Itineraries in Malta

After writing a series of articles about my time in Malta, I realised that the same questions kept coming up. What can you do in Malta in a week? How many days should you spend visiting Malta? What can you do in Malta in four days? To answer these questions, I decided to write a comprehensive Malta itinerary guide. This will give you an idea of the ideal length of stay for you, depending on what you want to see and do.

Firstly, please note that we have already written a comprehensive article on what to do in Malta. You’ll find all the must-see attractions of the Maltese archipelago, along with my personal favourites and the things I liked less (because yes, that happens!). From picturesque villages and sandy beaches to crystal-clear turquoise waters, cliffs, coastal walks and Maltese history, you won’t miss a thing!

As you will have gathered, the purpose of this article is to help you decide how long to stay in Malta, or more simply, to assist you with your preparations. We agree — it’s not the most enjoyable part! So any help is always welcome!

If you’ve read any of my articles about Malta, you’ll know that I spent 12 days in the archipelago. Honestly, the trip flew by! Don’t worry — I’m not saying you have to stay for 12 days!

But before we discuss how long to stay for, if you’re still unsure about taking a trip to Malta, here are all the reasons why you should go! Firstly, it’s only a 2.5-hour flight from France. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a paradise setting, on a beautiful island by the sea. Compared to other European countries, Malta is still a fairly affordable destination. Depending on when you go, you can find really cheap flights. In general, flights from France are operated by the low-cost airline Ryanair, which makes it a great option! Accommodation in Malta is also very affordable. For car rental, I used Discover Cars. Honestly, compared to other destinations, the prices are more than reasonable, especially since it’s easier to get around Malta in a small car.

You won’t get bored on the island! There’s a good variety of landscapes: my favourite beaches, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, are perfect for swimming. Not to mention the small coves, such as Wied il-Għasri in Gozo! I also loved the fortified, charming city of Mdina!

Then there’s the Maltese capital, Valletta, and the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea), not to mention so much more! An added bonus is that you can enjoy a variety of activities on holiday, such as relaxation, lazing around, beaches, outdoor excursions and cultural and historical sites (such as the country’s many iconic churches). What’s more, Gozo and Comino (the two main islands after Malta) are very easy to reach.

Each island has a unique atmosphere and hidden gems! Honestly, it’s an ideal destination for a romantic break, a solo trip, or a holiday with family or friends. You’re in for a treat!

Since the official languages of the archipelago are English and Maltese, Malta is also a popular destination for language study trips. At the same time, it’s different from more “traditional” English-speaking countries, and above all it’s much cheaper! What’s more, you can enjoy a Mediterranean climate and a beautiful setting in which to improve your English.

I know that many travellers only spend a few days in Malta as it is a small archipelago with short flight times. However, I can assure you that there are plenty of things to do there. So, I would advise allowing a little more time than planned!

If you’re looking for a long weekend destination and have three or four days, Malta is the place to go! Thanks to the great weather, you can explore some of the island’s most popular attractions.

To experience the traditional side of Malta and see the essentials, start your trip in Valletta and the Three Cities, which are located right across the water. It’ll be a busy day, but entirely possible! That’s what I did. My legs were aching by the end of the day, but I was happy!

Next, Mdina, the silent city, is a must-see. I really enjoyed visiting: the atmosphere and the fortifications were particularly impressive. I had a special feeling there. Finally, you can take a quick tour of Gozo and/or Comino, including the famous Blue Lagoon.

It’s short, and you have to keep a good pace, but it’s doable. You’ll get a great overview!

On my end, if I gave you my favorite itinerary:

• Day 1: Valletta + The Three Cities (no change!)
• Day 2: Mdina + the northern beaches (Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa Bay, Anchor Bay): of course, you don’t have to do them all, but I’ve listed the main ones and my personal favorites!
• Day 3: Guided quad biking tour or jeep safari on Gozo to cover its must-see spots and enjoy a more authentic, nature-focused vibe. Personally, it was one of the best days of my entire trip!
• Day 4: Boat tour of the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon OR explore Marsalforn and St Peter’s Pool at the southern tip of Malta. If you really don’t want to miss the Blue Lagoon, I recommend option 1.

It’s still a packed schedule, but I made sure it was doable. My days really looked like this! I made a point to choose places I considered unmissable, while also giving you several options at times. Of course, you can adapt it by arranging the activities in whatever order you prefer. It’s also adaptable for a 5-day trip to Malta.

If you go on a seven-day tour of Malta, you’ll have more time to discover the must-see attractions at a relaxed pace. After all, that’s what holidays are for! You can visit the main cities and their historic sites, as well as enjoying the beaches and neighbouring islands of Comino and Gozo.

As with the three- or four-day trip to Malta, I will suggest a classic itinerary followed by a more personalised one.

For an itinerary focused on the essentials

Once again, you can spend your first day in Valletta and the Three Cities in the afternoon. Here are a few gems in the Maltese capital that I really loved and that you shouldn’t miss: Upper Barrakka Gardens (the view of the Three Cities and the Grand Harbour is just incredible!), St. John’s Co-Cathedral (I didn’t go inside as there was quite a long wait, but even from the outside it’s impressive) and, above all, take the time to stroll through the typical narrow streets (they are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

On your second day, head to the west of the island: Mdina, Rabat, and the Dingli Cliffs. I recommend finishing your trip by walking along the cliffs and admiring the sunset, which is even more beautiful from this spot! Don’t worry, the three places are very close to each other, so once you arrive in Mdina, you won’t have to travel far!

The next day, you can spend a full day on a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Excursions usually also include Crystal Bay and Santa Marija. You may not have heard of Santa Marija, but it’s the only sandy beach on Comino. It’s precisely because it’s not well known that it contrasts so much with the Blue Lagoon. The water is crystal clear and it’s very peaceful! When I went, we were alone with our tour group. Honestly, it was lovely!

To move on to Day 5, take a tour of the island of Gozo. It is more preserved and authentic than the island of Malta. You can easily get there on your own by taking the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mgarr, Gozo. If you don’t want to worry about logistics, you can always join a guided tour by bus, quad, or jeep (there are plenty of options!).

On Day 6 in the Maltese archipelago, it’s finally time to relax and hit the beaches. Of course, you can still opt for more leisurely activities earlier in your trip. When I mention beaches, I’m referring once again to those in the north. And if you have a rental car, you can also explore the quieter shores of Paradise Bay and Armier Bay.

And for the final day, it all depends on your flight time, but it might be the perfect moment to pick up some souvenirs for yourself or loved ones. If your flight is in the late afternoon or evening, depending on where you’re staying, you can visit Marsaxlokk (the fishing village) and St Peter’s Pool (as the name suggests, a stunning natural swimming pool).

Here’s the same personalized itinerary based on my experience in Malta, translated into English:

• Day 1: Still start with Valletta and the Three Cities of Malta.
• Day 2: A guided boat tour combining Comino and Gozo. That’s what I did, and it gives you a great spin around the turquoise lagoons and Comino’s beach (Santa Marija), while also passing by Gozo’s caves and cliffs.
• Day 3: Mdina + Rabat + a hike along the Dingli Cliffs.
• Day 4: The north coast beaches + snorkeling or diving.
• Days 5 & 6: Stay on Gozo to explore the Citadel of Victoria and beautiful spots like the Marsalforn salt pans, Xlendi Bay, and the megalithic temples (UNESCO-listed, and I thought the visit was very well done!), Dwejra Bay, and more.
• Day 7: Again, it depends on how much time you have. If you can, head to Marsaxlokk to enjoy the local market, see the colorful luzzus (fishing boats), eat fresh fish and seafood, and visit St Peter’s Pool. It’s not far from Malta airport—depending on your return flight time and if you’ve rented a car, it’s a maximum 30-minute drive. As you can see, for visiting Malta in one week, this is still a full program but much more relaxed than a 3-day weekend in Malta!

With 10 days in Malta, you can fit in so much more. I can assure you that there are places I consider essential for your stay, even after 10 days. One thing is certain: you won’t get bored!

You can spend the first three days of your trip visiting cultural sites such as Mdina, Rabat, Valletta and the Three Cities.

Days 4, 5 and 6, in the middle of your stay, are perfect for relaxing and spending time in the water, either snorkelling or trying scuba diving. You can also visit some of the most beautiful beaches, such as Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay. If you’re looking for a wilder atmosphere, check out Mistra Bay and Imġiebaħ Bay, and don’t miss the Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool combo in the south of Malta. You’ll have plenty of time to do everything in three days.

On days 7 and 8, you can stay in Gozo and discover this beautiful Mediterranean island and all its hidden spots!

During your last two days in Malta, you can explore the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino Island, visit Popeye Village and take photos from the viewpoint opposite. You can also take a dip in Anchor Bay, which borders the village. It’s a beautiful, intensely blue bay — I really liked it! You can see Popeye’s Village in two hours, but if you want to enjoy the entertainment, allow three hours.

To experience something different during your ten days in Malta, I would recommend spending an extra day in Gozo. I absolutely loved this island and can assure you that it’s well worth the detour! I would also advise spending some time on wilder beaches such as Armier Bay and Paradise Bay!

Now, if you can spend two weeks in Malta, you’ll fully enjoy the archipelago while soaking up the Mediterranean pace. As I mentioned, I spent 12 days there and really got to make the most of it. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded staying three more days. It’s always like that—you want to stay longer! But all good things must come to an end!

You can start with a classic tour of Malta’s main island including the capital, the Three Cities, Mdina, the Dingli Cliffs, and then spend a few lazy days on the best beaches on the main island: Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, or Paradise Bay.

Next, head to Gozo for at least three days: besides Victoria, Ramla Bay (my favorite beach on the island with its red sand) or Dwejra Bay, you’ll have time to explore more natural, untouched spots like San Blas Bay or Wied il-Għasri. Of course, you’ll stay on the island for these days and can enjoy Gozo’s quieter, more authentic atmosphere compared to Malta.

You can also plan a full day trip to Comino to visit the Blue Lagoon, not forgetting the Crystal Lagoon, and finish at Santa Marija Bay. From the Blue Lagoon to Santa Marija Bay, you’ll walk along almost deserted paths since the island is uninhabited—perfect for immersing yourself in Comino’s wild side!

Since you’re on a longer trip, I recommend avoiding rush hours, especially on roads near Valletta, and taking advantage of mornings and late afternoons to enjoy the small coves all to yourself! Again, this is the classic itinerary that covers all the essentials.

Now, I would like to suggest a more comprehensive, personalised two-week tour of Malta.

I will, of course, keep the essentials from the first itinerary, but I would recommend spending five full days in Gozo. That’s what I did at the end of my trip and I really enjoyed it. It gave me the chance to fully explore the island and relax before heading home! Once there, take advantage of the turquoise waters to go snorkelling or scuba diving and explore the seabed at Blue Hole or Xlendi Bay.

I would also recommend visiting Popeye Village. Admission is $15 in low season, but I think it’s worth it! There are activities and fun games, and it’s a great place to visit with family.

If you’re interested in culture, I recommend visiting Fort Saint-Ange in Vittoriosa (Birgu in Maltese), the oldest of the three cities. Even if you’re not usually a fan of museums, you can still walk around the fort and enjoy magnificent views of Senglea and Valletta. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the area’s history.

If you’re looking for something different, I recommend trying some water sports, depending on your preferences: paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, diving, jet skiing, wakeboarding or surfing. There’s certainly no shortage of options! It’ll be a chance to take full advantage of Malta’s warm, crystal-clear waters!

In short, two weeks in Malta is the perfect amount of time for a relaxing holiday full of activities and discoveries. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, as a couple or on your own, I’m sure you’ll come away with some great memories! Now all you have to do is agree on your itinerary for your stay in the archipelago!

So, we’ve reached the end of this article on Malta itineraries. I hope it has helped you decide how long to spend in the Maltese archipelago.

Whatever the length of your stay, I’m sure you’ll love this destination.
Once you’ve chosen your destination and how long you’re going for, it’s time to get down to the serious business of budgeting! As I said, travelling to Malta is affordable. However, to help you out, I recommend reading our article on budgeting for a trip to Malta.

See you soon for more tips on the Maltese Islands!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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