Looking for the best Malta itinerary and things to do? Great — this guide is your go-to.
Let me be honest from the start.
Malta was never really on my radar, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Even on the plane, I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it.
I was travelling with my girlfriends, so I knew we’d have a good time, but the destination wasn’t really calling me. Boy, was I wrong!
I had no idea I’d completely fall in love with this country.
Throw in a short flight from the UK and Malta suddenly feels like the perfect quick getaway.
Its compact size makes it easy to explore, whether you’re wandering the quiet, medieval streets of Mdina or heading straight into the capital.
Spend a day in Valletta, and you’ll quickly be won over like I was. And Valletta is just the beginning.
This five-day Malta itinerary takes you through Mdina’s silent streets, Gozo’s rugged landscapes, Comino’s crystal waters, and the best beaches and swimming spots the islands have to offer.
By the end, you’ll see why Malta is addictive. So let’s dive into the best things to do in Malta.
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| Booked It, Loved It: My Malta Picks Where To Stay: Casa Ellul in Valletta or Hotel Juliani in St Julians Highlights: Gozo & Comino Islands Tour, Highlights of Malta & Mdina and Valletta Guided Tour Travel Insurance: Safety Wing Stay Connected: Airalo eSim |
Malta Itinerary at a Glance
Here’s a quick glance at your Malta itinerary, so you know what’s coming each day.
| Day | Morning | Lunch | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valletta: St. John’s Co-Cathedral & Upper Barrakka Gardens | Café or light bite in Valletta | Explore streets & museums | Dinner at a rooftop with harbour view |
| 2 | Mdina: Silent City walking tour | Fontanella Tea Garden | Rabat: St. Paul’s Catacombs & Mdina Dungeons | Sunset drinks at Mdina bastions |
| 3 | Gozo: Ferry to Mgarr | Marsalforn or Victoria lunch | Explore Wied il-Għasri & Dwejra Bay | Dinner in Victoria |
| 4 | Comino: Blue Lagoon swim & snorkel | Picnic on the island | Hike around Comino cliffs | Return to Malta; evening in St Julian’s |
| 5 | Marsaxlokk fishing village | Seaside lunch | St. Peter’s Pool & Coral Lagoon | Farewell dinner in Valletta |
Getting to Malta
Flights from the UK are short, usually 3–4 hours, with airlines like British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air Malta.
Malta International Airport is compact, easy to navigate, and just 20–30 minutes from Valletta.
If you’re combining islands, ferries to Gozo and Comino are frequent, safe, and scenic.
Getting Around Malta
Malta is small but busy in summer, so plan your transport:
- Car hire: Recommended for flexibility, especially for Gozo or remote bays.
- Buses: Good for Valletta, Mdina, and St. Julian’s; Malta Public Transport has reliable routes.
- Taxis & Uber: Convenient for short hops or evenings out.
- Ferries: Mgarr Harbour connects Gozo to Malta; Comino is only accessible by boat.
How Much Does 5 Days in Malta Cost?
Budget depends on style. Rough guide per person (excluding flights):
- Accommodation: £40–£250 per night
- Budget: £40–£70
- Boutique: £80–£150
- Luxury: £200+
- Food: £15–£50 per day
- Street food/snacks: £5–£10
- Cafés & casual meals: £10–£20
- Fine dining: £25–£50+
- Transport: £20–£100
- Public transport: £10–£20 for 5 days
- Car hire: £30–£70/day
- Attractions: £5–£20 per site
Best Time to Visit / Weather
- Spring (Mar–May): Perfect — mild, blooming flowers, ideal for exploring streets & beaches.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, sunny, great for swimming; book attractions early.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent for hiking.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cool & quiet; some attractions may close early, but history and cities are still charming.
Malta Itinerary: Where to Stay
Valletta
- Budget: Hostel Malti — central, clean, social vibe
- Boutique: Casa Ellul — stylish, historic, intimate
- Luxury: Grand Hotel Excelsior — iconic, waterfront, spacious
St Julian’s
- Budget: Two Pillows Boutique Hostel — modern, social, near nightlife
- Boutique: Hotel Juliani — chic, sea views, ideal for couples
- Luxury: InterContinental Malta — beachfront, luxury amenities
Gozo
- Budget: Kuns Hostel — cosy, central, ideal for backpackers
- Boutique: Calypso Hotel — charming, family-friendly, local vibe
- Luxury: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz — serene, pool, stunning views
Day 1: Valletta – History, Harbours & Hidden Gems
Morning
Start at St. John’s Co-Cathedral, one of Europe’s most ornate churches. Take time to admire Caravaggio’s famous painting. Then, stroll to Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping harbour views — perfect for photos.
Lunch
Stop at a café or casual bistro in Valletta. Try Maltese ftira or pastizzi for a quick bite.
Afternoon
Wander the streets of Valletta. Pop into museums, admire baroque architecture, and discover hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the National Museum of Archaeology for a history fix.
Evening
Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Grand Harbour. End your evening with a walk along the waterfront, soaking in the city lights.
For more details on Valletta, check my complete guide to Valletta.
Day 2: Mdina & Rabat – The Silent City
Morning
Explore Mdina, Malta’s medieval capital. Wander narrow streets, admire palaces, and take in panoramic views from bastions.
Lunch
Have lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden, famous for cakes and views over the island.
Afternoon
Visit Rabat, just outside Mdina. Explore St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Mdina Dungeons for a peek into Malta’s history.
Evening
Sip a drink at Mdina bastions as the sun sets over the countryside. It’s peaceful, scenic, and Instagram-worthy.
Dive deeper into Mdina in my silent city guide.
Day 3: Gozo – Nature & Relaxation
Morning
Let’s continue our Malta itinerary by catch the ferry to Gozo from Ċirkewwa to Mgarr. Start at Victoria, the island’s capital, and explore the citadel.
Lunch
Grab a casual meal in Marsalforn or Victoria — fresh seafood is a must.
Afternoon
Hike to Wied il-Għasri, a dramatic gorge with turquoise waters, then visit Dwejra Bay to see the Azure Window remnants and Fungus Rock.
Evening
Dinner in Victoria; try traditional Gozitan dishes like ġbejniet (cheese) and rabbit stew.
Day 4: Comino – Blue Lagoon Adventure
Morning
Take a boat to Comino. Swim in the crystal waters of the Blue Lagoon, snorkel or just float and soak in the sunshine.
Lunch
Pack a picnic or grab light bites from the boat operators.
Afternoon
Explore the island on foot. Hike around cliffs, spot hidden coves, and enjoy the quiet away from Malta’s bustle.
Evening
Return to Malta. Spend the evening in St. Julian’s, soaking in the lively nightlife or enjoying a seaside dinner.
Day 5: Southern Malta – Fishing Villages & Hidden Bays
Morning
Visit Marsaxlokk, a picturesque fishing village. Browse markets and watch traditional luzzu boats bobbing in the harbour.
Lunch
Seaside restaurant for fresh fish or lampuki pie (seasonal).
Afternoon
Head to St. Peter’s Pool and Coral Lagoon for a swim and sunbathe. These spots are less crowded than main beaches, ideal for a relaxing finale.
Evening
Return to Valletta for a farewell dinner. Stroll along the waterfront and raise a glass to five unforgettable days in Malta.
Other Places to Consider
If you have time, you can also include these hidden gems in your Malta itinerary.
- Coral Lagoon: Hidden swimming spot near Marsaxlokk.
- Salt Pans: Photogenic, especially at sunset.
- Popeye Village: Colourful, quirky, fun for photos.
- The Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua — rich history and quieter streets.
- Best Bays & Swimming Spots: Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Ramla Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha.
Top Tips For Your Malta Itinerary
- Currency: Euro. Cards widely accepted, but cash is handy for markets and buses.
- Language: Maltese & English; everyone speaks English.
- Transport: Car hire recommended for flexibility.
- Safety: Very safe; standard travel caution applies.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear, light layers.
Do’s and Don’ts in Malta
Do:
- Carry water and sunscreen — you’ll be walking a lot in the sun.
- Try local foods: pastizzi, ftira, lampuki pie, ġbejniet, and fresh seafood.
- Wear comfortable shoes — cobbled streets in Valletta and Mdina can be tricky.
- Respect religious sites: modest clothing is appreciated in churches and cathedrals.
- Take a ferry or boat trip — it’s the best way to explore Gozo and Comino.
- Rent a car if you want flexibility, especially for hidden bays and southern Malta.
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate distances — it’s small but busy in summer; plan travel times.
- Don’t swim at rocky bays without checking tides and local advice.
- Don’t litter; Malta is small and maintaining its beauty is crucial.
- Don’t rely solely on public transport if visiting remote spots.
- Don’t forget to carry cash for small vendors and markets.
Malta Itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days in Malta enough?
Yes – five days lets you see Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and Comino. You’ll experience history, beaches, food and hidden gems. More days would let you add southern bays, more hiking, or relaxed beach days.
Do I need a visa for Malta?
UK passport holders don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for six months beyond your travel dates.
Is Malta safe?
Very safe. Petty crime is rare. Streets are well-lit, and locals are friendly. Standard travel caution applies.
Cash or card?
Bring some cash for markets, buses, and smaller vendors. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Do people speak English?
Yes – Maltese and English are both official languages and everyone speaks English.
Is Malta good for families, solo travellers, or couples?
All of the above. Malta offers history, beaches, nightlife, and outdoor adventures suitable for all types of travellers.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal – mild temperatures, fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing and swimming.
Your Malta Itinerary: Why You’ll Fall in Love
Five days in Malta is just enough to fall in love with this charming, sun-soaked country.
From Valletta’s bustling streets and baroque architecture to Mdina‘s peaceful lanes, Gozo’s rugged scenery, and Comino’s sparkling Blue Lagoon, you’ll experience history, culture, and nature all in one trip.
Add in hidden swimming spots like St. Peter’s Pool, Coral Lagoon, or the quiet corners of the Three Cities, and it’s clear why Malta is addictive.
Whether you’re exploring on foot, by ferry, or with a rental car, each day offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and local flavour.
Even in five days, Malta feels like a full holiday – enough to make memories, take hundreds of photos and plan a return trip to explore what you missed.
