Ultimate Malta Itinerary How to Spend 5 Days in Malta
Malta is one of the most underrated places to visit in Europe. It should definitely be on your radar! Here’s how to spend 5 days in Malta, from visiting the hidden gems in Gozo to all the pretty towns like Valletta. Read on for a full guide on how to make the most out of your trip here. It covers everything from how to get here, where to stay in Malta, the best things to do, and where to eat as a foodie!
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Where to Stay in Malta
Because Malta is a very small country, you can pretty much stay anywhere if you have a car! If you don’t stay in one of the more well-connected towns is a must like Valletta or St. Julian’s.
Valletta
Valletta is where most people who visit Malta stay, as it’s got a central location and bustling atmosphere. It is well-connected for those seeking to get around by bus or ferry.
It is also the capital of Malta, making it a popular spot to visit. However, Valletta can be more expensive than other areas.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly or beachside experience might prefer staying elsewhere, especially if you have a car.
Top hotel picks:
$$$ The Embassy Hotel | $$ Osborne Hotel
St. Julian’s
Another popular area tourists stay is St. Julians. It is known for its nightlife, waterfront restaurants, and luxury hotels. This area is home to Paceville, Malta’s party hub, making it a great choice for those looking for bars, clubs, and a lively atmosphere.
St. Julian’s also offers a beautiful promenade along Spinola Bay, with plenty of dining options and scenic views.
While it’s a fun and convenient place to stay, it may not be ideal for those looking for a quiet experience.
Top hotel picks: $$$ ME Malta by Meliá | $$ Corinthia St George’s Bay
Mgarr
Mgarr is a small charming town. You can stay here if you’re on a budget as it’s much more affordable than Valletta. It’s also great for families as there’s many 2-3 bedroom properties for rent here.
It also has a few great choices for restaurants and cafes.
It’s close to beautiful rural areas and hiking trails, making it a great base for nature lovers. However, public transport options are limited, so renting a car is recommended for easier exploration.
Top hotel picks: $ Blue Sky Apartments
Mosta
Mosta is home to the miracle church, Rotunda of Mosta, which survived a missle attack.
This central location in Malta offers a local, less touristy feel while still being well-connected to the island’s main attractions. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience authentic Maltese life, with easy access to the main sites. However, since Mosta is inland, it lacks beaches and a waterfront.
Top hotel picks: $ Mosta Stays by Zzzing
Gozo
Gozo is a smaller island within Malta, known for its stunning landscapes and is more of a hidden gem. Just a short ferry ride from Malta, it offers breathtaking coastal views from spots like Tal-Mixta Cave and Dwejra Bay. We absolutely loved it here and if we had to choose a second base for the trip, it would have been here.
Pro-tip: You can drive your rental car onto the ferry so you can access the island by car.
Top hotel picks: $$ The Carob Tree
Best Time to Visit Malta
The best time to visit Malta is between April to June & September and October. This is shoulder season so you will find great weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July & August) is extremly hot and crowded but if you want beach days then it might be for you. The weather during this time is is 30°C+ / 86°F+.
If you want fewer crowds and don’t mind not being able to swim and enjoy the beach, then visit in winter. Since Malta boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, this could be a great winter escape. However, the weather can be unpredictable.
I personally visited at the end of February to March and it was a great getaway. Nights were still a bit cold and some days had rain, but overall we loved that we could experience Malta with fewer crowds.
How much does a trip to Malta cost?
Malta is SOO affordable. I was surprised by how affordable things were. I traveled with a friend and could split accomodation and the price of a rental car. We each spent on average €82 / day and €740 for an entire week. This even included our flights from London. For full cost breakdown to Malta read my dedicated post.
How to Get Around Malta
The best way to get around Malta is by car. There’s a lot to do in Malta and some things in this itinerary may not be easy to get to by public transport. However, there are buses that can take you around if you choose to use public transport.
At one point, someone asked to hitch a ride with us because they said the bus would take an hour to arrive! So keep this in mind when planning your routes by bus.
Renting a car is super affordable in Malta. It only cost us €6 a day – literally! You can use this site here to get a car rental at an affordable rate like we did!
5 Days in Malta Itinerary
Day 1: Valletta
Valletta is the most popular town to visit in Malta! It’s got charm and a nice nightlife, especially if you visit the bustling street of St. Lucia.
But, I encourage you not spend all your time here, as most tourists do. There are so many other charming small towns, beaches, and nature to explore in Malta.
That’s why I’ve allocated one day in Valletta. However, if you have longer than a week in Malta, you can definitely spend 2 days here.
- Have brunch at Tribe: I loved the cozy vibes of this cafe. They have excellent coffee and food.
- You can also enjoy a coffee at Caffe Cordina, which is the oldest cafe in Valletta. It was founded in 1837.
- Stroll through the town center, passing the beautiful St. John’s Co-Cathedral and many quaint streets.
- Visit the National Library of Malta. This is free to visit and is absolutely breathtaking inside. You don’t need a lot of time here; it’s just one small room to visit. But, they don’t allow photos (I snuck one though – shh!)
- The Grandmaster Palace is another stop worth seeing. Built in the 16th century, this palace is one of the most important sights in Malta. The entry is €12, and you can buy tickets ahead of time here or get them on site.
- A nice, relaxing spot in the middle of the city is the Upper Barrakka Gardens. This park is full of greenery, and you can see nice views of the town from here. Plus, if you’re lucky, you can see the Saluting Battery, a historic cannon firing ceremony that takes place daily at noon and 4 PM.
- The most famous street in Valletta is St. Lucia’s Street. Here, many people enjoy eating at restaurants on the stairs. One of the best spots is a Granö for a delicious sandwich – perfect for a quick stop. Or, if you fancy pizza, then check out San Paolo Naufrago. It is right in the middle of all the action, and the food is superb.
- End your evening at Rooftop drinks at the Embassy Hotel. I’d go for sunset so you can hang out near the pool and see the sky turn shades of pink. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the sunset and a drink here. We just turned up but if it’s busy season, you’re better or making a reservation as it can get busy.
Day 2: Gozo
Gozo was my favorite part of Malta. And to get here you need to actually take a ferry! You can also drive your car straight onto the ferry and pay when you head back off the island. It’s a super easy process.
You can either change base and stay here 2 nights or come here as a day trip. So if you’re schedule is tight, you can try doing 1 day here. However, we drove here on a day trip and returned another day because we loved it so much.
Here’s how to spend 1 day in Gozo during your Malta itinerary.
- Hondoq ir-Rummien
- Wied il-Għasri: A secret beach!
- Xwejni Salt Pans: rows of salt pans surrounded by the sea
- Lunch at Peppina
- Tal-Mixta Cave: This super beautiful cave overlooks the stunning Ramla Bay, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Gozo’s coastline.
- See the views from the Citadel in Victoria
- Dinner at Roza in Victoria
- Visit Blue Hole & Crocodile Rock
- Sanap Cliffs at sunset
Day 3 Mdina & Rabat
Mdina is known as the silent city and it’s car free. It was also featured in the Game of Thrones so is very famous for that reason. Rabat is a neighboring town which you can get to in just minutes from Mdina.
Here’s how to spend a day exploring these two adorable towns:
- Stroll through Mdina Old City
- Lunch with a view at Fontanella Tea Garden
- Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Admire the views from Plaza del Bastión
- Check out St. Paul’s Catacombs
- Take a short walk over to Rabat from Mdina
- Sunset at Dingli Cliffs which is a short 10 minute drive away.
Malta Day 4 Itinerary: Coast Drive
All along the coast are beautiful sights in Malta. So get in your car and discover them all! Here’s a few that we saw.
- Għar ir-Riħ: A stunning secret cave
- Salt Pans
- Have lunch at Zion
- Stroll around Għar Aħmar Bay
- Relax at Marsaxlokk Harbour
- Ta’ Kalanka Sea Cave
Day 5: Popeye’s Village, Mosta, Birgu
- Try Pastizzi, a fluffy pastry with either chicken, peas, or other fillings.
- Check out the lookout point at Popeye’s Village
- Eat lunch at Bohini in the small hidden town of Mgarr
- Hang out at the Blue Grotto
- Visit the Mosta Rotunda – The miracle church that survived a missle.
- Eat dinner in front of Mosta Rotunda at Alwan Lebanese Restaurant
- Enjoy sunset in Birgu, a cute town by the waterfront
Best Places to Eat in Malta
Did you know Malta’s food is heavily influenced by Italy, particularly Sicily and it also pulls from Arab / North African cuisine!
I was surprised by how good the food was in Malta.
Here were some of my favorite spots:
- San Paolo Naufrago for Pizza or pasta on the famous steps of Valletta
- Grano for a delicious panini also on the steps in Valletta
- The Embassy Hotel for drinks with a view (you don’t have to be a guest)
- Brunch at Tribe
- Fontanella Tea Garden for their famous cake and dining with a beautiful view in Mdina.
- Caffe Cordina for the oldest coffee shop in Malta
- Roza in Gozo for their traditional cooked meals
- Bohini for their pasta or brunch
- Peppina for their farm-to-table style food
- Pit Stop or any bakery to try Pastizzi, a fluffy pastry with either chicken, peas, or other fillings.
- Two Buoys for brunch and a sea view in St. Julian’s
- Alwan Lebanese Restaurant for delicious Mediterranean food with views of Mosta Cathedral
Map of Malta 5 Day Itinerary
You can open this map up below on your mobile device to find all the locations in this post!
