A week in Malta: The perfect 7-day Malta itinerary
Before my trip to Malta, I didn’t know much about it apart from the fact that it’s an island nation in the Mediterranean. But after spending a week exploring the different corners of the Maltese archipelago, I was positively surprised by how much this tiny country has to offer.
With its medieval towns, ancient monuments, dramatic cliffs and beaches with iridescent turquoise water, Malta is full of exciting places to explore. I also found it fascinating how the country felt like a unique mix of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. This is because of the many nations that have ruled Malta and left their mark on its language, culture and history.
Below, I’m sharing my 7-day Malta itinerary that covers the most beautiful places in Malta, Gozo and Comino, the three islands that make up the country. You’ll also find my tips on where to stay, a map with the locations of all the stops in this itinerary, and some suggestions on what to do if you have more than 7 days in Malta.
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Getting around Malta
The easiest and most efficient way to explore the island is to rent a car and embark on a Malta road trip. Not only is it the fastest way to get around, but it will also give you the freedom to stop wherever you want. I use Discover Cars to book rental cars when I travel and have always had a good experience. They include both international and local car rental companies in their search results, so you can find the best deals.
Driving in Malta is safe and pretty easy. Just be aware that you need to drive on the left side of the road. The roads are generally in good condition, unless you accidentally end up on some bumpy backcountry roads, as we did once.
Also, keep in mind that in towns like Sliema and Valletta, some of the streets are very narrow and there aren’t many parking areas, so it’s better to explore these places on foot.
It’s also possible to travel around Malta by bus, but it would take you longer to get around, and it would be difficult to reach some of the more remote spots. If you’d only like to visit the most popular tourist attractions and bigger towns, then you could consider using the public bus network or this hop-on hop-off bus. If you prefer to explore Malta with a guide, this full-day tour is a good option as it covers many of the top sights on the island.
Since this 7-day Malta itinerary includes some pretty remote places in addition to the popular spots, it’s best done as a road trip. However, with some adjustments, you can still follow this route even if you don’t plan to rent a car.
Malta itinerary: How to spend a week in Malta
Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities
Day 2: The south coast
Day 3: Mdina, Rabat and Dingli Cliffs
Day 4: Northern Malta
Day 5: Gozo Island
Day 6: Comino Island
Day 7: Mellieha
Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities
On the first day of your Malta trip, visit the beautiful capital city, Valletta. Since Valletta is very small (it’s the smallest capital in the EU!), it is best explored on foot. Therefore, there’s no need to rent a car for the first day.
Built in the 16th century, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with historical landmarks and architectural gems. Take your time to wander along the town’s narrow hilly streets and city walls, and admire the medieval buildings decorated with the traditional Maltese wooden balconies called gallarija.
The most important attractions in Valletta are the following:
- St. John’s Co-Cathedral: A 16th-century cathedral that’s humble on the outside but spectacular on the inside because of its extraordinary Baroque interior and Caravaggio paintings.
- The Grand Master’s Palace: A must-visit in Valletta. This opulent palace, which is a museum and the seat of the Office of the President of Malta, re-opened in 2024 after an extensive 40 million euro restoration project. It features lavish halls, rare tapestries and an extensive historic arms collection.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens: A public park that’s not only a great place to relax, but it also offers a stunning view of the Grand Harbour and the neighboring towns of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua – collectively known as the Three Cities. From Monday to Saturady, at noon and at 4 pm, you can see a cannon being fired at the Saluting Battery right next to the park.
- Republic Street: Valletta’s biggest and busiest pedestrian street, lined with restaurants, cafes and shops.
If you’d like to learn about the history of Valletta and perhaps also sample some local specialties, such as the pastizzi, consider taking one of these guided tours below:
To visit the Three Cities, you can take the ferry that departs across the street from the Barrakka Lift every 30 minutes. The scenic journey takes only 15 minutes and costs 3 euros one way. I didn’t have time to visit the Three Cities myself, but I’ve heard that they are lovely little towns with quaint alleyways, spectacular views and an authentic vibe.
Where to stay
Spend the next four nights in Valletta. Accommodation options here tend to sell out very quickly, especially in the summer, so if you want to spend a night in Valletta, book your room several months in advance. Here are my recommendations for different budget levels:
MID-RANGE: Casa Asti
Set in a charming 400-year-old building, this family-run boutique hotel is full of character and has cozy rooms with quaint decor. The location is quiet but just steps away from all the main sights.
LUXURY: The Embassy Valletta Hotel
This wonderful hotel is located in the heart of Valletta’s historic center and has elegant, spacious rooms. There’s also a rooftop with a heated pool and a phenomenal view over Valletta.
Be aware that if you’re going to rent a car, you won’t be able to park in Valletta as it’s a restricted traffic zone, but you can park at the MCP Parking Garage right outside the main entrance of Valletta.
Alternatively, you could stay in the neighboring town of Sliema, which is just a short drive or ferry ride from Valletta. It’s not as charming as Valletta, but it has more hotels, and you’ll have a better chance of finding parking. My top pick in Sliema is the 1926 Le Soleil Hotel, which offers modern rooms, a fabulous infinity pool and excellent value for money.
Day 2: Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk and St. Peter’s Pool
On the second day, pack your swimsuit, pick up your rental car and go explore the southern coast of the island.
Start the day by visiting the Blue Grotto, one of the most famous natural landmarks of Malta. The Blue Grotto consists of a group of sea caves, but its most prominent feature is a massive rock arch rising out of the turquoise sea.
You can either admire the Blue Grotto from a viewpoint on the side of the road, or you can take a short boat trip to get a closer look at the mesmerizing caves and the beautiful water. The boat tours depart from Wied Iż-Żurrieq village and cost 10 euros per person.
Next, drive to the idyllic fishing village of Marsaxlokk. The village is known for its picturesque harbor full of colorful traditional Maltese boats, known as luzzu, making it one of the best photo spots in Malta.
Stroll along the charming waterfront promenade, enjoy a drink with a harbor view or have lunch in one of the many seafood restaurants. I’ve heard great things about T’Annamari Restaurant, but unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.
On Sundays, the village gets very busy because of the Marsaxlokk Fish Market. While it could be fun to explore the market, it can get very crowded, so I’d rather visit the village on a different day for a more peaceful atmosphere.
After visiting Marsaxlokk, head to St Peter’s Pool for a relaxing afternoon. This natural pool is a popular spot among the locals who come here to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and cliff jump.
On a calm day, the water in the cove is a beautiful shade of turquoise. On the day I visited, however, the sea was very rough. There’s also a hiking trail along the coast where you can discover other secluded coves and viewpoints.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Valletta or Sliema. My recommended hotels are Casa Asti, The Embassy Valletta and 1926 Le Soleil Hotel.
Day 3: Mdina, Rabat and Dingli Cliffs
The next stop on this 7-day Malta itinerary is Mdina, also known as The Silent City. This gorgeous fortified town is the former capital of Malta and one of the most visited places in the country. Mdina is largely car-free, so leave your car at one of the parking lots outside the city walls and explore on foot.
The best thing to do here is to get lost in the maze-like alleyways, see the impressive Norman and Baroque architecture and take in the town’s medieval charm. If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, you’ll probably recognize some spots in Mdina since it was the filming location for “King’s Landing”.
The most notable attractions in Mdina are St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina Gate, Palazzo Falson and Palazzo Vilhena. I also recommend visiting Fontanella Tea Garden, where you can grab a bite or a delicious slice of cake and enjoy sweeping views of eastern Malta.
After visiting Mdina, head to the adjacent town of Rabat. Explore its narrow, quaint streets, visit some local shops and enjoy the authentic vibe. If you’re interested in archaeology, you might want to visit Rabat’s most famous sight, the St. Paul’s Catacombs, which is an ancient burial site with an extensive system of underground tunnels.
If you’d like to visit Mdina and Rabat with a guide and get a deeper understanding of the historical significance of these towns, take this highly-rated 2.5-hour walking tour.
Round off your day with a visit to Dingli Cliffs on the island’s western coast. With a height of 250 m (820 ft), this place is the highest point in Malta and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also considered one of the best spots for watching the sunset in Malta, so you might want to time your visit accordingly.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Valletta or Sliema. You can find my hotel recommendations under Day 1.
Day 4: Red Tower, Popeye Village and beaches
The fourth day will be all about exploring the northern part of Malta. Start with a quick visit to Saint Agatha’s Tower, also known as the Red Tower. This 17th-century fortified watchtower is painted in bright red color and looks like a small castle.
As it sits on top of a hill, the views from here are pretty amazing, and you can even see the islands of Comino and Gozo. Walking around outside the tower is free of charge, but if you’d like to enter it to learn about its history, you’ll need to pay a 2.50-euro entrance fee.
After that, head to the nearby Popeye Village. This place served as the film set of the 1980 movie “Popeye” and is now a theme park.
Even if you don’t care about Popeye or theme parks, it’s worth making a quick stop at the viewpoint opposite the village. It’s free of charge, and you get to see the fantastic turquoise water of Anchor Bay with a backdrop of the quirky village. You might recognize this view from social media since it’s one of the most famous Malta Instagram spots. If you want to enter the park, the entrance fee is 15 euros.
Spend the rest of the afternoon at Ghajn Tuffieha Beach or Golden Bay Beach. These two adjacent beaches are considered some of the best in Malta and feature calm blue water, soft sand and beautiful, unspoiled scenery.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is less developed and a little quieter than Golden Bay, but you can expect both of them to get quite busy in the summer. At Ghajn Tuffieha Beach, there’s also a really nice beach bar, Singita, where you can grab some drinks or food with a view of the bay.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Valletta or Sliema. You can find my hotel recommendations under Day 1.
Day 5: Gozo
On Day 5, head to Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Ferries to Gozo depart every 15-45 minutes from Cirkewwa, 24 hours a day, and the journey takes around 25 minutes. The round-trip ticket for a car together with two passengers costs around 20 euros, and you only have to pay on the way back from Gozo to Malta.
Although many people visit Gozo on a day trip, I think it’s definitely worth spending a night here because there’s a lot to see.
Start your day here by visiting the Tal-Mixta Cave. It is situated up in the hills on the eastern coast of the island and offers a spectacular view of Ramla Bay, one of the best beaches in Gozo. The cave is free to visit.
As the cave tends to get pretty crowded, arrive early if you want to have it to yourself and get some nice photos. When you’re done admiring the view, drive down to Ramla Beach to enjoy the beautiful orange sand and crystal clear sea.
Another must-visit place in Gozo is the 350-year-old Salt Pans in Xwejni, which are still used by the locals to harvest salt. Here you’ll find some interesting rock formations and a checkerboard of salt pans spanning several kilometers along the rugged north coast.
Depending on your interests, here are some other places you might want to visit in Gozo:
- Inland Sea – a small lagoon surrounded by cliffs and cute fishermen’s huts
- Wied il-Ghasri – a gorge with clear blue water and a small beach
- Wied il-Mielaħ Window – a bridge-like sea arch
- Ta’ Cenc cliffs – steep limestone cliffs on the south coast of the island
- Ta’ Pinu Basilica – an impressive church and one of the most important religious sites in the country
- The Citadel of Victoria – an ancient fortress in Victoria, the capital of Gozo
Where to stay
Spend the night in Gozo. I recommend staying in or near Victoria.
MID-RANGE: Quaint Hotel Xewkija
We spent one night in this boutique hotel and had a great stay in their beautiful, spacious suite with a jacuzzi. The best part, though, was the breathtaking view of the Rotunda St. John Baptist Church from our terrace. Make sure to book a room that faces the square.
MID-RANGE: Cesca’s Boutique Hotel
This elegant hotel is situated in a tranquil valley, just outside Victoria, and has modern rooms, a rooftop pool and a terrace with beautiful views of the valley.
Day 6: Comino and the Blue Lagoon
The sixth day of this Malta itinerary is for exploring the island of Comino.
The main reason to visit Comino is to see the incredible Blue Lagoon. This sheltered cove is a paradise-like place with the most vibrant turquoise water. It’s probably some of the clearest, bluest water you can find in Europe (though it might not beat the beaches on Milos Island in Greece).
Here you can go swimming, snorkeling and sip tropical cocktails served at the beachside bars. Visit also the Crystal Lagoon, which is another amazing spot with dazzling water but fewer crowds. You can also walk around the island to visit the Saint Mary’s Tower, Santa Marija Bay and San Niklaw Bay.
This car-free and virtually uninhabited island can be reached by a short ferry ride either from Gozo (Mgarr harbor) or from Malta (Cirkewwa harbor). Alternatively, you could opt for a guided boat tour, which stops at several points of interest along the coast of Comino, and you’ll have access to a toilet, SUPs, swim noodles, etc.
For a more tranquil experience, you can take this private boat trip with a skipper and discover Comino at your own pace.
In the summer season, the Blue Lagoon gets extremely busy, so it’s best to arrive early. Despite its popularity, seeing the Blue Lagoon is easily one of the best things to do in Malta, and it was the highlight of my trip. It’s a place you simply can’t miss when you’re visiting Malta!
Where to stay
Return to the main island of Malta and spend the night in Mellieha.
MID-RANGE: Solana Hotel & Spa
We loved our stay in this stylish and modern hotel in the center of Mellieha. They have two restaurants, a nice spa with a heated pool and a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
Day 7: Ghadira Bay or Noma Island
Wrap up your week in Malta with a relaxing day, either on Ghadira Bay Beach near Mellieha or the brand new Noma Island.
Ghadira Bay is the largest sandy beach in Malta. Here you can spend your day sunbathing on its soft sand and swimming in the shallow, crystalline water. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are a handful of cafes along the beach as well. If lounging on the beach all day is not your cup of tea, you can choose from a variety of water activities, such as windsurfing, kite surfing, water skiing, SUP, snorkeling and kayaking.
If you prefer a more upscale beach club kind of place, check out Noma Island. This floating island opened in 2026 and is just a 7-minute boat ride from the shore. It features sunbeds, cabanas, a pool, a restaurant and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean.
7-day Malta itinerary map
On this map, you can find the locations of all the stops included in this Malta itinerary. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.
Have more than a week in Malta?
If you have more than a week in Malta, you can visit some hidden gems and get to know the island’s history on an even deeper level.
Those interested in archaeological sites should visit the UNESCO-listed Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Hagar Qim Temple and the Ggantija Temples, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids.
If you’d like to explore some beautiful lush nature, take a look at the Buskett Gardens, San Anton Gardens or Palazzo Parisio. And if you’re up for seeing some more fabulous beaches, consider visiting Paradise Bay, Armier Bay Beach, Pretty Beach and Qawra Point Beach.
Malta is also well connected to the island of Sicily, with several ferry crossings per day that take just 1 hour and 45 minutes, as well as this full-day Sicily tour, where you’ll visit Mount Etna. Have a look at my Sicily itinerary to get inspired!
This was my recommended Malta itinerary for 7 days! As you can see, there’s no shortage of exciting places to explore on this little Mediterranean island, and you can experience a lot in a week.
If you have any questions about the itinerary or recommendations on other places to visit in Malta, let me know in the comments.
Planning to explore other destinations in the Mediterranean region as well? Then take a look at my blog posts:
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Hi! Thanks so much for this. I will be going solo as a female and thinking of staying in Valetta the whole time and doing day excursions. Do you think this is ok – that I can get to all these places even without the car? Thanks so much!!
Hi Mary! You’re welcome! 🙂 You will be able to visit the vast majority of these places without a car but it will take you longer time to get from one place to another. Probably the easiest way for you would be to take the hop-on-hop-off bus that I suggested in the article. In Gozo it might be a bit more difficult to get around by buses since the island is less developed but you can always hire a cab there.
Hi ! Did you experience any rain in January? Thanks 🙂
Hi, I was there in March so I don’t know about January.
Hi, did you enjoy being there in March? Were there plenty of restaurants open to choose from and was the weather pleasant enough in the day to eat outside? Is March a month you would recommend?
Thank you!
Hi Aleena. Yes I did it enjoy it. The weather varied quite a bit – some days it was chilly, other days it was so warm you could wear shorts and a T-shirt. There were lots of restaurants open and everyone was eating outside. I do recommend visiting in March but you shouldn’t expect beach weather every day.
Indeed the perfect 7-day Malta itinerary. Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’re very welcome!
Hello,
I ask myself if you took the rental car with you to gozo and comino island or not? When and where did you return the rental car? I am planning on going in August to malta with my boyfriend. Any specific recommendations? Greetings Stefanie from Belgium
Hi Stefanie! Yes, we took the rental car to Gozo but not to Comino. I don’t think it’s even possible to take it to Comino. We returned our rental car in Sliema at the end of our trip, before flying home. Have a lovely trip!
Hi,
1. Are there budget friendly stay options in Malta – like hostels?
2. What about clubs / pubs ?
Would you recommend this place for spinsters if we are travelling all the way from Asia?
Hi! Yes there are definitely hostels in Malta, in the St. Julians and Sliema area there are plenty. St. Julians (especially the Paceville area) is also the main party area in Malta with lots of nightclubs and bars.
Great itinerary, simple and sensible! So many other itinerary I see try to fit the whole island into just 2 or 3 days and you end up missing so much of the hidden gems, besides getting tired travelling. I like how you space them out : )