The BEST One Week in Malta Itinerary
Updated: Oct 29
Having been occupied by just about everyone from the Arabs, Romans, Greek, French and English, the melting pot of influences found across the beautiful southern European island of Malta is amazing for history buffs and foodie culture.
Beyond that, the war stories are outrageous with forts, air museums, temples and remnants of the past around every corner.
Even more, the Maltese speak English, drive on the wrong side of the road (I'm talking to you UK readers!) and architecturally, you'd think you're in Morocco, or maybe Italy, or maybe England? It's all very well mixed over the years.
The first time I heard anyone talk about Malta, I was sitting in Dubai at a belly dancer show in the middle of the desert, eating opulently around a small copper table with carpet beneath my bum.
My table mates were from Malta.
Ignorantly, I told them I knew only of the movie "The Maltese Falcon", and nothing more. They went on to tell me about their country, their language, their food, and as soon as I got home, I started planning a trip.
In fact, both of my trips to Malta ended up being in the cold off-season months of February, and then in December a few years later, but the sites were still wonderful, and the history was incredible - despite the wintry weather.
Here, let me share with you the highlights on several destinations in Malta, and how to best plan one week in Malta for your family adventure.
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In this article you will find:
In sister articles, learn more about individual destination information including things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more.
One Week in Malta Itinerary
Day 1: Valletta
On your first day in Malta, get your rental car to start the fun! (More on that below, or you can skip ahead here).
Check into your hotel and drop your bags, it's going to be a full day!
Walk the streets of Valletta's old town and get acquainted with the vibes
Take the Barakka lift - it's an elevator going from the lower streets by the harbor to the upper old town section of Valletta
Visit St. Johns Co-Cathedral, a famously beautiful church with unique marble interiors and incredible frescoes
Wander the National War Museum and Fort St. Elmo
Call it a day by enjoying the delicious tasting menu at Legligin, or find a seafood spot near the harbor.
For more insider tips and in-depth information about day one locations and where to stay, visit my Valletta information page.
Day 2: Valletta
Take the 10 minute drive to visit spooky Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, where you'll descend deep into the ground to uncover the mysterious past of Malta's ancient peoples.
Walk from there to the prehistoric Tarxien Temples dating back to more than 5000 years ago, and be sure to do some shopping along the way.
Take the ferry around Valletta Harbor before dinner to soak in the sites from the water, including Game of Throne film locations.
Day 3: Mdina
Before leaving Valletta, leave your car parked and head across the water by ferry. See several museums like Malta at War, the Maritime Museum, Inquisitor's Palace, or Fort St. Angelo.
Then, hike up the hill to the Birgu Flea Market. Open Tuesdays and Sundays, this is a fun spot for a typical locals market selling junky things and antiques. Get a feel for real Malta.
Next, visit the seaside Marsaxlokk Fish Market and farmer's market, which is an absolute delight. Open on Sundays until around noon, this is a must-do. You'll find seaside places to eat here if you are peckish, along with great browsing and shopping in the sunshine.
Keep trekking by car to the Ghar Dalam Cave, only six minutes away, worth a quick look to see inside the cave and its museum.
Near here you may also optionally visit the Marsascala or Zongor Point Salt Pans, but you'll be seeing the famous Gozo salt in a few days so you may want to wait.
The driving day continues to the famous Blue Grotto. If the weather is good, catch a boat ride at the dock for about 10 euros for a 20 minute ride. These boats stay operational until 330ish in the afternoon.
Next, the unmissable Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples. You'll want to spend an hour or so here marching around and picturing life long ago. The backdrop is stunning so stay awhile.
Finally, arrive in Mdina for the night. Follow my Mdina guide for ideas on where to stay and things to do.
If you'd like to do this tour by private van, this is possible and affordable! Check Rates for this tour at the link here, or at the button below.
Day 4: Mdina
Although Mdina's old city and city walls are impressive, much of the day will be spent driving around again, using Mdina as a home base.
In the morning visit the impressive St. Paul's Catacombs, the Malta Aviation Museum, and maybe even pop into a winery, ruins of a Roman villa, or some gardens! (Full details can be found at the separate Mdina guide here).
Dinner in a cave may be in order later, and relaxation. (Learn more about this impressive restaurant in the Mdina guide too).
Day 5: Gozo
Today you're headed to the island of Gozo, a neighboring smaller island, but first there is lots to see along the way to the ferry.
Visit the wow-worthy Dingli cliffs and do not miss the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter.
You can find excellent options for sea view lunches near here, as well. Try the aptly named, Sea View Cafe in Mellieha.
The film set of the 1980 Popeye movie is now a theme park that you can also visit out that direction. Learn more at the Popeye Village website.
Lastly, before hopping on your ferry to Gozo, consider hiking the Victoria Lines, which is like the "Great Wall of Malta" at the Dwerja Lines.
Take the ferry to Gozo and follow my Gozo guide for information on where to stay and eat. (Coming soon!)
Day 6: Gozo/St. Julian's
While in Gozo, there is plenty to explore by car including wine and culinary treats, more Game of Thrones sites, the Gozo blue hole, caves, grottos, Temples, windmills and the famous Gozo salt pans.
It's a relaxing but jam packed day, so visit my Gozo guide to learn about all the stops.
Later, you can return to the "main land" by ferry that night or stay one more night. We found that one night in Gozo was enough, due to the off-season, and opted to stay in the resort area in Paceville/St Julian's.
There, find casinos, big name hotels, shopping malls and all the upmarket things you may find in big cities. There's some nice beaches and resorts there, and the occasional authentic seafood joint if you look hard enough.
If you visit a casino, be sure to bring your passport - it is a whole process to enter!
Staying in St. Julian's is a good bet if you have an earlier flight in the morning.
Day 7: Travel
Take an early ferry to the main island (if you didn't go to St. Julian's the night before), and drive to the airport.
If you have time, I suggest one last pop into the Valletta old town, where you can try pastizzi at a cafe and browse the shops for last minute souvenirs.
How to Get Around Malta
Rental Cars in Malta
Getting a rental car is the best way to get around. All sites are easy to drive to, but be aware they drive on the left side of the road (with the steering wheel on the right side of the car).
If this makes you nervous, be sure to consult my Do's and Don'ts: First Hand Tips for Renting a Car Abroad.
Check prices, rental car companies and rates at the button below.
Ferries in and Around Malta
Everything you need to know about ferries in Malta can be found at this link.
Hop on Hop off Buses in Malta
Another popular option to see and do it all while staying in one home base is to take a hop on hop off bus or even a boat tour. You can browse options for these on Tripadvisor.
Don't forget to check out my sister articles on Malta for more in-depth information on Valletta, Mdina and Gozo at the links below:
Happy travels!
Wow! Looks like such an amazing place ✨
Sounds like a great country to visit. Thanks for sharing so much detail.