10 Days in Malta: Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Camille L.

Recommended 9 or 10 days Malta itinerary

Have you decided to go on a trip to Malta?

In order to help you organize your stay, we have prepared a 10-day Malta itinerary (or more!) to see all the must-see places of interest in one of the smallest countries in Europe.

On the program: Valletta, Mdina, the most beautiful beaches, Gozo, and much more!

Also find all our advice and tips for visiting Malta in 9-10-11 days as well as our selection of the best accommodation for each stage.

So, what to do and see in Malta in 10 days? 

Day 1-2: Valletta

To visit Malta in 10 days, what better than to start by discovering the capital: Valletta.

Malta International Airport is a few kilometers from the city. To join, you have several options:

For this first day of your 10-day itinerary in Malta, you are therefore ready to visit Valletta.

I suggest you start with the must-see monument: Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Quite plain on the outside, its interior is truly sumptuous with its pillars and entire walls covered in gold. The place houses 8 chapels and the tombs of the Knights of the Order of Malta. Allow an hour for the visit.

Interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta

Then continue with the discovery of the Palace of the Grand Masters. You can visit the state apartments and especially the impressive armory where the weapons and armor of the knights are stored.

At the exit, join the Lower Barraka Garden (the lower garden), a pretty garden allowing you to admire the view of the sea and the Three Cities which are just opposite Valletta. There is also a very photogenic monument: the Siege Bell War Monument.

Then continue through the Upper Barraka Garden, which, on the same principle, also offers a breathtaking view of the Three Cities opposite and the sea. A must do during your 9-10 day trip to Malta.

And since you admired them from afar, I now suggest you take a look at the Three Cities. Nothing could be simpler, take the lift from the Upper Barraka, cross the road and turn left to reach the quays.

You will find the river shuttle there which regularly goes back and forth for 2.80€ per person. The crossing only takes 10 minutes. Arriving safely, the best way to discover the Three Cities is simply to walk through the alleys and admire the many viewpoints over Valletta.

At the end of the afternoon, take the boat back and end the day in Valletta by the streets of Republic Street and Merchant Street gathering all the shops, bars and restaurants.

Spend a night in Valletta.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

To learn more about the history of Valletta, nothing better than a guided walking tour with a super interesting guide! To book here.

Visit also available  as a private tour  ( book here! ) or dedicated specifically to the Second World War period ( book here! ).

Guided walking tours are also possible for the 3 Cités and they even include a tasting of local wines!

Finally, you can also give yourself a quieter moment to take a trip on a traditional Maltese boat, a luzzu, and contemplate Valletta from the sea. Click here to access the details!

The Three Cities seen from Valletta

For the second day of your 10-day tour in Malta, we continue the visit to Valletta.

In the morning, go to Casa Roca Piccola. This palace has seen nearly 9 generations of the same family. It is the only one still inhabited by individuals. The owners offer guided tours to learn more about the lifestyle of an aristocratic Maltese family. 

You will visit a dozen rooms decorated with everyday objects from the past.

Then continue through Fort Saint-Elme which houses the National War Museum. The history of Malta, the construction of the Fort as well as the various wars which took place on the island are very well explained there.

For the afternoon , I recommend that you take a river shuttle again , but this time to reach Sliema. From there, you can take a nice walk along the seafront.

There are also shopping centers and lots of shops, it’s the perfect place to shop in Malta.

Return to spend the night in Valletta.

For more details on Valletta, read our article: The Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

If you preferred to rent a car upon arrival and your hotel does not have parking, you can park it at the MCP car park.

The rates are reasonable and it is only a 5 minute walk from the center of Valletta.

Accommodation in Valletta

Hotel Phoenicia Malta

Day 3-5: Mellieha

For the second stage of this 9-10 day stay in Malta, leave Valletta to head towards the north of the island.

For this, renting a car is essential to see the maximum of things during the rest of your vacation.

The best is to pick it up directly at the airport so that you can return it to the same place at the end of your 10-day road trip in Malta.

After picking up your car, I suggest you go to Mdina first . Pretty fortified city, the city was the first capital of Malta before Valletta was preferred by the knights for its strategic position by the sea.

Take a walk inside the ramparts and don’t miss seeing Saint Paul’s Cathedral or the Vilhena Palace.

Here too, history buffs can opt for a guided tour of Mdina:

As you leave Mdina, go through the Mdina Gate (the bridge that overlooks the moat), cross the large wooded park to go to the neighboring city, Rabat. You just have to cross the street to be there.

Having served as a refuge for the Apostle Saint Paul after he was shipwrecked in Malta, many people come to meditate at the church or in the grotto dedicated to him. If you are not believers, it is still to see and you can also walk in the alleys.

Then get back in the car and go to Mosta. The city is famous for its monumental church whose architecture is strongly inspired by the pantheon of Rome. 

Your ascent in the North of the island ends when you arrive in Mellieha, the stopover town for the next 3 nights.

Mellieha has a very large sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for ending the day and swimming for the first time in Maltese waters!

The beach is well equipped with deckchairs and parasols, and you will also find several bars and toilets there.

Spend the night in Mellieha.

The fortified city of Mdina

Today, to continue your 9-10 day Malta itinerary, I suggest a day in relaxation mode.

Mellieha se trouve non loin de 2 des plus belles plages de sable de Malte: Gnejna Bay et Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. 

It would be a shame not to take advantage of it! In addition it is very practical because the 2 beaches are adjacent and, as personally, I can’t really decide between them, I suggest you go for a walk on the 2 to choose where you want to spend the day.

You can also spend a morning at one of the beaches and the afternoon on the next one.

In any case, the 2 are located in a fairly natural setting and are really nice. You can rent deckchairs and parasols there and there is also a bar / restaurant on each of them for the lunch break.

They also have car parks but you will have to leave a room for the guards.

Spend a second night in Mellieha.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

You can also take advantage of this day to test one of the best activities to do in Malta: diving!

In Malta, you can choose between  2 types of first dives:

I have selected the best center on the island for you:

In addition, the prices are very attractive: you can  do a first dive in Malta for only 69 euros per person! And at that price, it’s a real baptism that awaits you: 1 hour underwater and the possibility of descending to a depth of 12 meters.

Gneja Bay

The next day, set off for one of the must-do main attractions of your 10-day trip to Malta: the tiny island of Comino.

It is certainly the most touristic place in Malta and you must have already heard of its Blue Lagoon, a lagoon with incredibly turquoise and transparent water. Impossible to visit Malta without going to see it and of course swimming there!

To get there from Mellieha, you just have to reach Marfa or Cirkewwa, 10 minutes away by car. From these 2 places, you can take a small boat that shuttles to Comino. The price is 13€ round trip for 25 minutes. There are about every 1/2 hour.

This solution is the most suitable if you want to be totally independent on Comino.

If you wish, you can also choose a big boat day trip with buffet lunch included. It must be reserved in advance directly here:

1) Blue Lagoon Boat Trip:  The Classic Blue Lagoon Day Cruise. Possibility of being picked up from most cities in Malta (at an additional cost, to be arranged after your reservation)

2) Blue Lagoon catamaran cruise:  same as above but on a large catamaran! An excellent choice for a great day at sea. Pick-up also available from several locations (location to be determined after your reservation).

3) Sailing trip to the Blue Lagoon  and other pretty bays: the best option for swimming in great places besides the Blue Lagoon! Snacks, wine and lunch + free transport from Malta are included.

For the less touristy version , you can also choose to take a private Blue Lagoon cruise from Comino:

4) Private cruise to Comino and Gozo (3h30) :  simply  the best private boat tour to visit Comino  and the Blue Lagoon. Josef, your skipper, will do everything to ensure that you have an extraordinary day at sea.

On the program: swimming stops at the Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon (snorkeling equipment included!) as well as a visit to the sea caves of Comino.

Josef also offers a full day tour. 

As Josef only offers one cruise per day, I advise you to book your private Comino boat trip in advance.

Comino Blue Lagoon

A small precision, do not expect to be alone and quiet, Comino is full of people and there is a lot of noise, especially because of the permanent music that escapes from the boats. The atmosphere is rather young.

On Comino, after the obligatory swimming at the Blue Lagoon, I recommend that you take a walk along the island. Take the opportunity to see the tower there and admire the many viewpoints.

There is also another beach (less frequented) which is located next to the only hotel on the island.

To eat, there are food trucks, which contrary to what one might think, offer sandwiches and drinks at reasonable prices and it’s really not bad.

After this day in Comino, return for a last night in Mellieha.

Accommodation in Mellieha

The Blue Lagoon and its turquoise water, in Comino

Day 6-8: Gozo

For the third leg of this 10-day tour of Malta, I’m taking you to visit Malta’s little sister, the island of Gozo.

Much more rural and wild, it was one of my favorites of my holidays in Malta.

To reach Gozo, go to Cirkewwa. This is where you can board the ferry that takes you to Gozo in just 20 minutes. You can board there with your rental car.

Don’t be surprised, you won’t have to pay anything on the way. Payment is made on return in the Gozo-Malta direction. I’ll tell you about it later.

Arrived on Gozo, it will only take you 10 minutes to reach the main city, Victoria or Rabat (in Maltese). In Victoria, you should not miss the citadel, which you must have already seen when you arrive because it dominates the city.

The fortified part of the city, which has been completely renovated, notably houses the old prisons and a cathedral. But above all, it allows you to admire a 360° panorama of the entire island of Gozo.

Inside the citadel

For your lunch break, you will find several restaurants in the square below the citadel and along the Triq Repubblika, the main artery of the city.

There are also souvenir shops selling local products (honey, cheese, olive oil) and clothing stores if you want to shop.

In the afternoon,  head to the North West of the island, and more precisely to Dwejra, where the emblem of Gozo was previously located: the Azure Window. Although the arch has collapsed, the site is worth seeing.

You will also find the Blue Hole (famous for diving), the Inland Sea (the inland sea) and the Fungus Rock (the mushroom rock). Boat trips are possible in the Inland Sea and around the old Azure Window.

On the return to Victoria, visit the Basilica of Ta’Pinu. You will inevitably be impressed by its size and its architecture. She is also very photogenic. In front of the basilica, a way of the cross allows you to climb to the top of the hill to observe the view.

Sleep a first night in Gozo.

The Basilica of Ta’ Pinu

On the program for the second day in Gozo, I suggest you start with a walk along the salt marshes of Marsalforn. This is one of my favorite landscapes on the island!

Take a walk until you reach Wied il Gashri, a canyon carved out by the sea in which you can cool off (if there are no jellyfish!). The place is also famous for diving.

In the afternoon, enjoy the largest sandy beach in Gozo: Ramla Bay. And be sure to climb the path that winds up the hill to the right of the beach to reach a cave. The view of the beach is super pretty.

And if you want a little more action for this afternoon in Gozo, I recommend you try one of the many water activities:

Finish the day by admiring the sunset over the cliffs of Ta Cenc.

Spend a second night on Gozo.

View of Ramla Bay

Continue this 10-day stay in Malta with a last day on Gozo.

There are several super nice and pleasant hikes that allow you to discover the island on foot and along the seaside.

The trails do not present any particular difficulties, except perhaps for some steep passages where you have to be more vigilant. In any case, hiking shoes or sneakers are strongly recommended.

I therefore recommend that you choose a hike to do in the morning. The trails are not indicated, you can consult this website. You will find a dozen guides each detailing a walk with things to see.

And if you also want to take advantage of these walks to learn more about the island, the local fauna and flora, I advise you to book a hike with a guide living in Gozo.

You will have the choice between a 2 hour hike or a full day.

Spend one last night in Gozo.

If you want more information about the island of Gozo, see our article: What to do and see in Gozo?

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

If you don’t feel like driving, there are plenty of ways to see Gozo too.

Personally, I tested the quad tour during my stay in Gozo and I loved it! It allows you to discover the places of interest that I have just told you about in a fun way and with a local guide.

In Gozo, you will have the choice between 2 types of excursions. Simply click directly on the links in orange below to book (remember to book in advance because places are limited!):

If the quad does not tempt you, you will also have the possibility of opting for another excursion (do not hesitate to click on the links below to find out everything and book):

Accommodation in Gozo

And if you prefer to stay in an apartment during your stay in Gozo, I recommend The Holiday Hub Gozo.

Located on the top floor (penthouse) of a typical Maltese stone building with a nice patio, this modern and fully equipped accommodation has 3 large bedrooms + 2 bathrooms.

Can accommodate up to 6 people, it is the best for a trip with family or friends!

It also has 2 beautiful terraces (75m²), ideal for taking your breakfast in the sun or an aperitif at the end of the day.

And we end with the highlight of the show: access to the 150m² rooftop with an above-ground swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a barbecue.

Something to relax after a good day of sightseeing!

The pluses: the calm, the ideal location for visiting Gozo, the furnished roof terrace and its superb view + the owners are very friendly and speak French!

Our favorite in Gozo, to book well in advance!

To book your stay at The Holiday Hub.

Walk in Gozo

Day 9: Marsaxlokk

Finally, the last stage of this 9-10 day road trip to Malta takes you all the way to the south of the island of Malta.

Take the ferry in the opposite direction. This is when you will need to pay for your trip. Count about twenty euros for a car and 2 people.

For this day, I suggest you join Marsaxlokk. A very practical city for your departure the next day because it is only 15 minutes from the airport.

On the North and South route, several stops are to be made to see the last must-sees of this 10-day itinerary in Malta:

The Blue Grotto, seen from the viewpoint.

Arrived at Marsaxlokk, if it is a Sunday, there is a big market near the port. You will find everything there, especially souvenirs.

You can take the opportunity to eat by the sea in one of the many fish restaurants.

After your meal, I advise you to go see one of the last places of interest of your circuit: St Peter’s Pool. You don’t have to go far, it’s located 10 minutes by car from Marsaxlokk and indicated by signs.

Park your car in one of the 2 free car parks and continue on foot. You will then arrive at a large natural swimming pool where people are having fun jumping into the water.

If jumping into the water is a little too daredevil for your taste, take a walk down the path to the right, there are a few natural hot tubs by the water’s edge.

If you have time left, end the day in Marsaskala, along the well-appointed seaside.

Dormez towards Marsaxlokk.

The next day marks the end of your 10-day holiday in Malta, it will unfortunately be time to catch your return flight.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

If your stay in Malta lasts 9 days, either remove the beach day from the Mellieha stage or a day in Gozo.

If you are lucky enough to spend 11 days on a circuit in Malta, you can add a day in Gozo. Take a hike, enjoy the beach or even opt for a first dive.

Accommodation in Marsaxlokk

Other activities to do for 10 days in Malta

If you want to add  other activities to do during your 10-day Malta itinerary, I have prepared a  super complete list with lots of ideas for you to have fun!

The 4 essential activities to do in Malta

It’s your first trip to Malta and you want to take full view?

In this case, I particularly recommend 4 absolutely essential activities and excursions!

1) Take a cruise to Comino’s Blue Lagoon

2) Visit Gozo by Quad or Jeep

3) Go diving in Malta or Gozo

4) Jet ski around Comino (Blue Lagoon)

Here is now the complete list of all the activities to do in Malta:

1) The best activities in Malta (and from Malta)

Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon – Catamaran

Gozo Guided Tour from Malta

Guided tour and excursions in Malta

Other activities in Malta

Nightlife and partying in Malta

If you want to take advantage of your stay in Malta to party, I also recommend:

Hiking in Malta

2) The best activities in Gozo

boat trips

Guided tours

Water activities:

Gozo vue d’en today! 

2 Weeks Malta Itinerary

For all those who wish to visit Malta in 2 weeks, you can take the 10-day program and add lots of fun activities. I have already given you the list above.

During a 14 or 15 day trip to Malta, you can take your time to see everything and even get off the beaten track a bit.

In addition to visits, you can enjoy the beach and do some hiking. The island of Gozo is ideal for this.

A path allows you to go all around the island on foot and not miss anything of the splendid landscapes. And if you can’t do it all at once, it’s very practical because you can cut it into segments and do lots of short walks of an hour or 2.

A two-week circuit in Malta also allows you to enjoy water activities such as jet-skiing or the buoy that I have already mentioned in my article. Kayaking trips are also very famous on the Comino side where the water is translucent.

What can also be nice to discover Malta or Gozo from another angle is to rent a boat without a license for the day.

Malta is also recognized as a mecca for diving and several schools offer to introduce you to this sport by organizing first dives. If your stay lasts 2 weeks, you can also opt for training with several dives and which generally last 3 days.

Now you know what to do and see in two weeks in Malta!

You went on a 10 day trip to Malta and followed our itinerary? Do not hesitate to give us your opinion in the comments!

Are you going on a trip to Malta? Read also

Discover all our articles on Malta : all articles on Malta are here!

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