Not sure how to plan your days in Malta? This Malta itinerary gives you a simple day-by-day plan for 3, 5 and 7 days, covering Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, the best beaches, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo. Each plan builds on the one before, so you can choose the length that fits your trip.
How many days do you need in Malta?
- 3 days: the highlights: Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities and one beach or boat trip
- 5 days: adds Gozo, the south coast and more beach time
- 7 days: a relaxed pace with Comino, hiking and time for a festa or event
Where to stay in Malta
- Valletta: best for history, restaurants and atmosphere; quieter at night
- Sliema: central, with the seafront, shops and ferries to Valletta
- St Julian’s: best for nightlife and restaurants
- Mellieħa or Buġibba: closer to the beaches and the Gozo ferry
- Gozo: for a slower, quieter stay
3-day Malta itinerary
Day 1: Valletta
- Morning: walk Republic Street and visit St John’s Co-Cathedral to see Caravaggio’s masterpiece.
- Noon: watch the cannon salute at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- Afternoon: visit the Grandmaster’s Palace or Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum.
- Evening: dinner in Valletta and drinks on Strait Street.
Day 2: The Three Cities and Marsaxlokk
- Morning: take the ferry from Valletta to Birgu and explore Fort St Angelo and the waterfront.
- Afternoon: head to Marsaxlokk for a seafood lunch and the colourful fishing boats (the big market is on Sunday morning).
- Late afternoon: swim at St Peter’s Pool if the sea is calm.
- Evening: sunset walk along the Sliema promenade.
Day 3: Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs
- Morning: explore the Silent City of Mdina and St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Lunch: pastizzi or a traditional lunch in Rabat, then St Paul’s Catacombs.
- Afternoon: drive or take a bus to the Dingli Cliffs.
- Evening: sunset at Dingli or Golden Bay.
5-day Malta itinerary
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add:
Day 4: Gozo day trip
Take the ferry to Gozo and visit the Citadel, Ġgantija Temples, Ramla Bay and Dwejra, ending with dinner in Xlendi. Our Gozo day trip guide has the full plan.
Day 5: The south coast and the temples
- Morning: boat trip into the Blue Grotto (best in the morning, if the sea is calm).
- Late morning: Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, right next door.
- Afternoon: swim at Għar Lapsi.
- Evening: a night out in St Julian’s, or a concert or show from our events calendar.
7-day Malta itinerary
Follow the 5-day plan, then add:
Day 6: Comino and the north
- Morning: boat to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. Go early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Popeye Village and a swim at Paradise Bay or Mellieħa Bay.
- Evening: sunset at Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa.
Day 7: Your choice
- History lovers: book the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum (weeks in advance) and visit the National Museum of Archaeology.
- Beach lovers: a full day at Golden Bay or Ramla Bay in Gozo.
- Active travellers: a coastal hike, kayaking or a dive.
- Event lovers: catch a festa, festival, concert or theatre show.
See what’s happening during your stay in our Malta events calendar.
Malta itinerary tips
- Getting around: combine buses, ferries and ride-hailing apps, or hire a car for Gozo. See our guide to getting around Malta.
- Check the wind: if the sea is rough, swap a boat day for sightseeing.
- Sunday: perfect for Marsaxlokk’s market, but some shops close.
- Summer: sightsee in the morning, swim in the afternoon, eat late like the locals.
- Book ahead: the Hypogeum, boat trips and popular restaurants fill up fast.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Malta?
Three days is enough for the main highlights: Valletta, the Three Cities and Mdina. Add at least one more day for Gozo.
Is 7 days in Malta too long?
No. A week lets you see Malta, Gozo and Comino at a relaxed pace, with time for beaches and events.
Should I stay in Malta or Gozo?
Most visitors stay in Malta and visit Gozo as a day trip. If you want peace and nature, spend a night or two in Gozo.
What is the best area to stay in Malta for a first visit?
Sliema or Valletta. Both are central, well connected by bus and ferry, and close to restaurants and sights.
More Malta guides
Read our guides to the best things to do in Malta, the best beaches in Malta and Gozo and Malta in winter.
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