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:
- You can rent a car. However, I recommend that you only rent it from the day after your arrival. You will not need it in Valletta and, unless you have opted for a hotel with parking, it will be very difficult to park. It is also a way to save 2 days rental! For the rest of your tour in Malta, I recommend renting to avoid being dependent on more or less random bus schedules and not wasting time.
- Take the X4 bus leaving every 30 minutes from the airport. The journey costs 1.50 € (2 € in summer) and takes 25 minutes to reach Valletta. This is the most economical option.
- Take a taxi to your hotel for 15 €. The fare is fixed and there is approximately 15 minutes of travel.
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.
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:
- First, you have to go down by the panoramic lift located in the Upper Barrakka Garden
- 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.
Accommodation in Valletta
- Private Room : Located 300 meters from Fort Saint-Elme and 700 meters from Upper Barrakka Garden. Comfortable double room from €75, per night including breakfast. Most: the excellent location, the welcome and kindness of the host, the calm.
- Grand Harbor Hotel : Hotel with traditional architecture, located in the city center of Valletta, just 100 meters from the Upper Barraka Gardens. Basic double room from €90 per night or with a view of the sea and the Three Cities for €110, breakfast included. Most: ideal location, magnificent view, the roof terrace.
- Tano’s Boutique guesthouse : Hotel located in the center of Valletta, close to all the places to visit. Spacious and bright double room from €115 per night. The pluses: the central location, the calm, the roof terrace for breakfast. Our big favorite for its performance / price ratio!
- Grand Hotel Excelsior : 5* hotel located by the sea, the view is truly sublime! Very nice rooms from 170€ per night. Most: The swimming pool, the jacuzzi, the free parking, the excellent breakfast, the view, the service, and many other things that will make your stay truly exceptional! Our big favorite in Valletta.
- Hotel Phenicia Malta : Luxury hotel located on City Gate Square. Spacious, bright and tastefully decorated double room from €235, breakfast at €17. The pluses: the infinity pool with a view of the port, the huge garden, the location and the free private parking. Do you want to please your sweetheart during your trip to Malta? Spend a night there!
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:
- Guided walking tour of Mdina: the meeting point is at the main entrance of Mdina
- Private Guided Walking Tour: The same tour as above, but just for your group! The tour departure date and time are flexible depending on your schedule.
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:
- Gejna Bay that allows for a stroll along the sea
- Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and its amazingly shaped rock
- Paradise Bay and its turquoise water
- Golden Bay is also worth a visit
- Mellieha Bay, the largest of all with its fine sand and shallow water
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.
Accommodation in Mellieha
- Pergola Hotel & Spa : Located in Mellieha, overlooking the bay, church and village, Gozo and Comino. Studio with kitchenette equipped from 57 €, breakfast 8 €. The most: the opportunity to eat, the view, excellent service, the 3 pools.
- Maritim Antonine Hotel & spa : Located in the town of Mellieha, 1 km from a large sandy beach. Double room huge and elegant from 77 € per night, breakfast included. Goodies: rooftop pool at the 9 th floor with panoramic views over the bay, heated pool and Jacuzzi, varied and plentiful buffet, close to bus stops to get to Valletta or at the beach. It’s our heart stroke for his performance / price ratio.
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands : Located in Golden Bay, a 2-minute walk from a beautiful beach. Large double room with balcony and view of the sea or the countryside from 150 € per night, breakfast 20 €. The most: access to the beach, the view, the delicious breakfast, in summer the price includes the provision of deckchair and umbrella on the private beach.
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.
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 :
- Ramla Bay (coming from Marsalforn is the first on the trip), the largest beach in Gozo with its ocher sand and shallow water. Ideal with children. Small snack bar, restaurant and public toilets on site. You can also climb up to the cave that dominates it to admire the panorama.
- San Blas beach : a small cove with the same ocher sand as in Ramla. The setting is really nice with the big rocks surrounding it. On the other hand, access is only on foot and it gets more difficult for the ascent on a steep slope. In the middle of summer it is possible that the benefits of a refreshing swim will quickly fade when you leave!
And if you want a little more action for this afternoon in Gozo, I recommend you try one of the many water activities:
- First dive in Gozo (in the best diving club) – The destination is renowned for being one of the best spots! And if you already have some diving experience, you can also book “1 day – 2 dives” (click here) and “2 days – 4 dives” (click here) packages .
- Jet Ski Tour
- Subwing – The latest in vogue watersport activity is available in Gozo!
- A snorkeling session with a guide
- Rent a jet ski
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle) 3h guided tour
- SUP 3 hour guided tour at sunset
- Paddle day + night experience
Finally, to end the day in style, you can go to the cliffs of Ta’Cenc to admire the sunset.
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!):
- VIP Gozo Quad Bike Full Day Tour: Simply the best quad bike tour to do in Malta! In a small group + Exceptional guide + Visit of the most beautiful places in Gozo (including superb hidden corners!) + Lunch in a good restaurant with a view and much more! A 5* tour for an exceptional day.
- Quad day tour in Gozo: the classic quad tour with visit to the main places of interest of the island in one day. Transport included from Malta and buffet lunch included. Also available for half a day here!
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):
- Guided tour of Gozo by Jeep
- Guided Tour of Gozo by Private Jeep
- Guided tour of Gozo by scooter
- A hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour.
Accommodation in Gozo
- Guesthouse Bambina : Guesthouse located in Xaghra, 10 minutes walk from the beach. Double room with modern decoration and Zen from 40 €. Most: superb house with pool and beautiful views of Gozo, warm welcome, access to the beach on foot, and the price completely unbeatable. Our favorite in Gozo! To book very early!
- Casa Gemelli Bboutique Guesthouse : Charming hotel located in Victoria, the main city of Gozo. Double room entirely renovated with decoration combining traditional and modern from 70 €, breakfast included. Plus: Location in Victoria to catch all the buses, the homemade breakfast, the friendliness and the valuable advice of the staff.
- The Duke Boutique Hostel : Establishment located in the center of Victoria. Huge and comfortable double room from 86 € per night, breakfast included. The most: the location, great bedding, the view from the roof terrace, the varied and hearty breakfast, the availability of staff, some rooms with Jacuzzi on the terrace.
- Kempiski Hotel San Lawrenz : Luxury hotel located in San Lawrenz, close to the Inland Sea and the Ta’Pinu Basilica. Spacious and modern double room with balcony from 116 € per night, breakfast surcharge 25 €. Pros: great views, huge pools, indoor pool, free parking, exceptional breakfast, spa. It’s simply the best hotel in Gozo. You only have one week in Malta, enjoy!
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
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.
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.
Accommodation in Marsaxlokk
- Port View Guesthouse : Guest house located in Marsaxlokk, a pretty fishing village where is a very tourist market on Sunday. Modern and comfortable double room from 50 € per night, breakfast included. Most: the location by the sea, a good lunch and the perfect home.
- Harbor Lodge : Located very close to the fishing port. Double room quiet and comfortable from 85 € per night, breakfast included. Most: the quiet location, free parking, free shuttle to the airport.
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:
- Accommodation for 2 for one week: 385€
- Transport for 2 (flight + car rental + ferry to Gozo): 370€
- Visits for 2: 65€
- Food for 2: 200€
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!
Are you going on a trip to Malta? Read also
Discover all our articles on Malta : all articles on Malta are here!
- What to do in Malta? The 20 things to do and see absolutely during your stay
- Itinerary: 2-3 days in Malta: Itinerary to visit Malta in a weekend
- Itinerary: A week in Malta: The ultimate itinerary for your trip, with all our tips!
- Gozo: The 10 things to do on the island
- Valletta: The 10 must-do things
- Malta’s 25 Best Beaches: The Ultimate Guide
