Ultimate 5-day Itinerary for Malta

Malta might be small, but it packs in far more than most people expect. In this 5-day Malta itinerary, we’ll show you exactly how to explore historic cities, turquoise beaches, dramatic cliffs, and some of the island’s best food — without rushing around.

We followed this exact route ourselves during our December trip and were surprised by how much we managed to see in just a few days. Whether you’re visiting for summer swims, cultural sights, or a relaxed winter escape, this plan groups attractions logically so your days flow smoothly.

If you want to explore the top things to do in Malta while still enjoying the journey, this 5-day Malta itinerary will help you do exactly that.

Quick Overview

For the smoothest experience, we recommend renting a car. Public transport works, but it’s slower and doesn’t reach some of the more remote places included in this itinerary. Having your own vehicle makes the daily routes much more efficient.

We usually compare options through DiscoverCars to see different companies and prices in one place.

We suggest dedicating one full day to Valletta and the Three Cities, followed by a sunset in Sliema. Another day works well for the south, and one for central Malta. Gozo deserves a full day on its own, while Comino can be combined with beaches in the north.

Below, you’ll find the exact day-by-day plan we followed.

How many days to spend in Malta

Malta isn’t a huge island, which makes it surprisingly easy to explore efficiently. Five days is enough to see the main highlights, enjoy some beach time, and visit both Gozo and Comino without feeling rushed — especially if you follow a logical route.

If you prefer a slower pace or want to add more beach hopping and downtime, 7 days is even better. The extra time lets you explore more spontaneously instead of moving every day.

5-day itinerary for Malta

Day 1: Valletta & The Three Cities

Morning: Exploring Valletta

Start your first morning in Valletta and try to arrive early. The streets are noticeably quieter before the cruise crowds arrive, and the limestone buildings glow beautifully in the soft morning light.

Begin at Triton Fountain and walk through the City Gate toward the Parliament building. From there, explore on foot. We loved getting slightly lost in the narrow streets before heading to St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Don’t skip the interior — it’s far more impressive than it looks from the outside.

Continue to Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views over the Grand Harbour. If you’re there around noon, you can catch the daily cannon salute.

Afternoon: Discovering the Three Cities

After lunch, take a local boat across the harbour instead of joining a large group tour. The ride itself offers some of the best views of Valletta’s skyline.

Start in Birgu (Vittoriosa), which felt more authentic and less crowded than Valletta during our visit.

Walk along the marina, explore Fort St. Angelo, and enjoy the quieter atmosphere. From there, continue toward Senglea for one of the best viewpoints overlooking Valletta — especially in the late afternoon light. Cospicua is more residential but worth passing through as you move between the cities.

Evening: Sunset by the Water

Head back to Valletta or Sliema for sunset. We recommend visiting the Tigné Point. Watching the city walls glow golden from across the water is the perfect way to end your first day in Malta.

Day 2: Gozo Island day trip

Morning: Ferry to Gozo & Tal-Mixta Cave

Start early and take the car ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo. The crossing only takes about 25 minutes, and if you’re driving, it’s by far the easiest way to explore the island freely.

Head straight to Tal-Mixta Cave. This was honestly one of our favorite viewpoints in all of Malta. The cave frames Ramla Bay perfectly, and if you arrive before mid-morning, you’ll likely have it almost to yourself. The short uphill walk is worth it for the panoramic views.

Afterward, you can either relax at Ramla Bay below or continue exploring.

Midday: Victoria & The Citadel

Drive to Victoria (Rabat), the island’s capital, and explore the Citadel. Walk along the fortified walls for sweeping views across Gozo — you’ll quickly realize how small and rural the island actually is.

We recommend taking your time here, grabbing lunch nearby, and enjoying the slower pace compared to mainland Malta.

Afternoon: Coastal Highlights

Spend the afternoon exploring Gozo’s dramatic coastline. The Blue Hole is a must-see, especially if you dive or snorkel. Even if you don’t, the rugged scenery alone is impressive.

From there, visit the Salt Pans near Marsalforn and continue to Wied il-Għasri, a narrow canyon leading to a tiny hidden beach. If you have extra time, stop at Wied il-Mielaħ, a natural rock arch that feels far less crowded than Malta’s former Azure Window area.

Most highlights are only 15–20 minutes apart by car, which makes the day surprisingly manageable.

Day 3: Comino Island & Popeye Village

Morning: Comino & the Blue Lagoon

During summer, this tiny island is one of the most popular places in Malta thanks to the famous Blue Lagoon and its unreal turquoise water.

If you’re visiting in warmer months, we recommend booking this catamaran tour in advance. It stops at the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Santa Maria Caves, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling.

What makes it stand out is the sundeck space, waterslide, and even underwater viewing windows — it’s a fun, easy way to spend the morning without worrying about logistics.

We skipped Comino during our winter trip, but if your goal is swimming and clear water, this is the day to do it. A half-day tour is usually enough to see the highlights.

Afternoon: Popeye Village & Northern Coast

After returning from Comino, head to Popeye Village, about 15 minutes from Ċirkewwa. Originally built as a film set, it’s now one of the most photographed bays on the island.

We loved the viewpoint from above the village — even if you don’t enter the attraction itself, the panoramic view over the colorful houses and turquoise bay is absolutely worth the stop.

The contrast between the cliffs and the bright water makes it one of the most unique coastal scenes in Malta.

If you still have time, you can relax at Mellieħa Bay or continue toward Għajn Tuffieħa for a quieter sunset spot.

Day 4: Central Malta – Dingli Cliffs, Mdina, Rabat

Morning: Mdina – The Silent City

Start your day in Mdina, Malta’s former capital, often called “The Silent City.” Arriving early makes a big difference — before tour groups arrive, the narrow medieval streets feel almost empty and incredibly atmospheric.

We loved simply wandering without a strict plan. The golden stone buildings, quiet alleys, and elevated views over the countryside make it one of the most unique places on the island. Walk along the city walls and take your time — Mdina isn’t about rushing from one landmark to another.

Midday: Rabat & Underground History

Just outside Mdina’s walls lies Rabat, which feels more local and lively. Here you can visit St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa if you’re interested in Malta’s layered history.

After exploring, this is a great place for lunch. Rabat has plenty of small cafés and traditional restaurants, making it an easy stop before continuing your day.

Evening: Sunset at Dingli Cliffs

End your day at Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta and one of the best sunset spots on the island. The views stretch endlessly across the Mediterranean, and the atmosphere feels surprisingly peaceful.

We stopped near a small chapel along the road where there’s a large parking area — it made sunset easy and stress-free. You’ll find multiple viewpoints along the cliffs, so you can always pull over and choose the one that feels right.

Day 5: South Malta – Blue Grotto, St. Peter’s Pool, Marsaxlokk

Morning: St. Peter’s Pool & Il-Kalanka

The south was honestly our favorite part of Malta. It feels more rugged and natural compared to the busier north.

Start your morning at St. Peter’s Pool. It’s not a sandy beach but a natural swimming platform carved into flat limestone cliffs. We loved how clear the water looked from above — almost unreal on a sunny day. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s a great spot for swimming and cliff jumping. Just arrive early, because parking is limited and it gets busy.

A few minutes away is Il-Kalanka, a smaller and usually quieter bay. We actually preferred the atmosphere here — fewer people, dramatic cliffs, and the same crystal-clear water. It’s perfect if you want something a little more peaceful.

Midday: Marsaxlokk & Seafood Lunch

From there, drive to Marsaxlokk, a traditional fishing village famous for its colorful boats lining the harbor. We enjoyed simply walking along the waterfront and taking photos before settling down for lunch.

If you love seafood, this is the place to try it. The whole village has a relaxed, coastal feel that makes it easy to slow down after a morning of swimming. On Sundays, there’s also a local market that adds even more atmosphere.

Evening: Blue Grotto & Sunset Views

Finish your Malta itinerary at the Blue Grotto. During the day, you can take a small boat into the caves to see the bright reflections inside. If you’d rather keep things simple, the viewpoints from above are already impressive.

We stayed for sunset and loved how the cliffs slowly turned golden as the light changed. After five full days of exploring, it felt like the perfect final stop — dramatic and scenic.

Getting around Malta

Getting around Malta is fairly easy, but your experience will depend a lot on how you choose to travel. If you want maximum flexibility, renting a car makes the biggest difference. Almost everything in this itinerary (except Comino) is reachable by car, and you won’t be limited by bus schedules.

If you don’t want to drive, the bus network connects most main towns and attractions. It’s budget-friendly and works well if you’re staying in central areas, but journeys can be slower and more crowded in summer.

Another alternative is renting a motorbike, which can be cheaper and easier for parking, especially in peak season.

Best time to visit Malta

Malta is great year-round, but May–June and September–October are the sweet spots — warm weather, swimmable sea, and fewer crowds than peak summer.

July and August are hot and busy, while winter is quieter and more affordable, though some seasonal spots may close.

For a full breakdown of weather, crowds, and what each month is really like, check our detailed guide on when to plan your Malta trip.

Final Thoughts

Five days in Malta is just enough to see the highlights without rushing, especially if you plan your base well and group sights logically. From historic cities to cliffside views and clear blue water, the island packs a surprising amount into a small space.

We followed a similar route ourselves and found this pace balanced — busy, but not overwhelming. If you structure your days smartly, you’ll experience the best of Malta without feeling like you’re constantly in transit.

If you’re still figuring out the best area to base yourself, our guide to the best places to stay in Malta breaks it all down clearly.

Enjoy the trip — and don’t forget to slow down for those sunset moments.