My Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary for Malta – Beaches, Boats & Hidden Gems

Currently writing this itinerary for Malta from a sun-drenched balcony in St Julian’s, and honestly… I’m obsessed. I already know I’ll be recommending this country to everyone who’ll listen 😂 It’s tiny – like you can drive across it in under 1.5 hours – but it’s absolutely packed with history, charm and ridiculously blue water (I swear it is the bluest water in Europe).

There’s ancient temples older than the pyramids, cliffside fishing villages that feel like a movie set, and the kind of hidden beach coves you only find by accident. I wasn’t totally sure what to expect before I came the first time, but Malta is one of those places that totally sneaks up on you in the best way possible.

More on what I’ve been getting up to soon – but if you’re planning your own trip, I’ve put together an itinerary for Malta that’s perfect whether you’ve got 3, 5 or 7 days to play with 🫶

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Table of Contents

Quick Mini Guide To Malta

Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Thailand.

My favourite Hotels (with a view)

ME by Melia in St Julian’s
Hyatt Centric in St Julian’s

must visit spots

Valetta – the capital city
Food tour on Gozo – Leanne is an amazing host!
Blue lagoon tour – an absolute must!
The three cities
Jet ski safari to blue lagoon – incredible adventure!
The Blue Grotto

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Hotels with a view in Malta

Me by Melia

Super sleek, modern hotel right by the water in St. Julian’s – think rooftop pool, stylish rooms, and a really luxe vibe. There’s a spa and full gym on-site too, perfect if you want a bit of wellness in between beach days.

Hyatt Centric

Central, comfy and walking distance to basically everything in town. The rooms are modern with big windows, and there’s a spa, gym, indoor pool and outdoor pool, so you’ve got options whether you’re feeling active or just want to chill.

The Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary for Malta

Here you go… get ready for an incredible week in Malta! Here’s your 5 Day Malta Itinerary.

Blue Lagoon

First things first – let’s talk about the Blue Lagoon, because it’s a must. If you’ve ever Googled Malta, chances are you’ve already seen this place pop up and yep… it’s even better in real life.

We hopped over to Comino (the tiny island between Malta and Gozo) and I’m not exaggerating when I say this might be the clearest, most turquoise water I’ve ever seen in Europe. It legit looks like someone poured a swimming pool into the middle of the sea 😍 Book onto a Blue lagoon tour – an absolute must!

You can do it as a boat trip (loads of options from Sliema or Bugibba) or if you’re feeling a bit fancy, private boats are a thing too. We went early in the morning to beat the rush – gets super busy by midday in the height of summer – and just floated around for hours, jumping off the rocks and soaking up the sun. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but honestly… it’s worth it. Definitely try some of their pineapple cocktails or mocktails starting from just 8 EUR. Yum!

If you only do one beachy thing during your itinerary for Malta, make it this.

Ferry or Boat Tour? If you want to get a ferry across, this is also an option, it will cost from 7-15 EUR, but I definitely recommend getting a boat tour because they will take you around the bay to all the best hidden spots that you can’t normally visit. Have a look at this Blue lagoon tour – an absolute must!

Mdina

Eat at: Fontanella Cafe for the views, but Crystal Palace is a MUST visit for one of the most famous pastizzi pastries on the island. A pastizzi is 50 cents, trust me, it’s worth it.

Ahhh Mdina – hands down one of my favourite places in Malta. If Valletta is the lively, sunlit capital, Mdina is its quieter, older cousin… and by older I mean it’s literally been around since the 8th century BC. No big deal.

Mdina is a walled city perched on a hill in central Malta, and the second you walk through the city gates, it feels like stepping into another time. No cars (except for a few locals), no noise, just these narrow limestone streets, little archways, hidden courtyards – it’s incredibly peaceful. They call it the Silent City for a reason.

We arrived just before 9 and the light on the stone buildings is really unreal – proper photographer’s dream moment as the sun is still golden. It’s not massive, so you don’t need hours, but take your time. Walk slow. Look up. There are so many beautiful little details that you’d miss if you rush.

Also – definitely grab a table at Fontanella Tea Garden. It’s got a panoramic terrace that looks out over half the island and their cakes are kinda famous (the chocolate one lives rent free in my head).

For any itinerary for Malta, Mdina makes the perfect slow afternoon stop – whether you’re coming from Valletta or heading towards Rabat or the coast. Honestly, it’s one of those places that’s even better in real life than in the photos.

Gozo Food Tour

One of the absolute highlights from our trip was doing a Gozo food tour with our guide, Leanne – she was so warm and knowledgeable, like having a local friend show us around for the day. If you’re into food with a story (yes please), you’ll love this.

We tasted dishes and ingredients that have roots going back over 2000 years, some dating all the way to Roman times. You can really feel the tradition in everything – this isn’t just “here’s a snack”… it’s here’s how my grandmother’s grandmother made this kind of thing.

We stopped at a local bakery where they were still baking ftira in a wood-fired oven – this rustic flatbread that’s sort of like pizza’s ancient cousin. Then off to a tiny cheese maker producing ġbejna, Gozo’s traditional sheep’s milk cheese. Fresh, slightly salty, sometimes peppered or preserved in oil – we tried it all, and honestly, I’m still thinking about it.

One of the most unexpected stops was meeting a salt harvester working on the Xwejni salt pans. He explained how they still collect sea salt by hand, drying it in the sun the same way it’s been done for generations. It’s one of those slow, mindful traditions that makes you appreciate where your food actually comes from.

If you’re putting together your itinerary for Malta (especially if you’re staying a night or two in Gozo), don’t miss this.

Valetta – Malta’s capital city

Eat at: Taste Restaurant, it’s the cutest spot!

The entire city of Valetta is a Unesco Heritage Site!

Valletta, Malta’s capital and one of the most fascinating small cities I’ve ever explored. It’s compact, super walkable, and absolutely full of history, charm and Mediterranean, Arabic and North African character. I spent a good chunk of the day just wandering – no real plan – and that’s honestly the best way to see it.

The city’s layout is a grid, so it’s easy to navigate (even if you get a bit lost, you’ll end up somewhere lovely). Every corner has these honey-coloured buildings, traditional Maltese balconies, and glimpses of the sea peeking through the alleyways. It’s got that beautiful mix of 16th-century architecture and modern-day cafés, rooftop bars, wine cellars… it just works.

Make sure you stop by the Upper Barrakka Gardens – the views over the Grand Harbour are incredible and it’s such a peaceful little spot to take a breather. Also worth checking out the St. John’s Co-Cathedral – I don’t always go for churches, but this one? Genuinely jaw-dropping inside with the amount of gold in there.

If you’re planning your itinerary for Malta, definitely carve out time for Valletta. Whether you do it as a full day or a half-day trip, it’s 100% worth it – especially if you love a mix of culture, history, and good food with a view.

Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto is one of those places where you’re like… how is this even real? It’s on the south coast of Malta, near a little village called Wied iż-Żurrieq, and it’s basically a series of sea caves with the bluest, most unbelievably reflective water. Photos don’t even do it justice tbh.

We took one of the little boats that leave right from the harbour – it’s a short ride (maybe 20–25 mins) but so worth it. The way the light hits the water inside the caves makes it glow this almost electric blue… like it’s lit from underneath. Some parts are so clear you can see right down to the seabed, even where it’s super deep. Stunning surreal.

You’ll pass a bunch of arches and limestone formations along the way, and the boat drivers are usually locals who’ll point out all the interesting shapes and stories as you go. It’s a chilled little adventure – not intense or long, just beautiful and peaceful. Go early in the day if you can, the light’s better and there’s less of a queue.

If you’re planning your itinerary for Malta, this is such a great little half-day trip – especially if you pair it with a visit to Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra temples, which are literally just up the road. History + insane natural beauty = win win.

blue lagoon Jet ski safari

Okay so let’s talk about the Jet Ski Safari to Comino & the Blue Lagoon – because WOW. I did this and genuinely thought I might fly off into the sea at least twice 😂 but it was also so much fun and definitely one of the most exciting things we did in Malta.

You start off from one of the rental places near St. Julian’s or Mellieħa, and they take you on this high-speed tour out across the open sea all the way to Comino. It’s fast. Like… hold on for dear life fast. I was low-key terrified at first (the waves make you bounce like mad), but after the first few minutes you kinda just go with it and scream-laugh the whole way through.

Once you get near Comino, they slow it down a bit and take you through little sea caves, past rocky cliffs, and into that ridiculously blue water near the Blue Lagoon. Seeing it from a jet ski is a whole different vibe – way more adrenaline, way less crowded than being on a big tourist boat.

I will say – if you’re not super confident in the sea or with speed, maybe double up with a friend and let them drive 😂 I loved it, but I was definitely clinging on at some points.

If you’re putting together your itinerary for Malta and want to add something adventurous (and photogenic), the jet ski safari is such a good shout. Just be ready to get soaked, go fast, and laugh the entire time – it’s wild, but in the best way.

Dingli Cliffs for sunset

Dingli Cliffs at sunset = an absolute dream. No dramatic hike, no ticket queues, no chaos – just wide open skies, the sea stretching forever, and the sun dipping below the horizon like it’s been doing this forever (because… it has).

We headed there late afternoon (feel free to bring a few snacks and a bottle of local wine – highly recommend 😌) and just sat on the edge of the cliffs, watching everything turn that soft golden peachy colour. It’s the highest point in Malta, and you really feel it – the air’s cooler, the vibe’s quieter, and it’s honestly such a peaceful way to wrap up the day. The sunset turns golden for about 2 hours before it sets, so well worth the trip.

There’s a tiny chapel up there – St. Mary Magdalene – and a path that runs along the edge of the cliffs. You don’t need to walk far, even just a short wander gives you those epic views of the coastline and the sea below. On a clear day, you can even spot Filfla, that tiny uninhabited island off the coast.

There’s also a tonne of hidden spots, corners, rock formations, caves that you can explore along the way. Just do so safely 🙂

The Three Cities

Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla) – such an underrated part of Malta that so many people skip, but honestly? It’s one of the most authentic and historic corners of the island.

They sit right across the harbour from Valletta and were actually settled before the capital itself. Wandering through here feels like stepping back in time – narrow alleyways, ancient forts, quiet streets, and little locals sitting outside their doorways having a chat. It’s so much slower-paced than Valletta or St. Julian’s, and that’s part of the charm.

We took the Three Cities Water Taxi from Valletta – and I highly recommend it. It’s a little wooden boat (super cute, kinda like a gondola-meets-fishing-skiff), and it only takes about 7–10 minutes across the Grand Harbour. Costs just a couple of euros, and you get the most incredible view of Valletta’s city walls from the water. Such a vibe – especially at golden hour.

Start in Birgu, which is the most developed for visitors – there’s the Fort St. Angelo, little wine bars tucked into stone alleyways, and some really gorgeous harbourfront cafés. Then you can just wander over to Senglea for the lookout point (Gardjola Gardens – amazing view of Valletta) and across to Cospicua if you’ve got more time.

If you’re building your itinerary for Malta, definitely pop this in as a half-day trip. It’s easy to get to, super rich in history, and way quieter than the busier tourist spots – feels like a little secret that not everyone knows about 💛

St Peter’s Pool

Ahhh St. Peter’s Pool – one of those spots that totally lives up to the hype but still feels kinda wild and local if you go at the right time. It’s this natural rocky swimming area near Marsaxlokk (the fishing village with all the colourful boats), and it’s carved out in this perfect little inlet with the clearest, deep blue-green water.

The rocks around the pool are flat enough to lie on, so it’s ideal for a low-key sunbathing day. The water here is so clean and amazing for swimming – you can literally see tiny fish darting around your feet. People love jumping off the rocks (and yeah, you’ll probably see a few showing off), but again – just be careful. The jump is safe from the lower parts, but always check where you’re landing.

We went in the morning and had it almost to ourselves – by midday it gets busy, especially in summer. There’s no shade or facilities though, so bring water, snacks, and something to sit on. If you’ve got reef shoes, even better – the rocks can be sharp and a bit slippery near the edge.

The parking’s limited and the road down is kinda rough), but totally worth the effort. I’d say pair it with a visit to Marsaxlokk market or lunch by the harbour – grilled swordfish and a cold Cisk beer, yes please 😍

Definitely add this one to your itinerary for Malta if you’re chasing good swim spots and that classic rocky coastline vibe.

St Julians

It’s the most popular place to stay on the island!

St. Julian’s is definitely one of the more built-up parts of Malta, but don’t let that put you off – it’s actually super pretty around Spinola Bay, especially in the early evening when the lights start to reflect on the water and the little fishing boats are bobbing around. There’s a promenade that wraps all the way around the harbour and it’s such a nice walk – you’ll pass loads of cafés, restaurants, gelato spots, and the odd cat lounging in the sun (they’re basically locals at this point 🐾).

Now… best burger joint? Easy: Hermanos Burger. It’s not fancy, but oh my god the burgers are so good. Juicy, messy, packed with flavour – just how a burger should be. I got the Malta burger and some fries, and yep, would 100% go back. If you’ve been travelling around eating pastizzi and seafood for days and just want something quick and dirty, this is the place.

St. Julian’s can be a bit full on if you go right into Paceville (that’s where most of the clubs are), but around the bay it’s actually really chilled and scenic. Perfect for a sunset stroll, casual dinner, or even just grabbing a takeaway and sitting by the water. Definitely a good stop to include in your itinerary for Malta, even if it’s just for an evening wander and a really, really good burger.

Coral Lagoon

Okay, this one’s a proper hidden gem – the Coral Lagoon. If you’ve seen those aerial shots of what looks like a giant hole in the rocks with glowing blue water inside… yep, that’s it. And it’s even more impressive in real life.

It’s tucked up in the north of Malta, near Armier Bay, and from above it just looks like this huge natural sinkhole cut into the cliff, with the sea flowing in underneath. The best way to get inside the lagoon is by kayak – you can paddle in through a narrow gap in the rock wall, and once you’re in, it feels like a secret sea cave with open sky above. It’s quiet, peaceful, and honestly just stunning.

You can also swim in – but just a heads up, the current outside the lagoon can be strong depending on the weather, and there’s no lifeguard or anything around. So definitely be cautious. DO NOT jump from the top – the cliffs are super high and the water depth varies depending on the tides. Stay safe and enjoy it properly.

If you’re up for something a little adventurous, this is such a cool stop to include in your itinerary for Malta. Go early in the morning if you want it all to yourself – it gets more popular now that it’s all over Insta, but still feels like a bit of a secret.

Sunday Farmer’s Market

Let’s talk about Marsaxlokk Market, aka the most colourful little fishing village moment you’ll get in Malta 🎣🇲🇹

Every Sunday, the whole harbourfront turns into this big farmer’s market meets traditional Maltese market. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veg grown locally (think plump tomatoes, sun-ripened melons, heaps of herbs) to massive tubs of olives, homemade honey, dried figs, jars of capers… and some very enthusiastic fishmongers selling the catch of the day right off the boats.

This is also one of the best places to see those classic Luzzu boats – the bright painted ones with the little eyes on the front (called the Eyes of Osiris). It’s a full-on local vibe, and you’re getting a proper glimpse of daily life here – not just a tourist show.

If you go early-ish (say, 9–10am), it’s a great way to spend your Sunday morning. Grab some fresh snacks as you wander – a bit of goat’s cheese, maybe a pastizz or two – then sit by the water and people-watch. There are loads of little seafood restaurants around the harbour too, so you can stay for lunch. I had the grilled calamari and it was so fresh it basically melted.

If you’re planning your itinerary for Malta, I’d slot this in on a Sunday and pair it with St. Peter’s Pool after – they’re super close, and it makes for such a perfect local-feeling day. Just bring cash – most stalls don’t do cards.

Salt Pans, Gozo

The Gozo salt pans – one of my absolute favourite stops on the island, and such a unique experience. These ancient pans are carved into the limestone along the coast near Xwejni Bay, and they’ve been used to harvest sea salt for centuries. Like… this is true old-school tradition.

You’ll meet Alfred Attard, who’s been working the salt pans for years (it’s been in his family for generations!) and honestly, he’s just the nicest guy. Super humble, always smiling, and so passionate about what he does. He gave us a little chat about how the whole process works – how seawater is channelled into the shallow pans, left to evaporate under the sun, and then scraped by hand once the salt crystals form. No machines. No shortcuts. Just sun, sea, stone, and a lot of patience.

It’s the kind of thing you don’t realise still happens in Europe, but here it’s just part of daily life. He even let us try a few different salts – some plain, some flavoured – and yep, I 100% bought a bag to take home (and I’m now weirdly precious about it 😂).

If you’re visiting Gozo, definitely stop by – even just for a quick chat with Alfred and a walk along the beautiful, geometric salt flats. They look especially stunning in the morning or late afternoon when the light hits the water just right. It’s not something you’d find on every Malta guide, but it so deserves a spot in your itinerary for Malta – it’s simple, real, and kind of magical in its own quiet way.

Wied il-Għasri, Gozo

Honestly, don’t ask me to pronounce it! Wied il-Għasri – It’s a narrow, winding inlet tucked between dramatic cliffs on the north coast of Gozo, and the whole place has this quiet, tucked-away vibe that makes it feel extra special.

To get down there, you follow a steep stone staircase that zig-zags down the cliff – it’s not hard, just watch your step. And once you reach the bottom? You’re greeted with this super narrow pebbled beach and glassy turquoise water that’s just made for swimming. The inlet is sheltered and calm, so it’s perfect for a dip, especially if you’re not into big waves or busy beaches.

The cliffs on either side make it feel like you’re swimming through a canyon – seriously stunning. And if you’ve got snorkelling gear, bring it! The water’s super clear and there are loads of little nooks and underwater crevices to explore.

We brought some snacks and just chilled for a while – it’s not a huge place, but if you go early or late in the day you might even have it all to yourself. There’s no shade or facilities though, so definitely come prepared (and wear good shoes – the walk down isn’t flip-flop friendly).

Popeye Village

Popeye Village – such a quirky little spot and surprisingly photogenic! Originally built as a film set for the 1980 “Popeye” movie (with Robin Williams), the whole thing has been left standing and turned into a kind of open air museum meets theme park.

It’s tucked into a little bay called Anchor Bay, and even if you don’t go inside, the view from the cliffs above is so worth it. The colourful wooden houses, the turquoise water, the dramatic cliffs – honestly looks like something out of a Wes Anderson film. We stopped just to snap some photos from the viewpoint and it ended up being one of my fave little detours of the trip 📸

You can go in (there’s an entrance fee), and it’s mostly aimed at families – there’s a small beach area, a few boat rides, and some live shows – but even just wandering around for an hour and grabbing a drink by the water is a cute way to break up a beachy day. It’s definitely a bit kitsch, but in a fun way.

If you’re building your itinerary for Malta, I’d say Popeye Village is worth swinging by, especially if you’re already heading to Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa nearby.

Gozo City: Victoria (Rabat)

Gozo – Malta’s smaller, greener, more chilled-out sister island. If Malta’s got the energy, Gozo’s got the calm. It’s quieter, more rural, and totally perfect for a couple of days if you want to slow it all down. Think farmhouses, rugged cliffs, sleepy villages and some of the best swimming bays I’ve seen in the whole country.

The main city in Gozo is Victoria, also called Rabat by the locals (because Malta loves giving places two names, of course 😅). It’s right in the middle of the island so you’ll probably pass through at some point no matter where you’re staying.

At the heart of it is the Cittadella, a fortified city perched on a hill with 360° views across Gozo. It’s small but gorgeous – you can walk the walls, pop into the old prison, and visit the cathedral, or just wander and soak it all in. Down in the town, you’ll find little cafés, bakeries, and local shops selling Gozitan cheese, honey, and souvenirs that aren’t tacky (win).

Best Bays & Swim Spots in Gozo

1. Ramla Bay
The island’s most famous beach – known for its red-gold sand and natural feel. No high-rise hotels, just soft waves and wide open space. It’s family-friendly, easy to access, and has a few snack kiosks nearby. The water is crystal clear, perfect for swimming.

2. San Blas Bay
Kind of like Ramla’s little sibling. Smaller, trickier to get to (steep walk down and back up), but so worth it. It’s quieter, untouched, and the sand has that same orangey-reddish tone. Pack water and snacks because there’s not much around, but that’s part of the magic.

3. Xlendi Bay
Great for a relaxed afternoon – it’s a little seaside village with restaurants right on the water, a small beach, and places you can jump off the rocks. Super family-friendly, and the sunset here is next level. The surrounding cliffs are also fab for a short walk.

4. Dwejra Bay
Famous for the Inland Sea and the (now sadly collapsed) Azure Window. Even though the window’s gone, the area is still stunning. You can swim in the sheltered lagoon or take a boat through a cave tunnel out to the open sea – very dramatic, very Insta-worthy 📸

Malta FAQs

When is the best time to visit Malta?

Honestly, spring and autumn are ideal – April to June or September to early November. The weather’s still warm, the sea is swimmable, and it’s way less crowded than peak summer. July and August can get really hot and busy (plus prices jump), so if you can avoid that window, do it.

Is Malta expensive?

It’s kind of mid-range! Not as cheap as the Balkans, but definitely not full luxury-Europe prices either. You can find amazing street food (pastizzi for like 50c), decent mid-range restaurants, and some really affordable boutique stays, especially outside of Valletta or St. Julian’s. Transport and ferries are cheap too.

Do I need a car in Malta?

Depends! If you’re staying in Valletta or St. Julian’s and just doing a few day trips, public transport works fine. But if you want to explore Gozo, hidden beaches, or places like Dingli Cliffs and the Coral Lagoon – renting a car makes life way easier. Just prepare for narrow roads and… creative parking 😂

Is Gozo worth visiting?

Yes! 100%. Gozo is smaller, calmer, and has that laid-back island vibe. You’ve got incredible swimming spots, salt pans, cliffs, food tours, and some of the best sunsets we saw. If you’ve got more than a couple days in Malta, I’d totally recommend adding a night or two in Gozo to your itinerary.

What do people eat in Malta?

Lots of Mediterranean flavours – think fresh seafood, rabbit stew (a local favourite), pastizzi (flaky pastries with ricotta or mushy peas), ftira bread, and tons of olives, capers, and local cheese. You’ll also find Italian influence everywhere – pasta, pizza, gelato… it’s heaven.

Is Malta good for swimming?

YES. The water here is some of the clearest in Europe. It’s rocky coastline mostly, not sandy beaches, but that means incredible snorkelling, sea caves, and natural swimming spots like St. Peter’s Pool, Wied il-Għasri, and the Blue Lagoon. Just bring reef shoes and you’re good.

Can you use Uber or Bolt in Malta?

Yep! Bolt is super popular in Malta and honestly way more convenient than waiting for buses, especially if you’re just hopping between towns or heading out for dinner. Uber is here too, but most people seem to use Bolt – it’s quick, easy, and very affordable.

A lot of our little trips – like from Valletta to Sliema or St. Julian’s to Mdina – were around €5 to €10, even for 10–15 minute rides. It’s such a good option if you’re not renting a car and don’t want to be baking in the sun waiting for a bus that may or may not show up 😂

Perfect for evenings out or if you’re tight on time during your itinerary for Malta.