Top Things to do in Malta in 5 Days

What to do with 5 Days in Malta

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural adventure, you will find it in Malta. You can mix and match the top activities and sights mentioned here to best fit your schedule but to see more of the city and explore at your own pace, we recommend a minimum of 5 days.

How to get around in Malta

Getting around Malta is relatively easy and convenient due to its small size.

• Renting a car: This allows for more flexibility and freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Do keep in mind that they drive on the opposite (left) side of the road.
• Ferries: If you’re planning to visit Gozo and Comino, you can take a ferry from Cirkewwa in the north of Malta and explore other parts of the Maltese archipelago.
• Taxis: Widely available in both Malta and Gozo. Uber and Bolt are also great alternatives. Keep in mind that taxi fares are not regulated, so it’s a good idea to negotiate the fare beforehand.
• Public Transport: Buses are the main mode of public transportation. This is a relatively cheap and reliable way of getting around, even throughout the night, however, buses tend to be packed. Tickets can be purchased directly onboard.

Where to Stay in Malta

Malta has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, boutique hotel, guesthouse, or an apartment, ultimately where you stay will depend on your budget, preferences, and itinerary.

• Valletta: Known for its stunning architecture, Malta’s capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of churches and museums.
• Sliema: Located on the east coast of Malta, Sliema is a popular tourist destination with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Sliema is a good base for exploring the rest of the island.
• St. Julian’s: St. Julian’s is a lively resort town that is popular for its nightlife.
• Gozo: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, the island of Gozo is a great alternative, but it’s a 40-minute ferry ride from the main island.

Did you know

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Where to Eat in Malta

• Aaron’s Kitchen: Home-cooked style Maltese food.
• Il-Kartell Restaurant: Seafood restaurant in Gozo.
• Gozitan: It is a highly-rated Maltese restaurant in St Julien’s, remember to reserve in advance.
• Peperoncino: Located in St. Julien’s this restaurant serves a tasty calamari pasta.
• The Bell Valletta Cafe Wine & Dine: family-run restaurant next to the water) 
• Kamy Cocktail Bar: Groovy cocktail bar in Valletta. With an extensive drinks menu. They also serve signature cocktails with decorative rice paper coating of world-renowned paintings.
• Muza Restaurant: Located in a museum courtyard. Make sure to reserve in advance.
• Ta Víctor: Genuine Maltese food experience in the colorful fishing town of Marsaxlokk.
• Manuela Pastizzi: Great pastizzi on the go establishment in Valletta.
• Cafe Berry: Pistacchio coffee and croissants.

Overview of your 5 days in Malta Itinerary

With its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes, you’ll get to explore the most important sights of Malta, while having the time to relax and soak in the sun.

Day 1: Explore the winding streets of Valletta

Valletta: the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions.

Don’t miss St. John’s Cathedral, the most important church in Malta and a stunning example of Baroque architecture: entrance €15 EUR

Visit the Grand Master’s Palace to see the ancient seat of the Knights Hospitallier: entrance €6 EUR.

Visit the Upper & Lower Barakka Gardens and soak in the views over the Grand Harbour and spot ‘The Three Cities’: Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua. 

Take a Dgħajsa, this traditional gondola-style wooden boat, once served as a fishing boat for local fishermen, nowadays, they are primarily used as water taxis. 

Visit Birgu, the oldest of the Three Cities, just across the water from Valletta.

The journey to reach Birgu by water takes about 7 minutes and costs €2 EUR. Alternatively, you can opt for a more scenic route and pay €8 EUR, which includes a 30-minute harbor tour. 

Day 2: Travel back in time and visit the fortified city of Mdina

Known as the “silent city,” Mdina was once the capital of Malta.

Get lost in the narrow streets and marvel at the beautiful baroque and medieval buildings.

See the beautiful frescoes in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Stroll through the Howard Gardens, which divide the cities of Mdina and Rabat. 

Have lunch in one of the many courtyard restaurants of Rabat. 

Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs, dating back to the Roman era, and learn about how Christianity made its way to Malta. Entrance €5 EUR.

Get a glimpse into the daily life of the Roman era and visit the Domus Romana townhouse featuring beautiful mosaics and frescoes.

Step into the shoes of Maltese nobility at Casa Benard Palace.

Day 3: Beach Day!

Explore the charming traditional fishing town of Marsaxlokk dotted with its uniquely colorful Maltese boats, the Luzzu.

Go for a swim at St. Peter’s pool and dive into the water by jumping from the white rock arch surrounding it.

If you’re feeling adventurous go for a hike, and visit the salt pans. 

Check out the village that was used as the set of the Popeye musical and take photos from the cliffs above.

Spend the rest of your day at one of the many turquoise-water beaches. The most popular sandy beaches are Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay, while Ghan Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Beach) is popular among surfers. 

Day 4: Spend a full day exploring the island of Gozo! 

Getting to the laidback island of Gozo is definitely worth the 40-minute boat ride. Just make sure that you give yourself enough time to explore its beaches and towns at a leisurely pace.

Make sure to check out the ‘Ta Kolo windmill.

Roam around the fortified Citadel offering panoramic views of the surrounding country.

Go out of your way and visit the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu.

Go for a hike to Tal Mixta Cave, offering stunning coastal views above Ramla Bay beach.

Relax, sunbathe, and go for a swim at the sandy beach of Ramla Bay.

Day 5: Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Blue Lagoon

Wake up early and make your way to the Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino! 

This is probably one of the most popular spots in Malta, so make sure to head over early. If you’re staying in Gozo the boat ride takes about 10 minutes. 

Explore the other side of Comino and check out  Santa Maria Bay and its caves. The caves can be reached on foot by passing through a cave tunnel from Santa Maria Bay. Alternatively, you can also go by kayak or a paid boat tour, which costs €15 EUR. Don’t forget your snorkeling gear!

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Final Thoughts

Steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, Malta is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. In this 5-day itinerary, you’ll explore some of the top sights and experiences in the Maltese Archipelago. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about planning your next trip.