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This Malta itinerary will help you plan your 5 days and make the most of your time on this beautiful Island!
Malta or the Republic of Malta is a sunny island in the Mediterranean Sea. The Maltese archipelago lies between Sicily and North Africa. It is the smallest member country of the European Union.
The official language in Malta is Maltese (Malti). Most of the inhabitants speak English, some speak Italian. English is the second official language.
Malta is becoming a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer. It is known for its history, beautiful beaches, and rock formations around the islands.
The chance that the weather will work out for you is great, there are up to 300 sunny days a year!
The Maltese Islands consist of three inhabited islands. Malta (the main island), Comino (camping is open during the season), Gozo (the second largest island of the Republic of Malta with the main town Victoria), And two uninhabited islands Comminotto and Filfla.
Table of Contents
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALTA
Malta has mostly sunny weather all year round, if you visit Malta and its beaches, a good time for your Malta itinerary is May, September, and October.
During the summer, the weather is really hot and the beaches and attractions are usually crowded with tourists.
HOW TO GET AROUND MALTA
Unfortunately, you won’t find any railway lines in Malta. Possibilities for traveling around the islands in this Malta itinerary are either renting a car or traveling by public transport, buses, ferries, or taxis.
Bus service covers the entire main island as well as the second-largest island of Gozo and it’s the best way of moving around the Island if you don’t rent a car, it’s cheap and connects most of the places.
⬇️ WATCH OUR VIDEO HOW TO TAKE THE FERRY FROM SICILY TO MALTA ⬇️
WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA
There is no shortage of accommodation on the islands of Malta. During your Malta itinerary, you will find hostels, apartments, boutique hotels, and luxurious 5-star hotels and resorts.
Tip: Here are all your options for hotels in Malta.
Tip: Here are all your hostel options.
5 DAYS MALTA ITINERARY
Day 1 – Valletta
This Malta itinerary you start in the capital Valletta, founded in 1566, is named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. The magnificent fortress city grew on the rock of Mount Sceberras between the natural harbors of Grand Harbor and Marsamxett Harbour.
In 1980, Valletta was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting to Valletta from the MALTA INTERNATIONAL airport (MLA)
By bus
The cheapest alternative on this Malta itinerary how to get to the capital city is by bus.
It costs 2€ and takes around 20 min depending mostly on traffic. The tickets can be purchased in cash on a bus.
Tip: Great way how to save money on your Malta itinerary!
Bus transport is widespread on the islands of Malta. The bus company offers the possibility to buy a Tallinja card for tourists, for example, the 7-Day “Explore Card” offers you unlimited travel, at any time of the day.
More information can be found on the official site of Malta Public Transport.
By taxi
The fastest way how to get from the airport to the city of Valletta is to take a taxi 24/7 directly from the parking in front of the arrivals terminal.
The journey takes around 15 minutes and costs around 17€.
By rental car
You can easily rent a car in front of the Airport, there are many options, but we advise you to book a car in advance during the season if you want to make a whole Malta itinerary by car.
The journey takes around 15 minutes.
Tip: Here you can rent a car for Malta.
Getting to Valletta from the ferry port
By bus
In front of the ferry port of Malta is a bus stop, the bus no. 130 will take you near to the city center.
Costs of the ticket is 2€.
Note: The ticket for a single journey is valid for 2 hours including the transfer.
It is not valid for special and night routes.
By walk
To get to the city center it is around 20 minutes, mostly to the hill, so if you are coming with a lot of luggage better go by taxi or bus.
By taxi
The easiest and fastest way how to get from the port to Valletta city takes only less than 10 minutes.
Tip: Get your ferry ticket to Malta here.
Things to see in Valletta
Triton Fountain
The fountain is approximately a 3-minute walk from the Valletta bus station. This is where your first day of your 5-day Malta itinerary can begin.
The fountain consists of three bronze mythological figures Tritons holding up a huge circular basin. The figures of the Tritons represent Malta’s links with the sea, and their design was inspired by the Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome.
It is one of Malta’s most important Modernist landmarks.
City gate
Just a few meters from the fountain, you pass through the city gate, also called the “Door of the City”. The gate marks the beginning of Republic Street, Valletta’s main street which goes all the way to Fort Saint Elmo at the opposite end of the city.
This form of the gate was built in 2011-2014 according to the design of the Italian architect Renzo Piano. While the first gate was built back in 1586.
You can currently admire its fifth version. The City Gate was one of the three gates leading into the city.
Marsamxett Gate was demolished in the early 20th century, while Del Monte Gate was replaced by Victoria Gate in 1885.
As part of the City Gate Project, the Parliament of Malta was built by the designs of architect Renzo Piano.
Palazzo Ferreria
Less than a hundred meters from the gate on the left side you will find Palazzo Ferreria. It was built in the late 19th century, and designed by Architect Giuseppe Bonavia, who added local timber balconies to the building.
His inspiration was buildings in Italy. The palace is protected as a Grade 2 national monument.
Tip: Special thing on your Malta itinerary! It’s the second biggest palace in Valletta after Grandmaster’s Palace.
National Museum of Archeology
As you walk along Republika Street for another 100 m, you will come across this museum.
The ground floor of the museum contains artifacts dating from the Neolithic period in Malta (5900 – 2500 BC) to the early Phoenician period (8th- 6th century BC).
The entry fee is 5€ for adults.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Located in the very heart of the city, just a few meters away from the National Museum of Archeology.
The conventual church built by the Order of the Knights of St. John was completed in 1577, shortly after the Great Siege. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
An important and easily visible landmark of the island of Malta.
The entry fee is 15€ for adults.
Tip: Get your ticket for St. John’s Co-Cathedral here.
Strait Street
Strait Street also runs parallel to Republic Street. You can get there via St. Lucia’s street, it’s about a three-minute walk. Probably the most famous street in Valletta, visited in the past by the British and American navies during both world wars. It thus became a legendary party street and remains so to this day.
It is visited annually by thousands of tourists and is famous for its bars, cocktail lounges, Michelin-star restaurants, and live music avenues. This street has its charm during the day as well as in the evening, so don’t miss it from this Malta itinerary!
Casa Rocca Piccola
Return to Republika Street, a 3-minute walk in the direction of St. Elmo will get you to Casa Rocca Piccola. It is the House Museum in the center of Valletta, it is an ancient noble residence open to the public. It is equipped with furniture collections, paintings, and silverware made in Malta or from all over Europe. Its part is a bomb shelter dug into the rock below the building.
The entrance fee is 9,50 €.
Tip: Get your tickets for Casa Rocca Piccola here.
Fort St Elmo
After another 6 minutes of walking through the streets of Valletta, you will reach the very tip of the city and Fort Saint Elmo. A rich and complete museum about the history of Malta from the Knights to the Second World War. From the fortress, there is a good view of the old city of Valletta and the sea. National War Museum you can find nearby Fort Saint Elmo.
The entrance fee for adults is 10€.
Day 2 – Three Cities
Day two of your Malta itinerary begins again in Valletta and later you move to Three Cities. From the center of Valletta, you can reach The Valletta Waterfront by bus no.133 from Valletta bus station or walk 1.6km for less than 20min.
The Valletta Waterfront
Converted port warehouses from the 18th century with international restaurants, bars, and views of cruise ships.
Visit Three cities
It is a collective description of three fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua in Malta.
All three cities are walkable Vittoriosa and Senglea are 1.2 km apart, and Senglea and Cospicua are 1.7 km apart.
Walking between cities is a very popular tourist attraction in this Malta itinerary, whether you plan to spend the whole day there or just visit for a short time. The three cities are an important example of the rich history of Malta, which has still preserved its atmosphere to this day.
How to get to Three Cities
By bus
Take a bus from Valletta to the Three Cities from the Valletta bus station.
It costs €2 and the journey takes 25 minutes.
By ferry
Your first ferry ride on this Malta itinerary. 800 m further past the Valleta cruise point you will come across gondolas and ferries to the three cities. You can choose between riding a small gondola, classic ferries, or fast ferries.
After visiting the Three Cities and your return to Valletta, if you still have time to explore other attractions of the city. Here are some suggestions to continue your Malta itinerary in Valletta.
Barrakka Lift
Barrakka Lift is located in Valletta connecting Port Lascartis with Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Its one-time use costs €1 and significantly reduces the time spent walking from the port to the gardens.
Upper Barrakka Garden
A public garden in Valletta. Along with the Lower Barrakka Gardens in the same city, they offer panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. The gardens are located on the upper floor of the bastion of Saints Peter and Paul, which was built in the 16th century.
From the upper terraces of the gardens, it is also possible to observe the Saluting Battery, which is mainly used for firing ceremonial gun salutes and signals. Nowadays, the ceremony starts at noon and 4:00 p.m.
Admission for adults is €3.
Lower Barrakka Garden
About an 8-minute walk from the upper gardens along the Grand Harbor are the lower gardens. The gardens have a good view of the whole city of Malta and also of the ships coming and going from the main port of Malta. In the gardens, you will find many photogenic sculptures, a fountain, as well as the
Siege Bell War Memorial.
Tip: There are many photogenic streets in Valletta, among the most famous are Archbishop Street, St. Ursula Street, and of course Republic Street. In this Malta itinerary we can recommend a walk through the whole city of Valletta, you will find many beautiful streets with typical timber balconies.
Day 3 – Mdina & Rabat
Day 3 of your Malta itinerary begins in magical and breathtaking Mdina. This ancient city will captivate you with its charm. Mdina or Silent City used to be the capital city of Malta until 1565. It is a historical
city of the island located in the northern region.
An interesting fact about Mdina is that car traffic is prohibited in the city, with few exceptions. Nowadays, the city is known for the fact that the series Game of Thrones was filmed in its streets, as well as many other films such as Gladiator, Captain Phillips, World War Z, and many others.
The suburb of Mdina is Rabat, in the days of the main city of Mdina, this suburb was inhabited later after the relocation of the main city to 3 Cities, Mdina, and its surroundings became a ghost town. Now this suburb is modernized, full of life and various cultural monuments.
You can still observe typical Maltese balconies here, but on modern buildings made of present-day materials and plastic windows.
How to get to Mdina, Rabat
By bus
Take a direct bus to Mdina from Valletta bus station. The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs €2.
By car
The journey to Mdina from the capital city takes about 25 minutes and it is 13.5 km away.
Tip: Rent your car for Malta here.
Things to see in Mdina
Mdina Gate
The first thing you notice when you arrive in Mdina is the majestic Mdina Gate from the 18th century. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mdina. Especially for Game of Thrones fans. Footage from the first season of episode 3 was filmed right here.
St Paul’s Cathedral
The oldest church in the country with baroque frescoes, engravings, and other art. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century. Today, the cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions of Mdina. It is a Grade 1 national monument, and it is also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.
The entrance costs €10 and includes a multimedia guide and entry to the museum.
Tip: Get your ticket for St Paul’s Cathedral here.
Carmelite Priory
From the outside, a very inconspicuous building fits into the streets of Mdina. Beautiful little church from the inside. The paintings and decorations are amazing.
Admission is free.
Palazzo Falson
A medieval townhouse in Mdina, Malta. It was built as a family residence for the Maltese nobility, and named after the Falson family. It is open to the public as a house museum with seventeen rooms of historic belongings and several antique collections.
The entrance fee is 12€.
Tip: Get your ticket for Palazzo Falson here.
Pjazza Mesquita
A small square in Mdina is a gem for Game of Thrones lovers. It was the shooting location for Littlefinger’s brothel in the early seasons. There is a coffee and restaurant nearby for you to enjoy an exceptional atmosphere.
Bastion Square
A small square near the Belvedere viewpoint. It is one of the highest points in Malta and offers a wonderful view of the eastern side of the island. Have a small break during your Malta itinerary and grab a coffee with good ice cream right on the square.
Overall, Mdina is worth seeing during your Malta itinerary, we visited it at the end of October and had the beautiful streets to ourselves. It didn’t take us more than two hours to tour the entire city.
Tip: Get a Mdina and Rabat tour with a local guide here.
Day 4 – Għadira Bay, Popeye Village, Comino Island (Blue Lagoon)
Għadira Bay
Day 4 of your Malta itinerary starts on the long sandy beach with restaurants and sunbed rentals is a popular destination for many tourists. The entrance to the water is gradual, so the beach is also suitable for families with children.
We visited the beach at the end of October when the beach was no longer crowded and the sea was still warm.
How to get to Għadira Bay
By bus
You can get to Għadira Bay from Valletta bus station by bus direction Cirkewwa, which costs €2 and takes about an hour.
By car
The journey by car is 25 km away and takes approximately 35 minutes
Popeye Village
An amusement park or movie open-air museum focused on the movie and comic character Popeye.
Popeye Village is open to the public seven days a week. It has several family attractions for visitors, museums, and playhouses where children can climb and explore the village. Children can also meet characters such as Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, and Wimpy.
If you plan to visit Popeye Village in this Malta itinerary, we recommend at least visiting Anchor Bay Viewpoint. From there you can see the whole park and its attractions. Nice place for a photo.
The entrance fee is €15.
⬇️ Get your tickets to Popeye Village ⬇️
How to get to Popeye Village
By bus
Get to Popeye Village by bus from the Valletta main station to the Skrajda stop, from there the park is a 20-minute walk of 1.6 km.
By car
Get directly to the parking lot of the park in less than 40 minutes, the park is 20 km from Valletta.
Comino Island (Blue Lagoon)
Blue Lagoon is one the most famous attractions of Malta and in this Malta itinerary. Located on the small island of Comino.
Annually visited by thousands of tourists. And no wonder, a picturesque lagoon with clear turquoise water, like beaches in Ksamil is a must-see!
A perfect day trip! Small sandy beaches are suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Various rocky formations can be a better choice, it’s a bit further from sandy beaches but it’s less crowded and the water is still amazingly clear.
Multiple caves are also located next to the island.
Many tourists visit it during the season, we visited it at the end of October and it was still crowded. It’s a really small beach with sunbeds for rent, food stalls nearby, lockers for your safety, and much more.
Note: The Blue Lagoon on Comino Island can be very overcrowded during the high season!
Comino Island is located between Gozo and the main Malta island, opposite it is the small uninhabited island of Cominotto with a small beach and famous cliffs.
You can walk the entire island of Comino in about two hours, there is one hotel on the island which was unfortunately closed during our visit and looked abandoned.
There is also one camp on the island that seemed to be working during the season.
Don’t miss this out on your Malta itinerary!
⬇️ Check all available activities for Blue Lagoon ⬇️
How to get to Comino Island
Comino Island can only be reached by boat, so another boat ride during your Malta itinerary.
There is a ferry connection between Cirkewwa to Blue Lagoon, Comino Island.
The ferry ride should take approximately 25 minutes and costs 5€.
Tip: When taking a ferry from Cirkewwa, you get a free small interesting tour of caves on the way to Blue Lagoon, Comino Island.
Similarly, if during this Malta itinerary, your base is Gozo.
Take the ferry from the main port of Gozo in Mgarr.
The ferry ride from Mgarr – Blue Lagoon, Comino Island should take approximately 15 minutes and costs 12€.
Day 5 – Gozo Island
On the last day of your Malta itinerary, you have planned a trip to the second largest island of Malta, Gozo.
Gozo is connected to the main island of Malta by ferry in the port of Mġarr.
The population density, as well as the number of tourists visiting Gozo, is smaller than on the main island of Malta.
The island of Gozo is famous for its carnivals (Festas), which take place especially in the summer months. When it is visited by both locals and tourists because of its exceptional atmosphere.
The largest city on the island is Victoria. It is located about 6 km from the port of Mġarr.
How to get to Gozo Island
Cirkewwa port offers a regular ferry to Gozo Island, which also transports cars.
The ferry journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 4,65€ for adults and 1,15€ for children.
The car and driver fare is 15,70€
Gozo High Speed offers a ferry connection between Mgarr Harbour in Gozo and the Grand Harbour in Valletta in less than 45-minute journeys and costs 7,50€ for adults and 3€ for children.
Fast ferry services depart from Lascaris in Valletta.
Tip: Get your ferry ticket to Gozo Island here.
Note: From Valletta, you can only get to Gozo as a foot passenger, maximum you can take your bike. No cars allowed.
Things to see in Gozo
Explore the city of Victoria
On your Malta itinerary, Gozo offers you many attractions from museums, monuments, and churches to azure beaches, rocks, and cliffs. Every visitor can find something that interests them.
Probably the most famous destination of the island of Gozo is the city of Victoria with a beautiful Cittadella rising on a hill above the city.
Cathedral of the Assumption
Roman Catholic cathedral in the Cittadella of Victoria in Gozo, Malta. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.
The entry fee is 5€
Visit Cittadella
Behind the cathedral are the ruins of the Cittadella, and the archeology museum is also nearby, a wonderful place to spend a pleasant afternoon.
From the Citadella Walkway behind the Cathedral, you will have a view of almost the entire island of Gozo and the ruins of the fortified city.
Cittadella has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Independence Square
In the streets opposite the Cathedral, you can also find Independence Square. The perfect place to enjoy a coffee and watch the life of Victoria and its inhabitants. There are many small shops, cafes, and restaurants on the square. Definitely worth a visit during your Malta itinerary.
Wander the old city of Victoria
Lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets of the old city of Victoria, each street has its own charm, they are very photogenic, and you can observe the inhabitants of Victoria in their daily activities.
Best beaches in Gozo
Another beach time on your Malta itinerary.
Ramla Bay beach
Probably the most famous sandy beach on Gozo. There is a bus stop about 500 m from the beach. Free and convenient parking. The Mixta Cave is a short distance above the beach, from where there is a great view not only at sunset.
San Blas Beach
The beach is located near Ramla Beach, it is relatively small with reddish sand and boulders. The beach can only be reached on foot, the parking lot is small, and there is also a beach bar nearby.
Marsalforn Bay
This small fishing village offers a small sandy and stony beach in its surroundings and many diving sites. During the season, the village turns into a tourist destination, you will find many bars and restaurants with refreshments throughout the bay.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Malta worth visiting?
Absolutely! Malta was a big surprise for us. It’s a small island country, but it has so many things to offer. From UNESCO world heritage sites like Valletta itself to incredible crystal clear beaches such as Blue Lagoon.
With 300 sunny days, you can visit Malta all year long. And it’s a very photogenic country as well.
Is Malta safe?
Yes, Malta is a safe country. There are low rates of crime, however, you should be always careful of pickpockets in crowded tourist places like St. Julians, Sliema, and the Capital city Valletta.
How many Unesco World Heritage Sites in Malta?
Malta has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
-City of Valletta
The City of Valletta was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1980 under criteria (I) and (vi) and includes a great number of 320 historical monuments within 55 hectares.
-Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
A unique underground burial complex was discovered in 1902 and inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage Sites list in 1981. Bears testimony to a civilization that has disappeared. Located on the summit of a hill in the town of Paola, not far from the Grand Harbour of Valletta. The cemetery was in use from around 4000 B.C. to 2500 B.C.
-Megalithic Temples of Malta
Seven megalithic temples are located on the islands of Malta and Gozo Prehistoric monumental buildings were constructed during the 4th millennium BC and the 3rd millennium BC. Inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage Sites list in 1980.
What is traditional Maltese food?
A traditional rabbit stew (stuffat tal-fenek)
The dish is slow-cooked or braised with wine and uses ingredients typically found in most Maltese dishes with local homegrown vegetables and herbs.
It is sometimes served in two courses by pouring the sauce over pasta as the first course and serving the rabbit and vegetables as the main course. It is a must-try whilst in Malta!
Do you need to rent a car in Malta?
You can travel around Malta also without a car. Malta has a good bus network that covers most of the island.
The main terminal is located in the capital city Valletta from where you can reach most of the towns and tourist attractions.
Buses also reach ferry terminals where you can hop on the ferry to other islands.
This whole Malta itinerary you can make without a car!
How many days do I need in Malta?
You should come to Malta for at least 5 days if you want to see most of the places.
But it’s a good place for quick weekend trips as well.
The capital city Valletty offers many attractions. If you want to see other islands like Gozo or the famous beach blue lagoon on Comino island we recommend you stay for about 5 days.
Just follow our 5-day Malta itinerary!
Is Malta cheap?
The amount of money you will need for 1 day in Malta depends on your lifestyle. If you are a budget traveler you will be ok with 50€ per day all included.
So for 5 days in Malta, you can spend about 250€ without transportation to get there. You can save money if you use public transport and cook in your accommodation.
The restaurants can be more expensive.
CONCLUSION
Malta was a very pleasant surprise for us. Thanks to its impressive architecture, beautiful beaches, and atmosphere, it has simply become one of our favorite destinations in Europe.
Maltese people are nice and you can communicate in English in a friendly manner on the island. Transport on and between islands is easy as well.
Are you coming to Malta? Follow our 5-day Malta itinerary, and travel tips and enjoy your stay in Malta!
We are definitely going to visit Malta again!
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYouGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
Reviews: Before we travel somewhere we always look at Tripadvisor, where we always find a summary of restaurants, places to visit, or hotels with current ratings and photos from people who have visited this place recently.
Luggage storage: Radical storage is such a helpful Luggage storage network! When we have a late check-in or an early check-out we don’t need to carry our luggage with us, we just simply put it in the Radical storage which operates in over 70 countries!
E-sim card: The best way how avoid all the stress of searching for local SIM cards or wifi signals and save time after you arrive in your new country is to get Airalo e-sim. Download and install a digital data pack from 200+ countries/regions!
