MileHacker Logo
Itinerary Planner

Itinerary Planner

Malta

-Hour Layover: Valletta Centric

Morning: Arrive MLA, taxi/X4 bus to Valletta. Check-in. Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral early for full appreciation. Lunch: Quick Pastizzi or Ftira sandwich from a local pastizzeria, people-watching.

Afternoon: Upper Barrakka Gardens (for 12 PM/4 PM gun salute). Panoramic Grand Harbour views. Walk Republic Street, visit Grand Master's Palace (Armoury/State Rooms). Consider ferry to Three Cities for fortification views.

Evening Ambiance

  • Dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant
  • Experience evening ambiance with a drink
  • Lively bars on Strait Street
  • Book experiences in advance [GetYourGuide]

Weekend Getaway

A 2-3 day itinerary offers a dive into Valletta and nearby treasures.

Day 1: Valletta Immersion

Dedicate the day to Valletta. Start with St. John's Co-Cathedral, then the Grand Master's Palace. Explore Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens. Walk Valletta's intricate side streets, discovering hidden gems. Visit Fort St. Elmo – National War Museum.

Valletta Highlights

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral
  • Grand Master's Palace
  • Upper & Lower Barrakka Gardens
  • Fort St. Elmo – National War Museum
Explore bookable experiences: [GetYourGuide]

Day 2: Mdina, Rabat & South Coast

Morning: Bus to Mdina, the "Silent City." Explore alleys, admire architecture, visit St. Paul's Cathedral. Adjacent Rabat offers St. Paul's Catacombs and the Roman Domus.

Day 2 Highlights

  • Mdina: The Silent City
  • Rabat: St. Paul's Catacombs, Roman Domus
  • Marsaxlokk: Fishing village, seafood lunch (Sunday market)

Day 3: Three Cities & Departure

Morning: Ferry across Grand Harbour to Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua). Explore Vittoriosa's historic streets, Inquisitor's Palace or Maritime Museum. Enjoy views from Senglea's Gardjola Gardens.

Departure Day

  • Ferry to Three Cities
  • Vittoriosa exploration
  • Senglea's Gardjola Gardens
  • Last-minute souvenir shopping

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

This itinerary expands your visit, allowing a exploration of Malta's distinct regions and attractions. Days 1-2 involve Valletta exploration.

Weekly Highlights

  • Day 3: Mdina, Rabat, Dingli Cliffs
  • Day 4: Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra
  • Day 5: Gozo (full-day trip via ferry)
  • Day 6: Comino & Blue Lagoon (boat trip)

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

An extended trip means a slower pace and immersion. Combine previous suggestions with further activities across the islands.

Relaxed Pursuits

More time for diving or snorkeling trips. Hiking various coastal paths. Exploring lesser-known villages and local life.

Cultural Deep Dive

Attend a traditional village festa (seasonal). Spending 2-3 full days on Gozo, possibly an overnight stay. Taking a Maltese cooking class.

Specialized Interests

Exploring more specific museums or art galleries. Renting an apartment for an immersive local living experience. Utilizing local bus passes for extensive travel.

Long-Term Stays

For stays over two weeks, renting an apartment in Valletta or Floriana provides an immersive local living experience. This means exploring smaller towns at a relaxed pace.

Tailored Journeys

Align your Valletta itinerary with your specific passions for a deeply resonant trip.

History & Heritage Focus

Explore Malta's profound past, from ancient temples to Baroque masterpieces and wartime narratives.

Sites

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral, Grand Master's Palace
  • Fort St. Elmo, Lascaris War Rooms
  • Casa Rocca Piccola, Manoel Theatre
  • Mdina, Three Cities, Prehistoric Temples (Hypogeum)
Book tours for historical sites: [GetYourGuide]

Adventure & Outdoors

Malta offers diverse outdoor pursuits, from underwater exploration to scenic coastal trails.

Adventure Highlights

  • Diving (numerous dive centers)
  • Coastal hiking (Dingli Cliffs, Majjistral Park)
  • Rock climbing for enthusiasts
  • Boat trips to Comino's Blue Lagoon for swimming/snorkeling

Family Adventures

Malta presents a range of attractions suitable for families, blending fun with discovery.

Family Fun

  • Popeye Village, Malta National Aquarium
  • Esplora Interactive Science Centre
  • Playmobil FunPark, sandy beaches
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens (gun salute), Grand Master's Palace Armoury
Discover family attractions: [GetYourGuide]

Spiritual & Wellness

For quiet contemplation and well-being, Malta offers serene spaces and significant sites.

Wellness Spots

  • Valletta churches, cathedrals for reflection
  • Coastal lidos or hotel spa centers
  • Ta' Pinu Basilica on Gozo
  • Gozo's serene natural landscapes

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Valletta's Baroque architecture, unique gallarijas, and rich artistic heritage are a draw for art and architecture enthusiasts.

Architectural Jewels

  • St. John's Co-Cathedral, MUŻA (National Museum of Fine Arts)
  • Manoel Theatre, Spazju Kreattiv (St. James Cavalier)
  • Walking tours focusing on Valletta's Baroque architecture
  • Mdina's medieval and Baroque architecture

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor Malta's unique flavors, from traditional street food to fresh seafood and local wine.

Culinary Delights

  • Valletta Food Market (Is-Suq tal-Belt)
  • Explore numerous pastizzerias and local cafes
  • Marsaxlokk fish market (Sunday) for fresh seafood
  • Explore local vineyards for wine tasting

Budget & Seasons

Valletta provides options for all budgets, and each season offers an unique Maltese experience.

Backpacker's Guide

Explore Malta affordably with smart choices for accommodation, transport, and meals.

Budget Essentials

  • Hostels or budget guesthouses (Valletta/Sliema/St. Julian's)
  • 7-day Tallinja Explore Card for unlimited bus travel
  • Pastizzi, ftira, self-catering, local eateries
  • Free attractions (gardens, city walks, Saluting Battery), public beaches
Affordable travel awaits!

Mid-Range Traveler

A balanced approach to comfort and authentic experiences.

Mid-Range Choices

  • Guesthouses or mid-range hotels (Valletta/Three Cities)
  • Mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants
  • Public buses for distances, occasional taxis
  • Mix free attractions with paid site entries, one organized tour

Luxury Experience Plan

For an indulgent visit, Malta accommodates preferences for premium comfort and exclusive activities.

Luxury Choices

  • 5-star boutique hotels or grand luxury hotels
  • Fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants
  • Private chef services, gourmet food tours
  • Private boat charters for swimming/snorkeling

Value-Focused Recommendations

These strategies optimize your travel budget without compromising the experience.

Smart Savings

  • Visit during shoulder or low season for lower prices
  • Book accommodation and flights well in advance
  • Utilize public transport as your main mode of movement
  • Seek out local eateries and street food for affordable meals

Seasonal Exploration Strategies

Summer Highlights

Focus on beach days, swimming, diving, and boat trips to Comino for the Blue Lagoon. Open-air concerts and lively nightlife.

Winter Highlights

Enjoy mild temperatures, ideal for extensive sightseeing and historical exploration without crowds. Lush green landscapes. Christmas markets and Valletta Baroque Festival.

Festival Visits

Plan trips around events like Malta International Arts Festival (July), Notte Bianca (October) in Valletta, or traditional village festa (summer).

Off-Season Exploration

Visiting during the low season (Nov-Mar) means lower prices and fewer crowds. Focus on historical sites and museums. Be ready for occasional rain, pack layers.