Malta Itineraries

After writing a series of articles about my time in Malta, I realized that the same questions kept coming up. What can you do in Malta in one week? How many days should you spend there? What can you fit into a four-day trip? To answer those questions, I put together a comprehensive Malta itinerary guide. It will help you choose the right length of stay based on what you want to see and do.

First, we have already published a complete guide to what to do in Malta. It covers the main attractions across the Maltese archipelago, along with my personal favorites and the places I enjoyed less. From picturesque villages and sandy beaches to turquoise water, cliffs, coastal walks and Maltese history, it covers a wide range of experiences.

The purpose of this article is to help you decide how long to stay in Malta and make planning easier. Trip planning is not always the most enjoyable part, so having a clear framework can help.

If you have read any of my Malta articles, you will know that I spent 12 days in the archipelago. The trip passed quickly, although that does not mean everyone needs to stay for 12 days.

Before looking at itinerary lengths, here are a few reasons Malta is worth considering. From France, the flight takes roughly two and a half hours. Once you arrive, you are surrounded by Mediterranean scenery and the sea. Compared with many European destinations, Malta can still be relatively affordable. Depending on the season, low-cost flights may be available. Several airlines operate routes from France, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair. Accommodation is available across a wide range of budgets. For car rental, I used Discover Cars. Compared with some other destinations, I found the rates reasonable, and a small car made getting around easier.

There is plenty to do across the archipelago. The landscapes are varied: Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, two of my favorite beaches, are excellent for swimming. There are also smaller coves, such as Wied il-Għasri in Gozo. I also loved the fortified city of Mdina.

Then there are Valletta and the Three Cities—Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea—along with many other places. You can also combine relaxation, beach time, outdoor excursions, and cultural or historical visits (such as the country’s many iconic churches). Gozo and Comino are also easy to reach from Malta.

Each island has its own atmosphere and character. It works well for couples, solo travelers, families, and groups of friends.

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 offers a very different experience from more traditional English-speaking destinations and can be more affordable. You can also enjoy a Mediterranean climate while improving your English.

Many travelers spend only a few days in Malta because the archipelago is small and easy to reach. There is more to do than its size suggests, so allowing an extra day or two can make the trip more relaxed.

If you have three or four days for a long weekend, Malta can work very well. With careful planning, you can cover several of the main attractions.

To experience Malta’s historic side and cover the essentials, start in Valletta and the Three Cities, which sit directly across Grand Harbour. It will be a busy day, but it is manageable. That is what I did, and although my legs were tired by the end, it was worthwhile.

Next, visit Mdina, known as the Silent City. I especially enjoyed its atmosphere and fortifications. Finally, you can add a short visit to Gozo or Comino, including the Blue Lagoon.

The schedule is tight and requires a good pace, but it gives you a useful overview.

My preferred version of this itinerary would be:

• Day 1: Valletta and the Three Cities
• Day 2: Mdina and the northern beaches (Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa Bay, Anchor Bay): you do not need to visit all of them, but these are the main options 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. For me, it was one of the most memorable days of the trip.
• Day 4: Boat tour of the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon or explore Marsaxlokk and St. Peter’s Pool in southern Malta. If you really don’t want to miss the Blue Lagoon, I recommend option 1.

It is still a packed schedule, but it is manageable. My own trip followed a similar pace. I selected places I considered essential while leaving room for alternatives. You can adapt the order to match the weather, ferry schedules, and your preferences. It’s also adaptable for a 5-day trip to Malta.

With seven days in Malta, you can see the main attractions at a more relaxed pace. That leaves more room to slow down. 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 itinerary, I’ll suggest a classic route followed by a more personalized option.

For an itinerary focused on the essentials:

Once again, you can spend your first day in Valletta and the Three Cities in the afternoon. A few highlights in the capital include: 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 form part of Valletta’s UNESCO-listed historic city).

On your second day, head to the west of the island: Mdina, Rabat, and the Dingli Cliffs. Finish the day with a walk along the cliffs and, if conditions are good, stay for sunset. The three places are close enough to combine without excessive travel.

The next day, consider a full-day boat trip to the Blue Lagoon. Since 2025, visitors who plan to step ashore must reserve a free official time slot unless their authorized operator already includes access. Many excursions also include Crystal Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay. Santa Marija Bay is Comino’s main sandy beach. Its quieter atmosphere contrasts sharply with the Blue Lagoon. The water is clear, and the setting can be peaceful. When I visited, our tour group had the beach almost to itself.

On Day 5, explore Gozo. It feels quieter and less developed than Malta’s main island. You can travel independently on the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Mġarr, Gozo. If you prefer not to organize the logistics, join a guided bus, quad, or jeep tour (there are plenty of options!).

Use Day 6 for a slower beach day. Of course, you can still opt for more leisurely activities earlier in your trip. The northern beaches are the most convenient choices for this itinerary. And if you have a rental car, you can also explore the quieter shores of Paradise Bay and Armier Bay.

Your final day will depend on your flight time and can be used for souvenirs or one last short excursion. 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 is a more personalized one-week itinerary based on my experience:

• Day 1: Start with Valletta and the Three Cities.
• Day 2: A guided boat tour combining Comino and Gozo. This is what I did, and it combines the turquoise lagoons with Santa Marija Bay (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: This depends on your departure time. 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 is relatively close to Malta International Airport, though journey times depend on traffic. This is still a full one-week Malta itinerary, but it is more relaxed than a three-day weekend.

With 10 days in Malta, you can add more variety and downtime. Even with 10 days, there are enough worthwhile places to fill the itinerary. You are unlikely to run out of things to do.

Spend the first three days visiting cultural sites such as Mdina, Rabat, Valletta, and the Three Cities.

Use Days 4, 5, and 6 for beaches, snorkeling, or a first scuba-diving experience. 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. Three days gives you enough flexibility to spread these activities out.

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

During the final two days, explore the Blue Lagoon on Comino and 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 walk through Popeye Village in around two hours, but allow longer if you want to watch the shows and use the seasonal facilities.

For a different pace, consider 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!

With two weeks in Malta, you can explore the archipelago at a slower Mediterranean pace. As I mentioned, I spent 12 days there and really got to make the most of it. I would happily have stayed a few more days, although 12 days already gave me a good sense of the islands.

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, spend at least three days in Gozo: besides Victoria, Ramla Bay (my favorite beach on the island with its red sand) or Dwejra Bay, you’ll have time to explore quieter natural areas 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 can walk along quiet paths across an island with only a tiny permanent population.

On a longer trip, avoid peak traffic near Valletta and use mornings or late afternoons for quieter coves. This is the classic version covering the main highlights.

Here is a more detailed and personalized two-week itinerary.

Keep the essentials from the first itinerary, but consider 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. Ticket prices vary by season; for summer 2026, the official adult ticket-booth price is €25. Seasonal activities and games make it especially suitable for families.

If you are interested in history, visit Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa (Birgu in Maltese), the oldest of the three cities. Even if museums are not usually your priority, the fort offers excellent views of Senglea and Valletta. It is a good introduction to the area’s military 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 is no shortage of options, and they offer another way to experience Malta’s coastline.

Two weeks is a comfortable amount of time for a trip that combines relaxation, activities, and sightseeing. 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! The final step is choosing the balance that best suits your travel style.

That brings us to the end of this Malta itinerary guide. I hope it has helped you decide how long to spend in the Maltese archipelago. Whatever the length of your stay, the archipelago offers plenty of variety.

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 mentioned above, Malta can be relatively affordable. However, to help you out, I recommend reading our article on budgeting for a trip to Malta.

See you soon for more Malta travel tips!

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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