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5 Days in Malta: A Brilliant Itinerary For 2024

5 days in Malta gives you enough time to explore a little of the history, culture, food, and fun that this glorious island has to offer. Save this guide for the best information about how to use your time wisely!

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Necessary Spacing

Day 1 – Enjoy a walking tour of Valletta and visit the historical 3 Cities . Day 2 – Spend the day in St Julian’s on the beach, shopping and enjoying the bar scene. Go to Sliema for a sunset dinner. Day 3 – Make your way over to Gozo and explore beaches, cities and temples. You can dive here too . Day 4 – Hike the entirety of Comino Island or instead, relax with a pineapple cocktail at the Blue Lagoon all day . Day 5 – Enjoy an action-filled day at a water park or movie-themed park .

5 Days In Malta

Malta is a small island, which makes it perfect for a quick 5-day trip. You can get from the very south to the tip of the north in less than an hour. This means that you’ll be able to see so much in a short space of time.

Click on the links below to take you to exactly what you need to know, or take the time to read this whole post and let us help plan all the details of your trip!

To be able to fit everything in in such a short amount of time, you’ll really have to plan ahead.

I’ve created this 5 days in Malta itinerary in a way that will maximise your time having fun rather than travelling. It will also limit the number of times you have to go back on yourself – no one wants to drive past the same landmarks every day!

However, don’t forget that these daily schedules might not work for everyone, so feel free to change the plan to fit your holiday!

Read More: Planning The Perfect Honeymoon In Malta

Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities

From the airport, Valletta is only less than 10km away. It’s a great place to start your 5 days in Malta because straight away you’ll be blown away by the beauty and incredible history the country has.

As you haven’t got a great deal of time, I’d recommend joining a walking tour for a fully immersive experience – without having to worry about getting lost!

Key Information

• Tour Duration: 3 hours
• Pickup Included: No
• Lunch Included: No
• Start Time: 10am

Click here to check availability and prices

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the city, you might want to take a peek inside the famous and impressive St John’s Cathedral.

You can also book a walking tour that includes entrance fees and a guide to the cathedral.

Check Availability For A Valletta Walking Tour With Or Without Cathedral Entry Here

For lunch, you’ve got to try the best local sandwich! A ftira is a traditional Maltese bread, usually stuffed with delicious fillings such as tuna, tomato paste, capers and olives. They’re often served in HUGE portions, so check before you order because you might not need to order 1 per person!

Our favourite was at Museum Cafe , just a short walk from the cathedral.

After you’ve filled your stomach, head on over to the Three Cities. These are Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua, and they have a hugely rich history. Discover why on another walking tour , or simply visit the fort and the Maritime Museum (in Birgu) to learn more about the ancient workings of the cities yourself.

There is plenty of fantastic accommodation in Valletta – you might be spoilt for choice! Decide whether you want a cheaper hotel, somewhere romantic or somewhere you can really treat yourself!

Read More: Only Have 4 Days In Malta – See This Itinerary Instead!

Budget-Friendly ↗

Stay at Casa Asti for a superb warm welcome to Malta. It’s super central and there is free WiFi, a bar and air conditioning.

Couple Getaway ↗

Pjazza Merkanti is a modern and beautifully decorated hotel -perfect for a romantic getaway to Valletta.

Live Like Royalty ↗

At Palais Le Brun , you can relax in the outdoor pool, enjoy the terrace views and savour a great complimentary breakfast.

Read More: The Perfect Short Break In Malta

Day 2: St Julian’s + Sliema

For a bit of a change of scenery, leave the capital and make your way up the east coast of Malta.

I’d recommend browsing the shops, wandering along the promenade and enjoying the gentle hustle and bustle.

Take a slow cruise of the Grand Harbour from here and see Malta from a different perspective. The commentary will give you more information about Valletta and the Three Cities, so if you already did a walking tour then it might not be super helpful, but you can still enjoy the views and fully stocked bar!

St Julian’s is renowned for being the party place in Malta. There are countless bars, restaurants and nightclubs here, so it’s great if you enjoy a boozy and loud evening.

Visit Paceville for great drinks deals, all-night clubbing and casinos. It’s not for the faint-hearted or easily offended – there are plenty of gentlemen’s clubs dotted around here and it’s common for scantily clad girls to try and lure you in with free drinks tokens etc.

If you want a good atmosphere, but also a decent night’s sleep (!) then Sliema is a better place to spend your evening.

Grab a seat on the Guadalupe boat on the seafront to watch the sunset with great Italian wine and even better pasta.

If you’re hiring a car (which we highly recommend doing!), don’t forget to check if your hotel offers parking. It’s notoriously hard to find a space in this part of Malta.

Close To Nightlife ↗

For a boutique hotel bang in the middle of all the action, stay at Hugo’s . It’s adults-only, there’s an infinity pool and some rooms have a hot tub.

On The Seafront ↗

The aptly named Waterfront is located in Sliema. Breakfast is included in the price, and the views of the port are fantastic. There are also 2 pools.

Near To Shopping ↗

If you want a luxury hotel near to the shops, then look no further than 1926 Hotel & Spa . Enjoy the wellness centre that includes a heated pool, sauna and steam room.

Day 3: Gozo

This pretty island is the second-largest in Malta. It’s definitely worth a visit, even if it’s just for one day.

Take an early morning ferry across from the Cirkewwa terminal – check the timetable of the ferry here . You’ll only pay for your ticket on the return journey, so don’t worry about buying it beforehand.

Gozo has some amazing beaches, impressive architecture and incredible diving sites, so getting there early is the best way to see as much as you can!

Read More: Check Out These Stunning Boutique Hotels in Gozo

Head towards Dahlet Qorrot for a gorgeous early morning swim. It’s a wonderfully quiet beach, with no tourist attractions.

This is the type of place where I recommend going in a car though – there’s no internet down here and no nearby bus stop so it would be difficult to make your way back independently.

Take a lovely drive towards Victoria, and spend part of the day exploring the medieval Citadel that dominates the landscape.

Grab a couple of delicious pastizzi from one of the many bakeries that lined the streets, and head up toward The Inland Sea.

This is where the famous Azure Window used to sit until its collapse in March 2017. The area is still breath-taking though, and if the conditions are right then it is a fantastic place for some scuba diving! Try these tours – there is a beginner option and a tour for more experienced divers.

Even if you’re not a diver, you can still enjoy the Blue Hole – a natural cavity that you can swim and snorkel in when the water is calm. Be very careful though – the walk on the way there is rocky, and this area is known for strong winds and waves.

After diving, I’d go back towards the south to watch the sunset. Go towards Xlendi and sit on the Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs for a spectacular view. Afterwards, find a spot at one of the many restaurants in Xlendi Bay for dinner.

If you’re not bothered about the sunset, then I would highly recommend going back inland to Xaghra. There’s a restaurant called Al Sale and it is INCREDIBLE. We ate there for our engagement dinner and it was faultless.

The Capital: Victoria ↗

One of the best hotels in Gozo is located in Victoria. At the Duke Boutique Hotel , there’s a bar, an incredible on-site restaurant and some rooms have a hot tub.

The Beach: Nadur ↗

You need to try a traditional Gozitan farmhouse like Il-Barrag B&B . Breakfast is included, the hosts are super friendly and there’s a lovely garden area for you to enjoy.

The Views: Xlendi ↗

With stunning cliff views and an infinity pool, Cesca Boutique Hotel is a fantastic place to stay. The 4* hotel has an on-site restaurant, balconies and a welcoming bar.

Read More: Looking For A Tour Of Gozo? These Are The Very Best!

Day 4: Comino Island

You can’t miss spending a day on Comino Island when you’re enjoying 5 days in Malta!

It’s a beautiful yet tiny island off the north coast of the mainland. You can get the local ferry, or take a tour boat across.

The boats run from Gozo too, so it’s easy to get to wherever you are. Take a look at the ferry schedule here .

Comino is famous for the Blue Lagoon, which is a gorgeous bay on the south coast with crystal clear waters. Snorkel and swim here, before relaxing on a sunbed along the shore.

It isn’t a sandy beach, and you’ll have to get there early to get a spot.

The tour boats arrive at around 10am, and by 11 the music is pumping, drinks are flowing and people are ready to party!

These boats usually include a sunbed, locker and snorkelling equipment, so you don’t have to worry about finding a space on the beach or bringing your own gear.

If that’s not your thing, then don’t worry because you can hike across this idyllic island and escape all the noise completely.

It takes around 3 hours to do a full loop from the pier, but don’t forget to include stops for lunch, swimming and just taking in the views!

There is a lovely little bay in the north too, called Santa Marija and it’s a whole different world to the Blue Lagoon side!

It’s more of an intimate place, with trees offering shade and only a short strip of beach. It is sandy though, and the water is inviting, so don’t miss it.

The only way to stay in Comino is to camp, so read our comprehensive guide !

Day 5: Waterpark/Popeye Village

You can’t go on holiday to a warm country and not visit a water park! Malta has one official water park, with all of the typical slides you’d expect.

Read More: Try Out These Epic Water Parks in Malta!

It’s called Splash and Fun , and it’s a great way to spend the last of your 5 days in Malta. There’s a lazy river, a huge wave pool and sunbeds too if you’d rather just swim and relax.

The slides are not the most modern, and the whole park could do with a little refurbishment, but overall it’s a great place to spend a day or an afternoon, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with a family.

The cost varies between high and low season, and you can also get a half-day ticket if you wanted to save a bit of money.

The park is open from May until October, but these dates vary and rely on good weather. Email them if you’re coming around those times, just to check if they are open when you’re there.

From June to September, entrance will cost €25 for adults and €16 for children. Outside of those times, it’s €22 for adults and €15 for kids. There are family packages and multi-day passes too.

Another fun day out is the Popeye Village , located just next to Mellieha. It’s the film set for the 1980 Popeye movie (the one with Robin Williams!) and has been turned into a popular tourist attraction.

If you’re staying in Mellieha, don’t miss the fantastic burger van that sits at the top of Triq l-Etna. Tony’s Foods is run by a lovely couple, who grow and make pretty much everything on the ever-changing menu. They put an incredible Maltese spin on their burgers and hotdogs, and the arancini are to die for!

*Edit* Sadly, Tony’s Foods is no longer running, but I’m leaving this recommendation here just in case they ever return – you deserve to be the first to know!

I was surprised by this park actually. I thought it would be hugely tacky and old, with not much to do, but we spent a whole day here and had a great time!

There are some cool film set features to look at – mostly props, posters, full-scale scenery and backdrops. Not only that, but a couple of the characters come out to play too!

You can watch a short documentary in a mini-cinema about how the film was made, and what happened to the village afterwards. Keep the tickets they give you at the entrance because they’ll entitle you to a free bag of popcorn!

There is also a swimming pool, but we preferred swimming in the gorgeous Anchor Bay, which the village sits on the edge of. There is an inflatable obstacle course, and throughout the day there are competitions that you can get involved in if you’re brave enough!

Everything is included in the ticket price, which is €18 for adults and €14 for children in the high season of July + August. Rates differ throughout the year.

Realistically, you could spend your last day at BOTH of these attractions. Get to Popeye Village at 10:30 and enjoy the movie set aspect of it, grab a quick lunch and then head down to Splash and Fun for 1 pm when their afternoon tickets go on sale and get in the water there.

Self Catering: ↗

Sometimes you just want to be able to cook what you want and when you want, so stay at Artist Terrace Apartments to do this! There’s a dishwasher + fridge, and a bbq too.

Bed & Breakfast: ↗

Outstanding breakfasts are what Ghand in-Nanna B&B does best. There’s a shared lounge, air conditioning and free WiFi. It’s also fantastically located in the centre of Mellieha town!

All Meals Included: ↗

If you don’t want the hassle of worrying about where to go for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then stay at Labranda Riviera Hotel . There are 2 pools, a spa, 3 restaurants and 3 bars!

The Best Time To Visit Malta

Most people spend 5 days in Malta in the warmer months, and I’d recommend that you do the same!

Luckily, the country is warm for most of the year, so you can even squeeze in a late October half-term holiday and still enjoy gorgeous sunny weather.

Read More: What is Malta Like in October?

Here’s the lowdown on Malta through the year – I personally think that early autumn is the best time to go, but you can make up your own mind!

January – March

Malta is pleasant enough at this time of year – as long as you’re not planning on snorkelling or beach hopping! Temperatures tend to stick at around 10°C (50°F).

Some of the hotels close their swimming pools at this time of year too – understandably in my opinion! But if you were looking for a refreshing early morning swim, check with your accommodation first.

So, it’s not too cold, and there will be a significantly lower amount of tourists visiting at this time of year. If you want empty streets and quiet hotels, this is when you should be visiting Malta.

April – June

Spending 5 days in Malta in spring is not a terrible idea.

The weather is warming up, attractions are opening again and the high season prices haven’t kicked in just yet!

I would say that a trip planned towards the end of spring is better, just because the weather will be getting nicer.

It might get a little bit chilly in the evenings still, so pack some light layers that you can wear whilst you eat, if you want to enjoy a balcony or terrace dinner.

July – August

If you’re a beach bum and you have a high factor SPF sun cream, then spending the summer in Malta is a good idea.

Long days, gorgeous evenings, cold beers and dips in the ocean are what a summer holiday is all about, right?

The only thing you have to remember is that EVERYONE wants the same thing, so it’s going to be very busy at this time of year!

Prices will be higher, tours will be booked up and beaches will be full of tourists.

I’d only recommend going at this time of year if you don’t have any other option – you’ll still have a fantastic time but just know that so will everybody else!

September – October

I think this is the best time to spend 5 days in Malta. The kids have gone back to school for the most part, the sun isn’t as strong and hotels + tours are starting to bring down their prices for the lower season.

However, even if you are travelling with a young family, you can still come over for a short trip in the October holidays.

Most of the activities and tours you’ll want to do will still be running, especially in September. Some hours might be reduced (like at the water park), so do check before you book anything but you can still be pretty confident that you won’t miss out on anything.

There’s a lovely light breeze that begins to visit Malta at this time of year, which makes hiking much more bearable.

November – December

If you’re only interested in the culture, history and cuisine, and you don’t want to sunbathe or swim in the sea, then the winter months are still a great option to visit Malta for 5 days.

At the end of November, the Christmas decorations really start coming out and the festivities begin!

It’s unlikely that you’ll see a white Christmas – temperatures rarely get below 11°C (52°F) but the cooler weather means that you can pack your ugly Christmas jumper and join in with the fun!

Packing List For 5 Days In Malta

Here are some of the most important things to ensure you make the most out of your 5 days in Malta. I have also included some essentials that, I believe, every traveller needs to have wherever they are in the world!

We all know what sunscreen is and we all know how important it is but why go with Sun Bum? They are cruelty-free and are compliant with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act meaning that you will be helping decrease the amount of damage sunscreens have to the environment that you are swimming in. If that hasn't convinced you then click through to find out even more.

A decent pair of polarised sunglasses is difficult to get at a decent price, especially if you want them to look good. These from WOWSUN have lots of different styles (male/female) and colours to choose from and they are very affordable. Click through to see all of your options.

Looking for a stylish, flattering, complimenting swimsuit that shows off all of your best features whilst also being great for swimming and having fun? Then check out all of the incredible styles and colours these tummy control swimsuits come in.

We all know that tampons and pads are bad for the environment (not to mention uncomfortable and expensive!) so get yourself familiar with a reliable menstrual cup. These can be reused for up to 15 years – think of the money and plastic waste you’ll save! Made from medical-grade silicone, Sirona’s cup is designed for comfort, sustainability, and protection.

These gorgeous lightweight Kimonos are perfect for when you just get out of the water or you want to go over to the bar for a drink. They are so lightweight that they dry almost immediately in the sun and there are loads of colours and designs available too!

Need to change on a crowded beach? No more cowering behind a normal towel whilst someone holds it up! Need a compact towel that fits in your day bag? It's got that covered too. These have genuinely been a lifesaver over the years and there are literally no downsides!

If you travel and you read then you almost certainly own or have thought about buying yourself a Kindle. You'll never have to choose which books will fit in your luggage again. This incredible new Kindle is perfect in direct sunlight, has an adjustable backlight, and can survive being submerged underwater!

How To Get Around Malta

Travelling between towns and cities in Malta is incredibly easy and cheap.

You can hire a car, get a taxi or jump on the bus. There are also jump-on jump-off tour buses that take you around the island.

Hiring A Car

I really recommend hiring a car when you visit Malta. Even though the public transport system is great, having a car gives you so much more flexibility!

Plus, it’s not that expensive, especially if you only want a car for a few days. Click here to get an idea of the type of car you can get for your budget.

We hired a small car in Gozo for 3 days and it cost €60, which we thought was reasonable.

Make sure you do all of the obvious things, like check for scratches and bumps before you drive away, and take photos with the staff watching so that they know what you’re doing.

Booking A Taxi

As I mentioned earlier, you really want to be downloading the Bolt app as soon as you arrive. Don’t waste time haggling with drivers at the airport.

You can be guaranteed a good car and an honest price with the added benefit of being protected by the app’s policies.

Using The Public Bus

The public bus system in Malta is great. Again, you should download the app which will help you plan your trip.

Prices stay the same during the day – it’s €1.50 per trip in winter and €2 during the summer. At night time, this goes up to €3. No change will be given so make your you’ve plenty of coins!

I would recommend buying a bus card for your trip as it makes things so much easier, and it can save you money too.

If you’re planning on lots of trips around the country, get an Explore Card.

If you are staying in Malta for a while, choose an Explore Flex Card.

The 12-Day Journey Card (this is the one we used) is perfect for people who will be using the bus regularly, but not every day!

Where To Stay in Malta

Because the island is so small, you don’t actually have to change your accommodation to reach any of the activities (except if you decide to visit Gozo) so make sure you pick a good place that you’ll want to spend the whole 5 days in.

Read More: The Lowdown On Where To Stay In Malta

Here’s a quick guide to the best places to stay in Malta for every different type of traveller!

Stay in St Paul’s Bay for plenty of restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops! There are two fun water play areas for kids, and this is where the aquarium is too.

Mellieha is a lovely place to base yourself. It’s got a fantastic beach, it’s got easy access to pretty much everywhere on the island and there are some gorgeous apartments overlooking the ocean.

Gozo is a great option for all of you romantics too (including Kev – that’s where he proposed!)

Solo Travellers

Stay in Sliema if you’re on your own. It’s close enough to the capital that you can do plenty of exploring, but far enough away to be able to afford a private room or even a dorm!

Paceville in St Julian’s is the place to be if you want to party and not worry about other people complaining about your noise!

If your group isn’t into that, then hop on a boat over to Gozo and rent out an entire villa or farmhouse for a more sophisticated stay!

Have I convinced you to spend 5 days in Malta yet? This itinerary is a sure-fire way to have the best time on this gorgeous island!

This is a great handy blog on Malta which we are planning on visiting next May. Thanks so much for the info.

Thanks! We’re glad you found it useful. We hope you have a great time!

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4-5 days in Malta: the ultimate itinerary

Itinerary: how to spend 4 or 5 days in malta.

You’re planning to spend 4 or 5 days in Malta for your next holidays?

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared a detailed itinerary to visit Malta in 4-5 days and see all the must see attractions of this little Mediterranean island.

I addition to the best places to visit each day , I also give you my best tip s as well as a list of the best places to stay in Malta depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do during your 4-5 days trip to Malta ?

Where to stay in Valletta

Where to stay in mellieha, where to stay in gozo, day 4 : comino / 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 4-5 day tour to malta in 1 click, going to malta: flight prices, you’re traveling in malta these articles will help you, 4-5 days in malta: what to do and see, day 1: valletta / the 3 cities.

You can’t go 4 or 5 days Malta without spending at least one day in Valletta , Malta’s capital. The city isn’t too spread out so it’s totally possible to explore it on foot in just one day. It will be quite a busy schedule to be able to see everything, so let’s get started!

To visit Valletta in 1 day , I recommend you to start by Valletta’s must-see attraction,  St. John’s Co-Cathedral . It’s a very touristic site, so you should visit it as early as possible in the morning to avoid waiting in line.

It’s also a great way to start your trip to Malta as t he cathedral is truly splendid .

Pillars and walls are covered with gold and the 8 chapels dedicated to each of the Order’s languages are beautifully decorated . The ceiling is covered with frescoes and under the floor made of marble tiles lies the tombs of the Knights of the Order. It’s so beautiful you won’t even know where to look at first!

You will need to wear appropriate clothes to visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral: you will have to cover your legs and shoulders with a shawl distributed at the entrance and high heels are not allowed. This is serious, as they could damage the floor.

Find all the information about your visit on the cathedral’s official website .

Let’s continue with another must see historical attraction, the Grand Master’s Palace , once home to the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta.

Nowadays, the building houses the office of the president of Malta and her cabinet. It’s however still open to visitors. You can visit the State Rooms (the  Council Chamber  and the Official Dinning Room  are especially impressive) and the armory where you can see armors and weapons worn by knights. When they died, all their gear was returned to to the Order.

When you’re done with the Grand Masters Palace, head to Lower Barrakka Garden to go see the “ Siege Bell War Monument ” and enjoy the view over the harbor.

Then go to Upper Barrakka Garden to attend the traditional 12pm cannon shooting ceremony ! It comes from an old Valletta tradition: foreign vessels would be greeted by a cannon shot from the saluting battery. The garden is mostly worth it for its amazing view over the 3 Cities , located on the other side of the harbor.

To stroll through the typical streets and discover the history of Valletta and its unmissable monuments, I recommend you to choose a guided tour . The guides are really great and have many great anecdotes about the city.

This guided tour in Malta can be booked by clicking the button below:

This tour is also available in a private version (only for your group – Book here ) and the historical version: “Valletta in World War II” there to reserve (also private tour).

And if you want to enjoy a magnificent view of Valletta from the sea , I recommend you to book a trip on board a traditional Maltese boat , the “Luzzu”.

To book, please follow this link:

After your lunch break, it’s time to go to the Three Cities to continue your 4-5 days trip to Malta.

To reach the 3 Cities, take the panoramic lift located in Upper Barrakka Garden. Right after you exit the lift, cross the street and go on the left to reach the piers. From there you can take the Valletta – 3 cities shuttle. A round trip ticket costs 2.80€ and the ride lasts 10min.

The 3 Cities are the following towns: Cospicua, Senglosa and Vittoriosa . The boat takes you to Vittoriosa pier. From there you can explore all 3 cities on foot as you please, or go on a ride on a small tourist train . In the 3 cities, you can enjoy several nice views over Valletta.

To visit the 3 cities, you can also opt for a guided tour . And the little trick is that it also includes a tasting of local wines !

Towards the end of the afternoon, take the shuttle back and finish the day o n Merchant and Republic street . Those are the 2 main commercial streets in Valletta, with lots of stores and gift shops.

If you need more info about Valletta’s main points of interests, you can read my article: The 10 best things to do in Valletta .

If you want to take advantage of your stay in Malta to celebrate something as well (on your last evening or maybe even on several evenings during your stay !) I recommend

• Taking a pub crawl with other party guests – Click here!
• Dance the night away in one of the clubs of Paceville !
• You for a boat party with an open bar!

Voyage For your 4-5 days trip to Malta, You should rent a car . You won’t need it in Valletta, but it will be very useful for the following days.

With a car, you won’t waste time with public transportation . In Malta, schedules are a bit random and bus routes aren’t very optimized for sightseeing. With a car, you will be able to see a lot more things .

When I travel, I always use Rentalcars.com   to rent a car. It’s the best price comparison website! Most of the time, there is no cancellation fee so I would recommend that you book your car rental now if you already have your travel dates. It’s the best way to get the best prices.

• 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.

Day 2 : Mdina / Rabat /Dingli Cliffs / Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

For the second day of your 4 or 5 days Malta itinerary, start by visiting Mdina . The city is located about 20-25min by car from Valletta.

Former capital of Malta, Mdina was then replaced by Valletta, because the knights wanted to be closer to their ships.

During my trip, I really liked Mdina. T his fortified city is very charming with all its narrow streets.

Things to see in Mdina:

• St Paul’s Cathedral and its museum
• Vilhena Palace
• Falson Palace
• Villegaignon Street
• Walk around the old moats turned into a garden.

Just like for Valletta, the best way to discover Mdina is to opt for a guide tour . You can book it directly here:

• 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.
• All inclusive night tour: This night tour includes Mdina, a 5D show about Malta’s history in Valletta and a visit to the town of Mosta. Transport from your hotel is also included.

You can then easily go visit Rabat from Mdina. No need to take your car, you just have to exit Mdina through the bridge, cross a square and that’s it, you’re in Rabat. The two cities are right next to each other.

Rabat is famous for being the place where Paul the Apostle sought refuge after his ship sank in Malta. Several monuments are dedicated to him, including a church, a cave and catacomb s. You can visit them all.

Then head back to Mdina, get your car back and go to Dingli cliffs , only 15 minutes away. Located 250m above sea level, those cliffs are Malta’s highest point . You can go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful view.

In the afternoon, you should go to the beach in Ghajn Tuffieha Bay . It is, in my opinion,  one of Malta’s most beautiful beach .

Located in the wild, this sandy beach with shallow water is the  perfect place to swim. It’s also possible to rent sun beds if you want to be more comfortable. Be careful of jellyfish, there were plenty of them when we were 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 private beach .

• 5 days / 4 nights
• Optimized itinerary
• Created by Voyage Tips

• 6 days / 5 nights

• 7 days / 6 nights

Day 3 : Gozo

For this third day, you will explore Gozo Island , Malta’s more rural little sister.

From Mellieha, go to the Cirkewwa ferry departure point , about 10min away by car.

You won’t have to pay anything on the way to Gozo island , you will only pay on the way back (20€ for one car and two people). The trip lasts about 20mins and there are ferries all day long. Everything is very well organized and boarding/debarkation is quick.

Inside the ferry, there is a convenience shop and a cafeteria if you want to eat something.

The first thing you should do once in Gozo is to go to Victoria, the biggest city on the island . You will be able to visit the Citadella , located on the top of a hill. It offers a nice scenic view over Gozo .

After the Citadella, wander in the city center lovely streets, you will find plenty of gift shops there. There are also many coffee shops and restaurants on Repubblika and Fortunati Mizzi streets. That’s perfect for your lunch break!

Looking for a cheap and quick lunch? Go to Rizzles Caf fé . You will find various food options: pastizzis, pies, pizzas and sandwiches at a very affordable price. For dessert, you can get a big slice of cake for only 1.50€!

You can eat there or order to take away. Address: St Francis Square in Victoria .

In the afternoon, head to the Northwest of Gozo, in Dwejra . As it’s where the famous Azure Window (which collapsed) used to be located, it’s a very touristic spot.

Even if the Azure Window is no more, there are many other things to see there, such as the  Inland Sea, the Deep Blue Hole and Fungus Rock .

Dwejra is also a famous location among Game of Thrones lovers : some scenes from the TV show were shot there. Another good reason to visit it during your 4-5 days itinerary in Malta!

On your way back, stop by Ta’Pinu Basilica , one of the most stunning church in Gozo. The basilica is sumptuous, surrounded by fields and nature. I really loved that place!

If you prefer to explore Gozo with a full day guided tour , you will have many options depending on the means of transport you prefer.

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:

For this fourth day in your Malta itinerary, go visit Comino , Malta’s smallest island.

From Gozo , you need to take a small shuttle boat to Comino. The trip lasts about 20-25min and costs 10€. There is a boat leaving every hour (even a bit more during high season). The boat departure point is close to the Mgarr ferry departure .

You can also take a boat to Comino from the small beach of Hondoq . You can park your car there. It’s very convenient and it’s faster than from the harbour.

There are 2 options :

• Shuttle boat to Comino (round trip)
• Shuttle boat to Comino (round trip) + visit to the sea caves

The boat will drop you off at Comino’s main attraction, the Blue Lagoon . With its fine sand and crystal clear water , it’s a real paradise!

But there is one downside to this paradise: it’s very crowded! It won’t feel like a desert island, that’s for sure.

There are many day trips coming from Malta, they are bringing tourists all day long. It spoils a little bit the whole experience but one needs to share the fun!

Nevertheless, it’s still a great spot to take a dip, relax and enjoy the sun .

If you’re looking for a calmer spot, there are 2 other beaches in Comino (2 small sandy beaches). They are located next to the only hotel of the island. If you want a quieter spot to swim, you should definitely go there.

In Comino, you will also find public bathrooms and food trucks to get something to eat. I was positively surprised by the quality and affordability of the food despite the lack of competition around.

You can spend half a day to one full day in Comino , it’s up to you.

If you prefer to stay for half a day, it’s then time to take the boat back to Gozo .

In the afternoon , you should go to one of my favorite place in Gozo: Marsalforn salt pans . Park your car and take a stroll along the salt pans and the sea. You can even walk a bit further and reach Wied Il Gashri , a small fjord where you can take a dip.

Looking for more things to do in Gozo? Check out my article: The 10 best places to visit in Gozo.

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

If you want to escape the crowds, you can also opt for a private boat tour to discover Comino.

My favorite boat trip is organized by Josef: during your boat trip, you will stop at the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for a swim (snorkeling equipment included!), visit Comino sea caves and have the opportunity to try Subwing , an awesome water sport that will make you experience how it feels to swim like a Dolphin!

This boat trip can be booked for a half day by clicking here

And if you prefer to spend the full day around Comino Blue Lagoon and Gozo , you need to click on the button below (book early!):

Day 5 : Popeye Village / Blue Grotto / Marsaxlokk / St Peter’s Pool

To finish your 4-5 days itinerary in Malta, you will need to go back on the main island.

After you exit the ferry, stop by Popeye Village located only 5-10min away from the harbor.

The whole village was built to serve as a set for the movie”Popeye” with Robin Williams. Today, it’s a small amusement park to discover the world of this famous character. You don’t have to go inside (especially if you don’t like spinach!) but the village with its colorful houses is very photogenic .

Then, let’s head to the Blue Grotto . It’s a famous Malta attraction thanks to its intense blue water . Enjoy the view from the belvedere or opt for one of the boat tours to get inside. Tours last about 30min and leave from Wied Il Zurrieq (only 2min drive from the belvedere).

Continue to Marsaxlokk fishermen village and more precisely the small fishing port with its traditional colorful boats . This charming village is a must see during your trip to Malta.

If you are there on a Sunday, you will also have the opportunity to shop at Marsaxlokk market for the cheapest souvenirs in Malta.

In the afternoon, go to St Peter’s pool located 10 minutes driving from Marsaxlokk.

St Peter’s pool is a natural pool where you can jump directly from the rocks . It’s a famous spot, especially among young people. However, I wouldn’t recommend going there if you are with young children, because you can only access the water by jumping or going down a ladder.

On the right of St Peter’s Pool, you will find rocks shaped like hot tubs next to the water. It’s a quiet place to take a dip.

It’s a good idea to spend the last night of your 4 or 5 days holidays in Marsaxlokk, because it’s located just 15min driving from the airport. Very practical!

Voyage Tips Advice If you’re only in Malta for 4 days , here is my recommended itinerary :

• Day 1:  Valletta / The 3 Cities
• Day 2: Mdina / Rabat / Dingli Cliffs/ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
• Option 1 : full day in Gozo, similar to the 5 days itinerary (sleep in Gozo or in Mellieha)
• Option 2:  full day in Comino (sleep in Mellieha)
• Option 3 : morning in Gozo + afternoon in Comino (sleep in Gozo)
• Day 4: Popeye Village / Blue Grotto / Marsaxlokk / St Peter’s Pool
• 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 4-5 days in Malta

You want to enjoy more activities during your 4-5 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:

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 (3h30).
• 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 Gozo) – Follow your instructor on an epic 1h tour around Comino and discover the sea caves! – Call me at +356 7920 1451 (phone or whatsapp)  and I will book the activity for you!

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 3,5 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

• 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! –  You just have to call or message me (WhatsApp) at +356 7920 1451 and I will take care of everything!
• Subwing  – New in Gozo, super trendy!
• Snorkeling course
• Jet Ski rental – Reservation by phone or whatsapp at +356 7920 1451
• 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

In this guide, I gave you all my best tips to plan your 4 or 5 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 😎

Renting a boat in Malta

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? 😊

Flight prices to Malta vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the best way to pay the best price!

When you get the results, don’t hesitate to check out multiple website to make sure there is no hidden fee.

You’re going to visit Malta in 4 or 5 days and have questions? Ask me anything about your trip in the comments section below.

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 21 comments.

Hello Vincent, I Just want to say a big thank you for all the information. I’ve been reading and searching different places you mention and it’s been so helpful. We’re planning a trip to Malta next year and all your info is really helpful in deciding what, to do, how to get around and where to visit. Again, thank you 🙂

Hello Susan,

Excuse me for the late reply, I am currently traveling in Italy and just saw your comment.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to write your kind message.

I am really glad my articles about Malta are helping you to plan your stay!

Enjoy your trip, and if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Vincent, this is fantastic!

Thank you for this info. We are going for 10 days in November with my 70 year old parents. I was thinking of 2 days on Gozo, 4 nights in Valetta/Birgu and 4 nights somewhere else. Where would you recommend?

We are mostly interested in history and culture and countryside and would like somewhere that is not completely quiet as it’s November. We’ll have a car.

Hello Rachael,

I am glad my blog is helping you to plan your stay in Malta!

You should have a look at my 10 days in Malta itinerary, it should answer most of your questions regarding the things to do and where to stay during your trip.

You can find it here: How to spend 10 days in Malta? .

After reading it, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments of the 10 days article!

Have a great day,

Hello Vincent,

A big thank you for all the information. I’ve been reading and searching different places you mention and it’s been so helpful. We’re planning a trip to Malta coming April 20 for 7 days. We are family of 4 with 2 kids. I was wondering if you can recommend a central place to stay in Malta if we wouldn’t want to change accommodation each day.

Hello Sukhada,

If you don’t want to change accommodation each day, the best is to stay around Mellieha, on the North East coast. You will be closer to the best beaches, to Popeye Village and you can also easily go to Comino and Gozo. From Mellieha, Mdina is only 20 minutes by car and Valletta 40 minutes. The island is very small.

If you stay 7 days in Malta, you can also have a look on this article: A week in Malta.

Enjoy your trip, and if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me.

Thank you so much Vincent ! I have already pinned your article A week in Malta .. Keep vlogging 🙂

Vincent, We will be visiting Malta toward the end of May for 5 days. I want to see everything but don’t want to rush so I think I might have to miss a few things and plan another trip to see what I miss.

I really like to see the blue grotto ,Saint peters pool go to the fishmarket, Tuffieha Bay, Mdina, Upper Barrakka Garden, the 3 cities, and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

We don’t really want to rent a car and we would rather just stay at one hotel. We were planning on staying at the Grand hotel excelsior.

Do you think all that is possible? With no rental car and staying there?

Your articles are super helpful, thank you so much for taking the time to be some detailed. But any other info or help you could offer would be amazing!

Hello Michele,

I am really glad my article helps you to plan your trip to Malta!

Yes, staying at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta for your 5 days in Malta is a great idea!

From there it’s easy to visit Valletta (St John Cathedral/Upper Barrakka) and the 3 Cities on foot.

From Valletta, by bus, you can also easily go to Mdina, Tuffieha Bay, Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk for the fish market (only on Sunday morning).

For St Peter’s Pool however, there is no bus, so you will have to stop at “Delimara” bus stop and then walk about 2 Km to reach the St Peter’s Pool.

If you don’t want to bother with the buses, you can also hire a taxi driver and do Marsaxlokk + st Peters’Pool + Blue Grotto in one day. You can ask Darren, from Gozo Taxi Service (he also plan cabs journeys on Malta island) here: Hire a cab in Malta . I use his services a lot when I go to Malta, especially for airport transfers.

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

Hello Vincent, I have been to Malta twice, the last time with my husband and son about 7 years ago. I am thinking about another trip in April combined with either Italy or Greece.

Would you have any recommendations as to which country we combine the trip with (easier travel/expense efficient?) and which country destination we start with/end with? I’d like to avoid the super long flights by breaking up the trip.

Appreciate your feedback!

Hello Denise,

For your trip, the easiest/cheapest destination to combine with Malta is Italy for sure.

There are many cheap flights to Sicily (Catania and Palermo), Rome, Pise (great to group with a visit to Florence), Naples etc…

The choice will depend on what the kinds of place you would like to visit, the activities you enjoy and if you want to rent a car or not.

For example: – Heading to Palermo, on the West coast of Sicily, is the perfect choice if you enjoy hiking along the sea and visiting achaeological sites (rental car more or less mandatory) – Rome or Pise/Florence are a better choice for cultural tourism etc..

And you can of course combine several destinations depending on the duration of your trip.

How long do you plan to travel in total?

If you want, you can have a look at all my articles in English about Italy/Sicily here: Destination Italy And you can also have a look at my travel guides about Greece there: Destination Greece

Don’t hesitate to tell me more about what you enjoy doing so I can help you further!

Have a great day and a nice trip 🙂

HI Vincent I am staying in Malta with my adult son for 5 days/4nights in Melleiha, We arrive on Monday and leave on a friday in April 6-10. It seems like there are so many things to see, Im getting a little overwhelmed! LOL I also wanted to slip a relax day or eve by the pool/beach if possible! I booked a private driver for 4 hours on tuesday morning. We can set our own itinerary on where to go. What are your recommendations for us to see and do? Please let me know and I appreciate any help or recommendations for our few days there. Thank You,

Great choice for Mellieha, you will be close to the best beaches of the island.

For the 4 hours with a private driver, you should go to the places that are the hardest to reach by bus:

-Dingli Cliffs, the blue grotto viewpoint (and the short boat excursion inside the Blue Grotto, if you want), Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool.

For the other days, you can pick the the places/activities you are the most interested in from this itinerary, no problem!

Enjoy your trip to Malta!

Hi Vincent,

I liked your article. I am planning a 5-day trip to Malta and would like to know if it is possible to include a day trip to Sicily (Taormina and Etna). How comfortable will it be? Also, what are the available options for weekends for tour in Malta?

Hi Saumitro,

This is unfortunately not really possible to go for a day trip to Sicily, it takes too long (2 hours of ferry one way).

The ferry arrives in Pozzallo, in the south of Sicily, it’s really not convenient to visit Taormina and the Etna. Pozzallo – Taormina is another 2 hours drive, so that would mean 8 hours of transportation in the day (+ ferry boarding, getting a rental car etc…)

For the day tours and activites in Malta, I have written a guide talking about all the best things to do on the island, you can read it here: The 27 Best things to do in Malta .

You can have a look at all the available day tours (both standard and private tours) and their schedules by clicking on the links and buttons in the article.

And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask me!

Enjoy your trip to Malta 🙂

Thanks for valuable information.

Do you have any contacts of private tours who can provide us a cab with a driver to roam around places in Malta for all 5 days?

Thanks Saumitro

You’re welcome!

Yes sure, you can call my friend Darren from Gozo Taxi Service, he will arrange you everything for Malta and Gozo.

Here is his phone number: tel:+356 9914 9280

You can also have a look at his website: Gozo Taxi Service website

Leave him a message in case he doesn’t answer and tell him you’re calling from me 🙂

Have a great day!

Thanks a lot for your superb Malta travel guidance. The trip was really awesome and memorable. We enjoyed a lot.

Keep writing blogs, it helps travelers like me to explore new places comfortably.

Thanks Saumitro Sinha

I am really glad you enjoyed your stay in Malta and that my guide was useful!

Maybe see you soon on the blog for another trip!

Hi Vincent I enjoy your Blog about both Sicily and Malta. My wife and I are travelling this October to both locations and I am having a very difficult time trying to find out what is the best way to go from Sicily to Malta. Ferry or Plane? Thanks, Mike.

Thank you! The quickest and cheapest way to get to Malta from Sicily is to travel by plane. With Air Malta or Ryanair, you have direct flights from Catania every day. The flight takes less than an hour.

Enjoy your stay in Malta and Sicily!

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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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5 Days In Malta – The Perfect Malta Itinerary + Exactly How Much It Costs

Last Updated on 19 March 2024

*This post may contain affiliate links , which means that if you decide to make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a commission at no extra cost to you! This allows me to continue bringing you valuable content for free and any purchases you make via these links are gratefully appreciated. Please refer to my Disclosures for more information.*

What to see in malta in 5 days.

Located in the Mediterranean south of Sicily and east of Tunisia , Malta is another one of those countries I travelled to because I found some cheap flights (story of my life)! I had wanted to go for some time, mainly because the baroque capital city of Valletta caught my eye. When I found some bargain flights in the November of one year, it was too good of an opportunity to miss! But regardless of whether you decide to visit in the height of summer or a little off season, here is the perfect itinerary for 5 days in Malta plus how much it costs , so you can set your Malta travel budget!

Itinerary overview

St Julians, Malta – 5 days and 4 nights

Know before you go

Always  check the entry requirements  for the country you are visiting to see if you will need a Visa to enter, and that you have enough validity left on your passport.

Always have a  good level of travel insurance  for every international trip. This is a non-negotiable part of any trip abroad, as the unexpected can happen.

What is the best month to visit Malta?

June-September are the hottest months of the year in Malta. However, Malta has a Mediterranean climate meaning it is blessed with mild winters making it an option for a getaway year-round ! I did this exact Malta travel itinerary across 5 days in November – the weather was mild and sunny through the day, with a bit of a chill in the air at night and an occasional evening shower!

Does Malta use the Euro?

Yes, the currency in Malta is the Euro (€) and it has been since 2008, before which it was the Maltese Lira.

Is St Julians nice in Malta?

For this 5 days in Malta itinerary, you will base yourself in St Julians . With an abundance of restaurants and bars , St Julians is a small but bustling resort town on the east coast of the island, making it the perfect base for any Malta itinerary. It is home to the charming Spinola Bay which has a population of traditional Maltese Luzzu fishing boats bobbing on its waters (the perfect photo opportunity). A short distance from Valletta, St Julians is a 20 minute drive to the capital , or around a 30 minute walk to the ferry terminal in Sliema which goes directly across the bay to Valletta in less than 10 minutes!

Tip: Consider booking a self-catering apartment so you can prepare your own breakfast (and other meals if you’d like) to save money on eating out! This is a top tip on how to travel cheap in Europe !

International departure – Day 1 of Malta itinerary

Arrive at Malta International Airport and transfer to your accommodation in St Julians by taxi . Settle in and go for a wander to get your bearings . Perhaps find the local supermarket to stock up on essentials for the next few days (you don’t have to hit the ground running on your first day, because this might tire you out for the rest of your trip). Then head out to have dinner nearby before relaxing after a busy day of travel with a cold Cisk (Maltese beer) in hand. 

Tip: At the time of writing, taxis at Malta International Airport operate by fixed prices. You can purchase tickets at the taxi booth in the airport meaning you won’t be overcharged. For up to date prices, visit Malta International Airport website where these are detailed.

Sightseeing in St Julians – Day 2 of Malta itinerary

Spend day 2 of your 5 days in Malta doing some of the best things to do in St Julians . Begin  by wandering the promenade around Spinola Bay , where you can admire the traditional and vibrant Maltese Luzzu fishing boats. Continue to the Carmelite Church (also known as Ballutta Parish Church) which clings to the edge of Ballutta Bay . 

Then, stop at a place of your choice to enjoy a spot lunch with a view – there are an abundance of restaurants and bars which follow the curve of Spinola Bay, so pick one which you like the sound of. Tummy full, spend your afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach at St George’s Bay before heading across to Paceville to experience the electric nightlife in the evening (or, if you prefer, find a quiet restaurant to enjoy your evening meal).

A day trip to Valletta – Day 3 of Malta itinerary

Wander to Sliema and hop on the ferry across to Valletta . Spend day 3 of your Malta 5 day itinerary on your very own self-guided city tour, admiring the baroque architecture of the capital , and visiting the many gardens, statues, fountains, viewpoints, and historic buildings by foot (Valletta is one of the most walkable cities in Europe). Be sure to stop at Submarine for lunch , where you will sample (possibly) the best sandwich and ftira bread you’ve ever had. Check out this how to get from St Julians to Valletta guide for all the details and information you need to know every possible way to get to the city. 

Tip: Valletta makes for a magical European Christmas city break , as it is dressed up with the most beautiful lights, so you should definitely consider visiting towards the end of the year!

Tip: Accommodation in Valletta can be more expensive than staying in the nearby towns of Sliema or St Julians. You can cut costs by staying in these areas and using the ferry to/from Valletta when you want to visit the city, like I did.

Visit Gozo and Comino – Day 4 of Malta itinerary

Set sail for an amazing day trip to Gozo and Comino with Sea Adventure Excursions . For a unique experience, be sure to head downstairs to the underwater windows on the boat to view the sea life below! Enjoy the crystal clear blue waters of the Blue Lagoon at Comino Island, before cruising across to historic Gozo . Be sure to visit the Citadel in Gozo before wandering Ir-Rabat (Victoria) , taking time to enjoy its quaint streets and pretty church squares. Back on dry land, head to Shoreditch Bar and Kitchen in St Julians for the ultimate sugar-overload pancake experience (because who doesn’t love pancakes for dinner)!

Return home – Day 5 of Malta itinerary

Get all your belongings together and wave goodbye to St Julians , bound for Malta International Airport for your return flight home. If you’ve got time before your flight, head for breakfast somewhere pretty , or revisit some of the places you loved the most in St Julians for a final time. (note: if you need to make this into a 4 day itinerary for Malta, return home on the evening of day 4).

Tip: Return back to the airport using eCabs , which is the Maltese version of Uber.

Itinerary summary for 5 days in Malta

St Julians is a prime location to base yourself for this itinerary for Malta (or any short trip to the island), so you can enjoy a mix of sun, sea, city, sights and sand . The buzzing nightlife of Paceville might not be for everyone, but this is easily avoidable by spending time in the cosy area of Spinola Bay. Perhaps consider spending 5 days in Malta off peak for fewer people, cheaper prices, and beautiful Christmas decorations that illuminate the streets of Valletta (if you go towards the end of the year)!

Trip costs breakdown (per person)

International flights Return flights from Bournemouth International Airport to Malta International Airport = £47.49pp

Airport parking Bournemouth International Airport parking for trip duration = £15.30pp*

Airport transfers Transfer from Malta International Airport to St Julians (one way via taxi) = approx. £9.10pp* Transfer from St Julians to Malta International Airport (one way via eCabs) = approx. £5.68pp*

Accommodation 4 nights in an Apartment in St Julians = £62.30pp*

Total = £139.87 per person for 5 days in St Julians, Malta

*The cost for anything marked with an asterisk is per person (pp) based on 2 people sharing. Note: Price excludes the costs for travel insurance, spending money (tours, food, occasional taxis, drinks etc.), costs to travel to/from UK airport for international flights, and visas (if required). I don’t book accommodation based on star rating, and book purely based on reviews, location and value for money. All accommodation is private hotel rooms (I’m not a hostel type of girl, I like my privacy and home comforts) or apartments, and all flights are economy. Prices for certain things may have changed since the time I took this trip, so please only use this as a guide to help you set your own savings target.

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The Ultimate 5 Day Malta Itinerary

Malta is a beautiful small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters and rich history. This 5 day Malta itinerary will take you to some of the most popular destinations including Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina, Gozo and Comino. We spent about a week in Malta and absolutely fell in love with the country. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world filled with tons to see and do!

Even though Malta is a small island, there is so much to do that 5 days may not be enough to tackle all of it. Check out our complete guide to Malta to determine if there is something on the list that is not listed here that you would rather do instead. Also, remember that this 5 day Malta itinerary is simply a suggestion. Depending on your travel style and where you are staying on the island, you may want to rearrange these days or even swap one out with a different activity!

5 Day Malta Itinerary

Day 1: valletta and the three cities.

Valletta is the UNESCO protected Old Town and capital of Malta. It is filled with historic cobblestone streets and gorgeous architecture. Valletta is the best place to stay in Malta, so it is perfect to tackle everything there is to see and do there on your first day.

Things to see in Valletta

• The Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens
• Lascaris War Rooms
• Grand Master’s Palace
• St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Teatru Manoel
• National Museum of Archaeology

Pro Tip: Try to visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens to see the Saluting Battery. The battery has been restored and a cannon is fired Monday through Saturday at noon and 4pm exactly. You will need to get there early to get a front row spot for the ceremony.

Use code JLJ10 for 10% off all eSIM purchases.

The Three Cities in Malta are located on the Grand Harbour, directly across from Valletta. You can access the Three Cities by a taxi boat right from Valletta.The Three Cities have a long and rich history, dating back to the Phoenicians. They are lined with charming shops, cafes, churches and offer stunning views of the Grand Harbor.

What to see in the Three Cities

• Fort St. Angelo
• Gardjola Gardens
• St. Angelo Beach
• Vittoriosa Yacht Marina

Here are some bars and restaurants to enjoy on your first evening in Valletta!

• Anglo-Maltese Restaurant
• Babel Bistro
• Da’ Pippo Trattoria
• Vino’s Cafe Bar

Day 2: Day trip to Gozo Island

Day 2 of this 5 day Malta itinerary is the perfect time to go exploring on Gozo island!

A Gozo day trip in Malta is a must-do activity, no matter how many days you are visiting. Truly Gozo was one of those out of this world destinations that had our jaws dropping all day long. There are multiple tour options to experience all that Gozo has to offer, but Gozo Pride is by far the best company available.

What to see on Gozo Island:

• Ramla Beach
• Ggantija Temples
• The Azure Window
• Natural arch
• Victoria the Capital City

Read our full Gozo Pride Tour review here and schedule your tour with them before your 5 day trip to Malta!

Day 3: Mdina and Rabat

On day 3, we recommend exploring the cities of Mdina and Rabat. Mdina is not far from Valletta and can be accessed by public bus or a Bolt taxi. Rabat is a short distance from Mdina which is why they are usually visited within the same day.

Mdinia is a historic Malta destination and is known as the silent city in Malta. It is surrounded by large city walls and is very peaceful to walk around. There were also many iconic movies and TV shows filmed here, including the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Rabat is also a small city in Malta that is worth walking around. One of the coolest things to see in Rabat is St. Dominic’s Convent, which was also a famous Game of Thrones filming site.

Day 4: Day trip to Comino Island

Comino Island is home to the very famous Blue Lagoon, which is absolutely worth the hype and crowds. We opted to plan our own morning to visit Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon by purchasing roundtrip ferry tickets, but there are multiple companies that run organized tours to the island.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most gorgeous bodies of water, but it will also get very crowded after 10am. We spent some time swimming and then walked around the island to Santa Marija Tower Comino to take in the gorgeous views!

Day 5: Explore one of Malta’s beautiful beaches

Malta’s coast is covered in beautiful and unique beaches. While most are large rock structures that stretch into the sea, there are also a few sand beaches as well. We actually preferred some of the rock beaches over the sand because of their uniqueness and easy access into the water through ladders. There are very few places in the world that have beaches like this!

Here are some of the best beaches in Malta

• Fort St Angelo Rocky Beach
• St. Thomas Bay Sandy beach
• Sliema Beach
• St. Peter’s Pool
• Qarraba Bay
• White Tower Bay
• Fekruna Beach

The last day in Malta is the perfect time to soak up the beautiful Mediterranean views!

Malta is one of the most underrated and stunning countries to visit in Europe. Between the views, food, history and culture, there is so much to discover about Malta. We hope this 5 day Malta itinerary helps plan your trip to this iconic country!

Hi friends! Welcome to The Jet Lag Journey.

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A Perfect 5 Days in Malta Itinerary for Wellness & Culture

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Wondering what to do in Malta for wellness and culture? This 5 days in Malta itinerary covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the Maltese islands, from the top places to visit and things to see in Malta, to the best restaurants, where to stay, and pro travel tips for a relaxing and cultural trip.

Malta is like no other country I’ve ever visited before.

For starters, it’s super tiny but highly populated. Malta is the 10 th smallest country in the world and the 5 th most densely populated. The result is interesting, to say the least.

Due to its location in the Mediterranean Sea and its long and rich history that dates back to 5900 BC, Malta is also a melting pot of cultures and influences, from the North of Africa to the Middle East, from the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs, to the Knights of St John and the British.

These influences are still very present everywhere you look: in the architecture, the delicious food (which was one of the best surprises of my trip!), the language, and the traditions.

Then there’s the beautiful natural scenery, the turquoise Mediterranean waters, and the wonderful climate.

No wonder so many expats are choosing the Maltese islands to settle down, and tourism is the main economic activity these days.

I spent 5 days exploring Malta, Gozo , and Comino . It was just enough to cover all the major attractions, practice yoga, relax on the beach, and fall in love with the Maltese archipelago.

So without further ado, here’s a perfect Malta 5 day itinerary and travel guide to help you plan your own visit.

• Best Things to Do in Valletta, Malta in One Day
• Gozo Day Trip: Best Things to Do in Gozo Island, Malta
• Comino: How to Visit Malta’s Blue Lagoon

Table of Contents

5 Days in Malta Itinerary

When to visit malta.

I visited the Maltese islands in October and highly recommend it as the perfect month to travel to Malta.

Not only did I get fabulous weather and warm seawater, but I also avoided the crowds and the higher prices of the peak season.

During summer, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees and all the popular spots are overflowing with tourists, so I would skip July and August if you don’t like the heat and the crowds.

Early fall is a great time of the year to visit Malta, as well as late spring. Although, if you’d like to swim in warm sea waters, fall would still be your best option.

Besides, if you’re looking to be a more sustainable traveler, visiting off-season allows you to support tourism-based economies throughout the year and to minimize your environmental impact.

Where to stay in Malta

With so many different and interesting areas around the islands, choosing where to stay in Malta can definitely be overwhelming.

I’ve stayed at Boco Boutique , a small boutique hotel in the Three Cities, and absolutely loved it!

The Three Cities (Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea) are 3 fortified cities with picturesque waterfront promenades and gorgeous views over the Grand Harbor of Valletta.

Just a short (and beautiful!) 8-minute ferry ride from the Maltese capital, this is the perfect base for your first visit to Malta if you’d like to stay close to all the action but still enjoy some peace and quiet.

The whole area is very charming and there’s also great dining choices in all of the 3 cities.

Boco Boutique is set in a refurbished historic building in Cospicua, with stunning views of the Three Cities and Valletta.

But what makes this place so special, in my opinion, is the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff that makes you feel at home since the moment you walk in.

This stylish boutique hotel offers only 6 rooms, all uniquely decorated, so make sure to book in advance though.

Click here for more info and booking.

Read more: 

• Where to Stay in Malta: Boco Boutique Hotel

How to get around Malta

As I’ve said, Malta is a small but highly populated country, so traffic can be a problem sometimes. Getting from one place to another can often get longer than expected, so you’ll need to factor this into your travel plans.

That being said, there are many ways to efficiently get around the Maltese islands, from public transportation to car rentals , taxis, ridesharing apps like eCabs and Bolt, or organized tours .

If you’re following this 5-day Malta itinerary, you’ll probably only need to take the ferries for the first 2 days.

A couple of times in the evening I’ve also used Bolt, which is cheaper than regular taxis or eCabs.

For the other 3 days, I’d recommend renting a car so you can explore further away and at your own rhythm and take the car with you on the ferry to Gozo.

Just remember that in Malta you drive on the left side of the road.

If that’s something you won’t be comfortable with, you can always join a tour , take the public bus or the Malta Hop-On Hop-Off Bus , or hire a private driver for the day .

Malta itinerary

Day 1: the three cities (cospicua, vittoriosa, and senglea).

Spend your first day in Malta exploring the Three Cities.

This is the perfect place to learn about Malta’s history, while at the same time feeling its authentic day to day life.

Start at Vittoriosa, still called by its ancient name Birgu by the locals and the oldest of these 3 historic cities.

Birgu was declared the capital of Malta (replacing Mdina) by the Order of Saint John, who ruled the country from the 16 th century to the end of the 18 th century.

Later, the same Knights of Malta would establish the other 2 of the Three Cities: Cospicua and Senglea.

The city of Birgu played an important role in the Great Siege of Malta, in the 16 th century, when the Knights of Saint John, with the help of a few hundred Maltese men, women, and children, although greatly outnumbered were able to defeat the invading forces of the Ottoman Empire.

Older than the current capital Valletta, the Three Cities were built on hills and surrounded by defensive walls to protect them from attacks.

Today, from Birgu you can admire lovely views over these historic cities, the Vittoriosa Marina and the canals, all the way to the Grand Harbor of Valletta.

I did a tour of Vittoriosa and highly recommend it if you’d like to learn more about the history of the Three Cities and Malta itself.

You can book a tour of Vittoriosa and the Three Cities, including wine tasting, here.

In Vittoriosa, there are also several museums you can visit, including the Malta Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and Fort St Angelo.

After exploring Birgu, head down to Cospicua.

Get lost in its narrow, colorful streets, admire the typical Maltese balconies, and stroll along its beautiful waterfront.

Finally, cross the small bridge over the canal to Senglea.

Senglea’s picturesque waterside promenade was my favorite area in the Three Cities.

Filled with alfresco cafés and restaurants, it offers great views of Vittoriosa and Cospicua, as well of Valletta.

Where to eat

Hammett’s macina.

We stumbled upon this place by chance and decided to give it a try. It ended up being the best meal we had in Malta!

I had the open lasagna with Maltese octopus and the pork belly, and my boyfriend the local cured guanciale and the beef ribeye.

Everything was so delicious that this was easily one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at in a long time.

Later we found out, this place is actually run by a famous, award-winning Maltese chef, Chris Hammett, so no wonder.

Hammett Macina is located in Senglea and, trust me, a mandatory place to eat at in Malta.

Another excellent place to eat in the Three Cities, Del Borgo is a restaurant, wine bar, and café serving traditional Maltese food with a modern touch.

I really like the food here, as well as the atmosphere.

Fun fact: the restaurant is located in an old palace in Vittoriosa where was once the cellar of the Prince of Wales’ band club.

Day 2: Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s

Dedicate the second day of your Malta itinerary to Valletta, the capital of the country.

From the Three Cities, you can easily get to Valletta by ferry or take a dghajsa , the typical Maltese gondola. The latter costs you only 50 cents more and allows for more flexibility timewise – you just need to find a free one and hop on board.

Either way, you’ll get to enjoy some lovely views along the way that alone would justify staying in the Three Cities. I’ve tried the ferry and the dghajsa and loved both experiences!

Valletta is a small city, in fact, it is the smallest capital of the European Union, and thus easy to explore in a day.

Built by the Order of Saint John in the 16 th century, the city is one of Malta’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Some of the best things to see and do in Valletta are:

– admire the panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Saluting Battery ceremony;

– take a Valletta walking tour including the impressive St. John’s Co-Cathedral , where you can find the only signed Caravaggio masterpiece in the world;

– visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a typical Maltese living palace from the 16 th century.

At the end of the afternoon, take the ferry to Sliema from Marsamxett, Valletta’s second port.

As one of the largest Maltese cities, Sliema is a modern and busy place with many high buildings dominating the skyline.

The Sliema Front promenade is a popular meeting point and nice for a walk, but to be honest this was not my favorite place in Malta.

I very much preferred the area around St Julian’s Bay, especially the romantic Spinola Bay. This is a really nice place to come in the evening and have dinner in one of the many waterfront restaurants.

You can easily walk from Sliema to St Julian’s and along St Julian’s Bay to Spinola Bay.

If you like to party, St Julian’s is also known for its nightlife, with Paceville being the main hub for clubs and bars.

If you’d like to meet other travelers from around the world and have some fun, you can join a Paceville pub crawl here .

MUZA Restaurant

In our day exploring Valletta, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Malta Art Museum restaurant, right in the center of the city.

Besides the beautiful setting of the interior terrace, I loved the art-inspired menu.

I had beef tagliata and my boyfriend the rabbit, the national Maltese dish.

Both dishes were exquisitely cooked, and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Highly recommended!

Day 3: Mdina and Rabat

For your third day in Malta, take a day trip to Mdina and Rabat, in the center of the island.

The fortified city of Mdina was the first capital of the country during the Middle Ages.

It is known as the Silent City due to the fact that many of its former inhabitants, mostly noble families, have moved away to the new capital Valletta in the 16 th century.

Today less than 300 people live in Mdina, which makes the city very quiet, especially after sunset.

Wandering around its car-free streets and squares you can feel the peaceful and undisturbed atmosphere.

Worth visiting here are St Paul’s Cathedral, which remains the seat of the Catholic Church in Malta, the National Museum of Natural History, located in the beautiful Vilhena Palace, and the city walls, which offer panoramic views of Malta’s countryside.

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’d also recognize some of the series’ first season filming locations, starting right at the Mdina Gate (which was the entrance to King’s Landing in episode 3) and Mesquita Square (where was the door to Littlefinger’s Brothel in episodes 3 and 5).

Die-hard fans can also join this Game of Thrones tour to see all the several filming locations around the country. I must confess I’m not a big fan myself, but if you are this does sound like a lot of fun.

After exploring Mdina, walk to the nearby town of Rabat, which was the suburb of the old capital (Rabat means ‘suburb’ in Arabic).

One of the most famous sites here is the Catacombs of St Paul, a complex of underground Roman cemeteries.

According to tradition, St Paul himself was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD and converted the island to Christianity.

End your day at the nearby Dingli Cliffs, the highest point on the Maltese islands at 250 meters above sea level.

I didn’t have time to visit the Dingli Cliffs, but the scenery and sunset here are supposed to be breathtaking.

Crystal Palace (Tas-Serkin)

You can’t possibly visit Malta without trying the pastizzi , a traditional local pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy peas.

The most famous pastizzi in Malta can be found at Crystal Palace (Tas-Serkin), in Rabat. We tried the ricotta ones and they were sure delicious!

Enjoying a pastizzi at Crystal Palace is also an authentic local experience. This small café has been open for over a century and is a true Maltese institution.

Day 4: Gozo and Comino

Day 4 of your Malta itinerary is all about Gozo and Comino.

The Malta archipelago is made up of 7 islands, from which only 3 are inhabited: Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

Gozo is the second-largest island and a popular vacation destination among the Maltese themselves.

It does have a more relaxed and rural feel to it, while still offering plenty of things to do and see.

Wake up early and take the ferry from Cirkewwa to Gozo. You can buy your ticket at the port terminal and the trip takes around 25 minutes.

If you have a car, I suggest taking it with you on the ferry. If not, you can hire a driver once you arrive in Gozo, or book an organized tour of Gozo from Malta here .

Some of the best things to see in Gozo are the impressive Megalithic Ggantija Temples classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque capital city of Victoria, and the Citadel with its stunning views of the island.

In the afternoon, take a boat tour from Gozo to Comino and back to Malta.

Comino is the smallest of the 3 inhabited islands, with only 3 permanent residents.

The island’s main attraction is, of course, the stunning Blue Lagoon, an idyllic bay of pristine turquoise waters, white sand, and golden rocks.

This is also one of Malta’s most popular places with tourists. I was here in October and it was still pretty busy.

But I guarantee you not even the crowds can take away from the beauty of this place.

Comino boat tours usually also include a trip around the island to see Comino’s amazing caves and landscape. For me, this was the highlight of the day and I can’t recommend it enough!

Ta’ Rikardu

Located in Gozo’s Citadel, Ta’ Rikardu is a traditional Maltese restaurant and shop serving delicious local products in a typical and cozy atmosphere.

They also produce their own wine and cheese and offer milking and cheese-making tours on their farm.

We had lunch here during our day in Gozo and were not disappointed.

We tried one of their specialties – the Maltese ravioli with local cheese and tomato sauce – and, of course, the wine.

It was the perfect home-cooked-style meal after a morning of sightseeing.

Day 5: SUP Yoga, Mellieha Bay, and Marsaxlokk

Spend your last day in Malta relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea.

I suggest starting your morning off on the right note with a SUP Yoga class in St Julian’s Bay.

Whether you’re an advanced yogi or a beginner, this is a fantastic way to energize your body and relax your mind.

This was my second time trying SUP Yoga and I absolutely loved it. In fact, it was one of my favorite activities in Malta.

You can book a lesson with SUP Yoga & Fitness Malta here.

Then head to the north of the island and spend the rest of your day indulging on the beach at Mellieha Bay.

Ghadira Bay (as it’s also known) is Malta’s largest sandy beach, and one of the most beautiful.

With crystal clear turquoise water and white sand, Mellieha Bay is, not surprisingly, the most popular beach on the island.

But if you’re visiting off-season as I did, it’s nothing less than paradise!

Near Ghadira Bay, you can also visit the equally popular Popeye Village , which is a fun alternative for kids or for your inner kid, if lying down on the beach all day isn’t exactly your thing.

For your last evening in Malta, head to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Marsaxlokk is the biggest fishing harbor in Malta and famous for the luzzus , the traditional Maltese fishing boats painted in bright colors and with a pair of eyes to protect the fishermen at sea.

Besides admiring the luzzus , another mandatory thing to do in Marsaxlokk is, of course, to eat some local, fresh fish.

Marsaxlokk harbor is home to some of the best fish restaurants on the island – check out my personal recommendation below – and the perfect setting for your last dinner in Malta.

Munchies Bistro & Lido

Located right on the beach at Ghadira Bay, Munchies offers seriously delicious food and fantastic views.

We had a very nice lunch here overlooking the beach. We started with the bruschettas and then shared the fish of the day, which name I forgot but that was really yummy.

Downstairs, they also have a cool beach café over the water and a lido, where, after lunch, we’ve rented some sunchairs and spent a chilled-out afternoon.

Capo Mulini

We enjoyed our last dinner in Malta at Capo Mulini, in the beautiful Marsaxlokk harbor.

Rated as one of the best restaurants in Marsaxlokk, this place ticks all the boxes: wonderful food, excellent service, and a great setting.

Local fresh fish is, of course, the specialty here, but they also serve pizza, pasta or meat.

So there you have it. A detailed 5 days in Malta itinerary and travel guide you can steal for a perfect first-time visit to the country.

More travel tips

Cheap flights.

Looking for the best airfare deals?  Skyscanner  is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer  price tracking and alerts  to help you secure the best deals.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation,  Booking.com  is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination?  BookYogaRetreats  offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

GetYourGuide  is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook  is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

Car Rentals

Rentalcars.com  is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

* I was a guest of Visit Malta during my time in the country. As always, all opinions are my own.

Have you visited Malta? What did you like the most about the Maltese islands? Share in the comments section below!

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About Vanda

I'm a Portuguese journalist and certified yoga teacher born in the Azores but Lisboner at heart. After 10 years as an expat in Switzerland, I now travel the world full-time as a digital nomad, with 27 countries and 5 continents under my belt and counting. I share wellness and yoga-friendly travel advice based on my own experience and knowledge.

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November 4, 2019 at 7:12 am

I have always wanted to see Malta and its been on my bucketlist for years and years, there just never seems to be the right time. I really love the history that goes along with Malta, especially all about St John 🙂

Susan Pazera says

November 3, 2019 at 10:46 pm

Lovely post – and I am now craving a pastizzi! Seriously, you’ve forced us to move Malta higher up on our bucket list. Thank you for the thorough info and great photography!

November 2, 2019 at 4:24 pm

We never really connected with our trip to Malta en route to Gozo one Christmas. Although it is one of those places that so many people rave about that it makes me reconsider whether we should revisit out of season. Thanks for making me rethink.

Laureen Lund says

November 2, 2019 at 1:25 am

I’m headed to Malta in May, so I am really excited to get your ideas. I’m saving to refer back to. We will be staying for a week in Senglea and then two weeks on Gozo. So we have plenty of time to see everything at a leisurely pace. Thanks for a great article.

November 2, 2019 at 10:56 am

That sounds great! I definitely have to go back with more time. There’s just so much to see in Malta!

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Malta 5 Day Itinerary: Travel Guide (2023 Edition)

Did you know: Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI of England, to commemorate the bravery of it’s citizens who defended the islands against German invasion during the Second World War. To this day, the George Cross features on the flag of Malta.

Want more facts about Malta? Head over to my post: 20 Interesting Facts About Malta

Table of Contents

Covid-19: entry requirements for tourists:.

• UK citizens – you can find the most up to date entry requirements here:
• US citizens – view the latest travel information from the Department of State here:

Top Advice:

Essential Malta Travel Resources:

For more useful Malta travel guide information, check out these articles:

Malta 5 Day Itinerary: Travel Guide 2023

• Day 1 – Valletta: The Capital, a UNESCO World Heritage City (1)
• Day 2 – Blue Grotto: Cave tours and clear blue waters (2)
• Mdina: The Silent City (3)
• Day 3 – Coral Lagoon: canoe ride into the open caves (4)
• Little Armier Beach (5)
• Popeye Village: children’s waterpark and stunning cliff views at Anchor Bay (6)
• The Red Tower (7)
• Day 4 – Gozo Island: Megalithic temples, salt pans and diving spots (8)
• Comino Island: The Crystal Lagoon and Blue Lagoon (9)
• Day 5 – Golden Bay & Ghejn Tuffieha panoramic coastline views (10)
• Marsaxlokk & St. Peter’s Pool (11)

>> Malta 3 Day Itinerary <<

Day 1: valletta, the capital.

Sliema Ferry to Valletta

Dinner: Pan Fried Rabbit

Valletta day trips

Blue grotto.

Useful Tips:

This spot has the BEST views of Blue Grotto, but it’s crazy that not many people know this.

Boat Trip to the Caves

Rock jumping and swim in the sea

Heading back to valletta, blue grotto day trips, mdina: the silent city.

Mdina day trips

Open Caves at the Coral Lagoon

​Popeye Village

Trek up a hill to The Red Tower

>> Malta 4 Day Itinerary <<

Day 4: gozo island.

Gozo Island day trips

Comino island: the blue lagoon (and crystal lagoon).

>> Malta 5 Day Itinerary <<

Day 5: golden bay.

Marsaxlokk: Malta’s Fishing Village

Other Things to See & Do in Malta:

5 Day Itinerary Breakdown

Total spent: $665 / £515 total days: 5, looking back.., for the budget travellers.., where to stay in malta:.

• St. Paul’s Bay – offers a good selection of hotels & private accommodation, decent restaurants, bars and pubs, and is near to public transport and sandy beaches.
• Sliema – one of the oldest tourist spots in Malta – ideal for budget travellers and close to the capital Valletta – by bus or even a short ferry ride away.
• St. Julians’ and Paceville – the ideal choice for dining and nightlife downtown, and resort holidays
• Mellieha – affordable, a more peaceful and quieter alternative, and close to the finest sandy beaches in Malta. My partner and I stayed in Mellieha during the second part of our Malta trip.

FAQs about Malta:

• Bugibba, Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay – perfect for couples and families with kids, due to their vast selection of hotels and private accommodation, restaurants, bars and pubs, and good public transport network.
• Mellieha – for more quieter locations with restaurants and the best sandy beaches.
• Birgu, Rabat and Mdina – are known as Malta’s quiet, boutique destinations
• Sliema – plenty of high-rise apartments, suitable for shopping and nightlife
• Gozo island – perfect for authentic experiences away from the crowds

Malta Day Trips and Activities on Get Your Guide:

Travelling to malta soon.

• Malta: The Complete Travel Guide – a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know before you go
• Be sure to check out my post: Top 10 Instagram Spots In Malta for all the best locations for taking the most Instagram-worthy shots!
• Read this itinerary to learn how to travel Malta on just $50 per day!
• For Malta’s top highlights, head over to Top 10 Things to See & Do in Malta
• How big is Malta? This post is packed with visually comparable maps of Malta and other popular city and island destinations

Billy Read is the owner and author of BRB Gone Somewhere Epic, a travel blog that helps travelers discover unique destinations and travel experiences on a budget. With more than 10 years of global travel filled with accidents, Billy aims to help readers avoid making the same mistakes as he did, and make the most of their epic trips.

5 days Malta highlights guided tour

• Daily guided excursions including entrances and 1 lunch as stated
• Hotel accommodation in Malta on bed and breakfast basis
• Environmental Contribution (city tax) of €0.50 per person per night
• Return airport transfers
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• GST (Goods and Services Tax)
• Entry/Admission - St. John's Co Cathedral and Musuem
• Entry/Admission - The Malta Experience
• Entry/Admission - St. Cataldus Catacombs
• Entry/Admission - Mosta Rotunda
• Entry/Admission - Vittoriosa Waterfront - Birgu Waterfront
• Additional nights (optional at a charge and on request)
• Half board dinner at the hotel (optional at a charge and on request)
• Room upgrades (optional at a charge and on request)
• Please confirm your arrival and departure flight/cruise details for all passengers so that we can arrange for transport at the airport/port arrivals area on your arrival and from your hotel 3 hours prior to your departure
• Luqa Airport, Valletta, Island of Malta Malta
• Valletta Cruise Port, Vault 1, Upper Floor, Pinto Wharf Valletta, FRN 1913, Malta
• Infants must sit on laps
• Near public transportation
• Stroller accessible
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
• If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Mosta Rotunda
• The Malta Experience
• Vittoriosa Waterfront - Birgu Waterfront
• St. Cataldus Catacombs
• St. John's Co Cathedral and Musuem

Similar experiences

• Enthusiastic30 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Very good tour but lunch should be optional The guide Olivia was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. She took good care of the group and kept a count all the time. The included lunch was not to everyone's liking. It was a set menu. The 'vegetarian' main dish was an omelette. The lunch should really be an optional extra. Read more Written March 30, 2024
• BoardingPass592299 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour of Malta’s sights Really interesting trip covering a lot of the main sights of Malta, with a short amount of free time in each. A 3 course lunch with wine was also included, along with a couple of shopping stops. Our guide was excellent, explaining all the historical background as we walked around. Read more Written March 27, 2024
• BoardingPass592299 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good half day tour Good trip overall. Market was very busy on Sunday so it was difficult to get to see everything. Our guide was very informative and made the trip really enjoyable. The boat trip to the Blue Grotto was choppy but was worth the ride to see the beautiful water and caves at the end. Read more Written March 25, 2024
• A2001URlaurenp 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Not for the faint hearted They should be clear is the conditions as it was not a nice journey at all. I have never been someone who suffers from sea sickness so this was a first. But the journey was very very rough, including quite scary moments! Many of the passengers were being sick, with only two loo’s it meant a lot were being ill with the sick bags provided. To the extent staff were kindly walking round with bin bags if needed. we decided we couldn’t face doing it on the way back so got the channel ferry and bus instead, if you do suffer with any sort of travel sickness or not great with motion, I would seriously consider other options Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Richard254 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Delightful visit. After a few minutes confusion about our booking we were delighted to be conducted around the palace by the Marquis himself - an erudite, charming, droll and deeply knowledgeable host. It is a beautiful building, with an interesting history, but much of the pleasure of the visit was the variety of stories that seemed to be attached to every article on display. There are many of them. Paintings, furniture and collectibles all had a history. We relished hearing a good number of them from the man himself. Many others remained untold, perhaps for another visit. What a privilege and treat! Read more Written March 21, 2024
• jonv86 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best Captain was on his mobile whilst stirring the boat, couldn't hear a word of the commentators and a German passenger was very rude. Not the best Read more Written March 21, 2024
• amank173 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Worth every penny Amazing views and the guide was very knowledgeable. Half day tour was just perfect so we got to see enough but still be back at our hotel early. Read more Written March 19, 2024
• KenLang 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Only buy 1 way tickets . Only 45 mins from Valletta & not very expensive. For seniors it’s 3 euros or 6 return . But there the positives end. When we travelled it was a bumpy ride but nothing to worry about. When we got back to the harbour for the return trip , we eventually found a small notice saying that all trips were cancelled for the rest of the day and the next day due to “ adverse weather conditions “ Luckily we found that the bigger Gozo channel boat was still running & had to buy another ticket , plus a 1 & 1/2 hour bus trip back to Valletta. When I complained , I was told that they do put such cancellations on their Facebook page . I pointed out that we weren’t likely to be looking at this on a day out in Gozo but would have done , had we been informed that this was an option. I have asked for a refund , a small amount but I’m really annoyed by their lack of concern for their customers, but have got nowhere because I “ didnt book it on the internet “, even though I sent a copy of my tickets . On the day , there was no other information about possible cancellations & no information about what to do if their boat isn’t running . So my advice is ..only buy 1 way tickets . There’s no upside to buying a return . Read more Written March 15, 2024
• Gill P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles What’s the point of a high speed ferry if it runs an hour late? We’ve been standing in the queue at the harbour for just over an hour. The ferry is just pulling in - it was due to leave 47 minutes ago. No information given to all the people waiting and slowly freezing. Not recommended! Take a bus to Cirkewwa and get the reliable ferry! Read more Written March 13, 2024
• Ljubica J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended Great experience, and I would highly recommend it. The guide is wonderful, he introduced Malta to us in a very interesting way. Read more Written February 17, 2024
• debigarrod 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles efficient and comfortable service Ticket lady very helpful, very efficient and comfortable, parking nearby is a challenge, understand there is a park and ride last ferry is 20.45 from Valletta in off season, so had to make way to car ferry for return journey annoying noise from people playing music/ videos on their phones without headphones..... Read more Written February 15, 2024
• liamf909 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Craic Must admit, brilliant value considering how long we were out for incl. a light lunch with wine. Our guide was very knowledgeable and looked after us well and gave us her personal insights as a native from Malta. Mdina and Rabat were very picturesque to look at, I would recommend this for anyone going solo. Read more Written February 7, 2024
• CrW285 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience It was a very enjoyable evening. We had lovely conversations with strangers at nearby tables, really appreciated the service and enjoyed the food. The one thing I think might be done is to highlight what is on the menu. A couple of people around me were really put off by the horsemeat. Read more Written February 2, 2024
• tomgR3516SZ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour but light on commentary The boat booking and onboarding processes were very efficient and the boat well equipped and comfortable. The tour certainly went all around the harbour and various creeks and in terms of areas explored offered very good value. The only downside was the commentary which was fairly infrequent and not too informative. Read more Written January 4, 2024
• Karen A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fascinating look behind the doors in a Valletta house. The visit was fascinating. In particular the guide was perfectly knowledgable and wound together the stories of the inhabitants and family throughout the ages with all the treasury of artefacts and paintings in the house. Read more Written January 3, 2024

More to explore in Island of Malta

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Perfect 5 day malta itinerary [including gozo & comino].

Malta is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. It took me by surprise. It may be small, but it is jam-packed with things to do and has an amazing history.

If you want to make the most of your stay in Malta , then this guide will help you achieve that.

Bradley and I spent 1 month in Malta, so we know all the best spots and are well equipped to help you plan the best Malta itinerary ever!

First up ...

Travellerspoint

Getting into the country: Visa requirements in Malta

Since Malta is part of the European Union if you’re from the EU, or the UK then you won’t currently need a visa to enter Malta. 

If you’re from the US, then it’s good news too: Malta is a party to the Schengen Agreement which means U.S. citizens may enter Malta for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. free. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.

Our Malta Itinerary

I believe the perfect way to plan your trip is to split your time between Malta and Gozo. The first few days will be based in Malta, before we head on over to beautiful Gozo. 

DAY 1: Valletta 

Start your Malta itinerary with a day exploring the beautiful capital city of Valletta. Valletta is jam-packed with awesome things to see and do and you’ll need a full day of exploring to see it all. I’m going to list my top 5 favourites below that you simply cannot miss out on. 

• The Malta Experience - A perfect way to learn about the incredible history of the island 
• Lascaris war rooms - Visit the bunkers where the Allied forces planned the invasion of Italy!
• Upper Barrakka Gardens - A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the views
• St Georges Square - In the heart of the city, there's always a lot going on around here
• Republic Street - Great for shopping, eating and drinking!

In the evening go and check out the Tritons Fountain as it’s all lit up, then dine at the Valletta waterfront for a romantic dinner. 

DAY 2: Malta 

Day two of this Malta itinerary is going to be about exploring some of the other top sites in Malta. Now, there is a lot to see in Malta, so you will need to choose wisely, but thankfully I’ve done a whole guide on the best things to do in Malta that you can check for inspiration. However, if you're a bit more strapped for time, I’ve rounded up 5 things I think you should do ...

• Explore the silent City of Mdina 
• Visit Popeye Village (visit an hour & half before closing for reduced ticket prices)
• Check out the unique St Paul's Catacombs
• Visit the Unique Tarxien Temples
• Check out the Blue Grotto Viewpoint 

You should be able to fit this all into one day. Start with Mdina, and end with Popeye Village! You can use a car to get around or the Hop on Hop off bus services covers all these Malta attractions I’ve mentioned (but I will discuss the best ways to get around Malta below!)

DAY 3: Blue Lagoon & Comino Island 

Today is the day you take a trip to the beautiful Blue Lagoon on Comino Island . You’ll also get to visit some pretty epic caves and other lagoons such as Crystal Lagoon. When it comes to choosing a boat company to go with, there is probably too much choice, but we HIGHLY recommend the company we went with: Sea Adventure. You can book your tour online (which is actually 5 euros cheaper than booking in person….we made that mistake!)

These tours typically last from around 11 am to 4-5 o'clock which is plenty of time to enjoy snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing and perhaps a little bit of drinking in the Maltese sunshine. 

DAY 4 & 5: Gozo 

Your final days are going to be spent on the beautiful island of Gozo! Bradley and I actually went to Gozo with the intention of seeing everything in one day ... we failed. We stayed overnight and finished our sightseeing the next day. Gozo may be small, but it’s absolutely PACKED with amazing things to see and do. 

The island also has a lot of charm, and you’ll naturally want to spend the evening there and enjoy a beautiful sunset. 

You can get to Gozo via the ferry which runs very frequently (every 20 minutes or so) and you can go as a foot passenger, or if you’ve rented a car in Malta , you can bring your car over. 

If you decide you want to rent a car on Gozo, there are quite a few car rental companies near the ferry terminal who can sort you out with a car, or you can use the Hop on Hop off bus (bus I think this limits you as you won’t be able to access some of the best sights on Gozo!)

We’ve got a full guide on the best things to do in Gozo, but again, in the interests of this Malta itinerary, I’m going to list you 5 things that you CANNOT miss when you visit Gozo. 

• Explore the amazing Ancient Citadella
• Visit the epic The Ta Pinu Basilica
• Check out the Marsalforn Salt Pans
• Visit the remains of the Azure Window, via boat ride 
• Visit Tal Mixta Cave for the best views of Ramla Bay

Where should I base myself for this Malta itinerary? 

This 5 day Gozo and Malta itinerary certainly has you moving around a lot, but presuming you’ve got hand luggage with you, you could move with it. 

You could spend your first two nights in Valletta or Sliema (right next to Valletta) which puts you in a perfect position for Malta sightseeing and renting a car (if you don’t opt for car rental pickup at the airport). 

Then on your third night, you could stay near St Paul's Bay as that’s where your boat tour takes off from, and it’s got a beautiful promenade with lots of great restaurants. 

Finally, spend your final night on Gozo island! 

If you don’t want to move around, then I suggest you base yourself in Sliema and do day trips from there. You can just pay for an extra night on the island of Gozo, or still leave and spend your last night on Gozo! 

We always recommend you check Booking.Com for the best choice and deals on accommodation in Malta and on Gozo. 

So there you go, that’s my suggestion for a 5 day Malta itinerary which includes a visit to the beautiful islands of Comino & Gozo. 

Of course if you’ve got extra time and can stretch to a week, then you can spend more time exploring the other amazing sights that Malta has to offer. 

I don’t feel like you’ll be able to get all you can out of a visit to this country if you stay for less than 5 days. But if you’ve only got 3 or 4 days, make sure you still visit Gozo, because it’s so amazing! You’ll find you will need to return as you’ll be surprised at just how much there is to see in Malta. 

Getting around Malta

You’ll be pleased to hear that getting around Malta is pretty easy. Since it’s a small country you’ll not have to spend a lot of time or effort getting around all the best spots. You’ve got a couple of main options which I’ll take you through below. 

• ‍ Bus: The public transport network in Malta & Gozo is very well established and routes run everywhere, to all the tourist spots, so if you’re sticking to the listed tourist attractions in Malta, then you’ll have no issues. Only problem is that sometimes the buses are a little slow (they have multiple stops), but if you’re not in a rush, then it’s not a problem. Buses are cheap too: 1.50 for a journey in the winter and 2.00 in the summer. There is also the Tallinja Card: Explore 7 days” card which gives you unlimited bus travel in Gozo & Malta for 21 Euro.  ‍
• Hire a car: This is the BEST option for getting around Malta in my opinion. Car rental is cheap and it’s the easiest way to take control of your itinerary and discover new places. Plus the roads are pretty easy to drive which you get out of the towns. Tip, rent a smaller car. Use Rental Cars to search for the best car deals in Malta & Gozo. PS, if you do rent a car, then these suggestions also make a great malta road trip itinerary. ‍
• Hop on/hop off: The hop on hop off buses in Malta have like 4 different routes that take you all over the island, so if you want to do a lot of sightseeing in one day, then this is a great option. There is also a service in Gozo too.  Book your Malta Hop on Hop Off bus and your Gozo Bus right here.
• ‍ Taxis/ridesharing apps: Finally, apps like Bolt & Cool can take you from A to B, but naturally this will be a little pricer.

I’ve done a guide on getting around Malta too if you want EVEN more details. 

What was our budget for Malta?

As far as European countries go, I would say Malta is mid-range. Accommodation can be a little pricey, but if you book at the right time, you can get some brilliant deals! Food tends to be pretty mid-range and you can dine out for around $20 per person including a main course and wine. 

Things will be cheaper if you eat locally and stick to pizza/pasta dishes, but alcohol in Malta tends to be very cheap compared to other countries. Wine is made locally too, and doesn’t taste half bad! 

Car rental and public transport are both very reasonable. 

I would suggest a budget of $70-80 a day (including accommodation & car rental) for a comfortable time in Malta. A lot of the natural sights on offer are free, and honestly, the paid sites are at a very reasonable price too. 

Final thoughts

There we have it! Our perfect 5 day Malta Itinerary. I’m going to leave you with a couple of other tips which should help you plan your itinerary…

• Malta charges a lot of money for water when dining out (more than wine, soft drinks and beer- go figure) so bring a reusable bottle with you that you can refill. 
• You might consider the Malta Pass which is great value if you intend on doing all the sights included. 
• Don’t rely on Google Maps for bus times. There were quite a few times we went by Google and the bus had left 5 minutes early, or it didn’t come at all. Simply turn up and hope for the best! 
• Most attractions and shops take cards, but if you do need to use an ATM, then opt for HSBC or BOV (Bank of Valletta) as they don’t charge for cash withdrawals. As always we suggest Monzo or Revolut for the best exchange rates on the market. 
• If you are the type of individual who has a Unesco world heritage sight bucket list, then you’ll love Malta as there is lots to tick off! 
• Malta mainly uses Euro, but in some of the “expat” areas such as St Paul's Bay & Bugibba, they can take pound sterling too. 

Overall I think 5 days in Malta & Gozo is the perfect amount to see all the best sights and to get a real feel for the country. Therefore I think Malta is a perfect city break destination. Lots of people visit Malta purely for the sunshine and beaches, (which are great), but don’t miss out on all the amazing sights, culture and other beauty that Malta has to offer. I feel like people don’t see enough of this country when they visit.

Basically, if you’ve been to Malta and you come back with the opinion of “there wasn’t a lot to do”, then you’ve done it COMPLETELY wrong! But if you follow this 5 day Malta itinerary, then you’ll see that there is lots to see and do.

If you’ve got any more questions or comments, then simply pop them below and we’ll get back to you. 

Happy travelling! 

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5 Days in Malta – A Guide to See it All

Malta is an oft-overlooked vacation destination in Europe. But if you can find an affordable flight, it usually offers warmer weather than the rest of the continent and can make for a perfect 5-day trip. 

Read on to see our recommended things to see during 5 days in Malta. In order to see it all, we’d really recommend staying 2 days near Valetta, and 3 days on the island of Gozo, which we found to be even more charming than the larger island. We hope you have a great time!

Arriving in Malta

Malta is small, and the airport is very close to everywhere you might need to go. We landed in the evening and decided to take a cab to our hotel, the Grand Excelsior, just outside the city walls of Valetta. Cabs are generally reliable in Malta, it should be a flat rate to get from the airport to anywhere near Valetta.

The colorful balconies of Malta

We spent the first 2 days near Valetta, and we found 2 days to be plenty of time. Honestly, Valetta is so small that you can’t go wrong. Take some time to just wander around the streets. You’ll find it easy to get your bearings and there’s no way you can get lost. We loved wandering around and admiring the different colors of the gallarija – the distinctive Maltese balconies that you’ll see all over the island. Here are some other things you can do in Valetta.

Upper and Lower Barakka Gardens

The Upper Barakka Gardens in Valetta

Well-maintained park giving you a great view over the harbors.

Valetta Harbor Tour

Malta’s historical significance primarily comes from the fact that it can be used as one huge harbor in the middle of the Mediterranean. There are tons of other cities that have popped up around Valetta which each have their own character. Taking a harbor tour will give you the best view of Valetta from the water, and is the best way to take in the cities around the huge harbor. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate with us and our tour was cancelled and refunded, so we’ll just have to go back one day!

Skip it! Hop-on, Hop-off bus

We decided to do this, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Outside of Valetta, the highlight of Malta is the walled city of Mdina, so you would be better off either taking a bus or car directly there. The rest of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off bus seemed like tourist traps to me.

Plus, nearly everyone got off at Mdina to spend a few hours, which means everyone wanted to re-board from Mdina all at once at the end of the day. We ended up waiting HOURS to get back on the hop-on hop-off bus, since there were just too many people. You would probably be better served getting a tour that takes you directly to the highlights. I found one on Get Your Guide that takes you to Mdina, Rabat, and the San Anton Gardens .

Discover the enchanting courtyards in the city of Mdina

If you are smart enough to avoid the hop-on, hop-off bus tour, Mdina itself is well-worth a visit when you’re in Malta for 5 days. It’s the original capital of the island, and sits atop a hill giving it stunning views across the island of Malta and over the sea. Our favorite part of Mdina was just wandering the maze of alleyways, discovering charming courtyards. Plan to have lunch there and pop into the Mdina Cathedral with its brightly colored floor tiles.

We ended up splitting our trip between staying near Valetta, and staying in Xlendi on the island of Gozo. There is a passenger and car ferry that runs regularly between Malta and Gozo which departs at Ċirkewwa. I personally preferred our time on Gozo better. We had a rental car, which made it easy to explore Gozo in 2-3 days. If you don’t have a rental car, you can book a jeep day tour that will take you to all the highlights on Gozo.

Gozo is a little less crowded and a little more untouched than Malta. It’s easy to get around Gozo as well since it’s so small. You can do Gozo as a day trip from Malta, but we liked staying overnight on the island to really soak in the atmosphere. Here’s what we did:

Xlendi Tower

We were lucky enough to be staying in Xlendi, making this an easy walk. But even if you are staying elsewhere on Gozo, I’d recommend visiting the tower. Not only will you see a great view of the coast, but there are ancient salt pans, where inhabitants of the island harvested sea salt. From Xlendi Tower, you can walk along the coast where you’ll see even more amazing views.

Ggantija Temples near Xaghra on the island of Gozo

The Neolithic Temple is well-worth a visit. It’s a little hard to find, google maps will lead you astray – just follow the signs posted around town. It’s 3600-year old temple that is even older than the pyramids! The incredible thing is that it’s made up of massive limestone pieces that were somehow transported from the coast. Even today, archaeologists aren’t sure about how the ancient people accomplished this amazing feat.

Victoria on Gozo

Malta is known for having a strong Easter tradition, and we were lucky enough to be in Malta for Holy Week. Throughout the week, there are processions, prayers, art exhibits, and more. We ended up going to Victoria for the Easter Sunday parade. The streets leading up to the cathedral were filled with people and the locals paraded around a statue of Jesus, along with traditional music. It was very cool to feel a part of the tradition!

Ramla Beach

Ramla Beach is a large stretch of sand flanked by cliffs. We hung out on the beach for a while, be sure to bring food with you since the restaurants are not the greatest. Before we went to the sand, we took a small detour and hung out at the abandoned Ulysees Lodge in the hills above Ramla Beach. It’s an old hotel and villa that has since been abandoned, but still has a stunning view over the coastline. Just enter at your own risk since the building is not maintained.

Fungus Rock and Dwejra Bay

We spent an afternoon exploring and hiking around Fungus Rock, and took a dip in the waters in the Dwejra Bay. Highly recommended as a half-day trip!

Food in Malta

During our 5 days in Malta, we ate like kings. We found some delicious food in Valetta. Our favorites were Aaron’s Kitchen, where we tried some traditional Maltese dishes. Be sure to show up before the dinner rush, or call for a reservation since they tend to fill up. Another great restaurant was the Old Bakery’s Pizza. It’s a smaller hole-in-the-wall gem that is near the restaurant and bar scene in Valetta.

In Gozo, we basically hopped around different seafood restaurants, and we were never disappointed. In most restaurants, you can pick out the fish you want from their catch of the day. It’s usually prepared with boiled vegetables and fries. We always left stuffed and satisfied!

5 Days in Malta – our Takeaway

For us, 5 days in Malta was more than enough time to do all of the things we wanted to do in both Malta and Gozo. The benefit of being such a tiny country, is that it’s very easy to navigate and get your bearings! If you’re brainstorming your next vacation destination, I’d definitely recommend adding Malta to your list!

About the author

Monica Woerner

Monica is an avid traveler and backpacker who seeks to inspire others to embark on great adventures off the beaten path. Originally from California, she has travelled to over 60 countries, most of which she explored while backpacking or camping.

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5 Days in Malta: Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary

4 or 5 Days Malta Itinerary

You’re planning to spend  4 or 5 days in  Malta  for your next holidays?

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared a  detailed itinerary to visit Malta in 4-5 days  and see all the must see attractions of this little Mediterranean island.

I addition to the  best places to visit each day , I also give you  my best tip s as well as a list of the  best places to stay in Malta depending on your budget.

So,  what are the best things to do during your 4-5 days Malta itinerary ?

Table of Contents

4-5 Days in Malta: What to Do and See?

Day 1: valletta / the 3 cities.

You can’t go  4 or 5 days Malta  without spending at least  one day in  Valletta , Malta’s capital. The city isn’t too spread out so it’s totally possible to explore it on foot in just one day. It will be quite a busy schedule to be able to see everything, so let’s get started!

To visit Valletta in 1 day , I recommend you to start by Valletta’s must-see attraction,  St. John’s Co-Cathedral . It’s a very touristic site, so you should visit it  as early as possible in the morning  to avoid waiting in line.

It’s also a great way to start your trip to Malta as  t he cathedral is truly splendid .

Pillars and walls are covered with gold  and the 8 chapels dedicated to each of the Order’s languages are  beautifully decorated .  The ceiling is covered with frescoes  and under the floor made of marble tiles lies the tombs of the Knights of the Order. It’s so beautiful you won’t even know where to look at first!

You will need to wear appropriate clothes to visit the St. John’s Co-Cathedral:  you will have to cover your legs and shoulders with a shawl distributed at the entrance and high heels are not allowed. This is serious, as they could damage the floor.

Find all the information about your visit on the cathedral’s  official website .

Let’s continue  with another must see historical attraction,  the Grand Master’s Palace , once home to the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta.

Nowadays, the building houses the office of the president of Malta and her cabinet. It’s however still open to visitors. You can visit the  State Rooms (the  Council Chamber  and the Official Dinning Room  are especially impressive) and the armory where you can see armors and weapons worn by knights. When they died, all their gear was returned to to the Order.

When you’re done with the Grand Masters Palace, head to Lower  Barrakka Garden  to go see the “ Siege Bell War Monument ”  and enjoy the view over the harbor.

Then go to  Upper Barrakka Garden  to attend the  traditional 12pm cannon shooting ceremony ! It comes from an old Valletta tradition: foreign vessels would be greeted by a cannon shot from the saluting battery. The garden is mostly worth it for its  amazing view over the 3 Cities , located on the other side of the harbor.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

To stroll through the typical streets and  discover   the history of Valletta  and its unmissable monuments, I recommend you to choose  a guided tour . The guides are really great and have many great anecdotes about the city.

This tour is also available in a private version  (only for your group –  Book here ) and the  historical version:  “Valletta in World War II”  there to reserve  (also private tour).

And if you want to enjoy a magnificent  view of Valletta  from the sea , I recommend you to book a  trip on board a traditional Maltese boat , the “Luzzu”.

After your lunch break, it’s time to go to  the Three Cities  to continue your 4-5 days trip to Malta.

To reach the 3 Cities,  take the panoramic lift located in Upper Barrakka Garden.  Right after you exit the lift, cross the street and go on the left to reach the piers. From there you can take the Valletta – 3 cities shuttle. A round trip ticket costs 2.80€ and the ride lasts 10min.

The 3 Cities  are the following towns:  Cospicua, Senglosa and Vittoriosa . The boat takes you to Vittoriosa pier. From there you can  explore all 3 cities on foot  as you please, or go on  a ride on a small tourist train . In the 3 cities, you can enjoy several nice views over Valletta.

To  visit the 3 cities,  you can also  opt  for a guided tour . And the little trick is that it also includes  a tasting of local wines !

Towards the end of the afternoon, take the shuttle back and finish the day  o n Merchant and Republic street . Those are the 2 main commercial streets in Valletta, with lots of stores and gift shops.

If you need more info about Valletta’s main points of interests, you can read my article:   The 10 best things to do in Valletta .

If you want to take advantage of your  stay in Malta  to  celebrate  something as well (on your last evening or maybe even on several evenings during your stay !) I recommend

• Taking a  pub  crawl with other party guests –  Click here!
• Dance the night away in one of the clubs of Paceville !
• You  for a b oat party with an open bar !

Accommodation 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.

Malta typical houses, in Valletta

Day 2 : Mdina / Rabat /Dingli Cliffs / Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

For the second day of your 4 or 5 days Malta itinerary, start by  visiting Mdina . The city is located about 20-25min by car from Valletta.

Former capital of Malta, Mdina was then replaced by Valletta, because the knights wanted to be closer to their ships.

During my trip, I really liked Mdina.  T his fortified city is very charming with all its narrow streets.

Things to see in Mdina:

• St Paul’s Cathedral and its museum
• Vilhena Palace
• Falson  Palace
• Villegaignon Street
• Walk around the old moats turned into a garden.

Just like for Valletta,  the best way to discover Mdina is to opt for a guide tour . You can book it directly here:

• 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.
• All inclusive night tour:  This night tour includes Mdina, a 5D show about Malta’s history in Valletta and a visit to the town of Mosta. Transport from your hotel is also included.

You can then easily go  visit Rabat  from Mdina. No need to take your car, you just have to exit Mdina through the bridge, cross a square and that’s it, you’re in Rabat.  The two cities are right next to each other.

Rabat  is famous for being the place where  Paul the Apostle  sought refuge after his ship sank in Malta. Several monuments are dedicated to him, including  a church, a cave and catacomb s. You can visit them all.

Then head back to Mdina, get your car back and  go to Dingli cliffs , only 15 minutes away. Located 250m above sea level, those cliffs are  Malta’s highest point . You can go for a walk and enjoy  the beautiful view.

In the afternoon, you should go to the beach in  Ghajn Tuffieha Bay . It is, in my opinion,  one of Malta’s most beautiful beach .

Located in the wild, this sandy beach with shallow water is the  perfect place to swim.  It’s also possible to rent sun beds if you want to be more comfortable. Be careful of jellyfish, there were plenty of them when we were there.

Tips for your Malta itinerary: I recommend  spending the night in Mellieha : you will be  closer to Gozo island  (the next step of your itinerary) from there than from Valletta.

Accommodation in Mellieha

• 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 private beach .

Ghajn Tuffieha Bay

Day 3: Gozo

For this third day,  you will explore Gozo Island , Malta’s more rural little sister.

From Mellieha,  go to the  Cirkewwa ferry departure point , about 10min away by car.

You won’t have to pay anything on the way to Gozo island , you will only pay on the way back (20€ for one car and two people). The trip lasts about 20mins and there are ferries all day long. Everything is very well organized and boarding/debarkation is quick.

Inside the ferry, there is a convenience shop and a cafeteria if you want to eat something.

The first thing you should do once in Gozo is to go to  Victoria, the biggest city on the island . You will be able to visit the  Citadella , located on the top of a hill. It offers  a nice scenic view over Gozo .

After the Citadella,  wander in the city center lovely streets,  you will find plenty of gift shops there. There are also many coffee shops and restaurants on  Repubblika and Fortunati Mizzi streets.  That’s perfect for your lunch break!

Looking for a cheap and quick lunch? Go to Rizzles Caf fé . You will find various food options: pastizzis, pies, pizzas and sandwiches at a very affordable price. For dessert, you can get a big slice of cake for only 1.50€!

You can eat there or order to take away.  Address: St Francis Square in Victoria .

In the afternoon, head to the  Northwest of Gozo, in  Dwejra . As it’s where the famous  Azure Window  (which collapsed) used to be located, it’s a very touristic spot.

Even if the Azure Window is no more, there are many other things to see there, such as the  Inland Sea, the Deep Blue Hole and Fungus Rock .

Dwejra  is also a famous location  among Game of Thrones lovers : some scenes from the TV show were shot there. Another good reason to visit it during your 4-5 days itinerary in Malta!

On your way back, stop by  Ta’Pinu Basilica , one of the most stunning church in Gozo. The basilica is sumptuous, surrounded by fields and nature. I really loved that place!

If you prefer to  explore Gozo with a full day guided tour , you will have many options depending on the means of transport you prefer.

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!)

• 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!)
• 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! You can also  book a half day tour here.

And if quad biking isn’t really your thing, you can  opt for another type of excursion  (click on the links below for more info and booking):

• Gozo: Jeep tour   – Pick up at your hotel in Malta included
• Gozo: private Jeep tour   – Pick up at your hotel in Malta included
• Scooter guided tour of Gozo
• Tourist bus tour (Hop-on Hop-off) .

Accommodation in 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.

Day 4: Comino / Gozo

For this fourth day in your Malta itinerary, go  visit Comino , Malta’s smallest island.

From Gozo , you need to take a small shuttle boat to Comino.  The trip lasts about 20-25min  and costs 10€. There is a boat leaving every hour (even a bit more during high season). The boat departure point is close to  the Mgarr ferry departure .

You can also  take a boat to Comino  from the  small beach of Hondoq . You can park your car there. It’s very convenient and it’s faster than from the harbour.

There are  2 options :

• Shuttle boat to Comino (round trip)
• Shuttle boat to Comino (round trip) + visit to the sea caves

The boat will drop you off at Comino’s main attraction,  the Blue Lagoon .  With its fine sand and crystal clear water , it’s a real paradise!

But there is one downside to this paradise: it’s very crowded! It won’t feel like a desert island, that’s for sure.

There are many day trips coming from Malta, they are bringing tourists all day long. It spoils a little bit the whole experience but one needs to share the fun!

Nevertheless, it’s still a great spot  to take a dip, relax and enjoy the sun .

If you’re looking for a calmer spot, there are  2 other beaches  in Comino (2 small sandy beaches). They are located next to the only hotel of the island. If you want a quieter spot to swim, you should definitely go there.

In Comino, you will also find  public bathrooms and food trucks  to get something to eat. I was positively surprised by the quality and affordability of the food despite the lack of competition around.

You can  spend half a day to one full day in Comino , it’s up to you.

If you prefer to stay for half a day, it’s then time  to take the boat back to Gozo .

In the afternoon , you should go to one of my favorite place in Gozo:  Marsalforn salt pans . Park your car and take a stroll along the salt pans and the sea. You can even walk a bit further and reach  Wied Il Gashri , a small fjord where you can take a dip.

Looking for more things to do in Gozo? Check out my article:  The 10 best places to visit in Gozo.

Day 5: Popeye Village / Blue Grotto / Marsaxlokk / St Peter’s Pool

To finish your 4-5 days itinerary in Malta, you will need to  go back on the main island.

After you exit the ferry,  stop by Popeye Village  located only 5-10min away from the harbor.

The whole village was built to serve as a set for the movie”Popeye” with Robin Williams. Today, it’s a small amusement park to discover the world of this famous character. You don’t have to go inside (especially if you don’t like spinach!) but  the village with its colorful houses is very photogenic .

Then, let’s head to the  Blue Grotto . It’s a famous Malta attraction thanks to its  intense blue water . Enjoy the view from  the belvedere  or opt for one of the boat tours to get inside. Tours last about 30min and  leave from Wied Il Zurrieq  (only 2min drive from the belvedere).

Continue to  Marsaxlokk fishermen village  and more precisely the small fishing port with its  traditional colorful boats . This charming village is a must see during your trip to Malta.

If you are there on a Sunday, you will also have the opportunity to shop at  Marsaxlokk market  for the cheapest souvenirs in Malta.

In the afternoon, go to  St Peter’s pool  located 10 minutes driving from Marsaxlokk.

St Peter’s pool is a  natural pool  where you can  jump directly from the rocks . It’s a famous spot, especially among young people. However, I wouldn’t recommend going there if you are with young children, because you can only access the water by jumping or going down a ladder.

On the right of St Peter’s Pool,  you will find rocks shaped like hot tubs next to the water. It’s a quiet place to take a dip.

It’s a good idea to spend the last night of your 4 or 5 days holidays in Marsaxlokk, because it’s located just 15min driving from the airport. Very practical!

Tips for your Malta itinerary: If you’re only in Malta for  4 days , here is my  recommended itinerary :

• Day 1:  Valletta / The 3 Cities
• Day 2:  Mdina / Rabat / Dingli Cliffs/ Ghajn Tuffieha Bay
• Option 1 : full day in Gozo, similar to the 5 days itinerary (sleep in Gozo or in Mellieha)
• Option 2:  full day in Comino (sleep in Mellieha)
• Option 3 : morning in Gozo + afternoon in Comino (sleep in Gozo)
• Day 4:  Popeye Village / Blue Grotto / Marsaxlokk / St Peter’s Pool

Accommodation in Marsaxlokk

• 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 4-5 days in Malta

You want to enjoy  more activities  during your   4-5 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:

The 4 best activities to do in Malta

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 (3h30).
• 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!
• 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
• 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 Gozo)

You’re going to visit Malta in 4 or 5 days and have questions? Ask me anything about your trip in the comments section below.

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: 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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Best tours in malta according our members, malta for 5 days: what to do and see during your holiday in malta, day 1: valletta & sliema, party in st. julian’s .

Taking a bus to Valletta is usually the most convenient option – there is a bus going to Valletta from all the main towns in Malta, all of which stop just in front of Valletta’s main gate. Valletta can be fully explored on foot, so make sure to take comfortable shoes and a good camera! In Valletta you can spend as much time as you want – depending on your interests. There are museums, churches, gardens and many other beautiful buildings that were built by the Knights of St. John several centuries ago. Visit the  Malta Experience  for an excellent overview of Malta's historical highlights as well as the greatest monuments like St. John Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens , offering beautiful views of the Grand Harbour. 

Republic Street, which is the main street of Valletta is lined with different kinds of shops ranging from the latest fashion to traditional Maltese souvenirs .  If you want to have lunch in Valletta, try exploring the side streets, where the prices are less exorbitant and the restaurants are less busy. 

Spend a relaxing afternoon in cosmpolitan Sliema

You can either go to Sliema by bus; otherwise you can take a ferry by going down to Marsamxett harbour by walking down to St. Mark’s street. 

Sliema offers a number of restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and most of all a beautiful coastal promenade that stretches for a couple of kilometres along Tigne, the upper part of Sliema, St. Julian’s and Paceville. We suggest a walk along this promenade and enjoy the open sea views of the Mediterranean Sea. Apart from numerous restaurants and entertainment facilities, St. Julian’s and neighbouring Paceville provide you with a lot of places where you can have a quiet cocktail or a wild dancing night ! 

Day 2: Mosta, Mdina, Rabat 

From Mosta you can take the bus to Rabat and walk a short distance to the entrance of the main gate of Mdina , the Silent city. There are virtually no cars in Mdina so you explore this cute small city in a relaxed way. This medieval town is dominated by Norman and Baroque architecture, including a beautiful Cathedral in the centre of the town. Take a walk along the streets of this beautiful town and walk all the way to the bastions, where you’ll have spectacular views of the rest of Malta. 

Day 3: Gozo

Although Gozo is Malta’s sister island, it has a completely different landscape and way of life. So we suggest that you spend a whole day to visit this island and enjoy the calmer atmosphere together with the beautiful scenery of countryside and Mediterranean Sea.

To go to Gozo, you need to get a ferry from Cirkewwa in the very north of the island (bus number 41 from Valletta, 221 from Bugibba and 222 from Sliema/St. Julian’s). The ferry-crossing takes around 20 minutes and there are several ferries going there every day. The return trip for passengers is €4.65, but you can also take up your car for more flexibility.

You can start your day by visiting the capital city, Rabat, also known as Victoria . Go up the hill to the Cittadella and apart from seeing many historical sites, you’ll be able to enjoy a 360° view around the whole of Gozo. 

Perhaps the most important site to visit in Gozo is the Azure window, which attracts thousands of tourists annually. The views here are really spectacular so make sure not to leave your camera behind! 

In the afternoon you can visit Calypso Cave with spectacular views of Ramla Bay - one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the Maltese Islands. If you have time, we suggest going down to this beach and have a refreshing swim in the clear waters.

Day 4: Blue Grotto, Hagar Qim & Dingli cliffs

For the fourth day of your holiday in Malta, we suggest a visit to the Blue Grotto and Hagar Qim megalithic temples on the West side of Malta. Although the two sites are only 14 km away from Valletta, going by bus might take you a long time as there is no direct route. So in this case, taking a taxi is more ideal. Blue Grotto is a beautiful natural cave and arch that attract many people for swimming, diving and boat cruising in the cave to enjoy the blue colour of the waters. 

On the other hand, Hagar Qim & Mnajdra temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that date back to pre-historic times – from around 3600-2500BC. In Hagar Qim  you can understand how our ancestors lived in the early communities. One can find large stones weighing around 20 tons here, making you wonder how hard these people worked to build a temple that reflected their loyalty to the gods. Mnajdra is located very close by, so a combined visit of the two temples is ideal. 

From here you can take a bus to the majestic Dingli cliffs , which constitute the highest point of the Maltese Islands at 253 metres. Have a walk along the cliffs and enjoy the spectacular views over the open seas. This site is at its best during sunset, so make sure not to leave your camera behind.

Day 5: Beautiful beaches along the north-west 

For the last day of your holiday we suggest a relaxing day along the north-western coast of Malta, you can start by visiting Gnejna, one of Malta’s most spectacular sandy beaches with interesting clay slopes . If the weather is good, swimming and sunbathing in this bay can be a lovely way to spend your day. 

If you had enough with swimming and sunbathing, you can also go horse riding in the area around Golden bay. The scenarios that you’ll see during sunset are absolutely wonderful, so bring your camera along! There are a couple of good snack bars in the area, so you can end your day with a lovely dinner on the beach.

In the afternoon you might want to go to the east side of Malta to discover the three cities – Isla, Bormla and Birgu (or in their Latin names Senglea, Cospicua and Vittoriosa). Vittoriosa is probably the most popular of the three, it has many historical sites and a beautiful waterfront for you to discover! 

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Malta in 5 Days

If you are heading to a small country like Malta and you only have 5 short days, read carefully –  you can still have a thoroughly exciting holiday! Of course, spending 5 days in some of the famous destinations of the country still won’t scratch the surface. However, by organizing your itinerary in advance ( this helps to minimize your travel time and concentrate on the sites you would want to see ) you can make the most out of your short vacation.

Things to know before travelling to Malta:

1.Language – The two official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. English is spoken by the entire population but speaking at least some Maltese phrases or attempting to learn is greatly appreciated by the locals.

2.Money  – Malta’s unit of currency is Euro. Exchanging money in Malta is easy and follows the same standard to elsewhere in Europe. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, Bureau de Change Kiosks and some hotels, airports and city centers. Prior to travelling, you can buy some euros ( enough for one day or whatever your preference ) and then exchange your money in the banks and bureaux de change to get the best rates. All major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

3.Transportation – Getting around Malta is relatively easy. Malta Public Transport provide a safe, reliable and affordable bus service in Malta and Gozo. You can download a Route Map from https://www.publictransport.com.mt/en/route-map . There are also regular ferry service that connects the islands of Malta and Gozo – check most up-tp-date schedule and ticket prices at http://www.gozochannel.com/en/home.htm . Renting a car and driving on your own is not recommended because of Malta’s growing traffic accident rate.

4.Accommodation – There are many types of holiday accommodation in Malta, from luxury hotels to cheaper accommodation like youth hostels and bed and breakfast. There are also plenty of apartment rentals if you prefer the comfort and convenience of having your own place with cooking facilities ( worth checking AirBnB ). For first time visitors, we would recommend the Bugibba and Qawra, St. Julian’s and Paceville or the Sliema area as these areas are centrally located and close to restaurants and nightlife.

5.Getting there – Malta International Airport (MLA) is the only airport in Malta. The airport is located about 3 miles from Valetta. Taxis are available 24 hours a day from the airport to any destination in Malta ( fixed rates are applicable and pre-paid tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth inside the Welcomers’ Hall on Arrivals ). A round-trip airfare from Rome starts at 58 USD; from Amsterdam – 180 USD; from London you can find round-trip tickets starting at 88 USD ( if you choose to visit in winter ); from Moscow – 250 USD; from Hong Kong – 637 USD. Keep in mind that prices can almost double during the summer months.

Day by Day Itinerary Malta in 5 Days

Day 1: Valetta

Take an international flight to Malta International Airport. It is best to get an early morning arrival so you could fight off your jet lag before you go exploring in the afternoon. After check in at your preferred accommodation, minimize your jet lag by spending a lot of time out in the sunlight so your body can adapt to its new surroundings.

Where to stay in Valletta:

Casa Ellul ( 81 Old Theatre Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT1429, Malta )

Hotel Phoenicia ( The Mall, Valletta, Island of Malta FRN 1478, Malta )

Grand Harbour Hotel ( 47 Battery Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 1221, Malta )

Osborne Hotel ( 50, South Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 11, Malta )

Castille Hotel ( Castille Square, c/w St. Paul’s Street, Valletta, Island of Malta VLT 07, Malta )

Dedicate the rest of this day for the UNESCO World Heritage site of Valetta , the fortified capital city of Malta. Although Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in the World, covering only about 0.8 square kilometers, it contains 320 historic monuments, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Some of the attractions you can visit are  the Cathedral of St John , the churches of Our Lady of Victory, the Auberge de Bavière, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Church of the Shipwreck of St Paul and so much more. Wear a comfortable walking shoes as you will do a lot of walking for today.

Day 2: Mosta, Rabat and Mdina

Unless breakfast is included in the price of your accommodation, start your day at one of Malta’s best breakfast and brunch spots ( you can try Piadina Caffe, located at 24, St.Lucia Street, Il-Belt Valletta VLT1186, Malta ). A typical breakfast in Malta consist of Maltese bread or Ricotta Pastizzi and fresh percolated sweet black coffee. After breakfast, make your way to Mosta , a town situated in Central Malta ( to get to Mosta from Valetta just get on bus number 41, 42 or 48; the trip ia about 30 minutes and tickets are 1,50 EUR or 2 EUR, depending on the season; purchase your tickets directly from the bus driver ). The town is very famous because of its Rotunda Church ( Rotunda of St Marija Assunta; Rotunda Square, Mosta, Malta, Mosta, Malta ) that has the third largest dome in the World. Other attractions you can find here are  Malta Aviation Museum ,  Cumbo Tower ,  Speranza Chapel and the ancient Ta’ Bistro Catacombs .

From Mosta, board a bus going to Rabat ( bus number 186 ), a town in the Western Region of Malta, just outside Mdina. Explore some of its famous attractions like the  Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha , t he Roman Villa , St. Paul’s Grotto and  Casa Bernard . Then, head to Mdina  ( bus number 51, 52 ,109 or 186) , also known as the Silent City. This medieval town is famous for its Norman and Baroque architecture which can be seen in most homes and palaces.

Day 3: Gozo

Embark on one of the most interesting day trips out of Malta by heading to Gozo , Malta’s sister island. A ferry line operates between Cirkewwa, Malta and Mgarr, Gozo with ferries departing every 45 minutes during the day. Tickets cost 4.655 EUR (5 USD) one-way. Although part of the Maltese archipelago, the overall vibe here is so much different. You can spend one day in Gozo to enjoy its stunning landscapes, beautiful countryside scenery and way of life. Do not miss Gozo’s biggest attraction, Azure Window . Explore the capital city of Rabat, also known as Victoria. If you still have time, go for an afternoon swim at Ramla Bay.

Travel tip: Opt for a sightseeing tour if you have limited time to see Gozo. The Gozo Route departs from Mgarr Harbour and visits the Ggantija Temples & Xaghra Windmill, Calypso’s Cave ( photo stop ), Marsalforn Bay, Ta’ Pinu Basilica, the Crafts Village, Azure Window ( Dwejra ), Fontana Cottage and Xlendi Bay. It ends back at Mgarr Harbour and passes by the Victoria Bus Station a number of times.The tour operates daily from 9.30am every hour with the last one leaving at 2.30pm and it costs 15 EUR ( 17 USD ).

Each tour takes just under three hours without leaving the bus but this would obviously defeat the tour’s hop on, hop off concept and a normal tour can fill a whole day or more to explore Gozo’s culture and heritage.

Day 4: Sliema, the City of Saint Julian’s and Paceville

On day 4, spend a relaxing morning in cosmopolitan Sliema , another famous town in Central Malta ( from Valetta get on bus number 13, 14, 16 or 21 ). There are a number of shopping opportunities in this area so you can also buy some souvenirs here. You can also go on a gastronomic adventure as there are several bars and restaurants to choose from in this area. In the afternoon, take in some sights at St. Julian’s , located at the upper part of Sliema. Some of the sights you can see here are  Balluta Bay ,  Spinola Bay and Spinola Palace . Finish the day at Paceville , famous for its thriving nightlife.

Day 5: Birgu, also known as Città Vittoriosa

For your final day in Malta, get a one last whirl through Valetta to take in any museums or other attractions that you might have missed. Or you can start out early and make the most out of this day, you can do a half day trip to Birgu , also known as Città Vittoriosa ( bus number 1, 2, 3 or 4 ). If time permits, you can go shopping before your flight back home. For a wide range and reasonably priced locally made handicrafts, you can visit  Ta’ Qali Craft Village.

This is the end of our 5-day Suggested Itinerary. Honestly, a 5-day trip is not enough time to explore Malta and it will somehow force you to make some hard choices. But if you are committed to maximize this short stay, you can definitely see a little bit of everything. That said, you can make some changes on this itinerary based on your interests. Happy travel!

Have you been to Malta? Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? If so, you can leave your comments below.

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Such beautiful pictures. 🙂 It looks like you had an amazing time. Malta is truly a gem

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How to spend 5 days in Malta and see almost everything

Okay let me first start by saying 5 days in Malta is not enough. I could have been there for months and still never wanted to leave. However, if you’re looking to get to the main sights than 5 days in Malta should be enough to hit the highlights. 

We ventured to the smaller European island in October and had perfect weather. It was really unpredictable though because it had flooded the week before we got there and then again the week after we left. I couldn’t imagine going in the summer months though because it got to be close to 30 degrees Celsius, if not more, during our trip. 

You can get to Malta from almost any major airport in Europe. We flew from Dublin  and got a direct flight with Ryanair. On the way back we flew direct into London with EasyJet. Neither flight was particularly expensive, especially when you compare it to North America prices. Plus they were relatively short trips as well, a couple of hours each at most. 

Once you’re there it’s pretty easy to get around the island through taxis or transit. Although if you’re going to be navigating through the cities on your own I would recommend walking, you’ll always see more stuff that way! 

How did we spend our 5 days in Malta? Read on to find out. 

We started our trip by staying in Sliema. This was for a few reasons but mostly because it was closer for us to get to the Comino Island . I wouldn’t necessarily say there is a lot of things to do in Sliema but it’s a great spot to walk around. 

Down by the water there are a number of great restaurants. During the day you’ll get some epic views of the water below. At night, it also looks beautiful all lit up. 

I found Sliema to be a great spot for accommodations. It’s a little bit cheaper than the more popular Valletta area. If you’re looking for a great place to stay you absolutely must stay at The Palace . Not only are the rooms spacious and comfortable but the rooftop pool is to die for!

| What to see |

• Roman Baths: Located along the coastline you’ll find these ancient baths. Unfortunately for us, the weather was not cooperating and we weren’t actually able to see them this visit. The waves in that area can get pretty high and scary so we steered clear!
• The Coastal wall:  I’m not sure this area even has a name but it’s essentially the pathway along the city wall. On the one side you’ll have a beautiful view of Valletta across the bay and the other the view fo the buildings of Sliema. There are some really nice restaurants along the wall for you to enjoy.
• Happy Hour : Honestly, if you’re going to have some of the amazing views that Sliema does you might as well enjoy it! We were fortunate enough to have one of the best views from our hotel balcony so sitting there and watching the sun go down was honestly epic.

Comino and Gozo Island

If you’ve got 5 days in Malta than the Comino Island needs to be on your list of places to visit. It’s a short ferry ride from the mainland and if you pick the right tour you won’t even notice the distance. The country of Malta is actually made up of 3 islands which include these 2 alongside the main island.

While I tried finding ways of saving us money to try and get to the island on our own, I’m really glad we booked a tour. It wasn’t too expensive and it meant we didn’t have to worry about transportation anywhere. We were picked up close to our hotel and dropped off several hours later in the same location. Too easy.

Make sure to pick a tour that gives you the option to visit Gozo island. There aren’t a ton of things to do here but it’s a must visit during your 5 days in Malta. Having someone drive you around is super important because you’ll get to see pretty much everything in a short amount of time.

• The Blue Lagoon: Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon from Iceland, this Maltese version is all natural. It’s an absolutely stunning spot filled with beer, food, and tons and tons of people. It can get crazy busy during the day so try and choose a tour that will get you there fairly early.
• Ta’Pinu:  Once you venture over to Gozo Island one of the main attractions is Ta’Pinu, an exceptionally large Catholic Church. I didn’t get to go in because I was wearing shorts and had my shoulders exposed but just viewing it from the outside was super impressive. The Pope actually visited this spot several years ago.
• Gran Castello Historical House : This is the first spot we saw on the island and I was super impressed. The grounds are much larger than you may think. It took us a good 30 minutes to walk around and get a good sense of it. Travel to the top for some of the best views of the island. If you plan on just walking along the walls and the grounds then it’s free to explore.
• St. George’s Basilica : Located not too far from the Historical house you’ll find this giant Basilica. I actually stumbled upon it by accident. The religious building is a historical Baroque-style church.

I honestly think of all of the places we visited in Malta, Mdina was my favourite. One of Ben’s best friends is Maltese and said that if we do anything on the island we must visit Mdina. We were definitely not disappointed.

Feeling a little adventurous (and cheap) we decided to take public transit to the city just North of Valletta. It was a really easy ride filled with other tourists like ourselves. The journey in total took about 30 minutes and cost less than a Cappuccino.

For those of you that watch Game of Thrones, you may recognize the city of Mdina as there were many scenes from the show filmed here. Having never watched the show, I was taken aback with how gorgeous the architecture of the city was.

In an effort to preserve the ancient streets and walls, only residents are allowed to drive their vehicles inside the city. You’ll find it’s an extremely walk-able city so that shouldn’t be a problem at all. If you’re feeling super touristy you can rent a horse and buggy to take you around but I typically steer clear of those kinds of activities.

• Mdina Gate: It’s likely that the Mdina gate is going to be the first thing you see before entering the city. It’s a gorgeous arc that leads you right into the city walls. If you’re patient, you can catch a beautiful photo of the horse and buggies traveling through the gate.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral:  The biggest structure in Mdina is St. Paul’s Cathedral. It towers over the rest of the city in the most beautiful way. The church was built and dedicated to (as you may have guessed) St. Paul the Apostle.
• Walk around : There’s nothing better to do in this small city than to walk around and admire the views. We visited on a beautiful day and while I thought it would have been swarming with tourists, there were many streets that we were completely alone. You’ll also find the city can be very quiet because there is no traffic and the walls are so high they almost act as sound barriers to the outside world.
• De Mondion : If you’re looking to enjoy a cold beer and some lunch after wandering through the streets than you absolutely must dine at De Mondion. The view from their rooftop seats are absolutely incredible. The food was also really delicious. I could not recommend this place enough.

Last but not least, the main city of Malta, Valletta. We split our time here with Sliema wanting to experience the best of both worlds.

During the day Valletta can get incredibly busy as there are tons of tourists milling about. Combine that with the cruise ships that port nearby and it’s borderline hard to move through the small streets.

We mostly explored Valletta first thing in the morning or at night so that the streets weren’t as packed and we were able to enjoy our time a little more.

Valletta is a really walkable city. We were able to city everything we wanted within a day and a bit no problem. Plus, getting the chance to view the stunning buildings up close was amazing. Thankfully my sister and Ben know what I’m like to travel with so stopping every 3 seconds to take a photo wasn’t actually a problem!

• Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens: One of my favourite spots in Malta is the Barrakka Gardens. While they aren’t actually next to each other they are close by and provide different (and equally gorgeous) views of the water and the city. The gardens are perfectly manicured and a great spot to walk around. I would recommend grabbing a bear at the stall in the Upper Barrakka Garden to people watch.
• Fort Saint Elmo:  If you’re into history then you should put Fort Saint Elmo on your list of things to see. I had no idea Malta had so much history before wanding through the fort. One surprising thing I found was that Malta was pretty integral to World War 2 because of its geographical position.
• The Saluting Battery : You can actually view the Saluting Battery from the Upper Barrakka gardens. Head over to the North side of the gardens and just look down! You have to pay to get inside and honestly I didn’t think it was worth it because you can see everything you need to from above.
• St. George’s Square : In the heart of Valletta you’ll find St. George’s Square which is also home to the Grandmaster’s Palace . This is the one thing I wish we had have paid for to go inside. The palace, even from the street, looked incredibly opulent. The Grandmaster’s Palace currently is home to the President of Malta which is pretty cool!
• Merchant Street: We were lucky enough to have our hotel located right along Merchant Street meaning we got to walk up and down it several times during our 5 days in Malta. You’ll find some amazing restaurants and shops along this street. However, it’s also one of the biggest pedestrian streets I’ve ever seen!

Where to stay

There are so many beautiful places to stay in Malta we had a hard time choosing! Whether you’re choosing to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb I really don’t think you could go wrong. Even their hostels are stunning!

• The Palace : This hotel was by far one of my favourite hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The views from the balcony was more incredible than I could even describe in words. The rooms were also large – believe it or not our room had its own dining room table! | Avg price: $250 |
• Two Pillows Hostel : This hostel is a far cry from the typical European hostel. The rooms are all individually decorated and super cute. You can get your own room to feel like you’re living in luxury but with half the cost. | Ave price: $60 |
• The St. John Hotel : Of all of the boutique hotels we’ve stayed in, this is definitely top of the list. The details in these rooms were unbelievable. It’s also is super high-tech with USB adapters and littel gadgets located everywhere. | Avg price: $350 |

*This post contains affiliate links which means we might make a bit of money should you purchase through the links provided. It’s at no additional cost to you

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Home » Malta Tours and Excursions

25+ Best Malta Tours, Excursions and Unforgottable Trips

Looking for the best Malta tours and excursions, or looking to spend a day trip out in Malta, Gozo or Comino?

You’re in the right place.

As a tourist-turned-local, I’ve taken dozens of guided tours and excursions with various tour operators around the Maltese islands and continue to do so frequently.

There are many quality options out there, but also tour operators that are a waste of your money and time.

In this guide, I’ve collected the best tour options to help you decide on the best way to spend your time on holiday in Malta. ( You’ll also find a few discount coupons to help you save some cash!)

In this guide, I’ll cover and refer to more reviews I’ve written for:

• Malta excursions and guided tours, including day trips around the Maltese islands
• Boat trips and tours
• Private tours
• Malta tour packages
• Speciality tours

… and more.

You’ll find a few links to recommended tours and services within this Malta itinerary. 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 trips to Gozo Island

Gozo Island is a popular destination to stay in, but most first-time visitors will prefer to base themselves in Malta, taking a day trip to Gozo to get a taste of what the island is like.

It’s a great way to get to know Gozo’s natural beauty while getting guided around the best highlights and attractions, as well as a few lesser-known places of interest.

These are the options I highly recommend if you’re looking to take a day trip to Gozo.

All year round (365 days/year) – standard tours

TIP: Use coupon MALTA5 and get 5% off!

These tours pass by (but don’t stop) at Comino Island for a short tour.

• Gozo One Day Guided Tour by Tuk-Tuk – More info and review here: Gozo Tuk Tuk tours
• Gozo One Day Trip by Quad Bike – More info and review here: Gozo Quad Bike Tours and Rental

Summer tours (15 May – 15 Oct)

These tours actually stop at the Blue Lagoon for around an hour so you can swim and spend some time at this popular and beautiful spot.

These tours start in the afternoon and will enable you to tour Gozo at a cooler time of day, enjoying stunning summer sunsets along the way.

• Sunset Tuk Tuk Tour
• Sunset Quad Bike Tour

About the tour operator

This recommended tour operator is an excellent tried-and-tested choice for an all-inclusive day trip to Gozo Island. They offer different types of vehicles: You can opt for tours on either a 6-seater Tuk Tuk, driven by a local guide, or join a Quad Bike tour, whereby you drive your own Quad and follow a lead driver.

These tours consistently get 5/5 ratings, and that’s no surprise: Their guides and drivers do a great job of showing you around and taking you to the best places around Gozo.

You get everything you need for the day (including a light traditional Gozitan lunch) and transport to/from your place of stay in Malta or Gozo. That includes a boat crossing that takes you to or past (depending on the tour and time of year) Comino.

Private Gozo Tours

Would you prefer to have a Tuk Tuk just for you and your travel companions? You can also book a private tour of Gozo (including a Blue Lagoon stop, weather permitting) with Yippee Tours.

For larger groups, they also cater for Group Tours .

Looking for more options to tour Gozo? Have a look here: Top 10 Gozo Day Trips, Tours and Excursions to Take .

The Best Malta Boat Trips and Tours

Boat tours to the blue lagoon (comino).

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s islands and is known for the bright, azure blue waters of the stunning Blue Lagoon Bay , which is a very popular tourist destination between May and October.

Although you can take a simple ferry to get to Comino Island itself, getting the most out of a trip to the Blue Lagoon is best when going there on a boat trip. Having limited space onshore at Comino, several boat tours spend most of the day there, some with stops on the way and others combining a boat trip with a few hours’ excursion on land at Gozo Island.

Here are the best options to consider. (All highly rated/reviewed and tried and tested personally!)

Private boat trips

The best provider for private boat tours to the Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, I Malta Boat Trips . Why? They provide the best value for money and offer the most flexibility.

Although you can get a private boat for just 2 hours, I would recommend these options instead:

• Half-day private boat (3 Hours)
• Sunset Private Boat (3 Hours)
• Full Day Comino (6 Hours)
• Full Day Gozo & Comino (8 Hours)

Booking a boat trip with them is easy, and an experienced skipper will help you get the most out of your trip.

About private tours

Although they’re a little more expensive, taking a private trip is the best way to go. You can charter a boat for 2 hours up to a full day (your choice), which makes for a quieter experience at a tourist hotspot. Moreover, you have the flexibility of stopping at more secluded bays as well, planning your route together with the captain before you set off.

Day trips by boat from Buġibba

There are several providers in the Buġibba (/St Paul’s Bay/Qawra – located near each other) area, but Sea Adventure Malta (my review) offers the best options, in my opinion.

( TIP: Get 5% off all their tours using coupon code MALTA5)!

• Large catamaran with slides and underwater windows – great for families with kids
• The same catamaran but departing in the late afternoon for a Sunset Cruise at a much quieter time of day ( – highly recommended! )
• A smaller catamaran (the Sea Odyssey), which is a little less busy and more often chosen by couples or small groups.
• Option 2: Beaches and Bays Catamaran Cruise – Sail on a modern (but not crowded!) catamaran to drop anchor at some of the most beautiful bays in Malta, including Għajn Tuffieħa and the Blue Lagoon on this boat trip, also offered by Sea Adventure.
• Option 3: Hop-on / hop-off ferry with iSeeMalta , which is a similar experience to Sea Adventure but on larger (and slightly busier) boats.

Day trips by boat from Sliema

Departing from sliema (ferries seafront), there are two recommended options:.

• Option 1: Spirit of Malta Catamaran tour . Although a little more expensive, taking this catamaran is a very laid-back experience. Plus, you can easily reach the departure point from nearby places, including St. Julian’s and Valletta.
• Option 2: Hop-on / hop-off ferry with iSeeMalta . I mentioned this provider above: They stop at Buġibba on the way to the Blue Lagoon.

Gozo/Blue Lagoon combo trips

Tight on time or don’t want to spend a full day at the Blue Lagoon? Consider taking a combo trip that takes you on a highlights tour of the island of Gozo with Yippee Tours (mentioned above). I’ve also taken these guided tours myself and can only recommend them:

• Sunset Tour by Tuk Tuk
• Sunset Tour by Quad Bike

(TIP: Get 5% off using coupon code MALTA5!)

Blue Grotto Boat Trips

The Blue Grotto , near the village of Żurrieq in the South West of Malta, is a stunning place of natural beauty. Apart from the many cafeterias and restaurants that line up the road going down to the sea, you can take a boat ride around the caves to see the sparkling blue of the water from where the place takes its name.

It is said that the blue hues are also the reason why the nearby village is called Żurrieq, which in old Maltese means ‘Blue’.

Although you can get a 30-minute boat ride from near the Blue Grotto itself, it’s not an easy spot to reach by public transport. That’s why I recommend visiting this spot as part of a tour that takes you to more places on this side of Malta.

The best option here is combining the Blue Grotto visit with a guided tour of the fishing village of Marsaxlokk .

More info and tickets on that tour here.

Valletta Harbour Boat tours

The Grand Harbour and Marxamxett Harbour contain an incredible wealth of places to see that are best admired from the sea. Being among the larger natural harbours in Europe, there’s a lot of history to this area, not least because it’s located near Malta’s capital city of Valletta.

So, if you want to take a boat trip that doesn’t take up a full day, this is a great option to consider if you want to learn a bit more about the history of Valletta and the harbour area.

There are two options I suggest:

• Taking a full Grand Harbour tour (usually 1-2 hours) is something I highly recommend, and the best operator is iSeeMalta . More info on the tour here: Valletta Grand Harbour Cruise Malta .
• You can get a glimpse (but no more than that) by taking one of the harbour ferries between Valletta and the Three Cities (Grand Harbour) and Valletta and Sliema (Marsamxett Harbour). Both will take just 10 minutes, but it’s a fun mode of transport, it’s cheap, and it gives you a quick impression of the area at the same time.

Day trips to Sicily from Malta

Sicily being so close, you’ll find it really easy to hop between the islands. There’s much to see in Sicily, an island that has at least as much history as Malta does.

If you’re on a big trip in Europe, it’s definitely worth taking a full-day excursion for a visit to Sicily while you’re based in Malta.

All three are full-day excursions (early morning – late evening) provided by the same provider that operates large high-speed catamaran ferries that sail between the Valletta cruise port and Pozzallo in Sicily. When you arrive, a tour bus will take you out for a day around the island.

Option 1) Mt. Etna and Taormina

After arrival in Sicily, you’ll be taking a guided tour by air-conditioned coach to a few of the most popular locations that the island has to offer: Mount Etna and the beautiful seaside town of Taormina .

You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will be providing a running commentary along the way. There will also be an opportunity to sample some of the local flavours of food along the way.

The first stop takes you up to the Sylvester Craters of Mount Etna, after which you’ll take in the views at Taormina

Get more info and book here.

Option 2) Syracuse, Marzamemi and Noto

Exploring the eastern part of Sicily, you’ll be getting a taste of typical local village life at three locations:

• Marzamemi is a quaint little seaside fisherman’s town with great seafood and easy-paced everyday life
• Syracuse is one of the larger cities on the island, once founded by the Ancient Greeks. Rich in archaeological sites and steeped in history, it’s a must-visit
• Noto is known for its beautiful Baroque architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – a real treasure to visit.

Get more info and book here .

Private Malta Tours

With so much to see and learn about Malta and Gozo, taking a private guided tour is ideal to give your trip a kickstart. A private tour makes it easy to get to know different locations in Malta better, with an experienced guide who can provide deep insight, personalise your experience and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Private guided tours can be booked for a few hours, half- or full-day, and cover specific destinations in Malta and Gozo, or a custom itinerary for a full-day excursion. All arrangements will be made for you, and you’ll usually have a dedicated, knowledgeable tour guide who can help you experience a memorable day out.

Of all the private tour providers I got to know, the most professional, passionate and friendly guides are Chris and his team at My Dream Malta .

They offer a few options to choose from that I recommend.

A private tour of Valletta, Mdina or the Three Cities

This tour can be completely customised to your requirements and will take you to one of these three important destinations (your choice):

• Valletta , the capital, is one of the most popular destinations in Malta and is full of interesting history, sights and stories.
• Mdina is a small bastioned town on top of a hill towards the West of Malta. Once Malta’s capital city, this Medieval city is so well-preserved that visiting feels like taking a step back in time.
• The Three Cities are located right opposite Grand Harbour from Valletta and offer a blend of history and local village life. Lots to see, experience and taste.

(If you have the time, I recommend visiting all three, whether or not on a private tour.)

A private Malta sightseeing tour

Taking this option will allow you to plan 4 to 8 hours of sightseeing with Chris and his team across different locations in Malta. They usually start with a basic itinerary that can be customised to your liking.

You’ll be able to visit a mix of popular hotspots, landmarks (such as the Mosta Dome and San Anton Gardens) and attractions but also lesser-known places and out in nature as well. Chris is a proud and knowledgeable local and knows the islands inside out.

Malta Tour Packages

If you’re looking for a full tour holiday package that includes tours/excursions, accommodation and meals for a set period of time, there are a few great hassle-free options to choose from.

This is basically a “book and go”, an all-inclusive option where you can participate in well-organised guided tours of the Maltese islands where flights, accommodation and transport are taken care of. You also get an experienced guide providing you with rich insight into the different stops and destinations as part of your chosen itinerary.

Most of these guided tours are considered “small group tours”, where you’ll have a maximum of 6-12 participants you’ll be travelling with during your stay in Malta.

These are the options I’ve reviewed and recommend that you consider. I’ve found the best itineraries and deals with Tourradar.com .

This is an example of what these tour packages are like:

Malta Discovery Private Tour (5 days)

The  Malta Discovery Private Tour  is a 5-day tour that covers the most popular areas across Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Although the itinerary is solid in terms of covering the major highlights, this is a good option for those on a time budget really. To put things into perspective: If you’re a curious traveller, there’s enough to see and do in Valletta to fill three full days.

If you have a few more days, I’d consider either taking a longer package tour or (since flights need to be booked separately anyway) adding a few extra days to stay in Gozo, for example.

View itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, transfer to and settle in at your hotel in Valletta
• Day 2:  Starting in capital city Valletta (where you’ll be staying at a 4-star hotel), you’ll be visiting the beautiful Silent City of Mdina for a tour through its narrow, old streets and alleys.
• Day 3: Next up, you’ll be heading to the Three Cities, which lies across Grand Harbour from Valletta and holds more history than Malta’s capital itself. You’ll also visit the fisherman’s village of Marsaxlokk and take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, with its beautiful blue hues visible from within a large deep-sea cave.
• Day 4:  Today’s main destinations are Comino (and its well-known Blue Lagoon) and a flash tour (3 hours) of Gozo, both reached by boat.
• Day 5:  Departure

The best Valletta walking tours

Valletta itself holds enough interest to keep you entertained for three full days ( My travel guide to Valletta can show you how if you’d like to get a head start), and these recommended guided tours can help you get a primer on your first visit to the capital.

Majestic Valletta

The Majestic Valletta half-day tour is a 4-5 hour walking tour through Valletta that’s designed to take you to some of the best sightseeing highlights, including:

• The stunning John’s Co-Cathedral , the jewel of Valletta. Built by the Knights in the heart of the capital, it’s a must-see place of worship, intricately decorated from top to bottom and housing a world-renowned collection of Carraviago paintings. ( Benefit: The entrance ticket is included, and visiting on a guided tour is a big time-saver.)
• The Grand Master’s Palace , with its long hallways, state rooms, armoury and tapestries: A treasure trove of artefacts and symbols of power covering centuries of rule by the Knights of Malta and other foreign powers.
• The beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens with panoramic views over Grand Harbour and the Three Cities.
• Various other stops along the way, with detailed commentary from experienced tour guides .

Valletta: Street Food and Culture Walking Tour

This Valletta Street Food and Culture Walking Tour is a great option if you’re not super interested in museums or prefer visiting those at another time.

The tour is focused on taking you past various landmarks and locations within the city and getting a few authentic tastes of local food on the way.

A licensed tour guide will share their knowledge with you and take you past places like Castille Place, Republic Street, Merchant Streets, the Upper Barrakka Garden and the old market, among other points of interest.

Other recommended Malta tours and excursions

Three cities walking tour.

If you’re spending more than 4 or 5 days in Malta, consider visiting The Three Cities if you want to get a feel for local village life paired with rich history.

You can get there quite easily using the ferry from Valletta or using public transport. And while you can wander around and take in the sights yourself, this Three Cities tour is a highly recommended option.

An experienced tour guide can tell you all the stories that hide in the streets and alleys of Senglea, Vittorioso (aka Birgu) and Cospicua, which make up The Three Cities together.

Wine cellar and tasting tour

What better place to sample some of Malta’s best wines than in a 400-year-old wine cellar built by the Knights of St. John?

Local producer Marsovin invites you into their cellars accompanied by a professional wine taster who will first give you a tour of how the wine is produced. You’ll then be tasting a variety of wines accompanied by a few typical local snacks, from bread to olives and cheese.

The tour and wine-tasting session takes approximately 60-90 minutes, and a guided tour of the cellar is included.

Bus tours around Malta and Gozo

Bus tours by hop-on/hop-off.

A popular phenomenon in most tourist destinations, hop-on-hop-off buses can be a cheaper option for guided tours in Malta and Gozo. If you’re looking for an easy way to get around and reach the best sights to see around the Maltese islands, this is a very flexible option.

Having said that, don’t expect much in terms of an onboard audio guide and time your visits well to avoid waiting for long at the different stops.

The tours come with a choice of nine multi-lingual commentary channels. Along the routes, there are over 30 stops and 40 points of interest, and you can hop on and hop off as much as you like.

The Blue and Red routes start from Valletta and visit sites such as San Anton Presidential Gardens, the Medieval City of Mdina, Ta Qali Crafts Village, Mosta, the Three fortified cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto at Wied iz-Zurrieq (April – October) and Valletta city centre. The Green route leaves Buġibba centre every 30 minutes, passing by St Julian’s and Sliema before linking up with the Blue and Red routes in Valletta.

The main provider is iSeeMalta (who offer different types of tours and passes), and you can get a Hop-on/hop-off bus ticket for the Malta routes at €28 per day (adults – €20 for children)

Interested in visiting Gozo with hop-on-hop-off?

There’s a hop-on / hop-off route there as well, and you can buy a combo with boat and bus with the Gozo Pass (also by iSeeMalta)

You can stop at several of the popular highlights of Gozo, including Victoria and its Citadel, Marsalforn, Ta Pinu Basilica, Nadur, Ġgantija Megalithic Temples, Xlendi , Ramla Bay, Dwejra Bay (and its inland sea, Fungus Rock and more) and more.

You can catch one of these buses at the ferry port in Mġarr Harbour and make your way around the island at your own pace.

Looking for any specific Malta tours?

Leave a comment below to let me know, and I can help you find what you’re looking for!

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.

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Malta in 5 Days

Blog Post , Destinations , Europe , Journey , Malta

Malta is popular for mesmerizing blue waters of the Mediterranean sea and the warm climate. But, Malta’s claim to tourism fame is its rich history of over 5,000 years including its historic sites, temples, forts, and churches. 5 Days in Malta, including a day trip to Gozo and a day trip to Sicily – is sufficient but one could spend a lot longer because there are many things to do in Malta.

Being on the trade routes of the Mediterranean Sea has been a blessing and a curse for Malta. The location has brought many riches from trade routes and also power struggles for domination of the region. Hence, a fascinating history.

About Malta, a Quick Overview

Day 1 – valletta, the capital of malta, day 2 – day trip to sicily, day 3 – prehistoric temples, coves, fishing village and mdina, day 4 – day trip to gozo, the laidback island of malta, day 5 – malta’s hypogeum, three cities, mosta dome and hiking, tips for 5 days in malta, you will also love.

For thousands of years, people built elaborate temples and underground chambers on the island of Malta. After a quiet period in history, the last millennium brought occupation by Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Knights of Saint John, Arabs, French and British. The fifteenth-century advances in technology brought about gunpowder, cannons, warships and therefore massive fortifications (like we saw in Jodhpur ). The various invaders also brought their languages, religions, scripts, and food.

Today, Malta is a combination of its many past influences with a mostly Arabic language, a primarily Roman script, predominantly Christian religion, a somewhat Italian diet all mixed with other influences and modified to make it Maltese.

Malta, the tiny speck on the world map, is now a very prosperous country with tourism and IT being their top sources of revenue. It is a tiny country with tons of cities (created centuries ago), each tiny city has its own distinct character. Unemployment is extremely low at 4%, so they get a lot of labor from other countries. The education system is excellent with a focus on English and Maltese language. Malta gets many international students who can get jobs in Malta and contribute to the economy. On the downside, many foreigners (mostly Russians) are buying property in Malta, causing property prices to skyrocket for the locals.

Where is Malta?

Malta is a tiny island country in the Mediterranean. The country and it’s travel information are hard to find before we arrive but information and infrastructure are very well organized once we’re there.

This post is an overview of the sights we visited during our fabulous 5 days in Malta. If you have more time, there are many things to do in Malta.

There are many more islands in Europe . Do you have any favorite islands?

Valletta, the current capital of Malta is also the most popular attraction for visitors to Malta. It had a very eventful history of wars and invasions. Valletta and the three cities across the bay are heavily fortified for protection from invaders.

St George Palace square

St George Palace square is one of the best places to start exploring Valletta. Many monuments like St John’s Co-Cathedral, church museum, palace, library (Bibliotheca), cafés and more are located near the square. Our taxi dropped us near the square, it was astounding how she made it through the narrow streets. We visited Valletta on a Sunday so all the museums and St John’s Cathedral were closed. But, there was a garden festival, street arts and crafts show in St George Palace square.

We took a rather unnecessary 30min mini train ride around the city starting from the cathedral. It gave us a good orientation for our later walks but also made us miss the Mdina Renaissance re-enactment.

Fort Elmo Area

Fort Elmo is another nice area with its views of the other cities, the Malta Experience 4D video, Knights Infirmary, open spaces, and cafes. The Malta Experience video gives a good introduction to the island’s history. Also, we later found that visitor centers are well made with videos and museums.

More Around Valletta

We wandered around Valletta neighborhoods and back streets taking pictures of alleys and distinctive Maltese wooden balconies.

• Republica Street , the main street through Valletta, is decorated and lined with cafes. Due to the street festival that Sunday, it was very lively with performers and arts & crafts.
• One can also take a look inside a typical wealthy person’s house and by taking the tour of Casa Rocca Piccola . It’s a period house of Valletta.
• Upper Barrakka Gardens is beautiful with its gardens, arches, walkways, water fountains and most importantly the views of the three cities.

We wrapped up our first of 5 days in Malta with an Indian dinner in St Julien’s.

A day trip from Malta to Sicily or the other way round is pretty popular for visitors to either country. It is a long day with most of the day on ferry or buses. We were unsure of it but I’m so glad we did it. We got plenty of time at the stops and lots of naps on the ferry and drive.

We took a day tour organized by the hotel but one could also take their car and drive in Sicily. We also got advice from the friendly staff on the ferry to Sicily . The day trip to Sicily included a few stops –

Taormina is a UNESCO world heritage site . The highlight was in Taormina is the ancient Greek theater, Lady Florence public garden, great food , shopping and the beautiful Sicilian town.

There are many options for getting to Taormina, especially if you’re coming from Catania.

Mt Etna is one of the few active volcanoes in the world. Like Iceland and Hawaii’s Big Island, it has enormous lava fields. The fields are perfect for hikes or viewing from a cable car. It’s like being on the surface of another planet – all black fields dotted with hundreds of volcanic craters.

Many excursions, cable car, restaurants and souvenir shops line the parking area.

Sicily Food Tastings

Tastings of wines, olives, olive oils, honey and the many Sicilian foods like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, artichok e etc is an absolute must in Sicily. I’m convinced that it’s a way for the guide to make the extra buck. The location was obviously set up as a quick tour group shopping stop. Either way, it was certainly great to incorporate it into our day trip to Sicily.

Next time I would do a self-drive trip but this worked well because we were jet lagged and unsure of driving on Sicily’s roads. I would say our second of 5 days in Malta was pretty amazing. I would totally recommend the day trip to Sicily.

After the first day of getting by with taxi, public transportation, considering hop-on-hop-off buses etc., we decided that we need to rent a car for the remainder of the visit. It was a great decision because it earned us the freedom to go wherever we wanted whenever we wanted. Driving in Malta is quite easy as long as there are two people – one to drive and one to navigate. We used Apple Maps the entire time, except as always when one of us insists on Google maps. After much debate and running both apps simultaneously until Google Maps led us into the sea instead of the ferry terminal parking – the argument was put to rest and I was free to use Apple Maps. It worked without the slightest issues on the entire trip.

On Tuesday, our 25th anniversary, we drove around Central and Southern parts of Malta.

Ancient Temples in Malta

Ancient temples are some of the most important discoveries from the temple period, some 3000-5000 years ago when the islands were inhabited by the brilliant temple builders. Malta Heritage has done an incredible job of putting together the puzzles by picking up fallen pieces of rock and reconstructing the temples as best as possible. They are also doing everything possible to preserve these historic treasures for future generations or until our forensic science advances enough to decipher more about these amazing architects.

Temples of Mnajdra, Hagar Qim  are in the south-west part of the island. Hagar Qim is right by the parking area and has a really informational museum and video. Mnajdra is a nice walk to the edge of the island. If you’re short of time or not keen on walking uphill, with no shade, I’d suggest taking a ride in an airport-style cart for €1.

Tarxien is another ancient temple, right in the middle of a city, not too far from Hal Saflieni Hypogeum or Valletta. I suppose we could have combined it with one of the other visits. Quite similar in overall style with the earlier temples, it was from a different time with some important differences. Also, the cemetery next door is quite peaceful and beautiful.

Blue Waters of Malta

Blue Grotto near Qrendi,  on the way to the temples, is an excellent stop for diving, swimming or boating in the crystal clear waters of Malta’s coves and caves. It’s relatively small and not as busy with tourists. It’s a real hidden gem that we heard from a friendly local.

Jellyfish bloom season started a bit early this year, just in time for us to witness the magic. The Jellyfish were everywhere according to a volunteers reporting system from around the island.

Marsaxlokk is certainly the prettiest fishing village in Malta. Many of the postcards pictures with pretty boats are from this bay with an impressive church, beautiful balcony homes from a century ago and cafes. We had a wonderful afternoon in Marsaxlokk sipping delicious smoothies in an open cafe by the bay while watching colorful boats bobbing happily. We got extra lucky because the village was celebrating the annual Santa Maria festival and the whole village came out for a procession .

Mdina was the destination for our Silver anniversary dinner. It was definitely special and forever memorable. We’ve visited many amazing fort cities around the world e.g.  Dubrovnik Wall ,  Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur ,  Sinhagad Fort , Edinburg castle, and other Irish castles. But there is none like this picture perfect original capital of Malta. It is silent, imposing, serene and so much more. The pristine, narrow alleys were lit up golden with the ornate lamps and evening sunlight. We and a few natives of Mdina had the fort city to ourselves on this lovely evening. To top it off, dinner in Bacchus’s medieval cave-like setting was charming. Thanks to the recommendation from our dear friend, Nisha.

There are many things to in Malta. Mdina, Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto would be on the top of my recommendations list.

Gozo is the smaller sister island, north of Malta. It is conveniently reachable by ferry from the north-most point of Malta. Gozo is very different and more rustic than Malta. People in Gozo speak a different language and life is slow and easy. They don’t have busy cities. Most men work and stay in Malta during the week while women live in Gozo. So on a typical day, there are 3 women to 1 man in Gozo, not counting the tourists.

There is a ton to see and experience in a day trip to Gozo, maybe we should have driven all around the island but we spent more than planned time in transit and in soaking in the Ċittadella.

Temples and Windmill in Gozo

Gozo has the Ġgantija Temple site, which is larger and different from temples in Malta. It’s set in a much larger compound with walkways around gardens of native plants including the huge cactus, wildflowers, vegetable patches.

About a minute walk from the temple is Ta’ Kola windmill , which is a misnomer. It’s not like the typical Dutch windmills. It’s a traditional grain grinding windmill along with the restored machinery, a museum of tools and staged living quarters of a family from about a century ago. Many of the tools and gadgets in the house are not very different from those we saw in Indian towns as we were growing up. It makes me feel ancient, knowing the tools I saw my grandparents use are now in museums. The same tools may have been innovations just over a century ago. I wonder what we’ll see in another 100 years with the pace of innovation continuing to accelerate.

Gozo’s Cittadella

We spent much of our time in the beautiful Cittadella in Xlendi . Starting with its innovative visitor center and movie about the history of Gozo. We saw a temporary exhibition of original art from the 18th and 19th century . Thereafter, we visited many of the nice museums in the Ċittadella. We walked the fort wall for views all around and had a traditional Gozo lunch at a cafe on the wall .

Nadur is one of the many little towns in Gozo. We went there for the 100-year-old Mekren’s bakery and its amazing treats. The town square was really nice to hang out and have coffee with the locals .

There is so much more to do in a day trip to Gozo, but it was time for us to leave and catch the ferry back to Malta.

Popeye village

On the way back from Malta’s ferry terminal to our resort, we stopped by the picture perfect Popeye village for views of the sunset on the western coast. There is a nice walk along the cliff with views of the sun setting in the sea.

Popeye village looks like a real Malta fishermen’s’ village but in fact is a mini theme park for families.

The day trip to Gozo wrapped our fourth of 5 days in Malta. It was hard to fathom that we had already been there for 4 days!

By our 5th day in Malta, we were completely comfortable driving around the island. We could give locals directions on getting around Malta!

Hal Saflieni Hypogeum

We visited the much anticipated  Hal Saflieni Hypogeum , the underground burial and ritual structures. It opened only a year ago after being shut down for construction of this magnificent museum. In order to prevent further deterioration, the tour is only by reservation and limited to 10 people at a time. The tours book months in advance. This is definitely a must-visit site for anyone interested in history. We got extra lucky and met the museum’s next door neighbor who has lived on this site for his entire 71 years of life .

The Three Cities

The Three Cities are not too far from the hypogeum. The best way to see them is with the Rolling Geek. However, we decided to just walk around and chat with people in Birgu , the middle and most picturesque city of the cluster of cities.

Mosta Dome was on my list because of its massive unsupported dome ceiling visible from the airplane and its gorgeous decorations inside. It certainly did not disappoint. The Cake Box cafè was a bonus. We wanted to see how Mosta Dome compares with the Pantheon in Rome and its grand dome that has lasted longer than any structure of its scale and engineering. There is no comparison with Rome or its behemoth monuments but compared to the size of this town of 100-200, it’s extremely impressive.

Hiking Along Dingli Cliffs

Dingli cliffs hike on the west coast was a must before leaving Malta. Dingli cliffs with the beautiful views of the Mediterranean sea, the little villages, and the beautiful sunset was a wonderful way to wrap up our 5 days in Malta.

We returned home on a Swiss air flight with a layover in Zurich . The flight is my favorite and the chocolates in Zurich are to die for.

Tips on Things to do in Malta

• Book the Hypogeum tour many months ahead of your visit. If you are not able to book ahead, a few next day tickets are sold at a couple of locations. People line up around 5 am and stand in line for many hours. Our resort was able to get tickets for by sending someone to stand in line for us. They needed the passport numbers and charged extra for the service.
• Try the Maltese food , there are many vegan and vegetarian options too.
• Everyone speaks English and everyone we met was very friendly and helpful. Don’t hesitate to hang out and talk with locals.
• It’s a very safe country. We never heard of any warnings about safety – at day or night.
• There are many things to do in Malta but the most important sites are the prehistoric temples . Valletta, Mdina and Gozo Cittadella . Be sure to visit at least 1-2 ancient temples. Unless you’re really into history, 1-2 should suffice.
• Check for festivals . There seems to be a festival every weekend and everyone shows up.

Getting Around in Malta

• Traffic is heavy and ad-hoc in some parts of the cities during commute hours. Otherwise, it’s pretty easy driving.
• There are many and frequent turns as all roads go through cities.
• There are no freeways, just roads that look like freeways between cities.
• Take 1 or 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus pass if you plan to stick to the tourist sites. It’s also a very inexpensive way to see Malta but needs some walking to get to sites.
• Take public transit if time is not a constraint. We waited for an hour for a bus on the first day but it never showed up.
• Taxi is fixed price between cities. Just check before sitting. We didn’t know if they were overcharging, but most people were honest. Also, we only saw then in busy city areas.
• There is no Uber or Lyft in Malta. However, Airbnb is very popular.

Getting to Malta

• If your itinerary allows, plan to fly Swiss Air . Their service is the best.
• People do day trips from Sicily to Malta . But, I don’t think it’s sufficient.
• Many cruise ships stop at Malta, but that would be too short a visit to this amazing country.

More Things to do in Malta

Despite 5 days in Malta including a day trip to Sicily and a day trip to Gozo, we didn’t get to experience all that Malta has to offer. Here a few things to do in Malta that we had to skip –

• Mdina museums – There are many museums in Valletta and Mdina. We didn’t spend any time for indoor attractions, as we visited these cities when museums were closed.
• The interiors of Valletta‘s museums, Saint Paul’s Church, the palace and the library.
• There are very few beaches on this otherwise rocky island. But, it would be interesting how they make and maintain the beaches.
• Cruises around Malta. Another traveler in our resort mentioned they took the cruise around Malta and loved it.
• St Paul’s Catacombs . We skipped because we’ve seen catacombs in Peru, Rome and other places.
• Comino island with its snorkeling, boating and caving activities looks amazing.
• Ta’Mena and Agro-tourism in Gozo.
• The resort amenities e.g. pools, beach, casino etc.

Please share your experiences in the comments sections below.

5 days in Malta  and overview of our visit to Malta, Sicily, and Gozo.

Story at Every Corner Malta Photo Gallery  is a collection of our favorite pictures of Malta.

Vegetarian Food in Malta  shows our favorite local foods of Malta.

Stories of Maltese People and Culture  is a collection of conversations with people of Malta.

Hiking trails in Malta

Dubrovnik Fort Wall

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur

Sinhagad Fort

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Take That annnounce four-day festival in Malta

The Greatest Weekend has been touted as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see the band perform in an intimate live setting

By Lisa Henderson on 08 Apr 2024

image © P. Lehman / Future Publishing

Take That are set to curate and headline a new four-day festival in Malta called The Greatest Weekend.

The 17–20 October event has been touted as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to see the band perform in an intimate live setting, with an array of special guests.

The 90s boy band, comprising Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald, will deliver two different headline sets during the Greatest Weekend.

On Saturday night, the trio will perform their iconic album ‘Everything Changes’ live in its entirety for the first time since its release in 1993, while Sunday will see the band hit the stage for a set of smash-hits from across their chart-topping career, as well as songs from their latest Number 1 album, ‘This Life’.

The weekend will also feature performances from acts including Sugababes, Sam Ryder, Daniel Bedingfield Ella Henderson, Gok Wan and Heather Small.

Sugababes, Sam Ryder, Daniel Bedingfield Ella Henderson, Gok Wan and Heather Small will also perform

The four-day weekend, which takes place across multiple venues, will kick off on Thursday with an opening party hosted by Guilty Pleasures.

General admission tickets start at £249 (€290), with VIP tickets priced from £429 (€500).

Take That are represented by James Wright and Olly Ward at UTA, who recently told IQ about their ambitions and touring strategy for the British icons .

This Life on Tour  kicks off in the UK in Sheffield on 13 April, promoted by SJM Concerts, and includes six nights at The O2 in London, six at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and seven shows at Manchester’s new Co-op Live, as well as multiple dates in Leeds and Dublin, with support from Olly Murs.

It will also take in stadiums in Middlesbrough, Nottingham, West Bridgford, Norwich, Bletchley, Southampton, Plymouth, Swansea and Bristol, followed by outdoor concerts in Cork, Dublin and Belfast.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, worried about eclipse damage to your eyes don't panic.

Geoff Brumfiel

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage.

Tens of millions of Americans will have spent the day staring at a total solar eclipse, and at least a few of them may become worried that they inadvertently damaged their eyes.

But experts say there's no need to panic — the vast majority of eclipse viewers are probably fine. And even if somebody did strain their eyes, the effects could be temporary.

During the 2017 total solar eclipse it's estimated that 150 million Americans viewed the event. There were around 100 documented cases of eye damage across all of America and Canada, according to Ralph Chou, an expert on eclipse eye safety with the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Far more people turned up in emergency rooms worried that they'd damaged their eyes. Many complained of watery eyes or blurred vision, but in most cases they were fine, according to Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, one of the largest eye hospitals in the nation.

The reason it's hard to do real damage is simple — the human eye has evolved to avoid staring directly at the sun.

"It's so bright that we're not actually capable of looking at it without either tearing or sort of not really feeling comfortable staring at this ball of light," Deobhakta says.

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Here's what it looks like when you fry your eye in an eclipse.

In the rare case that someone does damage their eyes, that damage usually shows up as a blurry spot in the field of vision , hours or up to a day after watching the eclipse. In about half of cases, the problem fixes itself, but permanent damage can sometimes occur.

Anticipating the post-eclipse ocular anxiety, at least one eye clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., is offering free eye checks immediately after the eclipse on April 8.

It's always a good idea to get your eyes checked, whether or not there's an eclipse. So if you're worried at all, go ahead and use the opportunity to schedule your annual exam.

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The nine best bets to win this year’s Masters

The PGA Tour schedule so far this season has been ruled by long shots. Take away Scottie Scheffler’s two victories in 2024, and the tournament winners have mainly come out of nowhere.

That trend is unlikely to continue this week at the Masters , where surprise winners are rare. Yes, you’ll occasionally see triumphant golfers such as 60-to-1 long shot Danny Willett in 2016 or 40-to-1 Hideki Matsuyama in 2021, but most Masters champions follow the same criteria: They have good history at Augusta National, good form entering the tournament and good standing in certain key metrics.

While it’s hard to judge the form of the 13 LIV golfers in the field because they play less often and in less-challenging fields, we have a pretty good sense of what a Masters winner should look like:

He’s good at Augusta National: According to Datagolf, course history is far more predictive at Augusta National than at any other course in the PGA Tour rotation. Nine of the past 14 winners (and 13 of the past 18) had a previous green jacket or a top-10 Masters finish.

He’s not a Masters rookie or an amateur: Only three players have won the Masters in their first appearance at the tournament, the last being Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. I won’t be considering the following Augusta National first-timers: Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Eric Cole, Nick Dunlap, Austin Eckroat, Ryo Hisatsune, Lee Hodges, Nicolai Hojgaard, Jake Knapp, Peter Malnati, Denny McCarthy, Grayson Murray, Matthieu Pavon, Adam Schenk and Stephan Jaeger. Plus, no amateur has won the Masters, and there are five in this year’s field: Santiago de la Fuente, Stewart Hagestad, Christo Lamprecht, Neal Shipley and Jasper Stubbs. In terms of picks to win, you can ignore them.

He’s highly ranked: Of the past 24 Masters winners, 17 entered the tournament in the top 12 of the Official World Golf Ranking, and 22 were in the top 30. But because the OWGR does not award ranking points to LIV golfers , who have plummeted down the rankings board, this trend has become a bit dicey. LIV’s Brooks Koepka had at least a share of the lead for the first three rounds at last year’s Masters before he fell apart on Sunday.

He’s in good form: Of the past 13 Masters champions, only Matsuyama in 2021 did not have at least two top-12 stroke-play finishes in the calendar year of the tournament, either on the PGA Tour or the European Tour. These golfers haven’t exactly been tearing it up this year (or are well past their primes), and they’re off my list: Fred Couples, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Fox, Lucas Glover, Sungjae Im, Zach Johnson, Tom Kim, Kurt Kitayama, Min Woo Lee, Luke List, Phil Mickelson, Collin Morikawa, José María Olazábal, Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, Charl Schwartzel, Vijay Singh, Sepp Straka, Camilo Villegas, Bubba Watson, Mike Weir, Willett, Gary Woodland and Tiger Woods.

He’s good on par-4s: Of the past 11 Masters champions, nine ranked first, second or third in the field in par-4 scoring during the tournament. Nine of the past 12 winners also entered the tournament ranked 11th or better in the PGA Tour’s par-4 birdie-or-better statistic . Rory McIlroy, for instance, ranks 70th in par-4 scoring and 72nd in par-4 birdie-or-better this season, and I won’t be betting him to end his Masters jinx this week. Other golfers who aren’t attacking par-4s this season include Cam Davis and Will Zalatoris (though the latter is tempting because of his strong Augusta National history).

He’s not the defending champion: Only three players since 1960 have won back-to-back Masters — Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66, Nick Faldo in 1989-90 and Tiger Woods in 2001-02. Since 2002, only Woods (2006) and Jordan Spieth (2016) have finished in the top five as the defending champion. Three of the past seven defending champions have missed the cut, and none of those seven finished better than Scheffler’s 10th last year. That means I won’t be betting Jon Rahm, last year’s winner , to repeat.

He didn’t win the week before: The last player to win the tournament immediately preceding the Masters and then win the green jacket was Phil Mickelson in 2006. Since then, only two golfers (Anthony Kim in 2010 and Spieth in 2021) have won the week before and then finished in the top 10 at Augusta. Akshay Bhatia, who just won the Texas Open , will not be on my card.

Now that we’ve eliminated 49 golfers from the field of 89, let’s take a look at a few who can actually win. Odds are as of Wednesday morning at DraftKings Sportsbook :

Scottie Scheffler (+450)

Betting Scheffler at any tournament these days means accepting preposterously low odds, and the Masters is no different. The champion from two years ago and the OWGR No. 1 is again the favorite, for ample reasons. Scheffler has won two of his past three tournaments and was a missed six-footer away from forcing a playoff at the Houston Open two weekends ago. His worst finish this calendar year was a tie for 17th at the American Express; he has been in the top 10 in his seven other tournaments. The knock on Scheffler has always been his putting, but he has gained strokes on the greens in five of his past six tournaments after an equipment change. He’s first on the PGA Tour in par-4 scoring and par-4 birdie-or-better. What’s not to like here, other than the low odds?

Xander Schauffele (+1400)

Schauffele is probably the best player without a major championship (though he does have an Olympic gold medal ), and you have to think he’s about due: The world’s fifth-ranked player has far more top-10s (11) than missed cuts (three) in his 26 major appearances. Three of those top-10s came at Augusta National. Schauffele, who has finished T-5 or better in three of his past four tournaments, trails only Scheffler in par-4 scoring this season and is tied for 17th in par-4 birdie-or-better. And how about this from Kyle Porter of CBS Sports ? Nine of the past 11 Masters winners had gained at least 1.7 strokes tee to green per round in the three months leading into the tournament. Only two PGA Tour golfers fit that bill this year: Scheffler and Schauffele.

Hideki Matsuyama (+2000)

Matsuyama already has a green jacket as the 2021 champion. He also has some blinding form, with a win in February at Riviera (a good course comparison to Augusta National), followed by a tie for 12th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a tie for sixth at the Players Championship (two tournaments with elite fields), plus a tie for seventh last weekend in Texas. Matsuyama is one of three golfers in the field to finish at least in the top 25 in each of the past four Masters — Scheffler and Shane Lowry are the others — and he can’t be overlooked.

Joaquín Niemann (+2800)

I think Niemann has one of the better shots out of all the LIV golfers because he comes in with white-hot form: three wins and four top-fives since November, with one of those victories in a full-field DP World Tour event. (LIV golfers can play on the European tour.) He’s also one of only two LIV golfers to average at least two strokes gained per round this season. (Rahm is the other; Dustin Johnson — No. 3 on that list — is well behind both at 1.54 strokes gained per round.) Niemann’s best finish at Augusta National is a tie for 16th last year, but he has made the cut each of the past three years.

Tony Finau (+3500)

Every year, it seems, golf fans get talked into considering Finau at the Masters, and every year he seems to do just okay: He has never missed the cut in six Augusta National appearances, with three top-10s. This year, the world’s 26th-ranked player has missed just one cut in PGA Tour play and tied for second at the Houston Open, his most recent event. Finau can be a little wild off the tee, but that shortcoming is negated a bit at Augusta National because the rough isn’t very penal, and Finau shines at courses with short rough .

Shane Lowry (+6000)

The 2019 British Open champion has been picking up steam as the season has worn on, with a tie for fourth at the Cognizant and a solo third the next week at the Arnold Palmer. Lowry has finished no worse than a tie for 25th in his past four Augusta National appearances and tied for third two years ago. He’s top-20 in par-4 scoring and par-4 birdie-or-better this season.

Sahith Theegala (+5000)

The 26-year-old has played in only one Masters, but it was a ninth-place finish at last year’s tournament. This year, the world No. 15 has four top-10 finishes, with three of them coming over his past five events. Theegala is a respectable 24th in par-4 scoring and 31st in par-4 birdie-or-better.

Cameron Young (+5000)

Young is coming off a tie for seventh at last year’s Masters, has four top-10s this year and is respectable enough on par-4s (12th in par-4 birdie or better, 31st in par-4 scoring). And while Young has yet to win on the PGA Tour, he has four top-10s in major tournaments, including a tie for eighth at last year’s British Open. A win is coming, and it could be at Augusta National.

Jason Day (+6000)

The Aussie, ranked 21st, has the 2015 PGA Championship title on his résumé, and he has finished in second place in each of the other three majors, most recently at last year’s British Open. Day’s recent Masters form has been spotty (two missed cuts and a tie for 39th in his past three visits), but he has four Augusta National top-10s in his career. This season, Day has posted three top-10s and ranks in the top 10 in par-4 scoring and par-4 birdie-or-better.

The betting favorites

As of Wednesday morning, here were the odds to win the Masters of the leading contenders, according to DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Scottie Scheffler: +450
• Rory McIlroy: +1100
• Jon Rahm: +1100
• Xander Schauffele: +1400
• Brooks Koepka: +1800
• Hideki Matsuyama: +2000
• Jordan Spieth: +2500
• Joaquín Niemann: +2800
• Ludvig Aberg: +3000
• Tony Finau: +3500
• Bryson DeChambeau: +3500
• Viktor Hovland: +4000
• Patrick Cantlay: +4000
• Matt Fitzpatrick: +4000
• Dustin Johnson: +4000
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Masters 2024 props, golf odds: Expert shares top PGA Tour prop bets, parlay picks for Augusta National

Mike mcclure locked in his expert pga golf prop picks and parlay for the masters 2024 at augusta national.

Getting off to a hot start at Augusta National Golf Club is almost a requirement for the top 2024 Masters contenders, as every champion since 2006 has been inside the top 11 after the first round. Furthermore, 34 of the last 37 green jacket winners have been inside the top eight after the second round, so it will be difficult for anyone in the 2024 Masters field to recover from a slow start. Scottie Scheffler is the 13-4 favorite in the 2024 Masters odds, making him the shortest favorite at a major tournament since Tiger Woods in the early 2000s. There are also a multitude of 2024 Masters props that involve Scheffler, including his Masters odds to be the first-round leader and make/miss the cut.

Woods is a 100-1 longshot to win the tournament, and he is -140 to miss the cut on the PGA odds board in the latest Tiger Woods props. The five-time Masters winner has made the cut in 23 consecutive appearances at this course, so that could be one of the popular 2024 Masters prop bets before the tournament begins Thursday. Before locking in your 2024 Masters prop picks or entering Masters pool picks, you need to see what SportsLine DFS pro and PGA expert Mike McClure has to say . 

McClure is a DFS legend with over $2 million in career winnings, and he's been red-hot on his PGA picks dating back to the PGA Tour restart in June of 2020. McClure uses his proprietary simulation model to analyze the field and crush his  golf picks . He is up almost $9,500 on his best bets since the restart.  

McClure's model predicted Jon Rahm would finish on top of the leaderboard at the 2023 Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express. At the 2023 Masters, the model was all over Rahm's second career major victory heading into the weekend. It was the second straight Masters win for the model, which also nailed Scheffler winning in 2022. 

This same model has also nailed a whopping 10 majors entering the weekend. Anyone who has followed McClure's picks has seen massive returns.  

Now, McClure has dialed in on the Masters golf tournament and just locked in his top prop picks and PGA predictions. You can only see McClure's Masters 2024 prop picks at SportsLine .

Top 2024 Masters prop picks

We can tell you that one of McClure's favorite Masters prop picks is Ludvig Aberg to be the top debutant at +275. Aberg finds himself in rare air at Augusta National, as first-timers are rarely considered threats to win the tournament. In fact, he has the shortest odds (25-1) ever by a Masters debutant after becoming the first golfer to play in a Ryder Cup before playing in a major.

While Aberg is hoping to become the seventh golfer to ever win his major debut, he only needs to finish ahead of the other 19 debutants to win this prop. He is ninth in the world rankings after finishing second in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and eighth in The Players Championship. Aberg ranks inside the top 15 on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained and total driving, putting him on a different tier than the other debutants this week.  You can see who else to back at SportsLine .

How to make Masters 2024 prop picks

McClure has also locked in a slew of other prop bets for the 2024 Masters, including a prop that pays almost 20-1 and comes from an unlikely player. You can find out who it is, and check out all of McClure's Masters prop picks at SportsLine .

Who wins the Masters 2024, and which golfer should you target for almost a 20-1 payout? Visit SportsLine now to get Mike McClure's Masters 2024 prop picks, all from the golf expert who is up almost $9,500 on his best bets since 2020 , and find out.

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