Malta-6-day-itinerary

Malta Itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Valletta

Places to Visit:

  • Valletta: The capital city of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Baroque architecture.
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens: For stunning views of the Grand Harbour.

Activities:

  • Explore Valletta on foot to discover its historic streets and landmarks.
  • Visit the National Museum of Archaeology.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Most sites open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Weather: Malta’s climate is Mediterranean, with summer highs often reaching above 30°C (86°F).

Transportation:

  • Getting to Valletta: By taxi or bus from the airport. The bus journey takes about an hour and costs around €1.50.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of EU Countries: No visa required.
  • Non-EU Citizens: Check the Maltese government’s official website for the latest information.

Day 2: Valletta to Blue Grotto

Places to Visit:

  • Blue Grotto: A natural sea cave, known for its blue waters.
  • Ghajn Tuffieha Bay: For a quieter spot of natural beauty.

Activities:

  • Take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto and see its stunning blue waters up close.
  • Relax at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay.

Things to Know:

  • The best time for visiting the Blue Grotto is early morning or late afternoon when the water is calm.
  • Fees: A small fee for entering the bay.

Transportation:

  • From Valletta, take bus number 41 or 42 towards Rabat and get off at the stop nearest the bay. The journey takes about an hour.

Day 3: Mdina and Rabat

Places to Visit:

  • Mdina: Malta’s ancient capital city.
  • St. Paul’s Catacombs: To see a network of underground tombs from the Roman period.

Activities:

  • Explore Mdina, known as the “Silent City” due to its quiet streets.
  • Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs to learn about Malta’s history.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: St. Paul’s Catacombs are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM in summer and until 4:30 PM in winter.
  • Consider visiting the Mdina Dungeons for a glimpse into Malta’s darker past.

Transportation:

  • Bus number 41 or 42 can take you from Valletta to Rabat, then walk through the narrow streets of Rabat to reach Mdina.

Day 4: Marsaxlokk and Blue Grotto Again

Places to Visit:

  • Marsaxlokk Market: A colorful fish market on Sundays.
  • Ta’ Mena Winery: For a taste of Maltese wine.

Activities:

  • Spend the morning exploring Marsaxlokk’s Sunday market for a mix of local produce and souvenirs.
  • Consider another visit to the Blue Grotto, especially if you missed it due to weather conditions earlier.

Things to Know:

  • The market in Marsaxlokk is only open on Sundays.
  • For visiting Ta’ Mena Winery, book a tour in advance for the best experience.

Transportation:

  • Getting to Marsaxlokk from Valletta involves taking bus number 81 or 82.

Day 5: Gozo

Places to Visit:

  • Victoria (Rabat): The capital of Gozo Island.
  • Ggantija Temples: One of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Activities:

  • Explore Victoria, the historic town with a mix of Baroque architecture and ancient ruins.
  • Visit Ggantija Temples to see their archaeological significance up close.

Things to Know:

  • Getting to Gozo from Malta requires taking a ferry. You can catch one from Cirkewwa on Malta.
  • Ggantija Temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transportation:

  • Ferry tickets and schedules vary, but it’s usually possible to get there for a morning visit.

Day 6: More Gozo

Places to Visit:

  • Dwejra: For its natural beauty and historic sites like the Dwejra Tower.
  • Xagħra: Another town on Gozo with its own charm.

Activities:

  • Spend your last day exploring more of Gozo, including its scenic coastal areas.
  • Consider a visit to the salt pans at Xagħra for insights into Malta’s history.

Things to Know:

  • Depending on your time and interest, you might want to spend an extra day in Gozo.
  • For returning from Gozo back to Malta, remember that ferry schedules are limited, so plan ahead.

Final Tips

  • Be sure to check the opening hours for any attractions or museums you plan to visit.
  • Consider purchasing a heritage pass for free entry to many sites across Malta.
  • Enjoy your time in Malta!