5 Day Malta Itinerary: An Essential Guide (& Map)

Visiting Malta for the first time? This five‑day itinerary walks you through exactly where to go, how to get there and what you’ll experience each day.

I’ve spent several weeks island‑hopping Malta, Gozo and Comino on more than one visit. From strolls through Valletta’s baroque streets to sunset views of the Dingli Cliffs. I’ve tested the ferries, narrowed down the best beaches, and planned this itinerary to fit in a great mix of Malta’s cultural attractions, nature and, of course, some time in the gorgeous Mediterranean sea.

This 5 day Malta itinerary will provide you with all the important information for a wonderful trip.  With a 5 day itinerary in Malta there’s plenty of time to experience some of the best sights in Malta. 

I’ll cover where to go and what to see in Malta for each of the 5 days, as well as where to stay, where to eat and the best beaches to include in your itinerary.  So let’s get straight in to this 5 day Malta itinerary.

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What is Malta Like? 3 Islands for the Price of One

Three main islands make up the country of Malta.  That’s right, you get three sparkling rocks for the price of one. 

Malta is the island you fly into and from Malta you can catch a boat to explore its gorgeous sister island, Gozo and discover all the best Instagram places. 

The pace of life on Gozo is more laid back than in Malta and the Gozo countryside was made for hiking.  I thoroughly recommend you include a visit to Gozo as part of your 5 day Malta itinerary.

In addition, you can take a day trip to the uninhabited island of Comino to bathe in the famous azure waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Malta is dripping in ancient temples dating back to 3600 BC (that’s older than Stone Henge, Angkor Wat and The Great Wall of China) for you to uncover. 

Likewise, its strategic location throughout history means it has multiple fascinating museums to explore.  There are also plenty of spots in Malta to get great Instagram shots.

The delicious Mediterranean food, seemingly never-ending coves of crystal clear water and its year-round sunny climate make Malta an ideal place to spend five days.

Plus, English is one of Malta’s officially recognised languages which is convenient if you’re an English speaker.

Day 1 of Your 5 Day Malta Itinerary: Valletta and the Three Cities

I recommend you start your 5 day Malta travel plan exploring the capital, Valletta. Spend time wandering the pretty old town streets and stairways. 

In particular, head along St Paul Street to see the typical colourful balconies of Malta and traditional shop frontages.

If you’re an art fanatic, you’ll want to go to St John’s Co-Cathedral. Situated in the centre of Valletta, it houses the famous Caravaggio painting ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’.  Tickets cost €15, closed on Sundays.

Don’t miss visiting the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, for fabulous views out across the harbour to the Three Cities.

Although you might head to Malta seeking fun in the sun, whilst you’re there, check out some of its fascinating museums to take in the local history.  A great place to start is the Lascaris War Rooms.

Lascaris War Rooms

The Lascaris War Rooms are one of the more well-known tourist sights in Valletta.  If you enjoy tales of intrigue then this museum is for you. 

Here you’ll learn about the complex of underground tunnels and rooms that was home to Britain’s military operations in Malta.  They were a well-kept secret for many years. 

The giant map of the invasion of Sicily and the military operations table were two of my favourite exhibits.  If you can time it right, join a tour, I found that the guides really brought the place to life. 

Lascaris War Rooms tickets cost from €20.

After the Lascaris War Rooms, head over to the Three Cities. These three connected areas of Malta offer the opportunity to see day-to-day Maltese life taking place. Get lost in the maze-like streets and Instagramable doorways.

The journey to get to the Three Cities can be done by ferry but I much prefer the experience of taking one of the pretty traditional Maltese boats you’ll see crossing the harbour.

To catch one, head to the Lascaris Water Taxi station (marked on Google maps), almost opposite the bottom of the Barrakka lift. The price is from around €2 per person. Let the captain know which of the three cities you want to visit, Vittoriosa, Senglea or Cospicua.

To find out more about Malta’s history, head to Vittoriosa (Birgu) so you can visit the impressive Malta at War Museum.

Malta at War Museum

Extensive displays document the role that Malta played in WWII.  The emphasis on the role of civilians alongside military personnel is incredibly touching. 

If reading about history isn’t your thing, the museum also houses a huge network of underground air raid shelters, which are worth the entrance fee alone. 

The audio guide explains what each section was used for and helps to evoke a sense of what it would have been like at the time. 

Malta at War museum tickets cost from €14 and include the audio guide (a range of languages are available).

Day 2 of Your 5 Day Malta Itinerary: Gozo Island

How to Get From Malta to Gozo

There are two ferry routes from Malta to Gozo.  One from Valletta to Mgarr, Gozo and the other from Cirkewwa, in the north of Malta, to Mgarr, making Gozo easy to visit in one day.

• Ferries run regularly during the day and evening.
• Journey time is 45 minutes from Valletta and 30 minutes from Cirkewwa.
• Check out my article on the ferry to Gozo for all the details.

If there’s one thing you can’t miss as part of your 5 day Malta itinerary, it’s a day trip to Gozo. It’s a smaller island, located to the north of the island of Malta, and as such, it has a different character. The pace of life is slower, the air fresher and the coastline is sublime.

Gozo is my favourite area of Malta for setting out and hiking across the rural landscape.  Here you’ll come across traditional villages, local agriculture and top-notch views. 

I recommend planning a walk so you end up at one of the many Gozo beaches.

If you do head out on a hike, take plenty of water with you.  Gozo is more remote that the island of Malta.

On one sweltering day, we ran out of water but found an oasis in the desert in the form of a dusty old Coke vending machine on the edge of an otherwise closed village, only to have our hopes dashed again when we realised we didn’t have any change.  Don’t be me.

Gozo Beaches

Hondoq ir-Rummien, Gozo, is a good option if you love diving into the sea, with three levels of platforms to jump in from. It’s a 30-minute walk eastwards from Mgarr Harbour. 

There’s a range of water sports to try and a small sandy patch.  Despite the availability of sand, I’d make like an iguana and bask on the rocks instead. 

Choose the area to the west of the beach and you’ll find a lovely inlet you can swim in, Wied Xiltina, with a cave at the far end. I loved splashing about here, away from the more populated main beach.

Mgarr-ix-Xini beach is another great option if you’ve only got one day on Gozo as part of your 5 day itinerary. It’s a 50-minute walk westwards from Mgarr Harbour and is a favourite with locals who love jumping off the tall rocks.

Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP) and kayaks are available to rent here. Although the SUP doesn’t come with a lesson, so if you’ve not done it before check out some YouTube videos first, so you don’t end up floating into the swimming area and getting whistled at by the lifeguard, as I may have done.

For long stretches of ochre-coloured sand, head to Ramla Bay in Gozo. This is a longer hike, at an hour and a half each way from Mgarr. If you’re feeling adventurous whilst you’re here, climb up to Calypso’s Cave for spectacular views of the beach below.

Alternatively, if you want to see a bit more of Gozo, combine a shorter stay at the beach with one of these two cultural sites on Gozo:

Gozo Cittadella

The fortified city in Victoria is worth sacrificing a couple of hours at the beach for. All citizens of Gozo spent the night here for their own safety until 1637.

It’s a huge complex with loads to see. Highlights include the prison, the museum of archaeology and the old grain silos. Entrance to the Cittadella costs from €5.

Ġgantija Temples

Some places wear their ancient treasures on their sleeve.  Malta prefers to let you find them peeping out from an unassuming street and unwrap them for yourself. 

As a result, they’re all the more beguiling.  The megalithic stones of the Ġgantija Temples are one of the oldest freestanding monuments in the world and are located on the edge of Xaghra village. Entrance costs from €10.

Don’t miss checking out the windmill next door. I found the story of the crucial role grain played in the revolt of 1919 fascinating.

How to Get to Xaghra

• Take bus #322 from Mgarr Harbour (also stops at Ramla Bay)
• Journey time is 25 minutes.
• As you’re only here for one day, it might be more convenient to take a taxi. Use Bolt or Uber or a local taxi.  Cost is from €10.

Day 3 of Your 5 Day Malta Itinerary: The Blue Lagoon

To find the clearest picture-postcard water you’ve ever seen, take a ferry or day trip over to Comino island and bathe in the shallow waters of Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon. 

This is one of the top tourist attractions on Malta so you’ll be sharing it with the crowds. To help make your trip easier, check out my article on the Blue Lagoon Malta.

Once at the Blue Lagoon, don’t miss walking around the corner to the Crystal Lagoon (as many people do), the water here is a lot less full of people yet equally enticing.

Malta Travel Resources

Ready for more Malta inspiration and information?  Read and favourite my posts below, so you have them to hand when you’re in Malta.

10 Best Gozo Tours Not to Miss

Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trip

Getting Around Malta By Public Transport

Where to stay in Malta without a car

Day 4 of Your 5 Day Malta Itinerary: The Walled City of Mdina and Dingli Cliffs

Mdina

A five-day trip to Malta isn’t complete without a visit to the walled city of Mdina, the former capital of Malta.  It makes a great day out from Valletta. 

Stroll around ‘the silent city’, take a drink on the terrace of the Fontanella Tea Garden and snap plenty of photos.  Check out my article on top couple travel photo quotes if you need inspiration on how to caption them.

Whilst at Mdina, check out St Paul’s Catacombs and the Mdina Glass factory. The Catacombs complex is huge, covering more than 2000 square metres.  Some of them are very small spaces, so if you’re claustrophobic this might not be for you. They’re located a ten-minute walk outside of the fortifications of Mdina. 

In addition to the catacombs, if you like beautiful things, take a forty-minute walk to Mdina Glass at Ta’ Qali craft village. Here you can see craftspeople at work carrying out the traditional art of glass blowing.  Exquisite pieces are available to purchase in the shop.

How to Get to Mdina

• Take bus #51, #52 or #53 from Valletta bus station to Mdina Gate.
• Journey time is approximately 30 minutes.
• Buses run regularly throughout the day. 
• More details about getting around Malta by public transport.

Day 5 of Your 5 Day Malta Itinerary: Hagar Qim, The Blue Grotto and St Peter’s Pool

Hagar Qim

To start your last day on Malta, travel over to the southwest coast to visit a UNESCO World Heritage site, the temples of Hagar Qim. These megalithic stones date from 3600 to 3200 BC and are a sight to behold.

Entrance to Hagar Qim costs from €10.

How To Get To Hagar Qim

• Bus #74 from Valletta bus station to Hagar.
• Journey time is 40 minutes.

Blue Grotto

This itinerary for five days in Malta wouldn’t be complete without a chance to experience the gorgeous Blue Grotto on Malta.

After the ancient temples of Hagar Qim, walk 15 minutes south along Triq il-Wied to arrive at the outstanding panoramic views of the Blue Grotto.

When you’ve finished getting your photos if the view, head down to the coast, following the route of the road Triq Wied iz-Zurrieq (approx. 10 minutes walk) to arrive at the Blue Grotto boat tours departure point.

I found this walk very steep, so keep that in mind before setting off for the return after your Blue Grotto boat trip.

The 20-minute small boat trip will take you across the glimmering azure waters to see the stunning caves. It gets busy here so be prepared to wait before you can get on a tour.

St Peter’s Pool

Finish off your 5 days on Malta with a visit to one of Malta’s wonderful rocky beaches. Head to St Peter’s Pool, for its moon-like terrain.

It’s a favourite with the locals and is a lovely place to spend your final afternoon.

How To Get To St Peter’s Pool

• Bus #201 from the Panorama stop near the Blue Grotto to Marsa Park & Ride, then #119 to Marsaxlokk.
• Journey time is approx. 70 minutes.
• As it’s your last day, you could splash out on a 20-minute taxi ride instead.
• To book a taxi, download the Bolt or Uber taxi apps.
• For details of the walk from Marsaxlokk to get to St Peter’s Pool, check out Places to Go in Malta & Gozo: 5 Best Swimming Spots.

Where to Eat in Malta

Valletta

• Dimitri – for a small but perfectly formed menu of tasty dishes and delicious puddings, off the main drag.
• Nenu The Artisan Baker – for authentic local rabbit dishes in an interesting surrounding.
• Bridge Bar – for listening to evening jazz and mingling with the crowd sat on the outdoor steps.
• La Bottega – for a laid back funky music vibe whilst you eat.

Gozo

• Any beachside kiosk/van at Ramla Bay – for the most colossal collection of ice creams I’ve ever seen.  So many flavours, so many colours.  So.  Much.  Choice.
• Giovanni’s, St John’s Square – this unassuming place is hiding its secret well – the absolutely delicious local dishes.  We had sausage stew, fish soup and polpette to write home about. The location is gorgeous, in front of St John’s Church.  For an extra special treat, go at dusk and watch the church light up.
• Latini Restaurant, Xaghra – for a local square vibe in what I consider one of the best restaurants in Gozo, plus wonderful staff, a freshly cooked menu and great local wine.
• Al Sale, Xaghra – for more dining on the best local square in Gozo, beautiful presentation and super friendly staff.

Where to Stay on Malta

Malta has loads of accommodation, so you won’t be short on choice, but as part of this 5 day Malta itinerary I’ve highlighted some options for you.

Valletta

A perfect base if you want to be close to the sights and enjoy all the attractions of Malta’s stunning capital city, including the Grand Harbour. 

I stayed in the fabulous duplex suite at 23 Boutique Hotel. It’s a luxury designer B and B at a great price (and it has great air con, crucial for Maltese summertime).  I actually wanted to live in this place, it’s so gorgeous. Situated in Floriana, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the centre but close enough to easily walk to all the main sights when you want to.

Valletta Airport

If you’re arriving late or looking for an alternative to Valletta, the quiet Talbot & Bons Boutique B and B in Gudja is wonderful.  It’s a 10-minute walk from the airport, in a traditional Maltese village.  The Deluxe Room is heavenly, with modern décor and a bathroom larger than many hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. 

Mdina

Get a quiet and peaceful rest in this walled city.  After visitors have left for the day it’s a calm location away from the crowds. 

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or for a luxury treat, check out the sumptuous boutique 17th-century Xara Palace. Enjoy stunning views from the rooftop terrace.

St Julian’s

If party central is your thing then this is the place to base yourself.  If you want a good night’s sleep, give it a miss.

For a 5-star experience head to the Hyatt Regency Malta. Guests love the top-floor sky pool.

Gozo

For an overnight stay on the island of Gozo, I recommend heading to the vibrant village of Xaghra.

I stayed at Il-Logga Boutique Hotel which is peaceful and clean and has a glistening rooftop pool to cool off in at the end of the day.

How to Get Around Malta

If you travel car-less then Malta makes for a great holiday destination. Travelling around Malta and Gozo by public transport is so easy that you can spend all of your 5 day itinerary exploring the islands without the need to hire a car at all.

When deciding where to go it’s reassuring to know that there are good bus services in Malta, making the main sights easy to access.  Bus tickets are super cheap, at only €2.50 per journey (less in winter) and the ticket is valid for two hours on any bus. 

As well as getting the bus, walking or cycling are great options for exploring.  And of course, if you really want to travel in style you can take a boat.

If you do want to hire a car, the small size of the islands means that most journeys are short. You can also hire a scooter on Malta.

What Currency Does Malta Use?

Malta is part of the European Union and uses the Euro as currency. Most restaurants and bars will accept international travel cards and credit/debit cards. Cash is useful to have with you to pay for some transport and incidental costs.

I use a Monzo card when I travel. It’s quick and easy to set up, I can load it with as much money as I need. I use it like a debit card when travelling and love that it has no hidden exchange fees or charges and I can use the app to allocate my money into different ‘pots’ (although if you want to use it to take cash out there’s a fee-free cash withdrawal limit and some machines may charge you to use them). If it sounds like it’s right for you, at the moment you can use my link to receive £10 when you make your first payment (in the next 30 days).

When to Visit Malta

One of the most favourable points about a visit to Malta is that there is no bad time to visit. 

Malta has mild winters and hot summers, with an average of five to six hours of sunshine a day in winter and over twelve hours a day in summer. So whichever part of Malta you go to, you are very likely to enjoy lots of sun.

Spring & Autumn: May – June, September – October

• May average sea temperature 19°C
• October average sea temperature 24°C
• Warm with low rainfall
• Average temperatures of 20 – 25°C

Summer: June – September

• Average sea temperature 25°C
• Hot and dry, with 12 hours of sun daily
• Average temperatures of 28 – 32°C

Overall, a great time to visit is in the shoulder months of June and September.  The climate is still hot and sunny and the sea warm but the number of visitors is less than in peak summer. 

The heat in Malta is arid so it doesn’t have the energy-sapping quality of tropical destinations. Great news if you love to get out and about on your hols.

5 Day Malta Itinerary: Summary

Hopefully, the activities in this 5 day Malta itinerary have inspired you to take a trip to explore the country for yourself.

As you can see from the range of things to do on Malta, the question isn’t really why choose Malta for your next trip, but rather, why not?

If you have more time to spend on Malta, check out my 7 day Malta itinerary.

What have I missed out of this itinerary?  Let me know your recommendations for the best places to visit in Malta in the comments.

• If you’re looking for other great European destination inspiration, check out this 3 day guide to Madrid.
• If you’re planning a trip further afield, check out my guide to what to pack on a long haul flight, so your journey’s more comfortable.