OVERVIEW

The small island country of Malta, tucked away in the far southern Mediterranean Sea, is a hidden gem and a five day itinerary here will offer breathtaking scenery, rich history, and a unique cultural experience.

About 500 thousand people live in Malta and although the official language is Maltese, nearly everyone we came across spoke English. The country is comprised of three islands, Malta itself, Gozo and Comino. Most visitors focus on the main island, but Gozo and Comino can easily be seen as day trips via ferry.

Despite being the world’s tenth smallest country by size, Malta is packed with must see sights and incredible adventures. We had 5 days in Malta and organized our itinerary to maximize what we could see and do based on geography.

A five day Malta itinerary gave us the perfect introduction to the country. We were able to sample the pristine beaches and traditional Maltese cuisine, visit the lush island of Gozo and the bustling capital of Valletta, and explore the towering walled city of Mdina and picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

This itinerary will give you an idea of what to expect when visiting Malta and hopefully you will also be able to discover some of the wonderful things this island nation has to offer.

GETTING TO MALTA

Most tourists arrive in Malta by plane. Malta International Airport is accessible as a direct flight from many large European, African, and Asian hubs. It’s not a large airport and was very easy to navigate. 

Cruise ships also visit the island and generally dock at the capital of Valletta. The final option for arrival is by taking a ferry. Sicily is the closest large island to Malta and offers ferry travel which typically takes 4-5 hours.

GETTING AROUND MALTA

Most people get around Malta using a rental car, public bus, cabs or ferries. We elected to rent a car as our itinerary required traveling throughout the main island of Malta and taking a day trip to Gozo. We preferred the added flexibility that a car provided. 

Car rentals are onsite at the airport. Driving took a little getting used to as the driver’s seat is on the right side of the car but driving is on the left side of the road. Although traffic was occasionally hectic and many of the streets were very narrow, having a car was the right choice for us.

A cheap and convenient ferry service also connects the cities of Sliema, Valletta and the Three Cities. It was easy to use, inexpensive, and very efficient. It also offers incredible views of the harbors and landscapes en route to its destinations.

There is an affordable and reliable bus service as well, which transports to towns, beaches, and attractions throughout the islands. Taxis and a ride-hailing service named “Bolt” also provide convenient transportation throughout Malta and would be appropriate for most itineraries.

WHERE TO STAY

Seeing as the island is so small, we knew we could get anywhere within an hour. But we wanted a location where we could park the car, have easy access to Valletta, choose from a variety of restaurants, and still sense the genuine character and charm of the country.

Sliema

We chose to stay in Sliema for this five day Malta itinerary. Sliema is the somewhat overlooked sister of the more iconic Valletta, but it has its own unique personality and appeal. 

Although previously a sleepy seaside village, Sliema has transformed over the last half century and now consists of high rise apartments and modern commercial developments. However, behind the tall waterfront complexes the city still retains its residential and historical character.

There are many things to see and do in Sliema such as indulge at its various restaurants, sun bath and swim at the city beaches, or just casually strolling around the historic streets. The ferry service also provided quick and easy access to Valletta.

Other locations to stay

Valletta is very busy, touristy, and congested. We knew the rental car would likely preclude us from staying in Valletta. St Julian’s, on the other side of Sliema from Valletta, has the reputation as a thriving night-life scene and contains an assortment of clubs and resorts. This wasn’t what we were looking for with two young kids.

Other options included staying in other towns throughout the main island such as Rabat or Marsaxlokk. Even the neighboring island of Gozo would be a wonderful location to stay if looking for a more laid back destination. You can find a place to stay Malta that would fit any unique itinerary.

OUR 5 DAY MALTA ITINERARY

Day 1: Sliema

We had flown into Malta that morning from Rome, and had a little more than half a day to explore Sliema. We were intent on maximizing that time so we dropped our belongings at the incredible Waterfront hotel and ventured into the city on foot. 

After a morning of travel we were starving so our first project was finding food. There were dozens of enticing restaurants lining the main drag along the shoreline. 

We settled on Suzie Q’s, a two minute walk from our hotel. The food here was pretty good and prepared quickly. Oliver and Maddie had Macaroni, Shirlee and I shared prawn ceviche and calamari fritti. 

Sir Adrian Dingli Street

We set out on our exploration of Sliema, walking along the water for a bit and then wandering around the narrow streets until we found Sir Adrian Dingli Street. This is the main thoroughfare through the city and contains many colorful balconies and interesting shops. 

We found a grocer selling various fruits and Maddie couldn’t resist the strawberries so we bought a few. For €3 we purchased some of the most delicious and freshest strawberries we’ve ever had. It then became habitual to buy a daily box of strawberries from the locals.

The street comes out at Exiles Beach where there were a few beachfront food stands, a gelato shop, and a toddler playground. The beaches in Sliema are not the pristine white sandy beaches you often see elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Rather, they are very rocky and some even quite dirty. 

Sliema Promenade

One of the most popular activities to do is just walk the beautiful promenade. This paved trail goes along the perimeter of the city as it hugs the waterfront. It has numerous benches, kiosks, gelato stands, playgrounds, and several access points to the beaches.

We walked along the water and down toward Balluta Bay Beach. The spectacular views across the water were a welcome sight after our long travels the day before. Several yachts were scattered throughout the bay and enormous resorts dominated the St Julian’s skyline.

Along the promenade were sculptures and artistic graffiti. Even in March there were several people playing volleyball on the beach and swimming in what appeared to be very cold water.

Wandering Sliema’s streets

After exploring Balluta Bay we took Triq Manwel Dimech St. as it wound its way back through the narrow city streets to where the day had begun. 

One of the best things to do is just get lost in the colorful maze of streets and tight alleyways of Sliema. The balconies along these routes were incredibly intricate and beautiful. Some were light pastels while others were bursting with bright colors. 

We made our way back to the main drag of Triq Ix- Xatt, the busy road that follows the waterfront. Here was a Japanese restaurant called Yami Yabi, which had super fresh sushi and was just what we were craving. 

We made it back to the Waterfront hotel and enjoyed the sunset from its rooftop while the Valletta skyline lit up across the harbor. This was a great start to our five day Malta itinerary.

Day 2: Mdira, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, and Popeye Village

The second day of our Malta itinerary would consist of exploring the medieval fortress of Mdina and its neighbor Rabat, the beaches and cliffs of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, and Popeye Village.

Mdina

After a large breakfast we drove the 20 minutes from Sliema to Mdina. Mdina is an ancient walled city formerly used to house Malta’s noble families. Nowadays it’s mostly a day trip for tourists, but there are still some residents. 

Upon arriving to the city, there was some street parking and a few parking lots right outside the main gate. The lots were free, but a donation was encouraged. We walked around the wall of the city for a while and greeted the buggy pulling horses stationed at the main gate. 

Right inside the entrance of the main gate was the Mdina Dungeon museum. Admission was very reasonable, on 12 for the four of us. The museum was absolutely terrifying. It had several realistic and historically accurate mannequins, informational postings, and some interactive displays. Oliver and Maddie were pretty creeped out, but still enjoyed it and I found it very interesting.

For the next several hours we just walked around. If we saw an empty and picturesque alleyway, we would venture down it. The shops started opening in the late morning and those were fun to peruse. At the far northern part of Mdina we walked along the city wall and had great views of the colorful farm fields and meadows below.

It was inevitable to eventually run into St. Paul’s Cathedral, which towers over the rest of the city. €10 gave access to the cathedral interior and connected museum, but we decided against the tour. After a little more walking we left Mdina for the conjoined town Rabat.

Rabat

We unknowingly descended upon Rabat during the preparations for the Feast of St. Joseph. Malta’s Feast of St. Joseph is a religious holiday celebrated annually on March 19 and the largest gatherings are held in Rabat and Mdina. The celebration falls during Lent and features special masses, processions, music and fireworks.

This was one of those experiences that was completely unplanned, but amazing nonetheless. The streets were decorated with enormous statues, chandeliers, and elaborate banners. We ended up exploring Rabat for longer than we did Mdina. 

Għajn Tuffieħa Bay

After a morning in Mdina and Rabat, we drove 15 minutes to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay. This was a popular area for its beaches and beautiful cliffside hiking. There was a coffee shop by the parking lot and a maze of different trails to the beaches below. We hiked down to Riviera beach and spent our time sifting through the sand for sea glass.

Popeye Village

It was getting a bit late so we moved on to our final destination of the day, and definitely the kid’s favorite…Popeye Village. This was the film set of the 1980 Robin Williams’ movie “Popeye”. It’s since been restored and is currently being used as a small theme park. 

It’s a small village, containing 15 or 20 buildings, including a post office, cinema, and “tipsy bar”. The characters put on shows all day, which were interactive and a lot of fun. 

In between the shows we would wander the town. Oliver and Maddie mailed postcards, explored Olive’s kitchen, and visited the sawmill. We were easily kept busy for 2 hours here.

We returned to Sliema for dinner, as the restaurants thus far had been excellent. A hole in the wall Korean restaurant named Kups Malta looked like the perfect place for dinner. They served rice and noodle based Korean street food. The delicious food was prepared quickly and we passed the bowls around the table to share.

Day 3: Valletta

Valletta introduction

Today would be spent entirely in Valletta, the historic capital of Malta. Over the centuries, Valletta evolved as a maritime hub, while witnessing the rise and fall of various empires. Despite the devastation it endured during the Great Siege and World War II, Valletta’s resilience prevailed, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Valletta is the iconic walled city most often seen in postcards and is a must see destination for any Malta itinerary. The limestone buildings and cobblestone streets are the trademark of the city, but the charming cafes, vibrant gardens, and ornate cathedrals are really what make it special.

The city is not very big and the streets are organized in a grid, so it’s not difficult to find your way around. 

We left the hotel and walked to the conveniently located ferry dock just 5 minutes down the road. The ferry leaves every 30 minutes and the ride was about €12 for the four of us. In less than 10 minutes it had us at the feet of St. Paul’s Cathedral in Valletta.

One thing to be prepared for in Valletta is lots of hills and steep streets. The city is designed such that the streets slope down to the sea from the city center, so we were either ascending or descending the entire day. 

Madonna tal-Karmnu, Teatru Manoel, Republic St, and City Gate

We climbed from the ferry port up past St Paul’s Cathedral and took a peek into Madonna tal-Karmnu (Our Lady of Mount Carmel). This is the large domed Catholic Cathedral that towers above the rest of Valletta.

It was built in the 1950s after the original church was destroyed during World War 2. The cathedral was free to enter and we looked around for a few minutes before moving on.

We passed Teatru Manoel, a famous performing arts venue and architectural gem built in the 18th century. There are two or three scheduled self tours of the lavishly decorated interior daily from Monday to Saturday that cost €5 per person, which we opted to skip.

We moved on to St George Square, a vibrant gathering area and site of the Presidential Palace and then Republic Street, the main thoroughfare through the city. 

Maddie loved perusing the kiosks lining Republic Street which showcased local art, jewelry, and clothing. There were artists twisting wire to “spell your name in under 2 minutes”, hand painted silk scarves, and tables offering hundreds of different henna tattoo designs.

We walked shoulder to shoulder with other tourists along Republic Street, passing restaurants, souvenir shops, and clothing stores until we reached the City Gate. This is the main entrance point to Valletta, and has been redesigned and rebuilt several times over the centuries. 

Right outside the City Gate was the impressive Triton Fountain, featuring three bronze Tritons holding up a large concrete basin. 

Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co-Cathedral

We climbed 78 city steps to Upper Barrakka Gardens where there were cobblestone paths, decorative fountains, and various historical monuments. The paths led to a series of arches framing the Three Cities, Grand Harbor, and the saluting battery. 

A few narrow city streets brought us down to several bright red balconies and a matching phone booth. Just below these was Victoria Gate, built in 1885. This is the original gate and has remained relatively untouched and was the original entrance to Valletta from Grand Harbor.

We walked back up the steep streets to the city center and ate a light lunch at Galea’s Kitchen. Right across from the restaurant was one of the most popular attractions in Valletta, the breathtaking and intricately designed St. John’s Co-Cathedral. 

The exterior is fairly ordinary, but evidently the interior showcases lavish decorations, golden frescoes, and is an amazing example of Baroque architecture. Unfortunately we were visiting on Sunday so the cathedral was closed to tourists. 

Lower Barrakka Gardens and Fort St Elmo

We returned to the waterfront and found Lower Barrakka Gardens, perched upon St. Christopher’s Bastion. This garden was more tranquil than its counterpart, but still had impressive views across the harbor and the Memorial Siege Bell.

From here it was only a 5 minute walk to Fort St. Elmo, a fortress which played an intricate role in the Siege of Malta in the 16th century as well as World War 2. It has now been converted to a wartime museum. 

We didn’t tour the Fort but instead took Maddie’s recommendation for a horse and buggy tour. This tour went along the lower perimeter of the city and took about 30 minutes. We already had seen better views from above earlier in the day, but it was a fun activity anyway.

By the time we were dropped off back at the City Gate it was getting late enough that we headed back to the ferry dock and returned to Sliema. We ate Asian food from Noodle Box, which we all thought was fantastic. The sun had set on the third day of our Malta itinerary. 

Day 4: Gozo

Gozo introduction

We knew that one day of this trip would be spent on an island, and we had Gozo and Comino to choose between. Comino is much smaller, and its main attraction is the blue lagoon. Gozo is larger and has quite a bit more to do and see. Since we were traveling in March and the sea would be too cold for a whole day of swimming, we opted for Gozo.

Gozo is the second largest island of the Malta archipelago. It has a few fairly large towns, several beaches, and even a historic citadel. The island is very lush and rural, and we found it more laid back than the fast paced main island.

We drove 40 minutes from Sliema to the port of Ċirkewwa on the northwest corner of Malta. A passenger and car ferry runs twice an hour between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr on Gozo and only takes about 25 minutes. 

Citadel

The ferry docked and we drove to the island’s capital of Victoria to see the Gozo Citadel. This is an enormous walled city and the island’s most iconic landmark. It was free to enter but there were small fees to see the baroque styled Gozo Cathedral and the Museum of Archeology.

We spent our time just walking around the maze of ruins, alleyways, and along the upper walls of the fortified city. The views from the upper levels of the citadel were absolutely stunning. We could see clear across the island, with spring flowers and lush green grass blooming in the fields below.

Ta’ Pinu and Għarb

A 10 minute drive away was another magnificent Roman Catholic structure, the Basilica and National Shrine of Ta’ Pinu. This architectural masterpiece sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere, visible for miles away and towering over the countryside. The exterior of the structure was stunning and in the square out front of the basilica were a series of meticulously designed mosaics.

We ate lunch in nearby Għarb at Ta’ Dbiegi Cafe. The food here was good, but the real treasure was the nearby crafts village. They were selling local lace, glass, paintings, and ceramics. 

Xwejni Salt Pans and Ramla Beach

Down the road and along a 1 km stretch of shoreline was our next stop, the Xwejni Salt Pans. Viewing the layout and patterns from the cliff above was impressive, but we also walked down to the pans for an up close perspective. 

Our last stop of the day was the nearby Ramla Beach. We visited very late in the day so the beach was not very busy. The sand was soft, warm, and golden brown. The scattered rocks were perfect, in the kid’s opinion, for building forts. They didn’t brave the cold water temperatures, but we all had a great time nonetheless.

We returned to Mġarr and the ferry brought us back to Malta. We were way too hungry to make it back to Sliema so we stopped at Amami in Mellieha Bay for phenomenal sushi after a thrilling day on Gozo.

Day 5: Marsaxlokk and Golden Bay Beach

Marsaxlokk

Today would be our last day of our Malta itinerary, but we intended to maximize every minute of it. We drove from Sliema down to Marsaxlokk, a historic fishing village in the southeast corner of Malta. It’s a popular tourist destination for its colorful fishing boats, Sunday Fish Market, and spectacular seafood restaurants. 

Although we weren’t able to visit the fish market, there was still plenty going on in this town. The fisherman had already come in from their morning catch with many of them cleaning up their boats. 

Several locals had set up tents selling local crafts and souvenirs. The kids loved walking through these stalls, and bought a few knick knacks to bring back home. There were also restaurants lining the harbor, serving up the “catch of the day”. We ate an early lunch at Unico, a restaurant that made a delicious fresh fish carpaccio. 

But the highlight of the village is definitely the brightly-colored fishing boats, or luzzu, lining the Marsaxlokk harbor. There were hundreds of boats docked in the harbor, painted in every color imaginable. We strolled endlessly along the shore looking at the intricate designs and colorful collages of the luzzu.

Golden Bay Beach

Oliver and Maddie hoped to visit another beach, so we worked our way to the opposite end of the island to check out Golden Bay Beach. Today was the Feast of St. Joseph, a national holiday, so many people had the day off work.

As a result, the beach was absolutely packed. Cars lined the roadside for at least a mile in every direction, all hoping to gain access to Golden Bay Beach. We found a lot to park in for €2 near the Radisson and ventured down to the beach.

Compared to Rambla Beach the day before, this was rather disappointing. There was hardly a place to sit, the shore was covered in seaweed, and the beach itself was not the cleanest. Fortunately wherever there is sand and water, Oliver and Maddie can enjoy themselves.

After and hour or two we returned to Sliema, swam in the Waterfront heated outdoor pool once more, and closed the book on the last day of our Malta itinerary.

IMPRESSIONS

This five day itinerary of Malta was a great introduction into the history, architecture, and life that existed in this amazing Mediterranean country. We were able to relax on the pristine beaches, sample traditional Maltese cuisine, visit the lush island of Gozo and the bustling capital of Valletta, and explore the many cathedrals and citadels.

Sliema was a great location for us to stay as it offered convenient access to the attractions we had prioritized, and had ample accommodations and phenomenal restaurants. Historic Valletta was just across the harbor and wandering the alleyways of this ancient city was one of the highlights of our week.

We were able to observe the spectacular medieval architecture of the fortified city of Mdina while also witnesses the Feast of St. Joseph preparations in neighboring Rabat. Not far away was Popeye Village, a can’t miss destination for anyone with children or feeling nostalgic for classic cartoons.

We absolutely loved our time in Gozo. The lush and rural island was far more casual than Malta but still boasted an enormous and elaborate citadel and laid-back beaches. The color palette created by the dozens of luzzu at the Marsaxlokk harbor was yet one more incredible sight.

All in all we had a wonderful time in Malta. Despite its tiny size, Malta really provided an incredibly rewarding experience and this five day itinerary was the perfect introduction into this amazing country.