Itineraries for Your Trip to Malta
3 Days in Malta for First Timers
Winter in Europe can be a hard time of year for Australians like me, unaccustomed to real cold. Although traditionally a summer destination for beach-seekers, Malta soon became my go-to winter escape while traveling and working in Europe.
But it wasn’t just the warm weather that kept me in Malta for month-long visits. The country is infused with almost every Mediterranean culture possible, creating a complex cultural and historical heritage almost as unique as its rocky landscape. Here is an itinerary to help you experience a little bit of everything Malta has to offer in just a few days.
Sunny, clear skies are just as common as rainy ones in winter, making it a surprisingly good time to visit.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the historic capital city of Valletta.
Day one is dedicated to exploring Malta’s capital, the city of Valletta. Roam the historic streets of this small and dense UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot or by segway, stopping along the way to get a closer look at highlights like the Barrakka Gardens and Fort St. Elmo. Make sure to see inside the incredible St. John's Co-Cathedral.
Harbors practically surround the city, so don’t miss the opportunity to get out on the water. Hop aboard a local ferry to Sliema or the Three Cities or join a dedicated harbor cruise.
Dedicate today to the country’s coastline. From Valletta, drive 20 minutes or take a 1-hour bus ride to Malta’s own Blue Grotto, a complex of sea caves explorable by boat. The prehistoric temple ruins of Hagar Qim—over 4,000 years old—are walking distance away.
Change gears in the afternoon and venture inland to the small fortified city of Mdina, a 15-minute drive or 1.5-hour bus ride. Admire the historic architecture of palaces and churches and learn about the Moorish and Sicilian history of the so-called “Silent City”.
Spend your last day exploring the islands that make up Malta’s archipelago. Board a ferry at Ċirkewwa or a boat cruise at Bugibba to visit small Comino first, swimming in the crystal clear waters of its Blue Lagoon.
Cruise onward to the rugged cliffs and rural pastures of Gozo. There’s far too much to see on this pretty island in one day, so I recommend sticking to the main city of Victoria, the beach at Ramla Bay, and the serene bay at Xlendi.
