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’d enjoy it.
I was travelling with my girlfriends, so I knew we’d have fun, but the destination didn’t initially call me. Boy, was I wrong!
I had no idea I’d completely fall in love with this country. From the bustling streets of Valletta (full Valletta guide here) to the silent lanes of Mdina (discover Mdina here), Malta packs a huge variety into a tiny island.
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: history, hidden bays, and breathtaking landscapes are all just a short drive or ferry away.
This 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.
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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.
Getting to Malta
Flights from the UK take 3–4 hours (BA, Ryanair, EasyJet, Air Malta).
Airport: Malta International Airport is compact, 20–30 minutes from Valletta.
Ferries: Gozo and Comino are easy to reach via frequent, scenic ferry rides.
How to Get Around
Car Hire: Best for flexibility, especially for Gozo and remote bays. Book ahead to save money. Roads are generally good, but narrow lanes in villages and parking in Valletta can be tricky.
Buses: Reliable for Valletta, Mdina, St. Julian’s, and other main towns. Malta Public Transport operates air-conditioned buses; pay with contactless card on most routes.
Taxis & Uber: Convenient for short trips or evenings out. Handy if you want a stress-free ride from port or airport.
Ferries: Mgarr Harbour connects Gozo to Malta; Comino is only accessible by boat. Ideal for exploring islands without a car.
Walking in Valletta: The Old Town is compact and very walkable. Side streets hide beautiful courtyards and historic sites.
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:
Spring (Mar–May): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, ideal for sightseeing and beaches.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and sunny, perfect for swimming; book attractions early.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, great for hiking.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler and quieter; some attractions may close early, but cities and history remain 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, perfect for couples
- Luxury: InterContinental Malta – beachfront, luxury amenities
Gozo
- Budget: Kuns Hostel – cosy, central, great for backpackers
- Boutique: Calypso Hotel – charming, family-friendly, local vibe
- Luxury: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – serene, pool, stunning views
Mdina / Rabat
- Boutique stays only – for a quieter, historic feel, check local guesthouses near Mdina’s bastions
Day 1: Valletta – History, Harbours & Hidden Gems
Morning: Start at St. John’s Co-Cathedral to admire Caravaggio’s famous painting. Then head to Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping harbour views.
Lunch: Grab a casual bite in Valletta — try Maltese ftira or pastizzi.
Afternoon: Wander Valletta’s streets, pop into museums, explore baroque architecture, and peek into hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the National Museum of Archaeology.
Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Grand Harbour. End with a walk along the waterfront.
💡 Link: For a deeper dive, see my full guide to Valletta’s best things to do.
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 the bastions.
Lunch: Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden for cakes and island views.
Afternoon: Visit nearby Rabat, including St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Mdina Dungeons.
Evening: Sip a drink on Mdina’s bastions as the sun sets. Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for photos.
💡 Link: Dive deeper in my Mdina: Silent City guide.
Day 3: Gozo – Nature & Relaxation
Morning: Catch the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mgarr in Gozo. Explore Victoria and the Citadel.
Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood in Marsalforn or Victoria.
Afternoon: Hike to Wied il-Għasri and visit Dwejra Bay to see Fungus Rock and the Azure Window remnants.
Evening: Dinner in Victoria with traditional Gozitan dishes like ġbejniet (cheese) and rabbit stew.
💡 Tip: Gozo is compact, but a car gives you freedom to explore hidden beaches and inland valleys.
Day 4: Comino – Blue Lagoon Adventure
Morning: Take a boat to Comino. Swim in the Blue Lagoon, snorkel, or just float in crystal-clear waters.
Lunch: Picnic on the island or grab light bites from boat operators.
Afternoon: Explore Comino’s walking trails and hidden coves. Quiet and peaceful compared to Malta’s busier areas.
Evening: Return to Malta and relax in St. Julian’s, enjoying seaside dinner or lively nightlife.
💡 Tip: Comino is only accessible by boat; book tickets in advance during peak season.
Day 5: Southern Malta – Fishing Villages & Hidden Bays
Morning: Visit Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village. Browse the market and admire the colourful luzzu boats.
Lunch: Eat at a seaside restaurant — try fresh fish or seasonal lampuki pie.
Afternoon: Swim and sunbathe at St. Peter’s Pool and Coral Lagoon — quieter than main beaches and perfect for a relaxing finale.
Evening: Return to Valletta for a farewell dinner along the waterfront. Raise a glass to five unforgettable days in Malta.
💡 Optional: Add hidden gems if you have extra time: Coral Lagoon, Salt Pans, Popeye Village, and the Three Cities.
Other Places to Consider
If you have extra time, these hidden gems and quieter spots are worth a visit:
- Coral Lagoon – Secluded swimming near Marsaxlokk.
- Salt Pans – Perfect for sunset photos.
- Popeye Village – Colourful and quirky, great for a fun stop.
- The Three Cities – Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua; rich in history and less crowded.
- Best Bays & Beaches – Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Ramla Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha.
💡 Tip: For a deeper dive into Valletta and Mdina, check my dedicated guides.
Top Tips For Your Malta Itinerary
Currency: Euro. Cards widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets and buses.
Language: Maltese & English; English is spoken everywhere.
Transport: Car hire is best 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 — lots of walking 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 — the best way to explore Gozo and Comino.
- Rent a car for flexibility, especially if visiting hidden bays or southern Malta.
Don’t:
- Underestimate distances — it’s small but busy in summer; plan travel times.
- Swim at rocky bays without checking tides and local advice.
- Litter; Malta is small and preserving its beauty matters.
- Rely only on public transport for remote spots.
- Forget cash for small vendors and markets.
Malta Itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days enough?
Yes — five days covers Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and Comino. More days let you explore southern bays or relax on beaches.
Do I need a visa?
UK passport holders don’t need one for stays up to 90 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
Is Malta safe?
Very safe. Streets are well-lit, locals are friendly, and petty crime is rare.
Cash or card?
Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for markets and smaller vendors.
Do people speak English?
Yes — English and Maltese are official languages, and most people speak English.
Who is Malta good for?
Families, couples, solo travellers — history, beaches, nightlife, and outdoor adventures make it suitable for all.
Best time to visit:
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are mild, less crowded, and ideal for sightseeing and swimming.
Your Malta Itinerary: Why You’ll Fall in Love
I have to be honest — five days in Malta is just enough to completely fall for this sun-soaked, history-packed little country.
From wandering Valletta’s buzzing streets and soaking in its baroque architecture to getting lost in Mdina’s quiet lanes, hiking Gozo’s rugged landscapes, and floating in Comino’s crystal-clear Blue Lagoon, there’s a little bit of everything here.
And don’t even get me started on the hidden swimming spots — St. Peter’s Pool, Coral Lagoon, or the peaceful corners of the Three Cities. They make the island feel magical.
You can explore on foot, hop on a ferry, or take a rental car — every day has a mix of adventure, relaxation, and delicious local flavour.
Honestly, even in just five days, Malta feels like a proper holiday — packed with memories, amazing photos, and enough to make you start planning your next trip back.
