One Week Malta Itinerary – Best Things to Do in Malta

Are you planning your next trip to Malta and are wondering how to spend an entire week in the country? If so, then this is your perfect one week Malta itinerary filled with some of the best things to do in the country.

In addition, you’ll also find useful information with regards to where to stay, how to get around and what the best times to visit Malta are.

A Few Facts About Malta

Without diving too deeply into Malta’s history, we’ve collected a few facts about the country:

• Malta has a population density of 1,346 per km² making it the 4th most populated country in Europe and 8th in the world.
• It has two official languages: Maltese and English. Maltese language is a combination of Arabic, Italian, French and English.
• Malta doesn’t have rivers, lakes or reservoirs so they filter their drinking water from the ocean. It’s perfectly safe to drink, but you might notice a different taste.
• The small island has been an attractive destination for movies like Gladiator, World War Z, Troy and Game of Thrones.
• The remains of the Ggantija Temples are actually some of the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world. Yes, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt!
• There are 365 churches across the country, so you could basically visit a different church every day for a year.
• Valletta was the first ever planned city in Europe. It was designed by the Knights of St John during their reign in Malta.
• Malta was awarded the George Cross by King George VI of England for its bravery during the Axis Siege in the Second World War. You can see the George Cross on the national flag.
• The country has been ruled by many empires throughout history, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights Templar, French, and finally the British.
• In Malta people drive on the left side of the road, which is one of the many legacies of the former British rule that you’ll notice.

Where to Stay in Malta

Although Malta is a very small place, there are a ton of different areas you can stay. To help you decide which area is the most suitable for you, ask yourself a few questions. Are you going to Malta for a relaxing beach holiday? Do you want to be at the centre of the action? Are you going to hire a car or are you relying on public transport?

Valletta

The capital is definitely packed with attractions, cute cafes and amazing restaurants. It’s also a great place to consider if you want to explore Malta by public transport. However, bear in mind that the city can get pretty crowded in the high season. There aren’t any nice beaches close by to relax on if that’s what you’re after. Lastly, if you’re planning on hiring a car, you’ll always have to drive in and out of the city which can get pretty congested.

Sliema

The city is a great option for those wanting to avoid massive crowds but who still want to be close to the action. Sliema has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. It’s also pretty easy to get to most places from there by public transport. In addition, it also has some rocky beaches which Valletta doesn’t. The only thing Sliema lacks is attractions. For reference, we stayed in Sliema and for us it was perfect. If you’re following our Malta itinerary, then you can consider staying in Sliema.

St Julian’s

If you’re after a place with vibrant nightlife then book somewhere in St Julian’s. It’s also pretty close to Sliema and Valletta, so if you’re relying on getting around the island by public transport it’s still a good option.

Bugibba, St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra

These three towns are great if you’re looking to stay in a resort. They are located to the north of Malta so are pretty close to the ferry terminal to Gozo and the Comino islands. However, bear in mind that it would take you a bit longer to reach some places to the south by public transport.

Mellieha

The town is also located to the north of Malta, close to the ferry port to Gozo and the Comino Islands. If you’re after a relaxing beach holiday then it’s a great place to stay. It still has great connections to Valletta if you’re relying on public transport. Although you’ll likely spend longer getting to the southern parts of the country.

Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala

These two towns are located in the southern area of Malta. They are perfect if you want to avoid crowded places and are after a quieter stay. However, unless you have a car, it’ll take ages to reach other areas of Malta by public transport.

Best Time to Visit Malta

Malta gets over 300 days of sun each year, so depending on what you want to do on your trip, below are the pros and cons to visiting the country in certain seasons:

Summer months (June, July and August): High temperatures during the summer months are perfect for anyone seeking a relaxing beach holiday sprinkled with a few activities and excursions. However, the summer holidays and half terms mean that the island will be the busiest during this time too. This also means that flight tickets, accommodation and food prices will also be at their highest.

Spring or Autumn (April / May and September / October): If you’d like to enjoy some sunshine, lazy days on the beach, and be able to explore some sites and cute towns without melting, then consider visiting during these times. Normally prices are lower in the shoulder season and of course you won’t need to fight for a spot on the beach either.

Winter months (December to February): This is definitely the least busy and most affordable time to visit Malta. The temperatures are still pleasant enough to explore the island, however you might not feel like cooling down in the water during the winter months.

How to Get Around Malta

Private Car

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around Malta is by car. You can easily hire a car for the duration of your stay and drive around the country. There are a few things to bear in mind before you hire your vehicle. In Malta, they drive on the left side, so if you’re coming from the UK (or other left-hand drive countries) it won’t be a huge difference. However, if you’re from other countries, then this is something you should consider. Especially if you’ve never driven on the left hand side before.

Also note that the streets are very narrow and parking your car in busy areas can be a bit of a hassle. During rush hours congestions are very common especially around Valletta.

If you don’t want to drive, you can always hire a taxi. This could be a good option if you’re travelling with friends and sharing the cost.

Public Transport

Malta is very well connected and you can reach most tourist attractions by public transport. The main method of travel is by bus which can get you pretty much anywhere. You can also take ferries between certain places such as Sliema and Valletta and of course between Malta and Gozo or the Comino Islands.

Public transport is very affordable, so if you’re on a tighter budget this is a great way to save a few pennies. However, bus travel will require a little more forward planning, especially if you wish to visit locations further afield.

Tours

Lastly, another convenient way to get around Malta is by organised tours. You can use one of the Hop-on Hop-off buses that will drive you around the country and provide you with information along the way. This is great if you’re short on time. You can of course arrange other organised group tours, so you won’t have to worry about planning out your route and waiting for public buses.

One Week Malta Itinerary

Below you’ll find a week long itinerary for exploring Malta. It is filled with picturesque cities, towns and stunning natural features. Depending on your interests and where you’re staying, you can always adjust your day to day activities to suit you. For reference, the below itinerary is also perfectly doable by public transport.

Day 1 – Explore Valletta, the Capital City of Malta

If you’ve just arrived to Malta and are staying in either Valletta or Sliema, then you can start your one week Malta itinerary by exploring Valletta. The city is packed with attractions, so below are a few things you really shouldn’t miss in Valletta:

Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. You might wonder why it’s a top tourist attraction in Valletta, until you go inside. The interior of this cathedral is absolutely stunning and although entry costs 15EUR, it is a place you should not skip. Go early to avoid the crowds.

Upper and Lower Gardens. These two beautiful parks (especially the Upper Gardens) will provide you with stunning views over Valletta and the Three Cities: Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea, and Cospicua. Make sure to get there for noon or 4PM to witness military officials firing cannons as part of a very old tradition.

The Grandmaster’s Palace. Originally built by the Knights of the Order of St. John, today it houses the Office of the President of Malta. The building is stunning from the outside, but you can also visit inside to see many unique paintings, tapestries and learn more about the political history of Malta.

The streets of Valletta. The city’s narrow and steep streets are surrounded by limestone buildings and colourful balconies. Make sure to take your time strolling through them to appreciate their unique beauty.

Day 2 – Visit Mdina, Rabat and the Dingli Cliffs

After exploring the current capital of the country, the next day on your one week Malta itinerary should be used to explore the old capital: Mdina. It is a fortified medieval town located on a large hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Malta. Mdina is often called the “Silent City” because there are no cars allowed in the city. You can check out Mdina Gate and Ditch Garden, St Paul’s Cathedral, Palazzo Falson and enjoy the views from the bastion at Triq is-Sur.

After wondering around Mdina, make sure to walk over to Rabat. The small village is located to the southwest of Mdina and it definitely has its own charm. There are several cafes and restaurants here too, so it’s a perfect place to grab some lunch. There are a few places you can visit in Rabat such as the Catacombs, Casa Bernard Palace and the Howard Gardens which basically divide Mdina and Rabat.

To finish your day you can consider visiting Dingli Cliffs from Mdina and Rabat. Dingli is a small village to the southwest of Rabat. Just outside of the village is where the Dingli Cliffs are located. At around 253m above sea level, they are actually the highest point of the Maltese Islands. If you have a rental car, then it’s very easy and quick to get to them. However, you can also visit the cliffs by bus if you take the 201 from Rabat bus stop and get off at either Maddalena or Zuta bus stops.

Day 3 – Day Trip to Gozo Island

Your one week Malta itinerary should definitely include taking the ferry to Gozo Island. Although Gozo is the second-largest of the Maltese islands, it’s definitely much quieter than Malta. The island is easily accessible from the Cirkewwa Passenger Terminal in Malta. You can even take your hire car across which would allow you to easily drive around the island. The ferry costs just under 5EUR return so it’s also very affordable.

Below are a few of the many places you can put onto your Gozo itinerary. These are also accessible by public transport.

Victoria (Rabat). A trip to Gozo wouldn’t be complete without visiting Victoria (Rabat). The beautiful fortified town’s main attraction is the Citadel that you can visit for free.

Ramla Bay / Beach. Considered the best beach on Gozo Island, this red sand beach is going to be your perfect spot for a swim or for some relaxing time. The views surrounding the bay are also pretty incredible. Not to mention the colour of the water will make you want to jump in right away.

Tal-Mixta Cave. This huge cave with stunning views over the sandy Ramla Beach is definitely a place you should visit. Located in the hills near the tiny village of Nadur. The cave itself is on private property but you are allowed to visit for free as long as you respect the owner’s privacy.

The Ggantija Temples. These temples are a must see on Gozo, since they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They’re also thought to be older than the pyramids of Egypt which is crazy! Still, to this day, nobody really knows how these huge rocks got here. The entry fee is 10EUR.

Xwejni Salt Pans. Another interesting place you can visit in Gozo are the salt pans. These salt pans have existed in this region since the Phoenician and Roman times. They are still used to harvest salt today.

Day 4 – Visit Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pools

After a day exploring Gozo, you might want to enjoy a more relaxing day visiting Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pools. The small traditional fishing village is located to the southeast of Malta, but can be easily accessed by car or public transport from Valletta.

Marsaxlokk has actually been used as a port by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and the Order of Saint John. Today, this colourful village is where you can see a traditional Maltese fishing fleet. These iconic boats are called Luzzu and, together with the village, they offer you the most picture perfect views of a Maltese harbor.

If you’re in Marsaxlokk on a Sunday, then you can visit its popular fresh fish market. If you’re a sea food lover, then visiting this village is a must for their fresh fish. Even if you’re not here for the fish, you can always just enjoy the other stalls selling local products and souvenirs. It was really the cutest market we visited in Malta.

There isn’t a lot to do in Marsaxlokk itself, so once you’ve wondered around its main area you can head over to a very unique spot called St Peter’s Pools. This cool cove with a deep pool is located on Delimara Point and attracts a lot of people wanting to swim or cliff jump. You can take a short 30-minute hike there, which we highly recommend because the views are really pretty. They have a tiny car park, so if you have a car you can drive there too.

Day 5 – Comino Island Day Trip and Popeye Village

In our opinion, your Malta itinerary wouldn’t be complete without taking a day-trip to Comino Island. The tiny island is located between Malta and Gozo. Comino is only inhabited by a handful of people, although it’s a very popular place for day trips.

The landscape is absolutely stunning with jagged cliffs, coves, caves and possibly the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Comino is the perfect place to enjoy swimming in the Blue Lagoon or go on a hike around the island. There won’t be an awful lot to do on the island, but if you enjoy a good hike, then you can definitely get away from the crowds at Blue Lagoon.

Either before or after your Comino Island day-trip, you can also include a visit to the famous Popeye Village in your Malta itinerary. The village was created specifically for the movie ‘Popeye’ in 1980. Today it’s been converted into a theme park and you can also enjoy some fantastic views over the entire village from the cliffs.

Day 6 – Explore the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua

On your last day we suggest you visit the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua. When you explored Valletta, you probably got a great view of them from the Upper Gardens, so it’s time you took a ferry over and wondered around.

You can get there from Valletta by bus, by ferry or by a traditional gondola-style boat which we recommend for a unique experience.

You can start in Vittoriosa which was originally called Birgu. It is the oldest of the three cities and was the first home of the Knights of the Order of St. John. It was renamed Vittoriosa (meaning “vicotory”) after the Great Siege of 1565. Other than wondering around its charming cobbled stone streets, make sure to visit Fort St Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace.

Cospicua is the largest of the three cities and was originally known as Bormia. The city’s highlight is the Church of Our Lady that somehow survived through World War II when the city was pretty much destroyed. 

The small fortified city of Senglea is also known as Citta’ Invicta, “the invincible city”, due to surviving the Great Siege almost undamaged. Although nearly 75% of its buildings were damaged during World War II. Make sure to head over to Safe Haven Gardens at Senglea Point to enjoy some beautiful views of the harbour and Valletta.

Visiting the Three cities is definitely a great way to end your one week Malta itinerary.

Final Thoughts on One Week Malta Itinerary

This one week Malta itinerary is a great way to see the best of Malta. Our favourite days were definitely the ones we spent exploring Comino and Gozo islands. Since we visited in February, we didn’t allocate a lot of time for relaxing on the beach. However, you can easily incorporate beach time into this itinerary.

Have you ever been in Malta? If so, how much of the country did you manage to explore? If not, would you like to visit this beautiful country? Let me know in the comments below.