A week is the ideal amount of time for Malta. It’s enough to explore the capital, the medieval Silent City, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo without rushing, and still have time for a lazy beach afternoon and a sunset on the water.
This 7-day Malta itinerary assumes you stay in Valletta, Sliema or St Julian’s. Short on time? Scroll down for 3- and 5-day versions.
Day 1: Valletta, Malta’s capital
Start at City Gate and walk down Republic Street to St John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the best view of the Grand Harbour and the Saluting Battery’s noon gun.
In the afternoon, visit Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum or the Lascaris War Rooms. Finish with dinner on Strait Street.
Explore Valletta tours → · Things to do in Valletta
Day 2: The Three Cities & Grand Harbour
Take the Barrakka Lift down to the waterfront and cross the harbour by ferry or traditional dgħajsa to Birgu (Vittoriosa). Explore Fort St Angelo, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the quiet lanes, then walk to Senglea’s Gardjola Gardens for a classic view back to Valletta.
In the evening, a harbour cruise shows off the fortifications from the water. Read our Three Cities guide.
Day 3: Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs
Head inland to Mdina, the walled “Silent City”, ideally early before tour groups arrive. Wander its narrow streets, visit St Paul’s Cathedral and enjoy the view from the bastions. Next door in Rabat, explore St Paul’s Catacombs and grab a pastizz.
End the day at Dingli Cliffs, Malta’s highest point, for a spectacular sunset over the sea.
Mdina tours · Mdina guide · Dingli Cliffs guide
Day 4: Comino & the Blue Lagoon
Spend the day on the water. Boat trips to Comino include swim stops at the famous Blue Lagoon, and often the Crystal Lagoon and sea caves. Take the earliest departure you can to beat the crowds.
Book a Comino & Blue Lagoon trip → · Blue Lagoon tips
Day 5: Gozo day trip
Catch the ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. Visit the Citadel in Victoria, the 5,500-year-old Ġgantija Temples, the dramatic coastline at Dwejra and red-sand Ramla Bay. Have a seafood lunch in Xlendi or Marsalforn.
A guided tour or private driver saves time on ferry logistics and parking. See Gozo tours → · One-day Gozo itinerary
Day 6: The south: Blue Grotto, temples & Marsaxlokk
Start with a boat ride into the Blue Grotto sea caves from Wied iż-Żurrieq. Morning light is best, and boats run only in calm seas. Then visit the clifftop temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
Finish in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk with its colourful luzzu boats and fresh fish restaurants. On a Sunday, the fish market is at its busiest.
Marsaxlokk tours · Blue Grotto guide · Malta’s temples
Tip: The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground prehistoric burial site, admits very few visitors per day. If you want to see it, book tickets weeks in advance.
Day 7: Beach day & sunset cruise
Slow down on your final day. Head to Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa or Mellieħa Bay for sand and swimming, or try snorkelling and water sports. In the evening, toast your trip on a sunset cruise along the coast.
Malta sunset cruises → · Water sports
3- and 5-day versions
Malta in 3 days
- Valletta + harbour cruise
- Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs
- Comino & Blue Lagoon boat trip
Malta in 5 days
- Valletta
- Three Cities
- Mdina & Dingli
- Comino & Blue Lagoon
- Gozo day trip
Getting around during your week
Malta’s buses reach almost everywhere but can be slow. For the south and Mdina days, a private driver lets you fit in more stops with no waiting. Boat days and Gozo are easiest on an organised tour with hotel pickup.
Want this itinerary planned and booked for you? Try our trip planner or browse all Malta tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days in Malta too long?
No. Seven days is ideal for Malta. It gives you time to see Valletta, Mdina, the Three Cities, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, a full day in Gozo and the south coast, plus a relaxing beach day.
How many days do you need in Malta?
Three days covers the highlights (Valletta, Mdina and the Blue Lagoon). Five days adds Gozo and the Three Cities, and a full week lets you see the islands at a relaxed pace.
Can you do Gozo and Comino on the same day?
Yes. Many boat tours combine Gozo and Comino, usually with a Blue Lagoon swim stop. You will have less time at each, so a separate day for Gozo is better if you want to explore inland.
Do I need a car for a week in Malta?
No. Buses, ferries, organised tours and private drivers cover everything in this itinerary. A car is useful for exploring Gozo independently, but parking in Valletta and Sliema can be difficult.
