7 Days in Malta: Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary

Camille L.

Ultimate 1 Week Malta Itinerary

Have you chosen to travel to Malta, one of the smallest countries in Europe?

To help you organize your stay, we have prepared an itinerary for a week in Malta and never miss places of interest essential to the island.

Throughout the article, you will find all the things to do and see + our tips and suggestions for visiting Malta in 6-7-8 days, as well as a selection of the best accommodations at each stage of your stay.

So, how to visit Malta in 7 days?

Let’s go for a week to discover Valletta, Mdina, St Peter’s pool, Gozo and Comino!

Day 1-2: Valletta (1.5 Day)

For this first leg of your 1 week tour in Malta, you will of course start by discovering the very small capital, Valletta.

After landing at the airport, there are several choices for you to reach Valletta:

Once you have left your luggage at the hotel, you can take a short walk in the city before enjoying a good night’s sleep.

The next day, we attack this week of vacation by starting to discover the inevitable Valletta.

I propose you to start the day with the most emblematic monument of the city, the co-cathedral Saint-Jean.It is better to start there because it is very touristy and quickly invaded by people in the day. You will be dazzled by its grandiose interior (in any case I was!). Allow about 1 hour of visit.

For the rest of the day, visit the Palace of the Grand Masters to visit the state apartments and the impressive armory of armor and weapons used by knights of the order of Malta. Between 1h and 1h30 of visit, it will depend on your passion for the armory.

Palace of the Grand Masters

Leaving the Palace of the Grand Masters, you can take a tour of the Lower Barrakka Garden and take a picture of the very photogenic ”  Siege Bell War Monument  “.

Then head to the Upper Barrakka Garden ( noon garden) at noon to witness a tradition of Valletta, shots guns fired daily. Originally intended to greet foreign vessels, the ceremony is now part of Maltese folklore.Do not miss it during your week-long stay in Malta!

The must of the garden Barrakka still remaining the breathtaking views it offers on the Three Citieslocated directly opposite and the sea. Take the opportunity to take a break in the shade and admire the view. To do absolutely during your week-long trip to Malta.

After a lunch break in one of the many restaurants in Valletta, the afternoon will be devoted to discovering the Three Cities that you have already seen from afar from the Upper Barrakka Garden.

To get there it’s very easy:

  1. First, you have to go down by the panoramic lift located in the  Upper Barrakka Garden
  2. Then cross the street and continue to the left to the boat pier.

Allow 2.80 € per person (round trip) for 10 minutes. You will then be able to stroll in the multiple alleys of Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua which offer beautiful points of view on Valletta.

By late afternoon return to Valletta where you can stroll the streets Republic Street and Merchant Street,the 2 main arteries of the city with many shops, cafes and restaurants. The opportunity to have a drink or start looking for a good restaurant for the evening!

Tips for your Malta itinerary:
For souvenirs purchases, I recommend you wait a bit, you will have the opportunity to find cheaper elsewhere!

To find out all about things to do and see, find our article: What to do in Valletta.

The three cities seen from Valletta

Accommodation in Valletta

Day 3-4: Mellieha

For this second day in Malta, it is time (if you chose this option) to pick up your rental car at the airport. This is the beginning of your week-long road trip!

Once your car is recovered, pay attention to the driving on the left especially in the roundabouts! And be careful when you get out of a parking lot to leave on the right side of the road (an error is quickly arrived, and I know it!). Certainly you have taken insurance but also avoid using it right away.

I must admit that during our first stay in Malta, we rented an automatic car to limit the damage and focus on one thing at a time. It is sure that it is a little more expensive but it is still very convenient! Do not hesitate to solicit the vigilance of your co-pilot.

After all this super valuable advice provided graciously, take the road to the next stop on this 7-day itinerary to Malta, Mellieha.

On the road between the airport and Mellieha (located north of the island), I recommend you stop to visit 2 beautiful small neighboring towns: Mdina and Rabat.

Before the arrival of the knights, Mdina served as the capital of Malta and brought together the seats of the various administrations and the government.

In Mdina, it is good to walk through the streets to discover the main monuments such as St. Paul’s Cathedral or Vilhena Palace. Fortified city, you can also admire beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from its ramparts.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

Visit Mdina in the early morning before the tourist buses arrive. They pour out a real human tide and it immediately becomes much less picturesque. We had the chance to visit an almost empty city and we loved it!

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

The walled city of Mdina

Leaving Mdina by the Mdina Gate, the bridge overlooking the moat, you will find yourself directly in the nearby city of Rabat.

Rabat is known as the city that served as a refuge for the Apostle Saint Paul during his sinking, you will find a church, a cave and catacombs dedicated to him. It is also very nice to walk there.

Then pick up the car to continue this second full day of your week-long stay in Malta. On the road, I advise you to make a detour to Mosta where there is a monumental church inspired by the Pantheon of Rome. Do not miss the souvenir photo.

Then explore some of the beautiful beaches in the Mellieha area . I can for example quote you:

In short, an afternoon to test the best swimming spots in Malta, she is not beautiful life?

However, watch out for jellyfish that can infest the waters. During our afternoon at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, we couldn’t swim because of this.

After this busy day, there is no doubt that you will enjoy resting in one of the hotels that I recommend below.

The next day, departure for one of the attractions that you absolutely must see during your 6, 7, or 8 day tour in Malta: the tiny island of Comino.

If the place means something to you, it is because the island of Comino is certainly the most touristic place in Malta, with in particular its famous Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon). If like me, you like translucent and turquoise water, this is the place to go.

Well, on the other hand I prefer to warn you, you won’t be the only one to have had the same idea, the place is crowded and that’s really less cool! It feels a bit like being in Ibiza with big boats, beach club music and dozens of people disembarking.

To avoid this, only one solution, go there early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon.

To get there, you can therefore opt for the “big boats” option with a formula including time on Comino + a meal. You will find all the amenities on board including toilets.

To book your excursion to Comino from Malta, click on one of the orange links below:

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 here.

The other option is to travel to Marfa, 10 minutes from Mellieha, to take a shuttle bus to Comino. The trip costs 13€ round trip for 25 minutes and there are every half hour. The best solution to arrive and leave whenever you want.

On Comino, apart from swimming in the Blue Lagoon and its transparent water, you can also walk around. There are very beautiful viewpoints all around the island as well as another beach, Santa Maria Bay, which is much less crowded. It is located next to the only hotel in Comino.

A positive point to highlight is that despite the crowds and the highly touristic place, you can eat for cheap. Food trucks offer sandwiches and drinks at more than fair prices and it’s not bad at all.

Tips for your Malta itinerary:

To be fashionable on Comino, you will have to drink a cocktail served in a pineapple! You’ll understand what I’m talking about when you get there.

Right next to the Blue Lagoon, in Comino. There are a few less people right now!

Accommodation in Mellieha

Day 5-6: Gozo

For this third leg of your one-week trip to Malta, I suggest you go explore the island of Gozo, the little sister of the island of Malta.

For this, you must go to Cirkewwa where the ferry that leaves for Gozo is located.

From Mellieha, count only about ten minutes by car.

No need to check the schedules beforehand, there are very regular schedules (especially in high season) and in any case you won’t have long to wait.

On top of that, boarding is super well organized and done quickly. You will have nothing to pay on the outward journey, payment is made on the return (20€ for a car and 2 people).

On board the ferry, you will find something to eat and a small shop selling newspapers and snacks. The trip takes about 20 minutes.

Don’t wait until the last moment to get back in your car because once back in the port, disembarking is done in record time!

For this first day in Gozo, I advise you to start by visiting the main city, Victoria or Rabat (in Maltese). The unmissable place to see is its Citadel located on top of a hill. You may have already seen it coming from the ferry, it is the fortified part of the city.

Inside the Citadel, you can visit the old prisons and the cathedral and above all admire a 360° panorama over all of Gozo.

Leaving the Citadel , it will be time for the lunch break. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes along Repubblika Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, and the surrounding narrow streets.

The opportunity also to do some shopping in the shops and to find local Gozo products such as honey, salt or goat cheese.

The island of Gozo seen from the sky. 

In the afternoon, head north-west of Gozo towards Dwejra where the Azure Window was previously located , which made the island famous.

So certainly, it no longer exists but the place has retained all its tourist appeal and remains to be seen! Especially since it is in the same place that the Inland Sea (inland sea), the Deep Blue Hole and the Fungus Rock (mushroom rock) are located . Something to impress you.

On the way back, stop at the Basilica of Ta’Pinu. Visible from afar because built on a small hill, the church is really impressive from the outside and very photogenic.

From an architectural point of view, I think this is my favorite building on this 6-7-8 day tour in Malta!

The next day, for the second day in Gozo, I recommend that you go for a walk on the side of Marsalforn to see the salt marshes.

The town itself isn’t pretty but the salt marshes are worth it. You can walk a long way there and it’s really pretty to see.

Do not hesitate to push the walk to Wied il Gashri, the sea has dug a canyon there, which has become a paradise for divers and lovers of swimming in crystal clear water.

Then you can go to the beach. Gozo has beautiful places to swim and it would therefore be a shame to deprive yourself of them. Even if you don’t want to take a dip or if it’s not the season, it’s beautiful in all seasons, I guarantee it!

I recommend 2 beaches :

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

Finally, to end the day in style, you can go to the cliffs of Ta’Cenc to admire the sunset.

Marsalforn Salt Flats

I haven’t told you about it but during these 2 days in Gozo, you can also take very beautiful walks all along the island. Many trails allow you to walk along the seaside and the cliffs.

One of my favorites starts from Mgarr, on the right of the ferry and arrives at the base of a huge cliff and a beautiful cove for swimming. From Dahlet Quorrot you can also take a walk along the rocks.

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.

To not miss any of the places of interest in Gozo, find our article: Top 10 things to see in Gozo.

Travel Tips

If you don’t feel like taking your car or don’t have one, there are also many ways to visit Gozo.

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):

The Cliffs of Ta’Cenc, Gozo. Photo taken with a Mavic Pro drone

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

Holiday Hub Gozo

Day 7: Marsaxlokk

The next day for your last day of your 7-8 day Malta itinerary, take the ferry back to the big island.

The last leg will take you to the south of Malta to Marsaxlokk and its surroundings. It is a convenient city to spend a last night on Malta as it is only 15 minutes from the airport.

As you will have to cross the whole island from end to end to get there, I recommend 3 places of interest not to be missed on the journey:

1) First stop at Popeye Village located not far from Mellieha.

The small village was entirely created during the filming of the film “Popeye” with Robin Williams. Today it serves as a mini amusement park. Stop at least for the souvenir photo with its colorful houses at the foot of the cliff.

2) Second stop at the cliffs of Dingli, the highest point in Malta at 250 meters above sea level. Nice walk and beautiful panorama on the program.

3) Third and last stop before Marsaxlokk, “The Blue Grotto” or Grotte Bleue in French.

The cave is famous for its intense blue water color . To see from above from a belvedere located at the exit of the town of Zurrieq or closer by taking a boat that will take you inside.

The departure is at the port of Wied Il Zurrieq, just after the viewpoint and the excursion takes about thirty minutes.

The Blue Cave, seen from the point of view.

Arrived in Marsaxlokk late morning, if it is a Sunday you will find a large market near the port. There are stalls of fish, fruits and vegetables but especially many sellers of souvenirs. The ideal place to do your shopping because much cheaper than in Valletta.

On weekdays, it is also a very nice place to see with the many colorful boats, the luzzi, in the harbor. And a good place to have lunch with many fish restaurants but also pizzas and sandwiches. All for a really reasonable price.

After eating, I suggest you go see another well-known attraction in Malta, St Peter’s Pool. It would be a shame not to go during your stay of 7 days.

It is only a 10 minute drive from Marsaxlokk and is very easy to find as well signposted. You will find 2 free car parks on arrival. Then, St Peter’s Pool is within a 3 minute walk .

Do not forget your jerseys because this natural pool clearly wants to get into it. On the other hand it is a little reserved for the neck breakers because the access is made only by jumping or by ladders in the rocks. So I advise you with very young children.

To find a better place you can continue on the right where rocks form jacuzzis at the edge of the water. You can also go for a nice stroll along the coast.

And to finish the day, you can take your car and continue a little higher towards Marsaskala which has a seaside well arranged for a walk.

St Peter’s Pool

Accommodation in Marsaxlokk

Budget for a one week trip to Malta

Because it’s always good to have an idea of ​​what a trip can cost, here is what we spent to visit Malta in 7 days:

Total budget for a week for 2 people: 1020€

A week in Malta: my impressions

Malta is a great little country to discover.

From this week, I mainly remember the beauty of the natural landscapes, which are magnificent. At each bend in the road or at the bend in a path, you will find a beautiful panorama.

And everywhere there are beautiful little coves with turquoise water that make you want to dive.

I had a big crush on the island of Gozo, much quieter and more rural than its neighbor and just as breathtaking. It is the ideal place to take a leisurely stroll and really enjoy your vacation.

Last but not least when visiting Malta in 7 days: the food ! If you’ve been following me for a while you must have noticed that I attach some importance to it. Another good point for Malta, where I enjoyed every meal! Whether it’s a simple sandwich, pizza or pasta, everything is well prepared and really cheap.

Did you go on a 1 week trip in Malta and follow our itinerary? Feel free to give us your opinion in the comments!

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

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