Malta is one of those destinations that feels like stepping into another world - a blend of rich history, stunning coastlines, and charming towns that make it an unforgettable Mediterranean stop. This island nation is right in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, with a major international airport, making it a perfect stop on a European summer trip - or a dedicated getaway on its own.
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Related reading: Are Gozo Tours Worth It? The Best Ways to Explore Malta's Most Beautiful Island
Related reading: Malta Photo Guide: 16 Best Photo Spots in Malta (+ Map)
Getting To Malta:
Malta International Airport has connections across Europe, and Delta added seasonal nonstop service from New York-JFK in June 2026; outside that seasonal schedule, connections through major European hubs remain useful. On our honeymoon, we flew directly from Athens, Greece, and continued on to Bari, Italy, making Malta the perfect Mediterranean stopover.
Check availability and best flight prices: On Kayak.com | On Expedia.com
Alternatively, Malta is also so close to Sicily, Italy that you can take a direct ferry between them.
Getting Around:
While I usually always recommend renting a car in practically every destination, we found ubers and taxis to be so affordable, and the cities so walkable that we were happy we didn't have a car for the entire time - especially because you can't drive in many of the city centers. Our uber would drop us off just outside the cities like Mdina and Valletta and then we would just explore on foot from there. We rented a car for two days to go around the island and see some of the farther sites like the Megalithic Temples and more isolated beaches, which was the perfect amount.
How Many Days Do You Need in Malta?
We stayed for five nights, which felt perfect for exploring the main island and feeling like we had enough time. If you’re adding Malta’s northern island, Gozo, and want to fully explore all the places to visit in Malta, I would plan for a full week to take it all in without feeling rushed.
5 Things You Need To Know:
- English is widely spoken - Maltese and English are both official languages, making it easy for English-speaking travelers to communicate.
- Ferries can be faster than driving - Especially between Valletta, Sliema, and the Three Cities. Ferries can be a scenic and efficient way to get around.
- Malta has a rich festival scene - Plan your trip around events like the Malta International Arts Festival or the colorful village festas for a taste of local culture - we ended up walking into a celebratory parade in Valletta our first night! During the lively village festas, colorful flags waved through the streets, adding extra sparkle and energy to the parade.
- Maltese cuisine is a must-try - Be sure to sample local specialties like pastizzi (flaky pastries filled with ricotta or peas), rabbit stew, and ftira (Maltese-style bread). Tap water here is safe, but not great-tasting.
- Power outlets use UK-style plugs - Make sure not to just bring a European plug adapter, but a universal or British style.
Shop Travel Essentials:
The Best Hotels in Malta
View from our room at Malta Marriott
High-End:
- Malta Marriott Resort & Spa (St. Julian's) - A luxurious beachfront property combining classic elegance with modern comfort. Featuring a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and spacious rooms, it’s perfect for both relaxation and exploring the island. We stayed here for our entire trip!
- The Phoenicia Malta (Valletta) - A historic landmark hotel just outside the city gates, offering stunning gardens, an infinity pool, and refined luxury.
- Hilton Malta (St. Julian's) - A resort-style hotel with multiple pools, spacious rooms, and excellent waterfront dining.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- Palazzo Violetta Boutique Hotel (Sliema) - A stylish and affordable boutique hotel with comfortable suites and a small pool.
- AX The Victoria Hotel (Sliema) - A charming property offering excellent amenities, including an indoor pool and rooftop terrace.
Budget Hotels:
- Inhawi Boutique Hostel (St. Julian’s) - A modern hostel with great social spaces, sea views, and a laid-back vibe.
- Two Pillows Boutique Hostel (Sliema) - A chic, budget-friendly hostel with both dorms and private rooms, conveniently located near the ferry to Valletta.
Summer Travel Style:
Valletta City
Malta’s capital Valletta is a stunning blend of history, culture, and vibrant city life - and a beautiful city to walk around and explore. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Valletta was built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century and remains one of Europe’s most well-preserved historic cities. With so much to see and so many incredible restaurants, of all the cities in Malta, we came back here to Valletta the most.
Walk through the ancient streets of the city to see grand palaces, bustling squares, and charming side streets lined with colorful doors and balconies.
Valletta is famous for lively street restaurants and bars dotting up and down the endless steps of the city. Stop for an Aperol Spritz (or a few) in the afternoon for a true Europe Summer moment and to meet people from all over at the nearby tables.
Eat at La Pira Maltese Kitchen for traditional Maltese cuisine for a great dinner - and get the local speciality rabbit rigatoni.
For a different vibe, go to the Michelin recognized Aki Japanese Restaurant for incredible cocktails and sushi.
And for lunch or a casual dinner, Sotto Pinsa Romana Valletta has incredible pizza - we took ours to go and ate it on the street.
Upper Barrakka Gardens is one of Valletta’s best viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. Originally built as a private retreat for the Knights of St. John, the gardens are now a peaceful public space with beautifully manicured greenery, historic statues, and the iconic Saluting Battery, where cannons are still fired daily at noon.
I'm not usually one to take time for most religious sites, but St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a must-visit, with an elaborate Baroque interior adorned with intricate gold detailing, tombstones, renaissance paintings, and stunningly detailed marble flooring - and known for Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Regardless of your feelings on religion, the art alone here is well worth the visit.
Where To Stay
- The Phoenicia Malta: A garden hotel just outside Valletta’s city gates for a quieter base beside the capital.
- AX The Saint John: A contemporary boutique base on Merchant Street, a short walk from St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
- La Falconeria Hotel: Stay on Melita Street for easy walks to Valletta’s museums, gardens, and restaurants.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Valletta walking tour: Get oriented with a licensed guide on a walk through the capital’s streets and major landmarks.
- Valletta food tour: Taste Maltese dishes and drinks while exploring the capital with a local guide.
- Valletta and Three Cities harbor cruise: Depart from Sliema for a narrated sightseeing cruise around the harbors; this is a cruise, not a Birgu walking tour.
Mdina City
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina is a beautifully preserved medieval town that feels frozen in time. Perched on a hilltop in central Malta, it was once the island’s capital and remains one of its most atmospheric destinations that feels like walking into a film set - starting at Mdina Gate, the grand entrance to the city and an iconic landmark. Its impressive archway and fortified walls make it one of the most photographed spots in Malta, setting the stage for the medieval charm inside.
To get the most out of the city or if you love history in particular, take a guided walking tour. You can also visit the historic dungeons here!
Walking through its narrow, winding streets and alleys, you’ll find golden limestone buildings, grand palaces, and hidden courtyards, all exuding a sense of old-world charm. The city’s limited traffic and quiet ambiance make it feel like stepping into another era - park your car or have your taxi drop you off outside the city and explore the winding roads on foot.
Mdina is most known for its use as a filming location for Game of Thrones, the gate, medieval streets, and Mesquita Square were used as the backdrop for King’s Landing in the show’s first season.
Don't leave without stopping at Fontanella Tea Garden, famous for its cakes and panoramic views over the island. The city here is amazing, but you can see more of it in a half day or a full day if you visit the museums and take a tour.
Where To Stay
- The Xara Palace: Stay inside Mdina’s walls in a restored palace for quiet evenings after the day-trippers leave.
- Point de Vue Guesthouse: A convenient Rabat guesthouse just outside Mdina’s walls, with a restaurant and terrace.
- Adelphi Boutique Hotel: An adults-only boutique stay in Rabat, close to the lanes and historic sights around Mdina.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Mdina and Rabat walking tour: Explore Mdina with a licensed guide and visit the Wignacourt Museum’s catacombs in neighboring Rabat.
- Mdina cathedral and museum ticket: Book combined entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Mdina Cathedral Museum for a self-guided visit.
- Private prehistoric temples and Mdina tour: Combine prehistoric temple sites with Mdina on a private outing, checking the selected itinerary and admission inclusions.
Birgu City
One of Malta’s oldest and most historic towns, Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa) is another city that is beautiful to walk through with old stone buildings, colorful doors and balconies, and ornate details everywhere. Take a free visit through the Sicolo Norman House to see the inside of one of these 13th century homes that are still in the city.
The Grand Harbour in Birgu is one of Malta’s most significant landmarks, serving as a natural port that has been at the heart of the island’s maritime activity for centuries, flanked by Valletta on one side and the Three Cities on the other - a must visit for those interested in military and maritime history. Today, it’s a stunning sight, with fortifications, bastions, mega-yachts, and picturesque waterfronts creating one of the most scenic views in the Mediterranean.
A great way to experience the Grand Harbour is by taking a traditional dgħajsa boat - a small, colorful Maltese water taxi that offers a unique perspective of the area. From the other side in Valletta, the Upper Barrakka Gardens provide one of the best panoramic viewpoints looking into Birgu. For a deeper dive into the area’s history, explore Fort St. Angelo, which has stood guard over the harbor for centuries.
Within Fort St Angelo at the harbour is the Mediterranean seafood Restaurant Terrone - for an incredibly unique, upscale dining experience
Other restaurants worth stopping at in Birgu are:
- Don Berto - fresh seafood and local dishes along the waterfront promenade make it a perfect stop for a quieter, authentic Maltese experience.
- Cafe Riche - A family-run cafe with a BEAUTIFUL garden perfect for coffee, a snack or an al fresco lunch.
- Bebirgu - a cozy gem featuring traditional, seasonal dishes with a modern twist - best enjoyed in its beautiful courtyard under the glow of historic city walls
Where To Stay
These stays are in neighboring Senglea and Cospicua, convenient bases for exploring Birgu and the Three Cities.
- Cugo Gran Macina Malta: Stay in neighboring Senglea for a historic harbor setting and a rooftop pool overlooking the Three Cities.
- Casa Birmula Boutique Hotel: A boutique base in neighboring Cospicua for exploring the Three Cities on foot.
- Senglea Suites: A small Senglea stay with a sun terrace, well placed for exploring the surrounding harbor neighborhoods.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Birgu walking tour with the Inquisitor’s Palace: Explore Birgu’s old streets with a guide and visit the Inquisitor’s Palace, with admission included.
- Grand Harbour heritage combination ticket: Visit Fort St. Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Tarxien temples at your own pace; this is an admission bundle, not a guided tour.
- Valletta and Three Cities harbor cruise: Depart from Sliema for a narrated sightseeing cruise around the harbors; this is a cruise, not a Birgu walking tour.
Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Archeological Park:
These ancient temples date back over 5,000 years and are among the world’s oldest freestanding stone monuments, predating even the Egyptian pyramids. Protected from the elements under an open-air tent, the temples feature impressive stone carvings and altars that give a glimpse into Malta’s ancient past. I love ancient history and am always blown away by Paleolithic to Megalithic relics, and was blown away by this site. Being able to walk among the temples and see every hand-carved mark after over 5000 years was a mind-blowing experience for me. Brandon wasn't as excited, as I am always dragging him to every ancient site I can when we are in the Mediterranean.
The temple complexes within this archaeological park were built during Malta’s late Neolithic period, more than 5,000 years ago. Hagar Qim is perched on a hill with panoramic sea views, while Mnajdra, just a short walk downhill, is perfectly aligned with the solstices. The intricate stone carvings, altars, and astronomical alignments suggest these temples were used for rituals and celestial observations. To get the most out of the experience, book a private tour with a knowledgeable guide.
There are two more ancient temple sites in Malta:
Tarxien Temples – Situated near Valletta, this complex consists of four temples built between 3600 and 2500 BC. Tarxien is particularly known for its detailed carvings, including spiral motifs and remnants of a massive stone statue, believed to depict a fertility goddess.
Ġgantija Temples (Gozo) – Though technically on Malta’s sister island, these are some of the most well-known of Malta’s ancient structures. If you're visiting Gozo, they’re a must-see for understanding the full scope of Malta’s prehistoric civilization.
Where To Stay
The temples are a day-trip stop. These bases are in Marsaxlokk, Senglea, and Floriana rather than inside the archaeological park; arrange a car, taxi, or tour pickup.
- Port View Guesthouse: Stay in Marsaxlokk for harbor restaurants and a southern-island base, with a separate drive to the temples.
- Cugo Gran Macina Malta: Stay in neighboring Senglea for a historic harbor setting and a rooftop pool overlooking the Three Cities.
- The Phoenicia Malta: A garden hotel just outside Valletta’s city gates for a quieter base beside the capital.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Malta prehistoric temples tour: Visit Hagar Qim, Mnajdra, and Ghar Dalam with a guide on a half-day outing; confirm your pickup point when booking.
- Private prehistoric temples and Mdina tour: Combine prehistoric temple sites with Mdina on a private outing, checking the selected itinerary and admission inclusions.
- Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Qrendi guided tour: Explore southern Malta’s fishing village, coastal scenery, and village streets; check boat-ride costs and weather conditions.
The Blue Lagoon
Located on the tiny island of Comino, North of Malta's Main Island, the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are straight out of a postcard. I was blown away - the lagoon really is THAT blue. The photos straight out of my phone look just as saturated that it almost doesn't look real.
Before going ashore at the Blue Lagoon, reserve a free access time slot through the official booking system and keep your QR code handy; a boat ticket does not replace the required shore-access reservation.
The lagoon is best visited early in the morning to avoid the midday crowds. Bring water shoes - sharp rocks line the shore, and rent or pack a snorkel for exploring the clear, shallow waters. Comino’s Crystal Lagoon is also worth a visit if you’re looking for a less crowded but equally stunning spot to swim
For the shortest crossing, Comino Ferries runs from Marfa and Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon in approximately 20 minutes each way; cruises from Sliema take longer, so check the departure point and timetable before booking.
But for a more adventurous and personalized journey, do what we did and rent your own speedboat (license-free options are available, but confirm the current age, experience, and weather requirements for your chosen boat) from Bluewaves Watersports. Renting our own speedboat is one of our favorite things to do in the Mediterranean - you can avoid group tours without the high cost of private charters.
Where To Stay
Stay on Malta’s main island and visit Comino by boat. These northern Malta hotels require a separate transfer to the departure point listed on your booking.
- Solana Hotel & Spa: A Mellieha village base with rooftop pools; arrange transport to Golden Bay or your Comino departure point.
- Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: A hillside Mellieha hotel with pools and a spa, convenient for exploring northern Malta by car or taxi.
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Stay directly above Golden Bay for beach access, pools, and a spa between island outings.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Blue Lagoon catamaran trip from Bugibba: Join a shared cruise from Bugibba with swimming stops chosen for the sea conditions; arrange transport to the departure point.
- Private Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trip: Explore Comino’s lagoons and nearby coast on a private boat outing; check the meeting point and sea conditions before booking.
- Private sailing yacht charter from Marina di Valletta: Charter a skippered yacht from Pieta for a day of swimming and coastal stops, with the route adapted to the weather.
St Julians and Sliema Cities
St. Julian’s and Sliema are two of Malta’s most vibrant coastal towns, known for their mix of waterfront dining, nightlife, and scenic seaside promenades. St. Julian’s is famous for its lively atmosphere, with Paceville being the island’s main nightlife hub, packed with bars, clubs, and late-night spots. But beyond the party scene, St. Julian’s also offers excellent dining and luxury resorts.
We stayed here at the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa, which was perfect as the area is centrally located, has lots of restaurants nearby, and is a great base to explore the island.
Sliema, just south of St. Julian’s, is a bustling shopping and dining district with a stunning promenade stretching along the coast. The Sliema Ferries area is a key transport hub, offering quick boat trips to Valletta and harbor cruises. This area is perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk, stopping for coffee at a seaside café or exploring the boutique stores and malls. Sliema also has a range of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels, making it a convenient base for exploring the island.
Where To Stay
For the sailing charter, travel to Marina di Valletta in Pieta; the food tour meets in Valletta, across the harbor from Sliema.
- Malta Marriott Resort & Spa: The St. Julian’s hotel we stayed at, with comfortable rooms and a convenient base near Balluta Bay.
- AX The Victoria Hotel: A Sliema base with pool facilities and easy access to the surrounding streets and waterfront.
- Palazzo Violetta Boutique Hotel: A smaller Sliema hotel with a pool, convenient for exploring the coastal towns.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Valletta and Three Cities harbor cruise: Depart from Sliema for a narrated sightseeing cruise around the harbors; this is a cruise, not a Birgu walking tour.
- Private sailing yacht charter from Marina di Valletta: Charter a skippered yacht from Pieta for a day of swimming and coastal stops, with the route adapted to the weather.
- Valletta food tour: Taste Maltese dishes and drinks while exploring the capital with a local guide.
Malta's Best Beach: Golden Bay Beach
Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most popular sandy beaches, known for its golden sands and clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views. Beach clubs and restaurants nearby make it easy to spend a full day here - perched over the beach is Agliolio Restaurant, for Italian food on the large patio with an ocean view.
One thing to note here is that beaches in Malta are strictly not topless unlike most of the rest of Europe - lifeguards here were telling women to put tops on.
Where To Stay
Radisson is at Golden Bay; the other stays are in Mellieha village. The catamaran is a separate outing from Bugibba, not a guaranteed Golden Bay stop.
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Stay directly above Golden Bay for beach access, pools, and a spa between island outings.
- Solana Hotel & Spa: A Mellieha village base with rooftop pools; arrange transport to Golden Bay or your Comino departure point.
- Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: A hillside Mellieha hotel with pools and a spa, convenient for exploring northern Malta by car or taxi.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Private Malta highlights day tour: Combine Golden Bay views with Valletta, Mdina, and other island sights on a private day tour; this is sightseeing rather than a full beach day.
- Private Malta day tour: Plan a tailored island outing with your guide and request time at Golden Bay when agreeing the route.
- Blue Lagoon catamaran trip from Bugibba: Join a shared cruise from Bugibba with swimming stops chosen for the sea conditions; arrange transport to the departure point.
Take a Sailboat around the Island:
For a unique way to explore Malta’s coastline and a private, upscale experience, charter a sailboat for a day. Private boat tours offer a chance to discover hidden coves, swim in secluded bays, and experience Malta from the water.
Most charters depart from Valletta or Sliema - this was one of the highlights of our trip!
Where To Stay
Choose a base that suits the rest of your trip, then arrange transport to your boat’s meeting point. The private motorboat and shared catamaran are alternatives to the sailing yacht.
- The Phoenicia Malta: A garden hotel just outside Valletta’s city gates for a quieter base beside the capital.
- Malta Marriott Resort & Spa: The St. Julian’s hotel we stayed at, with comfortable rooms and a convenient base near Balluta Bay.
- AX The Victoria Hotel: A Sliema base with pool facilities and easy access to the surrounding streets and waterfront.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Private sailing yacht charter from Marina di Valletta: Charter a skippered yacht from Pieta for a day of swimming and coastal stops, with the route adapted to the weather.
- Private Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trip: Explore Comino’s lagoons and nearby coast on a private boat outing; check the meeting point and sea conditions before booking.
- Blue Lagoon catamaran trip from Bugibba: Join a shared cruise from Bugibba with swimming stops chosen for the sea conditions; arrange transport to the departure point.
7 Day Malta Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Valletta
- Arrive in Malta and check into your hotel in Valletta.
- Explore Republic Street, visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and enjoy sunset views from Upper Barrakka Gardens.
- Dinner at La Pira - a cozy spot known for its traditional Maltese dishes, especially the rabbit rigatoni.
For a guided introduction, book the Valletta walking tour or the Valletta food tour.
Day 2: Valletta & The Three Cities
- Spend the morning exploring Valletta’s National Museum of Archaeology and Grand Master’s Palace.
- Take the ferry to Birgu and wander through the charming streets of the Three Cities.
- Visit Fort St. Angelo for incredible Grand Harbour views.
- Dinner at Don Berto by the waterfront.
If you prefer a Three Cities base, stay at Cugo Gran Macina Malta in Senglea; the Birgu walking tour meets across the harbor in Vittoriosa.
Day 3: Mdina & Rabat
- Explore Mdina’s ancient walls, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, and stroll through the medieval streets.
- Stop in neighboring Rabat for lunch at Grotto Tavern, known for its cave-like dining space.
- Spend the evening exploring Mdina’s magical atmosphere at night.
For a quieter overnight here, stay at The Xara Palace inside Mdina or Point de Vue Guesthouse in Rabat, and book the Mdina and Rabat walking tour for more historical context.
Day 4: Blue Lagoon & Comino
- Take a boat from Cirkewwa or Sliema to Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
- Relax in the crystal-clear waters or explore Comino’s hiking trails.
- Explore Comino’s Crystal Lagoon for a quieter swimming spot.
- Return to Malta in the evening and have a relaxed dinner in Sliema.
For this boat day, compare the Blue Lagoon catamaran trip with a private Comino boat trip, and use Solana Hotel & Spa in Mellieha as a mainland base with transport to your chosen departure point.
Day 5: Gozo Day Trip
- Take the ferry to Gozo and visit the Citadel in Victoria.
- Swim at Ramla Bay or explore the unique rock formations at Dwejra Bay.
- Don’t miss visiting the Ta’ Pinu Basilica for incredible views.
Where To Stay on Gozo
If you extend Gozo beyond a day trip, these hotels offer three different island bases. Check whether your tour starts on Gozo or includes transfers from Malta.
- The Duke Boutique Hotel: A central Victoria base beside Villa Rundle Gardens for exploring Gozo beyond a day trip.
- Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: A garden resort in western Gozo with pools and a spa, near the Dwejra area.
- Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa: Choose a quieter Sannat setting with stone bungalow-style rooms, terraces, and pools.
What To Do: Tours and Bookable Experiences
- Gozo Jeep tour: Explore Gozo with a driver, lunch, and transfers; check the pickup option and any separate attraction admission fees.
- Gozo chauffeured tuk-tuk day tour: Explore Gozo with a driver on a full-day tuk-tuk outing, selecting the transfer option that matches your starting island.
- Private Gozo tuk-tuk or Jeep tour: Book a private chauffeured outing around Gozo and confirm pickup and your preferred stops with the operator.
Day 6: Hagar Qim Temples & Marsaxlokk
- Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO-listed Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples.
- Continue to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk for seafood at Tartarun Restaurant.
For a guided outing in southern Malta, the Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, and Qrendi tour combines fishing-village scenery with southern Malta’s sights; the optional grotto boat ride is paid separately and depends on the weather.
- Relax at St. Peter’s Pool, a stunning natural swimming hole.
- End the day at Golden Bay, one of Malta’s most popular beaches, perfect for sunset views.
If staying in the south, Port View Guesthouse puts you in Marsaxlokk; for a beach overnight instead, choose Radisson Blu Golden Sands at Golden Bay.
Day 7: St. Julian’s, Sliema & Departure
- Spend your final day in the lively St. Julian’s area.
- Brunch at Gululu for authentic Maltese dishes by the waterfront.
- Enjoy cocktails at 33 Steps Cocktail Bar, known for its creative drinks and speakeasy vibe.
- Have a farewell dinner at Aki, a sleek Japanese-Mediterranean fusion restaurant in Valletta.
Malta Marriott is a convenient St. Julian’s base, while a harbor cruise from Sliema is an option if your flight leaves enough time.
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