Are you planning to spend one week in Malta? Well it’s a great choice of a travel destination indeed! Comfortably located amidst the serene Mediterranean Sea, the country of Malta is a treasure trove of archaeological goodies. Without a doubt, this country is rich in diversity, architectural gems, and bewitching landscapes.
Malta is less than 100km from Italy meaning there is a great Italian influence on the island. This means that as well as being a feast for the eyes, there are some really nice restaurants selling all of the classic Italian dishes on the island.
And if archaeological sites are not your kind of destination, there is so much more that Malta has to offer. You can get to see the alluring blue sea, underwater caves, beautiful lagoons, astonishing temples, and more.
To help you make the most of your Malta tour, we have meticulously crafted an itinerary for one week in Malta.
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Malta One Week Itinerary
Malta is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean and is one of our favourite places to visit. In this guide, we will discuss the best time to go to Malta as well as the following:
Table of Contents
When Should You Visit Malta?
When it comes to visiting the beautiful island of Malta, the weather is quite pleasant and the atmosphere is lively all year round. Spring and early summer (April, May and June), is the best time to visit Malta. This is due to the weather not being too hot, with warm days and mild nights. Also, there are much fewer tourists but the season has started and tours are open.
When we visited Malta towards the end of the summer months, in late September, this was also a lovely time of year to visit. The weather was still hot, however, there were not too many crowds.
Our most recent trip to Malta was in March where we experienced cooler weather and the less tourists. Unfortunately, some of the expereinces we wanted to do had not yet started due to being in the off-season, however there is still plenty to do and warm sun traps on a nice day. There are definitely plenty of benefits to visiting Malta in winter.
Are 7 Days in Malta Enough?
The island of Malta is densely packed with beautiful sights, cities, beaches, and a fascinating culture and history, however, despite the number of places to explore, we think that one week is plenty of time to experience Malta. In this time you will also be able to fit in some of the great day trips from Malta. Of course, if you are looking for a more relaxed holiday with a mixture of beach days and exploration days then you will be better staying on the island for two-three weeks instead.
What Should You Not Miss in Malta?
Of all the sights that we discuss in this guide, I would have to say that the one activity that you cannot miss out on is a visit to the ancient city of Valletta. Wandering through this incredible city is like taking a trip back in time, with its quaint, narrow streets and grand, sandstone buildings that resonate power and history.
We recommend you spend a full day exploring and experiencing this city to the fullest, walking along all of the cobbled streets and visiting all of the museums that it has to offer. Food and drink are obviously more expensive inside the city walls, however, we recommend that you splash out a little for this one day and relax in the beautiful atmosphere of Valletta.
How to Get around Malta?
The island of Malta is a very easy place to navigate, with excellent transport links and transport options. Here are the best ways to get around the island, as well as a top recommendation for getting around the island.
Public Transport
The bus network that takes you around the island of Malta is fantastic. It is cheap, reliable and definitely a top recommendation for travelling around the island. You can purchase a Malta Explore card that costs €21 for 7 days of unlimited bus travel around the island.
You can purchase these cards at any of the main bus kiosks that are situated around the island.
Taxis
Taxis are the most expensive way of getting around the island and are not recommended for multiple uses. However, if you are trying to catch a late ride home from the club then this is your best bet. You can either flag a taxi down anywhere or go to the nearest taxi rank and get one from there.
Remember, it is always best to agree on a fare before getting into the taxi.
Vehicle Rental
If you are planning a trip to Malta that will involve a lot of driving then your best option for transport may indeed be renting a vehicle. There are a few different options when it comes to renting in Malta, all of which will require you to have a full driver’s license.
Car Rental
You can rent a car directly from the airport when you arrive in Malta from countries such as Hertz, Goldcar Malta, or First Car Rental. If you have already organised a transfer to your hotel then you can rent a car from an agency in one of the larger towns, such as St Paul’s Bay, St Julians, Sliema, and around Valletta.
Scooter and Quadbike
As with car rental, there are loads of options to rent bikes and quadbikes across the island of Malta. In our opinion, renting a scooter is the best way to see the island. This will give you flexibility and it is very easy to park. In saying that, you must feel confident to drive a scooter and your driving license must also be eligible for a scooter. We paid €15/day in the off-season for a scooter however this cost can go up to €30/day during the summer months.
Parking is free and a lot easier on a scooter than in a car. As long as you are parked perpendicular to the pavement you won’t receive a parking fine.
Day One – Explore Valletta
Valletta is a highlight to any Malta trip and it is where you can begin to dive deep into the island’s history. Valletta was the European Capital of Culture back in 2018 and it’s not hard to see why.
Established on a peninsula in the 1500s, Valletta is a small city and can easily be explored on foot. It is on a hill however so make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes for walking around
There are many great restaurants in Valletta where you can try traditional Maltese food such as a ftira. These restaurants are nestled in amongst incredible historical and cultural sights.
In order to reach the city, you can board a ferry from Sliema or you can drive or take the bus. There are many great things to do in Valletta, we will go into these in more detail below.
Valletta Waterfront
Known as the home of Valletta Cruise Port, this waterfront was constructed for the knights of St John by Grandmaster Pinto. During that time, the buildings were used as stores. Even till today, the site maintains its original stores.
This place indeed serves as the heritage treasure trove that beautifully represents a bygone era. There is also a pedestrian waterfront where you can relax and chill with some delectable delicacies and drinks.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is an exquisite masterpiece of Baroque art. Though it has a simple facade, the interior is something that you will love the most. Along with that, this place is also known for its high sacred significance.
It has arched ceilings and gilded rooms. The ceilings are known to have some exquisite paintings donated by Grand Masters.
Tickets to enter St John’s Co-Cathedral are €15.
The Toy Museum
The Toy Museum was founded by Vincent Brown in 1998 and is an interesting place to visit whilst you are in Valletta.
Vincent Brown had a curiosity about saving toys and with all his toys, he started this museum. Some of the interesting collections at this museum are Corgi, Dinky, Matchbox cars, trains, farmyard animals, dolls, and more.
Upper and Lower Barrakha Gardens
Visiting Upper and Lower Barrakha Gardens is one of the most popular things to do in Valletta. These luxurious gardens that are perfect to unwind yourself amidst the verdant greenery.
Upper Barrakha Gardens are located nearby to the Triton Fountain, on the southeast of Valletta. In the Upper Barrakha Gardens, you will have incredible views across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities and it is common to see people enjoying the views of the passing cruise ships from the park benches. Head to the Upper Barrakha Gardens at noon to watch the display of the noon-day gun of the Saluting Battery. There is an outdoor coffee kiosk and toilets in the gardens which is popular throughout the day and particularly as the sunsets. If you want to travel down to the Grand Harbour quickly, you can use the Upper Barrakha Lift, which sits 58 metres high and costs €1. This is the quickest way to get to the Valletta waterfront taking only 25 seconds.
The Lower Barrakha Gardens also have a great view over to the Three Cities. The perfect place to grab a drink or an ice cream and soak up the sounds around you. The view from the Lower Barrakka Gardens is great for ship watching as you can see the entrance of the Grand Harbour. You can walk to the Lower Barrakha Gardens from the Upper Barrakha Gardens in 15 minutes.
Day Two – Explore Mdina
Mdina is a walled, fortified city in the northern part of Malta, previously the capital city of Malta from antiquity to the medieval period. Mdina is also known as the ‘Silent City’ and less than 300 people live here. Limited resident cars and emergency vehicles are allowed into the city and noise is kept to a minimum.
Mdina sits high on a hilltop, still confined within its walls, with incredible views of surrounding neighbouring towns and across the sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and also features in the popular TV show Game of Thrones.
One of the best things you can do in Mdina is walk around and take in your surroundings. It really is a unique place with a photo opportunity at every corner you turn.
From Valletta, Mdina is located half an hour drive away. Here are some amazing places that you will visit on your one week Malta itinerary.
St Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the oldest sacred sites in the city of Mdina. Though the cathedral dates back to the late 17th century, it was rebuilt in 1702. It is another construction which is said to be the finest example of Baroque architecture in Malta.
The church has two bell towers at the entrance. The interior is a key attraction of the cathedral which is known to have exquisite architecture and beautiful furnishing.
Mdina Catacombs
The Catacombs are an interesting network of tunnels and chambers where you can learn more about the Maltese culture. It is known as the chapel where the patron saint of Malta, St Agatha used to prey. Inside the Catacombs, you can expect to explore the grave markings and paintings.
Entry prices:
- Adults (18 – 59 years) €5.00
- Youths (12 – 17 years) €3.50
- Seniors (60 years & over), Concessions, and Students €3.50
- Children (6 – 11 years) €2.50
- Infants (1 – 5 years) Free
Mdina Dungeons
If you want to enjoy some unique, interactive experience, then exploring Mdina Dungeons has to be one of the best activities in Mdina. The Mdina dungeons include an exploration tour underneath the streets of the city.
On the tour, you can learn about the dark past of Maltese history, exploring the secret underground passageways, chambers, and cells.
Mdina Experience
The Mdina Experience is an audio-video tour that is hosted in an old heritage building on Mesquita Square. The tour takes you to the fascinating mysteries associated with the city of Mdina. This is a 25-minute long presentation that talks about the rich history of the city.
The city of Mdina also hosts a number of amazing events all throughout the year. Some of them are Medieval Performances, Grand Prix, and fireworks on some important calendar dates.
Day Three – Explore St. Julian’s
Situated alongside the coastline of Malta, St. Julian’s is touted as the centre of clubbing and nightlife in Malta. It has a wide number of amazing bars and nightclubs where you can spend an ultimate night time in St. Julian’s.
However, apart from the nightlife, the city has also some amazing experiences to offer to its visitors during the daytime.
St. Julian’s Promenade
For a perfect sightseeing tour, visit the famous St. Julian’s Promenade. At this place, you can enjoy the exquisite views of Balluta and Mediterranean buildings. There are a lot of nice cafes and restaurants around this part of town.
Balluta Bay Beach
Balluta Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Malta. It is a family-friendly beach and a popular spot for both locals and tourists. If you’re visiting Malta during the summer months, this is the perfect place to cool off when you are visiting St Julians.
You can dive in the azure water of the sea from the rocky outcrops and enjoy some time swimming and snorkelling in the bay. The beach is also lined with a good number of cafes and restaurants as well as rooftop dining available where you can capture the views of historic buildings while relishing a delectable meal.
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Located on the waterfront in Balluta Bay, Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of the most popular sacred sites in the city of St. Julian’s. It has a stunning neo-Gothic architecture. The exterior of the church is the key highlight that you can also see from Balluta Bay Beach.
As the sun sets, the church blooms up with beautiful, colourful lights and its reflection in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea becomes a sight to behold.
Be a Part of the Nightlife of St. Julian’s
Along with the clubs and bars, in St Julians, There are a number of great restaurants to try in St Julians where you will have options from plenty of different cuisines. If you are wanting to visit the bars on your night out in St Julians, happy hour typically runs from 6pm-7pm on a selection of cocktails in most bars.
Day Four – St. Paul’s Bay & Mellieha
St Paul’s Bay is one of our favourite places in Malta. There is lots to do on this peninsula and being located in the centre of the island, it is also close to many other great sights such as Mellieha Bay.
Malta’s Watersports
Malta is a great place for trying out new watersports and also for snorkelling and scuba diving.
There are many rental shops in St Paul’s Bay where you can hire a jet ski or take a trip on a banana boat. There are also sometimes inflatable assault courses that sit out at sea during the summer months, perfect for both kids and adults and great fun.
There are also a lot of options for scuba diving in St Paul’s Bay and Malta is famous for its shipwrecks, so if you are a seasoned scuba diver, looking to complete your course, or just go for a try dive Malta is a good place to do this.
We highly recommend getting yourself one of these Winthome Changing Robes – perfect to dry off and get changed after an afternoon in the water
Mellieha Bay
Mellieha is a village in the north of Malta and is another popular spot for tourists to say. The village sits upon a hill looking across to the beautiful white sandy beach, Mellieha Bay.
You can rent a sun lounger on the beach and enjoy the crystal clear water crashing off the shore. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can try out one of the many watersports in the area.
Visit Popeye Village
Located in Anchor Bay, Popeye Village is one of the top tourist attractions of Malta. It is constructed around the ramshackle and rustic movie set from Popeye the Musical filmed in 1980 in Anchor Bay.
This film set has grown to become one of Malta’s major tourist attractions with many events held here throughout the year.
You can pay to book tickets for Pop Eye or view it from above at Anchor Bay.
Sunset at Cafe del Mar
Returning back to St Paul’s Bay, Cafe del Mar is the best place to watch the sunset in Malta. This is the largest beach club in Malta which offers a stunning view over the Mediterranean Sea. There is a chilled vibe during the day and you can rent one of the many sunbeds to relax on. There is also an infinity pool to cool off in during the hot summer months.
If you visit before 6pm there is a fee to rent the sunbed and waiter service, however, if you visit after 6pm there is no entrance fee.
Day Five – Explore Comino
When you visit Malta, we highly recommend that you enjoy some of the day trips from Malta. Comino island is the smallest of the Maltese archipelago and is well known for the Blue Lagoon. This is located on the west coast of Comino Island and can be visited by boat.
There is very little accommodation on the island and no transport, therefore most people access the island for a day trip by boat. There are many different organised boat trips, most costing between €20-€25 per person. The boat trips take around 2 hours, and generally, there is a buffet and bar included onboard. It was a nice way to take in the views and chill in the sun.
At the Blue Lagoon, you can spend some quality time swimming, snorkelling, or sunbathing.
Day Six – Gozo
Gozo is another popular tourist spot in Malta and it is one that is just a short day trip from Malta. It has an image of being a laid back neighbourhood which is known for its exquisite nature and amazing diving experience. The island of Gozo has plenty of amazing things to explore and experience to offer to its tourists.
The Citadel
The Citadel is a beautiful baroque cathedral in the centre of Victoria in Gozo. This magnificent building can be viewed from the outside and you can enjoy the surrounding views. If you want to enter the Citadel, it is €5 for an adult ticket and you can explore the following sights:
- Gozo Museum of Archaeology
- Gran Castello Historic House
- Gozo Nature Museum
Old Prison - Citadel Visitor Centre
The Azure Window
Head to Dwejra Bay to visit the spot where the famous Azure Window used to stand proudly out at sea. This spot is still very popular to visit despite the Azure window collapsing during a storm in 2017. This amazing piece of Limestone was created by the collapse of a sea cave. It continues to be a popular spot, everyone wanting to get some photos of where the famous arch used to stand.
This area is also a popular diving spot and if you find a sheltered spot it is a beautiful place to enjoy the sunshine.
Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Basilica
Here on Gozo, there are many sacred sites. Of all those, Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu is a must-visit church. Dating back to the 16th century, the church has a spectacular architecture that beautifully defines the craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Relax on Gozo’s Many Beaches
There are a number of beaches in Gozo where you can expect to see a lot of tourists enjoying their sunshine and clear water. Hondoq and Ramla I-Hamra are two of the most popular beaches on the island. Here at these beaches, you can go swimming and snorkelling.
Day Seven – Explore Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is the largest fishing village in Malta so if you enjoy seafood then you will enjoy eating out in this area of Malta. Along with the seafood, the village is also known to produce honey, jams, and different sorts of souvenirs.
There is a small beach in the village where you can swim and snorkel. In Marsaxlokk you can spend some downtime walking around the streets and looking at the surrounding natural beauty. It is a popular place amongst the locals for a Sunday brunch and is a great place to visit if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the other busy towns on the island. There are a number of waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy delicious dishes with a glass of wine.
St Peter’s Pool
St Peter’s Pool is a gorgeous spot near Marsaxlokk, at the tip of Delimara Point in the southwest of Malta. This is a popular place for locals to go sunbathing on the flat rocks and cliff jumping into the sea. The clear sea also makes it a perfect spot for snorkelling. If you don’t fancy the jump into the azure water, there are ladders for access.
Make sure you bring everything you need for the day as there are no facilities here.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Malta
Before you set off on your trip to Malta, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and successful trip. These include what to pack for Malta and what is the best travel insurance for your trip. Both of these will be discussed in the following section.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Malta
Regardless of what type of trip you are heading on, one thing that is essential for everybody is good travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime and unexpected hospital bills will ruin a holiday. Remove the stress from your next adventure and get covered for the worst.
SafetyWing Travel Insurance provides budget reliable travel insurance that will keep you covered for any level of adventure.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
What Should You Pack for Malta?
What you need to pack for Malta will rely highly on when you make your trip there. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the winter months in Malta, the rain will become more frequent and the temperatures will drop to between 10-20 oc. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Malta is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of suncream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Malta, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
Where to Stay in Malta
Due to how small the island of Malta is, your choice of accommodation is huge. It is up to you where you wish to stay on the island and you can browse all of the top accommodations in Malta on this website. In our opinions, the best location to stay in Malta is in the small town of Sliema, just to the north of Valletta.
Sliema is central on the island, not far from the capital city of Valletta and the nightlife centre of St Julians, and it is also very affordable due to it being outside of these two areas. Here are the top accommodation options that we recommend for all ranges of budget.
Luxury – Even the most luxurious accommodation in Sliema is very reasonably priced, making it the perfect place to stay in Malta. The hotel AX The Palace sits just off the high street of Sliema and features luxuries such as a rooftop infity pool that overlooks the sea, as well as home comforts like AC and free wifi.
Read more about AX The Palace and book you stay right here.
Mid-Range -At the mid-range pricing for Sliema, the Palazzo Violetta Boutique Hotel is the perfect mixture of Malta’s beautiful old-style architecture and the modern side of the island. Offering studio apartments that are perfect for two travellers, including a kitchenette and terrace swimming pool, this hotel is the optimum combination of budget abd luxury.
Read more about Palazzo Violetta Boutique Hotel and book you stay right here.
Budget – If you are not bothered with a luxurious place to stay and simply want a comfortable and safe place to rest at the end of the day, then the Roma Hotel is the perfect place for you. This seaside hotel sits overlooking Sliema’s seafront promenade and is just a couple of minutes walk away from its rocky beaches. All rooms feature a TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
Read more about the Roma Hotel and book you stay right here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Malta has to offer and book your stay right here.
So there you have it, a one week itinerary for Malta. If you have visited Malta recently, let us know what you thought of it, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Malta adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Malta content for more inspiration to our beautiful home country.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
Now Read:
- Best Day trips from Malta
- Top 8 Things to do in Malta
- Gozo Day Trip Itinerary – A Day Trip to Gozo from Malta
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