskirts of Żurrieq. Here, you can get a short boat trip that takes you inside the cave to witness a spectacle of blue light when the incoming sunlight reflects off the white sandy sea floor inside the cave.

It’s a short trip but a fun one and fairly cheap too. You can grab a bite and enjoy the views from one of the nearby restaurants as well. There’s also a good vantage point for photos further up the road (right near the bus stop).

The small fishing village of Marsaxlokk has been featured on postcards of Malta for decades, featuring its iconic brightly-coloured fishing boats.

A local favourite for a Sunday lunch with freshly caught seafood, and its local marketplace, the village has a friendly, easygoing nature and is worth a visit (and sitting down for lunch).

TIP: Have lunch at Tartarun. This amazing restaurant serves high-quality seafood dishes and is one of my favourite restaurants in Marsaxlokk.

The Megalithic Temples

Over the past centuries, a number of ancient temples were found across Malta and Gozo, some dating back to 3600-3200 BC (older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza!).

Although archaeologists have just about scratched the surface of what these temples tell us about early civilisation in Malta, some of the finds are intriguing and worthwhile to understand.

On the main island of Malta, the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples are a few of the best examples to visit. Here, you’ll find a modern visitors’ centre with detailed info on what we know about the people who built these structures.

• The Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk combo tour (half-day – mornings) is organised on Sundays and takes you to both spots with enough time to explore each at your own pace.
• On Fri mornings, this Full-day Temple tour takes you to the Ħaġar Qim but also stops at the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk . A stop at the Għar Dalam cave (archaeological site) is also included.
• On Sat mornings, this half-day Temple tour takes you to the Mnajdra and Ħaġar Qim Temples, as well as the Għar Dalam cave.

Swap Day: Enjoy Malta at sea

If you’re planning to visit in summer and love the sun and the sea, taking out one of your 3 days in Malta to enjoy that side of the islands is a good idea.

Option 1: Visiting Malta’s beaches

If you just want a lazy day by the sea, these are my favourite of Malta’s best beaches I would recommend.

Għajn Tuffieħa

Għajn Tuffieħa (or Riviera Beach) is my favourite beach in Malta. With its raw natural surroundings and reddish-coloured sand, it’s a beautiful place to swim and do absolutely nothing while enjoying the sun.

Although public parking spaces are limited in the area, this beach is easy to reach by public transport from various places around Malta. There’s also a kiosk/small restaurant to the side of the beach for refreshments.

A little further up North from Għajn Tuffieħa (within walking distance), you can find Golden Bay, which is a slightly busier beach also thanks to the hotel that was built on one of its cliffsides. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful bay and another good spot to enjoy the summer sun and sea.

There’s more choice for food and refreshments here, and you can rent deck chairs and umbrellas. There are more parking spaces available here as well (a little further inland from the bay), so although it’s a little busier in summer, it can be more comfortable to get here if you’re not planning to go early in the day.

Option 2: Take a day trip out at sea

• If you’re not on a tight budget, consider taking a private boat trip around Gozo and Comino . With a private option, you get a boat and skipper all to yourself, and you can customise a route for the day, taking you to Comino and bays around Gozo. You can bring your own music and stock up on food and drinks for the day. The provider is one of the best and tried and tested.
• Taking this Round Malta Day Cruise is also a popular option I’d recommend considering. You’ll depart from Sliema and sail around the coastline of Malta Island, taking in the sights along the way. You get lunch and drinks on board (included in the price), and it’s just an all-around fun day out.
• I mentioned it earlier in this guide already and recommend it again because it really is one of the best options: This Beaches and Bays boat trip is a seriously chill way of enjoying a few hours in Comino and a few more at a few beautiful bays along the West coast of Malta. You can get an optional on-board BBQ lunch on board, which is worth doing, and there’s a good amount of space and plenty of sunbeds on board this catamaran.

Practical advice for 3 days in Malta

An itinerary is a very personal thing to decide on, with everyone having their personal preferences (and those of your fellow travel companions). Things like accommodation and where to stay, when to go, whether to rent a car or not, even more so.

I’ll give you the basics of some of these considerations here, but you can click through for more detailed guides to help you with everything you need.

What’s the best time of year to visit Malta?

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Malta is normally around May/June and October – just before and just after the high season. Weather-wise, you avoid the worst of the heat that way, as well as peak tourism crowds.

April is normally also a great month to visit, also because of Easter Week, and normally early spring weather means the weather is already warm enough for short sleeves.

July-September are obviously more attractive to enjoy the sun and the sea and for family holidays.

November through March are the coldest (and most unpredictable) months of the year regarding the weather, but Malta’s winters are mild. Over and above, for culture-seekers, it’s a good time to visit to do lots of sightseeing without having to worry about the heat.

Where should I stay for 3 days in Malta? What are the best hotels?

Deciding on the best location for your holiday can be tricky but is worthwhile researching. Roughly, I usually provide recommendations based on finding the right balance between wanting to be in a central location, close to the main sightseeing spots, versus being close to the better sandy beaches.

Most travellers I help find the right balance for them based on my recommendations here: The best places to stay in Malta .

There’s a lot to choose from when it comes to hotels in Malta, whether you’re on a budget or looking for a luxury hotel. However, value can be hard to get if you don’t book early enough.

In these guides, you can find my best recommendations for hotels in specific destinations in Malta.

• 25 Best Hotels in Malta
• Hotel Recommendations in Valletta
• Hotel Recommendations in Mellieħa
• Hotel Recommendations in St. Paul’s Bay
• Hotel Recommendations in Buġibba
• Hotel Recommendations in Qawra
• Hotel Recommendations in St. Julian’s
• Hotel Recommendations in Sliema
• Hotel Recommendations in Gozo .

Are 3 days in Malta enough?

3 Days in Malta are enough if you want a quick escape, but there’s so much to see and do that 4-5 full days is a much better choice for a first-time visitor, and many choose to go to Malta for a full week .

Is 10 days in Malta too long?

10 Days in Malta is too long for most travellers, even though there’s plenty to see and do to fill 10 days without scraping the bottom of the barrel. Normally, 7 days in Malta is a good amount of time to spend on a first visit, while you can also see most of the popular sites in 4 or 5 days .

Is 5 days too long in Malta?

No, 5 days isn’t too long in Malta; in fact, most travellers choose to visit Malta in 5-7 days. Some people even just spend 3 days in Malta just to get a feel for the place. Get my perfect travel plan for 4-5 days here: Malta 4 to 5 Day Itinerary .

Do you have any questions?

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

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Itinerary for 7 Days in Malta

The tiny, Mediterranean island of Malta is a very underrated destination! Malta is full of history and rich in culture and given its size is a super easy country to explore. This post covers how to spend 7 days in Malta.

Table of contents

Notes on the itinerary, how to get around in malta, where to stay, day 1 – explore valletta, day 2 – valletta and the three cities, day 3 – gozo and comino, day 4 – beaches and sites in the north, day 6 – mdina and rabat, day 7 – marsaxlokk and sliema, st. julian.

• Malta is a tiny country and you can get from one corner to the other relatively fast
• We stayed in Sliema and loved it!
• For example, you can explore the Blue Grotto described on day 5 and Marsaxlokk from day 7 on the same day
• The only day that needs to be fixed are the attractions and places to see on day 3 (more below)
• This is especially true if you rent a car

Malta has a very good public bus system that takes you across the Island including to almost all of the tourist attractions. However, if you want to save time, I highly recommend hiring a car. Note that Malta drives on the left hand side of the road with the drivers seat on the right side of the car.

Malta also has a very good and punctual ferry system between Valletta and the neighboring cities like Sliema and the Three Cities.

As I mentioned in the notes section, we stayed in Sliema which was a great option for us! We were close to Valletta and the ferry station. Sliema also had ample parking and a fantastic selection of restuarants and bars.

Side Note – Happy Hours in Malta cannot be beat!

7 Days in Malta

Start your 7 days in Malta in its capital Valletta. Valletta is the southern most capital of Europe. This walled city was established by the Knights of St. John back in the 1500s and is a must see place in Malta.

You probably need a little over 1 day to explore Valletta. See HERE for my post on the best things to do in Valletta.

Places Not to Miss

• Republic Street and Merchant Street
• St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Barrakka Gardens
• Barrakka Lift
• Grandmaster’s Palace
• Wander around

Start day 2 of this 7 days in Malta itinerary exploring any parts of Valletta you could not on day 1 and then take a ferry or private boat over to the Three Cities.

The Three Cities of Vittoriosa ( Il-Birgu ) , Senglea ( L-Isla ), and Cospicua ( Bormla ) are some of Malta’s oldest cities. Vittoriosa goes all the way back to the middle ages!

• Waterfront of Senglea
• Gardjola Gardens
• Fort St. Angelo
• Waterfront of Vittoriosa
• Inquisitor’s Palace

Malta is actually made up of 3 islands. The main island, Gozo and Comino. Gozo and Comino are on the North side and are islands that make up the archipelago of Malta.

• Cittadella in Victoria
• Church of St. John the Baptist
• Azure Window (The site of the wedding of Khal Drogo and Daenerys in Game of Thrones)
• Dwejra Area
• Village of L-GHARB
• Mġarr Harbour
• Blue Lagoon
• Crystal Lagoon
• Explore the Caves

How to get to Gozo and Comino

If you are taking your car, then you need to drive to the Gozo Channel Ferry which is a passenger and vehicle ferry. The ferry departs from Ċirkewwa in the main island of Malta.

If you are not taking a car then you can take one of the Gozo passenger ferries from Valletta offered by Gozo Fast Ferries and Virtu Gozo Ferries. The trip takes around 45 minutes. Once you get to Gozo, you can use the public bus system to get around.

To get to Comino you will have to catch a ferry to Comino from Gozo (passenger only, no vehicles) or a private boat tour. We did the private boat tour and it was great because they also took us to see the caves as well. You can get both option from the Mġarr Harbor. If you brought your car over to Gozo, you will have to park it at Gozo before heading out to Comino.

You can also visit Gozo and Comino on a tour like this one.

Notes on Day 3

In order to save travel time, visit Gozo and Comino on the same day or on two consecutive days

If you are a beach lover, you may want to spend more time Comino and therefore may want to spend more than one day in this area. This is easy to accomplish! Simply consolidate places to see from days 4,5,6 and 7 into 3 days instead of 4.

Spend day 4 of your 7 days in Malta exploring the beaches and sites in the North of the country. If you stay overnight in Gozo, then you can explore this area on your way back from your overnight in Gozo. If you do not stay overnight, you can still easily get to this area as it only takes around 30 minutes to get to this area from Sliema.

• Popeye’s Village – film set turned amusement park
• Għadira Bay – enjoy lunch on this bay
• Paradise Bay – spend some time relaxing at Paradise Bay
• Golden Bay – Golden Bay is an awesome location to watch the sunset

Day 5 – Blue Grotto Area

Visit one of Malta’s most iconic sites as well as some of its historical sites on day 5 of this 7 days in Malta itinerary.

One of Malta’s most famous attractions is the Blue Grotto. The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is during the morning to mid afternoon hours. But note that boats do not go out when the sea is rough or wind conditions are bad (unfortunately what happened to us). Good news is that you don’t need to book a tour in advance. Just show up and hop on a boat. The tour lasts about 20 minutes. Don’t also miss a place called “Panorama Point” on the way to the boat station.

Malta has several pre-historic temples built during 3600 BC and 2500 BC. Below is a list of these temples.

We visited Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. These are located very close to the Blue Grotto so suggest coupling these with the Blue Grotto. The oldest temple is Ġgantija which is located in Gozo and can be easily seen on your trip to the island.

• Ta’ Hagrat

Don’t miss visiting Mdina and Rabat on your trip to Malta! Mdina is a world heritage site and used to be Malta’s capital city until the Knight arrived in Malta in the 1500s. This city is also called the silent city as you cannot take your car beyond the city gates. Rabat, a small village just outside Mdina can also be explored on the same day.

• Gates of Mdina
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Palazzo Falson
• Church of St. Paul and Catacombs

Start your last day of your 7 days in Malta exploring Xrobb l-Ghagin Nature Park. There are some walking paths you can hike alongside the cliffs. You can also visit St. Peter’s pool for a dip before heading to Marsaxlokk for lunch. There are lots of seafood restaurants along the bay in Marsaxlokk.

After lunch, head back to Sliema and stroll along the waterfront. It was a good viewpoint of the city of Valletta. Then, head to St. Julian in the evening for drinks.

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Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting! Believe it or not this blog is not my full time job! I work 8-5 in Supply Chain and run this blog after work!  I’ve dreamed of traveling the world since I was a child and at 48 countries and counting, I am so grateful to get to live that dream.

To say travel is my passion is truly an understatement! What I love most about travel is that I get to connect with locals and meet with fellow travelers from around the world. In addition, travel also enables all my other interests like photography, architecture, art, music and food!  Please feel free to share any posts or leave me feedback on how I can improve. Thank you and happy travels!

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4 days in Malta: A Malta itinerary on things to do in Malta without a car

April 8, 2018 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

If you’re planning to visit Malta, you might be wondering how many days to spend in Malta.  Although it’s easy to spend to one week in Malta, I considered four days to be the perfect amount of time in Malta to see the main sightseeing attractions in Malta.

If you’re wondering what to do in Malta without the expense of a car, keep reading as you can do a surprising number of things in Malta during four days.  I wrote this guide as most of the guides that I found about Malta focused on having a car.

Malta  is small, so my husband and I chose not to rent a car during my long weekend in Malta as I felt that we could see everything that I wanted to see with the bus after checking the schedule.

• 0.1.1 Note about four days in Malta and Gozo and going car free in Malta
• 0.2 Day 1: Valletta
• 0.3.1 Where to stay in Valletta
• 0.4 Day 2: Day trip from Valletta to Mdina/Rabat
• 0.6.1 Where to stay on Gozo
• 0.6.2 Victoria
• 0.6.3 Ġgantija it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija
• 0.6.4 Adventure activities on Gozo
• 0.7 Other notes on Gozo
• 0.8 Day 4: Marsaxlokk
• 0.9.1 How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by public transit
• 0.9.2 Taxis in Malta
• 0.10 Map of the Malta itinerary
• 1 Have you been to Malta?

Summary of your Malta itinerary:

Day 1: valletta.

• Day 2: Day trip from Valletta: Game of Thrones / Mdina and Rabat

Day 3: Gozo

Day 4: marsaxlokk.

• Map of our four day Malta itinerary

Note about four days in Malta and Gozo and going car free in Malta

At the time that I took this trip to Malta, I didn’t have much vacation time left.  In trying to maximize my vacation time while working full-time , I ended up deciding to take a long weekend in Malta.

I was very concerned that four days in Malta would be far too rushed, but the trip felt laid back with an easy pace.  Most of the fun of Malta is enjoying their food, culture, wine, and history, so if you’re lounging at a good restaurant with a glass of Maltese wine, good on you.

Although most people rent a car in Malta, I was more interested in exploring the city centers, where a car isn’t practical.  As a result, we chose to spend our four days in Malta and Gozo without a car. I don’t feel that we missed out on much as it allowed us to walk around in warm weather.

Our carbon footprint grows as soon as we take a plane anywhere and I liked the idea of countering a bit of the emissions spent on our plane ride with minimizing our footprint via taking buses instead of driving. (Additionally, renting a car just adds to the cost of the trip!)

Whenever I mentioned that I wouldn’t rent a car in Malta, every Maltese person that I met was concerned.  However, I really felt that getting around Malta with public transportation was easy enough with using Google Maps.

If you’re interested in getting a bit off the beaten path in Malta in places where it’s harder to get there without a car, it’s easy to take a tour or taxi.  I hope to revisit Malta to see more of this beautiful country in even warmer weather.

I was lucky enough to arrive into Valletta bright and early ready to explore. I took the bus from the airport into Valletta, which was quick and easy.

Thanks to a colleague of my husband’s, I was lucky enough to be introduced to a charming local who was eager to show off her hometown.  I include detailed information about the Maltese public transportation system as well as how to get from the Malta airport to Valletta at the bottom. 

Valletta’s modern day architecture dates back to the 16th century and the city now falls under a UNESCO world heritage sight.  Valletta very much feels like an old  European city due its Baroque architecture, however you’ll find evidence of British rule, including iconic red telephone booths.

Every alleyway and street is full of charm, so be sure to look for the pregnant windows, a Maltese classic that you might spot in movies that tried to pass off Valletta as another European city.

Be sure not to miss the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens , which give you panoramic views of the Harbor.  Originally these gardens were used by the Knight of St. John, who are responsible for building Valletta.  Note: The closer you are to the tourist attractions, the more that you’ll find prices for basics will rise.

After enjoying the Upper Barrakka gardens, be sure to pass by the elaborate buildings along Triq-In Nosfsinhar, which mostly belong to the government.   Valletta is small and walkable, so meander the narrow streets until you find  St. John’s Cathedral , which dates back to the 15th century.

Of particular note is the  Palace of the Grand Master , which is the administrative capital of Malta since 1571.  Originally used by the Knights of St. John for governing, it was also used using British colonialist times for the government.  Now, this building is used by the House of Representatives in Malta.  Even if you don’t enter to visit the Armory (8 euros), the exterior is worth admiring.

Be sure to stop off at the Lower Barrakka Gardens for scenic and romantic views over the water, especially around sunset. For the iconic shot of Valletta from the water, consider taking the Sliema ferry .

At the request of my husband’s colleague who had been living in Valletta, we went to Anciova , a Sicilian restaurant with phenomenally fresh seafood multiple times. (It’s a little outside of the city center in Gzira.)

Martese also brought us to Sotto Pizzeria Italiana , which is her favorite pizza place in Valletta for a nice sit-down dinner with high quality ingredients.   For a more complete guide to Valletta, please check out this comprehensive local guide to Valletta .

Where to drink in Valletta

If you’re into craft beer, do not miss Wild Honey .  This cozy, small craft beer bar in the historic center has a fantastic selection of both local beers as well as international beers (including hard-to-find Belgian beers!).  The bartender is friendly and it’s even possible to sit outside on a nice day.

For wine, you’ll find many great wine bars in Valletta, many with a historical atmosphere.  My husband’s colleague recommended Trabuxu Wine Bar  for both cocktails and wine for unparallelled atmosphere.  The bar is located in a 400 year old stone cellar and their bartenders are truly talented.

Where to stay in Valletta

You’ll find numerous 4* hotels in the historic center of Valletta as well as boutique hotels in historic buildings .  There’s also a number of hostels close to Valletta.

Although St. Julian’s is more popular than Valletta among the partier crowd, I think that it’s worth it to stay in Valletta for two nights to experience the historic atmosphere of the capital of Malta.

To save money, consider staying right outside of the city center in Sliema , which means that you can take the ferry to/from Valletta.  We stayed in Pieta , which was even less expensive and required only a longer walk to Valletta.  I felt that Pieta was a better base for exploring Malta without a car.

Check prices for accomodation now

Day 2: Day trip from Valletta to Mdina/Rabat

If you’re coming to Malta for Game of Thrones locations in Malta , you must include Mdina on your Malta itinerary!  Even if you’re not into Game of Thrones, Mdina and Rabat are beautiful cities with a rich history and stunning architecture.

It’s possible to do a Game of Thrones tour for the full-day, as I did, or you can independently visit Mdina/Rabat.  There are good resource online about the various locations, so don’t feel that you’re required to have a tour to visit Mdina.

How to get from Valletta to Mdina by bus: Get onto bus 51, 52, or 53 and get off at Mdina Gate.   The journey should take about thirty minutes.  Although most people assume that you cannot visit Malta without a car, you should have no problems if you use Valletta as a base.

Mdina existed prior to Roman times, however it was fortified during Roman times.  This small fortified city had three main gates, including the stunning Mdina Gate,  which was renovated in the 1700s. Mdina is and remains the silent city, where many noble families have their ancestral family homes.

As a result, very few people (400) actually live in Mdina full-time.  In peak season, Mdina is crazy, so try to come here early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the bus loads of tourists as visiting Mdina is one of the biggest attractions in Malta included in most Malta itineraries.  There are countless alleyways in this historical city, so don’t be afraid to get lost.

Some people choose to stay in Mdina overnight to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere once all the tourists leave after taking a day trip although there aren’t many hotels within the city center of Mdina, bur rather in Rabat outside of Mdina.

You’ll find a variety of hotel options here and it should be easy to drop your luggage off at your hotel after arriving into Mdina. Just be aware that the alleyways make it tricky to find the same spot twice, so be sure to flag your location on Google Maps!

If you’re looking for something special,  Xara Palace is a historic five star boutique hotel in an old palace in Mdina where celebrities often stay while filming in Malta, close to the city gate.

Click to check prices in Mdina

If you spend the morning in Mdina, be sure to stop for lunch outside of the city center (in Rabat) at  Il-Veduta Restaurant . This stunning restaurant has incredible views over the nearby countryside, a friendly cat (if you’re lucky enough to see it), and delicious food at a reasonable price.  As Mdina is quite touristic, I can recommend stopping here for a late lunch after doing some city exploring.

Rabat is derived from the word “suburb” in Arabic and it’s what lays outside of Mdina (derived from “market”). It’s a short walk (1.2 kilometers) from the Mdina Gate to St. Dominic’s Priory .

The reason? Game of Thrones. This stunning church with a quiet courtyard was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and stands in for the Red Keep.

Beyond Game of Thrones, this church has a fascinating history as it originally started in a nearby grotto (now below the church) where a local farmer saw the Virgin Mary.

Although the grotto is not accessible anymore due to the steep steps, pilgrims often come here after a marble statue of the Virgin Mary appeared to be shedding tears of blood, starting in 1999.

After the Vatican tested the blood confirming it as a miracle, they put the statue beyond glass where you can see it today. The church is free to enter.

Once you’re finished in Rabat, feel free to head back to Valletta or Mdina depending on what you prefer.  Although I loved Valletta, the atmospheric alleyways of Mdina was one of the highlights of my four day trip to Malta.

How to get from Rabat to Valletta by bus : Get on bus 51, 52, or 53 from outside of the church

For today, I recommend getting up early if you’re visiting Malta without a car.   In the morning, hop onto bus 41 or 42 towards the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal.

The bus journey from Valletta to Cirkewwa will take about an hour and a half (less if you’re lucky), so be sure to get up bright and early today.  I recommend bringing your bags with you as the journey is long enough that you’ll want to stay overnight in Gozo or back on the main island closer to the ferry.

The ferry to Gozo is one of those really experiences in Malta that allows you to appreciate the Malta and Gozo coast by sea, even if you don’t have time to kayak around the island.  I spent most of my journey enjoying the views from the deck.

You can purchase a ticket on the Gozo Ferry upon arrival and the journey will take about 45 minutes. Expect to pay a bit less than five euros round trip.  (It’s possible to pay with card.)  Inside of the ferry station, you’ll find a cafe in case you’re in need of a coffee or breakfast although there’s also food/drinks on the ferry itself.

Where to stay on Gozo

Once arriving into Gozo, you’ll need to take bus towards your accommodations and the main attractions on Gozo.  For ease of transit, I’d recommend staying in Victoria as it’s the main bus hub of Gozo and you’ll have more food options in Victoria.

We stayed further away in Qala , close to the ferry although over three miles away from the ferry, which made things quite a bit more difficult for us with our bags without taking a taxi or a bus.

There are certainly more scenic parts of Gozo to stay in than Victoria, especially if you can stay in Gozo near the coast. If you have the opportunity, try to stay in a historic Maltese farmhouse for the unique experience.

Check prices for accomodation in Victoria now!

Once you drop off your belongings, explore Victoria.  Victoria is pretty small and walkable, with a charming atmosphere, complete with red telephone booths.

Be sure to stop off for pea pastries, which you’ll find at many of the bakeries that you’ll pass by in Victoria. These Maltese specialities are delicious!  If you choose to, you can head up to the Citadel for epic views, but we chose to focus on doing an adventure activity in the morning prior to heading to Ġgantija.

Ġgantija it-Tempji tal-Ġgantija

I’m quite into history and I had to visit the neolithic temple of Ġgantija.  Built before Stonehenge (3600 and 3200 B.C.), this massive temple of connected rocks was hidden from sight for hundreds of years prior to its discovery in the 1800s.

The museum within Ġgantija has some kid-friendly exhibits although I felt it was one of the most engaging museums about neolithic history that I’ve seen.

Some visitors and locals assumed that the temple belonged to giants due to the size of some of the stones, however it’s believed that this Maltese megalithic temple, used for ceremonial sacrifice, could be seen from all around the island at its peak.

I was impressed by the sophistication of these early settlers to Malta as well as the ambitious construction that involve stacking numerous stones that fit together.   (It takes maybe two hours to see Ġgantija if you’re a history geek like myself although longer if you befriend the friendly kitties who make it home now.)

Adventure activities on Gozo

You’ll find a number of adventure activities on Gozo as the rock face is some of the best in the world for climbing due to the porous holes in the rock and the crystal clear water makes it perfect for diving .

If you’re visiting Gozo in warm weather, be sure to look up deep water soloing. This is when you climb directly over the sea without ropes and if you fall, you fall into the sea. No sweat.   It’s still best to try this activity with a knowledgeable guide who will know the safest routes where you cannot harm yourself if you fal l.

Many climbing activities and diving activities on Gozo will be half-day adventures, so if you’re interested in going sea kayaking in addition to climbing, this is possible.

We went with Gozo Adventures  (Phone number: +356 99 99 45 92) and I was very happy with our experience.  Our guide was well experienced at climbing and would give us feedback on the routes/how to improve our climbing.

The rock was a bit sharp, but easy to grasp due to the many holes.  For beginner climbers, it might be harder than you realize as I struggled on natural rock despite climbing regularly at a rock climbing gym.

Other notes on Gozo

We stayed out in Qala with an adorable snuggly cat who loved to fall asleep in my lap.  The Maltese are cat lovers and this really pleased me.

We went out at  Zeppi’s Pub , a cozy hole-in-the-wall bar with a mix of locals and tourists. The drinks were very reasonable.  I found the prices for food and drinks higher in Victoria although we ended up having a great meal at a cozy local cafe.

Note on travel in Gozo : The Azure WIndow on Gozo is unfortunately underwater now.  If you’re a diver, you can still see the remains of it, however it is NOT possible to visit the Azure Window anymore.    I was lucky enough to see it and it’s heartbreaking to see this stunning landmark gone.

Depending on your day, I recommend leaving Gozo earlier to have time to head towards Marsaxlokk, one of the gems of Malta that you cannot miss during your four day trip to Malta.

This sleepy fishing town is one of the best places to get seafood and fish in Malta, as recommended by our local friend.  It will take about 1.5-2 hours to get from Cirkewwa to Marsaxlokk using the public bus and you’ll have a transfer close to Valletta.

Marsaxlokk is an easy day trip from Valletta if you have an evening flight and prefer to stay in Valletta, otherwise you can do it as a half day trip prior to departing for the airport.

It’s also possible to stay in Marsaxlokk if you’re interested in soaking up the charming atmosphere for one more evening in Malta prior to heading to the airport in the morning.  The airport is only five kilometers away.

Once you to get to Marsaxlokk, ask one of the hotels if they can hold your luggage for a small fee, so you can explore this beautiful town unencumbered by your baggage.

If possible, be sure to to visit Marsaxlokk on a Sunday in order to enjoy the market, a great place to buy Maltese souvenirs. (Be sure to have cash as you’ll want to buy the homemade salt, honey, and alcohols!)  There’s usually stalls on other days if you miss the main market that cater to tourists.

Marsaxlokk has a small port area, however it’s full of charm, so it’s easy to spend a half a day here just taking in the colorful boats painted in traditional colors.  Be sure keep an eye out for the eye on the boats, which is a tradition that dates back to Phoenician times.

Marsaxlokk is still a fishing town and you can get some of the freshest fish in Malta here.  As described by our local friend, walk along the port to see the various restaurants and what their catch of the day is before committing.

Most restaurants will provide a set meal with 2-4 courses for less than fifteen euros depending on the fish included. Lampuki (Mahi-Mahi) is very popular although you can also get swordfish or tuna.  My husband loved the lampuki that he got although you’ll find other specialities.  Ask what’s fresh before you order as it’s a good sign when a restaurant has a handwritten menu that changes with the catch.

We ended up having our lunch at Ta’ Mattew , a casual seafood restaurant with a good lunch special. The owner was incredibly friendly and the portions were massive, so be sure to have a light breakfast…  I absolutely loved the fresh octopus, lightly cooked in lemon and spices.

Eating was definitely my favorite thing to do in Malta and the high quality meals were a highlight of our four day trip to Malta.  My meal at Ta’ Mattew was one of my favorite meals in Malta due to how fresh the seafood and fish was.

To get from  Marsaxlokk to the Malta Airport, you can take a taxi for about 20 euros (if you’re in a rush)  or two buses, which will take about thirty minutes with a transfer close to Valletta.

If you’re considering staying the night in Valletta, it should be possible to drop off your baggage earlier in the day prior to taking a day trip from Valletta to Marsaxlokk.

Advice on taking the bus in Malta

The public transportation in Malta is far better than many residents described to me, however the buses don’t run  that regularly between certain cities, so it’s important to check the bus schedule ahead carefully.

I used Google Maps and the journey planner on their website for up-to-date information about bus journeys.  We usually paid with cash/coins as I didn’t end up buying the tallinja card, which allows you to tap in for the bus with a preloaded balance.  Another option is the 12 single rides card, which is valid for up to one year.

How to get from Malta Airport to Valletta by public transit

Depending on your destination, you’ll find several buses from the Malta Airport into Valletta, including bus lines 71/72/73.  I recommend double-checking your route as well as the stop before going as well as having three euros for the bus in case you don’t have time to get a reloadable bus pass.

The Maltese buses are modern with electronic stop announcements, so check the top scrolling bit to determine if you’re stop.  Maltese people are super friendly/helpful if you seem like a tourist and you’re unsure where to get off.

There are clear signs to the bus stop.  If you’re more into taxis, you’ll find taxis waiting in front of the airport although you should go to the booth  first to pay for your fare.

Taxis in Malta

Malta and Gozo are fairly small.  If you need to take a taxi, you can get across the islands in around forty minutes.

Our Maltese friend recommends pre-booking or ordering your taxi in Malta using eCabs , a reliable taxi service that we used multiple times on Malta.  They have a handy app that allows you to pay by card and I was impressed by their professionalism.

At the airport, you’ll need to go to the desk in order to book a taxi and prepay for the distance, which will get you a cheaper rate.  According to our friend, it’s best to prepay if possible as some taxis will take a roundabout way if you’re paying by fare and you’re clearly a tourist.

Map of the Malta itinerary

Have you been to Malta?

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About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

June 22, 2018 at 5:50 pm

This is a super useful post. I’m going to Malta for four days in August and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to fit everything into one trip without a car. You’ve set my mind at ease with the public transport now – thank you 🙂

August 13, 2018 at 3:39 pm

A great post Karen! Thank you for sharing your experiences and making my plan easy to do it without a car

September 25, 2018 at 6:11 am

Thank you so so much for this . I am a solo male traveller.. active 74 Australian who loves to use public transport wherever possible . Money saved on posh hotels and packed sightseeing can be spent on goid meals ..and more travel .I will be coming from Siciky next June by ferry or flight and then visiting a friend in Portugal . I will have 5 days and will follow your advice to stsy in Valleta and have a night in Gozo . You have been so generous sharing this information and it really really help me . Warmest regards Ron Each Day is a Precious Gift

December 1, 2018 at 7:18 pm

Thank u so much for such an useful post! I’m traveling alone and renting a car isn’t an option for me. 🙂

January 22, 2020 at 12:16 pm

I really appreciate your tips! I am planning a trip without a car and this will really help!!! YAYAY!

May 12, 2020 at 10:50 am

4 days is way too short. You have to consider there’s more: Valletta, the Three Cities, Blue Grotto, Popeye’s village, Rabat and Mdina, Dingli Cliffs. The whole North of the Malta island, where you find forts, caves, ancient underground catacombs. And then you need at least 2-3 days for Gozo and all its wonders. All in all you need 10-14 days and that would be very busy days. So no! Sorry you can’t do with just 4 days!!

October 1, 2021 at 4:27 pm

I agree. Two weeks is almost enough for first trip in Malta. Next time you will know which ones are missing. During holiday take once per week a real holiday, just for relaxing.

September 7, 2020 at 7:52 pm

Great article but I don’t think 4 days are enough. I think it will be safe to say you need at least 7 days in Malta and 3 days in Gozo. There is way more places to see. Also, I would say you should splurge on taxis because by public transportation it will take three times longer to get somewhere. As a rule of thumb, don’t eat at restaurants on main/touristic streets, just turn round the corner for better food and most likely cheaper. Also, for a quick b’fast, lunch or snack (or even a quick cheap dinner) you can stop at a pastizzeria and buy some pastizzi or qassatat.

April 20, 2021 at 7:53 am

Definitely agree with Des and Roman – you need way more days to explore Malta and Gozo. We used a combination of buses and taxis. The cathedral at Mostar also has an interesting story. We also took the fast ferry to Sicily – where we hired a car and drove up to Mt Etna and stayed overnight at Taormina then caught the late ferry back. That was worth doing

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Home » Europe » Malta » 15 Things to Do with 4 Days in Malta (And 1 to Skip)

15 Things to Do with 4 Days in Malta (And 1 to Skip)

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: June 21, 2023

Candy-hued balconies against white stone facades, shimmering turquoise waters, cities that are like open-air museums all spiced with the history and flavors of the Mediterranean—this is Malta. Though it is small, the island chain packs a big punch and quickly won a place in our hearts. While we had just 4 days in Malta, we were able to squeeze in a lot of the island’s highlights along with a visit to amazing Gozo. Here are some of the best sites and experiences on our Malta itinerary.

Things to do in Malta in 4 Days

Take in the colors of Marsaxlokk

Marsaxlokk (pronounced marsa-schlock) is all about bright colors, so we made it one of the very first places on our Malta itinerary. Every day, the blue waters of this cute fishing village are filled with traditional Maltese boats called luzzus.

Painted in bright blues, yellows, and green, the luzzus are the centerpiece of the town. The boats range in size from somewhat small to very small (it’s hard to imagine more than 1-2 people can fit in some of them). The considerable fleet provides much of Malta’s seafood.

On Sundays, Marsaxlokk is one of the best places to visit in Malta. Check out the open-air fish market selling the morning’s catch, including swordfish, tuna, and the popular local lampuki (aka mahi mahi).

You can buy straight from the fishermen to cook up later or grab a seat at one of the seaside cafes and enjoy some of their finest seafood with a glass of wine while watching the activity all around. Even if you can’t make it on Sunday, Marsaxlokk is a great place for lunch and enjoying the atmosphere.

Wondering where to stay in Malta? Modern refinement in Valletta: SU29 Luxury near Sliema promenade: Victoria Hotel Quiet comfort in St. Julian’s: Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa You’ll find more details about where to stay in Malta at the end of this article.

Lose yourself in the details at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valetta

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a place for people who think they don’t love churches. On an island that is said to have a church for every day of the year, St. John’s Co-Cathedral is more than just a house of worship—it’s a magnificent work of art and one of the top things to see in Malta.

St. John’s Co-Cathedral is also, without a doubt, one of the most ornate churches in the world. Built in the 16th century for the Knights of St. John, every inch of St. John’s Co-Cathedral is covered in marble, gold, paint, or relief. Even the multi-colored floors demand attention.

The church’s audio guide gives plenty of detail and helps direct you through a space that can get quite crowded, especially when river cruises are in port. Don’t miss the oratory which is home to Caravaggio’s largest painting, the Beheading of St. John.

Escape the crowds at Fomm ir-Rih

One of the hardest swimming spots in Malta to reach, Fomm ir-Rih is worth the effort on a nice day. After a 20-minute (somewhat rough) hike downhill, we were deposited on one of the most isolated Malta beaches. In fact, we only saw four other people during our visit, and three of them were from the same family.

The Fomm ir-Rih bay is a great snorkeling spot when winds are calm, and the views from the pebbly beach of the surrounding cliffs are incredible, especially near sunset. If you’re up for the hike, we recommend wearing good shoes like these that are sturdy enough for the climb and that you can also get wet because the slippery stone beach can make getting in and out of the water quite a challenge.

Our visit to Malta was part of a larger trip that included a visit to nearby Sicily. Read more about our week in Sicily.

Try Maltese food

A fascinating mix of Mediterranean flavors with a dash of British and northwest African influence thrown in, Maltese food is flavorful and delicious . The most popular must-try street food is pastizz, a hand-held pastry filled with either mashed peas or ricotta. It’s filling and really cheap at about 40 cents each.

In traditional Maltese restaurants, you’ll find items like rabbit stew, stuffed vegetables, baked macaroni pie, and Gbejniet, a mild sheep or goat’s cheese. Our favorite stop for Maltese food was Gululu , a waterside traditional restaurant in St. Julian. They have a massive menu full of local items, but our favorites were their ftajjar, a Maltese pizza made on typical ftira bread, and kapunata, the Maltese version of ratatouille.

Peek behind the walls of Mdina

The capital of Malta until the 16th century, Mdina is a walled medieval town. Inside the fortification, it seems like all the buildings and structures are the color of sandstone—a stark contrast against the occasional draping of wisteria and bright balconies Malta is known for.

Mdina is imposing and majestic at once and feels like it belongs in another world, or maybe we’ve just been overly influenced by its part as a set for the early Game of Thrones episodes. Its fewer than 300 inhabitants come from long-standing noble families, so its sparse population and relative lack of cars have helped Mdina be referred to as the “Silent City.” It is truly a unique place and was one of the highlights of our 4 days in Malta.

Visitors to Mdina can marvel at its Baroque-style architecture, wander through the town’s charming streets, or visit the beautiful interior of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a tribute to the saint who is said to have shipwrecked on the island. Tourists can also visit the Cathedral Museum, one of the best religious museums in Europe. Don’t miss the panoramic views from Bastion Square.

Explore the history and food of Rabat

Just a few minutes’ walk from Mdina is Rabat. Not to be confused with Rabat/Victoria on Gozo or Rabat, Morocco , Malta’s Rabat is so named because Rabat means “suburb” in Semitic and the city was once a suburb of Mdina. The town is known primarily for St. Paul’s Grotto, a cave where the saint reportedly lived after his shipwreck. It’s also the home of the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha, which were a cemetery during Roman times because the dead could not be buried within the city walls.

The city is a feast for those (like us) in love with Malta’s balconies. For a literal feast, check out the Crystal Palace, which has probably the best pastizzi in Malta. We also loved the bakery kiosk in front of the Collegiate Church of St. Paul, which has a number of traditional pastries, cookies, and candies.

Step back in time at the Megalithic Temples of Malta

The megalithic temple complexes of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra are one of the most ancient sites on Earth and one of the top Malta attractions. Built from 3600-3200BC, they’re older than Stonehenge and Ireland’s passage tomb Newgrange .

A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site starts with a 3D movie about the temples followed by a self-guided tour of the ruins themselves. You can walk through the rooms and passageways and under the monumental doorways of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra and see the stone furniture and carvings of their builders. Though very little is known about the builders or the purpose of the temples, visiting them is still a fascinating experience.

Swim at Ghar Lapsi

Just up the coast from Hagar Qim, Ghar Lapsi is a natural swimming pool perfect for cooling off on a warm day in Malta. The clear blue and green water is fantastic for snorkeling (lately, we always travel with our own equipment ), and it’s a popular dive site.

The pool is protected from strong waves, and it’s easy to swim out into the open ocean for more snorkeling and exploring. There’s no beach to speak of at Ghar Lapsi—just rocks and a cave to escape the sun, but the beautiful swimming spot has a platform for jumping into the ocean, which is really all you need for a perfect outing. If you can make the time, a stop at Ghar Lapsi is a must do in Malta.

Marvel at the amazing balconies of Malta

There are so many things about the colors and landscape of Malta that are awe-inspiring. One of our favorites was the bright balconies that line many streets in Valletta, Rabat, and beyond. The enclosed balconies are painted in every color of the rainbow from traditional green to brilliant blue to shocking red. It seems like something out of Romeo and Juliet .

The origin of Malta’s balconies is unclear—some sources say they’re a result of the 17th-century Baroque movement while others attribute them to an Arab influence. Whatever the reason, they’re a part of what makes Malta so unique.

Stroll through St. George’s Square in Valletta

City squares in Europe are made for wandering and people-watching. That’s certainly the case with St. George’s Square (aka Palace Square), the largest square in Valletta.

Right in the heart of Malta’s capital city, the square is home to the Grandmasters’ Palace and the Main Guard building. Admire the beauty of the centuries-old buildings, lose yourself in the rhythmic water fountain, or watch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Presidential Palace.

Try the local Maltese brew

The locally brewed Cisk (pronounced Ch-isk) beer is the most popular beer in Malta. The golden lager is light and refreshing—just what you want when it’s hot out.

Hang out in St. Julian’s

Just north of Valletta, St. Julian’s is the center for nightlife. The coastal area is lined with restaurants, cafés, and bars, but there are also plenty of quiet places to get away from the activity, too. During the day, popular activities include relaxing in Ballutta Square, visiting the boatyards in Spinola Bay, wandering the promenade, swimming, and exploring the Spinola Palace.

At night, all the restaurants and bars come alive with tourists and locals, particularly in the Paceville area. Our favorite restaurant in St. Julian’s was Gululu for traditional Maltese fare, and Badass Burgers was a good option for something not Mediterranean. For most places, reservations are probably a good idea during high and shoulder seasons.

Things to do in Gozo

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Malta, the island of Gozo has spectacular sights and plenty of room to explore. We recommend getting there early, especially if you’re visiting in the summer because it’s one of the top things to do in Malta. This visit to Gozo was just a day trip, but we would love to return and spend a couple of nights—Gozo is worth it. We’ve written even more about things to do in Gozo here .

Visit the Citadel

The hilltop fortress known as the Citadel is one of the top places to visit in Gozo. The area has been inhabited for millennia, but the current incarnation of this walled area of the capital city dates from 1551.

The Citadel is home to several museums and a 500-year-old prison once run by the Knights of St. John, where you can visit the old cells and see centuries’ worth of graffiti from the prisoners. There are also several chapels and the Cathedral of the Assumption, a 17th-century Baroque church, which is impossible to miss.

While the main attractions are worth a stop, the best parts of visiting the Citadel are wandering through its old lanes and taking in the views of Gozo from the fortress walls.

Marvel at Gozo’s salt pans

Just three miles from the Citadel near the village of iz-Zebbug are a group of salt pans cut into the coast. The interlacing pans—some of which date back to Roman times—are still used for harvesting salt from the sea. The combination of the rocky coast, the breaking waves, and salt pan mosaic was one of the most unique things to see in Gozo.

Take a break in Xlendi

The fishing village of Xlendi is a perfect spot for lunch and soaking up the sun in Gozo. The seaside promenade is lined with restaurants and cafés where you can watch fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.

There is a small sandy beach and plenty of points for snorkeling, swimming, or diving in the bay. No matter what, take a few minutes to climb the steps for views of the bright blue water below.

One thing to skip: Dingli Cliffs

I hope it’s clear how much we absolutely loved Malta. But there was one place that left us a bit confused—Dingli Cliffs. On the west coast of Malta near Rabat, Dingli is one of the highest points in Malta at around 825 feet (250 meters).

While the views at Dingli weren’t bad, there was nothing overly remarkable about the cliffs here. Maybe we weren’t at the right spot or didn’t have the right angle. Maybe we were jaded after seeing places like the Cliffs of Moher , or maybe we were just so impressed by the rest of Malta and Gozo that Dingli just didn’t quite live up to our expectations. Either way, Dingli Cliffs were skippable for us.

When to visit Malta

With lots of sunshine year-round, Malta is a great place to visit during most of the year. April through October are the warmest months, so if swimming or diving is on your agenda, this is the best time to visit Malta. We visited in mid-October and temperatures were still in the mid-80s. Winter in Malta is cool, and attractions have more limited hours or are closed completely.

It’s worth noting that Malta is very small. Combined, the area of Malta, Gozo, and Comino is only 10% the size of Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S. Crowds—especially in Valletta and getting around on buses—can be a challenge, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing the timing of your visit.

How to get to Malta

Malta is practically in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, so it’s easy to reach from most European cities. Major carriers fly regular routes as do budget airlines like easyJet, RyanAir, and Wizz Air.

Taking the ferry to Malta from Sicily can also be a great option. As with a flight, the specifics of your journey depend on your departure point, the service you choose, and the time of year you travel. Our trip on the Virtu ferry was approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Where to stay in Malta

Tourists stay in three primary areas in Malta—Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s.

Valletta —The capital is the best place to stay if you’re interested in history and culture. Nightlife here is more limited than in some other neighborhoods. Most hotels in Valletta are boutique hotels rather than large chains. There are unique options like the modern SU29 Hotel .

Sliema —This quiet, more residential area still has a great selection of restaurants and shops and a lovely promenade. Sliema is well-connected to Valletta by ferry. The 4-star Victoria Hotel , which features a rooftop pool and luxury spa, is just a 5-minute walk from the promenade. The highly-rated Palazzo Violetta is a great value and offers free parking at their modern studios and suites. Some rooms come with kitchenettes and 40″ flat screen TVs.

St. Julian’s —St. Julian’s (particularly Paceville) is known for its nightlife, but it’s great during the day as well with lovely views along the water and lots of restaurants to choose from. We stayed at the Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa , which is quiet and has an amazing rooftop pool.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Thursday 14th of June 2018

Thanks for the article Laura! I hope I can visit Malta someday!

4 Day Malta Itinerary & Travel Guide

Updated March 2024 ,  The 4 Day Malta Itinerary & Travel Guide was originally written in January 2019

On a whim, I booked a ticket to Malta while I was in  Italy  last fall (2018). Truth be told, Malta has never been on my radar. I had recently returned from a trip to  Lampedusa  and absolutely loved it there, so figured why not go check out nearby Malta?

It was a nice break from Italy, compact and with an easy bus system (if you’ve read many of my last few end-of-month posts you’ll probably recall my lamenting of the stupid bus ticket system in Lazio).

With that said, I didn’t fall in love with Malta. No, nothing bad happened, the weather was nice, and I packed in plenty in my 4 days. I don’t even have anything negative to say about Malta, it just wasn’t my cup of tea, that’s all. Also, be warned: I’ve never seen a single episode of Game of Thrones, so no, I didn’t set out to visit any of the sites made famous by the franchise.

So if you wanna visit Malta and see the best of the island, continue on for a 4 day Malta itinerary based on my recent trip. I also recommend purchasing a copy of Bradt’s Malta and Gozo Guidebook to kickstart your Malta travel plans.

Shop flights to Malta on  Skyscanner

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Malta Quick Info

• Language:  Maltese & English, though Italian is widely spoken and understood
• Currency:  Euro
• Drives on:  Left
• Best Time To Visit:  Summer (June-September) is boiling hot, most crowded, and most expensive. Fall (October, November) is great with comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds, and prices coming down. Winter (December-February) can be chilly but prices are at rock bottom (aside from Christmas and New Year weeks). Finally, springtime (March-May) is another great time to visit, with warming temps, prices similar to fall, and the crowds gradually coming back.

Getting Around Malta

• The easiest way to get around Malta is by public bus. They’re cheap and (mostly) efficient (they can run behind at times, or be full at rush hour). A ticket will set you back 1.25€. Tickets are good for 2 hours (meaning you can hop on/off any number of buses within that 2 hour window), and are payable in cash to the driver on the bus.
• The only exception are night buses which cost 3€ per journey. Their route numbers will begin with an ‘N’.
• For those headed to Malta for a week or that plan to use the bus extensively, grab an Unlimited 7 Day Tallinja Pass for 21€. Available at the airport.
• For more on routes and timetables  click here , and to download the Tallinja App (with bus routes and timetables)  click here .
• Gozo Channel Ferries connect the islands of Malta & Gozo. The ferry docks in Cirkewwa on Malta and in Mgarr in Gozo. Tickets are €4.65, return.  Click here  for the Cirkewwa-Mgarr ferry timetable. You will see men ushering you along and asking where you are going when you get off the bus. If you say Gozo they will direct you to the ferry terminal (don’t worry, they’re not trying to sell you anything).
• Comino Ferries Co-Op connects Malta to Comino, and Comino to Gozo. Tickets are €10 for a two-way ticket. Small ferries go between Cirkewwa Jetty near the ferry terminal in Malta, Blue Lagoon in Comino, and Mgarr in Gozo. Click here for the  schedule . The same men mentioned before will direct you to the Comino Ferry booth if you say Blue Lagoon.
• Ferries connect different parts of Valletta and Sliema as well. Tickets are €1.50 one way and €2.80 return.  Click here  for the Valletta-Sliema ferry timetable.
• Small boats depart the jetty at Zurrieq for tours of the Blue Grotto and neighboring sea caves. Tickets are €8 per person, and boats depart when full.
• For those that want ultimate freedom, you can rent a car on your trip to Malta. Be warned: streets in towns and cities are incredibly narrow.  Check Holiday Autos for the best deals on rental cars in Malta!

Where To Stay

Of course, you can essentially stay anywhere in Malta, but the most common options with the most variety will be Valletta, St Julien’s, and Sliema.

Staying in Valletta will make transport a breeze but prices tend to be a bit higher.

Search Valletta hotels  Booking.com  &  Hotels.com

St Julien’s has the most in way of cheap backpacker hangouts and buzzing nightlife (especially the Paceville area). I opted to stay at  Inhawi Boutique Hostel with clean rooms, a friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of restaurants and bars right outside the door. St Julien’s is a good choice for those relying on bus transport, but many longer distance trips will require a stop in Valletta to change buses.

Book St Julien’s accommodations  Booking.com  &  Hotels.com

Sliema, located between St Julien’s and Valletta is another great option for lodging and is well-connected with the public bus system. Sliema and St Julien’s are about a 15 minute walk from one another.

Shop Sliema hotels on  Booking.com  &  Hotels.com

What To Eat

Maltese cuisine has influences from several other cultures thanks to its key position in the Mediterranean. Most noticeable will be Sicilian and English, followed by Spanish, French, Mediterranean, and Maghrebin. With that said, beyond Pastizzi, Maltese dishes can be tricky to find in restaurants. Italian, Kebab, and global fast-food chains are everywhere in Malta.

For traditional Maltese cuisine try  Nenu The Artisan Baker  and Ta’ Kris. For good and cheap pastizzi head to the small walk-up pastizzeria in St Julien’s on the corner of St George Street & Ross Street across from Ross Park.

Maltese Dishes To Try

• Stuffat Tal-Fenek:  A Maltese rabbit stew. The national dish.
• Pastizzi:  Delicious little flakey fried savory pastries, typically stuffed with ricotta or mashed peas. Can be found at walk-up shops on the streets. Perfect for backpackers as a Pastizzi costs about .30¢.
• Kawlata:  A vegetable soup.
• Ftira Ghawdxoja:  A flatbread stuffed or topped with Gbejniet (a sheep-milk cheese native to Gozo) and potatoes.
• Lampuki Pie:  Pies filled with Lampuki fish, potatoes, spinach, capers, mint, and olive oil.

4 Day Malta Itinerary

Day 1 Valletta, Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs

Day 2 Blue Lagoon & Gozo

Day 3 Blue Grotto, Birzebbugia, Marsaxlokk

Day 4 Ghajn Tuffieha & The Three Cities

Day 1: Valletta, Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs

Welcome to the compact capital of Malta! Valletta is home to elaborate Baroque architecture thanks to the order of St. John following the Siege of 1565. Some of you may need an entire day or more in Valletta to really appreciate it, while others (like me) are happy making a quick lap around it looking at the architecture.

A few things to see in Valletta are the Auberge de Castille, Fort St. Elmo & the War Museum, St. Augustine Parish Church, Grand Master’s Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral (€10 to enter), The Upper Barracca Gardens, and Manoel Theater. For history buffs– don’t miss The  Malta Experience , an audio-visual show that covers Malta’s 7,000 year history (€16 per person).

If you’re going to Valletta from the Airport take bus X3  to Valletta, Bus  X2 will take you from the Airport to St Julien’s

Not keen on exploring on your own?  Check out this Valletta walking tour .

Mdina is an ancient city and was at one point in time the capital of Malta. Some could opt to spend 2-4 hours exploring both Mdina & Rabat (they’re walking distance from one another), while others will be happy to make a quick trip to walk through each town and move on.

Sites to see in Mdina are the Mdina Gate, St Paul’s Cathedral & Museum, the Municipal Palace, Banca Giuratale, and Mdina’s beautiful Palazzos. History buffs should jump for the  Mdina Experience  (€6).

As Mdina and Rabat sit side-by-side and walking distance apart you should visit both together. Check out this Mdina and Rabat walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of both ancient cities.

From Valletta take bus 51, 52, 53, or 56 to reach Mdina.  The journey will take about 30 minutes each way. The bus does continue onto Rabat, so it’s totally possible to visit Rabat first if you so choose.

A short 5 minute walk from Mdina brings you to ancient Rabat. The main sites in Rabat are St Agatha’s and St Paul’s Catacombs (€5).

From Rabat take bus 207 and get off at the Dingli Cliffs stop .

Take the work out of your visit and book this  Mdina, Rabat, Dingli & Mosta day tour from Valletta

Dingli Cliffs

For your first sunset in Malta, head to the Dingli Cliffs for the best sundown views on the island.

Back to Valletta, you can either take bus 207 to the Airport  and then switch for bus X3 to Valletta, or bus X2 or TD2 for those headed back to St Julien’s. If you don’t mind a 2 km walk from the cliffs,  walk back to Dingli Village and hop on bus 52 or 56  bound for Valletta.

Want To Explore Malta Island without figuring out public buses?  Click here  to pick up your Malta Hop On Hop Off Bus ticket

Day 2: Comino & Gozo

Blue Lagoon

Malta’s Blue Lagoon is one of the country’s most famous tourist draws. This lagoon and tiny beach on Comino has some of the clearest waters you’ll find in the Mediterranean. It’s easy to see why everyone flocks here. 

Do be warned:  Get here as early as possible (the earliest ferry from Cirkewwa departs at 9 am). This place gets extremely crowded and there’s only a handful of beach chairs available for rent on the beach, otherwise, plan to lay out your towel on a rock.

There are lockers available for rent for €5 if you’d like to lock up valuables while splashing in the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a short tour of Comino’s grotto-laden coastline on the way over from Cirkewwa on the Comino Ferry Co-Op boat.

From St Julien’s and Sliema hop on bus 222  to Cirkewwa and then from Cirkewwa take the  Comino Ferries Co-Op  boat to Blue Lagoon (€10 per person for a two-way ticket).

From Valletta take bus 41 or 42  to Cirkewwa and then from Cirkewwa take the Comino Ferries Co-Op boat to Blue Lagoon.

There’s more to Comino than just the Blue Lagoon! Comino was named after the cumin that once grew wild on the island. A few sites to see on Comino include St Mary’s Tower, St Nicolas Bay, Santa Maria Bay, and St Mary’s Battery. For more intrepid travelers who like a little seclusion, there is a campground at Santa Maria Bay, just a short walk back from the beach.

From Comino, you can catch the Comino Ferries Co-Op  Boat to Mgarr in Gozo (or back to Cirkewwa).

Make it easy! Book this  €28 Comino & Blue Lagoon Day Cruise , including hotel pick-up!

The island is believed to be the legendary Calypso from Homer’s Odyssey, and home to the oldest megalithic temples in Malta (Ggantija Temples). Some may opt to devote an entire day to touring Gozo while others will do like I did and pair it with a trip to Comino.

You have two options for getting around Gozo: either buy the Hop On/Hop Off Bus (€18 per person- you’ll see tickets being sold right outside the ferry terminal) or by using the public bus. I opted for the public bus option as I wasn’t going to make complete use of the entire Hop On/Off route, but the Hop On/Off Bus does have the advantage of an audio guide.

Notable things to see on Gozo are Xewkija Church, Xlendi Bay, Dwerja Bay & The Inland Sea (this is also the stop where the Azure Window once stood until its collapse in 2017, don’t worry the natural rock pool is still there and still beautiful), Ggantija Temples, and Ramla Bay.

For those traveling by public bus on Gozo  you can find all the Gozo bus routes and schedules on  this page , just scroll to the bottom.

The Gozo Channel Ferry  (€4.65 return, no one-way tickets sold) runs all throughout the day and late in the evening. Note that the last buses from Cirkewwa bound for St Julien’s (222), and Valletta (41 & 42) depart at 9:30 pm, so make sure you give yourself enough time! The ferry takes about 30 minutes for the crossing.

Check out this  full day Gozo tour from Malta

Wanna do Gozo & Comino in 1 day without the hassles? Click here to check out this  Gozo & Comino tour

Day 3: Blue Grotto, Birzebbugia & Marsaxlokk

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is a massive and beautiful sea cave on Malta’s southern shore. The Grotto can be seen from a viewpoint on top of the cliff where buses drop you off, but for the best views hop on one of the small boats that leave from the jetty in Zurrieq to take a ride through the grotto and to explore nearby caves (€8 per person).

From Valletta buses 73 & 74  will take you to Zurrieq.

Check out this  half-day tour of Blue Grotto & Marsaxlokk from Valletta

To Birzebuggia from Zurrieq take bus 73  and get off at the Airport and then  take bus X4 to Birzebbugia .

Birzebbugia

Relax on the nice white sand beach here at Birzebbugia for the afternoon after these last couple of chaotic days. There’s not a lot to see in Birzebbugia, and even the beach view is obstructed by industrialization and shipping containers in the distance. If heading to the beach isn’t your thing, go check out the Ghar Dalam Cave or Borg in-Nadur Settlement.

To Marsaxxlok take bus 210  from Birzebbugia.

Marsaxlokk is a quaint fishing village on the southeast shore of Malta. This is a great place to head for sunset for photos of the colorful fishing boats anchored out in the water as the sky changes from blue to orangy-pink hues. Grab a meal of the fresh catch at one of the waterfront cafés here before you head back to Valletta.

To get back to Valletta take bus TD10 or 85  from Marsaxlokk.

Day 4: Ghajn Tuffieha & The Three Cities

Ghajn Tuffieha & Golden Beach

Save the best for last! Ghajn Tuffieha was by far my favorite place in Malta. This is a 4 beach in 1 day kind of day trip.

You’ll start your trek from popular Golden Beach and continue to Ghajn Tuffieha Tower set up on a hill above the water. From there continue walking along the trail to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay Beach where you can go for a swim and enjoy the narrow strip of sand.

After you’ve gotten in a good rest and a swim, continue uphill to the knob-like prominence jutting out into the ocean. From up here, you’ll have great panoramic views of beaches on both sides.

Next, hike downhill to the unnamed beach on the other side of the rocky prominence (take care, as it is steep), where you can opt to relax in the sun and water and then turn back toward the bus stop at Golden Beach or Ghajn Tuffieha, or continue onto Gnejna Bay Beach.

If you continue to Gnejna Bay Beach you will either need to return back to Ghajn Tuffieha or Golden Beach to catch a bus (about 2.3km) or continue onto L-Imgarr to reach a bus stop (about 2.7km).

From Valletta take bus 44  to reach Ghajn Tuffieha.  From San Julien’s take bus 225  to reach Ghajn Tuffieha.

The Three Cities

After you return from Ghajn Tuffieha to Valletta, take a ferry (€1.50) or a private boat (€2) from Valletta to the Three Cities. The names are Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua and are all within walking distance of one another. They have been inhabited since the Middle Ages.

Sites to see in the Three Cities are Fort St Angelo, Fort St Michael, the Grand Harbor, and the Cottonera Lines of Fortification.

Take a ferry or private boat back to Valletta , and then continue back to St Julien’s by bus if you are staying over there. You can also take a ferry to Sliema and walk back to St Julien’s.

Looking for more ideas? Check out  18 things to do in Malta

Alternative Places To Add To Your Malta Itinerary

Popeye Village

Also known as Sweethaven Village, was the purpose-built film set for the 1980 live-action version of Popeye the Sailor. Now it acts as a tourist attraction and resort. Entrance is €11-15 depending on the season, though views of the village from a lookout point nearby are free.

Book a  tour of Popeye Village , including entrance fees

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

A Neolithic subterranean structure dating back to 3300-3000 BC in the town of Paola. This is a necropolis holding the remains of at least 7,000 people. Guided tours are €35, video experience is €5. Guided tours book up fast, so secure your place at  Heritage Malta .

Dive to the HMS Maori

The most famous World War II wreckage among the many off Malta’s shores. The HMS Maori was sunk by the Germans, sitting at a depth of 14 meters.

Cave Diving in Comino

Comino boasts the best reef and cave diving in Malta. The caves are famous for their shimmering blue luminescence, and keep your eye peeled for octopus and barracuda.

Tarxien Temples

These four temples date back to 3300-2400 BC. The largest temple complex in Malta. Tickets are €6.

Take a  half-day tour of the Tarxien Temples from Valletta

Miriam al-Batool Mosque

Malta’s only official mosque, whose first stones were laid by Libya’s Muammar Ghaddafi in 1978. Located in Paola.

San Anton Gardens

Located in Attard, in the heart of Malta is the San Anton Gardens. Opened to the public in 1882. Stroll around the lush green trees and plants that line the parks many walkways.

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3 days in Malta Itinerary

How to make the most of your short trip.

Staying only 3 days in Malta is impossible to see all the wonderful sights. However, here are the highlights you should put first on your list when you arrive at this beautiful Mediterranean destination.

the 3 days in Malta itinerary

• Day One: Enjoy a day at Valletta
• Day Two: Visit the Island of Gozo
• Day Three: Mdina & Dingli Cliffs

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Malta Itinerary: Day 1

Valletta malta

Any visit to Malta should begin in Valletta . Malta’s unique capital is the smallest national capital in the European Union. That makes Valletta a perfect city to explore by foot, especially with its narrow alleyways that resemble an open-air museum. It’s easy to reach Valletta from the  airport  on the X4 bus (runs every 30 minutes, takes 25 minutes, and costs €2) or by taxi (15 minutes, approximately €16).

The most iconic structure in the city is  St. John’s Co-Cathedral . Unlike many cathedrals, it is the painted and gilded interior that most impresses visitors. This Baroque cathedral is a popular destination, so visitors should aim to get there early in the morning. Also, ensure you dress modestly. The clerics don’t like to see you arrive in shorts and a T-shirt. The cathedral was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John, and 375 knights were laid to rest beneath its marble floors.

The  Grand Master’s Palace  is where the leader of the Order of St. John once lived. Now it holds the office of Malta’s President. The staterooms are open to the public, including the Throne Room, the Tapestry Hall, the State Dining Hall, the Ambassador’s Room, and the Page’s Waiting Room. The palace armory contains armor and weapon once owned by the Knights of the Order.

If you have time, check out the  Upper Barrakka Garden . This viewpoint offers scenic views of the Grand Harbour and is the location of a daily cannon shot ceremony held at 12 noon and 4 pm. This ceremony originates from an old tradition of greeting foreign vessels with a shot when they sailed into port.

Day 2 of 3 Days In Malta

If you wish to fully appreciate the culture and variety of Malta, you should take the ½-hour ferry to Gozo , the second-largest island of the Republic of Malta. The crossing from Cirkewwa to Mgarr Harbor passes Comino Island. Comino Island is the most popular  snorkeling  spot in Malta, with sea caves and diverse marine life as well as the beautiful Blue Lagoon. Much like with the main island, the best way to explore Gozo is by hiring a car.

Dwejra Bay is the most popular destination on Gozo, renowned for the  Azure Window  rock formation which unfortunately has collapsed into the sea, Inland Sea, Fungus Rock , and the Blue Hole. This Blue Hole is a world-class  scuba diving  spot that is also popular with snorkelers and free divers. This geological feature is a circular rock formation formed by a sinkhole through the local limestone. It is only 16 feet by 32 feet in size but 50 feet deep.

Approximately 30 feet down, an archway allows access from the Blue Hole to the open sea. Opposite the archway, there is a big cave that scuba divers love to explore. The walls of the hole are home to sponges, coral tubeworms, and other marine creatures.

While on Gozo, check out the Ggantija Temples , a unique archaeological site. This megalithic temple complex was constructed 5,500 years ago during the Neolithic period, making them older than the pyramids and amongst the oldest structures in the world. Ggantija means Giants, and the site is named after giants who locals believed built the temples. There are other megalithic temples around Malta, but this complex is the oldest.

Day 3: Mdina & Dingli Cliffs

To explore the rest of Malta, it’s best to hire a vehicle. The bus routes were not designed with the attractions in mind, and the schedules are sometimes misleading. And the next stop on your list should be Mdina.

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and is located atop a hill just 8 miles west of Valletta. It is a historic fortified city where cars are forbidden. However, you can park your hire car in the free parking lot just outside the city and explore on foot.

Because of the lack of vehicles and ancient streets, Mdina is sometimes known as the Silent City . Its buildings are a mixture of the finest examples of medieval and baroque architecture. St. Paul’s Cathedral is an impressive baroque structure dedicated to the Apostle who was shipwrecked in Malta. In fact, you can walk from Mdina to the neighboring town of Rabat to visit the cave where locals believe St. Paul took refuge.

As soon as you enter Mdina main gate on the right you find the Mdina Dungeons Museum a real realistic and agonising story of medieval episodes which happened in Malta many hundred years ago. Do not miss to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral located at the centre a splendid baroque style architecture.

While in Mdina, you may enjoy a visit to the famous Fontanella Tea Garden. You may have to wait to be seated because it is a popular café. The upper floor of the tearooms offers the best views of the surrounding countryside. The tearooms are renowned for their homemade cakes.

dingli cliffs

Just 5 miles south of Mdina is Malta’s highest point, Dingli Cliffs. You can enjoy a relaxing walk atop the cliffs and experience panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. If you drive 8 miles north of Dingli, or 5½ miles northwest of Mdina, you come to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay . The ochre sand beach is popular with locals. A path headed toward the south of the beach leads you to a large rock formation with breathtaking views.

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Malta Highlights 4 Day Guided Tour

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Traveled in February 2024

• Introduction
• Day 1 Malta, Arrival
• Day 2 Grand Harbor Tour, Valletta and Three Cities
• Day 3 Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Megalithic Temples Hagar Qim Mnejidra, Mdina
• Day 4 Departure

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• Overall Rating Excellent 4.8
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• A Kristina Czajkowski · 26th March 2024 Just a quick message to say “thanks” for all your help before my trip. My tour were wonderful – I got exactly what I wanted from each one.Jonathan was a terrific guide – absolutely full of information and interesting facts. Both drivers were great too.... Show more Trip date: March 2024 Review collected by Soleto Travel

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How to spend 5 days in Malta to live your own Mediterranean dream!

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Type “1 week itinerary Malta” and you will get tons of information. I tried, and it was overwhelming. In this article, I will organize things a bit based on my own visit, to help you plan a trip to this fascinating country. It is essentialy an article about how to spend 5 days in Malta, plus two days to fly there and back.

Last updated on: 10 January 2024

Table of Contents

Map with all sights mentioned in this malta itinerary.

Each color corresponds to a specific day of this Malta itinerary. 

A special reference to the rich history of Malta

Prehistoric times, phoenicians & romans.

“Where is Malta?” and “What are the best things to do in Malta?” are two questions I get a lot, as people struggle to find the country on the map. 🙂 Malta is a small island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Humans have inhabited the island from around 5900 BC. The first settlers were European Neolithic agriculturalists. A prehistoric Neolithic culture developed on Malta. The testimonies of this are the Megalithic structures, some of which date back to around 3600 BC (more on these later).

Around 800-700 BC, the Phoenicians colonized Malta and brought their Semitic language and culture.

Arabic and Hebrew belong to the same branch, the Semitic languages.

Phoenicians used the islands as an outpost, from where they explored the Mediterranean further and developed trade relations with other people. The Romans pushed away the successors of Phoenicians, the Carthaginians , in 216 BC. Maltese inhabitants helped the Romans and Malta became a Roman municipium .

Being part of a Roman municipium offered protection by the Roman Empire. This came with certain obligations, of course.

Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders & the arrival of the British

Around the 4th century, the Vandals (Germanic people) briefly occupied Malta. However, shortly after Malta fell under Byzantine rule and this remained so until the 9th century. 

In 870, the Arab dynasty of the Aghlabids invaded Malta and theories suggest that the islands may have been repopulated by settlers from Arab-ruled Sicily. These settlers spoke Siculo-Arabic, which is the predecessor of modern Maltese language.  Normans conquered Malta in 1091 and drove Arabs away. By 1249, the islands had become completely re-Christianised.

Later, the islands became part of the Kingdom of Sicily until 1530 and were also briefly under the control of the Capetian House of Anjou (in modern France). In 1530, Charles V of Spain (Holy Roman Emperor) gave the Maltese islands to the Catholic Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in perpetual lease.

In 1798, Napoleon briefly occupied the island, but the Maltese ousted the French two years later with the aid of the British. The inhabitants then asked Britain to assume sovereignty over the islands. Malta became a British colony with the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

Malta becomes independent

In 1956 Malta almost became part of the UK, but this did not come to fruition. Malta ultimately became an independent state on 21 September 1964 (Independence Day). Elizabeth II initially remained the queen and a governor-general exercised authority on her behalf.

On 13 December 1974 (Republic Day), Malta became a republic within the (British) Commonwealth of Nations , with the President as head of state. On 31 March 1979, the last British troops and Royal Navy left Malta and this day is known as Freedom Day. Malta then  became a neutral and non-aligned state. On 1 May 2004, Malta joined the European Union and started using the Euro as its currency on 1 January 2008.

As you can imagine, all these different periods have left a mark on Malta. Today, the island is a fascinating mix of various influences with a distinct Maltese character.

Day 1: Valletta & surroundings

A tiny capital full of character.

Valletta is the capital of Malta and has around 6 thousand inhabitants. It is a must in any Malta 5-day itinerary. 

Valletta is a fortified city on a hilly peninsula between two natural harbors. The city was founded in 1566, shortly after the Siege of Malta by the Ottomans. It is a must in any Malta itinerary and in this article you can read about how to spend one day in Valletta.

Day 2: Middle & West Malta – Mdina, Rabat, Mosta, Zebbuq

An unusual church interior.

On this day, we focused on the western part of Malta. We left Sliema in the morning and headed towards the town of Zebbug . There we paid a visit to the Parish Church of Saint Philip of Agira . The original church was built in 1412. Following the Great Siege of Malta, the current church was erected. The current church was built between 1599 and 1632 and enlargement works took place in 1660. Side aisles were added in 1913. What makes it striking is its red interior.  

Lost glory in Mdina

We continued to the town of Mdina, where we arrived after 20 minutes. Mdina is a fortified town and forms a contiguous unit with the adjacent town of Rabat. Around 14 thousand people live there today. It is without a doubt a must in your Malta 5-day itinerary.

The Phoenicians founded Mdina as Maleth around the 8th century BC. The Romans renamed it Melite and it grew significantly. During the Arab occupation of Malta, Mdina got its current name, which comes from the Arabic word “medina”.

The word “medina”refers to the walled part of old North African towns. You will find many “medinas” in Morocco , Algeria and Tunisia.

Mdina functioned as the capital of Malta throughout the Middle Ages, until the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530. The Knights of Malta turned Birgu into the administrative centre of the island and Mdina declined. During the time of the Knights, several Baroque structures appeared and the medieval character of the town was maintained. Furthermore, Mdina remained the center of the Maltese nobility and religious authorities. However, the city never regained its pre-1530 importance. A nickname of Mdina is “Silent City” and when you walk there you will see why. Having said that, it can get a bit crowded in places because it is a popular destination among visitors. This makes it no less appealing, however.

As you enter the walled city of Mdina, you will notice the magnificent Main Gate . The gate was built in the Baroque style in 1724 during the magistracy of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena.

Next to the main gate you will encounter Palazzo Vilhena , also called Magisterial Palace or Palazzo Pretorio. It has a typical French Baroque style and is named after Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who commissioned it. The palace was built between 1726 and 1728. During the 19th century, it functioned as a hospital and became known as Connaught Hospital. Today it is open to the public as a museum.

A little further down the street it is worth checking out Tales Of The Silent City . This museum documents the city’s medieval past during times of glory. Almost right next to the museum you will find Palazzo Santa Sofia . Its ground floor dates from 1233 and is possibly the oldest surviving building in the city. The upper floor was added in the 20th century. 

A block from Palazzo Santa Sofia you will find the Cathedral of Saint Paul (open Mon-Fri 9:30-16:30, Sat 9:00-15:30). The original cathedral was founded in the 12th century. According to tradition, the church stands on the site of where Roman governor Publius met St. Paul following his shipwreck on Malta. The 1693 Sicily earthquake destroyed the cathedral and a new church was rebuilt in Baroque style between 1696 and 1705. Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà designed it and it is regarded as his masterpiece.

Another beautiful church to visit is the Baroque Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady which opened its doors in 1675 and is also known as The Carmelite Church .

As you head north along Triq Il Villegaignon, you will end up at yet another palace, Palazzo Falson (open 10:00-17:00). It used to be the residence of the Falson family.

From Palazzo Falson, it is a short walk to Bastion square , from where you can enjoy scenic views towards west and north Malta. I found Mdina a true delight to visit. It is a must-see in your Malta itinerary.

Roman and Christian heritage in Rabat...and a tasty bonus

We exited the walled city of Mdina and headed towards the adjacent town of Rabat. We paid a brief visit to Domvs Romana (Roman House) . The house was erected in the 1st century BC as an aristocratic town house (domus) inside the Roman city of Melite. In the 11th century, a Muslim cemetery was established on the ruins of the house.

Very close to Domys Romana, you will find Is-Serkin – Crystal Palace Bar . The place is known for serving some of the best pastizzi in Malta. And they were delicious indeed!

Pastizzi are typical pastries that are filled with pea paste or ricotta cheese. Both versions are delicious! Lately, they also come with chicken filling.

A few more interesting places to visit in the town of Rabat include:

• Casa Bernard (Mon to Sat 10:00-16:00): a typical 16th-century Baroque palace.
• Basilica of Saint Paul dating from the 17th century
• Wignacourt Collegiate Museum , which was formerly the baroque residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of St. John. It bears the name of the Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, who ruled over the Maltese Islands between 1601 and 1622.

The Pantheon of Malta

We continued driving northeast and after about 20 minutes we reached the town of Mosta . The single most important thing to see there is the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady . It is commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta . Construction works began in 1833 and the church was completed in 1860. It has a neoclassical design and stands on the site of an earlier Renaissance church which had been built in 1614.

If you have been to Rome, the church may ring a bell as its design is based on the Pantheon in Rome . In fact, the Rotunda of Mosta has the third largest unsupported dome in the world. It is also Malta’s largest church. It is astonishing that it is still standing, as a German aerial bomb pierced the dome and fell into the church on 9 April 1942 during the Second World War. Thankfully, the bomb failed to explode and the locals saw this as a miracle. Rotunda was another of the highlights of our Malta 5-day itinerary.

Beautiful landscapes and a movie set

We left Mosta in the afternoon and headed towards the western coast in the district of Mellieha. If you have an extra day available, it is worth hiking around Il-Blata tal-Melh . Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a place to enjoy one of the few sandy beaches on Malta. Nearby Golden Bay is also sandy and larger, but is also much busier.

Finally, Popeye Village might be a fun thing to do, especially for families. The place is also called Sweethaven Village and is a film set village that has been converted into a small attraction fun park. It was built as a film set for the production of the 1980 live-action musical feature film “Popeye” starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall. 

Do you have limited time and wonder how to visit Malta in two days? Then day 1 and 2 make the perfect trip. These days contain most of the best 10 things to see in Malta. If you have more time, then keep reading! 🙂

Day 3: Day trip from Malta to Gozo (Għawdex)

The tranquil part of the country.

Gozo is called Għawdex in Maltese, but was also known as Gaulos in antiquity. It is the second biggest island of the Republic of Malta, after the island of Malta itself. Around 32 thousand people live there as of 2022, which means the population density is much lower than Malta island. This makes Gozo rather quiet compared to the big island and it definitely has a rural character. This is also its beauty and a reason why it is an essential addition to your Malta 5-day itinerary. In this article I describe how to spend a day in Gozo. You will love the island like I did!

Day 4: South Malta – Grottos, Neolithic temples, cliffs and more

An imposing rock formation.

On this day, we explored the southern part of Malta. This part is less densely populated than the northern half and it is also hillier in general. We left Sliema and drove along the airport, continuing south. Our first stop was the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Żurrieq. This is a complex of seven sea caves and a popular place to visit. You can get impressive views from the cliff, but it is also possible to do a small group tour by boat.

The place got its name in the 1950s, when a British soldier who was visiting the area compared it to Capri’s famous Grotta Azzura (literally “Blue Grotto”). This was because of of its amazing clear, bright blue waters.

There is one more Blue Grotto on Kastellorizo island, Greece, which I was lucky enough to visit and describe in this fantastic itinerary .

The Blue Grotto complex has a massive arch of some 30 meters (98 ft) in height. Some of the six other caves are called the Honeymoon Cave, the Cat’s Cave and the Reflection Cave.

Special note for diving enthusiasts:

Local diving operators organize group dives to the “Blue Grotto Dive Site”. The site is not right at Blue Grotto, but about a kilometre (0.6 mile) to the west. If you do this dive, you will also likely visit one of the Mediterranean’s most famous dive sites, the Um El Faroud wreck. This is a tanker that sank in 1998. This is an excellent dive but you need a bit of experience. Two other dive locations in the area include the eastern reef of Wied iż-Żurrieq and the west reef.

Two more of the marvelous Megalithic Temples of Malta

Very close to the Blue Grotto is one of the highlights of Malta: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra megalithic temples ( opening hours ). These temples are from the same period as Ġgantija temples in Gozo (approx. 3600–3200 BC). Together with nerby Mnajdra temples, Ġgantija temple in Gozo and Tarxien temples near Valletta (more on this in day 5), they form the Megalithic Temples of Malta . I am into history, so I just had to include them in my Malta itinerary. 

The temples are in fact among the most ancient religious sites on Earth. Remember I wrote earlier that Ġgantija is even older than the pyramids of Egypt. The people who built the temples back then used limestone. As you might know, limestone does erode easily and as a result of this, the temple has suffered from severe weathering and surface flaking over the millennia. Fortunately, a protective tent was installed in 2009 and there is still plenty to see. It was such a delightful experience to witness these ancient structures from so close. Hiking in the surrounding area was also very enjoyable.

Religious architecture, great views & delicious local produce

We continued by heading northwest along the coast and briefly stopped at the village of Siġġiewi to visit the beautiful church of St. Nicholas , which dates from the 17rth century. 

We then continued along the coast until we reached Dingli Cliffs . From here you get very scenic views of the dramatic coastline. Nearby Ta’ Dmejrek is the highest point of Malta at 253 meters (830 ft).

We then drove to the nearby village of Ħad-Dingli where we enjoyed a delicious farm-to-table style meal at Diar il-Bniet restaurant . Be sure to try the excellent Maltese Gbejniet cheese if you are a cheese lover. It is seriously good!

If you did not do so on day 2 and are in the mood for hiking, Il-Blata tal-Melh further northwest is a scenic and tranquil area. I particularly enjoyed this part of Malta, partly because it retains a quieter atmosphere in a densely populated island. From there, it is a 30-minute drive back to Valletta/Sliema.

Day 5: East Malta – Monumental cities, unique archaeology & fishing heritage

Visiting the three cities.

On our last full day in Malta, we explored the eastern part of the island, roughly east of the line that runs from Valletta to Malta International airport. We left Sliema in the morning and headed just east/southeast of Valletta to the so-called Three Cities: Vittoriosa (also called Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua (also called Bormla) . This 3 cities tour Malta is a must. 

Senglea and Birgu cover two peninsulas just opposite of Valleta on the Grand Harbor. Cospicua is just south of Senglea and a bit further inland. The Three Cities have a lot of preserved architecture and lots more to see. You can easily spend a few hours there, before continuing.

A fun way to get there is by crossing the Grean Harbor with a traditional dgħajsa water taxi  (dgħajsa tal-pass). During the Hospitaller rule in Malta, the settlements of Valletta and the Three Cities developed rapidly and there arose a demand for a ferry service in the Grand Harbor. The dgħajsa tal-pass likely emerged in the early 17th century to meet this demand. The design of the dgħajsa is similar to older water taxis in Sicily.

Vittoriosa, the cradle of Maltese history

The fortified city of Vittoriosa is actually one of the oldest in Malta. People often refer to it as the cradle of Maltese History. It was the first place where the Knights of the Order of St John were based, after they settled on Malta in 1530. Thanks to this, Vittoriosa contains some of the most historic churches, palaces and noble homes in Malta.

The original name of the city was Birgu, but was renamed Vittoriosa (meaning “victorious”) after the Great Ottoman Siege of 1565. This was meant to commemorate the role it played in the defense of the island. Fort St. Angelo sits on the tip of Vittoriosa’s peninsular and is an important part of Malta’s military heritage. The fort was once home to the Grand Master of the Order of St John.

Another must-see place in Vittoriosa is the Inquisitor’s Palace ( opening hours ). It dates from the 1530s and originally functioned as a courthouse. Later it became the seat and home of the Catholic Inquisitors for over 200 years. You can take a tour to a few restored rooms and original cells within the palace. Some of the cells still contain carvings made by the prisoners. The building is also home to the Museum of Ethnography , which is dedicated to Maltese religion and culture.

On Vittoriosa’s waterfront you will find the island’s largest museum, Malta Maritime Museum ( opening hours ). The museum takes you through Malta’s 7,000-year seafaring history and contains artefacts, such as a ancient Maltese boats and a giant Roman anchor that belonged to the Knights.

Another notable site in Vittoriosa is St. Lawrence Church .It was designed in the Roman-baroque style in the late 1600s and it served as the church of the Order of St John until St John’s Co-Cathedral was opened in Valletta in 1577. If you visit in August, you can attend the annual Feast of St. Lawrence.

A cute feature of the city are the “hall-in-the-wall” type eateries, where you can enjoy local snacks like the delicious pastizzi I described earlier. Birgi is a highly-rated place, but there are many more.

Cospicua, the largest of the Three Cities

Cospicua is the largest of the Three Cities and it was originally known as Bormia. The city was awarded the name Cospicua (meaning “conspicuous”) by the Knights to honor its people who defended it during the Great Ottoman Siege. The city sufferer damage during the conflicts but was eventually rebuilt.

One of the highlights of Cospicua is the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception . Inside the church you will find notable art pieces, such as a painting of The Madonna and Child by Italian painter Polidoro Veneziano, which is above the high altar.

Another major landmark is the defense fortifications around the city. There are two main fortification works: the Firenzuola Fortifications dating from 1638 and the smaller Cottonera Lines, which were erected in 1670. 

Senglea: fortified and magnificent

Senglea is on a peninsula parallel to Vittoriosa. Unlike the other Three Cities of Malta, Senglea sufered very little damage during the Great Ottoman Siege thanks to its fortification. For this reason, it is also commonly known as Citta’ Invicta (the invincible city). The city used to be called L’Isla (meaning “the island”) but it was eventually named after Grand Master Claude de la Senglea, who had fortification works done in 1551. Unfortunately, 75% of Senglea did suffer damage during World War II, but many of its glorious structures were restored afterwards. 

Safe Haven Gardens at Senglea Point is a great place to get stunning views of the Grand Harbor and Valletta across the bay, especially from the stone bastion lookout point known as Il-Gardjola . Another notable sight is Our Lady of Victories Parish Church . The church was built following the Great Siege and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Like many other churches on Malta, it has beautiful interiors and works of art, such as a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.

A unique underground experience

A 10-minute drive south/southwest of the Three Cities brought us to one of my personal highlights in Malta: Hal Saflieni Hypogeum ( opening hours and ticket booking ). This is a Neolithic underground structure that dates from 3300 – 3000 BC. The name Hypogeum means “underground” in Greek. Archaeologists believe that it was a sanctuary and necropolis. The remains of some 7,000 people have been found. It is one of the best preserved examples of the Maltese temple building culture and another of my personal highlights of this Malta 5-day itinerary.

The Hypogeum was discovered by chance in 1902 when workers were cutting cisterns for a new housing development. Thy penetrated the roof of the Hypogeum and a whole new structure appeared. Unfortunately, many items such as grave goods and human remains were emptied out and discarded without being properly catalogued.

The Hypogeum first opened to visitors in 1908 while the excavations continued. However, high visitor numbers brought the deterioration of the colorful patterns inside the Hypogeum due to humidity. In 1991, it closed for a decade for restoration works. In May 2017 it opened for good and today a limited number of visitors can enter each day.

Be sure to book your tickets many weeks in advance, as daily capacity is limited and tickets sell out quickly. Booking 3-4 months ahead of time is best.

When you get underground, you will experience something magical that will take you back in time. Be aware that photos are not allowed inside the cave.

You are now in the town of Paola and very close to the Hypogeum it is also worth visiting the Parish Church of Paola , also known as Basilica of Christ the King . The church dates from early 20th century and has a relatively sober yet grand interior.

More marvelous Megalithic structures

Very close to the Hypogeum I recommend visiting  Tarxien Temples (Ħal Tarxien Prehistoric Complex) ( opening hours ). Together with the previously mentioned temple complexes they form the Megalithic Temples of Malta. Tarxien Temples date from approximately 3150 BC. 

The temples consist of three separate temple structures that stand next to each other.

• The west temple dates from approximately 3100 BC and is  the most elaborately decorated of the temples of Malta.
• The middle temple dates to about 3000 BC. Unlike other Maltese temples, it has three pairs of apses instead of the usual two.
• The east temple also dates from around 3100 BC.

Further to the east there are the remains of another smaller and older temple which dates from around 3250 BC. Tarxien Temples have intricate stonework, which depicts domestic animals carved in relief, screens decorated with spiral designs, altars and other patterns. A chamber between the South and Central temples contains a relief showing a bull and a sow.

People used this site mostly for rituals, which probably involved animal sacrifice. During the Bronze Age, the site was reused as a cremation cemetery.

Tarxien Temples also make clear how the megaliths were constructed. This happened with the help of stone rollers, which still stand outside one of the temples. Additionally, evidence of cremation has been found at the center of the South temple. This is an indicator that the site was reused as a Bronze Age cremation cemetery.

Malta's fishing heritage & a few scenic spots

We continued driving east and after about 15 minutes we reached the town of Marsaxlokk . The best day to visit is Sunday, as there is a big Sunday market in the town. It is a lively town and the largest fishing harbor in Malta. Its special character and heritage alone make it worth adding to your 5 days in Malta itinerary.

Near Marsaxlokk there are a few beautiful rock formations as well as nice swimming spots:

• St. Peter’s Pool
• Ta Kalanka Sea Cave
• Munxar Window

Finally, a 15-minute drive south of Marsaxlokk will bring you to another scenic spot for great views: Ghar ir-Rih.

We spent the afternoon relaxing in Marsaxlokk and had delicious fish for dinner. It was another very satisfying day and a a great conclusion to our trip.

A nice extra, if you have more time

Earlier I mentioned that Malta is by far the largest of the islands and Gozo is its little sister. There is a third island that many visitors like to experience: the tiny island of Comino, between Malta and Gozo. There are hardly any people living there permanently, but the island has some stunning coastline. The Blue Lagoon is the highlight but there are also other beautiful beaches to visit, like Crystal Lagoon.

Besides beautiful beaches, on Comino you will also find a few monuments, like Saint Mary’s Watchtower. If you have 1 week in Malta, Comino makes a very pleasant day trip. 

So, is Malta worth visiting?

I had heard mixed reviews about Malta. Positive reviews had to do with its culture and negative reviews had to do with it being overcrowded and having ugly buildings in certain places. The latter is true, as I did not find St. Julian’s and especially Bugibba particularly appealing.

However, Malta has a truly fascinating history thanks to so many cultures that interacted on the island. It is unlike any other country in Europe in this regard. It has a distinct Arab and Middle eastern heritage mixed with European Catholicism and traditions with a touch of Crusader heritage and rich Baroque architecture. Malta is truly unique and if you venture off the beaten path you will appreciate its special character, too. It is one of my favorite European countries to this day and I highly recommend it!

Malta practical information

Best time to visit malta.

Malta has a warm Mediterranean climate and the weather is sunny and dry between May and September. During that time, temperature are typically between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius (77 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit). May to September are great times to visit, but if you want to avoid crowds then March-April and October are good times, too. Temperatures then are still relatively mild, it just rains a bit more often.

Flights to Malta | How to get to Malta

Malta airport serves flights to Malta and is well connected to Europe, Turkey and Tunisia. Air Malta sometimes has good deals, so keep an eye on fares.

You can also get top Malta from Sicily by ferry. This website lets you book ferry tickets.

How many days in Malta

5 full days is the perfect time, as you can visit most important places I described. But visiting Malta in two days will also give you an idea of the country. As usual, the more time the better. 1 week in Malta will allow you to discover the island at a more relaxed pace. You can even combine this trip with a neighboring country. How about a Greece and Malta itinerary, or even a Malta and Sicily itinerary? The possibilities are endless thanks to Malta’s location.

An essential travel insurance for Malta

Having a travel insurance is essential for traveling, just in case. Click on this link to get a free quote from SafetyWing , one of the best travel insurance companies out there.

Staying connected | Malta SIM card

I highly recommend ordering an eSIM in advance to save time. Airalo is the best provider for this. You can order your Malta eSIM on this page .

If you come from an EU/EEA country, then your plan likely covers Malta.

Best area to stay in Malta

Malta is not that big, so you do not have to worry much about accessibility, especially if you rent your own car. A few indicative places to stay are the area around Valletta , Sliema or St. Julian’s . Bugibba is also popular and Mdina might be a bit more quiet. The area around Marsaxlokk is another option. For an even more quiet and intimate experience, you can opt for the nearby island of Gozo .

Is Malta expensive?

For a European country, Malta is relatively affordable. Our car rental was around €25/day in late April, and our accommodation at a very goodlocation in Sliema cost around €80/night. Restaurants were reasonably rpiced as well. In general, Malta is not cheap like countries as Armenia and Vietnam , but it is certainly accessible to the average traveler.

How to get around Malta

By public transportation : Malta has a decent bus network and Valletta bus station is a hub. The 120 bus route serves the most populous areas around Valletta, Sliema and the Three Cities. You can easily plan your route here or on Google Maps. 

By car : This is really the best way of seeing Malta, as you do not depend on bus schedules. Roads were not that great when I visited, but the government plans to allocate hundreds of millions of Euros to improve the roads. Even if drivers were a bit reckless at times, Malta is still a safe country to drive in. Be aware that they drive on the left, a remnant of their time under British control.

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About the author

Hi there, my name is Panos and I live and breathe for traveling! I have visited more than 55 countries so far and aim to discover them all! In my eyes, traveling is not a lifestyle item, but a way to learn and broaden one’s horizons. My philosophy is that, if you plan well, you can discover new places in a more relaxed way without spending a fortune. Being a natural-born travel planning consultant, I love making amazing trips accessible to everyone. I have done tons of on-the-ground research before each trip, and have documented my journeys in detail.

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