Summary
Malta is a remarkable island worthy of exploration. Situated in the Mediterranean, it boasts a rich tapestry of history, breathtaking bays, and extraordinary cities that are utterly captivating. To assist you in maximizing your experience, we have curated an extensive itinerary for visiting Malta during your upcoming vacation.
You may be contemplating whether Malta is the right destination for you.
Allow me to present several compelling reasons that justify its place on every traveler’s agenda.
Firstly, Malta (and its neighboring island, Gozo) enjoys a remarkable abundance of Mediterranean sunshine, which is highly invigorating. Furthermore, Malta offers a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal location for those seeking relaxation during their journey.
Conversely, Malta is also a treasure trove for those inclined towards exploring historical cities and ancient landmarks. This island is adaptable, capable of accommodating various types of trips. This flexibility is what motivates our recurrent visits!
As the island continues to safely reopen, we would like to spotlight several locations in Malta that are essential to visit.
As always, prioritize safe travel practices. Always consult your government’s travel advisories along with official information from the Maltese Government regarding any current or lifted restrictions.
Examine the extensive itinerary below for your visit to Malta. Furthermore, as always, feel free to customize your itinerary by adding or removing locations as desired; after all, it is your holiday!
Wishing you a splendid time.
Day One: Valletta
As far as Mediterranean cities are concerned, Valletta is undeniably a treasure to explore!
Unlike other prominent capital cities in Europe, Valletta strikes the perfect balance—neither overwhelmingly large nor too small to lack interest. It is, in fact, ideally suited for a few days of exploration.
Upon arrival, ensure you stroll to witness the Grandmaster’s Palace and the exquisite Upper (and Lower) Barrakka Gardens. These sites are particularly breathtaking in the morning, providing a splendid start to invigorate your day.
For a delightful sugary indulgence, visit Amorino (on Republic Street). Here, you can savor some of the finest gelatos available in Malta. You will likely find yourself returning for a second helping.
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the historic Casa Rocca Piccola located within the center of Valletta. During the day, you may join a guided tour to experience the grandeur of a traditional (and affluent) palace that is undeniably stunning.
As the day draws to a close, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, which has held a prominent position in Valletta since the 1500s. It is a splendid sight and a valuable opportunity to appreciate the works of Girolamo Cassar, one of the island’s most distinguished architects.
Feeling hungry? Should you find yourself wandering through the charming cobbled streets, consider dining at Noni (located on Republic Street), which beautifully merges traditional Maltese cuisine with contemporary influences. Their tasting menu is simply delightful for an evening repast.
Day Two: Valletta
One important note is that you should allocate at least a full day to discover Valletta (though we prefer a more relaxed two-day experience). Nevertheless, if time is of the essence, scheduling visits to the main attractions in Valletta within a single day is entirely feasible, especially if there are additional destinations on our itinerary you are eager to explore.
For a refreshing morning, embark on a leisurely stroll around the Grand Harbour region, where impressive views of the bay await. Additionally, you can effortlessly combine this with a visit to Fort St. Angelo, which has historically safeguarded the city. Plan for approximately two hours to thoroughly explore the fort; hence, aim to arrive early.
When it comes to dinner, consider securing a reservation at Rampila; you will not be disappointed, especially on their terrace. We enjoyed the traditional Maltese Aljotta broth as our first course, and it was exceptional!
Day Three: Mdina
Nothing in Malta is ever too far away, making it an ideal location to traverse the island’s hidden gems. It is not necessary to change accommodation each night; you can easily make day trips to all the notable spots while remaining settled in one hotel throughout your stay. The choice is entirely yours.
Now, as for Mdina!
Mdina holds the distinction of being my favorite city in Malta and an unmissable destination for a day trip. It is approximately a 25-minute drive from Valletta and can be conveniently accessed by car, taxi, or tour service, depending on your preference.
After passing through the renowned Mdina Gate, ensure you visit the iconic cathedral that offers panoramic views of the entire city. The cathedral is simply breathtaking, with its Baroque architecture spanning centuries!
If you are interested in delving further into history, make your way to Domus Romana, a Roman house constructed around two millennia ago. This relatively compact museum is an ideal 30-minute visit.
Moreover, ensure you acquire some of the renowned Mdina Glass. The craftsmanship is exquisite and can be found throughout the city.
As hunger strikes, head over to Grotto Tavern where their gnocchi is delightfully crafted, and the restaurant’s unique ambiance within a grotto adds to the experience.
Day Four: Western Coastline and Beaches
After three days of exploring vibrant cities, it’s time to immerse in the stunning natural coastline of Malta. Thus, gather your beach attire, apply sunscreen, and prepare for a relaxing beach day.
Before heading to the beach, make your way to the Blue Grotto, located about a 25-minute drive from Valletta (and just a 15-minute drive from Mdina). Upon arrival, hop onto one of the small boats that will take you inside the enchanting Blue Grotto.
However, if you prefer to skip the boat ride, the ‘panorama’ viewing area is a perfect alternative, particularly at sunset.
The views are absolutely stunning.
Subsequently, for some time in the surf, make your way to Golden Bay, situated to the north of the Blue Grotto. This location is a favorite among sun-worshippers, providing an excellent setting for a morning swim or an evening stroll along the shore.
If you are seeking a refreshing swim, head over to St. Peter’s Pool located on the coastline near Marsaxlokk. Here, you can indulge in the Mediterranean waters while soaking up scenic views across southern Malta. However, ensure to remain cautious of strong currents and only swim in safe conditions.
We found it most convenient to rent a car for coastal excursions. If you prefer not to drive, there are numerous touring companies offering various trips that you can incorporate into your itinerary for Malta.
Day Five: Hiking near Popeye Village
Experiencing a hike across an island is not an everyday occurrence, but it is entirely feasible in Malta, particularly from Għadira Bay to Popeye Village.
Following a refreshing swim at Għadira, lace up your hiking boots and set off to explore the landscape.
The hike itself does not take too long (although you can opt for various detours). We explored the Red Tower, located just a short hike from the bay (approximately 40 minutes). This structure, dating back to 1649, is delightful to admire, especially for its panoramic views.
Continue westward to the charming and picturesque Popeye Village— the film set for the movie “Popeye,” filmed in the 1980s.
It is certainly worth an hour of your time and effectively complements your itinerary for visiting Malta, even if you are not familiar with the film.
To enjoy a lovely vista of Popeye Village, traverse the coastal road opposite the bay; the view over the cove is breathtaking, and you will have a fantastic perspective of the village itself.
Day Six: Gozo
Just off the northern coast of Malta, Gozo is a smaller yet entirely worth exploring island accessible via a brief ferry ride! It serves as an excellent day trip destination while visiting Malta.
After disembarking from Cirkewwa, you’ll reach Mgarr Harbour promptly. Once here, you can embark on an exploration of Gozo and its key attractions along the way.
A must-visit destination is Il-Madonna ta’ Pinu, a basilica and shrine that embodies outstanding beauty. Though the basilica is not as ancient as some other sites on Malta and Gozo, it remains iconic.
Afterward, retrieve your swimming attire and consider driving to the Blue Hole for a refreshing swim! It is a natural pool located just beneath the collapsed Azure Window, making it a worthy stop on your itinerary for visiting Malta.
Additionally, do not overlook the opportunity to dine at The Boathouse in Xlendi Bay. This location caters to all of your seafood cravings, particularly with their delectable fresh lobster.
Day Seven: Mosta
Before concluding your journey in Malta, there remains one last delightful location to explore—Mosta!
Just around a 20-minute drive from central Valletta, Mosta is ideal for your final day within your Malta itinerary. Even if your time is limited, ensure to allocate a moment to appreciate this locale.
One of the distinguishing features of this city is the Rotunda of Mosta, a grand basilica modeled after the Pantheon in Italy.
Upon your arrival, it quickly becomes evident why this site holds such significance, notably due to its possession of one of the largest unsupported domes in the world!
Should you find time remaining, consider visiting the Ta’ Bistra Catacombs, situated just outside the city center. You will have the opportunity to explore an intriguing collection of historic catacombs that are distinctive.
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