Malta: Your Perfect 7 Days (No Stress, All Fun)
By Sam Lee, 2025. So, you're considering a trip to Malta? Get ready for an exciting adventure on an island with more personality than your favorite Game of Thrones episode (yes, Malta is the true King’s Landing).
This small Mediterranean treasure combines sun, sea, and ancient tales. But let's cut to the chase. You want the scoop on the best spots to visit and those hidden gems that will make your friends and family jealous. Don't worry; I've got you.
With my itinerary, I guarantee a week filled with fun, relaxation, and maybe a few moments of existential questioning.
Imagine lazy beach days at the Blue Lagoon, historical tours in Mdina, some partying, and even a wine tasting that might lead to some impulsive buys. I've done the planning so you can just sit back, relax, and dive into the wonder of Malta.
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Day 1 —Arrive and explore Valletta
Day 2 — Historical journey in Mdina & Rabat
Day 3 — Sun & sea at the Blue Lagoon
Day 4 — Discover Gozo
Day 5 — Get cultural at the Three Cities
Day 6 — Outdoor adventure at Dingli Cliffs
Day 7 — Relaxation in Sliema and departure
Optional — Additional (or alternative) day: Marsaxlokk & the Blue Grotto
09 — Reflecting on your Maltese getaway
01—
Day One: Arrive and explore Valletta
Welcome to Malta! After landing and checking into your hotel, it's time to dive into Valletta, the EU's tiniest yet most action-packed capital. Yes, it really holds that title.
Kick off your adventure by browsing Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and Baroque architecture.
Meander through the charming narrow streets and admire the medieval architecture adorned with vibrant wooden balconies.
Visit St. John's Co-Cathedral. It's so grand that you'll wonder if they built it just to outshine every other cathedral you've seen.
After you've had your fill of art and ornate ceilings, head over to the Upper Barrakka Gardens (then make your way down to the Lower Barrakka).
This is where you pretend you're super cultured while secretly taking in the panoramic views of the Grand Harbor and snapping a million photos.
By now, you'll probably be starving. Good news: it's time for dinner at a local restaurant. Don't forget to pair your meal with a glass of Maltese wine because, hey, you're on vacation. I recommend these two:
As you stroll back to your hotel, take a moment to absorb Valletta at night. The street lights glow, and you'll feel like you've wandered into a movie set. Soak it all in and get some rest; you've got six more days of Maltese madness ahead!
If you’re a party person, you’ll want to kick on with the Paceville Pub Crawl with Drinks and Games guided tour.
02—
Day 2: Historical journey in Mdina and Rabat
It's day two, and it's time to get your history geek on.
Start your day with a trip to Mdina, the "Silent City." Silent, because even the ghosts here know how to keep it classy. Hahaha…no, seriously, it's because almost no one lives there. Many years ago, residents relocated to Vittoriosa, which left Mdina mostly uninhabited, giving it the appearance of a ghost town and earning it the silent city moniker.
Regardless of its name, it’s absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to check out St. Paul's Cathedral and the Mdina Dungeons. Once you've had your fill of old-world charm, it's off to Rabat, just a stone's throw away. Head straight to St. Paul's Catacombs.
If you thought catacombs were just fancy names for underground tunnels, think again. These ancient burial sites are both creepy and fascinating. Don't worry; no skeletons will jump out at you—at least, I hope not.
By now, you'll be ready for some food. Find a local café and indulge in some ftira. This traditional Maltese sandwich will make you wonder why Subway even bothers.
Wash it down with a Kinnie, Malta's own soft drink that tastes like a quirky blend of cola and bitter oranges. It's better than it sounds and worth a try.
Finish your day with a leisurely dinner in Mdina. After dinner, take to the streets and soak up the city’s ambiance at night. It's the perfect ending to a day steeped in history and carbs. Then it’s back to your accommodation for a little chill time before a big day at the beach.
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Day 3: Sun and sea at the Blue Lagoon
Day three and it's time to embrace your inner beach bum.
Grab your sunscreen, shades, and sense of adventure as you hop on a ferry to the Blue Lagoon on Comino or take a local tour. If you thought paradise only existed in movies, prepare to be proven wrong. The water here is so crystal clear you'll swear it's Photoshopped in real life.
Plant yourself on the sandy shores and soak up the sun, or dive into the clear waters and make friends with the fish. Snorkeling gear is a must if you want to explore underwater.
Feeling peckish? Lucky for you, there are food stalls nearby serving snacks and cold drinks. Because let's face it, nothing says "living your best life" like sipping a cold beer while floating on a lilo.
After you've turned into a sun-drenched raisin, it's time to head back to the mainland. But the fun isn't over yet. Wrap up your day with a fresh seafood dinner.
And there you have it, a day at the Blue Lagoon that's more relaxing than a spa day and more beautiful than you ever imagined.
04—
Day 4: Discover Gozo
Day four, and it's time to hop on a ferry to Gozo: Malta's laid-back sister island.
Your first stop? The Ggantija Temples. They're so old, they make the pyramids look like recent builds.
Next up, make your way to Victoria, the island's capital. Visit Cittadella, which is basically a medieval fortress straight out of a fantasy novel, but with better views.
Now, all that history is bound to work up an appetite. Grab lunch at a local joint—think fresh cheese, olives, and bread that'll make you swear off diets forever. And don't forget the wine. Gozo's local vino is super nice.
If you're not too drowsy from all that wine, finish off your Gozo escapade at the Azure Window's (sadly now collapsed) replacement—Dwejra Bay.
Snap a few pics, and maybe even go for a swim if you're feeling brave. Try not to get too jealous of the lucky locals who get to call this place home. Hire a care and do this on your own, or book a local Jeep tour.
05—
Day 5: Get cultural at the Three Cities
Day five. Time to show off your cultural sophistication.
Today, we're diving into the Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua. If Valletta is the life of the party, these cities are the chill cousins with fascinating backstories.
First stop: Vittoriosa (pictured above). Wander through the quaint streets and check out the Inquisitor's Palace. It's like walking through history but with less torture. Then, head over to the Malta Maritime Museum. You'll find out more about ships than you ever thought possible—perfect for impressing people at your next pub trivia night.
Next up, Senglea. Stroll along the Safe Haven Gardens for views that'll blow your mind. Capture those Instagram-worthy shots, but don't drop your phone into the harbor (it's been done before).
Lastly, let's visit Cospicua. The fortified walls here are so thick that they probably have better security than your online banking. Make sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception—because saying you went there sounds super fancy, and it’s actually worth the visit.
Finish the day with some waterfront dining. After all this walking and culture, you've earned a special treat.
If you want to explore the Three Cities with a local, think about one of these tours:
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Day 6: Outdoor adventure at Dingli Cliffs
Time to lace up those walking shoes for an outdoor adventure at Dingli Cliffs. These cliffs are the highest point in Malta and offer views so breathtaking you'll forget about taking photos. Stroll along the rugged pathways and gawk at the stunning vistas.
Visit the nearby Buskett Gardens. Wander through this lush spot. Feeling peckish? Grab a snack from a local food truck and make your way to a cozy spot for a mini picnic. I’m not sure there is anything better than munching on Maltese goodies with a backdrop that looks like desktop wallpaper.
As the day winds down, head back and treat yourself to a local wine tasting. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for wine and maybe a bottle (or three) that you'll justify as a "souvenir." Big thumbs up to making questionable purchases on vacation!
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Day 7: Relaxation and departure
Day seven is your last chance to soak up every bit of Maltese magic. Start your morning with a luxurious breakfast (remember, calories don't count on vacation). Those fluffy pancakes and fresh pastries aren't going to eat themselves.
Once you're fueled up, head over to Sliema for some retail therapy. Trust me, you'll find more knick-knacks and souvenirs than you ever thought you wanted or needed. And hey, that "I ❤ Malta" mug will totally fit in your luggage.
I don’t usually advocate shopping for trinkets, but supporting local family-run businesses by buying a couple of items is always a nice thing to do.
After you've shopped till you almost dropped, treat yourself to some pampering at a local spa. A massage or a facial? Yes, please. It's the perfect way to ease those sore muscles from all the sightseeing and, let's be honest, all that feasting.
No spa day for you? No problem. Hit the beach one last time and let the sound of waves do the relaxing for you.
As your Maltese getaway winds down, enjoy one last leisurely stroll or maybe grab a gelato or a sneaky glass of wine—it's your final chance to indulge.
Savor the views, breathe in the sea air, and snap that last photo to make all your friends back home ridiculously jealous. Malta might be small, but it sure knows how to leave a big impression.
Keep reading for an additional (or alternative day) to the itinerary.
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Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto
For an additional or alternative day in Malata, explore Marsaxlokk and the Blue Grotto. You’ll need to hire a car, or you can book a local tour or a private driver for a very affordable price.
Drive to the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, take in the vividly-hued traditional luzzu fishing boats, and wander the promenade. Take in the expansive open-air market atmosphere and treat yourself to a piece of custom jewelry and handcrafted accessories.
Next, drive for about 15 minutes to Wied Iz-Zurrieq (Zurrieq Valley) and explore the sea caves of the Blue Grotto. Capture images of the towering main arch (30 meters tall). Enjoy the breathtaking Honeymoon Cave, Cat's Cave, and Reflection Cave.
Take a paid tour of the Blue Grotto (about 10 euros) — it's touristy but well worth the dosh. Chill out for a while, then stop at Qrendi, a charming (and tiny) traditional village, on your way back to Valletta.
Voila, your day is complete!
09—
Reflecting on your Maltese getaway
Well, look at you—survived seven days in Malta and only mildly sunburned! You've feasted like a king, explored like Indiana Jones, and probably taken enough photos to fill a small hard drive.
From sipping wine in Gozo to becoming a history buff in Mdina, you've had a week jam-packed with experiences your friends and family will be sick of hearing about.
You've soaked in stunning views, savored mouthwatering meals, and maybe even learned a thing or two (like how many pastizzi one human can consume in a day—important stuff).
Now that you're practically a Maltese expert don't be shy. Drop me a DM and share your epic tales. A photo would be nice, too. I won't judge (well, not too much anyway). Until next time, fellow traveler!
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