7 Day Malta Itinerary

Here’s your ultimate 7 day Malta itinerary, inspired by my own week-long visit to this beautiful Mediterranean country.

Malta is a perfect destination to explore over a week, offering a mix of historic cities, stunning beaches, and scenic countryside.

In just seven days, you can cover the entire country, visit all the must-see attractions, and still have time to experience some of Malta’s hidden gems.

I’ve taken my experience, included the things I loved, removed the things I didn’t (like our laundry morning!) and added in some things I wished we had done to come up with what I think is the perfect itinerary.

This itinerary will guide you through the best of Malta and Gozo, ensuring you make the most of your time on these amazing islands.

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Just starting to plan your trip to Malta? Take a look at this guide to cover the basics.

Day 1: Valletta – The Historic Capital

• Morning: Start your day with a walking tour of Valletta, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital. Explore the bustling streets, Barrakka Gardens, and the Grand Harbour.
• Lunch: Enjoy a light lunch of Pastizzi at Museum Cafe.
• Afternoon: Visit the stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral, with its intricate Baroque architecture and Caravaggio masterpieces.
• Dinner: Head to Guzé Bistro for a taste of Maltese cuisine.

I always start my visit to a new country or city with a walking tour, preferably one of the free tours (I use GuruWalk to find one that suits me).

It’s a good way to get your bearings, learn some of the history and pick up some general information on the place.

In Malta I heard about a local festival happening the next day in Rabat, and it ended up being one of our favourite memories from the trip.

It also gives you contact with a local so you can ask questions if you have them, like how to use public transport, where to find a great local pub or where to buy a particular item.

After the walking tour, continue to stroll the streets of Valletta, admiring the beautiful architecture and the views. If any of the churches or museums catch your eye, go in and take a look.

For a light lunch stop into Museum Cafe for one of Malta’s traditional foods you just have to try – the Pastizzi.

In the afternoon visit St John’s Co-Cathedral.

I have to admit, I was in two minds as to whether to visit St John’s. After all, I have seen many European cathedrals, and this one wanted to charge me an admission fee just to take a look.

We ended up visiting on our last day and I have to say – wow! It’s beautiful, the audio guide gives so much information, and seeing the only signed Carravagio in the world is a must!

Leave St John’s in time to wander back to the Upper Barrakka Gardens (you will likely have been there on your walking tour) to see the cannons fired over the Grand Harbour at 4pm.

Note: I normally recommend visiting St John’s Co-Cathedral in the morning, but most walking tours are also in the morning, especially in summer. If you can find an afternoon walking tour, you may like to swap these around.

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in one of the outdoor cafes or laneways, before making your way to dinner at the Guzé Bistro for local dishes with a twist.

As an alternative tonight, instead of eating at Guzé, you could instead enjoy a cultural show with dinner at another traditional restaurant.

Day 2: Sliema and St. Julian’s

• Morning: Take a ferry or bus to Sliema. Stroll along the promenade, shop at the Plaza Shopping Centre, and enjoy the coastal views.
• Lunch: Try rabbit at Ta’ Kris Restaurant.
• Afternoon: Continue to St. Julian’s for a walk around Spinola Bay and visit the picturesque Balluta Bay.
• Dinner: Dine at Wigi’s Kitchen for fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Today you will need your walking shoes on.

Depending on which area of Malta you are staying in, make your way to Sliema. This might include a scenic ferry trip across the harbour, which is a nice way to start your morning.

Spend your morning strolling the seafront, either along the harbour or by making your way to the outer esplanade and enjoy views over the ocean.

There are lots of options in this area for browsing the shops, or even doing some serious shopping at the Plaza Shopping Centre. You can find many of the big-name brands you are used to in this area.

There are buskers and lots of colour, with endless opportunities to grab a snack and a coffee. I recommend the local Ta’ Kris for lunch, this time to try some traditional Maltese food – maybe give the rabbit a go here.

After lunch continue to follow the coast to the north, enjoying the scenery and the bustle.

You will pass the beautiful Balluta Bay where you may catch a glimpse of the local Maltese swim team training in the ocean pool.

Continue on to the just-as-picturesque Spinola Bay. If the weather is sunny you may like to try out one of the water activities available in St Julian’s.

Rest your feet at one of the many cafes before returning to Balluta Bay where you will have dinner at Wigi’s Kitchen.

Catch a bus, taxi or Uber back to your accommodation.

Day 3: Day Trip to Gozo

• All Day: Take a ferry to Gozo Island. Visit the Citadel in Victoria, Azure Window Ruins, and the Ta’ Pinu Basilica. Relax at Ramla Bay.
• Lunch: Dine at Ta’ Karolina in Xlendi for fresh fish.
• Return to Malta: Head back to Malta in the evening.
• Dinner: Grab a bite at One80 Kitchen & Lounge in Mellieha.

Start early today and make your way to the Malta’s second island of Gozo.

There are a couple of options – you can jump on a fast ferry to Gozo from Sliema, you can book a tour to Gozo (and perhaps combine Comino Island too), or you can make your way to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal at the north of the island and catch the ferry there.

If you have a car, you can drive to Cirkewwa and take your car over to Gozo and use it to get around while there.

We chose the budget option – to catch a bus up to Cirkewwa (find out how we travelled around Malta without a car), then take the ferry across to Gozo from there.

Since we didn’t have a car, we jumped on the hop-on hop-off bus and used that to get around. With only one day here, the commentary will give you some background to the island while you are travelling around.

There is plenty to see and do here to fill up a day. Here are some of the things I did to give you an idea:

• Rotunda St. John Baptist Church, Xewkija – Church with the world’s third highest unsupported dome
• Dwejra – formally home to the Azure Window, now good for a swim in the Inland Sea or the Blue Hole. Boat rides are also available
• Xlendi – cute coastal town. We had a delicious lunch of Mussels and Maltese wine overlooking the bay at Ta’ Karolina.
• Victoria Citadella – explore the citadel in the capital of Victoria
• Ta’ Pinu Basilica and Shrine – a place of pilgrimage with a room filled with offerings left by people who believe their prayers were answered through the intercession of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu
• Ġgantija Temples – UNESCO-listed Megalithic temples older than the Pyramids of Giza
• Ta’ Kola Windmill – from the 1700s, now houses a small museum. Close to the Ġgantija Temples so easy to take a quick look.

If you are visiting Gozo on a tour, you might also visit the island of Comino, best known as a swimming destination, particularly the beautiful Blue Lagoon.

You can also visit independently by ferry from Gozo, but since the ferries run only once an hour, you would need to allow close to half a day for your visit – cutting in to the time you have to explore Gozo itself.

Dinner tonight really depends on how you got to Gozo. If you are travelling from Cirkewwa by car or bus, you might like to stop in for dinner at One80 Kitchen & Lounge in Mellieha.

Otherwise, choose an option in Sliema near the ferry stop or close to your accommodation.

Prefer a tour to Gozo? Here are some options.

Day 4: North Malta Adventures

• Morning: Explore Mellieha with a visit to Mellieha Bay. For a cultural touch, stop by the Mellieha Parish Church. Perhaps stop by Popeye Village.
• Lunch: Have a meal at One80 Kitchen & Lounge.
• Afternoon: Visit the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra. Afterward, take a stroll along the Qawra promenade.
• Dinner: Enjoy a relaxed meal at Ocean Basket.

The focus for today depends a lot on your travelling companions and preferences. We are going to head to the north of the main island to the town of Mellieha, which is where you will find one of the best beaches in Malta.

You can simply spend the day enjoying the beach, or if it’s a little cool for swimming, there are a few other things to do in town and nearby.

Firstly spend some time exploring Mellieha Village including the stunning Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary – which can be spotted from all directions as it sits right at the top of the hill.

You may like to drive (or catch a bus) across to the Popeye Village. Originally built to be the film set for the 1980 film Popeye, today this is a population attraction.

Located in Anchor Bay, this colourful village is made up of rustic wooden houses set against turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.

Today, it’s a theme park where visitors can explore the film set, meet characters, take boat rides, and enjoy activities for all ages.

There are plenty of opportunities for swimming and water sports, but be warned, it can get very busy in summer.

Another option is to visit nearby St Paul’s Bay for the Malta National Aquarium, which is what we did after our morning in Mellieha.

It’s smaller, but if you happen to have someone in your group who loves Aquariums (like my husband!) then this is a nice way to spend an hour or two.

For lunch today I again recommend One80 Kitchen & Lounge in Mellieha if you didn’t get the chance to eat there last night.

If you’re at Popeye Village, they have a range of food options available, or if you’re at the Malta National Aquarium, their restaurant is lovely with views over the ocean and they do a delicious pizza.

For dinner, if you are in Mellieha, try Commando Restaurant, or if you are in St Paul’s Bay, enjoy some seafood at Ocean Basket.

Day 5: The Silent City of Mdina and Rabat

• Morning: Discover the fortified city of Mdina, known as the “Silent City”. Wander through its narrow streets and visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Fontanella Tea Garden with views over the island.
• Afternoon: Head to Rabat to explore the St. Paul’s Catacombs and Domus Romana.
• Dinner: Enjoy a lovely dinner at The Medina Restaurant.

My day in Mdina and Rabat ended up all over the place because we had heard there would be festivities here for the Feast of St Joseph (March 19th).

The streets were decorated and there were people everywhere. We got caught up in the President’s arrival at Mass, with music and singing.

Statues were paraded through the streets, and zeppoles were being sold everywhere as the sweet treat of the day.

But since that is unlikely to be happening when you visit, here is what I suggest for you.

Mdina and Rabat are linked, like two suburbs next to each other. Mdina was the capital of Malta, and is an incredibly well-preserved walled town. Rabat is more of a sprawling town where today most people live and work.

I recommend basing your decision around visiting Mdina or Rabat first on whether or not there is a free walking tour available when you visit. If there isn’t, then either way works.

I loved exploring the maze-like streets of Mdina. When you get to the top of the walls there are incredible views across almost the whole country.

Mdina is not called the silent city for nothing. Even with the festivities going on outside, the walled city felt calm and quiet. But remember I was there on a public holiday.

Make sure you have lunch – or at least a cup of tea – at the Fontanella Tea Garden up on the Mdina city walls. It’s a lovely setting and they are known for their delicious cakes. If having lunch, this is a good place to try the traditional ftira bread.

In Rabat, take a look underground at St Paul’s Catacombs and explore Domus Romana, a Roman villa with remnants of mosaics and other artefacts dating back to the 1st century BC.

If you need some refreshments in Rabat, we had coffee, cannoli and zeppole in a little cafe called Chalk. If you’re lucky (we were) you can sit out on a cute little balcony overlooking the street while you eat.

Eat dinner tonight at The Medina Restaurant before returning back to your accommodation.

Day 6: Marsaxlokk and the South Coast

• Morning: Visit the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Stroll through the vibrant Sunday fish market (if it’s Sunday), and admire the colourful traditional boats, “Luzzus.”
• Lunch: Dine by the waterfront at Tartarun Fish Restaurant.
• Afternoon: Head to the nearby St. Peter’s Pool for a swim or sunbathing.
• Evening: Make your way back and have dinner at The Harbour Club in Valletta.

I have put this here at day six, but I recommend moving this day to Sunday, wherever that falls in your schedule so that you can enjoy the Sunday morning fish market.

Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village, and as such it really comes alive during the markets. We caught the tail end of the markets, and I wish we had arrived a little earlier.

If you really want to experience the fish markets, they are in full swing by 6:30am and over by about 10am.

After the markets, enjoy a stroll around the harbour to admire the colourful boats and then grab lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants alone the shore.

We were there on what seemed to be a busy day and sadly the place we had lunch at was adequate but not amazing. The food was good but service was incredibly slow.

I’ve heard great things about Tartarun Fish Restaurant though, so while I didn’t eat there, I will recommend it here instead.

After lunch, you can visit the nearby St Peter’s Pool to cool off in the natural swimming hole. You will need a taxi to get there, or it’s about a 30 minute walk from the centre of Marsaxlokk.

If you prefer, make your way back to Valletta or your accommodation and treat this afternoon as free time near the pool or an opportunity to do something else in Malta.

A food tour perhaps, or a photography tour, or even a cocktail masterclass.

Tonight I recommend enjoying dinner at The Harbour Club. Sadly this is another one I didn’t personally try, but I have since seen it shared by someone else I know and it is firmly on my list for my next visit.

Day 7: Blue Grotto and Hagar Qim Temples

• Morning: Visit the stunning Blue Grotto for a boat tour in Wied iz-Zurrieq.
• Lunch: Have a light lunch at Diar il-Bniet in Dingli.
• Afternoon: Discover Malta’s prehistoric past at the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples, followed by a scenic walk along the cliffs.
• Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Rampila Restaurant in Valletta.

If you’ve had enough of stunning coastal scenery, beautiful blue water and swimming, you can skip this and enjoy a sleep-in, but I do recommend taking a look.

This morning make your way to the Blue Grotto.

This is another series of stunning sea caves located on the coast of Malta, known for its crystal-clear waters and striking blue hues.

The main arch, which rises dramatically from the sea, creates a beautiful frame for the sunlight to reflect off the water, illuminating the caves with shades of blue, green, and purple.

Visitors can take boat trips to explore the caves up close, making it a popular spot for swimming, diving, and photography.

After the Blue Grotto, make your way up the coast to the town of Dingli, where you will have lunch at Diar il-Bniet – and perhaps pick up some local produce as souvenirs to take home.

After lunch head to the Ħaġar Qim Temples. These are one of Malta’s most significant prehistoric sites, dating back to around 3600 BC.

Located on a hilltop overlooking the sea, the temple complex is made up of massive limestone slabs, some weighing over 20 tons, arranged to form chambers and altars.

The site is part of Malta’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers a glimpse into the island’s Neolithic past, making it a fascinating visit.

For your last evening in Malta, head back to Valletta and dine at the unique Rampila Restaurant, set on the gun emplacement overlooking the defensive ditch and the gates to the Valletta.

An Additional Day Trip

If you have an extra day, or one of the other days does not suit you, here is one more idea for a day trip that I think would be fabulous.

Two months after my trip to Malta I visited Sicily, and loved it there. I stayed in Syracuse and did a tour to Mt Etna during my stay.

Malta is so close to Sicily and this might be your opportunity for a small taste of another incredible island.

Extra Tips

• Transport: Buses are convenient (that’s what I used), but consider renting a car for flexibility, especially for Gozo and countryside explorations.
• Restaurants: If you’re like me, you likely won’t want to eat out at a restaurant for every meal. There are lots of opportunities to pick up some quick eats, like the Pastizzi, to eat on the go.
• Accommodation: Stay in Valletta or Sliema for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities. I stayed at the Alavits Hotel by ST Hotels.

This itinerary gives you a mix of history, culture, nature, and a dash of relaxation, ensuring you make the most of your time in Malta. Enjoy!

Use these posts to keep on planning your perfect visit to Malta
Things to know before you go to Malta
Best Time of Year to Go to Malta