Five days in Malta is a well-calibrated length of time to cover the essentials of this Mediterranean archipelago without rushing. Prehistoric temples, a UNESCO-listed fortified capital, wild islands with turquoise waters: the density of discoveries here is exceptional. I was struck by how this small territory concentrates so many different eras and landscapes, from the Neolithic through Baroque architecture to the fortifications of the Knights of the Order of St John.
In this article, I propose an itinerary designed for five days in Malta, taking Valletta as the starting point.
Practical tips for visiting Malta in 5 days
What can you see in Malta in 5 days? Is it long enough?
Five days allow you to cover the highlights of the main island, spend a day on Gozo and a day on Comino, while still having time to wander without rushing from one site to the next.
It’s not too long — there’s a lot to see!
But it doesn’t allow you to see everything; you still have to make choices!
Map of must-see attractions
To help you navigate as you read through our itinerary below, here is our map of Malta’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Malta
The bus network covers the entire main island, with Valletta serving as the central hub. Fares are affordable and allow you to reach most sites.
That said, I strongly recommend renting a car to explore more isolated spots such as the Dingli Cliffs or the southern temples. Be aware, however: Malta drives on the left, a legacy of the British era, and the roads are sometimes narrow. Signage can also be inconsistent depending on the area.
Where to stay in Malta
Where to Stay in Malta – My Favorite Spots:
- Valletta – See best-rated accommodations
- St. Julian’s – See best-rated accommodations
- Victoria (Gozo Island) – See best-rated accommodations
My Top Picks:
- Cugo Gran Macina (5 stars) – see photos and availability
- The Gomerino Hotel (4 stars) – see photos and availability
See my article on the best places to stay in Malta (coming soon)
Our ideal itinerary: 5 days in Malta
- Valletta, a magnificent capital full of architecture and history
- A trip to Comino island and the unmissable Blue Lagoon
- Mdina, the Silent City, and the cliffs
- The highlights of Gozo island
- Prehistoric temples and the south coast
We really recommend visiting the more rural island of Gozo. But with 5 days you may not want to bother with the ferry etc., in which case I suggest an alternative: visiting the Three Cities opposite Valletta.
Or you can create your own itinerary using my article: The best things to do in Malta.
Day 1 – Valletta, the fortified capital
Valletta naturally presents itself as the starting point. Founded in 1566 by the Knights of the Order of St John, the Maltese capital is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its narrow streets descend towards the harbour in a web of Baroque facades, colourful wooden balconies and understated churches.
I was struck by the historical density of this city, which can be explored entirely on foot (from one end to the other in 15 minutes) and offers a new discovery at every street corner.
Morning: St John’s Co-Cathedral and Caravaggio’s masterpieces
First unmissable stop: St John’s Co-Cathedral, built between 1573 and 1578. Its exterior facade remains austere, almost plain — nothing prepares you for the interior. From the moment you step inside, the walls, ceiling and floor reveal a profusion of gilding, Baroque paintings and more than 400 polychrome marble tombstones belonging to the Knights of the Order.
I found the oratory particularly striking: it houses two major works by Caravaggio, a 17th-century Italian painter, created during his stay in Malta in 1608. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, his largest painting, hangs there alongside Saint Jerome Writing. Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours for your visit.
Book a guided tour to better understand this monument – see options
Midday: lunch and a stroll through the historic centre
Republic Street and Merchant Street are home to cafés, restaurants and a few local shops ideal for a lunch break. I enjoyed the contrast between these lively main streets and the quieter side lanes running perpendicular to them. If the weather allows, extend your stroll to Mysterium Fidei, a former monastery whose atmosphere contrasts sharply with the bustle of the rest of the city — book your entry ticket.
Afternoon: the Grand Masters’ Palace
Located on Republic Street, the Grand Masters’ Palace was the official residence of the Order’s rulers and later the British Governor; it now houses the office of the President of Malta. Several State Rooms are open to the public: frescoes, tapestries and armour make up a tour of around 1.5 hours.
I found the armoury particularly interesting, with its more than 5,000 pieces tracing the evolution of military equipment from the 15th to the 18th century. The palace is undergoing gradual restoration — check which rooms are open before your visit. Visit the official website for more information here.
Take advantage of the combined ticket with the art museum and archaeological museum.
End of day: the Upper Barrakka Gardens
To close this first day, the Upper Barrakka Gardens offer from their elevated terrace a breathtaking panorama over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. I went in the late afternoon, when the golden light illuminates the fortifications on the other side of the harbour.
Every day at noon and at 4pm, the Saluting Battery fires a cannon from the platform below — a tradition dating back to the 19th century. Admission to the gardens is free. You can then settle into one of the wine bars on the ramparts to enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Day 2 – Comino and the Blue Lagoon
Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago. Wedged between Malta and Gozo, it is almost deserted: no cars, no paved roads. Its Blue Lagoon is without doubt the most photographed natural site in the country, but the island also hides little-trodden wild trails. Various types of boats can take you there — see options
Morning: the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon lives up to its reputation: its almost transparent turquoise waters, framed by rocks and the islet of Cominotto, form a rare bathing setting in the Mediterranean. The sandy bottom allows you to see the fish clearly. I found that the site fills up very quickly in high season (July–August).
Sunbeds and parasols are available for hire on site, but they go quickly; remember to bring your own snorkelling equipment. Most excursions also include a stop at the Santa Maria Caves, marine cavities carved into the limestone rock on the island’s south coast.
Afternoon: exploring the rest of the island
Beyond the lagoon, Comino reveals another side of itself. Hiking trails follow the rocky coastline towards quieter bays. The Santa Maria Tower, erected in 1618, dominates the landscape and can be spotted from afar from the higher ground. Walking south, you reach Santa Marija Bay, bordered by a small quiet beach that is noticeably less crowded.
I appreciated this wilder part of the island, which offers a striking contrast to the hustle of the lagoon. Bring good shoes, water and sun protection, as there are no supply points or shade along the route. The island can be explored in 2 to 3 hours on foot.
Make sure to book ahead — this is a popular excursion! See options
My tips for renting a car in Malta
- Compare prices on Discovercars, my favorite platform and one of the highest-rated
- Book your car early for more options and better prices
- Don’t rent a car that’s too big, as the roads are narrow.
Day 3 – Mdina and the Dingli Cliffs
Nicknamed “the Silent City”, Mdina is perched on a hilltop at the centre of the island. As Malta’s former capital, it has retained a timeless atmosphere behind its massive ramparts. I found the contrast with the bustle of Valletta striking. The neighbouring town of Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs perfectly complete this day in the interior.
Morning: getting lost in the lanes of Mdina
The best plan in Mdina is simply to let yourself be guided by its cobbled lanes without any set route. The maze leads to hidden courtyards, vaulted passageways and unexpected viewpoints over the Maltese countryside. The weathered limestone walls take on golden hues in the morning light.
I noted that several scenes from the series Game of Thrones were filmed here, which partly explains the city’s growing fame. Don’t miss St Paul’s Cathedral, built in the late 17th century in Baroque style: the ceiling frescoes by Sicilian painter Mattia Preti create a striking perspective effect of rare visual power.
The adjoining museum displays silverware, illuminated manuscripts and period engravings. Nearby, Bastion Square offers an open view over much of the island — buy your cathedral ticket.
Afternoon: Rabat and the Catacombs of St Paul
Just outside the walls of Mdina, Rabat is a lively town whose Catacombs of St Paul are well worth a stop. This underground network, carved between the 4th and 9th centuries, is among the most extensive in the Mediterranean. You’ll discover burial chambers, stone tables intended for ritual meals (the agapae) and niches cut into the rock.
I found the site well laid out, with precise explanatory panels that help you understand the funerary practices of late antiquity. Nearby, the Grotto of St Paul marks the spot where the Apostle Paul is said to have taken refuge after his shipwreck in Malta in the year 60, according to tradition. Visit the official website for more information here.
End of day: Dingli Cliffs
To end the day on a high note, head to the Dingli Cliffs on the south-west coast. Reaching approximately 253m above sea level, they form the highest point on the island. A path runs along the edge for several kilometres, offering open views over the Mediterranean and the uninhabited islet of Filfla.
The small Chapel of St Mary Magdalene, isolated at the cliff’s edge, serves as an easily identifiable landmark. I found the spot ideal in the late afternoon, when the raking light colours the limestone walls. Access is free. In summer, remember to bring water, as there are no vendors near the path.
My favorite activities in Malta:
- Boat trip to Comino Island and the Blue Lagoon – see options
- Kayaking excursions – see options
- Culinary tours – see options
- ATV tours – see options
Day 4 – Gozo: Victoria, the Citadel and the Ggantija Temples
Gozo, the second island of the archipelago, is noticeably different from Malta: more rural, more peaceful, with a less hurried pace of life. Victoria — which the Gozitans also call Rabat — is its administrative and commercial heart. I loved this quiet provincial atmosphere, far removed from the bustle of Valletta. Allow a full day to combine the Citadel, the Ggantija Temples and the Xwejni salt pans.
Most excursions to Gozo take in the Citadel of Victoria — see options
Morning: the Citadel and the Cathedral of the Assumption
The Citadel of Victoria dominates the island from its fortified promontory, inhabited since the Neolithic and reinforced by the Knights in the 17th century. Until 1637, Gozitans were required to take refuge there every night to protect themselves from pirate and corsair raids. From the ramparts, the 360° panoramic view takes in all of Gozo, and on a clear day, Malta and Comino. Several small museums inside are worth a stop: the archaeological museum, the folklore museum and the former prisons.
I was impressed by the quality of the recent restoration. Access to the Citadel is free; the museums are paid (a combined ticket is available). Visit the official website for more information here.
At the heart of the Citadel, the Cathedral of the Assumption is a Baroque building constructed between 1697 and 1711, with a surprising architectural quirk: its ceiling, painted in trompe-l’œil by Antonio Manuele, simulates the presence of a dome that the cathedral does not actually have, as funds ran short during its construction. The illusion is astonishing from the centre of the nave.
Break on Republic Street
Republic Street (Triq ir-Repubblika) is Victoria’s main shopping street: shops, cafés and traditional bakeries make it the locals’ meeting point. You’ll find regional produce such as goat’s cheese, Gozitan honey and various Maltese pastries. I appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the good value for money at the restaurants in the surrounding streets. It’s an ideal break between visits, away from the tourist hustle of the Citadel.
On the way: Basilica of Ta’ Pinu
Take a short detour west to admire the Basilica; this major pilgrimage site stands alone in the middle of the countryside.
Afternoon: the Ggantija Temples
The Ggantija Temples are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world, dating from around 3600 BC (predating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge). Their name comes from the Maltese ġgant (giant), as local legend attributed their construction to a giantess. The outer walls, more than 5m high, are composed of massive limestone blocks, some weighing over 50 tonnes. I found the site well presented since its renovation. The adjacent museum displays objects found on site and explains the construction techniques. Allow around 1 hour for your visit.
Most excursions around Gozo include a stop at the temples — see options
Late afternoon: Xwejni Salt Pans
Before leaving Gozo, one last stop is in order on the north coast at the Xwejni Bay salt pans. These geometric basins, carved into the coastal rock, have been in use since Roman times. Some families still carry on the artisanal sea salt harvest, particularly between June and September. I found the spot very photogenic, with the limestone rocks in the background and the changing reflections of the basins depending on the light. Access is free.
Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!
- maps to help you plan
- handpicked beautiful spots
- Practical information, including GPS coordinates
- photos to help you choose
COMING SOON
Day 5 – Prehistoric temples and the south coast
For this final day, back to the main island for a programme combining prehistoric heritage and coastal landscapes. I designed this as a loop through the south of Malta, adaptable depending on your return flight time.
Morning: the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra overlook the south coast from their limestone promontories. Hagar Qim, whose construction dates to around 3600–3200 BC, impresses with the size of certain blocks (some over 5m long).
Mnajdra, a few hundred metres below, is oriented so that sunlight illuminates the interior of the temple at the equinoxes and solstices. The path linking the two temples along the cliffs offers views of the uninhabited islet of Filfla. An interactive museum at the site entrance puts the temples in context. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the whole site.
If you’d rather not drive, several organised excursions will take you there — see options
Afternoon: Blue Grotto
Nearby, the Blue Grotto is a cluster of marine caves accessible by traditional boat from the small harbour of Wied iz-Zurrieq. Excursions last around 25 minutes. In strong winds or rough seas, trips are cancelled; in that case, an overhanging viewpoint offers a striking view of the cliffs and natural arches. I found the stop worth making even without taking the boat — see excursions.
Afternoon: Saint Peter’s Pool
To finish on a high note, Saint Peter’s Pool is a natural swimming hole carved into the limestone rock, near Marsaxlokk. The water is a deep blue; the flat rocks around it serve as a place to relax. The more adventurous leap from the edges to dive in. Access is free, with no facilities whatsoever (no toilets, showers or parasols). The path from the car park is a dirt track of around 10 minutes. Wear suitable shoes for the rocks.
Alternative 1: with more museums
Art, culture and architecture enthusiasts can replace certain half-days with visits to Valletta’s museums, whose concentration is remarkable for a city of this size.
- Fort St Elmo, at the tip of the peninsula, traces Malta’s military history and houses the National War Museum.
- MUZA (the National Museum of Fine Arts) presents varied collections in a former palace.
- The National Museum of Archaeology displays remarkable pieces from Malta’s prehistoric temples.
- Merchant Street and Republic Street, where cafés and shops line the facades one after another.
- Mysterium Fidei, a monastery with a unique atmosphere — book your entry ticket.
Alternative 2: the Three Cities and military heritage
Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla) and Cospicua (Bormla) make up the Three Cities, located opposite Valletta across the Grand Harbour. Older than the capital, they were the first place of settlement for the Knights of the Order of St John in Malta in 1530. I found the atmosphere radically different from Valletta: more local, less touristy, with a strong neighbourhood feel. Crossing over by dghajsa (a traditional Maltese boat) from Valletta is a lovely way to arrive. You can also take the ferry from the Waterfront.
You can book a guided boat tour.
Start with Fort St Angelo (Forti Sant’Anglu), at the tip of Vittoriosa. This fortification, one of Malta’s oldest, played a central role during the Great Siege of 1565. Now restored, the fort offers a tour through its bastions, guardrooms and medieval chapel. From the ramparts, the view over the Grand Harbour and Valletta is remarkable. Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours. Then head down to the Vittoriosa Waterfront to admire the yachts moored in the former Knights’ harbour.
Vittoriosa also has plenty more to offer: the Inquisitor’s Palace, one of the few inquisition palaces open to the public in Europe, auberges of the Order and understated churches. Senglea, for its part, has the Gardjola Gardens, which offer a fine panorama from its pointed position overlooking the harbour. Cospicua, the largest of the three, is surrounded by the Margherita and Cottonera lines of fortification.
Alternative 3: beaches and water activities
Malta doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a beach destination, yet the archipelago has several beaches and coastal spots that are well worth the detour. Sandy beaches are relatively rare — the coastline is mostly rocky — which makes them all the more appreciated. I found that most are concentrated in the north of the main island and on Gozo. In high season, arrive early to get a good spot.
- Golden Bay, on the north-west coast, with its golden sand and setting nestled between clay cliffs.
- Mellieha Bay (Ghadira Bay), Malta’s largest sandy beach.
- Paradise Bay, accessible via steps carved into the rock, with a direct view of Comino and Gozo.
- Balluta Bay, where you can enjoy the beach and the surrounding architecture at the same time.
On the water activities front, Maltese waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean, with underwater visibility regularly reaching 30m. Scuba diving is one of the archipelago’s great specialities, with sites such as the wreck of the MV Karwela off Gozo, the Blue Hole at Dwejra and the underwater caves of Comino. Sea kayak excursions also allow you to explore coves inaccessible by road — see options.
Alternative 4: activities for children
Beyond beaches, forts and Popeye Village, here are other options for travelling with family:
- Popeye Village (Sweethaven Village), a film set built in 1979 for Robert Altman’s movie — book your entry ticket.
- Malta National Aquarium — book your ticket.
- Playmobil FunPark — see the website here.
- Splash & Fun Water Park, the island’s largest water park — see the website here.
Alternative 5: food tour and gastronomy
Malta has a strong cultural identity, shaped by centuries of Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, Spanish, French and British influences. This diversity is reflected in the local gastronomy.
Try pastizzi — flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas, sold for a few cents in pastizzerias —, ftira (a filled Maltese bread, similar to focaccia), rabbit stew (fenkata, the national dish) and goat’s cheese ġbejna. The best introduction is joining a food tour in Valletta to understand these influences and refine your palate — see options.
Alternative 6: more on Gozo island
You can extend your day on Gozo or plan a second one to discover more of this multi-faceted island:
- The magnificent Ramla Bay beach, whose deep orange sand is characteristic of Gozo.
- The San Blas cove, surrounded by vegetation and accessible via a path.
- Dwejra, a remarkable geological site: the Inland Sea is a natural lagoon connected to the Mediterranean through a tunnel carved into the cliff.
- The Sanap Cliffs, on the south coast, over 130m high, plunging vertically into the sea.
Find out more about Gozo’s attractions.
Good to know for your stay in Malta
The weather in Malta
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) offer the best conditions: pleasant temperatures (20 to 28°C), moderate crowds and more accessible accommodation. Summer (July–August) is very hot — 35°C and above — and popular sites such as the Blue Lagoon on Comino are packed by midday. Winter (December–March) is mild (12 to 18°C) but some days can be rainy and windy. It is, however, the quietest period for visiting historical sites.
Crowds in Malta
In high season (July–August), the most popular spots — Blue Lagoon, Valletta, northern beaches — can be very busy. Spring and autumn remain the most balanced periods, combining pleasant weather with reasonable crowds. If you’re holidaying in summer, think about booking your accommodation in advance and visiting the most popular sites early in the morning.
Adapting your itinerary when it rains
If rain makes an appearance during your stay, the archipelago offers numerous sheltered alternatives. St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Masters’ Palace in Valletta are good options, as are the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum or the catacombs of Rabat. The Lascaris War Rooms, located beneath the walls of Valletta, are also an interesting discovery in bad weather.
Plan your trip to Malta!
- Best things to do in Malta
- Best things to do in Gozo
- Most beautiful churches (coming soon)
- Rent a car in Malta
- When to visit Malta (coming soon)
- Where to stay in Malta (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 1 week
Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!
- maps to help you plan
- handpicked beautiful spots
- Practical information, including GPS coordinates
- photos to help you choose
COMING SOON
