A few summers ago, my friend and I embarked on a much-needed holiday to Malta, and it was love at first sight. This Mediterranean paradise captivated me with its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and charming local culture. Whether you’re spending a week in Malta or planning a weekend getaway, here’s the ultimate guide to maximizing your time in this under-the-radar destination.
Why Visit Malta? A Rich Cultural Heritage & Undiscovered Beauty
Malta is the place for travelers who love a bit of everything: amazing beaches, ancient temples, fantastic food, and friendly locals—all without the heavy crowds. This island has been influenced by the Romans, Phoenicians, British, and more, creating a rich cultural cocktail that’s totally unique. Think of it as Europe’s best-kept secret!
And if you’re wondering how I created such an epic Malta itinerary, check out this guide; it’s hands down one of the best I’ve found!
5 Days in Malta: What to See, Eat, and Do
Here’s the lowdown on how to spend five unforgettable days in Malta, from ancient cities to picture-perfect swimming spots and tasty treats.
Day 1: Sliema, Malta’s Perfect Home Base
We chose Sliema as our base because it’s lively, affordable, and close to everything. Plus, the views across the bay to Valletta are chef’s kiss. This town has it all: narrow streets, charming balconies, and rock pools for swimming. My friend also happened to have some friends in Sliema from her previous travels to the islands so it was great to hang out with locals and expats to get a true Maltese feel.
Getting Around: Take the Sliema-Valletta ferry (€1.50 one-way) for easy access to the capital. It only takes 10 minutes.
Day 2: Discover Valletta – Malta’s Historic Capital
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most stunning fortified cities. Start your day with a walking tour of Valletta’s narrow streets, admire historic sites. We also ended having an awesome dinner at a cute cozy Italian restaurant called Casa Sotto, had a few drinks around Strait Street and took the ferry back to Sliema.
Food Tip: Try pastizzi; delicious savory pastries filled with ricotta or peas and gbejna; small cheeses made from sheep or goat’s milk, often served fresh, dried, or peppered.
Here are the top must-see attractions in Valletta:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral — 16th-century Baroque masterpiece that is as much a historical landmark as an art treasure. Its interior is lavishly decorated, featuring intricate marble inlays and the famous Beheading of Saint John the Baptist painting by Caravaggio.
Barrakka Gardens — with panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities, this is one of Valletta’s most scenic spots. The gardens are a peaceful retreat with fountains, statues, and shaded walkways.
Travel Tip: See the daily cannon salute at noon or 4 pm, a long-standing tradition at the Saluting Battery.
Grand Master’s Palace — once the seat of Malta’s rulers, the palace boasts lavish halls, historic tapestries, and a fascinating armory showcasing medieval weapons and armor.
The National Museum of Archaeology — this museum holds a rich collection of artifacts from Malta’s prehistoric past, including the “Sleeping Lady” statue from the Hypogeum and the Venus of Malta.
Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum — perched on Valletta’s edge, this fortress is steeped in history, having played a pivotal role during the Great Siege of Malta. The attached War Museum chronicles Malta’s military history through artifacts, photos, and historical films.
Strait Street (The Gut) — once the notorious red-light district, Strait Street has transformed into a trendy area with bars, restaurants, and art galleries, retaining a bit of its historic, edgy character.
Travel Tip: Visit The Gut in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere, live music, and some of the best nightlife spots in Valletta.
Day 3: Hit Marsaxlokk & Swim at St. Peter’s Pool
We’d heard great things about the Marsaxlokk fish market, so we decided to check it out one morning. While the harbor was picturesque and perfect for photos of colorful boats, the market itself was a disappointment—mostly touristy souvenir stalls. Turns out, it’s only worth visiting super early on Sunday mornings! So keep that in mind if you want to visit Marsaxlokk.
Food Tip: Try ftira, a traditional Maltese bread usually topped or filled with tuna, olives, tomatoes, and capers and Stuffat tal-Qarnit, a slow-cooked octopus stew made with tomatoes, garlic, wine, and herbs.
Still, we found a cozy spot for a fresh seafood lunch and decided to walk to St. Peter’s Pool, a natural swimming spot with clear blue-green waters. After a 30-minute uphill trek, we arrived—only to find it packed, since it was a holiday. Lesson learned: visit on a quieter day if you can!
Day 4: Time Travel at Ħaġar Qim and Cruise the Blue Grotto
Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex standing on a hilltop overlooking the sea. Why did we decide to go there? Well the temples speak for themselves – they are UNESCO World Heritage site said to belong to the Neolithic era, i.e. 3600 – 3200 BC. They are one of the oldest standing buildings in the world! The surrounding stark and isolated landscape made everything more magical and spectacular. Bear in mind however that it is a lot of walking in dusty and hot weather.
Travel Tip: In addition to the temples, you get admission to a small but super cool and informative museum. Do not miss it!
One thing that really blew my mind at the temples is that one of the prehistoric chambers has an elliptical hole that is aligned with the summer Solstice. This means that one day a year, on the first day of summer, the sun’s ray pass through and shed a light on a stone slab inside the chamber. How crazy is that in the Neolithic area?
After visiting Ħaġar Qim, we took the popular boat ride around the Blue Grotto caves. Although it was crowded with constant boat traffic (8€ for a 15-minute trip, this is a rip-off in my opinion), but the experience was still very fun, the turquoise waters were stunning, and the panoramic view from above was incredible.
Day 5: Island Hop to Gozo & Comino
Our final day was a dreamy trip to Gozo, Malta’s quieter sister island. It’s easy to get there from Sliema by bus and ferry. Gozo has stunning landscapes, medieval cities, and secluded beaches that are perfect for winding down.
Although we visited after the collapse of the iconic Azure Window, we still had an amazing time in Gozo. The island is packed with things to see and do, like the charming city of Victoria with its impressive Citadel, and the peaceful Inland Sea, also known as Dwejra, that is a serene lagoon connected to the Mediterranean by a narrow natural arch. It feels like swimming in a lake, even though you’re still in the Mediterranean.
Adventure Idea: For a unique experience, consider a quad biking tour around Gozo — an exhilarating way to explore the island’s rugged terrain.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to go to Comino, the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago but I hard it was incredible so you can definitely couple it with Gozo for the day.
Travel Tip: Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the island, but if you don’t drive, a private tour is a great option to avoid crowds.
After an unforgettable week in Malta, I can confidently say it’s a true hidden gem of Europe — stunningly beautiful, vibrant, and full of surprises. One week wasn’t nearly enough, and I can’t wait to return and explore even more!
